Goonerholic: Eat, Sleep, Breathe, Drink, Arsenal

Ebook Review – Best Xl Arsenal

Feb 29th, 2012 by 'holic

So how many of you remember when I posted about my best ever Arsenal side? Now come on, admit it, you have all done it, probably more than once over the years. It’s a great way of recalling happy memories.

Take that a stage further, and have a best Gunners X1 selected by a panel of notable Gooners, and you have a truly worthwhile read for those miserable midweek interlulls. Yes, like now!

Journalists Damian Hall and Luke Nicoli got together with Kevin Whitcher, of The Gooner fanzine fame, and the daddy of Arsenal bloggers, Mr Arseblog himself, to hammer out their selection, and produce a compelling read on their chosen players.

There is a brief introduction to the process which suggests, and I agree, that the first half dozen names probably pick themselves. Ask a thousand people to pick the other five and you will struggle to find a handful who would agree. I won’t spoil the read for you, but I was pretty impressed in fact the book and I were in accord on eight out of the eleven.

The beauty of the book is in the chapters about the individual players. Good books recreate atmospheres, tease out deeply hidden memories of the years gone by. This is no different. Those who, like me, have Arsenal supporting fathers (or grandfathers for most of you) are also catered for as a trio of stars I have heard so much about are included from the days of Chapman.

If you are looking for a really good Arsenal read, at a paltry £2.99, then click on the Amazon link in the side bar, and snap up your eBook from the Kindle store today. Don’t worry if you haven’t got a Kindle, just download the free app for your Mac, pc, iPad, or smartphone and you have access to a great few hours of reading.

Arsenal v Newcastle United Tickets

Thank you all who entered the competition to win a pair of tickets to our home game with Newcastle next Monday week. I was pleasantly surprised at the response for a televised evening game.

Congratulations are in order for Will Rowland, from London, who correctly identified Theo Walcott and our good friends and neighbours as the correct answers.

Thanks also to Arsenal partner Indesit for providing the tickets. Please do keep in touch with the Indesit Genuine Football Fan website for details of further competitions and lots, lots more.

Posted in book reviews | 321 Drinks

321 Responses to “Ebook Review – Best Xl Arsenal”

on 29 Feb 2012 at 9:27 pm1Bearded Gooner

Get in!
on 29 Feb 2012 at 9:28 pm2And Lester

Blimey – he’s here, he’s there he’s every blinkin’ where Gooner ‘h, Gooner ‘h
on 29 Feb 2012 at 9:30 pm3Holloway2Holland

Well in Bearded.
on 29 Feb 2012 at 9:33 pm4Lonestar Gooner

Champion’s League qualifier!
on 29 Feb 2012 at 9:33 pm5Bearded Gooner

Thanks H2H. It helped that I was lurking\basking in the glow of the 5 centuries put up in the previous post by the hard working Holics when the call that a new post was up came in.
on 29 Feb 2012 at 9:38 pm6And Lester

sounds like a good read ‘holic – cheers
on 29 Feb 2012 at 9:40 pm7Holloway2Holland

What AL said.
on 29 Feb 2012 at 9:46 pm8Ollie

Another ‘fake’ post but with drinks again?

Most confused,

I shall re-post then:

‘Adebayor, what’s the score?
Adebayor, what’s the score?

Enjoyed that.
Is the interlull over yet?’
on 29 Feb 2012 at 9:46 pm9zicoinexile

Ah something to put on my kindle bookshelf, for my next airport delay.

Off to Whispernet I go then.

Just finished watching the first half of Sunday’s game again – apart from his flick from which Robin hit the post, Theo really did have a first half stinker. I have been one of his critics this season, but for him to put that behind him and score 2 and be a few inches away from a hat trick, suggests that the lad may have mental strength after all.

Theo, takeabowson. 😀
on 29 Feb 2012 at 9:51 pm10zicoinexile

Right, virtual expensive hot dog and fizzy beer consumed, off for the second half.

tabs, if you get to the virtual Tollie before me, mines a virtual guinness 8)
on 29 Feb 2012 at 9:55 pm11Thetruth

Some cunt wrote ‘Mong’ on my windows.

Fucking ages it took to lick it off.

(Editors note. The site cunt detector may have amended the content of this post. Who ya gonna call?)
on 29 Feb 2012 at 9:57 pm12Holloway2Holland

Someone needs to be deleted sharpish.
on 29 Feb 2012 at 10:01 pm13takeabowson

Sounds a good read Holic .

There will be one waiting for you Dr Z . Enjoy the second half . 🙂

Dutch manager seems a decent sort .
on 29 Feb 2012 at 10:02 pm14takeabowson

Seconded H2H .
on 29 Feb 2012 at 10:10 pm15And Lester

Pathetic – total cock – my money’s on an idiot, still sulking, s***s fukwit
on 29 Feb 2012 at 10:11 pm16Ollie

Well I’m glad Adebayor didn’t answer the question, otherwise, that may have spoilt zico’s viewing of the second half! 🙂

Now he can enjoy it as much as I did.

VHS still has its use! 🙂
on 29 Feb 2012 at 10:11 pm17Ollie

You knows it, AL.
on 29 Feb 2012 at 10:15 pm18Andy Goram

Folks, why deleted? He`s quite harmless really. He clearly believes death is the worst that can happen to a man, and he is just quite far from the truth… (:
on 29 Feb 2012 at 10:19 pm19behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Re: Ollie in previous drinks. Madrid means beer and tapas and not much else to me. What’s not to like? 😉
on 29 Feb 2012 at 10:23 pm20Bearded Gooner

Who’s Ramsy?
on 29 Feb 2012 at 10:23 pm21Andy Goram

But do you have a say in that, Andy Goram?
on 29 Feb 2012 at 10:24 pm22Wind

I thought it had boiled down after the Twitter abuse, makes me feel sick how someone could so callously wish death upon anyone who doesn’t deserve it, whilst showing such blatant disregard to the recently departed.

Fuck off TheTruth, more like TheTwat >:O
on 29 Feb 2012 at 10:25 pm23BMBDGoram

Amen, Cousin Goram.

“Everyman dies, but not everyman truly lives” or something like that.

The poor little miscreant above surely has never lived. There are fates much worse than death. I hope he meets one of those.
on 29 Feb 2012 at 10:25 pm24Ollie

bt8 : Madrid means work, no fun, madness, nonsense and a lot of incompetent people shouting.
on 29 Feb 2012 at 10:25 pm25Ollie

It’s also full of people who don’t speak English, and not necessarily just because they can’t
on 29 Feb 2012 at 10:31 pm26Wind

And I have to say, Lansbury and Campbell’s goals give me hope for the near future, top quality shots from both lads 🙂

Well in Bearded on the First 😉

Nice ‘Pass’ Snir for the last Century 😛

I only watched the last 10 minutes or so of the England vs Holland game, wasn’t that interested since RvP was nowhere to be seen but Theo’s appearance whetted my appetite, bizarre goal from Cahill, poor but understandably difficult call for the lino to make, the 2nd by Young was a great team goal, similar to our 1st on Sunday, not giving up on the attack 🙂 But Robben, well if you let him get the ball in whatsoever space on the right side of the final third, be prepared for the consquences. Nice comeback from England, but they didn’t deserve to win it, hardly deserved a draw either.

And Parker falling on his face, 😆
on 29 Feb 2012 at 10:31 pm27And Lester

just checked out ‘holic’s all time Arsenal 11 – hard to argue with much of that. But up the right side i’d go for Rocky (no sentiment involved) the boy had the lot – pace, power, work-rate and he scored some cracking goals.
And a bit more controversially – the best right-back i saw play live for The Arse – Viv Anderson. I know, I know.He was only with us a season or two before the traitor sloped orf to one of the Mancs for more money (not much change out of a tenner there then) – but boy was he good while he lasted – galloping up the right side etc. Oh, and i’d go for the cultured Kenny Sansom at LB. It was said he never made a tackle ‘cos he never had to. And maybes RVP is pushing for a place in the all time side now?!?
on 29 Feb 2012 at 10:55 pm28zicoinexile

Well that was good.

Parker is a gob shite. Official.

