Arsenal in Milan, It Doesn’t Come Much Bigger
Feb 14th, 2012 by 'holic
This is what it’s all about, isn’t it? Once again we travel to the San Siro, scene of two outstanding performances by us in the last decade, to take on the seven times champions of Europe. With the possible exception of Real Madrid and Barca, this is about as big as opponents come.
Any fear at the draw is eased by our record against Italian sides in the Champions League. No team from Serie A has ever survived a knock-out phase tie against Arsenal. When last Milan were playing as holders of the trophy we despatched them 2-0 at the San Siro on a memorable night after a goal-less stalemate at home.
The only Gunners survivor from that night who will be returning is Bacary Sagna (although Flamini could have appeared for the hosts were he fit), whilst the ageing Milan could include Nesta, Ambrosini, Gattuso (doubtful), and Pato.
The build-up in Milan has been fairly predictable with Milan players briefed to comment on our inconsistency, and we cannot argue with that too much. Arsene prefers bigging up his own players without digging out opponents, although for the second time in four days we may be turning out on a less than ideal playing surface.
“I’m a bit worried about the quality of the pitch, it doesn’t look exceptional but hopefully it will be better. When you relay a pitch like that it takes time to settle and become flat and at the moment it isn’t.”
On the match itself,
“We will try to play our game, Milan are a good side but we think we are also a good side. We will go to attack, they certainly will as well, it will be an exciting game.”
I am not as convinced as the boss about how attractive this match may turn out. Both sides I would imagine, will be wary of the threat posed by the other. We may not have as much possession as we have become accustomed to domestically, and will need to provide good support for a defence facing the potentially dangerous partnership of Ibrahimovic and Robinho. They may not be at the height of their powers, but as Thierry Henry has demonstrated of late, you dismiss experienced campaigners at your peril.
The back five selects itself. Surely Gibbs for the crocked Mertesacker is a no-brainer. The two questions further forward are questions of experience or youth. I would not be surprised to see Rosicky edge out Ramsey for experience, but Oxlade-Chamberlain may keep Arshavin on the bench to level matters for the young.
Our prospects of reaching the last eight will probably rely on our ability to score at least one away goal in the tie. Therefore the ‘holic pound is hunting a goalscorer anytime punt. That means one man, really. The skipper is not usually as high as the 17/10 offered against him scoring by Gunners Gaming. It may not be a value punt, but it is the most likely earner on a difficult night. Fancy a repeat of the weekends 2-1 away win? The same company offer an interesting 23/2 against that also.
Let’s hope we are enjoying testing ourselves against another huge club. I would say it could be seen as a measure of our standing this season. You get the feeling we need to land a big result or two in the coming weeks, and there would be no better place to start than the San Siro.
Cheers ‘holics.
370 Responses to “Arsenal in Milan, It Doesn’t Come Much Bigger”
First?
OK, off to read the post….
Letβs hope we are enjoying testing ourselves against another huge club. I would say it could be seen as a measure of our standing this season. You get the feeling we need to land a big result or two in the coming weeks, and there would be no better place to start than the San Siro.
Couldn’t agree more. I quite fancy our chances tomorrow night. A narrow win is my prediction. 2-1 sounds good.
UTA! COYRRRs!
4th, happy with that.
2nd if you don’t count TS and his greedyness.
Milanese cutlet please, barman. Peroni to wash it down and do you have any opera tickets??
Gaining consistency, 4 is becoming the norm.
‘sights locked on first’ π
*goes to read the post*
Ahh fuck this, they nipped in ahead of me! π
Yes ‘Holic, I can see a 2-1 although when I look through my rose-tinted, I see a 2-0 on the horizon… π
You have got to see this.
I’m absolutely shocked a professional footballer would be this rude/stupid.
https://twitter.com/#!/Sheyiadebayor
17/10? Gunners Gaming you say? Not another free spam carbonara and a bottle of Blue Nun on offer again holic?
Evening Steve, 8ball, Wind.
Glad you’re happy Steve π
No Steve. No deal in place (yet!). Just like the odds.
As a follow up to my @9 – It has to be hacked. Absolutely has to.
Snir, it’s been hacked. I doubt Ade could even type that quickly.
Evening ‘Holic.
Pasta, pizza, buon viaggio to all going there.
I will not be one of them, hopefully there’s a next round where I’ll join.
Had to laugh about NBN wondering about squad order on .con.
At least they didn’t pretend it was in any sort of order this time, heh.
The gods-of-destiny in me say the 44/1 on a TH12 hat-trick might be worth a flutter. And wouldn’t we all be delighted if that paid out…
TS@14: I doubt Ade can even type.
@13 and 14
It must be hacked
becausehedoesnottweetashespeakswhichiswithnobreaksbetweenwordswhatsoever
π
Played ‘holic
The Ox to shock ’em – a surprisingly Milaneazee win for The Arse – i ‘ope. Keepin’ ’em crossed
UpTheArsenal!
Out of order or out of sorts, Ollie?
For those who missed it beneath the barman’s chevrons of discontinuance in the previous drinks:
Now here is a question of absolutely no import: when Arsenal names its squad what is the order it uses? The squad for Milan is not in alphabetical order. It is not by shirt number. It is not by age. It is not by nationality. It is not homegrown and non-home grown players. There is some positional clustering, but the goalkeepers are at the opposite end of the list from the defenders. So what is it?
And, yes, I do need to get out more….
Old and wise vs young and foolish.
Wit or grit?
Ned @ 20,
its Gazidis and the Head of PR.
They write all the players names on a bit of paper, scrunch each bit of paper up, and then put them in a glass. They then spend 2 hours selecting from out of the jar, one by one, and writing it down for the Press Release.
Then Ivan goes out for a three hour Executive lunch.
BTW, anyone who’s a fan of The Tuesday Club, this week’s podcast is absolutely brilliant. Classic pipping the p*ss out of The ‘Smashers, LWCs and more.
@22, is it really that scientific?
No, TS, sometimes the lunch takes longer. π
π
NBN – It’s
GK
Forwards (and offensive minded midfielders)
Defensive minded midfielders
Defenders
looking at Adebayor’s posts on twatter he’s had a night battering the khat
Good man TS, Must go and listen…
zico@22: π
SG@27: can’t be. Ox is listed below Song.
But apart from that it’s like that isn’t it? So they just screwed that one.
Apparently Adebayor has been going back and forth with Arsenal fans since January.
Meaning, it isn’t hacked.
He is so dumb.
frimpongs in on the twitter bit now
Catalan –
I’m just outside Prades – west of Perpignan, edge of the Pyrenees.
Mr T is here too and shattered from his over exertions of late.
Mrs T enjoyed her Valentine’s Breakfast of Ryanair Snack Box, so all is well.
Friends at the house here have been struggling to get Sky TV working for the Milan game tomorrow, and have purchased an enormous satellite dish, which has now been mounted (down Wolfie) on a garden fork next to the swimming pool. I kid you not – and it has just passed a fitness test this evening !
How could you forget Ebooooooue ?
Favourite Eboue moment for me was at the last World Cup when he did his earnest, concentrated, bewildered listening in to the Korean (?) coaches instucting their substitute, and then gave the sub a nod and thumbs up as he ran onto the pitch. Brilliant. Must be on YouTube.
Tabs – Mr T is trying to find a remote mountain location here for a top level meeting with Mr C. That is all you will ever know π
Fine work from TS and Zico in previous drinks and in this set @22.
Your knowledge of corporate workings is frightening Zico π
Steve T @4 –
I don’t want to hear that you are happy with 4th. I just want you to be the very best that you can be, π
Rather Jacobsed now, so ’til tomorrow.
Heh Trev,
Enjoy your break – glad to see you are treating Mrs T to the Business Class lifestyle π
Hola Trev. Life’s just one long series of holidays for you and Mrs.T, isn’t it? See you soon and enjoy those crackers π
Just for your Trev, because it’s St.V’s day, and I really care….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5mj0Huxajk
Adebayor, hacked twitter or not, is still a cunt. (Sorry BtM, its true regardless of whatever lingering affections may remain :()
I wouldn’t play for any club who’s fans abused my father and mother for the moon and the stars, he’s got no shame, only Β£.Β£ symbols in each eye.
And evening Professor π
Nice preview holic.
Trev. Perhaps 4th is just that, but it wont stop me trying. Doing my best on the width front too….. π
Must say I really can not call this one. I am really not sure what to expect tomorrow. I would not be surprised to see AOC on the bench and used with 20 to go as an impact player. I do think we can expect early pressure and we will need to be both mature and sensible. I do fancy us to score though and that could prove vital in the end. Big game for Gibbs on his comeback. Not sure I remember what it is like to play with 2 regulation full backs.
Here’s to a 3-0 Gunners away win.
Keep the faith.
Excellent Link at 36 Prof, I still remember Eboue saying on Twitter before I made it on there to C.Ronaldo, ‘I could get more girls than you, but my wife won’t let me’ π
What a legend, saw him at a excellent Baker Street Chinese Restaurant during a family friend’s graduation/birthday dinner, he took a picture with the graduating friend as well, top man π
*goes to follow the real eboue*
Lovely blog, goonerholic – your last para is bang on the money. It’s about time for us to develop a bit of swagger. Another blogger was saying last week that we’ve got through our fullback-less period *relatively* unscathed. Which is true.
