Blackburn, No Victoria Line, And Teddy Pendergrass
Feb 3rd, 2012 by 'holic
This will be the briefest of previews. I suspect some of you have seen and heard enough of my opinions for one day. The visit of Blackburn on what is likely to be the coldest and snowiest day of the year in the sultry south-east promises to be a real test of Gooner love.
First of all the trip will be a nightmare for the vast majority of the crowd dependent on public transport. There is no Victoria Line service so get there early and plan to stay late if you are relying on the Picadilly and Northern Lines. Could the lunchtime kick-off (correction – not for for television – cheers Steve) have been much more inconvenient?
There is some talk of ‘rotation’ and a possible change of formation being rumoured. I will hold my breath on the latter, and am unsure we have the depth to do much of the former without weakening our hand for what has become a must-win game for all manner of reasons. Regulars will know the Blackburn preview normally turns into a monumental mickey-take of our old friend Paul Robinson. The former England ‘keeper has spent much of his career picking the ball out of his net when playing against us. Somehow it doesn’t seem right to harp on once again given our inability to convert our three goals against him at Ewood Park into points earlier this season.
What of the ‘holic pound, I hear you say? How on earth does one make even an educated guess at this one. Unlike us the visitors have a League win to their credit this year, against Fulham, and followed that up with a point from Goodison Park. Lest we forget they ended 2011 by holding Liverpool and beating Manchester United at Old Trafford. It looks as though it could be a dour battle, but I am feeling surprisingly optimistic that things will turn around for this one. I’m going with 3-1 to the Arsenal, and have taken the 19/2 on offer with Gunners Gaming. Have a £25 bet with them on the game and you will be in the draw for a pair of hospitality tickets when Arsenal play Tottenham later this month. Take it from me, the prize is well worth the punt.
Now I will be seeing a fair few ‘holics after the game tomorrow by all accounts. I look forward to that immensely. Wrap up very warm though. I have several layers ready to slip into at half past seven in the morning, along with two phones in case one battery goes. “You might not get home” said the management, but the implication was if I don’t then the reprisals will be swift and unpleasant!
Also, I have been reading stories of the black bin bag protest tomorrow. It was good to read because it has kept a favourite song at the forefront of my mind all day. Ready, Teddy, go…
349 Responses to “Blackburn, No Victoria Line, And Teddy Pendergrass”
First!
Get in!
Oh Bollocks
Nice post by the way.
Black bin liners? What genius thought this one up? The same genius, perhaps, who today compared Arsenal to the Head of the German military during WW2 (but not, apparently, Hitler – figure that one out)?
Suffice it to say that any bin bag left on a seat near me will be dealt with swiftly and decisively. I’d encourage others to do the same.
Here’s a novel idea for disgruntled fans who want to protest and apparently don’t much care about missing the game: give your ticket to someone who might actually be inclined to cheer the team. Then they can roar the lads on and you can stand outside booing, scowling and shaking your fist at the Henry statue. Everyone’s a winner!
As for the game, I predict we’ll get back on track. 3-0 with a goal apiece for the big German and the mighty Ox.
COYG!
Holic,
Sincere thanks for the opportunity to have a say on Thursday night. Greatly appreciated, as were the many thoughtful and funny (Well done, ST – you take the biscuit) responses.
Difficult one to call tomorrow. I’m expecting to see Coquelin in for Song and a front three of Ox, Robin and Park (so that we can see why Arsene bought CY. Theo to come after precisely 70 minutes as impact sub. Only question I have is will Aaron Ramsey get a rest with Rosicky replacing him? I think so.
Your 3-1 seems worth tickle (after all we should have had three in 20 minutes at Bolton – Park will put that right tomorrow!). Expect Robin to come off for both Benny n Joon when the third one hits the netting.
Should you see anyone sporting a black bin bag, please bag the bar steward for me and bin him in the Tolly’s porcelain express. Go on. Just for me.
Enjoy tomorrow Holics. 8 am here, so I’ll be watching in my Jim Jams. RvP 10 top on of-course.
Sorry Snir – nipped in at the near post.
One for the dubious first posts committee maybe?
Cheers!
“You might not get home” said the management, but the implication was if I don’t then the reprisals will be swift and unpleasant!
And I will be to blame, I know 😉
Hold the bus.
The Tollie is open at 10:15? (Last drinks refers). And here was me thinking I was going to have to suffer a conventional breakfast.
As for not getting home – Roxette just said, “Promises, promises, Feelgood.”
Ah, Teddy. Nice!
Pint of Guinness, please.
Ten it opens, zico.
Thai breakfast and Guinness for you my boy 😉
I will be starving.
“Arsenal have claimed that attendances at their last three home league games have been in excess of 60,000, only marginally short of the 60,432 capacity” – BBC Sport.
The Manure game was standing room only. TV evidence was “empty seats” for the two prior. I have to conclude that Corporate and season ticket holders just don’t bother to turn up or can’t, but are unable to exchange their tickets.
Tomorrows game would have drawn about 18,000 in Highbury Days. Even with no Victoria or Northern Lines that number should be exceded in a snow storm. These bin bags burn readily, Holic. Set a light to anyone you see sporting one. Go on. Just for me. Will heat up your hands. (smile).
Long time reader, first time poster (from the States)—I esp. like to come and read when the gloom gets too dark elsewhere.
Nothing wrong with your recent appraisals, IMO (and great work on today’s Arsecast, as always)…. Obviously we need a response, just ask Mikel Arteta, who knows a thing or two about mid-table teams….If there’s any hope to cling to (and there’s very little to indicate that something very large isn’t winding down at the Club….) it would be that teams like lowly Blackburn and Bolton and the others can ALL be pretty decent on their day and maybe a lower point total will suffice for the top 4 silver. It’s really a fine scrap at the bottom this season, even if some clubs can’t be arsed at the top and the two Manchester teams seem to be saying, “No, no, YOU take the title, or should we let Spurs, in on it, too?” It’s laughable, really, if only to keep from crying…..
Hoping for a better result and performance and your report on the off and on-pitch activities….
Cheers
Oh, forgot to mention…..Loved the Teddy P…..
okay, so the weather will definitely rule out a pregame Tolley saunter but definitely up for posxtgame drinks. Question is: can anyone tell me whereabouts it is? Google and spelling is not readilly helpful when browsing on a Kindle.
Jammathon: the Tollie is easy to find. Go to the south side of the stadium (where The Armoury is) and turn right at the roundabout and follow the road (which is Hornsey Road) under the railway bridge and keep walking straight ahead until you reach Tollington Road where you will find the Tollington on the left-hand side. You can’t really miss it when you get there.
Isn’t the Armoury just West, Lars? :s (and possibly slightly more North than South if anything)
Lars, youre a saint and i owe you a drink. See you after the game you crazy bastards.
Jammathon,
Just look out for Wolfie’s psychedelic lederhosen, worn in tribute to our new boy from Germany. (The Speedos will be underneath as old habits die hard) 😉
A quick check on Google Map suggests it is full West.
Jammathon, just look for the fella with a ‘Wake me up before Swindon’ sign hanging around his neck, and you’ll have found the barman.
Hand Jobs Up the Cross Update
April April has asked me to convey the following message,
Due to the expected freezing conditions on Saturday,all of April’s 147 Cousins will be wearing ‘Hand Warmers ‘ so all those supporters who arrive with Frozen Peckers,can rest assured the Girls will have no difficulty ‘ Straightening You Out ‘
April has also added an extra ‘ Bonus Offer ‘,
From the ‘ Laying On Of Hands ‘,any Punter who lasts longer than 2 Minutes,will be entitled to a free 30 second ‘ Beaver Tickle ‘
As previously mentioned, tissues will be provided.
Cheers
The Sweeper.
Ah, the Senior Service has arrived.
Evening Clive. 2 minutes you say? Big ask. 😀
Zico
Glad to see Feelgood back in form in the previous drinks,
April has also asked me to convey to all the punters that intend taking advantage of the ‘Tugging Festival ‘,that they must tell the
‘ Cousins ‘ in advance, if they have an ‘ Above Average ‘ ejaculation stream.
Due to Occupational Health and Safety regulations,if the above situation occurs,the Cousins have to wear Safety Goggles.
Cheers
The 4 Minute Sweeper.