Beers are on me – to celebrate the end of the interlull.
on 29 Feb 2012 at 10:57 pm29behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Ollie. I’m starting to get the picture but my experience of the incompetent people shouting was mostly inside one bar or another. Beer and tapas must be some consolation???
on 29 Feb 2012 at 10:58 pm30North Bank Ned

AL@27: what a choice of a manager to have to make: whether to drop DB10 or TH14 for RvP. Would almost be tempted to play an old school 2-3-5 formation. With that attacking talent wouldn’t need much by way of a defence.

‘Holic: I know it is hard to compare the players from the really old days with those in the modern game, but Jack Kelsey would be a legitimate candidate for going in goals for your all-time team. (There is another interlull-killer idea, best pre-EPL era team, and best pre-end of maximum wage era team. There are enough geezers and geezers-in-training in the bar for a lively conversation. You might even get a ‘Holic ebook out of it.)

Trev@428 previous: Wikipedia claims that the longest word to have been published is:

Lopadotemachoselachogalekranioleipsanodrimhypotrimmatosilphioparaomeltkatakechymenkichlepikossyphophotopersisteralektryonoptkephalliokigklopeleiolagoiosiraiobathetraganopterygon, which as I am sure you will recognize, is a transliteration of the Ancient Greek word λοπαδοτεμαχοσελαχογαλεοκρανιολειψανοδριμυποτριμματοσιλφιοκαραβομελιτοκατακεχυμενοκιχλεπικοσσυφοφαττοπεριστεραλεκτρυονοπτοκεφαλλιοκιγκλοπελειολαγῳοσιραιοβαφητραγανοπτερύγων.

It is a fictional dish mentioned in Aristophanes’ comedy Assemblywomen, combining 16 sweet and sour ingredients including rotted dogfish.

Google it yourself if you want to find out the rest. Except you can’t as it such a long a word, even Google chokes on it.

I am now done with cutting and pasting.

AL@432 previous: The playing close season is probably IG’s open season. That is when the transfer business gets done. Oh! Perhaps he has been taking his holidays then…

Tabs@449 previous: You have pictures?

SG@526 previous: So EU health and safety rules to prevent 18-21 year olds being overplayed, like child labour laws?

Back drinking and traversing drinks is thirst making work. A round for all in the bar…
on 29 Feb 2012 at 11:01 pm31behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

The magic of DVR means I’ll be able to see the Liverpool match late Tuesday night when I get back in town. Will it be possible to avoid finding out the score until then though. I’m afraid I just lack the necessary mental strength and discipline. 🙁
on 29 Feb 2012 at 11:02 pm32takeabowson

Sadly not Ned 🙂
on 29 Feb 2012 at 11:06 pm33behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Has anyone mentioned Italy 0 USA 1 yet, along with all that jazz about Italy never having lost in Genoa before? There is a fresh if unconfirmed rumor that England tried to annex Texas to get Clint Dempsey into the team but Lonestar Gooner commanded a fleet of battleships at the mouth of Galveston Bay and drove out the invaders.
on 29 Feb 2012 at 11:08 pm34Lonestar Gooner

Well done, Ned.

That was a Herculean effort.

BMBD
on 29 Feb 2012 at 11:12 pm35Lonestar Gooner

8ball @ 33 –

Damn straight I did! We’ve seen the Brits sniffing about, and had enough of them scooping up our home-grown talent.

Damned furriner interlopers.

We’re gonna keep our boys and start our own, no wait…

BMBD
on 29 Feb 2012 at 11:17 pm36Snir Geuli

Ollie – When are you in Madrid?
on 29 Feb 2012 at 11:25 pm37And Lester

NBN@30 – oh gawd not this again – i have 2 words for you – Dick Law – an ancient dictate i believe IG invokes so that he can get time orf at any point – be it the close season or not…

By the way – like the sound of your 2-3-5 formation – my 5 would be His Highness Henry Two-Times, God, Son-of-god/RVP, the peerless Pires and Rocky 1

Or how about a 3-2-5 – Herbert Chapman’s revolutionary WM formation – with Winterburn and Merson getting a start somewhere!??!
on 29 Feb 2012 at 11:37 pm38And Lester

Bob Wilson

Chris White —— Willy Young/Martin Keown———Nigel Winterburn

—Marc overmars—— Manu Petit—Michael Thomas——Martin Hayes

————————Paul Merson/Malcolm Macdonald————–

Manager Arsene Wenger

Herbert Chapman’s WM formation updated – right i’m orf to get a life/beer
on 01 Mar 2012 at 12:15 am39And Lester

Right – think i may have managed to bore everybody out of the bar – a triumph of sorts

Over to the nightshift!
on 01 Mar 2012 at 12:30 am40Trev

Wright
Djourou – Stepanovs – Cesar – Traore
McGoldrick – Johnston – Hillier – Helder
Hornsby – Chapman

I thank you, G’night. 😉
on 01 Mar 2012 at 12:32 am41Trev

@33 – does The US of A really have a soccer team ? 😉
on 01 Mar 2012 at 12:50 am42behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Heh Trev, They may not all be as good as the great Mia Hamm but at least they try hard, unlike some I could mention. 😉
on 01 Mar 2012 at 1:10 am43True Storey

Trev @ #40, I’ll try and raise that Herculean effort with my own personal ‘faves’…..

Barnett

Batson-Squillaci-Sylvestre-Traore

Marinello-Denilson-Powling-Bischoff

Aliadiere-Bentley

A team with more than enough talent to thrash an average Isthmian League side on any given Sunday.

We’ve never had it so good….

With all due respect, etc., etc.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 1:17 am44West Upper

Trev @41 that’s a side to wet the appetite, maybe Cygan for Djourou but hard to fault your judgement..
on 01 Mar 2012 at 1:19 am45West Upper

TS I’d forgotten Bischoff, a truly remarkable signing….
on 01 Mar 2012 at 1:26 am46True Storey

8ball

Did you witness Tarore’s smile as he walked off the pitch after ‘that game’ at The Old Toilet with not a care in the world?

How Le Boss got QPR to pay us actual money for him was a work of true genius.

A drink of your choice sir.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 2:37 am47iLonestar Gooner

Trev @ 41 –

I guess the Italians were beaten by Wales masquerading as Americans! 😛

BMBD
on 01 Mar 2012 at 3:01 am48behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

TS, I can’t pass up an offer like that. 🙂 Glenmorangie please barman, and that should put me to bed a happy man.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 4:06 am49behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Did anybody notice who got a massive 87 point bulge last week in the FFL HT League? Not me, that’s for sure. 😉
on 01 Mar 2012 at 4:24 am50North Bank Ned

WU@45: I think Arsenal forgot Bischoff, too.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 4:31 am51North Bank Ned

LG: shouldn’t Texas have its own national team, recognized by Fifa, like other unrecognized states and autonomous or autonomy-seeking regions such as Catalonia?
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:39 am52nz gooner

Cheers holic like the subuteo figure many hours past in our family playing we even had a league running at one stage.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:34 am53And Lester

Trev and TS truly a coupla sides built to erm – entertain, and no place Almunia – we must be blessed in that department
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:43 am54And Lester

Neat footwork @ 11 Guv’nor
on 01 Mar 2012 at 7:42 am55Wind

Indeed AL, his eye is still sharp, his USB Mouse still responsive 😉
on 01 Mar 2012 at 7:45 am56zicoinexile

The scene : Emirates Stadium

Harry Redknapp sits with the look and embodiment of extreme disgruntlement. He has already complained to Tubby Dowd and everyone within 10 yards of his technical area about the joker behind him and the things he’s been shouting out to him. It is none other than Dr Feelgood:

Feelgood : “Oi Harry? OK, I’ve got the dog. What next?”

Twitch : “Fack off.”

Feelgood : “I was thinking about calling him Dozey, err…..52 – would that work?

Twitch : “Facking facker. Joe, write me a note. I want to complain…..”

Feelgood : “I did what you said. I told them I could barely spell. I told them I left it all to “My Guvnor”, just like you said. I told them it was all a mis-understanding. The fix is in, right, Harry?”

Twitch : “I’m not ‘aving this – Kevin, get me my Brief.”

Feelgood : “C’mon Harry, I didn’t call you a thief.”

Twitch : “Fack off.”

Feelgood : “Excellent Harry. Like you, I need a lift.”

Twitch: “Actually , We’s way ahead of you lot in the league…..”