@ Trev
“Favourite Eboue moment for me was at the last World Cup when he did his earnest, concentrated, bewildered listening in to the Korean (?) coaches instucting their substitute, and then gave the sub a nod and thumbs up as he ran onto the pitch. Brilliant. Must be on YouTube.”
ha ha ha ha – agree, hilarious.
Am going to back Walcott to score in this one. Type of game he likes and imagine him pulling in central as Sagna runs the wing. 1-1 would be a good result. Good reading as always Mr Holic.
Nice to see Wenger’s got his excuse for losing all sorted in advance: blame the pitch.
Nice to see you have your excuse in advance. Blame Wenger.
Koscielny getting his due, I see:
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/how-koscielny-became-prince-of-the-emirates-6917448.html?
My two all-time favorite players together again..
http://www.arsenal.com/assets/_files/scaled/498×389/feb_12/zp_138972830SM051_Arsenal_Trai_3827.jpg?ic=fef113T
@9: I don’t know Snir, I think “you’re a disgrace to the entire continent” could enter my arsenal of insults now, lol π
Probably hacked but meh…
AND STILL IT GOES ON.
A Referee Appts Secretary in Manchester has been suspended and disciplined by an FA Panel,after he was overheard telling a Ref who was appointed to officiate in a Jewish League game that,
” If they give you any shit,tell them to remember the Concentration Camps.”
How sick is that fucker.
I must admit i didn’t even know there was a Jewish League.
As for the San Siro with half an old pitch and half a new pitch,
If the real Arsenal turn up we can get a result,if we start half arsed and half awake,as we often do away in Europe,we’ll end up with nothing.
The first half an hour will be very important,if we don’t concede we can build on that platform.
The longer we stop them from scoring,the more agitated their fans will get,i think this could well be a no score bore.
Italian homage to defence means they won’t be commiting too many men forward atany given time,unless they are chasing the game,so if we play our cards right,we could frustrate them and possibly nick a goal,but my money is on 0-0.
Cheers
A Not Overly Enthusiastic Sweeper.
Clive, sounds like a game of two halves π
Or is that halfs?
Sports journalism was a step too far for me…….
TS: the Tuesday Club is a must, always download it as soon as possible.
SteveT@39: I also have a sneaky suspicion that we might see Arshavin start with AOC being brought on to face defenders who may start to tire a bit.
Noel73@42: good point, this game could probably be Theo’s kind of game. I also think that Milan will focus rather heavily on RvP which might leave more space for Theo to run into between the central defender and the full-back.
Pints all round!
Dennis B apparently says we are too predictable
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/feb/15/arsenal-dennis-bergkamp-predictable
I see where he coming from – what do you think?
COYR
Zico
I like your style,
But according to your files,that was only one of a myriad of things that was a step too far for you.!!
cognac, I think he must be talking about last season’s team….
Ox against the wily Milan old guard? that too at San siro! Not likely to come off. One Walcott is enough on the right for direct play sake. On the left, Yossi or Arshavin should play. And there is Gibbs for support.
Trev 33, I used to spend all my summers around that area.
Well a little further West towards Font-Romeu.
Hence my catalan links/DNA :p
Thanks for the article, bt8 45. I love Kos, superb defender and superb football player also when driving forward (see for the 2nd penalty against Villa as one example among others)., with a great range of passing.
Like I said, can Liverpool really afford to keep Suarez for much longer if he keeps making an arse of himself?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/feb/13/liverpool-luis-suarez-standard-chartered
Morning All
Can’t help it, full of enthusiasm for tonight’s game – does that make up for our Sweeper? Just a feeling. In fact I think we’re more likely to win tonight than on Saturday. No logic just emotion. We’ll see….
@43 – Welcome and great name. You’ll find the pet’s carriage at the end of the HT. You and Cousin Op should get on like a house on fire. I’ll pop by later to top up your bowls.
Wind @ #40 – Glad you liked the link. Not one of our finest footballers but Eboue was a tremendous character and who could forget the tiger suit stories? As a team mascot he was second to none. Will always remember that CL goal he scored in the qualifying stages a season or two ago at The HoF. It was a rout but his goal, where he ran most of the length of the pitch to top off a cracking move and the evening was pure joy. (Can’t remember who we played that night, someone here will though, I’m sure)
Lars @ #51 – Yes, never miss it. Just thought this weeks ‘cast was exceptional. AD was on splendid form. π
Laters all…
PS: Nice link 8ball @ #45.
Behind the 8 ball @ 45 – yes a great article about a player who will one day be thought of as one of the Arsenal greats. There have been mistakes but overall I think he has been our most consistent player of late and his attitude is top class. It is easy to see how he just hates losing or conceding a goal.
Ollie – He’s the best CB in Europe.
Tough game ahead. I follow AC Milan because I kind of have a soft spot for them. Not tonight though. Rossoneri are the enemy tonight
Let me preview their players
Nesta – IMO, one of the best defenders in the past decade
Thiago Silva – Very highly rated. Threat from set pieces
Abate – Non stop work rate
Mesbah – Think he will play left back. Don’t know much about his game
Nocerino – Decent midfielder
Ambrosini – Tireless in midfield. Breaks down play very well
Seedorf – Past his prime may be, but a brilliant player
Robinho – Inconsistent but a definite threat
Ibra – If given space, he takes a shot. From anywhere. Lethal right foot
Maxi Lopez- Loaned from Catania. Can play in the hole
El Shaarawy – Energetic. Scored the winner against Udinese at the weekend
Van Bommel – Huge cunt
Back from Injury?
Boateng – Box to box midfielder. He might be back from injury
Pato – Reckon, he will be on bench
Abbiati – Their first choice goalie
So true:
Van Bommel – Huge cunt
Beat me to it, zico!
http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7522608/Pulis-Cheating-Is-A-Growing-Disease-Here-Abroad
I see it’s all the forriners’ fault again, heh Mr Pubis?
TS, that Eboue goal of which you speak would, I suppose, be the fourth goal v Porto in the 5-0 win two seasons ago.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCngtIvvSVI&feature=related
(best one I could find doing a quick search, you can just about see the goal being scored)
Ollie@66, you might, in the spirit of Harsha, say this:
Tony Pulis – Huge cunt
heh Lars π
Aah, European nights…knockout phase…massive game tonight lads!
Have to confess to feeling all excited and jittery, I think a little bit of wee just escaped and ran down my inside leg at the thought of it.
We might just be able to do the job, and why do I think that? Excellent record against Italian sides, that 5-1 battering we handed out to Inter and I have to say AC don’t seem to be on a level with Farca and Fake Madrid – like they used to.
The words of the great Beastie Boys seem perfect for the occasion:
“I’ll stir fry you in my wok, your knees’ll start shakin and your fingers pop, like a pinch in the neck from Mr Spock!” (…or should that be “I’ll boil you with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt, then strain you in my colander and serve you with clams and arrabiata sauce”?)
Fucking hellfire Ollie @ 66 and Lars @ 68, does Pubis’ cuntery know NO depths?
Can that fuckwit ever be expected to see past the end of his own nose?
What. A. Bellend.
Ollie @56 –
yes, I’ve had a walk or two around Font Romeu in the summer. You can get there from Prades, through the mountains on the “little yellow train”.
Sorry ‘Holics, bit off topic.
Harsha – thanks for worrying me sick all day with your list of Milan invincibles π
Apparantly, the huge satellite dish has stopped working so got to go and move the garden fork ! Looks like, with this dish, I’ll be doing more chasing around than Arshavin during tonight’s game.
Yes, I know he made a great contribution on Saturday, but it was about time.
Anyway, good luck to him tonight if he plays – and tries. Nothing would please me more than to see the return of the brilliant little player who first joined the club.
Ok, coffee in the cold but sun-lit garden beckons. The sky is pure blue and there is not a Sp*rs fan within a thousand miles.
What is it you like about living down here Catalan ?? π
Lars, there was some talk, at one time, of Eboue training in a striking role, and apparantly displaying some unbelievable skills in front of goal.
Better their goal than ours I guess you could say. I find it quite hard to believe myself, but it came from a good source, and was once mentioned in an interview with EE himself on the old, proper Arsenal TV station.
Have a good day mate – hope to see you soon.
Yep, Le Petit Train Jaune indeed, Trev (though I guess you have to take another train (or bus?) first between Prades and Villefranche-De-Conflent?).
Memories……..
Trev, didn’t Eboue play up top in our 4-3-3 a couple of times? I seem to remember him doing some sub appearances in the position, but I may of course be wrong.
Tony Pubis? Cunt.
If you’re willing to play rugby on a football pitch, don’t talk about cheating for fucks’ sake X_X
Lars @ #67 – Yep, that’s the one, thanks! And yes, Eboue played everywhere apart fron goal and CF didn’t he? π
Ollie @ #66 – Sorry, refuse to click on that link. Pooless moans like a drain at the very best of times but because he’s having a really bad run (haven’t they lost their last 4 games, possibly more?) and are sliding down the table where they absolutley belong he’s doing everything possible to deflect away from what a crap job of managing a football team he does. He’s an utter, utter c*nt IMO. The only time I’m glad to see his p*issy little face is when we bang goals in against his team of trained thugs and munsters. F*ck ’em with all due respect, etc. etc. Oh, and Huth & Sh*wcr*ss, f*uck you too!
*That feels better*
Nice preview ‘Holic .