Jammathon ,
http://fancyapint.com/Pub/london/tollington-arms/1191
HT Leaguers. The Cup draw is in the relevant forum.
Couple of tasty encounters between four attendees at the bottom of the draw. Big derby matches, if you will 😉
Will pop over to say hello tomorrow Holic, maybe make the Bushmills a hot one this time 😉
Firstrowsports.tv and firstrow.tv have been seized by the Feds…
New domain is firstrowsports.eu
http://www.vipbox.tv
oleoletv.com
are also good sites…
Enjoy it.
Nice post Holic . Goals and a handsome victory tomorrow . Both 5-1 and 5-2 take my fancy , available at 30-1 and 75-1 respectively with Paddy Power .
A black one should not be worn around the neck , but should be poured down the neck . I plan on undertaking this own personal demo several times throughout the day .
Dr Z @20 – What time you strolling into the juicer partner ? Will have one waiting for you !
Clive 🙂 🙂
What are we hoping for in the Scousers v LWC’s on Sunday?
(Apart from Andy Carroll riding Monkey Face bareback round the pitch)
Holic heh .
Dr Z , your arse is grass !! 🙂
Biggest game yet in the history of The Speedo Massive .
Loving Mr Pendegrass, cant bring myself to say his first name.
Black bin bags. I agree with N7 Gooner. Give your ticket to someone who wants to see the game and cheer the lads on.
To many dont sing for the lads, i mean the words arn’t difficult.
Ars sen nal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenaaaal, Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal. Arsenal Ars…sen…nal. Join in when you know the words.
Eaglet after breakfast tomorrow i think will do nicely then 3 – 0 sounds good to me.
Keep it Goonerish
much obliged, takeabowson. i’ll stick to guinness and pass on the mutual masturbation, though.
clues in the title!
jesus .
Wish I was joining you there Dad but work calls, liking the TP track too 😉
my sentiments exactly tabs
Bin bag thing is bizarre, there’s some serious overseas Gooners that seeth to the teeth at this sort of thing, let alone empty seats. As far as I’m concerned, leaving around 75 mins or anytime before the final whistle is only acceptable if a family emergency has propped up or any other similar situation.
Even makes me long to be at the Emirates once again, its been too long… (November)
‘Holic: Bin the bin liners — and anyone caught bin lining.
N7@4: Good idea to give away unwanted tickets. Plenty of kids (of all ages) who couldn’t otherwise afford to go would be happy to take the seat — and cheer on the team.
Clive@23: Got to hand it to you…
SG@29: Typical American isolationism for the Feds to take down firstrowsports in a crackdown of 600 sites likely to be streaming the Super Bowl on Sunday. No consideration for the real global game. Thanks for the links.
WoN@35, 36: Quite what would be so wrong about a 3-0 win? Btw, game is on ESPN in some places.
Bearded , it’s just astonishing .
Mind you , those two posts do go some way to displaying the mentality and total lack of intelligence of the braindead who dreamt it all up .
Isn’t there a drinking age in the UK tabs?
Dein…… Bought in graham…..silverware galore, anfield 89, Got rid after the bung, bought bergkamp
Changed Ricoh after one season even though bergkamp got us into Europe last game & bought in arsene ‘who’ doubles, invincibles, CL final… He bought in kroenke to get money into the club, fizman booted him out for it, Dein realised kroenke won’t invest so bought in & sold to usmanov who WANTS to invest, pay off the debt, has a box & is a fan…. Since fizman booted Dein out we are a disaster, stadium great but football shit, we hear about ‘self sustainable model’ after being sold stadium is to ‘compete’… Fizman sold this bullshit self sus mod to the same kroenke he sacked Dein over for 120 million quid…. We are left with a crap ‘franchise’ like kroenkes other rubbish paid by his wife!…. Arsene has to work with gazides who is kroenkes man…. This is our disaster… I could cry… Our beloved club & our odd genius manager have been sold down the river for a feud to a yank moron, who never comes to games like we do, has invested not one cent, says nothing does nothing
Kroenke IS THE PROBLEM & his lap dog gazides
Few thoughts about arsene… Yes agree with all the negatives chamakh, subs blah blah but for perspective when Dein was by his side and winning doubles he bought crap too stepanovs, Jeffers, Richard wright etc loads of em… Think about it
It’s not arsene
It’s fizman RIP & our new ‘OWNER KROENKE’
Tabs, Thanks for the link you provided several posts back re Arsenal 1989-1990 season. It was fantastic!!!
A nurse and a very dark room you say?
Oh, go on then.
Try not to let your solitary brain cell die of loneliness, on the way out of here you plank.
The saddest part is the poor WoN would actually be upset with an Arsenal victory. Cut off your nose, etc etc.
Drinking age Bearded ? hadn’t thought of that . Very good point .
How mummy will be upset when she finds her very naughty boy has taken all her black bags .
Words fail me .
No probs Abb .
Was it definitely me ? Don’t remember doing it .
Now that’s a rarity…..
words fail me 8)
Oh Tabs, The lads singing and dancing…and I don’t mean you and Zico!
Oh Dear .
Abb – ah got you now . Paul Davis showing us his moves . 🙂
“wiser” . Is this guy on the stage ? He could make a fortune .
I suggest you inore the troll, tabs.
Don’t want to be taken down by an intellectual heavyweight…. 😉
Tabs, I’ve added this video to my pre game Arsenal ritual, totally awesome.
Anyway, I’m off.
Airport in 5 an a half hours….. See you in the black stuff tomorrow.
Wise words .
See you tomorrow Dr Z 😎
A fight! Oh god, it’s a real fight!
Wegner out now indeed
People of uK bring black bag and march top liberate us from Wegner and Gazides and hillwood
Exciting isn’t it . Hope I’m “stong” enough 😉
WoN – let’s be honest you will go in there and put your bin liner on a bar stool and walk out.
I’ve read 67 a number of times .
Nope , still doesn’t make any sense .
Will you be bringing your own interpreter ?
Bearded what are you going on about?
your = you’re
Its called being schooled .
Right I’m off to get some sleep so I can belt out One Arsene Wenger tomorrow .
Toodle pip .
You and bearded will be the only ones!! You’re see
#70 as a follow up to #67 is off the charts on the unintentional comedy scale.
well having feet firmly in the Wenger out side,I would like to say i support an Arsenal victory ALWAYS!.now alarming sights seem to be all over Arsenal sites not good to here the fighting between support yes AW aside we all support ARSENAL!!!!!!!!!,chaps it goes both ways but for the people saying to burn bin liners that are on our own supporters TAKE A LOOK AT YOURSELVES,it may not be liked by all and as far as protests go i think most could come up with better,but none the less some who chose to take it up who are we or anyone to insight setting our own alite,And HOLIC it is about time there was a call for some sort of order i am thinking both sides.CMON THE ARSENAL.
WoN at 37. Who is it you are unhappy with? Are we talking the German Classical Composer and conductor? I quite liked his non operatic compositions such as the Faust Overture but I fully accept that this is not to everyone’s liking. That said I can not find that a reason to want him out. Or did you mean that nice American chappie who played Jonathon Hart in the series Hart to Hart? Personally I see no problem with either. Now, if you are talking about that twat who my daughter told me about from X Factor I am with you. He seemed a total penis from the start. As you said, the clue is in the title.
74 is pretty funny too Bearded .
Comedy – its all in the timing 🙂
Really must go . Goodnight Sir .
Gentlemen, please don’t quote post numbers. You know why.
Wanger Out Now. Please identify whicj Wanger you are referring to????
Steve T – classic 🙂 🙂
What’s happening fellow gooners! Ready for a snowy adventure?
“Could the lunchtime kick-off for television have been much more inconvenient?”
My understanding is that the game is not on TV. I will stand corrected if wrong but my understanding is that the game time was moved because of the closure of the Victoria Line. Apparently it is to make it easier to get too and from The Grove?????? No, I have no idea either. If the weather had not taken affect with kids football the change would be causing me massive problems. I wonder sometimes who actually makes these decisions.
Another must win game. No excuses allowed and none tolerated.
For the first time I hope to get the chance to meet some fellow holics in the Tollie after the match. I look forward to it.
Clive. I think you need to leave April alone for a while. Time to get a grip and knuckle down fella.