Feelgood : “No, I’m having trouble with me taxis, Harry….”
on 01 Mar 2012 at 8:08 am57And Lester

“Trouble with me taxis” – fare play to you Feelgood
on 01 Mar 2012 at 8:33 am58Lars

Something tells me the contents of the post@11 was originally something quite different 🙂

West Upper@45: I don’t think Bischoff was such a strange signing. Arsene made no secret about the fact that it was a long shot, he knew the player from before and knew the talent was there and took a gamble on him overcoming his injury problems.

zico@56: 😆 😆 😆
on 01 Mar 2012 at 9:04 am59Camberwell Gooner

Morning chaps. Another bloody Interlull eh?

Still, it’s not all bad. England lost and were made to look quite ordinary (Robben’s first goal was class – watch the defence get their knickers in a proper twist as Huntelaar ‘tugs’ them out of position with his clever running…oi, stop sniggering at the back!).

And as for SOOPER Joel Campbell: scores when he wants etc…lush first touch and a sneaky finish inside the opposite post. Almost as tasty as my breakfast porridge with golden syrup and diced strawberries!

UTA
on 01 Mar 2012 at 9:05 am60Camberwell Gooner

Oh, and Nescafes all round…best I can do since I’m at work I’m afraid.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 9:20 am61Ollie

Snir, I don’t yet know if I’ll be in Madrid. Perhaps someone sees sense, that in our current work context it doesn’t make that much sense, as they’ll have to get used to doing without me soon enough anyway.
I should find out over the course of the next two days, I guess.

If I go, I guess I’ll be there next week, and, depending, maybe beyond but I doubt it.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 9:38 am62zicoinexile

Will Gareth Bale be granted compassionate leave for Davy Jones funeral?

Bad taste, I know, but couldn’t resist it.

RIP Mr Jones.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 9:54 am63Wind

Zico @ 56, top draw old son 🙂
Same to you AL with the corresponding 57 😉
on 01 Mar 2012 at 10:06 am64zicoinexile

Less of the old – I just have a good memory 🙂
on 01 Mar 2012 at 10:15 am65Ollie

Dr Z:

Sunday : a Monkey dives
Wednesday : a Monkee dies

Spot the difference
on 01 Mar 2012 at 10:38 am66zicoinexile

Ollie – one of them got up?

Sorry, bad taste again. 🙁
on 01 Mar 2012 at 10:44 am67Ollie

heh, zico, you’re on form!
on 01 Mar 2012 at 10:51 am68Ollie

My boss is on holidays.
So the Spanish send another e-mail to the (kind of) equivalent US boss (who has absolutely no hierarchical power to send me anywhere) asking for any news about the request to have me in Madrid, or that otherwise they threaten to escalate to…..the boss’s boss (who is an utter cunt, shall I say it again?).
I wish the boss wasn’t on hols, because should this go direct from the aforementioned cunt to me, I could be tempted to tell him to fuck off.

I am trying to mentally prepare myself to being on a plane tomorrow or saturday already though. Utter cuntery.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 11:44 am69takeabowson

Ollie , tell ’em to fack off – it feels gooooood ! (though the feeling is only temporary 😉

Dr Z , Ollie – Heh , bad taste or no , made me laugh 🙂

TS , Trev – A pair of fine teams there . Trev , bit harsh on Djourou and Helder to lump them in with that lot . TS , likewise with Powling and Marinello (magnificent player and did a fine line in kipper ties 😉 ) .

Helder was a strange one wasn’t he . Looked mustard when he first arrived and hopeless thereafter . A bit Chamakhesque in that regard .

Dr Z @56 – heh 🙂 🙂

8Ball @49 – Ha ! Thought no-one else had noticed . The Massive are running into form just at the right time . Smallballs survived the sustained media campaign against him and now its payback time 🙂
on 01 Mar 2012 at 12:00 pm70Lars

Oh, yeah – that Fantasy League malarky… I am doing so badly that I had completely forgotten about it! Got a whopping 30 pts last week. But at least now I have sold Bent who looks to be out for the rest of the season.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 12:34 pm71takeabowson

“As you can imagine, the Champions League game was torture. And on Sunday it didn’t look good for half an hour or so. But then I thought: wow, that’s some cool club – they are turning it around!

“I almost felt like in the old days, when I followed Arsenal from a distance and felt like a fan: “This is a great club!” I am really proud of being part of a team that is capable of putting in a performance like that.”

Gotta love our BFG !
on 01 Mar 2012 at 12:38 pm72zicoinexile

BFG?

Baldy Fella Gazidis?

Must have been watching from his hotel room 😉
on 01 Mar 2012 at 12:44 pm73takeabowson

🙂
on 01 Mar 2012 at 12:47 pm74Lars

heh, zico is on top form at the moment!
on 01 Mar 2012 at 12:50 pm75And Lester

Quality hat-trick Zico – hats orf and applauds
on 01 Mar 2012 at 12:57 pm76zicoinexile

Aw shucks, guys, it’s either spend some time in this place or work.

And I’m allergic to at least one of the above 👿
on 01 Mar 2012 at 1:07 pm77Ollie

I know they don’t want foreigners, but :
Zico for England !

*hides*
on 01 Mar 2012 at 1:13 pm78zicoinexile

Controversial Ollie

Your request will be honoured, albeit temporarily, on the 24th 😀

And in the same spirit…..

Ollie for Madrid
on 01 Mar 2012 at 1:16 pm79Ollie

Heh.

Touché.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 1:28 pm80Camberwell Gooner

TS and West Upper – Love the anti-favourite Arse XI but cannot BELIEVE Cygan isn’t there. Almost every time he played, something bloody horrible happened!

One memory that still haunts me is in a home CL game when the oppo had a speculative strike from absolutely miles out, that bald twat tries to put his head on it and only succeeds in diverting it to the opposite post – naturally wrong-footing the keeper completely. Comedy and horror rolled into one.

Is it just me or do we seem to concede the most shocking goals? Surely these schockers affect other teams too…
on 01 Mar 2012 at 1:55 pm81Holloway2Holland

Afternoon gents.

Some great teams there, worth their vweight in every drop of fear induced cold sweat. Glad to see my personal (anti) hero Lee Chapman made the cut, no George Woods though?

‘holic, well edited at #11

Tabs, question from prev drinks. The week I put that dasterdly lot in the team was the week they had to play twice (the catch up Everton game) unfortunatly, the week after was the week that I started with the whole bar switcharoo deal, so I haven’t had time to swap them back. Time permiting I’ll have a butchers at that later.

Still no excuse though and I’ll take my punishment like a man. (but don’t tell that to Wolfie)

As for Glen Helder. I used to run into him quite a lot in various nightlife spots a few years ago (I was a dj/mc in a previous life) Last time I saw him was in the Escape venue in Amsterdam, I was on the decks, he was on the drums. I shit you not.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 1:55 pm82gretskie

CG@80
Wow could you imagine going with a back three of Squillaci, sylvester and cygan! That’d make for an exciting afternoon!

Anyone watch england last night? well until RVP was subbed 🙂 It could’ve been him going for hollands second goal!!! imagine.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 1:58 pm83Holloway2Holland

Funny stuff from our comedic duo, Zicollie.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 2:07 pm84And Lester

What was that – Ole for Madrid
on 01 Mar 2012 at 2:18 pm85Holloway2Holland

Why Reina supported Suarez;

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/liverpool-try-to-steer-clear-of-reinas-racist-tv-advert-7466740.html
on 01 Mar 2012 at 4:06 pm86Goonerholic

Could someone please bring me a side of beef, cooked, to Reading. One cup of tea, all day 🙁
on 01 Mar 2012 at 4:18 pm87takeabowson

H2H , well that explanation makes sense I suppose , although I still think that sort of transgression should go upstairs to Holic for a suitable fine ! 🙂

As for Helder , yep I remember reading a while back that he was quite the musician . Let’s hope he’s better at beating the drumskins than he was at beating the full back !

A round of Afternoon shots to celebrate H2H’s return to the Bar , and a toast to the success of his new one .

Right , off to have a real Beer in the Sun .

Laters Chaps .
on 01 Mar 2012 at 4:23 pm88Holloway2Holland

Sorry ‘holic sir, a little out of my region.

However, I would like to offer you a VirtueAle©
on 01 Mar 2012 at 4:26 pm89Holloway2Holland

He wasn’t too bad as I recall Tabs, enjoy that drink, but what is this “sun” thing you refer too?
on 01 Mar 2012 at 4:43 pm90Catalan Gunner

Ollie

Tell him as a Barca follower (note NOT supporter) that it is clearly against your religion, and perhaps even your DNA, to go to Madrid and interact with all of those preening meringues….. job done.

