I’m Joining The AA
Mar 2nd, 2012 by 'holic
That is ‘Anfield without Andrey’. Arshavin has gone. Not only him, but Julio ‘Beast’ Baptista too. The two players to have smashed in four goals for us at Liverpool in recent seasons are no longer around. A hat-trick in this fixture would be a dull day for an Arsenal player, so perhaps I should look more seriously at the 50/1 you can get against Robin van Persie doing just that. After him you can grab at least 150/1 against any other Gooner achieving the feat. Theo anyone?
Back down from the clouds now, and the preparation for this game, for both sides I’ll point out, has been far from ideal. I hear the Boss when he talks in his presser of Robin van Persie playing for Holland in midweek with an injury. He is on stronger ground when talking of the decision of Belgium to play Thomas Vermaelen for ninety minutes after Scott Parker threatened to amputate his foot in the North London derby on Sunday. Belgium don’t have a competitive summer ahead, so to do that with a key player in just a friendly was frankly, pretty piss poor.
Arsene highlighted the schedule also includes the meeting with Milan next Tuesday. For me if we have to make decisions about resting players then that game is a dead rubber, and we must see our strongest available side take to the pitch for the Saturday lunchtime showdown with serious rivals for a Champions League berth.
It has been a mixed season for Liverpool, not helped by the attitude adopted by the management and some of the supporters over the Suarez incident. That sad episode has detracted from the fact that they probably have their most balanced side for a number of years, and are worthy contenders for a top four berth. Last week they succeeded where we failed twelve months previously, beating Cardiff on penalties to land the League Cup. No disrespect here. We would have been chuffed to end the six years without a trophy nonsense ourselves. Now we are seven.
At home, Liverpool are unbeaten in the League this season, but it would be easy to counter that impressive stat with, well actually they have only won four Premiership games in front of the Kop. We have won one more than that away from home, roared on by the magnificent travelling Gooners. Whether or not we can make it six wins on the road will be largely determined by the fitness tests on the skipper and the Verminator.
My guess is that we will make every effort to get those two in the starting line-up, and I will await confirmation of that fact before placing the ‘holic pound. I have been banging a hollow drum in recent weeks, thinking a 3-2 to the Arsenal is going to happen. I’ll stick with it for this one. The games between the top clubs have been free-scoring affairs this season, and this may be no different. Shop around and you could even get 40/1 against that. Should those two key players not make it then look instead at an anytime scorer punt. Mikel Arteta, a former Evertonian makes a topical punt at 11/2 with Gunners Gaming. I’m liking those odds.
I may not be as quick as usual with the report tomorrow, and regular ‘holics will know the reason. I hope you have a great weekend, all of you, starting with a result at Anfield.
Take care of yourselves, ‘holics.
233 Responses to “I’m Joining The AA”
Six wins on the road?
Nil – one to the Arsenal, please.
Oh and a pint. 8)
And best wishes to The Management, of course.
Cheers mate. All the Old Tom has gone. The sherry cask Grants is going the same way.
hic
By all accounts we’ll win, especially if they score first (which usually happens when we win).
π
Pints all around please barman. Regards and best wishes to the senior management.
a_j,
gentlemen, doff your caps. Officer on parade π
Cheers maestro.
Holic, Looked up the definition of the Management’s name : sweet, smart, kind, strong-willed, beautiful, and full of love! Please tell her we are all rooting for her.
Cheers ‘Holic, and all the best for tomorrow, again.
Time you both had a break from all this.
Really hope TV plays and we dont require another defensive shuffle, as I think it Might be a step to far for the inexperienced Miquel to start at CB. Also it sounds as if Diaby is a chance to get a run at some stage, let’s hope this the start of many games in a row for the poor fellow.
Any news on last start MoM Little Mozart? I am nervous about this one we need at least a point to keep us heading the right direction. Against Milan I hope Wenger rests anyone who has even the slightest knock and just concentrates on the league.
All the best to the management ‘holic. I will crack open the Bushmills and raise a glass here. Cheers.
Thanks nurse, Trev, Snaily.
You are nice peoples π
I will be missing the second half of this “live”, as the local non league side are in the quarter finals of the FA Vase, playing a team of Neanderthals from the Gateshead area.
This game should be nicely wrapped up by HT anyway π
it’s funny how one good result results in over confidence, you lot are more condident than the mancs were before their game against us. i do think you can win but fu*k me have some bloody realism, you pounded 2 games in a row away from home.
Aye from the Arsenal Tavern.
Gonna bring three points π
think we might get a draw hopefully
Have a great day up there Snir. Thinking of you and the family.
Cheers Snir, enjoy!
It appears, from some comments following the previous interweb article, that some of you wish me to comment on the appointment of Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith to Honorary Vice-President of the club.
As some of you may be aware, Lady Nina and I hooked up – sorry, it’s these damned yankees all over the place – formed a partnership of considerable mutual benefit over the course of the summer.
To be honest, I derived most of the benefit, but she too, eventually, achieved a degree of staisfaction from the arrangement.