Steve T @ 68
erm – Wanger meaning a dick
And clues not clue’s
Composer is Wagner not wanger – as was mr. hart, i think. Can’t answer the X-factor bit of your inquiry – due to ignorance thereof – sorry.
Was reference to posting above 37 – 36 – was having a gentleish/humorous, perhaps overly subtle pop at an apparent pain in The Arse
Mind you, you seemed to get there in the (bell) end (- a penis pun in keeping with your own – pun not penis that is) end – so thanks for that!
And there was me trying to dumb it down for you to make it easy for you.
Yep, penis seems to sum you up quite well. Why you would even bother attempting to join the people here just to moan seems to add enough weight to that argument.
I respect everyone’s right to have an opinion. What I struggle with is those that just spout total garbage because they feel brave behind a terminal. Turn up tomorrow with your bin liners. I assume you are going? You be a brave little soldier and put some on a few seats. Make sure your hair is looking good and you give a nice wave to the cameras. If you genuinely feel that that is a positive step for the club then you crack on. I am sure it will not take long for the many viewers of MOTD to form the same opinion as those who are regulars here.
Hey steve – no excuses allowed and none tolerated –
Look again old chap i think you’re getting your wangers and your wengers at cross purposes
and yes i’ll be there tomorrow, no bin bags – mind – but might end up with me wanger out if things don’t go as well as hoped and i end up overdrowning me sorrows – again.
No excuse made. You crack on. I am sure you will go down a storm. Nice to know your support can be counted on. How the club is in far better shape with the likes of you in the stands.
My advise would be just to shout “out now” to save it getting a tad tricky for you. Then, take some of your own advice and look for the exit signs.
Or, indeed – crack off!
ta, ta – have good’un
And the air is just that little bit cleaner again…………..
Did somebody let one go???
Wagner OUT nOW. You go now.
Yeah Wagner/s – this has got nothing to do with yous – Richard/Robert et al – as carefully explained in posts above
I am really really interested who the Wenger out brigade want as manager…
Let’s hear it…
Snir hows about that spanish bloke at barcelona. he can manage a bit can’t he?
Wenger is a managerial genius who has brought untold gold to The Arsenal – and he deserves the chance to turn these tricky times into something better – still. And anyone who thinks differently is
a wanger – in my humble opinion
Re: Snir and the demise of firstrowsports. Thanks for the all important info. I read that somebody running a bunch of streaming websites in the state of Michigan was shut down in a pre-Super Bowl raid. I don’t know why we should suffer all because the Federales get interested the week before the Super Bowl, and all we are trying to do is see an Arsenal game or a few from a continent away. 🙁
would like to ask the wise men on here,why is it against Bolton and generally on our attacking corners RVP our vertual only potent force in front of goal,and Song one of our better players in the Air are taken out of the set peice,RVP takes the corners and Song drops to fill the CB’s roll,surly Arteta should take corners and somebody like Ramsey could drop for the CB’s so we then have our best striker (al though i concede not the best in the air)and song plus the CB’s giving the defense more than midgets to mark.at the moment i see the way we play corners as doing the opposing managers job for him by taking away our attacking options thoughts?
Clive, Thanks for the updates but I’m confused is April or October the best choice??
I am not a member of the Wenger out brigade but am prepared to accept a new coach if it indeed comes to that.
1. Vicente Del Bosque
2. The current coach at Valencia
3. Jurgen Klopp
Before Wenger leaves I really want to see if he can recreate his old magic by rejigging his back room staff.
GT – I mean out of who is available.
I mean they want him sacked tomorrow.. So who gets the job in two days from now?
But he is also under pressure as well…(0;
Snir as no club could hire succesfully in two days unless the lynching was already scheduled and succesor already notified.so the new leader would be a caretaker and as Pat looks more like pinociho than an assistant,i would hope that would fall to Bould.
NZ @ 89: Song drops back when the “big” guys come up because he’s quick and has good anticipation…and can tackle! If Rambo drops back he would get skinned..
I agree though re RvP: I have said on here that we should employ the short corner – someone to RvP who can curve the ball away from the gaolie and towards the far post..
we are waiting for the end of the season so we can judge AW,That is the man himselfs words.so as it stands i dont imagine the man going anywhere,and board is not going to move him that is for sure not while he is making the club money,the 30m CL brings may force hands a little.
GT is there no one capable of dropping and giving song the chance in the box,you dont have to be a great tackler just hold players up and now when to give a free kick away.
Almunia was the one left out of the 25 list…
GT skins their fullback and hits a cross field ball to..
Wind to smash in!
yes my boy…I am delighted!!
Arm in arm they run towards the manager to show their un-dying devotion (0;
He does a hearty jig, 2 for 2! No doubt about it, the boy’s back on form 😀
Runs over to GT to thank him for the cross-field ball, indulges in a quick spot of dancing, Henry/Adebayor esque, and then runs towards the technical area, he has an appointment in front of a laptop beginning at 12:45pm… 😉
11:50 PM Jamaica time…sleepy…goodnight…
GT @101/102, thanks, we’d show our undying devotion just after we’d dance 🙂
Time for my nightcap, till tomorrow mate, 8 in the morning for you, and 1pm for me :p
I realise it’s very cold. Suddenly remembered Eurostar tend to slow down and delay in that case even without snow. See nothing on the website though so fingers crossed.
Have a good trip Ollie.
Cheers mate. And heh at Kow Chin appearing above 😉
Right I’m off to the warmer climes of Londinium
Snir
That’s a good question.
Are the black bin liner gang still in favour of installing Owen Coyle, as seemed to be the consensus this time last year? Or is there a new flavour of the month? Maybe Paul Lambert? Or Phil Brown?
After all, they know best.
Goodbye Swindon, jebus it’s cold.
The eagle has landed. Where’s all this Fecking snow then?
Coming after the game now. Zico.
What about our ‘owner’????
The Scene : Executive Carriage HTMkII, eve of the Board Meeting
An uptight Dr Feelgood sits with an Annual Evaluation Report on his desk. Directly opposite him Dr Spin is seated, wearing an anxious look. Borda Disorder is unconscious in a reclining chair in the corner. With a heavy heart Feelgood opens the report and scans it quickly, focusing immediately on the concluding summary:
“Professor Storey has been increasingly suffering from an unbearable workload. This has resulted in him taking his eye off the ball. Previously, we could rely on him making insightful and shrewd observations, backed up with scientific analysis, always resulting in a positive outcome for Management and Patrons alike. Of late, however, he has been spending all his time on the faddish Twitter, with his words at a premium and mainly aimed at mud-slinging toward our immediate neighbours and competitors. Whilst this is not a problem in and of itself, it has diminished his value to the Board at this time, culminating in him sending his apologies in advance of the next scheduled meeting of the Executive.
It would be negligent of all concerned to let this state of affairs continue indefinitely and it is our recommendation that contingencies are put in place to source a replacement whilst Professor Storey is sent to the Home Counties for some “rest”…….[report ends]
—————————————————————————————–
Feelgood : “So, Bill, Edwin is working too hard, is that it?”
Dr Spin : “The guy has got so much on, he hasn’t had time to pick his nose…..”
Feelgood : “Well, we need bums on seats – tell him to work nights….”
Dr Spin : “That won’t cut it. The man is nearly broken. He’ll end up collapsing from stress……”
Feelgood : “Broken? A fracture, from stress? Heh. That’s a new one.”
Dr Spin : “You know, some experts have been predicting this all year – the day when our most ingenious Board member finally burnt out…..we should have got a replacement when we had the chance…..”
Feelgood : “Oh don’t you start, Bilbo…..haven’t you been paying attention?”
Dr Spin : “What do you mean?”
Feelgood : “This guy – he’s a ready made replacement.”
Dr Spin : “Borda? But he doesn’t do anything……”
Feelgood : “Precisely. Dr Disorder is a professional decoy…….
At that point, the door bursts open, and Wolfgang Smallballs, stands there, resplendent in furry speedos and large intricate designs drawn around the rims of his eyes…..
Feelgood : “Wolfie! What’s with the peepers?”
Wolfgang : “I’m here for the eye-liner protest! Feelgood out! Sack The Bored…..”
Massive 😆 at Wolfie’s protest!
Am getting behind Wolfie!