Easy.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:10 pm91GoonerTerry

The Scene: Stung by the recent criticisms that he has been derelict in his duties as CEO, Ivan Gazides has turned up at the training ground to help out with the pre-Liverpool preparations:

IG: Oooh that was great Arsene, Thanks!

AW: Where are you going?

IG: Back to the Club House for my massage – aren’t we done?

AW: We are still in warm up!

IG: Warm up?! Look I am dripping of sweat. I must’ve gone 6 times round the ground and..

AW: Four!

IG: Pardon?

AW: You went 4 times around the perimeter Ivan…not six!

IG: Four, Six. What’s the difference? I am knackered and I deserve a rub down!

AW: Well if that’s your attitude then you can fuck off back to Highbury House and we’ll bring the reserve players back to collect the balls from over the fence!
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:13 pm92And Lester

‘holic – in between times am having a go at coming up with an Arsenal refreshments side – to go with your cup of tea – good luck.

So far I’ve got Sol Campbell (a kind fish soup), and HamPer Mertesacker…so that’s the centre-halves sorted, and with those two there should be plenty to go round…anymore for anymore?
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:17 pm93And Lester

Cherry Groves
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:19 pm94bathgoram

Patrick Scallops (Vieira in Portuguese)
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:20 pm95GoonerTerry

..Seeing AL free on the left GT ping an inch perfect pass cross-field pass into space in front of him…
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:21 pm96bathgoram

Bathgoram makes a driving run through the middle……
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:22 pm97GoonerTerry

Pat “fried” Rice
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:22 pm98And Lester

Gathers it, and dinks into the space behind the oppo FB

Ps Petit dejeurner (excuse my French)
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:22 pm99bathgoram

Bathgoram launches himself at the crossball.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:23 pm100GoonerTerry

collects on the half volley 30-yards out and boom!
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:23 pm101bathgoram

and misses… but distracts the defence from GT’s masterful positioning and strike.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:24 pm102And Lester

Great spot GT – Willie Young’s bitter
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:24 pm103GoonerTerry

Nice erm ..dummy.. bg (0;
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:25 pm104And Lester

The fried Rice that is AND the ton – the boy comes back to the bar with a bang(er)
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:26 pm105GoonerTerry

Ah..Willie…what a legend..
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:27 pm106bathgoram

Pizza Marinello?
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:29 pm107GoonerTerry

AL: But what about my Ivan Gazedis…you don’t like? That was dedicated to you mon ami..(0;
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:29 pm108bathgoram

gorn
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:33 pm109And Lester

Aye he was – lovable and iffy. Remember him scoring late goals on European nights. He probably only did it once (against Malmo?) but in my mind’s eye he did it loads.
Could never quite forgive him though, for laying on the winner for Ipswich in the ’78 cup-final. The only one of those 3 finals on the bounce at the end of the seventies I could snaffle a ticket for.

Rocky and chips
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:38 pm110And Lester

The CEO being less than upfront with the figures and maybe not fit for purpose – you may be on to something there GT – though of course in the end one hopes not. Nice work.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:41 pm111GoonerTerry

AL: Went to all three of those finals. The ’78 was particularly painful because out of character I dressed all in Red & White (white Tesco Bommers, red Harringtons, white Ben Shermans, Red boots, club scarf & tam)…looked like a right pillock! I must have been the last person to be ushered out of Wemberly by the stewards…gutted does not quite describe the feeling..
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:46 pm112GoonerTerry

AL @ 110: Nice work spotting the Allegorical references…you are smarter than I thought (0;
on 01 Mar 2012 at 5:55 pm113And Lester

GT @ 111 my heart goes out to you for the journey home – that must’ve been tough – nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.
Here goes the old git bit – but I loved it that people used to dress up and dye their hair and make funny/punny banners and outfits. Cup final day was biggest single day of the year back then – even if your team wasn’t in it. Though of course it sent you bandy if they were – which brings us right back to your getup in ’78 – well played – sir. top o’ the shop!
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:00 pm114And Lester

Ps if you haven’t burnt all the photos i’d love to see a picture
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:08 pm115And Lester

Lamb Brady
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:09 pm116Catalan Gunner

Book downloaded! Cheers Holic.

Ian Celery?

Ok, coat on….
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:09 pm117Goonerholic

Terry, 78 for ‘holic was butchers coat, suitably graffitied up, and club flag draped around shoulders.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:12 pm118And Lester

And have only just spotted Bath’s quality Pizza Marinello – there for Four seasons?
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:17 pm119Goonerholic

Beef Wellington
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:19 pm120And Lester

Ah – the butchers coat – i remember seeing them quite a bit at matches back in the day, no idea why they caught on at the time though
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:20 pm121Goonerholic

Flan Merida
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:21 pm122Goonerholic

Gael Quichely
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:23 pm123Wind

GoonerTerry, what a cracker of a shot mate! 😀

BathGoram, some may say what they will, but I’m liking this new versatile side to your game, its like what I’ve been doing recently, although of late, I’ve been nowhere near the goals, build up play’s the game for now 😉
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:23 pm124Goonerholic

Tournados Rosicky
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:26 pm125Goonerholic

Eastham, egg, and chips.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:26 pm126Catalan Gunner

Malcolm MacDonald’s
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:26 pm127Wind

Wilshire Pudding 😛
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:26 pm128GoonerTerry

AL @ 114: No photographic evidence I’m afraid. Long before the digital age when photos were expensive to develop….and couldn’t chance taking my Minolta just in case I got pissed before, during or after the game (which for me was not unusual in those days)…

Going home was an ordeal – as you would expect – not only for the sniggers (regretted not leaving with the crowd) but on the Central Line a drunken Irishman decided that we were best friends: Coming on to the train he spotted me and at the top of his voice announced to the whole carriage “You see you? You see me? These fuckers don’t like us! The don’t! Well fuck them”…and then he sat down next to me, threw his arms around me and repeated variations of the same theme until I could escape several stops later….. (0;
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:29 pm129GoonerTerry

OMG I hope that Holic is going to compile this team afterwards…Nice work Guv, Hurricane, AL..
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:29 pm130Goonerholic

Brady and butter pudding
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:30 pm131Goonerholic

Gingerbread Mendez
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:31 pm132zicoinexile

All these food connotations and no Joe Baker?
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:35 pm133And Lester

Holic cooking on gas!

GT – now that’s earning your Goonah stripes – some day!
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:35 pm134zicoinexile

Bacary lasagna

Oh very dear…..
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:35 pm135GoonerTerry

Holic / AL: Butchers Coats. I remember when they were all the fashion – with the long Dr Martins! I think that Millwall’s F Troop started the trend..didn’t they ‘holic?
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:37 pm136zicoinexile

Doc Martens please GT

Still trendy in these parts 😉
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:41 pm137Goonerholic

To be honest Tel it is one of those things shrouded in the mists of time. Memories stirred on Twitter today when someone posted Chris Lightbown’s 1972 article about London mobs when Arsenal were the Mutts.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:45 pm138Catalan Gunner

Just make sure you get your five a day to ensure you have a Stapleton diet.

Sorry.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:46 pm139GoonerTerry

Holic send me a link…would love to have a butchers…(heh)

Dr Zee: I’m a lover not a speller (0;
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:48 pm140Goonerholic

When I get home I will. No worries.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:49 pm141zicoinexile

OK GT, I’ll get me butcher’s coat 😀
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:50 pm142GoonerTerry

Forgot to mention: Remember once showing up on the Norf Bank in a Cup Tie with Millwall and the whole place was covered with big burly men in white coats…that was the single most frightening experience I have had at Highbury..

George ‘Graham Crackers’ anyone?
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:55 pm143GoonerTerry

..and thumbs up to Catalan labouring away over there in the corner (0;

* Off to get the little Gooners from school laters…
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:58 pm144And Lester

A nice drop of Bruce Riocha to wash it down with
on 01 Mar 2012 at 6:59 pm145Ollie

Foodplayer puns, mmmmm.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 7:00 pm146zicoinexile

Holic,

What news on The Management? Whilst concerned about your immediate hankering for a sandwich, big picture, I hope things are looking uppish for The Boss?
on 01 Mar 2012 at 7:03 pm147Ollie

Nice one, AL. Let me Reyes my glass too.