During those hot, steamy summer months we spent many hours working long and hard towards the betterment of, er, relations between members – of the rather fractured board.
I felt – many times – it would be a good thing to have a position for Lady Nina on the board.
It became very clear to me, that her speciality was Vice.
And there you have it – the new Honorary Vice-President.
I feel Lady Nina (coughs) will also be of huge benefit as the Arsenal attempt to expand abroad. Note the new fashion for summer tours to God-forsaken, or rather, far flung corners of the globe.
Communication skills will be vital as we venture into untapped continents looking to attract new supporters, and Lady Nina is a very cunning linguist.
I am keenly anticipating her taking up her position under – sorry, at the board room table.
I am sure she will exercise a woman’s delicate touch in bringing some of the other, rather boistrous members under control.
Here’s a drole tale chaps.
This Scouser finds a magic lamp, and gives the bottom of it a good rub.
Out pops a genie and says, “As you have woken me from my slumber, I can grant you one wish”.
“Oh”, says the Scouser, “I’d like me hearin’ to be okay”.
“Ah”, replies the genie, “is it your left ear or your right ear that is affected ?”
“Neither”, said the Scouser, “I’m in court next Tuesday for burglary”.
Thoughts with mgmt holic! On the train
to Liverpool via Birmingham from London
early in the morning! Can’t wait for a cracking
game anfmd hopefully the 3 points!
Come on Arteta. At 11/2 he should be a shoo-in to score against his old rivals. Other than that, Theo to score four if he can replicate his second half of last week. Come on the Arse!! And the management!!
Snir –
the long wait is over. Enjoy Anfield – here’s to 3 points, in style!
‘Holic, if the management could see or know that words as beautiful as abb’s @ 7 are being said for her, I’m sure she’d be feeling great :)Again, all the best boss.
PHW @18: Stay the course, old boy. π
Snir, enjoy it mate π
I’ll be expecting your experience of the day posted in the bar towards the evening or whenever you’re free π
Ollie, Lars, I disappointed you in the last bar, but before that, myself :'(
Fair enough I was tired after dragging myself into the bar after getting back from watching that windy Maccabi Haifa game, but I was sloppy. Under-21s indeed π π
Its simple, I’ve lost my touch, my awareness for goal, let alone attack! I enter the bar when the celebrations are being laid on, after I’ve previously exited when the attack hasn’t even begun!
I’ll stay away from goal for now, go back to my roots or some’at. See if I can re-discover myself, if its not too late.
*He grabs his coat, and exits the bar with a gust dying down as he leaves*
PS – “That’s the kind of forward thinking we want to see PHW, carry on old bean”, reads a note stuck to the underside of the bar with chewing gum.
I have had a really long, hard, shit week. Not stopped for the last 10 days. Survived on between 5/6 hours kip a night. So how do I finally chill out? I have just sat and watched the Spuds game again, but for the first time on tv. All washed down with 8 tins of London Pride.
Another must win game at Anfield. If we show the same spirit, passion and skill level to that, that I have just re watched then I have every confidence.
This is a massive game for us. 3 points on Sat will make many sit up. Especially those deluded spuddies who are still on the alka seltzer after a massive over indulgence of humble pie.
Snir. I hope you and the gang have a great day. I will drop you an e mail re tues.
Holic, not had much chance to catch up but my best to you and Mrs H. Thinking of you both.
Right, time for some more London Pride, if you get my drift????
Steve T, agree about the spirit from Sunday. Today all depends on which Arsenal turns up, if it is the Totnum-Blackburn-Wigan-and-Chelsea-spanking side then we’ll win it but if it is the surrender-meekly-to-Blackburn-Swansea-and-a-couple-of-others Arsenal then we’re in for a very disappointing two hours.
And I hope you can get some extra kip over the weekend π
Winning today would be immense, but a draw wouldn’t be a disaster in any way. I’m not saying that I would take a draw if offered it now, but one point would not be too bad. A draw would be a far worse result for Liverpool than it would be for us.
Snir, hope your long travel is rewarded with a win!
‘Holic, all the best to the Management.
Morning Holics.
In the mood to smash some mugs.
PHW @ 18 & 19. π π
Oh forgot – Snir have a great day.
No doubt you forecast the result weeks ago, hence the reason you’re here. π
Morning holics hope all are well and best wishes to mrs hol.love another 3 pionts today all my brothers are pool fans(3)+da sad I know!and in my local some that follow Liverpool are the worse type of fan mouths! I’m going with the holic pound 3~2 come on you blues!also hope snir has a great day the lad has such passion for the gunners.
3-2.
We’ll never win 3-2, we’ll never win 3-2, we’ll never win 3-2.
And HEH at PHW
All the best to you an Mrs. H. Hope it’s a successful Saturday all round.
After last weekend it’s a strange pre-match feeling this morning, still suffering from Milan and Sunderland but with a massive injection of unbelievable belief from decimating the Spuds.
Everything seems to have evened itself up so I’m decidedly neutral about our chances today. Get a win in the land of the dole and I reckon the balance will have shifted to optimism.
