Mag-bloody-nificent, Now Keep It Up
Mar 6th, 2012 by 'holic
You don’t need anything like a conventional match report. There can be very few football supporters across continents where the game was being shown at a reasonable hour who did not watch at least some of that.
What we saw was the greatest sport on the planet as pure theatre. At the off I will say that owes something to Milan as well as the Arsenal. Off the pace defensively they may have been, over-run for an hour certainly, but in the final quarter of the match they showed a resolve and a threat that seemed beyond them for so long.
When we followed up our diabolical performance in Milan with a tame FA Cup exit at Sunderland I suggested that the North London derby had taken on an added significance. Nobody is happier to hold his hands up tonight and applaud what has happened in three massive fixtures since that undoubted low point.
Arsenal 5-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 3-0 Milan
Ten goals scored, a clean sheet kept tonight when it was absolutely vital. We came from behind to win both Premiership contests, and almost came from behind against all the odds over two legs against one of the other top teams in Europe.
More than that though I think we have established beyond all reasonable doubt tonight that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is a footballer. If he has not suffered a six-weeker tonight he just has to be retained in the side. We have got the Tomas Rosicky we signed back. Laurent Koscielny must be the most improved defender in the Premiership. And finally the Milan ‘keeper is too big to chip a ball over at point blank range!
Tongue in cheek that last one. Robin again was immense. Pay him whatever you have to in order that he remains captain of this developing side. Get Jack Wilshere fit to play alongside the Ox in the middle of the park. Let’s build on the positives of the last ten days.
We need to see that level of pressing against Newcastle next Monday, at Everton after that, and in the nine games that follow those. That level of commitment from such talented players would surely see third place secured, and deservedly so. Anything less would be frustrating in the extreme. In the last ten days we have seen a standard set by this team that will set the level of expectation for those remaining eleven matches. If we can batter Tottenham, win at Anfield, and thrash the Italian champions, we should fear none of our remaining fixtures. A handful of difficult tests may be ahead, but we have proved we are capable of responding.
As an advertising smartarse for Nike once said, just do it.
530 Responses to “Mag-bloody-nificent, Now Keep It Up”
Short and sweet…nice summary and commentary on a top performance tonight!!!
I’ll have that second drink then.
I wonder how much Lars is spending in the real pub tonight ๐
ARSENAL SPIRIT !!!!!!!!!!!!
Brilliant effort tonight. I don’t think the goalie even saw RVP’s chip hit his arm. Such is life sometimes.
THE ARSENAL SPIRIT!!!!!!
Nice write-up, ‘holic!
Now that I have read it, I can at last go to bed in peace.
Slightly frustrated, we left ourselves with a slightly too big mountain to climb, but we came might close.
Proud of them, keep that effort up boys!
I watched this from 2.45 a.m. here in Thailand where I live. I never miss a game whatever the time, and tonight I felt so proud because of the show the lads put on on the filed. Credit to all of them and AW for his team selection (which was, due to injuries, somewhat limited).
I feel that if we continue like this we will be the top team in London come May. The scum up the lane cannot match us – they are on the way out.
Love all Gooners – follow me on Twitter @ArseLuvver – I’ll follow back.
Played ‘holic
corners being turned on an almost weekly basis at the mo. How many d’you have to go round before the season’s back on track?
well played AW and the boys and may the doomers be tucked up already
THE ARSENAL SPIRIT IS BAC !!!!!!!
I just hope we have enough bodies for Newcastle.
Holic- That pressing will be hard to do again. I felt the players thought of this game as a one off to make history. they gave everything , tackled, pressed and harassed but 2nd half they looked really tired. It is no coincidence that our form has changed since the return of Sagna and Gibbs. With Chelsea and Spurs still in the cups, we can get the 3rd if we push on.