Massive delays on the central line. Faulty train at stratford. Not the start to the day I was hoping for. Still hoping to make at least one in the tollie pre match.
Sitting at home in -8 with wind chill of further -8 apparently, but thinking of all the ‘holics on their way to the match
A tip from French tv – if you go out today , take black bin liners with you.
In case of emergency get these bags from wherever you can?(?!is this classic recycling).
Use one to cover your top half and another to cover your lower half.
This will minimise heat loss in the few minutes when you are sat down between the cheers in our 10-0 victory today
COYRS
Cold, sunny, beautiful day here in Stockholm and I am just about to leave for the pub. Let’s hope the beauty is replicated by the Arsenal in just under two hours and that we can get a convincing win.
Up the Arse!
Everybody seems to be in transit. Not me, old boy!! It’s too early up here in the hinterland of Frozen Numpties, and the game must be located on one of the streams Snir says haven’t been banned by the Federales. Come on Arsenal. Stuff them Blackburns!!
Actually it seems to be a good deal colder in old London Town than it is here. Is there a herd of reindeer available to solve the transit problems? On Zico, on Blitzen, etc. etc.
Bt8b, try firstrowSports.eu, or ESPN2 if you have that on cable. You can always huff on your numpties if they get too chilly.
GOALLLLLLLL RVP from Theo and Coq
YES!!! We want FIVE!!
There were 10 black bags lying on some seats
Along came Robin
and now there are 9
Robin van Persie!
lines person flagged wrong way for free kick – ref gave it our way
Wos and Modeste injured in accident
Robin Van Who?
Woz back up and yellow for other guy
Rosicky spreads to Theo , crosses back , shot blocked and Arteta shoots wide
Good run from OX – corner
Verm threatens – another corner , header by BFG somehow goes over top
Nzonzi yellow after 2nd late tackle – this on Rosicky
Robi tries right foot scoop no luck
Kos yellow for block on Modeste – free kick them
Pedersen good free kick – goal against run of play- woz touched it but not enough
1=1
Open play Rosicky goes for ball across front of opponent and opponents leg injury was accident during follow through
Lowe comes off for Orr
RVP gets ball after good approach but high wide
Goal Song, Theo fast and cross to RVP
2-1
How is Song a DM?
Where are the people who wanted “Songinho” curtailed?
Get in Robin, with Theo and Alex in on the act as well 😀
Rosicky coming forward but Theo runs inside
Who cares Ox makes it 3-1!!!!!!!
The Ox!!! Amazing skill, with a team celebration 😀
COYG!
Straight RED – Givet on RVP – 2 footed no question, but how is Robin?
Robin is up and still on – phew
I was going on about how the team were getting nervous in front of goal.
If that’s what this team needs then I’ll take it.
Tap in goals till the end of the season are good enough for me.
Short corner falls to Verm on far side , hits outside of post from close
Mariner stops play to have a swig
5 mins extra time , and 3 gone
half time
Overall 4 good goals, and Ox’s goal looks better 2nd time around — RVP made a forward pass that OX had to stretch for under pressure, but his speed and calmness allowed lovely finish
cognac – Instead of you having to provide color commentary (how did you not get tired of it after two minutes if you’re watching on a stream?! 🙂 )
http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/105771/1/watch-arsenal-vs-blackburn-rovers.html
Our corners from the left infintely more dangerous now that Ox is taking them. Rosicky, Arteta underperform there, rarely beat first man.
I’d like to see Robin off at 65 and Park on to finish. He needs a start.
Did anyone watch the Iceman play his first game for the club vs Swansea reserves. Quality! 400k well spent.
The Ox feels like a player we signed in January for 30 millions. Just awesome. he looks like he has been in the premiership for years. Be it United or Blackburn, not fazed at all, he will do what he does to any team. Super quality as Wenger would say
I reckon we’ll have RVP off at HT and Henry on – looked like he was still hurting after the red, and with his ankles….. best to be safe.
Theo having a good game.
Ox in the Box.
4 year old Catalan very excited. Again he was impressed by me predicting their goal 10 seconds before it happened. Not that hard really…. 🙂
Who is the new Iceman Bergy?
Iceman, BTM?
Snr @ 151 – actually watching live on tv via satellite – so happily giving ‘live’ commentary if ‘holics cant see stream – quite happy to stop if all have good stream
BtM – seriously, do you have reports of Iceman? How was he, what’s his style?
Cognac
Keep Calm and Carry On.
Cognac – I thought you were watching via stream lol ! That woulda driven me crazy to get out of the full screen every minute to provide the commentary… 🙂
Arsene’s reign summed up in 45 mins. Vintage passing and movement circa invincibles tearing the defence apart for a tap in combined with the recent one moment/mistake punished by the oppo’s first shot. Fantastic response by the lads both to recent sub-par performances, and to the set back today. Dont post here half as much as i would like but this is the perfect response to those who doubt us/want to see us fall-we are the Gooners and you are not, deal with it!
I know everyone has fell out of love with the Russian but this is the game he should come on to get his confidence back. i hope he comes on.first let score few more just to be safe, i do not trust our scores any more.
Did Ian Darke just say that Bill Belichick was appointed as Patriots head coach when AW was appointed Arsenal head coach?
That’s outright wrong lol… 96 is not 2000 🙂
@163 Agreed, a day to lift the spirits of all, great finish by Arteta
Teasing cross from Theo defence stretched , corner driven out and Arteta drives it in from edge of box after touch from Kos
4-1 the Redddddss
What a rocket from Mikel!!
That is atypical Arteta goal, coming late to smash it in
Arteta!!!
The Ox again! Selfless play from Walcott, a thing of beauty.
We want SIX!!
Rosicky spread it wide , THeo ran on and forced to inside, passed to OX who calmly finished
Yesssssss 5-1
I think I should complain a bit more often about our wastefulness 🙂
Good run from their man , accident with Verm who is injured but up again
This loan man on the side looks impatient to come on me thinks
55 minutes gone, 5 shots on target for Arsenal, 5 goals.
I wish we could play against Paul Robinson every week.
3 assists from Theo, both The Ox and Van heading towards hat-tricks. Good day for the forwards.
Hoilett looks like quite a player. One to watch.
Park should be on now. Not fair not to give the guy a chance in this situation. We no longer need to risk Robin here.
Ox has blinding run, cross to other side which Arteta tries to volley – over bar
Fucking ‘ell…We want SEVEN!!
Correction. One hat-trick
..and erm WENGER OUT!!
Hattrick for Robin thanks to good play from Le Coq
SIX-1
WORRIED ABOUT MY 10 BLACK BAGS FROM EARLIER!!
Great skin and cross from le Coq!
I’ve got both RvP and Theo on my FFL team…
Oh I’m loving it!
By the way beautiful footwork from Coq on RvP’s third.
Nice trickery indeed.
Goal attempts 16-3
conversion rate pretty good
french invasion TH and Bac coming on
Ox and Kos off
clearly we are a lot weaker – or are we?
No mercy from Wenger with these substitutions.
The Ox can save his first hat trick for when we host Spurs.
Bac LB Verm CB
Benny coming on for Alex Song
we’re killin em?
WHY is Robin still on the field? Quite mad.
Good cross from replacement LB (Bac) out for corner
FK for Benny after run from Theo, on corner of box
Look at Henry go!
Lot quieter now threat of OX has gone, but TH had a good run through middle
Chips it on for the onrushing Arsenal player to …
Nice run through by Rosicky but no penalty
Ooh great run from Rosicky! I wanted him to finish that off
Scoop Turn past the Blackburn onrushing player to pass to…
The Back of the Net! 3 in 3, he’s on a brace!
Thanks Canada gooner for the assist and bt8b for sparking play 🙂
Nice try by Theo to find TH with short lob but a bit weak
Better Wind – who is clearly not enthralled by the game??
henry looks a little quicker than the leeds game.
Hanley nudges RVB off ball – penalties have been given but not this time
I look forward to ‘Holic’s monumental mickey-take of our old friend later.
I’m afraid we may just be settling for the six though.
Are the pubs reopening early – lots leaving early – with their black bags I think
Cognac, I’ve got Goonerholic and this page open parallel, Wild Horses couldn’t drag me away from this laptop 😀
3 mins of added time
Blackburn have some good players and still knocking the ball around. they play better than Stoke.