Come on The Arsenal!
best wishes from the Lowlands, ‘holic.
Enjoy the game Snir (and everyone else of course)
Hard to call, this one. We’re on a high after the mashing of the Spuds, and even though they just about scraped past Cardiff, lets not underestimate the boost that trophy win will give them.
I still think that we are the better team and I slighty disagree with ‘holic’s view that they have “their most balanced side for a number of years”. I feel they’ve splashed a shit load of dosh unwisely, paying Harrods’ prices for Poundshop goods.
They’re even more inconsistant then we are, this is by all acconts our worst season under Le Boss, yet we are cstill ahead of them in the PL. Their best performances this term have all come in the cup competitions, where they have beaten the Chav’s, the Mercs and the Indebted, no mean feat, but as I said that was in the cups.
The inimatable Mr Arseblogger said in his piece this morning;
“I donβt know which combination of Carroll, Bellamy and Suarez heβll play but they all provide a different kind of threat.”
Correctamundo, the first will slap your missus around, the second will whack you with his nine iron while the latter will racially taunt you in Spanish.
Come on you Gunners.
I’ll be behind the bar again all day with the footy in the background (recorded for later viewing as well ofcourse), so who’s up for a drinky?
H2H – a belated “good to see you back” and a timely “nice post” π
Tally-Ho Reds!!!
Lady Nina will be carrying out her first official duties for the club today.
Well, if a ‘Vice’ President can’t find something to do in Liverpool . . . . .
Cheers Trev.
Regards to the missus ‘holic
Lets rip those scousers a new one today.
And then will be rooting for a scum defeat (as there is no such thing as rooting for a Manu victory).
All the very best for your better half ‘holic.
COYG
Thanks all.
Unchanged team today. The 3-2 is placed.
So:
Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Arteta, Song, Walcott, Rosicky, Benayoun, van Persie. Subs: Fabianski, Diaby, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jenkinson, Gervinho, Chamakh, Miquel.
Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Skrtel, Carragher, Jose Enrique, Spearing, Kuyt, Henderson, Adam, Downing, Suarez. Subs: Doni, Carroll, Maxi, Coates, Shelvey, Flanagan, Bellamy.
If this was a home game I’d almost see it as a “certain” (i.e. how certain things ever can be in football!) win for us. But us not having played that well away for quite a while changes that. Now it still kind of feels like anything can happen. But on paper, surly we have a better team.
Up the arse!
And the best of wishes to your better half, ‘Holic.
Holic , Best wishes for Mrs H’s speedy recovery .
PHW π π
2-0 to the Arse today nae bother .
Enjoy , Snir .
Right , off to the juicer ….
H2H @ 34 – nice assessment of the l’pool attacking threat – and good to see you in the bar again after a mighty comeback performance last week. Here’s ahoping we can that form agoing
Another big, BIG GAME!
ComoN Theeeeeeeeeee Arse!
I’m aready AL.
COYGunners.
Oh look at our lineup, wonderful!!! Te amo Arsenal and bueno suerte!
COYTSOBs
Morning all,
Anyone aware of a decent stream for this game — I need to be saved from listening to that oik Robbie Savege and his inane witterings.
Thanks in advance!
Matt
Just found one:
http://live.streamhd.eu/fsi2.html
Saves of the season, for sure!!!
Another very soft penalty.
But what a save or rather saves. To get back up, turn around and get back. One of the best double saves I have seen. So close to the goal and from the spot, meaning the striker should have no real distractions.
We have been really really sloppy at the back. The OG just about sums it up. We need to wake up and get hold of the midfield.
Van the MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!
wen ‘e wants!
RVP, He is so adorable!
Briliant cross from Sagna.
how about our goalie, great stuff, he’s on fire!!1
He has to be abb, too much fucking about in defence for our own good.
Still too sloppy. 2nd to too many 2nd balls. Shezza has kept us in it. Fantastic cross from Sagna. Need a lot more urgency 2nd half.
Well, we can play better and must play better. I am a bit disappointed with the performance this far. But we seem to have a hard time performing away from home against good (if we can call them that) opposition, so I’m quite happy with the scoreline this far. A draw at Liverpool away is alright for me.
If we up our game somewhat in the second half I think we’ll get at least one point, but we seriously do need to up it, otherwise one of these balls are going to trickle in.
Hi H2H! Love your place, looks very enviting! Don’t worry just yet, Arsene will be giving them the Talk, they’ll get it together, they’re the Arsenal!
they’ve had nearly all the play, nearly all the ball – and ‘aven’t put it in the net yet. If we come out for the second half and get RVP in it some more maybes we can still nick this
Up The Arse!
Van Persie clearly not fit, and what Steve T said @ 59
Suarez is a diving cunt.
Hardly front page news is it…
We’ve now had three pens against us in our last four games.
Super sloppy. Interlull hangover – but the lack of effort n the midfield is tough to take. Arteta asleep, Benny non-existent on the left there. Is Diaby on the bench?