Sadly, I was one of those few who couldn’t get to see the game, having to sneak furtive looks at text commentary. The team seems to have given it a real go, and when I saw the half-time score I started to believe we might just do it. Oh, that we had picked up an away goal in Milan.
I missed the game.
Not out of choice, I had a work thing, but I missed it. I thought I wouldn’t miss much.
I was wrong.
I was very…very wrong.
๐
Nice one Mr.H, as usual.
So very, very proud to be a Gooner tonight. Splendid Arsenal, splendid support.
We’re free now to focus on making St.Totts day a reality.
UTA! COYRRRs!
The thought of a midfield trio of Coquelin, Wilshere and AOC for the next decade or more is enough to…
…ungh…
…sorry.
Reading one-handed again, Herbie ๐
And on a slightly different note – don’t think i’ve ever known a season where the pendulum has swung so wildly, and so often, between great fukkin stuff and no where near great fukkin stuff – while whooshing quickly past all the other bits in between . And i’ve been with The Arse for longer than my failing memory and maths skills are prepared to let me work out at this point on another quite bonkas and beery football day. And i think i’m enjoying it – overall
I can’t argue with what has been said, this has been an immensely frustrating season.
The last three games have made me proud to be a Gooner, we can get third and I suggest that our team owes us; as they shown us what they can do, so consistency to the end of the season would be brilliant.
We lost, but I am happy, with the team and the support was brilliant, why can’t we be like that every match! Come on Arsenal!!!!!
The headline sums it up perfectly especially the 2nd part: Now Keep It Up!
Gooner Dee- it is not possible to play like that everytime but the type of game we played against Liverpool is the one we should do more often, win when we are not at our best.
Well said, that man.
All I asked for was that we gave it our all, and by George we did ๐
Smashing the Italian Champs at home, who can fault that? And who can fault the Captain for not finishing over Abatti, he could do no wrong in my eyes after putting that penalty in the back of the net.
Great write-up ‘Holic, onwards & upwards in the table we shall go ๐
I was watching from all the way in jamaica and I can stand up a say that arsenal will be a force to be recon with for the rest of this season and into next season already all I ask is for wenger to do all is shopping earlier this time and fire the physio we’ve got now and we’ll be ok come the new season!!!!
Close boys , so so close , but ultimately no cigar , but what a fucking ride they gave us !
Ooh to , ooh to be , ooh to be a Goonerrr !
Before the game , I’d phoned my brother …
“See you in the juicer mate ? ”
” Nah mate can’t face it , mission impossible ”
“Ok mate , see you at HT , when we’re three up then ”
We both chortled .
Our boys followed it to the letter . What a joy to see a player whip in genuinely dangerous corners . What a player the Ox threatens to be . Straight on the bonce of the hugely talented Kos . 1-0 and the dream is on .
Rosicky enjoying an hour straight from the Gods capped a run and cross from the always threatening Theo . 2-0 , and someone please get me some downers just to address the chemical imbalance occurring deep within the recesses of my brain .
One more before HT boys . Up stepped the Ox with another surge which highlighted his ability to marry blinding pace with consumate skill . Even the bent Euro Ref couldn’t ignore the clumsy challenge that sent him sprawling . Penalty . Up stepped the Captain . Never in any fucking doubt . Oh my God , I really think I’m gonna need to be resuscitated . Get me some Uppers quick !
Half time . Believe , boys , believe . The Pub which had been pretty much empty to that point miraculously filled up . Oh the fickleness of some .
The turning point – the Captain’s glaring miss (I told you we should have rested him ๐ ) .
To point the finger would be wrong however . Robin was a class apart throughout .
On the hour it was clear that we had run out of steam and could only play in sporadic bursts . Rosicky , Song and the Ox , all superb , were all out on their feet . Oh to have had the option of bringing on a couple from Wilshere , Diaby , Ramsey , Coquelin , Benny and Frimpong , but injury had robbed us of the bodies .
They couldn’t have given more , and Milan’s class only hinted at in the first half came to fruition in an exercise of keep-ball .