And what zico asked.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 7:06 pm148Goonerholic

Night on edge zico. Had to take her back to Reading today. Outlook better than this morning. 50/50 another op tomorrow. Everything crossed. At last she is in the right place. Our local super-hospital have failed her this week.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 7:07 pm149Ollie

Thoughts from Belgian will be there too, ‘holic. All digits crossed.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 7:08 pm150Ollie

Speaking of Belgium/Belgian, that photo taken by Frugal Bugle with the Stella Advert by the bridge is a classic! 🙂
on 01 Mar 2012 at 7:25 pm151And Lester

All the very best to yous both ‘holic
on 01 Mar 2012 at 7:29 pm152zicoinexile

Ditto, what AL said.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 7:36 pm153Ollie

Mwahahah,
I hope you’ve all seen that one :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=FBdECA_kO0M
on 01 Mar 2012 at 7:37 pm154Andy Goram

What And Lester said.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 7:47 pm155Goonerholic

Guinness sunk, now finally have food for the first time today. Szechuan chicken to the rescue. Thank you China.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 7:48 pm156bathgooner

All the best to the Management and yourself Holic. Thinking of you both.

Just watching our game v LWC again.

2 points emerge:

1) as observed here or on the arses, Mike Dean does a little hop skip and jump for joy and almost raises both arms (before reversing the movement and raising one to indicate a goal rather than joy) when Saha’s deflected shot hits the back of the net. What joy for a referee! Little shit – maybe that’s why we rarely win when he refs – he cannot wait to give a decision against us. He’s a closet LWC!

2) when the Chimp dives for his pen, Dean doesn’t hesitate for a moment to give the pen. He then wanders over to the lino pointing to his head and then to the lino’s head. He then does the same on the way back to the spot. Meanwhile that paragon of English captain-hood, likkle Skotty Parker is whin ing to him about sending off Szcz and he points to his head again – did he think that Szcz nutted the Chimp on his legs? A miracle that he didn’t send Szcz off – maybe Dean thought he had won them the game with the pen?

Like the boys said on the Tuesday Club, this is the moment to protest about Bale’s cheating. We won so it’s not sour grapes. The chimp is a cheat – and he has form. Time for a chimp-hunt imho.

The Chimp is a disgrace to Wales and the Welsh.

Meanwhile, each goal looks better the fourth time round! Even Feo’s!
on 01 Mar 2012 at 7:51 pm157bathgooner

and that ugly LWC slag who was in the cartoon that the Gooner used to carry (might still – like TaBS, I save my money now) got herself on the crowd shot.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 7:54 pm158behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

My heart goes out to you ‘holic. I hope all is well with the management soon.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 7:56 pm159behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17215880

First Suarez now Reina. This year’s Liverpool public relations “bonanza” is one for the ages. Another age, really. 🙁
on 01 Mar 2012 at 7:59 pm160North Bank Ned

All thought with you both, ‘Holic. Hoping for the very best.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 8:34 pm161Goonerholic

Thanks all.

Off to listen to the Tuesday Club now…
on 01 Mar 2012 at 8:43 pm162GoonerTerry

Holic: Those guys were totally off the charts this week – enjoy (0;

Ollie @ 153: Parker saw Arteta do that many, times on Sunday and thought “how hard can that be?”…
on 01 Mar 2012 at 8:47 pm163Andy Goram

I’m getting slightly superstitious of my jinxing abilities sometimes, so I shall wait until after the Liverpool game to listen to the Tuesday Club.

(the reason being I hadn’t listened to it in ages, and decided to listen to it after the Blackburn game on my way to the pub for the Milan game)
on 01 Mar 2012 at 8:48 pm164Ollie

News just in : Andy Goram listens to the Tuesday Club, and goes to watch the Arsenal in pubs sometimes
on 01 Mar 2012 at 9:01 pm165Goonerholic

As promised Tel…

http://greatwen.com/2012/02/24/londons-football-gangs-1972/
on 01 Mar 2012 at 9:02 pm166GoonerTerry

Ollie: Which of them tho?
on 01 Mar 2012 at 9:08 pm167Wind

Think I’ll give the Tuesday club a listen when I get home, rave reviews from you lot, that’s all the endorsement a Gooner needs, and a bit less 😉
on 01 Mar 2012 at 9:22 pm168Ollie

Is there something you didn’t tell us, PHW? 😉

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/bracewell-smith-named-honorary-vice-president
on 01 Mar 2012 at 9:33 pm169behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Holic, Thanks for the great link @165. It looks like they saved the best for last. 🙂
on 01 Mar 2012 at 10:08 pm170GoonerTerry

Thanks Holic…(0;
on 01 Mar 2012 at 11:22 pm171Holloway2Holland

156 Bath.

On Dutch TV they said that they (the incognito LWC with the whistle and the linesman) were having trouble with their headsets.
on 01 Mar 2012 at 11:46 pm172The Neighbour

I did n’t want to go anyway
on 02 Mar 2012 at 1:53 am173Wind

PHW, you’ve got some answering to be doing methinks 🙂 (Ollie’s 168)
on 02 Mar 2012 at 5:27 am174scruzgooner

Friday night at midnight Fox Soccer Channel will be showing our massacree of the LWCs, FanZone style. I think Fox is ESPN in England, check your local listings. I can’t imagine much funnier than watching a thick as two short planks Scum fan be pincushioned by 5 straight goals…
on 02 Mar 2012 at 5:28 am175scruzgooner

And ‘Holic, prayers for you and the management…
on 02 Mar 2012 at 5:55 am176behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Just finished my second viewing of the 5 straight goals on DVR. Capital viewing it is, but especially that goal by Rosicky. It was thrilling the first time and no less so the second, one of the great goals for sure.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 6:41 am177scruzgooner

Bt8b, I watched the whole game for the third time this morning, and that goal is certainly my favorite. He ran so *fast* after getting the ball to Sagna for the return. Not so fast as Theo from our 18 to his 1st goal, but fast nonetheless.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 6:50 am178scruzgooner

Great article here: http://aculturedleftfoot.wordpress.com/2012/03/02/one-of-us-speaks-why-are-you-so-proud-of-our-dirty-linen/
on 02 Mar 2012 at 8:14 am179Wind

Thanks for the link Scruz, I enjoyed the read 🙂
on 02 Mar 2012 at 9:08 am180cognacgunner

Hello drinkers

What a week to be on hols on an island without internet or stream access

On sunday was allowed to find BBC world with a ticker which showed ‘shock result’ but I missed what it was

Later on same channel was allowed to watch sportsline – hosted by Jas*n R*binson with Steph*n R*ad providing useless input- I couldnt believe it. Was impressed by a gooner from Egypt (I think), discussing lucidly the state of the club – a marked contrast with other club supporters who found difficulty in putting 2 words together

Anyway, even though Im still trying to get to grips with the result, I have back read most drinks but couldnt find many bottom of the roaders coming on to gloat?

I did later see a small interview with the next England manager, boasting how he was able to totally control our attacks and lead his team to victory or was that Stuart Pierce on Wednesday – I must be jet lagged or something

Must go and find a stream with the goals at least

Bring on the Liverish Lads
on 02 Mar 2012 at 9:29 am181zicoinexile

Weclome back Cognac.

You didn’t miss much. Heh. 😀
on 02 Mar 2012 at 9:31 am182zicoinexile

Weclome? Feck, I didn’t even realise I was hungover…. 🙁
on 02 Mar 2012 at 9:54 am183Ollie

http://www.francefootball.fr/#!/news/2012/03/02/102514_une-blague-d-hazard-retarde-l-avion.html

That cunt Hazard probably delayed Thomas.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:06 am184zicoinexile

@ Ollie

So he’s a thief?

Right up Harry’s street then 😉
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:10 am185Prof TES

Morning fellow ‘Holics

As I was cleaning out Dr. Feelgood’s desk, I found this in one of his drawers.

https://twitter.com/#!/ArsenalFamiglia/status/175520590411726849/photo/1

I think it was an early prototype. Don’t remember who the guinea pig was, he may have been someone Carlos extracted from the pets carriage. Either way, a fond memory of lab work in the development of the Bubble Wrap Suit. They’re still available on special request, by the way.

Yours, Edwin.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:16 am186True Storey

Yeah, whatevs Edwin….