Arteta doesn’t look fit and was limping a bit very early on. Should get Benayoun or Arteta off and OX on for the second half on the left. Need more width. And to wake up a bit/
The penalty was always going to be given but Suarez had lost control and dived. Absolutely minimal contact AFTER he’d lost it. But it’s easy to see that on TV slowmo. Tougher in real time.
Let’s hope we cn get the handbrake off in the second half. Need someone with big balls and some confidence here.
Don’t normally do this but here goes – i think when we’ve got the ball we’re trying to get forward too quickly at times, we’re trying to be too direct – probably ‘cos it worked last week. think we need to build in possession, work it forward to get up there in numbers. The quick ball up top is still a good’un, especially if the scousers get caught pushing up too far – but we’s away from home and they’re working very, very hard – we should have the balls to try and keep hold if the errr, ball – a bit, every now and then.
But WHAT THE FCCUKK do i know, i’m not a real one Arsene Wenger, one Arsene Wenger – there’s only one etc. Just turn it on please lads!
Unbelievable! Poor Arteta, God help him!
Welcome back, Abou.
Abou is really playing very smoothly. Impressed this far.
This is torture.
From the big derby win to the big Diaby winner – CoMON!
Heh, Zico, it sure is. But we are holding on. As long as it is 1-1 we always have the chance to nick it with a counter and if it stays like this I won’t be dissatisfied with the points.
Heavy concussion on Arteta. Almost got that myself yesterday. Was running indoors and slipped on a slippery floor. A few stitches on the chin.
And oh, THAT was close. Good save Reina.
Come on Arsenal – see this out.
A point here would do just fine. No more injuries please.
we need to up the tempo and keep possession better. causing us trouble down the flanks
Theo! You were onside! Jesus..
we are not playing well but a point won’t be bad at all.
Did you see Van Persie wave up the team and then running cross the pitch to slide tackle one of their players for a throw in just now? Love him. I absolutely adore Van Persie.
And ouch, Diaby coming off.
oh well not that then comon the ox
At least we don’t seem to be conceding from an unhealthy amount of corners anymore!
Again, Van Persie REALLY is working his everything off to cover and get back and win the ball.
Come on guy`s, let nick this in the end. We really need these 3 points.
Unreal!
well Ill be double dutch Roooooobin
Take that, ugly buttholes! π
wen ‘e fukkin wants!
YES, WE ARE THE ARSENAL!!!
Keep the fucking ball now.
Let’s bloody win this.
What a finish from the skipper
Boys win it for Arteta!
Can say that again
Close from the Ox! Nice shot!
Ya buckin feauty!
ReeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeSSSSSSUUUUUUUUULLLLLT!!!
Winning Ugly…yes please (0;
YES YES YES!!! Oh to be a gooner! Never stopped believing in them, never!
H2H 100% record
My dear dear Arsenal. Cheers for that.
Now, GIN!
Alex Song another great assist.
Didn’t play great – but I would rather play poorly and win than the other……
Just give Robin the keys to the stadium right now….. π π
Love it
I dont believe it – Bulgar commentator hysterical at the end about RVP
I was just sitting quietly suffering with the rest of you when Song has a good pass and young Batman stroked it in- stress what stress
‘Holic this should be good for your missus!!!!
Incredible result – not one we fully deserved, which made it all the sweeter.
Obvious hats off to RVP, but also to Song (not his best afternoon but produced another great through ball), the centre backs and my man of the match Chesney. Keeper was the difference today.
Looking forward to a doomer free evening. Leaves me free to dream the impossible re: midweek.
COYG
Snir must be going crazy!
wow. what a fabulous finish. very difficult angle but Van the Man did what he does best.
I knew we could do it, I just knew it!
Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal!
Persie, Persie born is the king of Highburrr – oh. Er and what Zico said about the keys – pleeeeaase
4 wins on the trot now. This last one was won by half the team playing on lower gears. Sagna was colossal, the back four good in general, RVP just himself. Whisper it, but we`ve got Milan, on an actual football pitch next. π
Well fuck my old boots. Played poorly on the whole I think. But quite frankly, at the moment I could not give a fuck. A monster 3 points.
RVP different class. Big shout for Kos and TV for big balls performances and Shezza for keeping us in it.
Can’t wait to hear what king kenny has to moan about.
Look we need H2H on match days…he’s our lucky charm…plus my new ‘secret weapon’ (which I won’t reveal until AFTER St. Totteringham Day..(0;
ABB at 61.
Thank you.
AL at 99.
Heh, I promise to never leave again.
Wind @ 105 Snir must be in heaven, for sure. Great team spirit @ 107.
Van Persie #10 with the 2 PL Badges is going on the back of this seasons home shirt, no regrets π
huge win….
buy van Persie his own country if we have to….complete game changer.