Let it be that the reaction to this game is not that we have gone out (that happened a fortnight ago) , but how good we are when we ally blood and tears effort to our undoubted brilliance .
Wengerball4 has come of age . I can hear the Tiny Totts quaking in their lily-livered shoes from here .
One Club , one vision , one Arsenal !
Holic, If not for the terrible run of injuries we’ve sustained this season, we’d already be in 1st place. What struck me was Arsene’s demeanor tonight, truly inspiring for everyone. Please keep it up Professor, it really matters!
Hard luck tonight the boys did us proud and I’ve withdrawn my expenses claim from the San Siro game. Kos take a bow
Great write up ‘holic!
Tabs, spot on mate, blood and tears and Playing for the shirt, the manager, the fans, I couldn’t ask for more.
Well played lads, now keep that intensity and we can end the season on a high.
And all of you were calling for is head ohh!!! To listen to you now in arsene I trust go arsenal
Next time when you guys go to the emarate and you wanna say something bad about the manager(like you don’t know what you’re doing and so on)get on the players instead for a change cause it is not wenger causing the problems is some lazy player we’ve got.
If only the cheating Milan had provided a half decent pitch for the first leg…
So proud of every single one fo them.
At the holtel now, quite drunk. Had the immense pleasure of meeting the true gentleman that is Steve T before the game, as well as our never-sleeping friend Snir Geuli. Big cheers to you both, I really appreciated it!
The atmosphere inside the stadium was fantastic. The boys gave it their all, and Ibrahimovic was yet again an embarrassment to all proper footballers around the world. I fucking hate that wanker.
I really need to go to bed now (need to leave the hotel at abt 6.45 to make the flight) but I am just about to burst with pride over how the lads made a proper game of this. The ref was a joke, but we just kept going and almost caught them.
But now, let’s focus on fucking hammering Newcastle. Good night!
brilliant, ‘holic. so true, so true, STAND UP for the arsenal.
tabs, every word.
a word for chezza here, too. he was immense, and if we’d gone through he would have been my MOTM…that little span where he saved twice, once with his foot, well, it could very easily have been lights out.
of course, his howler of a kick out to ibra, and bad throw out to kg could have sealed the tie for them, too, but he was still immense.
@17 Goonerholic That’s why an iPhone will always trump an iPad in the nocturnal activity stakes ๐
Well bugger me. I do not remember us ever exiting the Champions League and coming home on such a high.
The evening started on a high in the Tollie when I finally got to say hello to Lars and his buddies. I t appears that I missed Snir by a whisker due to his impending TV audience taking precedence. It was a chilled affair and the atmosphere in the Tollie mirrored that as I walked into the ground. It was if the outcome was almost a forgone conclusion and therefore there was no stress, no tension. We wanted a performance. We wanted a win but deep down I donโt know anyone who expected us to qualify. The mood was light hearted.
As kick off neared the atmosphere was taken up several notches. After Kos put us one up it was definitely game on. Up pops Tommy R. How good has he been in recent weeks by the way? 2 nil and no, it couldn’t possibly happen. Could it???? After AOC completely terrorised the Milan back four the penalty was reluctantly given by an official who looked hopelessly out of his depth. RVP, 3 nil and we were not even at half time.
The second half sadly did not make the impossible possible. However the performance was quite breath taking. I have no doubt that from a neutral perspective that this was possible the best Champs Lge game ever considering the circumstances.
The final whistle came and it was just not to be. But the crowd were awesome throughout and rose in unison to applaud the performance. Possibly the biggest ballsy performance I have witnessed from the Arsenal in many a year.