..our old friend the attendance counter
Shock Robinson save!
Nice shot by Benny straight at Robinson whose had aqueit no fault match surprisingly
Legend 7
RVP at fault for not scoring but I suppopse its OK as TH deserved the goal for his hard fighting
SEVVVVVEEEENNNN one
Henry stole it from the defender at the centre circle, went in two on two with RVP and a little give and go and deflected finish. SEVEN-1
I want my money back. Not good enough!!
Well Holics…never doubt GoonerTerry!! Just as I called it!! FACT!!
Thierry on the Cake!
Goal difference looks a little better finally
Robin takes ball at end of match , but for me MOM was the Ox – must try and add him to FFL
Skulks off to find last 3 black bags left from @118
Can’t wait for what that Cunt Hansen is gonna say on MotD, bet he’s sweating right now 😀
CanadaGooner @206
Was just about to say the same thing.
But I was behind you, just as the ball is behind Mr. Robinson.
Shearer was doubtful about us on Foot Focus this a.m and now?
We love you Arsenal we do.
We love you Arsenal we do.
We love you Arsenal we do.
Oh Arsenal We love you.
\m/
COYG
great result. goal difference looks healthy now
Wind- Hansen will say its only a 10 men Blackburn.
Now to sit back and watch at least two of pool, spuds, chelski or united drop points.
This week is going to be sweet.
Theo would just take the MOTM for me, just ahead of the other two members of our frontline, he really ripped Olsson a new one.
COYG
Arsenal crisis
Despite gaining 3 points today, Venga will be concerned that his team only managed 8 shots on target.
Wenger, who famously once signed Lee Chapman, knows that against other teams they will be punished.
Listen to the fans – they know what’s going on
3 assists for Theo.
3 goals and 2 assists for RvP.
Goal for Titi.
I like the way this weekend started for my FFL team 🙂
62 points from 3 players lol.
It was only a 10 men Blackburn. But not every team that has gotten 1 point from their last 4 will score seven against a 10 men Blackburn. So if everyone will excuse me I’m going to celebrate in style.
Wind, Hansen will say seven is the very least you should score against the worst defence in the Premiership down to 10 men; and that Arsenal needed to get eight or nine to exonerate the memory of Old Trafford.
If you can’t enjoy the days where the Arsenal smash seven past a bunch of northern cloggers then what days can you enjoy?
You celebrate, Toby! I’m right there with you.
Really irritating commentators on ESPN as well, kept bloody harping on about Rosicky not being carded and how brave Blackburn have been with 10 men.
Also hated that the camera was constantly on the lookout for those rubbish bin-bags.
But no better way to reply to such a partisan media than a 7-1 scoreline. I pity Robinson, NOT.
HAHA
This week is gonna be so much sweeter.
COYG
Well, that was a lot better. Passing was a lot crisper. Le Coq looked very good. Song was back on song. Theo played well and the Ox even better. RvP’s finishing was just superb.
The Ox today took his league goal total from nil to having 66% of the amount of goals Andy Carroll has this season.
OOh a fine win and a new episode of Feelgood to boot! Cut of tea and and a read of that while Holic and the reserve team find their way to the Tollie…there’ll be some rubber-necking this afternoon I can tell you (0;
* CUP of tea you cretin!! Jeez
What a game… exactly what we needed. We showed more pace and hunger and despite what people may say, I believe we would’ve hit them for 6 (well 7) regardless of the sending off. Resting Ramsey and starting Rosicky had us looking vicious. Henry scoring was the icing on the cake…Oh and Oxlade-Chamberlain! What a player…
Let’s hope we continue to push on from here with renewed vigour and inventiveness.
UTA
Come to think of it, The Ox is just one goal away from Torres as well…
Rumour factory – Police raid Tollie 30 minutes after match, because it’s so quiet there
30 holics found sleeping in their black bags having given up any chance of getting home today
Frimpong carried off after (innocent) tackle by Barton
Well after we give 8th Ball his money back, I still think that we’ll end up with a nice little profit from today’s attendance – who remembers when we used to take joy from gate receipts? Those boo boys can’t!
I have so say just one word about this game: Ramsey.
Maybe I am a bit harsh on him, maybe it is not the right time after 7-1 victory, but that is what I feel. Sorry
I hope this was the last goal worthy of the Goal of the season that we concede.
WTF is it with us conceding spectacular free-kicks this season?
Anyhoo with Sagna back, lets build on this momentum and kick either spuds or chelski off the top four.
COYG.
This is what football should be all about — passing, movement, technical skills and scoring goals. If not quite art, at least with the aspirations of becoming one.
With Arteta controlling the pace of the game and covering space intelligently, the midfield looks excellent as it allows the creative side of Song to flourish without sacrificing the defense.
Other than the obvious candidates, Rosicky and Coquelin were exceptional today. TR7 needs one of these efforts to go in and then I think we will see some important goals from him.
Lurky it is indeed harsh considering he didn’t play!! I know what you are getting at but I think the difference today was the link play of the front three – especially the OX…what a player!! Don’t want to go overboard but I think that we have a very, very good player on our hands…how did Wenger managed NOT to fuck this one up? WENGER out!
Lurky Olivia, I really believe we have a proper player in Ramsey, but recent results, todays result included, really does suggest that until he reaches that level and well, of course, even after that, we need a squad of players available to produce when he isn’t. Rosicky really has looked sharper than him in the last few games, and should be the one to play at the moment. That will probably change, quite a few times, but as you suggest, Ramsey isn’t our in-form attacking midfielder at the moment. That’s not being harsh on him, just recognizing he isn’t the best option at the moment, but moments come and go quickly in football and I’m very glad to have him!
And oh, looks like we have used up the top flight goals today. One goal in 225 minutes of football played in the other games this far today.
Barton the fecking cunt, wish I could wring his whiny neck.
Wind: well you are in a better position to me to wring his fecking neck…and I would take care of you in jail you know that (0;
@ ‘holic
Haven’t read the drinks yet, but thank you for the music, as ABBA would say. TH needs to grow his hair and then he’ll have that 1970s soul crooner look down to a T.
Tears of joy and snap shots galore. This was a team win from a rip roaring start to a most glorious ending. AGAIN, my heart is bursting with pride and love for this team et al. Just a reminder, please start making your travel arrangements for Munich now. Tis a lovely place in the spring.
One point – Ramsey has created more goal chances than any other Arsenal player this season (46).
Not saying that he didn’t need the rest today, but can’t see anything more than that in it….
Random stat: only four teams have lost fewer home games in the league than we have, and only four teams have lost more away games.
Catalan, Ramsey plays in position in the team, where you should create most of the goal chances for your teammates. I like the boy, don’t get me wrong. But with Rosicky or the OX in the middle, our game is more fluid, and remindes me of the way Arsenal should play.
Lurky
I’ll choose to focus on the positives tonight 😉
Touch Weekends are always far more enjoyable after a win andca thumping one at that – Poor old Robo let’s hope we also smash his former team in a few weeks 🙂
Now for the egg chasers to smash our cousins from over the wall 😉
David Tickner from Sportinglife.com (he is a Spurs fan, keep in mind) had at guest spot @ the pools website and had this to say on winning the league. 3rd place would be splendid, ta. 4th place would do as long as Arsenal don’t do something stupid like win the Champion’s League. From the mouth of babes…
That game showed that good things happen when you stick away the chances.
Just a quick stop, got to write a match report for the Arsenal Sweden web site so no time yet to back-drink, but let me just say one thing:
I feel really sorry for anyone who can not enjoy such afternoons as this, CL qualification or not.
And I just want to say this before I start typing up my report:
IT’S BEHIND YOU, ROBBO!
Re: the Ramsey discussion. Song was noticeably playing farther forward today in Ramsey’s absence, and put in some telling through balls. I don’t know if that was an intended consequence, but it certainly contributed to the impact he had on the game. I also get the impression that we attack more up and down and square (i.e. along two axes at right angles) when Ramsey plays, but more diagonally when Rosicky is in the team, which may help Walcott and the Ox get behind defences. When you have two wingers doing that consistently, as opposed to one when Arshavin is on, it makes it much more difficult for defences to hold their shape.