We weren’t in top gear or even third….but look at that reaction at the final whistle….we’re back in business
Love my club…and this team is much better than all the press and moaners have said
sign RvP…get Wilshere back and move a few out and in during the summer and good things are in store
For the rest of the weekend i shall mostly be supporting Bolton and, er – Mank U (oh – got a little bit of sick in me marrff – then)
abb @ 113, I believed! I believed we would come back from 1-0 down, I believed that somebody would get the winner and I believed that we’d get all 3 points π
I don’t want to ruin the mood ahead of Milan, but we are kind of lacking in midfield options for that game. Arteta had a severe concussion today and has been driven to the hospital. That means he won’t be allowed to play, and with Diaby coming off after coming on, it must be some injury. Ramsey is said to be very short for the Milan game.
But perhaps we can think about that later.
Enjoy a fucking great win, Gooners!
Hey BtM: Diaby looked solid for the few minutes that he was on…always looking for the forward pass & able to shield the ball in tight spaces…I think that he’ll be a good option in MD in place of Arteta if he has to be out for a long period..
I remember people wanting us to sign Reina…
Wenger knows…we’ve got a keeper…
There’s no bias on Bulgar tv – one summariser wearing his gooner shirt – wish I could understand what they are saying!
Its clear they think penalty wasnt, and RVP is a favourite
Jamie Redknapp is a brain dead little fucker.
I would not tire of punching his face.
Toby @118 – wish you could pay attention, there is an exciting midfielder who played the last few minutes and is ready to step up – young Ox
Great win through two great goals, especially the second one. Superlative performance from the man, two shots two goals, three points.Keep it coming boys. Talisker for me please.
Someone should kick J.Redknapp in the nads, glad I’m not watching whatever show he’s commentating on.
Wow, stole this one…away from home. We really played well after the goal which is always a worry. Song has been great with his passes to the strikers…..but that finish! Two wonder strikes like that in the same year? C’mon. COYR!
H2H – you know it’s gotta be the way it is now squire – no question
And GT you’ve got me wondering about your secret one – ‘specially after your revelations the other day.
You Reeeeeeeedddddddssss! (and occasional blues/yellows and that maroony thingy)
Heh, Cognac, now that WOULD be interesting. I kind of censored that thought out of my mind in the same way I stopped wishing for Arshavin to be given a chance in that position since it just never happened. I’d love to see it happen, I doubt it will this early in his Arsenal career, but the time might well be right, us having Walcott, Gervinho and Benayoun to play on the wings and them all being healthy at the moment.
Yeah Toby, it could happen, and I’d love it to happen, the Ox would be a great Winger or CAM in my eyes π
ps – they didn’t score 2day
pps 6 points and 7 goals in 2 games v s***s and these away is starting to look like some form – wen in the recent past ours has tended to nosedive – earlyish days – but, but, but…
Song has learned a thing or 2 from Fabregas that pass over the top was just amazing, but RVP still had a lot to do to convert. he scores when he wants I guess. all players have done their bit. i thoght Kos was MOTM but RVP nicks for me
I can die peacefully now.
I’ve reached my peak. Nothing will top that.
Arteta in hospital with concussion, out cold initially after a nasty blow to his jaw. Was conscious in dressing room. Mikel, we’re praying for you.
How did that happen……… am I dreaming…?
Heh Snir, we’ll scrape you off the ceiling later.
Enjoy. 8)
oh – and we didnt lose in the league in feb – that’s form, that is
when I previously lived in California we won the double and were trophy rich over 7 seasons….then I moved to Arizona – just one FA Cup.
Moved back to California beginning of February….4 wins in the league since…
The things I do for this club!
Now we’ll just sit and wait for Chelsea to concede the first goal.
super-Cali
and comon the baggies – of course
Heh Tim.
Put down some roots, mate. π
I like winning dirty. Let’s make it a habit. COYG !
Poorish performance really – gave the ball away far too often – not enough tracking of oppo wingers etc etc, all the usual complaints.
But – do we care ?
Not one bit! Not now anyway, but it was a very tense 1 3/4 hours.
Robin van Persie – what a magnificent player – and ran all over the park, considering he was an injury doubt that was some effort.
Fab-u-lous finishes.
Szczesny quite brilliant today too.
Jamie Redknob launched, afterwards, straight into all the reasons why RvP will leave Arsenal in the summer, and explained how the club has done everything wrong with his whole contract situation – like he has any idea whatsoever what has been happening.
Did this have anything to do with the game ? No.
Is that the job of a ‘pundit’ ? (coughs, laughs) No.
He is an odious little prick who has made me really like Gary Neville !!!!!!!!!!
COME ON REEDDDSSSS!!!!!!
Time to panic Spuds – we’re after ya !!!
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish:
“Anybody that watched it would be of the same impression we were by far the better side and easily deserved three points. The way they went about their job and were so dominating you could say we’ve come a long way…we were by far the more dominant, impressive team but we’ve lost the game.”
Welcome to our world.
Lucky win at our place. Karma is a bitch.
Snir – you lucky boy!
And little Clichy has been so jealous of Sagna scoring the other day that he had to go and get a goal against Bolton now. Too bad.
Here, here FG.
Kenny forgets to mention we had far more shots on target….which is sort of the point
Liverpool didn’t deserve to win the game at home against us in August anymore than we deserved to win today.