A game of loads of positives. Many will be mentioned no doubt but I wonder if all were spotted? Tommy R again constantly talking to AOC and guiding him through. The work rate and spirit shown by everyone was truly outstanding, and I mean outstanding. I did not hear one negative comment from the crowd. Performances like that just transform a crowd and the effort is reciprocated. The biggest telling point for me came at the final whistle. Milan were through and not one player celebrated. They new they had had a right good hiding. They know that if we had even half bothered to turn up in Milan then they would be out. All in all a wonderful night at the Grove.
Time now to reflect. I hope that the positive nature is carried on through the rest of the season. I also hope that the board members were watching and took note. We came so close tonight but I can’t be the only one who hardly felt inspired when we chase a game and have to call on the likes of Chamack and Park. I have said several times before that I feel we are not far away. Tonight has to be a shining light to point the way to the future. Those who have pushed it to the max deserve that at least.
To those in a red shirt tonight I say thank you. Thank you for a wonderful night of football.
Oh wow,
Lars, Steve T, Snir.
Party I missed, bugger ๐
You are always there in spirit holic.
Lars, it was a great pleasure. Safe journey home and hope to catch up at Villa.
Hi Holics
Just in from the game and a long trip home. Too tired to reflect clearly on tonight’s events. Will post tomorrow. Another evening of kisses and hugs with my fellow Gooners in the first half, when we all went mad and really believed we could do it. Robin ,if only.
As always COYRs
Very nice, Mr T. Will look forward to tomorrow, Delia.
That is what football is all about skill, passion , pride ,work rate. we didn’t go through but the players and supporters are proud of OUR club /team we are in it together we played with desire and we played with effort and we knew we could do it , same as we did against LWC when we were 2-0 down it is now up to us to get 4th spot but we could get 3rd “and I would love it if we beat them just LOVE IT ”
Thanks to the lads for another great night
Cheers to holics everywhere
Almost!!,loved how we run at players tonight.
So close and yet so far.
Just watched the game in its entirity, I had it on in the bar, but couldn’t really watch it.
A sterling effort by the lads and the crowd at the Grove did us all proud.
Watching already knowing the result I saw some things that dissapointed, but out of respect for the fabulous effort that most put in I’ll get to them another time.
Pride has been restored, we have shown the world that we are the Arsenal. Heres hoping that we can continue with the same spirit and dedication for the remainder of the season.
Its hard for me to ever be critical of Le Boss – especially on a night like this – but I am left to reflect on a couple of his decisions:
1: The Ox was left on too long after it was apparent that he was injured. A hamstring is not something you can ‘run’ off – in fact it gets tighter with exertion. Pity the boss never had the courage to take him off when we still had the initiative in midfield.
2. Following on the above: Pity too that he never had the courage to put on the Oz who – IMO – would have been better that either Chamakh or Park. The game swung on the injury to Ox and we ceded midfield as a result…a proper midfielder would have provided cover for our, by then, flagging heroes TR and AS …
3. Also when it was evident that Theo was also a spent force I wish we had brought on Jenks and pushed Sagna forward for the last quarter of the game..the game was there to be won on that side of the field but once Theo got injured it stopped Sagna’s forward momentum..
4. Tactically we could not have asked for more from Wenger or the lads but…I wished that Theo had realized that he had the beating of their fullback on the outside and stop cutting inside so much. I know I have saying all season that he has to do more of what he tried to do this evening, but by cutting inside during this game he kept running into a crowd players from both sides. Had he tried to beat their fullback on the outside and cut the ball back the Arsenal forwards would be facing the ball coming back towards them with the Milan defenders all at sea…
But in no way do I want to sound as if I’m being overly critical of the boys efforts tonight. I am 100% happy and hope that they wake up tomorrow knowing how wonderfully close they all came to playing the perfect game..
This team can do the business. We don’t need a whole lot of players this summer. Just clear out 5 or 6 of the dead wood. Promote some of the promising kids. Buy 1 or 2 marquee signings (Goetze & Podolski would be my choices) and I think that we should be good to go for next season…
Finally, as I said after the Liverpool game we WILL be celebrating St Totteringham Day again this year. I am certain of it!