I wish I could share in the optimism that is prevalent in the Bar today , but for some reason I have a deep sense of foreboding . I think we will struggle to keep them out , and it will therefore be imperative that , if and when we do concede , we don’t hit the panic button and start defending like a bunch of five year olds .
Also crucial is that we nab an away goal . I never think 0-0 away from home in a first leg is a great result . Opportunities will probably be few and far between , so let’s hope that the clinical finishing we showed in the Blackburn game can be brought to the bigger stage .
A new to the fray Gibbs at LB doesn’t fill me with a huge amount of confidence , and though I think he’ll get the nod , I would prefer a fully fit and confident Coq to play .
Rosicky to get the nod in front of Ramsey as long as he can still manage 2 games in 5 days .
The left wing berth is more tricky . Have to confess to not knowing which way Arsene will go or indeed which way I would prefer him to go . A sneaky suspicion would be that Benny might another chance to impress .
Anyway , hope all this foreboding sh*t is just that , and we run out 2-0 winners .
Trev @33 – I understand the need for secrecy π (Wolfie’s a bit miffed though !)
8ball @45 – Nice link . Nice to see Kos at last getting the credit he deserves , rather than the tired and out of date observations that he generally provokes in the English media .
Clive @48 – Presumably that Secretary has been sacked ???
Lars @58 – Agree with you . I doubt that Suarez will be at Anfield next season . At 20m a year , Standard Chartered will hold an awful lot of sway there .
Snir @62 – Nothing like the certainty of hyperbole eh ?! π
Harsha @63 – Your description of Van Bommel right on the money and made me laugh out loud π
Ollie , Lars , Camberwell et al – How can someone called Penis be such a huge c*nt ? One of the mysteries of life but Mr. Penis manages it on a daily basis comfortably . The lack of self-awareness is truly staggering .
Trev @72 – Have a great break and good luck with your unreliable erection . π
Tabs – I really think he’s the top CB in Europe.
“Milan, Milan, who the fuck is Milan?!”
Oh I’m ready!
I take it Wombledin Wombled back the fuck out again?
Tool.
tabs, I share your apprehension regarding tonight.
Especially as I’m going to the pub to watch the game, which is something I haven’t done in a long time.
With an Italian mate. Though he’s a Udinese supporter so not sure he’ll back Milan. Though, knowing him, he might, just to piss me off π
Embargo-A-Go-Go
We’re not sure Wayne Rooney quite gets this PR business.
A press release was sent to assorted media outlets, excitedly answering the question that literally everyone in the country was waiting for – what is the name of Rooney’s new horse?
To those saying ‘Huh? Rooney has a horse?’ we would simply put on our best ‘Cher from Clueless’ voice and say ‘Duh! Get with the programme girlfriend’ (or something), and urge you to get excited too.
Anyway, this news was considered so important that it was STRICTLY EMBARGOED until midday today. Seriously. The name of a horse, owned by a footballer, was embargoed. Oi vey.
Anyway, you probably know what’s coming next. At around 10am, Rooney tweeted: ‘Just to confirm to everyone i have now named my horse switcharooney.’
And a thousand PR men put their heads in their hands.
And I laughed out loud again.
The Eboue fans are coming out of the closet today, I see. It’s about time. π
@81 – Hopefully. Perhaps my offer of hospitality wasn’t up to the mark? π
I’m a cheapo-freako so only two-boding over here.
We can get a result there but it won’t be easy. I have this feeling either Theo or Oxlade will open the scoring, followed by Ibra and then RVP assist to Henry.
Standard Chartered looking to clean up Klanfield I take it?
I remember H2H warning us about Suarez last year. Turns out he was on the money about his poor character…
Re: cognac @52: The components Bergkamp describes are exactly what we are missing if he wants to ask me for confirmation. π
Re: CoR, When H2H said Suarez had a bad character I didn’t know he meant this bad!!
CoR – I was just thinking the same thing about H2H’s Suarez prophesy. Maybe he borrowed Snir’s xtal balls? π
Btw, that Bergkamp article sounds recycled from the Keown interview last summer though, no?
“Milan, Milan, who the fuck is Milan?!”
I simply can’t concentrate!!!
I went to school with the away kit with TH12 on it π
Hope it’s a good luck charm!!
CoR – or every interview for the past six years?
Nice one Snir! Short sleeve? I bought a long-sleeve official match shirt. It’s skintight and makes me look like Song…..with a beer belly π
I don’t really feel so excited at the moment…maybe it’ll kick in closer to kick-off
CoR – Short sleeve with the Nike AFC 98 jacket (the one they warm up with but the light blue version of it).
I’ve been going mad about this game because my brother is a die hard Milan fan so you know what’s been going on for the past month or so π
Haha, could be worse, my brother’s a manure fan. The wanker π
Snir @80 – My view of Kos is that he is a very good player who has the potential to be a great one . That he is not there yet was evidenced by a sub-standard performance at Swansea , and by the still all too frequent occurrences of collective headless chickenry in our backline for which he has to take his share of the responsibility .
Was I the only one who thanked the heavens there was only 3 mins to go when TH12 banged in the winner at the weekend ?
He can be massive , but he is not yet at the level of Adams , Campbell , Keown to name but three .
Just my opinion .
Dr Z @81 and TS @85 – Thought ‘Holic dealt very well with our wombling interloper last night . I can’t work out whether he was Orinoco (lazy and greedy) , or Bungo ( bossy and excitable) . Either way , let’s hope he’s f*cked off to see his Great Uncle Bulgaria (old and wise) , to have a little bit of sense knocked into him .
Ollie @83 What a twat that Rooney is π
Glad I’m not the only one with the heebie-jeebies about tonight . Given the game is on terrestrial TV here , I can’t decide whether to suffer in silence at home , or go down the juicer and inflict them on everybody else .
Good luck with your Italian friend .
Chaps ,
The Dennis Interview is fresh . The quotes have been lifted from an interview Alan Smith did with him for The Torygraph .
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/9082469/Arsenal-are-predictable-weak-and-lacking-a-winning-mentality-says-Dennis-Bergkamp-ahead-of-Milan-clash.html
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/talking-heads-ac-milan-v-arsenal
Haha tabs! I’m surprised you didn’t compare our litter collecting friend to Mme Cholet π
Good point, I thought re: Kos. The key, for me, will be the consistency of his performances which TA, MK, SB, SC all demonstrated by the bucketful. Not sure the ‘headless chickenry’ can be laid (heh!) at his door alone.
in!
Alright, this made me slightly more excited…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqWq9cRN_qQ
Shoots?
Plays a bit of keepy uppy , both feet , head , both shoulders , and in the piece de resistance , ends with the ball balancing on his lit fag , before hoofing the ball upfield in search of his teammates …
Fuck π
You can thank me later for the impromptu assist 8 ball π
No particular comment to make, just ha ha ha ha – some very amusing and entertaining comments.
Acknowledges a great goal from bt8b, he is weary no more π
Haha, I tabsed it today.
Unlucky CoR lad!
I can’t help but feel that Andy Goram is ever closer to reveal his true identity.
I mean his other true identity.
Or….oh feck it, I’m confused again.
Damn you, Andy Goram!
Heh, there’s been some shooting fish in the barrel FOLLOWING the goal.
Nifty, bt8!
Change of formulation midway through made my grammar dodgy.
Apologies, especially to Ollie.
TS @99 – I did consider it , but Madame Cholet was a good Chef , had a rather nice french accent , and was the go to character when the series needed sexing up , so definitely not our interloper π
As regards Kos , I certainly wasn’t suggesting that any defensive brittleness can be laid at his door alone , merely that he is part of a collective failure at times .
He’s not far off though from where Snir (in my view rather prematurely) places him . Just needs to add a greater dominance in his all round play to his already considerable attributes .
Well in 8ball .
Haha, Tabs, getting ready for a next goal even before the lads have finished celebrating the previous one π
Ah! Re-read your post and got it, tabs.
Yes, realise you weren’t laying it at Kos’ door. He is certainly part of a collective failure from time-to-time. I think the same can be said of TV who also has equal greatness in him. Your Swansea game example was a good one, I thought.
Heh! re: Mme Cholet. She certainly sexed-up The Wombles well before we know what sexing-up was π
*knew* – past tense – before Ollie breaks my balls π
Tonight needs max concentration from all on the field. Lack of focus could cost us very dear.
I have a great feeling in my water thou and its not what the antibiotics didnt clear up either.
2-0 to the Gooners, 1st from VP and the leaping samon TV with a bullet of a header.
COME ON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1971, Have you made a trip to the medicine cabinet? If so I’ll have some of the same! π
tabs@79: good point about Penis being a cunt. And the lack-of-self-awareness-o-meter broke down completely this summer when he complained that the ref did not protect his players against the physical play of whatever European team it was they were playing in a pre-season friendly.
Snir: as I am going straight from work to the pub, I am wearing my “99 GUNNERSAURUS” home shirt at work π
tabs, get yourself off down the pub to watch the game!
I am not very nervous at all, I am just excited. I think we stand a pretty good chance of getting a result down there tonight, they know they can’t attack us too much because if they will then Theo will get the space he can exploit to hurt them, likewise RvP. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if we end up winning the game.
Re: TS, It now being later, thanks for the great assist!!
Re: Tabs, I must thank you too for the extra deliberation that got you in at 103. Just like some of our strikers they don’t go for goal at first opportunity (hopefully not tonight though!)
Next years kit:
https://p.twimg.com/AlsN0umCAAEIZZo.jpg
Not convinced, personally. Allegedly, the away kit is DEEP PURPLE. WTF????