As FunGunner said, Karma is a wicked mistress.
Robin, particularly first half seemed to me to be playing well within himself, as if he was not wanting to aggravate anything. And yet he scores too excellent goals. How many goals would the guy have scored for us by now, had he not been so unlucky with injuries?
Speaking of injuries, today was Abou Diaby’s career in microcosm. If he goes into the summer carrying any injury, and unable to get a proper pre-season under his belt, I can’t see a future for him at Arsenal, which would be a great shame.
Tim: don’t fucking move mate!
Too = two. π³
Kenny also forgot that THEY never scored…anyway Scezzers winning MOTM by a landslide. Gigi would be proud of him!
Was it definitely an injury to Diaby? I read it was “tightness”.
Dr Zee: Diaby’s substitution was precautionary – tight hamstring..Perhaps Le Boss was mindful that with Arteta out we couldn’t afford to lose Diaby (AGAIN) long-term as well
Why we even talking about Kenny ‘fucking’ Dog-leish? Who the fuck cares what he thinks?
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger after the 2-1 win at Liverpool:
“In the first half I felt we were out of the rhythm of the game and were dominated by Liverpool. We had good chances in the second half and we knew when that chance went to Van Persie we could get the three points. We had two men of the match today, one completely at the back and one completely at the front.”
Two men indeed (0;
The proverbial smash and grab, and none the less sweet for that. Liverpool taught the lesson that if you don’t turn dominant possession and chances into goals, you don’t win — as we well know.
We looked very leggy in the first half, as if most of the team was still coming back from their interlull trips. No grip at all on midfield, leaving the defence exposed as Liverpool hoofed high balls over our back four. Sczc kept us in it. MoM for me. Suarez dive for the penalty? Looked like it on the replay. Second half we were more competitive in midfield, though not immediately obvious why. Good to see Diaby back, and playing comfortably. Not so good to see him limp off again. Worse to see Arteta carried off. He looked to be unconscious for a long time. As for RvP, there are not enough superlatives, plus he worked so hard off the ball. Both goals were top draw, as were the passes from Sagna and Song. There is no keeping down quality. We may slip to fifth on goal difference by the end of today, but those were three priceless points nicked.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on Mikel Arteta’s injury:
“It was precautionary for the spine. We had to be cautious and take him off but we hope we get some good news from the hospital.”
NED: Someone said this earlier but I believe that when we are chasing a game, with the other team dominant, we should not be trying to match them with pace – especially when our passes are all going straight back to the opposition! After Arteta’s injury – after Diaby came on – we slowed the game down a tad and made retaining possession the priority. That’s the answer. Keep the ball and let the cunts chase after it…controlled football…anyway we got what we went up there for so that’s all that matters..
GT: we certainly passed the ball better in the second half, which gave us more possession and cut down Liverpool’s opportunities to bypass our midfield with long, high forward passes. Not sure that was a deliberate attempt on our part to slow the game, though. We were just playing a lot better so had more control of the ball.
Fuck Kenny Doglish, Fuck Cunty Jamie Redknapp (and his dad for the sake of it) and Fuck the Mugsmashers, the smash and grab came good for the Arsenal for once, and I am glad π
On .com, before I clicked on the MotM link, noticed Szczesny’s pic accompanying the link, gentle nudge from the club me thinks π
personally, i think we did try to slow the game down in the second-half by various means inc. cheeky ones and keeping hold of the ball more – streetwise play, and good to see us at it – especially away from home
ps Pienaar looking like half a world beater back at Everton – ‘arry knows
RED CARD for Swansea’s Nathan Dyer – Karma for his dive against us (0;
The Baggies!!!!!!!!!!!!
Haha GT, not sure I’ve seen a red this season more deserved via Karma, what a cunt π
West Brom!
Adioski AVB?!?
It seems that all of our doomers have gone over to ‘support’ the Chavs – good riddance!
Nice ugly win today boys, loved to see Sagna, TV and all clenching fists and showing desire when Sczcz saved the penalty.
Poor and sloppy performance with the ballbut we showed desire and heart, not surprising we were poor after so many games and travelling is such a shirt space of time.
And Cunty Cuntlish can say what he likes, all that money wasted, the league table doesn’t lie.
Thank you Arsenal for playing with heart and desire, more of the same please!
A good day just got better with the Baggies’s win.
Three points clear of fifth and, maybe, just four out of third.
Sometimes you just need luck and two outstanding goals.
Thanks Throssels!
Why is it that when we win against the run of play it’s a smash and grab (I can just imagine Lawro wittering on in MOTD tonight) and yet, when we dominate possession and do everything but score (as we’ve seen quite a lot over recent seasons), we’re derided as being brittle, lacking character etc. etc. yawn etc. etc.
Liverpool were the better team, but who gives a shit, we’ve been the better team in loads of games and lost.
And Robbie twat Savage (a man with a face for radio but certainly not the voice) — please someone do something to get him off the air.
Not sure why I’m ranting after another great result. And rather strangely, I’m starting to feel sorry for Chelsea… Third place looks most definitely on.