Steve T: Thanks for the quick update from the frontline – the crowd sounded fantastic on my stream..
Delia: Can’t wait for your reflections..
juci 101: As a fellow Jamaican – and a regular on Goonerholic – I can tell you that we don’t tolerate those kinds of people here on this site. Perhaps you are mixing us up with that lot over at Le Grove…
GoonerTerry — fully agree about the Ozyakup non-substitution. When Ox was injured Arsene should have replaced him with Ozyakup to get back the control of the midfield. He can do the basics very well and also has a good long distance shot, which we should have tried a few more. Ox’s attempt was excellent.
The frustrating thing is the lack of quality goal score ring option on the bench. And once Chamak was introduced, may be more crosses could have been sent in the box.
All armchair punditry, of course. Nothing to complain about — a stirring, sterling, sensational performance. The body language of the team throughout the match and at the end, Arsene’s frustrations (quite justified as I thought the 3 minutes of stoppage time was really too little), all show that the team really fully believed in this possibility. And almost pulled it off.
Hope Ox and Theo injuries are not serious.
So proud of our players. I believe this win has galvanized the supporters as much as the players, and I hope in every subsequent game this season, we can be just as vocal in our support for the lads.
Rosicky is my hero. The guy is a midfield maestro, and works tirelessly for the team. So glad to see him playing like he used to (and in his favourite position…something he never could do while Fabregas was here).
GoonerTerry:
I was excited when I saw Ozyakup warming up. He’s a bright talent, eager to prove himself, and someone whom I think could have provided something unexpected tonight. As it is, we threw on two players whose minds have no doubt drifted away for ages now. I understand it’s a question of lack of depth, and it would take a brave, brave manager to play Ozyakup instead of Chamakh (no doubt there would have been many criticizing Wenger had he done just that), but for me, he and Jenkinson would have offered more than Chamakh and Park. But truthfully, I think we’re just being hindsight internet warriors if we criticize Wenger for it. As I said, no doubt if he’d played Oz and Jenks instead of Chmack and Park, we’d be questioning why it is that when we needed a goal, we left two experienced strikers on the bench…
just immensely happy to finally see TR7 getting back into shape and form and confidence. I really believe only Ox and TR know how to break down a congested defence, quite simply carry the ball into the box and take on the defenders with pace. No need to look for team mates to pass the ball, if they’re all man marked which means open space is there for the run in.
@ 45, 46, 47 : Agree with every word you guys! Tonight was a night to be “BOLDER” with the substitutions. Chamakh & Park could not have scored in a month of Sundays with the supply line (Ox & Theo) out of the picture and their confidence low all season. Oz and Jenks as youth – on the other hand – with a thing to prove MIGHT have had the legs to run at the Milan defense and keep them on the back-foot…but such is life. They must now forget about this, rest up and prepare to storm the EPL for the rest of the season. 3rd is on offer and we must take it..
Did anybody else find themselves falling a bit in love with Gary Neville? I always had him marked as a penis/vagina face, but he seemed to be cheering us on every minute. I’m not sure I hate him anymore.
How time (and booze) mellows a man.
What a brilliant match! I was gutted though, when RVP missed that chance. After that I knew we had nothing left in the tank
Thought Arteta was a big miss – thanks to that huge cunt Henderson. He could have held it together second half I thought
We love you Arsenal, we do!
Agree with all of you above re Ozyakup. There was a shot of Oz being readied on the bench to be sent in, and I sat there thinking “That’s brilliant!; do it!” But, alas…
What does the following list have in common: Wilshere, Arteta, Diaby, Ramsey, Benayoun, Coquelin? The majority of the midfield lineup, and all out injured. We’ve gone from having no fullbacks fit, to having more fit fullbacks than fit midfielders! And here’s one night where having AA23 on the bench could have made an impact…
But kudos to all the players, who did themselves and the badge proud. On to 3rd!