OK, Great win. Why oh Why are people leaving when we are 6 1 up. These may be the same muppets that stay jeering when we are losing but cant stay to applaud the team when we win. They would have missed T’s goal too. Muppets
Blackburn Manager Steve Kean: “that wasn’t us out there today”…that’s great Steve…but who was it?
Great point NED…and with Rocisky we seem to have more bite in mid-field like CoR said earlier..
GT, CoR: Rosicky is giving ever more glimpses of the player he was in his pomp at Dortmund. He might be one of those players who thrives on being involved and at the heart of things. Arshavin, too, maybe. Neither is terribly good at being a bit part player. Also having Eisfeld, who idolizes him, arrive can’t be bad for Rosicky’ self-confidence.
NBN at 262, you are absolutely right. Also, Rosicky is not a dynamo as Ramsey is, but he runs WHEN needed, covers when needed, passes when needed, and has exeptional workrate just like Ramsey. He is 31 and was quite fresh at the end of the game. Ramsey is 10 years younger and is always exhausted at the end of the games, considering his endless, not quite clever runs in pockets of space.
It was obvious at some games this season, that, when we were chasing the result in the final stages of the games, there was no sign of Ramsey on the pitch.
He is perfect sub, when we need to close the game, and he scored amazing goal against Marseille when he came as a sub and was fresh.
Lurky: maybe Rocicky’s 10-years more experience has something to do with that? Also a year out flat on your ass with do that to anybody…fact is he’s doing great considering…he should get a rest now. Glad we have someone like Tomas to come in at this point of the season..
Wonderful win. Feeling very proud of our team and the fans. Just going to enjoy it.
A round on me for all in the bar.
Interesting that the Rosicky plaudits mainly relate to his Dortmund days and I think that’s appropriate. He’s never really delivered consistently at Arsenal. I used to think that when he AND Hleb played together we had one full contributor.
Very obviously, his 18 month spell groin problem wasted a great piece of his near-prime. It’s pleasing when he sparkles as he has in a couple of recent games, although he was a damp squib when he came on at Bolton in mid-week. I think we’ll see him go at the end of the season, so the better he plays now, the more likely we’ll squeeze an extra million in the summer.
I think time will show that Aaron Ramsey will contribute infinitely more to Arsenal. His 24 – 28 year prime years are still to come and he’s already right up there. It please me that Manure paid 24M for Carrick nd Arsene nipped Aaron for 6 M. Only one AW.
GT, that is what I say, he needs a rest. To calm down, analyse and imrove some aspects of his game. I feel that he is overplayed and Arsene need to rest him, not just physicaly, but more important psychicaly.
great result that was,just what the goal difference needed too.
Fantastic day!
Brilliant football from everyone in the team
I was most impressed today with Theo, Ox, Coq and Rosicky
Theo had his best game in weeks
Ox looks a player folks, hold on to your seats
Coq was fucking excellent
Rosicky, his usual energetic self. He needs one of his efforts to go in
RVP – What a player! Words don’t do justice
NBN
The early leavers are probably not only the ones who moan the most, they’re probably the twats who “ole” during the match.
Le Coq – he’s already there, but I get the feeling we’re going to see a lot more of him. Some nice footwork in the area today.
Rosicky – all covered above, but it is good to see him coming back to his best, and a good point by Lurky about his more intelligent running. Comes with experience – we’ll have no worries with Aaron.
Ox – meh. 😉
Just thought;
Jammathon – not a bad Emirates debut for you today! Worth freezing your nuts off?
BtM
– tell me about Eissfeld (spelling?) – did you see a report of the the reserve match??
Catalan, if you want to see Eisfield,
http://redlondon.wordpress.com/2012/02/03/exclusive-video-watch-thomas-eisfield-in-action-for-the-first-time-against-swansea-reserves/
He made decent first half, and was subbed with some kind of injury or fatique…
excellent – cheers Lurky!!
Great to watch a match without biting my nails to the core.
Hard to gauge the Rosicky vs. Ramsey conversation based on today’s match but it seems to me that Rosicky is a little more direct…the ball gets on his foot and it’s forward before you know it. Plus, it seems his pace is back to where it was three years ago.
Ramsey still needs a full season under his belt after his injury to realize his true quality. In all sports, players who come back from a horrific injuries just don’t bounce back right away….there are flashes but not consistency. I expect Jack to have a “Ramsey” season next year.
After 60 minutes, I thought RVP should have been pulled. The match was done and dusted and with three tough games (assuming he’s in for the FA Cup) in the next two weeks I thought it would have been a good idea to take him off in case one of those mugs clipped him like in the first half. We’re only going to go as far as he can take us so please be judicious with him, Arsene.
When Gerv is back the Prof has to keep the Ox on somehow….he will push Theo quite hard for the first eleven assuming he stays on the wing.
No talk about fourth for me until we win three PL games in a row. Glad to be back in the black with three points.
My name is Eboue @ 232, I’d be less surprised if you weren’t on the money mate, Hansen is just such a bitter cunt, unable to let go of Anfield ’89, the fool. Lawrenson moved on alright didn’t he?? And the most laughable thing is that is 7-1 victory completely cancels out our 8-2 loss to Man United, and he won’t be able to see it 😀 😆
GT @ 251, aww, of course I know you would! Thanks buddy 😉
Gedo @ 279, on RvP, I agree, I was quite annoyed when my mate told me around 12:30 in the afternoon that he was starting, I expected that Park would be in the running for a 1st PL start especially as Robin had played and started 3 games in 7 days but it all turned out for the best, as if Park had come on we wouldn’t of won 7-1 (We still would of won obviously) and Henry wouldn’t have scored in 228th goal for Arsenal today. I love the Captain for his selflessness in the assist for the 7th, what a beautiful man 🙂
Fuck me – is it any wonder we have black scarf “movements” when after a 7 goal romp, some still find time to crticise a player who didn’t even get stripped?
He’s twenty years old, coming back from a very serious leg break and has played more games than he should have this season…..
A day in the life……….
The night before, a decision had to be made – sacrifice sleep for the pleasure of following tabs making mincemeat of some Doomer in the ‘Holic bar, or get some shut-eye, knowing that a trip to the Grove would require more physical stamina, and bladder control, than your average Saturday?
I elected for sleep and spent about 4 and a half fitful hours waiting on my alarm to go off.
Ten minutes before said alarm call was due, I sat bolt upright, enduring a flashback from December 2010, when a shitload of snow prevented me from getting into the air. Then, Arsenal had me down as a no-show, long before the lame idea of bin-liners gave an orgasm to a snotty nosed internet warrior. This time, Roxette stirred beside me, sleepily asked if I was the Jolly Roger, and then figuratively moved aside and left me to the only two certainties in life – delays and taxis!
My panic was unfounded, as roads and runways were clear, and before I knew it, I was watching the sun rise and arc over the London skyline. Substantial snow was forecast, so, being Scottish, I brought a spare T shirt – and despite having rehearsed seven different adjectives to describe a blizzard, and surrendering to the wearing of gloves, the extra T shirt would stay intact in the rucksack.
Goonerholic had energised me with the most excellent news that the Tollington Arms would be open a full 60 minutes earlier than anticipated, and I set off from Heathrow on the Picadilly line intent on showing some soft Southerners how to flex the liver. Of course, I failed. The hardcore were already on their first Guinness when I sauntered into the bar at 10:14am…….tabs and Holic in situ to vouch that Arthur was on song. I was powerless to resist. (Of course).
Holic left soon after to rub shoulders with some power-brokers ( i.e. bookies to you and me), leaving tabs and I to discuss all things Arsenal and wait on the Black Scarf movement to front up for a fight. (They didn’t). Trev and AL turned up later, and by text, we learned that Steve T, surprisingly, couldn’t make progress across town other than through the Central Line (the cynical amongst us assumed he would give us a “wide” berth). 5 pints later, and with a hearty “good luck” text from the Professor en-route, , we were off to the Emirates. I barely had time to find my seat in the Clock End when Theo cut back and Robin managed in a minute that which we hadn’t colletively over 90 minutes during the week. Others have described better than me what happened next – so I won’t dwell on it – other than to say , we were impressive throughout and it’s hard not to get excited about the future when you see the emerging talents of Coquelin and Oxlade-Chamberlain. A shout is deserved forTheo too, who played very well and put his critics (including me) back in the box.