Love this team — up the Arse!
Matt @ 172 – we need to win more games like this to complement those that we dominate. Then we will be back at the top. They say these things cos they hate us. Fuck ’em. COYRs
YEEEEEEES!!! Just got home, now time to eat and then back-drink. Happy happy happy!
Oooh, a bad morning has turned brilliantly beautiful. Woke up to find my son throwing up, then turned on the dvr of the game. Odd game, such a reversal of the usual pattern. Van the man and Chezza, sheer brilliance. Boy back asleep and recovering, Arse win, and Chel$ki lose…now to be a Man-u fan until they dispatch scum tomorrow.
‘Holic, still thinking about the Mgt., hope news is better and you get to enjoy this one a bit.
Scruz, never be a Man utd fan, be a fan of Sp*rs losing π
Fair summary from Zonal Marking:
“Arsenal have played better and lost this season β they didnβt do much particularly well here, aside from two excellent balls and two excellent finishes.”
http://bit.ly/wDBfsA
Matt(2) @172: unless you are the Mancs. Then smash-and-grab becomes what makes champions champions when they have an off day.
Matt 2 @ 172: Agreed with everything you said about the game…but as for feeling sorry for the Chavs? Fuk ’em! Go lay down a repeat to yourself “Chelsea are CUNTS” until the feelings go away…that always works for me (0;
Big Swede Ibra has a hat trick against Palermo, just 35 min. into the game. So how do we shut him down…maybe bait him. He does have a temper and poor impulse control. Sneaky, but what the heck.
Doesn’t look like AC Milan are going to be knackered when they turn up at the Grove, does it?
The only acceptable person to feel sorry for is Andre Villas-Boas, undermined by his players, the Chelsea fans and his club’s owner.
Deserved better, should of listened when they told him he wasn’t ready to leave FC Porto.
But I’m happy for him to stay if he’ll produce this kind of performance every week! π
That is what you call smash and grab, albeit beautifully
Love it
“Mikel Arteta went to a local hospital after the game as a precaution but has travelled back with the squad in good spirits”
– .con
I sure hope, and think, they`ll be battered bath π
I hope that they’ll be knackered at the end from chasing our shadows on Tuesday. Fingers very crossed.
Gooner Terry 178: Cheers mate – that seems to have done the trick.
Not sure what happened then – but equilibrium has now been restored — chav cu@ts
Wind, you do have a good point!
Matt 2: Glad to be of help (0;
HARSHA @ 183 GREAT TO HEAR! HAVING A LAUGH, NOW I CAN’T GET MY CAPS OFF, SO SORRY FOR THE ‘SHOUTING’.
Drink, my friends.
Drink and be merry. Drink, safe in the knowledge that all the trolls that normally infest this place after a slight reverse, have been kept under their rocks.
Drink and celebrate the genius that is Robin van Persie. Celebrate a player in the prime of his career, delivering, for the Arsenal. Drink and raise a glass to his fitness, and his proclivity to score when he wants.
And whilst your at it, raise a glass to our fantastic manager. If any man can keep van Persie at Arsenal whilst the sheikhs and russians continue to ejaculate millions, it is One Arsene Wenger.
Drink to mental strength. Drink to Woj. Drink to Alex Dimitri Song Billong.
Finally, drink to winning ugly.
Just drink.
(Lars is buying). 8)
abb @179 – Clive knows π
you’ve got you’re cap stuck on ? Ooh matron ! π
izico – here, here mate, well said.
Heh, I certainly will Dr Z
*raises glass*
Rarely ever the midfield plays so poorly and we get away with it by a combination of quality on either end and some luck. Nice to see that happen, we deserve a bit of break in that respect.
Song’s assist count for a DM would be up there with anyone else in the league, I think. He is maturing really fast, the number of fouls and cards have dropped, and in a day when he was visibly tired after returning so late from ANC qualifier, and made his share of passing mistakes he still not only showed desire in covering space but quite intelligent use of space as well.
Feel bad for Diaby. The first few touches were excellent. Arsene should stop tying to play him so soon every time he returns and should get him ready by playing for reserves etc. for a while. It would have been nice to have him as an option from the bench for the run-in in April.
Dr. Z. i’ll drink with yer to RVP’s proclivity, one Arsene Wenger, Chesney et al – and if that drink’s mental strength maybes an ugly win’ll start to look a lot more attractive…hellooooo!
izico @ 190 – well said mate,
and have a drink to celebrate Woy’s Boys’ timely win against the rentboys as well
plus a toast for tomorrow’s embarrassing home defeat for the LWCs.
bathgooner curves a long ball out to the right wing and sprints boxward.
Fack me Dr Zee that was a Churchillian effort – I am aroused! What shall I do now (I don’t drink) ..shall I go kick something? But what? I am far too happy for violence..fuck! I feel impotent…aroused but not having an outlet…I think I will go lay down (0;
Or I may just shoot!
Or head the fucking thing!
Hits it goalwards
* I am otta here (0;
Self assist! Yellow card GT. Poor show.