Harsha @ 50: Yes, maybe Arteta would have held it together in the second half. But does anyone else think that we might not have had much to try to hold together if Arteta was on in the first half over the Ox, who played in his stead in (roughly) Arteta’s position?
Incredible effort by the lads! Was a joy to see the team playing with such passion, pride and the work rate was incredible. The crowd support was amazing, and it just goes to show that as supporters we all care about the performance and effort, more than the result!
I don’t know what the catalyst has been for this seismic shift in belief, effort and confidence, but the last 3 results has certainly brought back pride and belief in both the players and the supporters. Its a shame it has taken so long for the team to get to this stage, but let’s hope that we can sustain this level of performance/confidence until the end of the season and that during the summer, the Board carries out its responsibility of retaining our best players, removing the deadwood and strengthening our squad.
COYG!!!!!!!
It was one of those nights when all the world’s eyes were at the Grove last night (early morning in my time zone). Arsenal with a depleted line-up due to injuries, were playing their hearts out for pride and glory. Although they fell short, I can only say that our lads have nothing to be ashamed of.
I say, we better build on this team, and as our injured players are closing in on to fitness, we are on course to a good run towards the end of the season.
We better secure fourth place first by defeating Newcastle this Monday (Tuesday in my time zone), and hopefully the Sp*ds and Chelski will slip up this weekend.
Have a great day, Gooners!
I, for one, am a proud Gooner after seeing the boys going for it to the very end and never giving up.
*long & slow one man standing ovation*
Now, go and overtake those LWCs and get that all important third spot.
Up the Arse!!!
*sits back down and continues to sip his Glenlivet*
Magnificently splendid Gunners!!
Can I add Koscielny to the list of star performers (of which there were probably eleven to be fait) from last night.
I lost count of the number of times he looked to attack the ball in defence to bring it out and start an attack going. Especially in the second half when the midfield were frankly spent.
An outstanding team effort last night – well done lads and well done to the fans. Atmosphere sounded incredible.
I meant “fair” by the way!
Lars @32 – How can you hate the Pony Tailed One? He’s Swedish. You’re Swedish. The Euros are just around the corner. Will you not be cheering on your homeland come summer because of one Bosnian/Swedish looking Andy Carroll?
Sky Sports News have just shown Charlie Nicholas who was covering the game for their Gillette Soccer Show. Charlie going absolutely bonkers, especially when the third goes in. Gooner legend? You’d better believe it.
And you have to catch the Shezza comments after the game. All about taking positives. All about not just settling for 4th. “We are only 4 points behind the other North London team.” He gets it. He understands. He can’t even think about saying their name either.
Awesome.
Heh Steve T re Shezza. Legend in the making.
Talking of which, Was that Snir i saw jumping all over my screen with the “we believe” banner?
GT. nice points about the subs. Odd that Arsene said he had no midfielders left and Oz was left sitting there.
Hope Afobe us promoted to the bench now. He has to offer at least the same as others and certainly has a brighter future at this club.
Thank you Arsenal. Now carry on…
Nice one ‘Holic.
Feeling a bit queazy this morning, but a diet of guinness and humble pie requires a stronger constitution than mine.
I’m really curious to see the results of any drug test on Tomas Rosicky – it appears he has been reverse bodysnatched. Long may it continue.
Biggest plus for me though will still be a fully fit RvP and two centrebacks come Monday night.
Rest up lads, and then give ’em hell.
*smoking a cigar and stroking his proud, stiff moustache*
As I suspected, put Milan on a level playing field and they can’t handle it. Wanted to hammer their coglioni so more but that’s the way the cookie crumbles…
Anyway, up the Arsenal you cool cats
Fine review, Holic.
A strangely exhausting and regenerative experience.
What a magnificent effort. Proud to be a Goonah.
Bucks Fizz all round this morning, barman.