Looks like DIABY is BACK!?!?

Aaaand, SANTOS will be back in TWO WEEKS!

The yin to the yang of a possibly crocked Vermy and *whispers* RVP?
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:21 am187zicoinexile

Heh Professor,

That indeed was a prototype. The one that ended up mass produced did not come with glasses or a look of profound humiliation. 😉
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:23 am188zicoinexile

TS @ 186 – are you starting wicked rumours?

Or is this scuttlebutt from the twitterverse?
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:31 am189lurky oliva

The rumours are sadly from Wenger himself http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2109157/Robin-van-Persie-Thomas-Vermaelen-doubts-Arsenal-v-Liverpool.html
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:37 am190True Storey

zico, I guess ‘all’ will be ‘clarified’ when we can replay Arsene’s presser later today.

I sincerely hope the rumours re: Vermy & RVP are indeed scuttlebutt.

Fancy a mid-morning snifter? 🙂
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:39 am191True Storey

LO

You can’t be lurky when you declare your presence at #189.

Get back in those the shadows and try not to mix with any LWCs whilst you’re there 😉
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:39 am192zicoinexile

Fucking ridiculous.

I hate international football. Blatter and Platini, a plague on both your houses!
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:41 am193Ollie

These ‘rumours’ were more than predictable:

Vermaelen : crocked on sunday, plays 90 fucking minutes for Belgium
RvP : groin strain on the tuesday, plays 45 minutes from Holland.

Those Belgians and Dutchies are pissing me off a bit. fucking Interlull, but they still didn’t have to play them.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:42 am194Ollie

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/team-news-van-persie-ramsey-santos-and-more

However, they look like they are still only ‘rumours’.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:43 am195True Storey

…. and don’t forget the Belgian manager whilst you’re about it. Played Vermy for full 90 mins despite requests from AFC. B’stard!
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:44 am196True Storey

Thanks ollie and ‘morning. Note absence of Vermy in that pravda article.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:45 am197Ollie

Or….

http://www.arsenal.com/digest
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:46 am198Camberwell Gooner

Has anyone else watched the pasting of the LWC’s more than once?

Telling you, that sh!t NEVER gets old!

The worst thing about it? I just can’t choose my favourite…

Is it RVP’s? The guy took on about 4 defenders for his goal.

What about Little Mozart? The little dinked finish was more delicate than the second movement of a string symphony.

Theo’s first? That’s the kind of goal that if I score it playing PES, I lie on my back in the living room doing a Gazza dentist chair celebration.

Decisions, decisions!
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:55 am199True Storey

Assist for lurky oliva
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:55 am200Camberwell Gooner

Been politely waiting for the assist for ages now. Might as well…
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:55 am201Camberwell Gooner

‘Ave it!!!

Rude not to really.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:56 am202zicoinexile

Camberwell @ 198

Yes, me.

Main reason though was to try and work out who was shouting at Twitch from behind the dugout. 🙂
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:56 am203True Storey

Hah! Well in CG.

lurky, what happened? Waylaid by an LWC? 😉
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:57 am204Camberwell Gooner

That was ace…and not a whiff of self-assisting, or ‘doing a Camberwell’
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:57 am205Ollie

heh Zico!

Classy Finish, Camberwell!
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:59 am206Camberwell Gooner

Zico – only when I rewatched it (again) half an hour ago did I realise how much noise the faithful were making…it sounded absolutely deafening – we definitely need a lot more of that in the next few weeks.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:59 am207Camberwell Gooner

Cheers all! Deuchars all round.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 11:05 am208Camberwell Gooner

Right, I really ought make a telling contribution to actually discussing arsenal stuff, or people might start whispering about goal-hanging for the centuries and self-assisting and stuff like tha…

Oh.

Well whatever happens, I certainly ain’t lifting a finger for the powers that be at this end. Did I mention they were all cunts? Ollie, I’m with you on that one mate.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 11:06 am209Catalan Gunner

Lurking in the shadows…..
on 02 Mar 2012 at 11:06 am210Catalan Gunner

Heh!

*note to self* ….Must refresh before posting 🙂
on 02 Mar 2012 at 11:07 am211Camberwell Gooner

Erm, well in CG?
on 02 Mar 2012 at 11:11 am212Catalan Gunner

Dear CG

Shut it!

CG 🙂
on 02 Mar 2012 at 11:11 am213zicoinexile

It’s CG squared!
on 02 Mar 2012 at 11:24 am214Catalan Gunner

Great Football365 about tomorrow’s opponents….

http://www.football365.com/faves/7558862/Edge-Of-Sanity
on 02 Mar 2012 at 11:24 am215Ollie

Haha Catalan at 209, classic!
on 02 Mar 2012 at 11:25 am216C Goram

zico@213.

A touch of the Goramitis, I’d say.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 11:26 am217lurky oliva

TS, I was like jogging in Walcott mode, thanks for the assist anyway
on 02 Mar 2012 at 11:28 am218Camberwell Gooner

Ha ha CG 😀 😀
on 02 Mar 2012 at 12:02 pm219True Storey

Camberwell: CyGan – your ‘fave’ player. CG cubed?

tabs: Re – Powling and Marinello. In my ‘fave’ team mainly for reasons of unfulfilled potential esp. Peter M. I clearly remember the excitement that surrounded Marinello when he broke into the first team at Highbury. Was it injury that did for both of them?

Dr.C @ #209 – Remember to wipe-off the LWC drool if you’re hanging about in shadows or report to DLL HQ for a new biosuit.

lurky – You’re welcome. Do you need to improve your match fitness? Injured in the interlull?
on 02 Mar 2012 at 12:13 pm220zicoinexile

I see that AW is complaining about Belgium and Vermaelen.

Isn’t it about time that one of the big clubs tested the legal waters about the rights of the club in relation to players i.e. they have contracts of employment with Arsenal not the football association of country “x”

we all saw what happened when Parker crocked him on Sunday – why do we not take them on and refuse to release the player for international duty?

This has probably been discussed before (and if so I apologise) but I just don’t understand this madness. Is there a legal precedent, does anybody know?
on 02 Mar 2012 at 12:39 pm221Ollie

http://www.football365.com/faves/7558797/Cheeky-Punt

Been done to death here and on other Arsenal websites, but heh at the title 😉
on 02 Mar 2012 at 12:48 pm222True Storey

Dr.z

AW was fairly scathing re: Belgian NT and rightly so. Thought he dealt brilliantly with the Podolski question BTW.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 12:58 pm223Ollie

At this point, I need to state, again, that there’s not an ounce of Belgian in me.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 1:01 pm224True Storey

Ollie, not even that chocolate bar you snaffled for lunch?
on 02 Mar 2012 at 1:02 pm225True Storey

…or that glass of Stella? 😛
on 02 Mar 2012 at 1:06 pm226zicoinexile

I haven’t seen the press conference, TS, as I am doing that thing that begins with W and ends with K

No, work you dirty minded…….

Anyway, it’s all very well being scathing with words – but it’s like howling at the moon. Which is kind of apt, as this whole international fiasco is madness.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 1:11 pm227Ollie

What’s dirty about ‘Walk’ ? :s
on 02 Mar 2012 at 1:16 pm228zicoinexile

Or wink 😉
on 02 Mar 2012 at 1:17 pm229zicoinexile

Whisk, whelk, walk, wreck…….
on 02 Mar 2012 at 1:20 pm230Ollie

Warnock.

Now that’s disgusting.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 1:20 pm231True Storey

Dr.z @ #226

Heh! and agreed.

The ‘madness of Feelgood’ pales into significance by comparison 😉

The van Persie wing of the LC Infirmary is once again re-opened. The latest official body count on Pravda (not including TV) is ten! ten!!

Messrs. T & C: Please, for the love of Dennis, report to the LC Infirmary. Take as many BWSs as you need.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 1:23 pm232True Storey

Whack.

Both of you, stop whelking please!
on 02 Mar 2012 at 1:24 pm233zicoinexile

*suitably chastised and sitting sulking in the corner*
on 02 Mar 2012 at 1:30 pm234Ollie

No news on the Madrid situation. I may still be on a plane before the weekend has ended.
I hope not though.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 1:32 pm235zicoinexile

That ten is a bit misleading though TS (not like Pravda to be wrong)….

They have Frimpong (out of our squad had he been fit) and the lesser spotted Diaby who is fit according to the Boss.