Guilty as charged! But like RvP I score when I want…just accept that bath…you’ll be a happier person for it (0;
AL’s got the beer goggles on – wotcha Ladies π
GT – aroused? Oh very dear. What do you mean you don’t drink? Thought you were a Red Stripe man…..?
GT they all count….. none of our boys in the box as usual…
WU that’s what I mean! I took ages trying to come up with a funny response to Dr Zee and fully expected young Hurricane to pop in the century so you can imagine my surprise when…
Dr Zee: I only save the Red Stripe for friends when they come round and keep the bottles to throw at you when you mention that Bejan dish water (0;
Trev @ 191 – got me thinking, we haven’t heard from Clive in a while, not since before the Spurs game, in fact.
I do hope all is ok, Sweeper, if you’re looking in?
Ze smash und ze grab. Wundebar.
Also in addition to the brilliant play in goal today have to give full marks to Woj for immediately getting over and picking Kos up after the own goal. No sense in Kos getting down the way he has played this year. Every clearance on crosses from him after that was secure. True team spirit and leadership qualities from the young pole in goal.
I said it before and i’ll say it again…
…I didn’t see that coming!
…3 points ahead in fourth. Thanks Robin, oh and Woj!
Is Snir still alive?
Cuntski lost as well….beauuuuuutiful!
What a goal by RvP.
And Woj, what can I say?
Oh my oh my, I just thought of something – I hope MOTD will have both Alan “What, me still bitter about -89?” Hansen and Mark “I just pretend I’ve watched the games and waffle on a bit” Lawrenson in the studio! Will download it early tomorrow morning and transfer to the iPad and watch it on the flight tomorrow, will be a proper pleasure!
Four straight wins, and in three of them we have come from behind to win. There must be something to the talk about mentul strennth.
Snir, I am truly happy for you that you got to experience this game live!
No fullbacks from early december – we struggle to score.
Fullbacks return – we score 16 in four league games.
Coincidence? I am increasingly convinced it is not.
Liverpool have, at least up until now, been seen to have a really good season in which they have made a lot of progress. We are seen to have had a catastrophic one. We are now ten points clear of them, albeit with a game in hand. Where are the “Liverpool in crisis” articles in the papers?
Liverpool in 2010/11 after 27 games: 38 points. Liverpool 2011/12 after 27 games and about Β£100m spent: 39 points.
Yeah, it was all Roy Hodgson’s fault last season!
zico@190: amen to every word!
But didn’t Clive make a brief appearance after the Spurs game? I seem to recall him having a short exchange with tabs.
Gotta go do some packing for tomorrow now, drinks are on me as usual!
Hey nice one Lars
Safe trip – see you at Villa, mate.
WU/GT @ 206/207, see my 25 for an explanation :s
Ollie @ 211, he’s in heaven π (@ 132)
Bearded Gooner, fully agree about Szczsensy’s spirit. That is one if his most endearing and defining qualities. Hope Arsenal fans would never turn on him when the inevitable bad patches hit.
Today his decision making was top notch. The penalty save and other close range saves were excellent but equally importantly every time he came out of his area he looked very secure, except once when the Henderson scuffed the chance.
Faustus: I would say that the save by Szczesny from Suarez’ shot where Woj turned the ball out for a corner is a candidate for save of the season in my eyes. It was done with technical perfection, to not just get down there that quick but also to push the ball out for a corner so the two onrushing Liverpool players couldn’t get to it was incredibly well done. It may not have looked particularly spectacular, but it was an absolutely fantastic save.
I’m with you Doctor Faustus.
Bearded,
I’m in New York on march 17/18. Where to watch our game?
The Blind Pig, BtM?
That game has been moved to the 21st because Everton are still in the cup
BtM- Without question the Blind Pig on 14th St, but is there a game those days?
Sorry missed TN @221. Looks like the game was moved to the 21st.
*checks for invisibility*
Good point, Jaxta
After tuesday the next games are monday week and then wednesday week after.
What a weird schedule.
Yep, I’d concur BtM.
Although you may feel a little dis-oriented as there is a bust of sorts, of Wayne Rooney on the wall.
Ollie put me on to it last year, and on match day it is absolutely bouncing. Worth a visit, even if the game has been moved – but remember and save yourself for the 24th π
Nice post Lars, and good stats.
Not that anyone would give a ‘Gareth Bale’s’, but personally I feel pleased for Woy Hodgson. Apart from beating the Chavs today, he has had some great results and turned around another ‘mid-table’ club.
No Liverpool wasn’t ‘all his fault’ – he had the wrong end of a very rough stick up there.
If King Kenny was anyone other than King Kenny, I think there would be a fair amount of baying going on up there now.
As Lars said, Β£100million or so spent, and a virtually identical position to last year.
King Kenny is a grumpy old sod whose increasingly silly ramblings do a great club no favours at all.
Now, if someone could just help me down off this soap-box . . . . .
You’re doing just fine up there, Trev!
Sorry TN, although invisibility could come in handy in certain situations π
True BG
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
http://youtu.be/m9WdUgn0