Erm… Wolfie might appreciate the tightness in the crotch region. Apart from that, not much to commend it. Only my opinion of course.
Tabs @79 –
many thanks for your concern over my unreliable erection. I agree with you, too, that I would always prefer a “fully fit and reliable Coq”, mais c’est la vie ! π
I also share your thoughts re the heebie-jeebies – they did make some good records though π
Seriously, I think it will depend on the first 20 minutes. If we attack them sensibly, and most importantly close down really quickly, I think we will be ok. If we don’t, . . . well, let’s hope we do.
Most kind @ #119 π
Mr C, re @116 –
do we actually have proper things like antibiotics in the medicine cabinet ?
@ 124
Anything’s available at a price π
Dear Mr.T
It’s a recreational CMC. So, no.
Prescriptive medicine is the domain of The Quackery. Have I missed something?
Yours, Edwin
Hi TS – thanks for the holiday greetings. All the best to you too.
Ollie @83 –
amazing horsey news. I also have a horse. He’s 18 hands high, a true Cockney, and his name is M.A.B. He even has his own song –
“M.A.B it’s a big horse I’m a Londoner
That I love London Town . . . . . .”
TS 121. Cheers. that kit looks better than in the previous photoshop already, it will get bad reaction (and yes of course I’d prefer a white collar, the blue one is the most wrong thing in there), I’m sure, but again as I said, I don’t think it looks in any way worse than 1992-1994 (I have seen that, shockingly, the club sells a replica of that!)
I expect hysteria though, but mostly because people are cunts.
It’s inifinitely better than any Mancs kit by definition, but I suspect the lumberjack kit for them will be pukeworthy.
Looks like TTF are having a good time!
http://lockerz.com/s/184052850
What this Andy Goram said, and, maybe, just maybe, what the next Andy Goram will say too.
That kit is an abomination. If I wanted to look like a manure fan I would have become one. BLACK SOCKS and BLACK ARM BANDS????
Let me guess, fans weren’t consulted right? If those are real kit designs, I don’t expect a lot of money being recouped….
Prof TES –
I was referring to the medicine cabinet in The Quackery, so I thought.
Maybe that’s why the results of so many courses of treatment have been so surprising. What the hell have we been giving people ?!?
Your earliest would be appreciated.
A worried Mr T.
Heh Andy Goram @ #128! Erm…. which one am I addressing???
Agree with your comments. Is it me or do you detect a certain USofA influence in the striping and the fact that it’s now red, white and blue?
I think a win at AC Milan is a big big ask.
Offer me a draw right now, and I will take a big bite out of your fist….
Tonight it’s just me and the beer-fridge-of-choice.
Pity that will mean having to listen to Peter Drury or worse, Tyldesley. π
Out of interest, any key players sitting on a potential suspension from the return leg?
Re: Prof TES, My apologies as I was not aware that the medicine cabinet is not located in the Quackery as any innocent bystander might reasonably conclude. 1971 will have to let us know if he was in one or the other, of course. π
Tabs – I have a lot to say about what you wrote.
Watch this space π
TS @129 – whoever you are ?
That photograph is a dishgrashe. Thoshe people look like they’re dzjrinking. That ish no way to reprezshent thish famoush club.
Doesh thish short of thing happen very offen ?
Dear Mr.T
Ah! My mistake old bean. It must the premature anticipation of the big game and the long HT journey to Milano.
Damned hard to concentrate properly on anything today.
Yours, Edwin.
zico @ #134
*offers fist*
*braces himself for intense pain*
*sprints to The Quackery*
Mr. Hill-Wood, sir
To answer your question, from personal experience, only before and after every match.
Some great comments today, after a great preview. Thanks ‘Holic and all.
I actually can’t wait. It’s going to be pretty damn exciting..! I am predicting a tight game, with us winning by one or a score draw.
It’s got to be the Coq at LB for me, for his sharpness and confidence. Gibbs is going to be a class act if he can gain some lengthy first team experience (poor chap), but surely isn’t ready for this intensity after so long out..? Coq has also been one of the most positive things to come out of this season I think, and he seems more than ready to mix it with the best in Europe. I would definitely start AOC too. His youthful exuberance combined with being relatively unknown on the continent makes him even more dangerous than normal tonight, in my opinion. If they have Zambrotta and Nesta playing, they are going to absolutely shit themselves when Theo and the Ox are running at them at full pace. Let’s just hope they don’t go all out Italian style defence…
Rosicky or Ramsey – don’t mind. Both have different qualities but are both at a similar level overall at this stage i think.
I’m getting more excited just typing about it!
Also, just wanted to say, it’s great to see likes of Womb-boy or whatever took the hint and flittered off accordingly. If only posters on other sites followed suit…
Thanks again for the fab comments and article.
UTA! π
Holic and Holics, Remember way back, when we were in 17th place and ACM were in 6th in Serie A ??? I urged all of you not to give up hope…Fast forward to now; the boys have been separated from the men. Milan at the top of their league, and Arsenal in 4th. Not bad, huh. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous, but my gooner heart feels we will prevail, in a most glorious way. Gatusso is not in the lineup BTW. One more thought to share and that is about Messi. Does he not belong to all of us futbol fans. He literally threw himself heart and soul into yesterday’s game, well played son.
Re the “new kit”
Why cheapen a classic like that.
Black socks? What the bloody hell is that all about.
Blue collar ? If that is American influence it is gaudy, cheap and nasty.
Sleeves ? Why can they not just leave ‘plain white’ alone ?
When, and if, Nike renew the sponsorship they’d better be paying us a fortune for the privelige of wrecking a classic strip of which I used to be proud.
Is anything sacred when Kroenke starts looking for ways of raising more cash. Sorry, but he will be collecting absolutely none of mine.
The sooner he does one, the better for me.
No offence to our many fine USA fans and drinkers, but the gradual Americanisation of the club is seriously pissing me off.
I refer back to the Villa cup tie when we were informed that ‘no smoking’ was allowed in the ‘Arena’. Since when were we an Arena ffs. π π π
Sorry for having pre-emptively called you a cunt, CoR. π
I admit I hadn’t seen the dark socks, hope these aren’t real.
Wouldn’t worry about Nike, Trev, i think Adidas are worse and consistently produce horrible kits.
We’ve had some very nice kits lately, but as with the football, people only get vocal with the negatives.
No I don’t like this kit particularly, just as I didn’t like 2002-2004 home kit, or in fact, the Invincible home kit, which was a but curiously designed IMHO, even if didn’t have bizarre colours.
But all better than the lumberjack United one..
Perhaps an overdue return to Umbro? (but their are Nike-owned anyway I believe).
Harsha @113 – not for the first time today , you are absolutely correct . I was not of course late for the 100 , just trying to get the ball rolling for the 200 ! π
TS @114 – Mme Cholet certainly had something about her , but had nothing on Lady Penelope – sex on legs , that puppet .
Lars @118 – Pub it is then π
8Ball @120 – See comment to Harsha π
TS @121 – Can’t match your restraint . If that kit is the real deal it’s fucking horrible , but maybe that’s because I’m an hysterical cunt (cheers Andy Goram π ) . Also thought the 92-94 kit was bloody awful . As regards the away kit I read somewhere we were reverting to the maroon/navy blue hoops of a few years back ?
Trev @122 – Ha! π Keep it up Sir π
My oh my the drinks are being shovelled down necks at an alarming rate . Can’t keep up with this arse-like pace .
abb @142 –
“futbol fans” ?
And no, sadly Messi does not belong to us, not even one leg, more’s the pity.
He’s brilliant, but would do whatever it takes to knock us out of anything. Do not confuse yourself.
Don’t mean to be harsh, but I’m getting my match face on π
Catalan –
was introduced today to the Pelforth to which you recommended me this time last year.
Eckshellent choish old chap, if I may shay sho.
Blimey! Drinking faster than Tabs in The Tollie ! π
If you haven’t seen it, here’s Arseblog’s interpretation of DB10’s recent interview:
http://news.arseblog.com/2012/02/deconstructing-dennis-analysis-of-db10s-take-on-arsenal/?utm_source=feedburner.com%2Farseblognews&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+arseblognews+%28Arseblog+News+-+the+one+stop+Arsenal+news+site%29
This is quite interesting too.. if you like that kind of thing..! :
http://www.zonalmarking.net/2012/02/15/milan-v-arsenal-should-be-an-interesting-battle-of-very-different-formations-and-styles/
Half century? Get in!
Can’t seem to post any links..? Any ideas chaps?
The posts will probably show x5 or something soon, my bad if that turns out to be the case..!
tabs @ #146
Marina (aqua-Marina) for me old son π
I wish Messi did belong to me .
The Old Ignations Vets XI would be infinitely better for his inclusion in my opinion .
I would also have him opening all supermarkets within a 300 mile radius which with my 60% cut would do my bank balance no harm at all .
Trev – Agree with you on the Americanisation thing , but we had bad kits way before SK turned up , so I’m not sure he’s to blame in this instance .
Alright Geo .- I never post on your usual forum , but often read with interest . Have been dismayed recently not only by the doomers who never go away , but also by the ridiculous militant stance taken by some against posters who are far from doomers and just post what can only be described as very mild criticism . Reckon Yogi has to clear that forum up imho .
TS –
i’ll go with Tabs’ earlier recommendation of Isabella Rossellini – or have I missed something here ? π
Come on you gays!