Also Squillaci is on it, so it’s not all bad news……right?
on 02 Mar 2012 at 1:33 pm236zicoinexile

Ollie, if your plane is diverted over Tottenham you do realise you will have to fly upside down?
on 02 Mar 2012 at 1:36 pm237True Storey

Step out that corner please Dr.z.

You are needed on the HT MkII. BIG game tomorrow. Plenty to be happy about:

1 – We beat the scum 5-2
2 – Diaby ‘available’
3 – Santos ‘back in 2 weeks’ (Chippies of the Holloway Road unite!)
4 – This haven on the internet
5 – HT MkII still on the rails despite everything this season

I’m giving up on w–k today. The week’s exertions have left me exhausted and I’m totally spent….. filfthy b*ggers!
on 02 Mar 2012 at 1:38 pm238Catalan Gunner

Heh at this on the website linked with Football365….

BRIAN DURAND, LIVERPOOL THROUGH AND THROUGH

‘Feb 29th. The day millions of us monthly paid workers do an extra days work for sweet fa’
You’re always the victim. Even finding offence in the concept of the leap year.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 1:41 pm239zicoinexile

TS, I don’t like being cornered. (Lasted all of 8 minutes if you check the posts above).

Meanwhile, tell me about this HT? Responsibility is not all it’s cracked up to be, eh? 😀
on 02 Mar 2012 at 1:45 pm240behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Dr. Z, Responsibility sucking as it does, why should any body on the HT be shouldered with such a burden. Should not anarchy should rule the day?
on 02 Mar 2012 at 1:49 pm241Catalan Gunner

Dear Snir

Have Maccabi signed Almunia???

http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/891841-maccabi-haifa-keeper-scores-bizarre-wind-assisted-own-goal#ixzz1ntff38cK

🙂 🙂
on 02 Mar 2012 at 1:52 pm242Ollie

Haha, zico 236.
Though i don’t plan to fly on a pigeon 😉
on 02 Mar 2012 at 1:54 pm243Ollie

It’s the other Maccabi though, isn’t it?

Well I guess there are 3 million Maccabis or so.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 1:55 pm244zicoinexile

My good friend 8 ball,

I think you’ll find that when Feelgood was around, anarchy was another word for organised 😉

Professor Storey will now, no doubt, put a big black mark against my name on the manifest……
on 02 Mar 2012 at 2:15 pm245Catalan Gunner

Ollie

So there’s less Maccabis than Gorams?
on 02 Mar 2012 at 2:19 pm246GoonerTerry

Dr Zee @ 220: I am so mad this morning I can’t even articulate my feelings about those cunts…are they trying to destroy TV’s career? FiFA and the National Federations (UEFA) have too much power over the rights of the employer & the employee (club & player) and I believe that this could be tested in a class action in court. But it would need a few clubs to come together. I like the stuff Karl Heinz is doing with the Association of European Clubs. All clubs should be backing his efforts..

This is all a legacy from a time when Being an International player added value to a player…when FIFA actually brought money into the game. Now with the television revenue that clubs can command, it is FIFA that is sponging off the local game – they are directly competing with the clubs. The national teams are desperately always trying to win games to get up the country rankings – even meaningless “so called” friendlies to get more money from FIFA…time for clubs & supporters to raise their voices..

FICK FUFA!
on 02 Mar 2012 at 2:25 pm247zicoinexile

There is a new Sheriff in town – all hail Sheriff GonnerTerry.

Class Action. Now!

PS – I’m working class – is that allowed?
on 02 Mar 2012 at 2:26 pm248zicoinexile

Or Sheriff GoonerTerry even. 😳
on 02 Mar 2012 at 3:18 pm249GoonerTerry

Ollie @ 183: My French isn’t that good I admit but my understanding of the France Football article (at least by the title) is that someone “blagged” the retard Hazard on a Belgian Airline..am I correct?
on 02 Mar 2012 at 3:21 pm250GoonerTerry

Dr Zee: For you http://youtu.be/2XiYUYcpsT4
on 02 Mar 2012 at 3:26 pm251GoonerTerry

…and Dr Zee the method in my madness is that I believe this should be taken up the U.S. Courts (on behalf of all free people of the world)…and if it fails we can blame the Americans. Clever eh? (0;
on 02 Mar 2012 at 3:37 pm252GoonerTerry

And for those not residing in the UK this (non football related) funny thing (0; http://gu.com/p/35zdg
on 02 Mar 2012 at 3:42 pm253Ollie

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/arsenal-train-ahead-of-liverpool-pictures

Abou Diaby has hair! Cool, I think his best period with us, however ultimately a short one, was ‘with hair’.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 3:46 pm254Ollie

DR C @245 : HEH
on 02 Mar 2012 at 3:49 pm255Ollie

GT 249.
Hazard was the author of the prank.

I think you can go back to school. And it looks like zico can be your teacher.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 4:04 pm256Catalan Gunner

Good piece which may explain the erratic behaviour of the club last summer….

http://www.thebeautifulgroan.com/2012/02/25/spurs-preview-fourth-isnt-critical-but-third-could-be/
on 02 Mar 2012 at 4:18 pm257Ollie

Arsène Barclays Manager of The Month.

Kiss of Doom though..
on 02 Mar 2012 at 4:22 pm258zicoinexile

It’s round about this time on a Friday, that a man’s attention turns to the attractions/distractions of the night ahead. Now let me see,

(a) Guinness x 1 or

(b) Guinness x 2 or

(c) Guiness x 4

(d) A product of all of the above?

Assuming (d), then a man’s attention will subsequently turn to rum and coke.

And later still, a man will be required to ward off some pirates. 😉
on 02 Mar 2012 at 4:23 pm259Ollie

That’s Arsène Wenger of course, and Barclays are the sponsor :p
on 02 Mar 2012 at 4:25 pm260Catalan Gunner

Right – I’m an hour ahead of youze guys. I’m off.

Big party night tonight for bro-in-law’s birthday. Dinner at a Mexican. Tequila is inevitable, especially with my big Dutch blockhead friend….

Laters. 🙂
on 02 Mar 2012 at 4:28 pm261zicoinexile

Heh Ollie : Arsene Barclay

Auld Alliance? 😀
on 02 Mar 2012 at 4:36 pm262Ollie

Good luck, Dr C.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 4:40 pm263bathgooner @ work

The Auld Alliance was a myth of Disney-esqu proportion.

Sadly the French always promised much but always let us (the Scots) down….always…..every time…..
on 02 Mar 2012 at 4:42 pm264bathgooner @ work

No hard feeling, Ollie.

Well none directed at you…
on 02 Mar 2012 at 4:49 pm265zicoinexile

bath,

The French made up for it a long time ago.

One Arsene Wenger!
on 02 Mar 2012 at 4:51 pm266zicoinexile

Right,

Pub time.

Laters, virtual thrill-seekers. 8)
on 02 Mar 2012 at 4:54 pm267Ollie

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-wins-february-manager-of-the-month
Nice piece of magic between pictures 2 and 3
on 02 Mar 2012 at 4:58 pm268Goonerholic

Off to the hospital.

Racist Bindippers preview will be very, very late.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 5:03 pm269bathgooner @ work

True, zico, I did think of that very person after I posted.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 5:08 pm270scruzgooner

fingers crossed for you and the mgt, ‘holic. get well soon, mrs. ‘holic!
on 02 Mar 2012 at 5:08 pm271Ollie

All the best, ‘holic.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 5:09 pm272scruzgooner

gt@252, hilarious, especially showing over pink floyd’s “run like hell” live in the background (didn’t turn off itunes). very apt.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 5:13 pm273scruzgooner

ollie@253, those pics don’t show a vermalen or van persie that appear hobbled…hopefully it’s just to give mr. wenger a platform to be pissed at the national FAs.

and if you look through all those pics, it looks like jenks’ new hairdo is raising a ruckus, as well.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 5:16 pm274arsabeatbarca

Holic, Praying for you both and hoping for the best outcome possible. God bless.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 5:22 pm275Ollie

Yeah, I noticed they ‘looked’ OK on that, scruz. I like Jenks but not sure about the hairdo, makew him look a bit too much like a common Joey.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 5:22 pm276bathgooner @ work

All the best for the management, ‘Holic.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 5:27 pm277izicoinexile

@ 268

Will be worth waiting on, I’m sure.