(The only other thing I will say about the game is, “what goes on in the mind of Arsene Wenger?” He has won three more Premier League titles than me, but I cannot understand why, having scored a hat trick, with the game patently won, with lots of games to come, and obviously risking injury, AW did not sub RvP in that game. Complete madness in my opinion).
Back at the Tollington, the Guinness continued to find its way from bar to belly and old friends came and went (nice to see you Snowman, Ollie and C**t from Potters Bar). And soon after, amongst them, Steve T duly turned up, and it turns out, he’s not a wide boy after all! It was a wrench to have to leave at 4:45, but with Holic predicting a white out and Roxette expecting me on my best behviour on return, I sauntered back toward Finsbury Park tube station. The forecasted crowd management in the area was non existent but then, there was no crowd – surprisingly I walked straight on to a train! For the next hour I had to play solo Mornington Crescent to keep my mind off flushing toilets, and I had just started to take on a purple hue when we pulled into Terminal 5. Within 15 minutes though, I was airside, refreshed and snuggled up with a rum and coke.
The flight was called and duly boarded on time. But flights out of Heathrow being what they are, it took as long to clear the airfield as it did to fly back to Edinburgh. This of course meant that I missed my connecting train to Edinburgh thus compelling me to spend another hour with Captain Morgan, which is where I am now.
Estimated time of arrival back in the Kingdom is now 10:40pm, having left at 5am this morning. But I now feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Who’s that team they call the Arsenal?
Yes! Famous at last.
Good to see the ‘Holics out in force today.
CFPB
Now. That is the report I was waiting for! Excellent work Dr Z!
You were famous long before tonight. CFPB 😉
Zico @ 282, hear hear!
@ 283, now that’s a proper match-day experience, well in ‘Scotty’ 😉
What, Steve T’s not a wide boy? Well I never did.
Excellent stuff, Dr Z!. A great rendition of an excellent day. May I recommend a “copy and paste” after The Guvnor has posted tonight/tomorrow? No one should miss this one and some may not think to drop into the preview drinks after there’s a spanking new edition of Holic to pour over.
Return safely to The Kingdom. See you soon.
I knew Steve T wasn’t a wide boy! I just knew it 🙂
Cheers BtM,
keep me posted on your time-lord travels 😉
And in?
Tuning in to MotD, surprised to see us on first with the BBC’s unhealthy obsession with Man City 🙂
Ahh, the Ox’s dance moves = awesome 😀
And I’m sorry, but van Persie’s smile is infectious 🙂
Him and Henry hugging made my day.
Wind winding up the wing. He’s unmarked. A diagonal pass from mid-field.
See, I said it!
No show Hansen, he got the sweats thinking about having no choice but to praise Arsenal, and substituted Lawrenson in his place! 😆
Good stuff, zico!
Collects the ball from BtM, skins like the Ox, roulette round the DM, looks up to play it to..
and Hurst with the ball… some people are on the pitch…
The Rocket!
And its the Hat-Trick!!!
Wheels off in mad celebration, turns around to point to the Dutch Master, and bows in his direction of acknowledgement of his technical acumen.
3 of the best, he also turns to thank the assister, remembering that the Ox(on) 😉 was indeed fed, and helped someone to score 🙂
I flipped over to Match of the Day on a MyP2P stream and before you could say “Joel Campbell” Wind was in there like a hurricane.
Well in Wind at 300, it almost looked like the most difficult part was avoiding the self-assist but you did it with aplomb! It was a good day for almost everyone in the HT fantasy league, assured by the RVP hat trick which benefitted just about every entry excepting Arthur and TS who inexplicably had somebody else as their captain. 🙁
For those of a Stateside persuasion, you may wonder “What the hell is match of the day?”
It has classic status and before the days of streams and wall-to-wall football was the only way to see how Saturday’s game went.
It’s famous now for Hee-Haw Hansen and his anti-Arsenal vitriol. But still definitely worth a watch. Check it out via MyP2P peeps. You won’t be disappointed. On now. Our game over though.
Sign him up! I think that we’ve found our cover for RvP..and I think he’d come cheap..I can see it now: “Ox on the ball hangs a beautiful chip to the far post..WIND…oh my God what a wonderful volly..that’s his hattrick..”
BtM @ 303, I finally feel worthy of the ‘Hurricane’ moniker, many thanks 🙂 I had the same idea about MotD on a stream, but I was able to watch the 7-1 highlights with my Dad, who doesn’t support Arsenal, but enjoys how they play.
bt8b @ 304, thanks mate, but what do you expect in an Arsenal Fantasy Football League 😛
I think you’re right GT @ 306, it would be a dream to play with the same name Ox and the Captain and the King of Highbury, and then after the match in the media area, I could hang about and listen to Wenger lauding my ‘Super Quality’ with a shit-eating grin on my face 😀
Well in, Wind.
BtM: you are right that Rosicky’s best days are behind him but Ramsey’s are yet to come.
Thanks NBN 🙂
Same old boring stuff.
This might be interesting
http://football-talk.co.uk/59188/video-coquelin-vs-afobe-at-football-tennis-in-the-afc-changing-rooms/
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/Theo-Walcott-on-verge-of-signing-on-at-Arsenal-to-disappoint-Liverpool-article861395.html
To be honest I care more about Song’s contract than Theo’s…
And of course RvP…
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Arsenal-Arsene-Wenger-set-to-make-Steve-Bould-new-assistant-manager-article861369.html
I wonder what would happen if we have defensive problems with him as #2…
Will be people be saying a defensive coach is needed? I think they will.
It’s like Zico said… If people can’t be happy with a 7-1 victory and go on about bashing a player who didn’t even play then no wonder we got people moaning at every opportunity…
Literraaly 1000s of black bag today the real winner is the protester.
Manucity protestors also doing good job of empty seat
Is Bendtner eligible to play against us in the league and/or in the FA Cup? I hope not because you know what will probably happen if he can play. By the way, has his absence made anybody think we could use him again? I’ve seen games when we could have used him.
8ball.
He can’t.
Let’s try to be honest with ourselves.
Walcott looked quite a player today, didn’t he? I wonder why. Maybe because there wasn’t proper LB at Blackburn. Not sure. He made Bolton and Wolves LB’s to look world class.
Maybe because they were left to 10 men. Not quite. He made the same runs and assists before Givet was sent off.
Maybe because the balls he got were ACCURATE, and on time. Yes
Our game was fluid, everyone knew his place. When Song was emerging forward, Rosicky was behind. Same with Arteta.
In the Bolton game, I am sure that some of you noticed, Arteta was quite frustrated with the movement of his midfield companions, guess of who the most. He was waving hands, showing where his partner should be on the pitch. We lost 2 points on that game.
We won 7-1 today.
The same team, (with only one noticable exception) that was lacking ideas at Bolton, that was overplayed at Swansea, etc, won 7-1 today.
And you talk about bashing players. Where is Denilson today, may I ask you? And why is he there.
I am not bashing anyone.
I just want the best for my football club, because I love the Arsenal as much as you do. If some player we all like doesn’t preform, I say rest him today, he’ll be better tommorow.
What I don’t understand is why was Ramsey played so stubornly, when things were not going his way, an more importantly, our way this whole month. As I sad in preview drinks for the Bolton game, what Ramsey can do, that Rosicky or Ox cannot.
IMO of course, cheers
Re: Dr. Z @283, It sounds like a magnificent day and thank you for the great report. 🙂
Reports coming in that a white haired gentleman with a card saying “Wake Me Up at Swindon” has been observed sitting sound asleep with a very contented smile on his face and a nearly full glass of guinness perched neatly on his knee with scarcely a drop spilled.
Not likely that we’ll be seeing a post from Number 55 tonight.
I hope you irresponsible holics who kept feeding Guinni down the Governor’s neck at the Tollie are thoroughly ashamed of yourself. Now we’ll have to wait not only for him to find his way home from ‘bumfuckattheendoftheline’ but also until he sobers up (or whichever comes first)…ah well I better start surfing the Sunday papers online hmph..
This is the Governor’s message to the people via twitter 🙂
‘holics, the match report is delayed until some time Sunday, and may involve Irish Gunners, sleeping, and Bristol. Sleep tight.
Lurky Olivia who killed your cat today? Was it poor Aaron? That nasty little Welsh git? Lets find him and skin him alive the bum…
Snir: he ended up in Bristol? Ha!