Tabs –
take your point on the Kroenke vs Kit thing, but I can’t ever remember having red, white and blue in the same strip before.
When Szczezzer leaves the ptich after we beat the Totts next week on a horse, wearing a cowboy hat (Szczez, not the horse), maybe you’ll believe me.
TS@121: next season’s kit look hideous. As I said to Ollie, I think it was, in previous drinks, when he posted some links to other pictures, if we really don’t like it then let’s boycott it. Just don’t buy it. Nothing speaks louder to companies than a lack of sales.
Trev @149 – heh π
TS – Marina a little bit too racy for me . Lady Penelope with her superiority complex and snooty put-downs every time . By the way , have you seen Team America ? The most gloriously erotic example of live puppet sex you’re likely to find π
Warning – 18 certificate .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyKE6-ionlc
Geo – just the usual cut and paste does it .
Hey tabs, the doomers have been over there in force recently, they’ve been waiting for a season to start as badly as this one did for years so they can get their fill and spread their shite like some westcountry local bey with supercharged farm equipment. Glad this place hasn’t been infected.
But i agree entirely, the ridiculous self-importance that some of the regulars have awarded themselves (some have spoken in terms of year-long ‘battles’ and ‘fighting in the trenches’ to ward off the ‘doom army’!!!) is really beginning to grind my gears. I have vented such feelings in the not-too-recent past over there. I think i will follow your lead and merely observe from now on. It’s a shame that some (albeit with views and stances which are pro-wenger etc) feel the need to cause this huge divide between supporters simply because some comment isn’t worded in the ‘right’ way… I mean, ffs, get over yourselves! If you can’t express different opinions, what’s the point in going on a forum? I hate people just abusing for the sake of it, but even (mild) abuse, if it is backed up by some kind of reasoning should not be dismissed without taking it into consideration. Unless of course it’s complete bollocks π
I’ll shut up now!
I’m with you NED, but do we really have to turn out for a season in that excuse for a Woolworths copycat kit, and a bloody poor one at that.
Sunny day here but cold enough that there is still snow clinging to the north facing rooftops.You think you’re all excited well just take your excitement and multiply it by 10 and you will understand what I’m feeling.
I reckon with Kos and Vermaelen as CB’s there will be a lockout at the back and with the width up front we will steal 2 goals.
haha tabs, i was going to mention Team America..!
I’ve tried the standard, good old cut & paste about 5 or 6 times now… using Firefox if that makes any difference? Holic, any clues?
I was trying to link to Arseblog’s interpretation of the DB10 interview, on Arseblog News and another article from Zonal Marking about the match tonight and different styles/formations of the teams…
I guess i’ll have to just tell you to look out for them, if you can be arsed.
Good stuff, washed up!
And say hello from me to any stray arsebloggers you might meet.
Trev – We’ve had plenty of blue before . Obviously in old days the blue and white hooped socks and then Adidas introduced blue to the home shirt in the eighties and we generally had blue in our kit through the nineties .
Doesn’t make it any more palatable though π
http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Arsenal/Arsenal.htm
TS 121. For the away kit, maybe it was designed for Theo, the ‘Speed King’ π
It’s some dark (was it called ‘midnight’ some time ago) Girondins-style blue though, not some horrendous Cuntski-blue, it needs to be said.
Geo @160 – 100% agree . “Trench warfare” meh !
Is this going to be the fastest century ever I wonder ? π
Tabs –
blue in the socks, for sure. Checked your link and, sure enough, there are tiny bits of blue in one or two home shirts too. Memory failure for me, again. For me, our home shirt should be red and white – nothing else.
And if you’re going to split hairs, I’m going to piss off π
Heh π
Don’t do that Trev . Pleasure to have you before the bewitching hour when you normally post !
Hehe, no worries Andy Goram, if that is your real name π
It’s not just the colour, the design is so lazy.
They could and should do much better than that. But you know what, it doesn’t matter because I’m going to wear this Henry 12 shirt until it disintegrates!
@Ollie, I thought this was the Speed King….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3Np5HkWS7w
The video goes crazy from 1:40 π
DAMN THESE CHILD PROOF CAPS !
8Ball all in the medicine cabinet, great stuff.
2-0
It can, it will happen !
Bloody hell, the drinks are flying in right now – and I’ve got to start heading off to the pub. See you all later tonight when hopefully we’ll be celebrating a victorious night. Up the Arse!
Drink
Thierry to score in the last minute ?
Couldn’t happen, could it ?
COYR!!
Feck
It definitely can… his fairy-tale return to his club has been taking a very poetic route so far, here’s hoping!
Alright, time to put CoR to bed…wish me luck waking up…damn alcohol, making me drunk π
“damn alcohol, making me drunk”
I feel your pain, it seems to have that effect on me too…
Wins on toast.
Have a good one all π
What about ‘Arse!’, Geo?
Right, time to go home, it’s not like I have too much work at the moment.
So I can get non-black food before black food.
Laters, folks.
Who is this new serial poster, “Trev”?
Don’t you have legs to break, or summat? π
Great link @ #165 tabs, cheers. For me, nothing can be better than the 69-78 strip. 9 years in the same kit! Unimaginable now.
Heh! Ollie @ #166
Trev @ #155 – Nothing gets past you π
NBN @ #158 – Rest assured I will not be buying. My Xmas presser was this season’s kit, which is not as good as least season’s as it doesn’t have a white collar. It will do me for a good 3 years. Meh!
Washed Up – Enjoy! Hugely jealous.
Geo – Good to see you in here.
Right, off to watch some serious puppet sex, as recommended π
Broken legs have run out Zico – boom boom !
Acting’s a bit wooden TS.
Interesting piece on the tactical battle at the San Siro from Zonal Marking, that is encouraging for us. http://bit.ly/ywBCXV
Snir/CoR @ 94/95 – I’m planning to get the Nike AFC 98 Jacket but not the light blue one, the one the lads warm up in π But Β£55 π
Maybe I’ll leave it for a birthday present, although my sister was happy enough to buy me a Red Membership for my Birthday last year π
Our current home shirt/jersey and the away warm-up jacket look amazing together *thumbs up*
Leaving the Away Kit Henry 12 with Prem League & Possible Champions League Badge still towards the end of the season, financial constraints and the like :L
Oh, to be a student…
And my family in footballing/restaurant terms is a basically a Man United Main Course (2 older sisters, younger glory hunting and older die-hard brother), with a Tottenham-lite *sick face* starter(Eldest Sister although she denies it :s) and the delicious Arsenal dessert (Me and one of my younger sisters, hoping to recruit the youngest to the proper Red and White from the clutches of Yawnited), with a drink of footballing indifference (my parents), so I think you fine gentlemen have it just ‘a little bit’ easier than I do π
Bloody hell, I’m almost within the goals again! *goes to pull on blue away kit or yellow alternate kit then read ‘Holic’s talking heads whilst back-drinking at the same time*
Trev @ #186 – Preferable to getting wood whilst watching. Alliteration-tastic!
Szczesny rolls the ball out to Sagna….
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature/_/id/1021870/miguel-delaney:-wenger%27s-unrequited-obsession-the-champions-league?cc=4716
Shaft traps with his moustache while hugging the touchline, literally
….who jets off up the wing and jinks past a midfielder
Shaft makes a running leap at it…
…Cam takes the layoff into his stride and winds up his chocolate leg…
Please get off the pitch Camberwell. We want to win this match! π
Assist
Hey Wind, I got myself this one for Christmas, I love it…
http://arsenaldirect.arsenal.com/nike-jackets/nike-afc-125-n98-jacket-/invt/423997g/
Oh CoR! What. A. Goal!
TS π
They’re applauding CoR, but deep down they know it all started with the pre-assist.
CoR woke up just in time to score!!!
He does a double-somersault into the crowd and is caught by a huge lady with an open blouse and a “Arsene Nose” tattoo on her left boobie…
That was a sub 3 hour century BTW, courtesy Opta-Storey. π
Ah I see the pace has slowed . Let’s hope our team show rather more stamina tonight !
Trev @186 – π
TS – Cheers , kit of last season the best there’s been by a country mile since the halcyon days of the seventies . The seventies were not just good for football kits . I seem to remember that fashion swimwear reached its zenith during that period . π
NBN – Nice link .
On the subject of yesterday’s discussion , I caught a bit of Brian Moore (ex England Rugby player and ex corporate lawyer) on the radio today . He did to an extent defend the “football creditors first” rule , when it came to lower down the leagues . His rationale being that without it , one club in trouble would send other blameless clubs into trouble because of outstanding transfer fees etc . He did however add that at the top of the pyramid it was pretty much indefensible . Interestingly he added that he was unsure whether this rule applied in the scottish league , and that therefore Rangers’ “get out of gaol free card” might be much harder to acquire .
Wind – the lads warmed up in the light blue one earlier in the season.
Dortmund at home is one I remember for sure.
That’ll be Roxette, CoR ! π
Oh and Wind, not only is my brother a manure fan, but my sister is a fan of the Chavs and her husband is a LWC too…family reunions are usually them against me and my pops π
Bollocks !
We were in the early nineties when I started typing that .
I’m in a Chamakh trough of form here . Not only am I not scoring , I’m not even getting a shot away ! π
Well in Canons .
tabs, 70s Speedos definitely the best too. When a mankini really was a mankini.
Thanks tabs!