All the best, Dave.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 5:42 pm278True Storey

zico – No black marks just refreshing black pints. Thought you might like to sample life on the HT as a passenger / customer as it speeds it’s way to the ‘racist bindippers’ (TM) ‘Holic. Plenty of room in the caboose. If you’d be so kind, please remember to kick the pets on your way through. The bar staff will still be giving you your usual welcome.

Ollie – I know of Maccabis Tel-Aviv & Haifa. I’m guessing Snir will confirm/correct the next time he swings by. Fairly certain there are more Gorams than professional Maccabi football teams.

Holic – Best wishes to Management. Thoughts with you both.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 5:43 pm279True Storey

Congrats to Le Boss

http://www.arsenalnews.co.uk/arsene-wenger-named-february-manager-of-the-month/
on 02 Mar 2012 at 5:48 pm280arsabeatbarca

Guys you’ve ALL outdone yourselves in this latest batch of drinks. Checked out all the terrific links as well. Great team spirit! Catalan Gunner @ 209 and 210, priceless.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 5:55 pm281izicoinexile

The Scene : A country field somewhere near Feelgood Mansions….

Dr Feelgood and Dr Disorder are walking along a path which has been laid on the foundations of a disused railway line. Feelgood is striding purposefully, and Borda, (partly due to his choice of lifestyle), struggles to keep up with him……

Dr Disorder : “Wait up, what’s the rush?”

Feelgood : “Come on Borda, people to see, money to make. Time waits for Numan. Are friends electric? They will be, when I’ve finished with them. Heh.”

Dr Disorder (under his breath) : “Oh god, he’s off on one.”

Feelgood (surveying the scene before him) : “Did you know, the original Happy Train used to run on a track here, right down this very road, long before we had Bubble Wrap Suits and Swedish blondes? Back then, it was all Doc Martens and bomber jackets…..

Dr Disorder (suddenly curious) : “Jager Bombs?”

Feelgood (wistful) : “Fuck yeah. People were a lot easier to please back in the day. You turned up on Saturday, paid a few bob, you won, you lost, you got drunk. If all went to plan, you copped a grope with some peroxide bint as you went through a tunnel…..man, that was the age of the train……”

Dr Disorder : “Wow, so this here’s a trip down memory lane? To be expected I suppose, given your recent retirement……

Feelgood : “Retirement? Borda, I sometimes think you’re not fully conscious. It’s like I told Rox this morning, I’m moving upstairs…..”

Dr Disorder : “You live in a bungalow, Dr F…..”
on 02 Mar 2012 at 6:35 pm282Ollie

On reading ‘Lansbury : wondergoal was Wind-assisted’, I wonder if we can recreate this, for number 300 for instance.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 6:36 pm283GoonerTerry

OK I am boycotting Goonerholic until the Liverpool game tomorrow. Don’t facking ask me why you bunch of facking vankers..

P.S. You can all stick your FFF up the ARSE..
on 02 Mar 2012 at 6:37 pm284Ollie

TS 279, did you check my 267? Or 257? 😉
on 02 Mar 2012 at 7:16 pm285Ollie

*juggles ball*
on 02 Mar 2012 at 7:20 pm286True Storey

Ollie, clearly not! 😳

Oh well, such pleasant and surprising news worth repeating, I guess.

Didn’t intend to p*ss on your frites 🙂
on 02 Mar 2012 at 7:23 pm287True Storey

#FFF…..*ck you Gooner T and the horse you rode in on! 😛

Well done for the FFF reminder, now p*ss off and have a nice day.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 7:30 pm288Lars

Long hours at work all week, but now the weekend is here and on Sunday morning I leave for London. Good stuff, that.

Ollie, I had no idea our Wind was also an English U-21 player!

International friendlies are a crime against the Geneva Convention. Or something. They are very useless, boring, pointless, crap.

TS, shut the fuck up and see you Tuesday, perhaps?
on 02 Mar 2012 at 7:42 pm289Ollie

See you NEXT Tuesday, Lars 😉

(is the phrase, unfortunately I won’t be seeing you)
on 02 Mar 2012 at 8:06 pm290scruzgooner

plays the ball over to ollie on the right, sprints to the inside left position…
on 02 Mar 2012 at 8:12 pm291Lars

Alright alright Ollie, NEXT fucking Tuesday then!

But isn’t “see you Tuesday” just as correct? Any English teachers in here? 🙂
on 02 Mar 2012 at 8:16 pm292West Upper

Lars I understood … Ollie is a bit picky..
on 02 Mar 2012 at 8:17 pm293Ollie

I’m afraid you missed the ‘Tuesday Club-style’ joke there, Lars.
Not related to grammar at all 😀
on 02 Mar 2012 at 8:22 pm294izicoinexile

Heh @ Ollie.

And Lars. 👿
on 02 Mar 2012 at 8:28 pm295West Upper

No one in the box as usual….
on 02 Mar 2012 at 8:29 pm296Ollie

We’re all waiting for Wind
on 02 Mar 2012 at 8:30 pm297West Upper

Following Ollie’s injury time pep talk, drops his kecks, points his arse towards the opposition goal and lets rip with an enormous fart not caring if he follows through..
on 02 Mar 2012 at 8:32 pm298scruzgooner

Knocked over by WU’s emission, I manage to scrape the ball towards the box…
on 02 Mar 2012 at 8:35 pm299scruzgooner

Hoping it’s not a self assist, he swings his left peg at the ball
on 02 Mar 2012 at 8:35 pm300izicoinexile

heads on despite being near asphyxiated by West Upper….
on 02 Mar 2012 at 8:36 pm301izicoinexile

Or heads in 8)
on 02 Mar 2012 at 8:36 pm302West Upper

Nicely in izicoinexile not as elegant as Lansbury’s in mid week but we tried..

Good assist scruz
on 02 Mar 2012 at 8:36 pm303scruzgooner

And in by The good Dr! Well headed, even as you were passing out…
on 02 Mar 2012 at 8:38 pm304scruzgooner

Cheers, WU, nearly had 22 dead on the pitch, tho.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 8:40 pm305West Upper

Sorry about that, only way I could come up with to follow Ollie’s instructions
on 02 Mar 2012 at 8:41 pm306izicoinexile

Heh, quality riposte from West Upper 🙂
on 02 Mar 2012 at 8:56 pm307Ollie

Not Wind-assisted, but congrats izico
on 02 Mar 2012 at 8:57 pm308Ollie

heh West Upper 😎
on 02 Mar 2012 at 9:39 pm309Lars

Ollie@293, I hang my head in shame! How could I miss that one??? 😳
on 02 Mar 2012 at 9:41 pm310behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Re: Ollie @285. Showoff. Try doing that in a Madrid back alley and run for your life, first shouting epithets in bad Spanish! 😉
on 02 Mar 2012 at 9:43 pm311Ollie

A beer on your tab will bring forgiveness, Lars 😀

bt8: if I go to Madrid, THEY are all going to run for their lives.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 9:55 pm312behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Re: Dr. Z. Good stuff @281. 😀

Anarchy rules.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:05 pm313Ollie

I feel I’m being followed by an Evil Scotsman now 😉
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:12 pm314zicoinexile

The worst kind of stalker, Ollie 🙂
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:20 pm315North Bank Ned

Well in @300, Zico. Not many would have got a sniff of that one. Then again…

‘Holic: all the best to you and the Management. Hope all is as well as it can be in the circumstances.

CatG@241: 🙂
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:21 pm316Lars

Ollie, you know the beers are always on my tab!
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:31 pm317arsabeatbarca

Saw AA (remember him?) training @ Zenit, he’s # 29, and is on the roster for tomorrow’s match. Good luck kiddo!
on 02 Mar 2012 at 10:49 pm318North Bank Ned

abb@317: Curious quote from Zenit’s coach, Lucianno Spalletti, “Andrey is returning to Zenit and here he meets the situation and tasks, which are more complicated that he had at Arsenal. Because we want to win, and as for Arsenal – we don’t know what they wanted.”
on 02 Mar 2012 at 11:14 pm319arsabeatbarca

NBN @ 316 And here we thought the cold war was over. Sounds like fighting words to me.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 11:16 pm320arsabeatbarca

Well NBN, I meant @ 318 (sigh). Since I spilt beer on my laptap during the Spurs debacle, it’s been acting a little funky.
on 02 Mar 2012 at 11:24 pm321Goonerholic

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