As J Walter Weatherman would say, and that’s why you don’t lose the first leg by four goals. Frustrating to think what might have been but at least we gave it a good shot. Now let’s make sure we’re back in the competition next year.
Agree with all of you above re Ozyakup. There was a shot of Oz being readied on the bench to be sent in, and I sat there thinking โThatโs brilliant!; do it!โ But, alasโฆ
Yep, thought exactly that too, Bayonne my Jeanbon friend.
But hey-ho. Thing is Park showed howed lightweight he was last night.
Nowt much wrong with Chamakh, but might have waited a bit to bring him on (having brought on the Oz before).
We’re all armchair managers though, as TRS said:
As I said, no doubt if heโd played Oz and Jenks instead of Chmack and Park, weโd be questioning why it is that when we needed a goal, we left two experienced strikers on the benchโฆ
Still immensely proud.
Hope Afobe us promoted to the bench now.
Ha! That exact thought came to me this morning (or was it in my sleep?)
Great minds and all that, Dr C ๐
Was I dreaming? Even Gary Neville was willing us to win and complementing us on our game.
A word for the defence, they were GREAT. I suppose it is big hint towards what might have been had we had most of them fit for most of the season so far. Gibbs may have his faults but his attitude is simply superb. Bacs is, well, Bacs and both Kos and the Verminator were magnificent.
Ibrawhatshisface is a cunt! Just kept falling over and the ref was too stupid to realise it.
The Ox was outstanding both in attack and defence, keeping his discipline well. He will very soon be world class.
With everyone fit we have a formidable team but we still need to strengthen in a couple of areas, le Boss knows this and will do it this summer. However this isn’t the time for any negative comment or critical analysis, the team gave their all and no one could ask any more from any of them. The boys done good!
Drinks all round!
ps, RVP will stay!
I’ve just realised that I’ve got less than 2 months left in my current job.
am stuffed
here in sydney got up at 0430 to catch flight to melbourne
the match was on the inflight tv!!!
around me some were sleeping so were waving arms as the goals went in, very funny sight on aeroplane.
5 minutes from end screen went balank .
frantic search for iphone to get arseblog…nothing
great match even at 36000 feet!!!
proud of the boys
And why the START of May? That’s another nonsense from the company, isn’t it, as it’s supposed to be organised’n’all?
The year for holidays/bonuses, etc goes from June to May.
This year, we have 3 bank holidays in May, placed on tuesday tuesday and thursday. So for most people these will be 3 3-day weeks.
And results are announced in quarters, thirds, so I don’t even see how it particularly makes any financial sense.
Idiots, is my only explanation.
Nice one, Sydney!
But was that Snir??
Quite right too Zico. You should be more positive in future. I always said that we should pick our strongest team and go for it????????????????????????????????????? ๐
Re Rosicky. Am I alone in thinking that his recent form may well be down to the fact that he is actually playing in a central role rather than being stuck out wide???
Let’s finish third I say.
Then Jack can take us all out for drinks!
Good write-up above, Steve T.
And yes, I think that position suits him muuuuuuuuuuuch better indeed.
“I wouldn’t settle now for fourth place,” he added. “We’re four points behind the other North London club and hopefully we can challenge them.
“Hopefully Chelsea can challenge them for a fourth spot as well. I’d be really pleased to see Tottenham in the Europa League next season.”
Those were some magnificent SZCZ quotes.
Did I mention that my absence from the stadium (and Snir’s presence?) made me think we were more likely to pull it off. Especially after the 2nd and 3rd goal.
If I hadn’t been at the Spurs game a couple of weeks ago, I’d feel doomed to forever miss the best atmospheres in the stadium.
That Chezzer sure does have some insightful quotes, doesn’t he? The lad is mint. ๐
Forgot I have to be working with Chinese in the lab at the time tickets for Citeh go on sale tomorrow.