I have to say,you can’t hope to score if you’re outside the box facing Szczesny mate :p
Tabs – that fashion swimwear remark could inspire the new warm-up kit. The groundsman will never allow Jimmy Choos on the pitch tho’, I fear.
I’m thinking traditionally here – white, with a red gusset and pouch π
tabs
A bit homo-erotic for me but consider it a late St.V’s treat for young Smallballs (Note: Plastic BJ doll NOT included)
http://www.70sbig.com/blog/2010/07/this-post-is-not-homo/
heh , like your thinking Trev π
All these odd fans in people’s families.
My brother really likes the stewards who remove the miscreants from the crowd –
yes, he’s an extractor fan !
Cheers TS – bit conservative for my tastes π
You’re posting too fast
Trev @ #212 – Oh contraire!
http://www.polyvore.com/jimmy_choo_flats/shop?brand=Jimmy+Choo&category_id=47
Ollie, I may need a stream tonight if you have any recommendations – the huge dish on the garden fork has stopped working again, meh!
Opta-Storey predicts the next century by 6PM, yes the sub-hour century is possible folks! π
Wolfgang will never be seen in ‘flats’ TS – tsk tsk.
Have to say I’ve been mightily heartened by the fashion discussions going on above . About time this Bar concentrated on the important things in life .
I too have been very tempted by the Red “Nike AFC 98” Jacket . The only drawback is I’m not sure how well it will go with my “Theo and Ox” Go Faster striped Speedoes .
TS @218 haha , beautiful π π
Trev @ #221. Ditto my #218! π
Dearie me, that’s rather dampened my mood π
http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=afp-fbl_eur_c1_ita_eng_acmilan_arsenal_violence_20120215
The Scene β HT MkII β Executive Carriage β approaching the Italian Border
Β
Dr Feelgood is at the bar, eyeing up the new barmaid, Britt. Β On the bar in front of him, is a large black leather-bound diary, which is opened at the annual calendar page. Crosses have been put against every day up to and including 13th February and he takes out a childβs magic marker and puts a large “X” against 14th February. Β He thinks about an excursion sometime in the future but his train (heh) of thought is broken as Dr Disorder sidles up beside him and in a rasping voice says…..
Β
βFeelgood! Have you heard? Β No Jagermeister. Β Fuckinβ unbelieveable. Β We should have a protest……the prices they charge……”
Dr Feelgood : “Borda? Β Is that you? Β It’s hard to tell – I think you can dispense with the Bubble Wrap Suit…..anyway, have a glass of this delicious Brunello, I’m feeling in a generous mood tonight. Β On the house.”
Dr Disorder (squinting suspiciously) : “You feeling all right? Β Anyway, this suit. Β Some fucker wrapped me in it, probably just after New Year – I can vaguely remember it happening round about the trip to Fulham.”
Feelgood : “Fool Β ’em about what? Β You didn’t tell them about your REAL job?”
Dr Disorder (rolls his eyes) : “Oh never mind. Β Why you in such a good mood, anyway?”
Feelgood : ” It’s the Happy Train, Borda. Β Wall to wall blondes, expensive Italian wine (thank you, Lars), Big Team in a Big Competition tonight, what’s not to like? Β Even Wolfie has pulled.”
Dr Disorder : “Here? In Milan? The fashion capital of Europe?”
Feelgood : Β “Yip. Β With Isobel Mussolini, no less…..”
TS @ 225
Very disappointing, if true – thought Arsenal fans were better than that.
My thoughts entirely Dr.z.
Great post at #226, sorry to have spoilt it.
Dr Z heh π , but I am a fashionista and not a fascista !
Some pearlers in amongst this lot …
http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Arsenal/Arsenal-change-kits.html
Trev, I’ll be heading to the pub soon, so can’t possibly say.
The game’s on Canal+, but that’s a pay-channel.
I’m sure there’ll be streams.
Check the arses on arseblog, there’s generally some decent links available.
Particularly if you ask a chap called nelly.
Although most UK-based people will either be in the pub or have it on TV at home.
If ever there was a pitch designed to slow pacey wingers like The-o & The Ox…..
http://yfrog.com/kfkpfzpj
*selects Paint It Black on iPod*
heh; TS. Spectacular….ly bad. Now I understand why ArsΓ¨ne complained.
Cheers Ollie, have a good night.
Quite Ollie plus the risk of injury too? I am apalled. This is The Champions League ffs.
I bet Martin O’Neill is loving this. Meh & double gah!
I understand that we’re wearing yellow tonight! π
*mood lifts again*
Evening all.
tabs @ 230 – interesting link; some real horrors there; we forget that poor design and colour combination is not a Nike invention.
TS @ 232 – that really does look like they’ve inserted a layer of sponge down both wings to sap the legs os our quick wee ‘wingers’
Very disappointing news that there has been a battle with police already; my mate Jon who goes to many CL games just wouldn’t countenance a trip to Milan on the strength of his experience of the Italian police.
Here’s to a good result on the pitch nonetheless. COYRs
To say someone isn’t “there” based on one sub-standard performance is oversimplifying especially when I can give you more than 15 matches where he was joint MoM (with RvP or Woj). No player can be perfect every game. RvP was sub-standard against Bolton, Messi has sub-standard games, so does Ronaldo etc. To have a sub-standard game does not mean one isn’t the best at his position, it is normal and human.
The thing is to have a one off (sub-standard performances) and have consistent dominant performances.
True, there have been goals that were his fault, but how many goals has he saved? I can remember at least 10.
His distribution is among the best in Europe as a CB, as is his aerial prowess (he wins more than 75% of his aerial duels in the tough, physical PL) and his recovery speed is sublime (a great example of that was against Villa in the minute)
The collective headless chickenry is true but (and this is a big but) it is nigh on impossible when we use 7 different LB and 5 different RB throughout the season.
As for Keown, Campbell, Adams comment – I agree. But to be the best in Europe he doesn’t need to be in their class.
He needs to be better than the current CBs in Europe right now.
When I think about the best CBs in Europe I think of Thiago Silva, Puyol (when healthy, he is a magnificent CB), Vidic (again, when healthy), TV, Kompany and Lucio (yes, Lucio).
I see him as good if not better than most (considering all the parameters). He’s got better distribution than every one of them (bar TV maybe, and it’s a maybe), He’s on par in the aerial prowess department (which has to be calculated differently between PL CBs and different league CBs), he’s better than most of them in the tackle, he’s as fast as every single one of these, and his recovery speed/anticipation/interceptions is better than most of them.
Wolfgang @229
Fashist then? π
Cheers bath, your mate Jon is a wise man.
Good to see you in here again. Are you back at the HoF for the LWCs?
Cheers baff.
Have to admit that while not having had direct experience that way with the police, the previous experience of not enjoying any banter with opposite fans pre/post game and the exhausting post wait game, not a chance to drink to celebrate shootout celebrations last time in Rome was a factor for me not rushing to Milan.
Indeed TS 235. Top club my arse.
Right, off, have a good evening all!
SG @ 238 – I take it we are talking Koscielny here? I have always liked tht boy. He is growing into a class CB.
TS @ 240 – I am indeed. I am hoping that will turn around their season for them. I will drop into the Tollie pre- or post or both.
To the pub, there’s not one moment to lose…..
Enjoy all & UTA!
As a limited CL traveller, Farca last year being my cherry, I was up for a trip to Milan for a bit of Italian culture and cuisine but Jon was just not prepared to relive his previous 2 experiences at the hands of the carabinieri e amici.
Cheers All –
come on Reds!!!
Heh. Some fine drinking above.
Not impressed with that kit (though it is considerably better than some we’ve had through the years). What’s wrong with a simple red shirt with white stripes?
Glad to see Kos getting some recognition. He’s been outstanding for us. Credit to Wenger for bringing him in.
Snir , if you want to simplify what I said to “one bad game” that is your affair .
I refuse to be backed into a corner where I am seen to be slating Kos . I am not . I just don’t think he is “the best central defender in Europe”.
Yet .
For the record I don’t think my contention is all that controversial .
It is completely subjective anyway . You are welcome to your opinion . For the moment , I’ll stick to mine thanks .
Tabs – First of all I meant the 63rd minute in the Blackburn game.
secondly, on the contrary! I know you’re not slating Kos!
It might just be that either I rate him higher than others or you rate others higher.
Either way, best or not best (like you said, it’s subjective) we can both agree that he’s a top CB and a partnership of TV and Kos is a very very good partnership, right :)?
I agree tabs. He is clearly not the best CB in Europe at this time.
He is however, coming along nicely. He competes well, read the game well and has excellent distribution. He now needs a stable defence around him to develop that understanding that provides stability and confidence.
Ooops 2 goals in a minute at St P.
Quite a nice video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4uGbMpObmI
Agreed Snir π
I agree with Bath π
Right Chaps , off to the juicer . 1-0 to the Arse with Kos to get the winner .
Good luck everybody .
COME ON THE ARSENAL !!!
Arsenal : Woj, Sagna, Kos, TV, Gibbs, Song, Arteta, Ramsey, Theo, RvP, Rosicky.
Milan: Abbiati, Abate, Mexes, Thiago Silva, Antonini, Van Bommel, Seedorf, Nocerino, Boateng, Robinho, Ibrahimovic.
Rosicky AND Ramsay.
Surprised.
I get the Rosicky part, he wants ball retention…
Logical.