Classic ‘Holic 😀
And in my opinion, Snowy made it difficult for lots of people to get home tonight 😛
Barman, A Bristol cream sherry, please. 😉
On deep reflection, I think I could stand to do this 7-1 thing on a weekly basis. 😀
Saw this quote elsewhere and thought it appropriate to share:
” It is not easy anywhere nowadays, but with the media and the opinions of everybody we live in a constant drama. But it is not like that. Football is a happy moment where people come together to watch the team they love. We have to stop making a drama of everything. There are much more dreadful things in life than that. We have to keep focused on the fact that we have a fantastic opportunity to play football and we want to focus on that with happy minds, not always to be in a drama..”
~ Arsene Wenger
‘Holic: if anyone deserves the time to take the long perspective and a restorative glass of the black stuff, it is you. Sleep on until the muse awakes you. Meanwhile, there are quite sufficient mischief makers in the bar to keep ourselves amused.
Bt8b@325: you make my point exactly, you mischievous boy.
GT@321: now, don’t be Welshist, or the Taffia will get you…
lurky: see my @262. Playing two wide who we get in behind the defenders makes us much more potent.
NED I tried reason with Lurky Olivia and she wouldn’t budge so I thought I’d try irony and she went to bed…so I guessed it worked. Welshist?? My name is Williams how could I be?
12:55 AM Jamaica Time and I am still not tired…but I have to go to bed because I want to be fully awake to boo the spuds, chavs and the geordies later..nighty night..
wonder what the thoghts are of OX and Gervhino playing wide and theo coming on around the 68th minute when the legs begin to tire for defenders?good to see Theo have a good come back performance and good to see places are going to have to be fought over can only be good for The Arsenal.
Whilst the degree of personal abuse heaped on individuals from all walks of life is a sad commentary on the current social media landscape, surely there is a space between the extremes of “he’s fuckin’ useless” through “he’s only 20, coming back from a serious injury so no criticism at all allowed” to offer opinions on Aaron Ramsey.
Mine is that he is not well suited to the role he has recently been asked to fill. My truth is that his first touch is just not good enough for this position and his often subsequent struggle (even momentarily) for control of the ball then impacts on his decision making wherein he is often forced to play backwards or sideways to get out of trouble rather than quickly get his head up looking forward. This loses us directness or momentum or both.
Experience and coaching will help with decision making but technique is much harder to train – the best creative players usually have it naturally from a young age or they don’t. Think Liam Brady, Charlie George, Alan Hudson, Denis Bergkamp, Cesc Fabregas, maybe Jack Wilshere.
When Wilshere is fit again a new deeper, forward-facing role beckons for Aaron where his lack of technique will not hinder him in the same way as now. Added to his obvious attributes of enthusiasm, attitude and a great motor I believe we will then see the best of him. Time and patience required.
Up the Arse.
I did make the call on holic wounded up in Bristol early yesterday :s
He lives in Swindon, he lives in Swindooooon, his train goes to Bristol, he lives in Swindon
You should have worn your sign, you should have worn your sign…
Poor ‘holic 🙁 I hope there were still train going back and the management was lenient.
Both zico and I blameless 😉
Anyway great day out with some top ‘holics. (‘holics outlasting bloggers who went for a non-black stuff diet)
Good to meet you Steve T
Eurostar back was only a couple minutes late, no snow in Paris.
Well that was last night because looking out there is clearly snow now
It’s snowing in the Var
I hope ‘holic was not wounded too seriously in Bristol, or was it just a bad head.
Noosa Gooner a lot of good points but I think alot of the problems with Rambo is he always works to make himself available which means he often recieves the ball as a the only available option meaning that he is not in the ideal position to distribute so he has to turn on himself to open passing oppurtunities.
As for Theo ,he put alot more effort in as he is out of the comfort zone with the rip roaring arrival of the Ox and hard working Gervinho soon on the way back.I didn’t notice him gently trotting once and only once he didn’t run down a ball he should of.
Just a bad head I believe, and me changing formulation in the middle of the sentence hence it looking a bit muddled up.
wheeling and dealing in middlesex
Deal of the week
• £27m: Public money now committed to keeping Spurs in Tottenham – £9m from Haringey council, plus £18m from London’s riot-recovery fund. • £2.7bn: Tax-exile Spurs owner Joe Lewis’s fortune, partly from currency trades in 1992 which helped push the pound out of the ERM and cost the Treasury £3.3bn. Spurs, controlled by offshore Enic, are “delighted by the mayor and the council … We always said we could only invest in this area if our commitment was supported by others.”
1 Jan: Harry Redknapp: “It’s extremely unlikely we will be doing any business in this window. I’ll stick with what I have.” Deadline: Signs Louis Saha, Ryan Nelsen; makes loan bid for Mauro Zárate, Marseille claim an “enormous” bid for Loïc Rémy; sells Roman Pavlyuchenko; loans out Sébastien Bassong, Stephen Pienaar, John Bostock and Vedran Corluka.
Morning Ollie – we’ve even got 10cm of snow outside here
It was a wonderful feeling to see the team performing as we know it can, but lets temper the result by the quality of the opposition.
This meant that Theo was allowed to play with freedom that he very rarely gets when the lone runner. However , with the Ox on the other wing, the defences are a lot more stretched, and it was interesting to see the chaos that each of them caused when they turned towards the middle .A good example was Theo coming in and finding Ox for his second.
Arteta staying deep meant that Song was allowed to roam more, and is this why the side looks more stable than with Rambo in deep. Of course I feel that Arteta has more vision than Rambo ( maybe this will come for Rambo with more experience).
The late substitute (TH) seems to have some potential to score goals, though I do wonder if he put RVP off scoring a 4th
These major complaints do make me wonder how committed I am to the Arsenal, but I guess , like the rest of you , I’ll just have to suffer the good days with the bad
Great performance, great result which will do wonders for the team’s confidence and also help our sadly pathetic goal difference.
One contributing factor to great performances from The Ox and Theo especially was the amount of space they were allowed by the Blackburn defence but no matter they both hand terrific games. It also illustrates the need for Theo to be given quick ball, in space so that he can use his pace. The Ox is quite obviously an outstanding talent but we mustn’t expect too much and heap too much pressure upon him.
A word too for Coquelin, playing out of position again – another outstanding talent who always works his socks off. One day he’ll be another Arsenal great!
Great all round team performance, a few mistakes and it was ‘Only ten man Blackburn’ but this takes nothing away from our lads.
Onwards and upwards!
True cognac, butf the opposition beat Man U at Old Trafford not that long ago (yes they were dire yesterday), so you can only beat what’s put in front of you on the day.
Massive heh to your conclusion 😀
Still, we need to find consistency now.
Only about 3cm of snow here I’d say.
And indeed Dumpling. I wonder if a ‘Stand up, if you love Le Coq’ chant would work though.
Morning all.
A 7 – 1 massacre of the chicken men. Feathers everywhere but not a drumstick in sight. See what happens when we play with width on both flanks. 🙂
Then followed several ales in the Tollie and a chance at long last to meet some fellow holics along with the guvnor himself. It was a pleasure sharing time and beer with you all. Great write up above zico. Glad you home safely. I hope all the others with journeys did likewise.
Just one point before the match report appears. We were 6-1 up and with 30 to play. Like Zico I have absolutely no idea why RVP stayed on the pitch. Equally as baffling was the fact that Park remained on the bench. Now, if he can’t get a game under those circumstances then you have to ask, why is he here? I am confident that I could have played the last half hour having replaced RVP and we would not have lost the game? Surely, if he is in the squad then he deserves the odd run out? If not then stick a kid on the bench.
WagNer out.
WagNer out
WagNer out
😉
Wenger had this to say about not subbing the Captain:
“Alex Chamberlain played three games for the first time in his career. He had a stiff neck at half-time, so I did not want to take a gamble with him. Then we had a problem with Koscielny, and I wanted to give some playing time to Benayoun.”
Seems fair enough.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Guys
I get your various points about Rambo, and they’re all valid. I just don’t get why we are talking about it today, when he didn’t play.
Celebrate a good game by Rosicky by all means, but why try to find a negative slant on it?
Let’s enjoy the performance – for once we can 🙂