But we do need a goal down there…
Sorry RamsEy
A tad defensive but what the heck, perhaps it is a good idea to get a feel of the Milan team and the respective players and then make a change. As long as there will be active coaching from the touchline tonight it might well be a good team to start.
Come on you reds!
Trev @72
Hard to figure out, isn’t it… ? π
Wind – The lads are warming up in the jacket I bought π
Mr T @124
Bloody ridiculous idea – waste of space.
Love that Anthem… Goosebumps.
How did Uefa approve of this?!?
We’re playing with Fly Emirates.
“If two clubs meeting in the competition have the same shirt sponsor, the home team may wear their regular sponsor advertising whereas the visiting team may only wear advertising for a product of the said sponsor. No identical advertising elements may appear on the shirts of the two teams in question. The visiting club must send a sample of such new shirts to the UEFA administration for approval.”
I see the italians have roughed up the flanks leaving clean only the middle of the pitch.
How cynical bastards! :O
amateurs
This wants changing at half time.
Not good enough. I don’t give a fuck what they’ve done to their pitch.
Whatever Arsene had in mind with that midfield selection it has not worked. Our best defender off and JD off, could get messy. π
JD on, I meant.
We play like shit! Usuall suspects play like shit + Bacary is slow as hell.
But, I have a feeling that we might get a goal. Unleash the Ox, give Coq a chance at lb etc. Usuall stuff.
Too many players having their worst half of the season.
TV atrocious, Rosicky awful, Arteta horrible, not to mention Bac.
Notwithstanding the pitch, that was a really really poor first half performance
Shit defending
Quarter-time – 135 minutes to go – i think that’s a good thing – The Ox on!
UyELloWS!
And their second goal looked offside too
Had Milan outplayed us I would have been more forgiving at the moment. But they haven’t, we have outplayed ourselves.
But to our defense, or rather, to Milans credit, they really play a tricky kind of football. They are not switching flanks as much as they are going up and down the field through long balls and flicks, and not just the old centre-forward header into the path of a quicker player, but more flamboyant flicks, and on different parts of the pitch, all designed to break our offside trap.
Milan aren’t playing that great today, but they are playing us in a great way.
Having that said, it’s time to try to shape up that back line that is very flat at the moment, and get some trickery on. We just hit the brick wall and get caught out of position at the moment. Let’s go for some speed now and attack with fewer players and use the technique our players have got to win a few one-on-ones.
Bring on the ox,has to change it up.agree zico at sixes and sevens all over.
Terrible first half, surely cant get any worse. Something needs to change and fast before we throw away any chance in the 2nd leg. Time for this Team to dig deep and be adventurous! We are making them look better that they are
TV is getting drawn out of position, and nobody is covering behind him now with Kos off…
JD won’t be clever enough to realize that.
Huge problem.
4-4-2?
Not good.
Van Persie, I hereby let you leave.
What the fuck!!! are we playin’ at??? – it’snot fukkin’ football i know that – we’re machine-gunning ourselves in both feet!!!!!!
come on lads getittotegether!
This is almost funny, are there 11 Denilsons on the pitch?
And I don’t want to hear a word about the pitch. Our players are falling over all over the pitch, but the Milan players ain’t.
No urgency whatsoever from them. Il never stop shoutin for the club but this is a low point! Come on lads get the finger out and wear the shirt with some pride!
Wenger complained about the pitch prior the game and I thought it was a poor thing to do. giving his players the excuse . I can’t wait to see the back of Risicky, he is just uselss, he simply refuses to run down the channel. I would bring the Ox on now, Arteta, Ramsey and Rosicky 3 similar players who can’t run and cause any problem. Wenger sees things in a very bizarre manner. Give the Ox a run please. Just a goal would give us hope.
What next ? he will blame the yellow strip?
This second half formation is worst. Ramsey on the wing? Wtf
This is a pretty fucking sad way for Thierry to end his time with the club.
Come on lads – sort it out.
The ref’s havin a better game than any of our lot
Lurk- Not quite Denilsons but we have 4 players in the middle who hardly create anything. I don’t know if we had any shots on target yet. Even the Milan fans are bored of us
Surely it`s time for either Arshavin or the Ox. 3-2 will do nicely at this point.
Great save, should`ve been the first. Sparks are showing π
Ox time!
Ox on!
Its on, come on the ox! Great save from abbiati tho. The tide is turning
Ambrosini in, its a sign, I am going to rip my head off if we don’t score
25 mins left for the players to show some intestinal fortitude and show everyone that playing for Arsenal,actually means something to them.
Because on the basis of the first 65 mins,they haven’t shown they are up for the fight.
As for playing a player way past his best,and a youngster that is clearly out of his depth,together in midfield,that beggars belief.
And how embarassing for Walcott that he is replaced at half time by a player who is 5 yards slower than Walcott in pace,but 100 times faster in the football brain dept.!!
Pitiful
Djourou really is a moron.
bollox!
Evening folks.
This is not the game of football I ordered. Can I send it back please?
Zico
Yet again though we gave the ball away in our own half [ Rosicky ]
and the top teams punish you for it.
I might have to break the habit of a lifetime and have something stronger than Orange juice tonight.!!
this is simply rubbish, Rosicky Arteta and Ramsey really not up to scratch when comes to creativity. awful. Only the Ox who managed to cut down the the flnaks and put some decent balls in
I know what is the problem, we are wearing sandals.
Henry Out!
can anyone tell me what was Ramsey trying to do with that last pass? no idea
We are making prooofit
they doooo not!
I honestly think the Milan fans are bored. They are hardly making any noise the game over and they just want to go home now.
What just happened?
Clive, I won’t try and argue that we played with any great intelligence when we had the ball, but JD is as gormless as he looks.
Scary to think he will be starting against Sessegnon on Saturday.
We lose then, we will be having our meltdown even earlier than last year π
this one feels worst than the 8-2 loss. on world stage and they play like that. Very shameful i deed. Some people say Wenger has lost his touch and I was always against that idea but the line up tonight really made me thing about what these people are trying to say. Rosicky down the flank I simply could not undrstand that? the guy he simply would not take players on down that side at times it was comical. he keeps passing it to Ramsey then Ramsey to Arteta and and vice versa, that was it, the entire game.
I’ll just say this.
These players should be ashamed of themselves.
There was a moment in the 90th minute when only TH and RvP were trying to close down. The others just stood there and waited for the whistle.
Now I know it must be a huge let down for the players but I expect more effort.
This is not the effort the fans of this football club deserve.
They should compensate the away fans immidiately.
Shame on them.
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such a one dimensional Arsenal.
Zero width and zero incision. How much of that was to do with what appeared to be the hastily planted cauliflower fields down the sides of the San Siro I can’t be sure.
There just seemed to be horizontal passing, it was liking the Chuckle brothers..’ to me.. to you’.
I honestly have a hidden thought that Arsene is playing a game, it goes along the lines of; ‘OK you won’t give me any money, I won’t return you any money’
Is that the dialectic required to get our parsimonious owner(s) to loosen their purse strings?
The biggest positive to take from this is that its over. Awful awful stuff. Right im over that, time for the muckems at the weekend. We are due some fortune and id settle for some silverware….oh even my usual cheery nature cant excuse that shite from tonight. Bar keep a seat under the tap please
This was a disaster.
I be cheering the team come Sunderland, but until them I will allow myself to be angry with the team and the manager.
It wasn’t the scoreline, these things happen, but the inevitability of it. It really feels like if we played this game a hundred times it would end 3-0 to 5-0 every single time. We didn’t do anything. And that feeling, that this was far removed from a freak shot, makes it so unbearable.
We’ll be back but it might take a few years. We won’t attract any top players at this rate and the damage today might take seasons to repair, given that we might not be in the CL next season.
Jesus – that was fucking HORRIBLE to watch!!!! I do wish ITV wouldn’t cut back to that puggy c@nt Adrian Chiles straight after a game!
I’ve said 5 easy pieces but I was wrong.
Nightmare in yellow.
Disgusting.
About 20 of my friends were at San Siro, I couldn’t make it, and THEY are the real victims.
Anyone optimistic now?
Pint of strychnine for me…Thank you…
that was rough but Milan played good simple football for 90 mins. They moved the ball into our last third so quickly so many times and we never had any quick movement that replicated that.
It could be Milan are a lot better than I thought or we’re a lot worse. As soon as we get our full backs back we see our centre backs getting hurt. I feel awful for Aaron – he really didn’t need to play 50+ games this season and he looks knackered.
The lack of a left winger never seemed a good idea and Theo reverted to December’s form on the right. Sagna is obviously not back to 100% either. It seems daft but do we even field a first team for the 2nd leg if we get results in the league and FA cup before that? At half time we should have set up to take the 2-0 defeat and perhaps score on the counter, maybe sneak a 1-2 result but instead we thought we might win it 3-2. Not good at all….can’t digest that game just yet and now I’m just yapping…
All I worry right now is how long is Kos is going to be away. Don’t give a shit about the CL, we do not have a squad and a manager for it.
Who was that team playing Milan today? I didn’t recognize any of the players..
SSY
Only a pint of Strychnine,??
So you’re not REALLY serious about commiting suicide then.??
Feel sorr y for those soul’s who went!
No need to adddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
some of you should wake up but hey wtf!
Being simple aint the way!
Zico @310 – You know I’m a half full kinda guy but I’m afraid you’re right.
A loss on Saturday and a huge snowball will start.
Lose on Saturday, have your February meltdown, miss out on CL, RvP wants to be sold and will be, signings that would sign would not be quality enough to take us to the top again because we have no CL and we don’t pay well to anybody who is quality (and we do need a big name signing and not a potential because we don’t have time to wait for them to develop).
That would make us dither in mid table for years to come.
Apologies Holic!
Feel like I’ve had the three shits kicked out of me :'(
Zico
And he has just signed a new 2 yr contract .
Obviously AW sees something that we never have.!!
If Kos injury is serious,then with the Sack out as well,we have to get used to him playing for a while yet.
I have had over 20 texts already from other Footballing mates taking the Piss.!!
Dear Oh Dear
Snir you have watched a different game!
Switch the phone off Clive (like me but I’m avoiding Rox) π
I’m just hanging around here hoping for someone to make me feel better. Hard to see it happening, but if there are any arena for arsenal talk that could manage that it would be here.
Channel 5 it is then!!
zico give me a view stop hiding you pussy!
π ina nice way?
ATG – Why do you say that?
Snir
Don’t panic just yet.
We were outplayed tonight on a big stage,
But Saturday is another day,the players have to dust themselves down and put this result behind them.
They are professionals,paid a shedload of dosh,who were awful tonight.
But we have a lot still to play for,and Sunderland aren’t Milan.
At the end of the day qualifying for the CL is the top priority,so let’s not give up on the Team just yet.
Clive, you are more experienced on this issue. My coworker is Milan fan. There is snow and ice on the streets here. Is it a good idea to break my leg on that ice and miss the next 3 months at work? Or should I just move to another state?
All the best for the Management tomorrow Holic.
Clive – I know, and I usually take that approach as well, but haven’t we been down this road before?
Last season we said “a new game is coming up on Saturday,” but we got one win out of eleven. That is relegation form.
Clive,
Just for clarity, my post to which Snir responded to, doesn’t mean I’m giving up on the team, but there is potential for things to get dark and ugly if those professionals you refer to turn up on Saturday and think “Sunderland aren’t Milan.”
That type of attitude has been all too prevalent and we need each and every 11 to die for the shirt if we are to salvage anything from this troublesome season. And Snir is right, what happens over the next two Saturdays can set the tone for a whole lot longer than this season.
Now since you’re coming over to the dark side, have a Guinness on me π
Good Luck to both tomorrow ‘holic
Ok, I just figured the next two saturdays should have said the next two weekends.
Pesky Sky and pesky Murdoch!
AAAAAAARRRRRGHHHHHH….
OK so that’s got rid of it then.
It was rubbish. We hate it. But there are other more important things in life.
So ‘holic, what Jay said @ 336. Take care, and see you soon.
Good thing Flamini was injured. I wouldn’t have liked seeing a glimmer of a smirk or gloat on his face since he was my favorite player the year before he left us, setting off the first cannon in the denial of the Flamini-Fabregas-Nasri midfield that yielded numerous trophies. π
As bad as the game was lads we have to realise it’s probably the worse we seen our beloved team play in a long time,we have ripped teams like the way AC did to us tonight,plus our big guns are only gaining there fitness back.we have to believe we can’t play as bad as that again…
It’s the effort that bothers me…
Everyone had a shocker.
And most were barely trying.
Manors please Zico – he who lives by the s word etc
Oh very dear. Not a good day to have a not very good day. I suspect the back-drinking will be ugly.
Look on the brightside Chamakh will be back soon π Utterly shit performance no drive no desire and a total lack of any sort of cutting edge, The task of turning this side into potential winners gets bigger by the season and will take a hell of alot of money now sad days, And in answer to the Earlier question no Milan were not that good in fact it’s probably one of the weakest Milan sides in my lifetime but they were proffesional and had 2 dangerous front men that we couldn’t live with.
How many more times do we need to see players disgracing the arsenal shirt with little heart and effort?
We can always be outplayed but should NEVER be outfought.
Mental strength?
Great spirit?
Great humour more like it.
I’ve been saying it for years, Wenger has lost his way, what more proof does anyone need?
I thought Milan were decent, they aren’t topping their league by accident. However their approach was what was good rather than world class players – quick movement and rather brilliant flicks and reverse passes that left our backline (and midfield) looking like they were chasing shadows. Once the first goal went in (and it was a stunning goal) you always feared that we wouldn’t be disciplined enough to try and keep it low scoring…and we weren’t….
Anything for a 350? About the only thing going tonight π
tabs @ 230, nice link mate.
TS @ 236, we should of gone with the blue away, not the yellow alternate don’t care. Last time we wore yellow, it didn’t go very well. Should of left last season’s memories behind. SSY @ 317’s on the money on this situation.
Snir @ 260, I was going to point that out, but I knew you’d be on the ball π I still want it in Obisidan/Teal (the darker blues)
Even in this pitiful state I and we ‘Holics are in, what a bloody good goal I say @ 300! :’)
wedroppedalittlein2ndhalf @ 311, I can only agree.
Snir @ 323, one of my current biggest fears.
‘Holic, I’m echoing Jay’s sentiments @ 336 loud and clear Sir.
I honesty feel like reaching for the Swedish Vodka a meter away to drown my sorrows, maybe my emotions are too invested in our fortunes.
But there’s more important stuff in the world going on than our result.
Chin Up Gooners.
Geoff – this has nothing to do with AW (I’m not even gonna get into that argument now).
The players should have worked harder.
Mark – you get a free link to better times…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_YYFmuFdSI&feature=related
Tim,
We haven’t had the defensive nous to keep a scoreline down for more yers than I care to remember.
Hoping that Kos isn’t crocked for too long but AW says he’s got a knee problem and certainly out for the weekend.
Hey Snir, who motivates the players?
But in a way Snir I grew with you. the malaise runs deeper than just the manager
we lost due to not working hard enough off the ball. we allowed so much space to the man on the ball, to look up and pass to whoever. other teams sprint to close the men down, we just don’t bother. is it laziness or orders from management?
Who teaches the defensive unit how to defend and the midfield how to provide defensive cover? Or is that just an assumed ability of intelligent players?
Work has prevented me from watching any of the game so far but the result appears to leave us with a mountain to climb. Oh dear. Have it recorded at home. May just hit the delete button.
Not a lot else to add really.
Still too early to digest the lessons, but, heh….
Mertesacker and Koscielny may be our best central defensive pairing. We really could have used the BFG’s experience and calming influence in the San Siro. His absence showed his value. TV5 looked like a left back playing center back, which was a lot worse then when he looks like a center back playing left back. That may have been the worse game he has played in an Arsenal shirt (and I am a big TV5 fan). Sagna clearly isn’t 100% yet. It was a big ask of Gibbs to come back into a game like that. Coq might have been the more conservative choice as at least he is relatively match fit. Not starting with two wingers against a team that plays a narrow diamond in midfield was a tactical mistake. Ox or AA should have started. Flip side of that is start Rosicky or Ramsey but not both; just proves DB10’s point about fielding too many similar players. Szcz’s kicking is regressing, especially when he is under pressure. He is getting neither length nor accuracy in his distribution (and h/t to whomever I was debating this point with in a previous drinks; you were right.) Nor does Szcz seem as commanding in the box as he was earlier in the season. If Theo is going to be a big player, he has got to start putting in big performances in games like today’s. And even when we are 4-0 down, shouldn’t AW be on the touchline encouraging and extolling them to fight to the end, not slinking lower and lower down in his seat?
Delete it Steve. If I had the choice, I would stick needles in myself rather than watch that. No merit in it.
NBN @ 360 – all good points
I feel we are careering towards a catharsis. It will not be without more pain.
NBN: YES, Wenger should be showing he cares passionately. I may be wrong but if you’re accepting a performance like that doesn’t it send the wrong message to your players?
Geoff – It works both ways. Because he also motivates them when they beat Barcelona. That really isn’t the problem. I expected more from the players. Expected more effort.
Bath- Pat Rice I suppose.
NBN – TV has a weird and annoying tendency to get drawn out of position into the midfield (look at the first goal). Kos usually can cover quickly enough for that but he couldn’t today and his injury (along with BFG’s) is a massive blow.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I don’t think anyone other than AW coaches the defence. When he responded to the cries for a defensive coach he didn’t mention Pat, he said that he had been coaching for 25 years and did not need a defensive coach.
We are shockingly poor when the other team has the ball.
Steve T,
Put it this way I actually found myself wishing Bednter was on the bench to at least give us a different dimension – If that dosent make you press delete I don’t know what will π
Holic, This Irish Blessing is for The Management. ‘May you always find blue skies above your head, Shamrocks beneath your feet, Laughter and Joy aplenty and Kindness from all you meet.’
Long time reader, first time poster.
Boy, that was just an ass-raping, pardon the crude analogy.
Support the squad, don’t be a douchebag and all that, I get.
But how does one explain an embarrassment of this degree? Were the boys drugged? We were totally outplayed. The side appeared utterly disinterested and unprepared. And not to point fingers, but dear me Djourou has no business on a football pitch. And Arteta, Rosicky and Ramsay should all be fined a week’s pay.
Looking for a silver lining. Surely its there, but i cannot see.
Barman, a shot a Jameson and a swift kick in the ass, a tip of my cap to the regulars and I’ll show myself out well enough.
Tim @ 353, – cheers mate! I was actually at that match, and right behind him when he scored that, and where he ran to the crowd to,
9th row, so just about see my cap in the shot! Happier times indeed π