Is it safe to wait for Ticket Exchange? (now that recent results might make us popular again for a few days)
Steve T @ 75
There’s still a slice of pie left for you and Baff ๐
I got my wish – I am not lamenting an injury to Robin and for that I am eternally grateful and relieved.
Roll on the day of St Totts – it’s just a question of when!
Can you hear that loud rustling sound? That’s millions of straws being clutched at as Sp*rs fans try to downplay the brilliance of that display and convince themselves that the mighty Arse is a crap team!
Meanwhile, there’s been a run on new underwear down the Seven Sisters Road as thousands upon thousands of soiled kecks are thrown in the bin at the thought of trying to hold out for 11 games with a wafer-thin 4-point lead.
I wish you luck with a capital ‘F’, Sp*ds!
I’ll share that slice with Steve T, Dr Z.
While i was one of the advocates of ‘play your strongest side’, I didn’t expect us at all to come anywhere near ‘doing it’.
So I think you and baff (and a few others) can have a pie, while Steve T and I (and some others) probably have a different tasting pie.
While tabs can laugh and eat the foie gras.
Speaking of food, it’s actually lunch time now.
Camberwell @ 84
I had the misfortune to hear the phone in on 5 Live on Sunday. There were a couple of marsh dwelling knuckle draggers to the fore.
You could just hear the whimpering fear in their voices……”it’s now only 4 points……and Harry should be sacked……and it’s not fair……”
Drongoes, the lot of them.
Hmmm , this fois gras is gooood . ๐
Certainly in better shape than MY liver !!! ๐
Lars @32 – Great that you had a good time . Imagine how you would have felt at HT if you had given up your tickets after the debacle of the away leg .
Scruz @33 – Bang on re the keeper , immense indeed , and what a post-match interview to boot .
Steve T @35 – Great match report . So Snir was on the Box ?? I have to say that given our thumping wins at Anfield and last night , the big question of the day is has Snir’s head exploded ? ๐
GoonerTerry @43 – I understand the calls for Aussie Cup , but I think to expect a young kid with only sub minutes in the Carling Cup behind him , to come on and steady the ship against one of Europe’s premier sides is pushing it especially given that his 2 midfield colleagues were done for . I thought AW’s subs were correct . My only wish was that we had flooded the central area (Park , Chamakh and RVP) , and just gone long ball at a time when our midfield had lost their legs and couldn’t get the ball .
Now how’s that pie boys ? ๐
Losing the russian i think helped us. seems so
Well, well, well.
No time to back-drink yet, so apologies if I have missed stuff, but…
That was a performance that had everyone I could see around me in the stadium jumping, faces lit with pride and laughter, strangers hugging each other – and that was at half-time!
I’m so glad I was in the hopeless romantic / optimists corner the whole time before this match.
At half-time I was actually cold with the thought that it might just come off.
It didn’t – but what an effort, what a fight, what a night, what a team.
Shorn of no fewer than 6 central midfielders, The Arsenal of old stood up with backs to the wall, fought for every ball and when they got it, ripped through the heart of the Italian Champions.
In the end, tired legs deprived them of the very final push, but to have deprived the Arsenal world of this performance would have been a massive shame.
Far from costing the team anything in injuries or effort, performances like this have to galvanise a hitherto divided support behind 11 real heroes.
It is true that this has to be the benchmark for every performance. A similar first leg would have seen us comfortably through. If it is, third place is ours this season. Next season . . . . ?
It is also true that playing all our best available players last night left us riding on the edge.
But where else would you want to ride ? ๐
One Arsene Wenger. One Arsenal.
Nicely put, Trev!
Have just about recovered from watching the game on the box, but it left some questions that maybe someone who was there might be able to answer
a. Were the Ox and Theo targeted at the start of the second half
b. Did the ref leave his glasses at pitch side where Ibramo-bitch could slip on them when he wanted
c. Did the ref understand that, having allowed advantage to us following nasty fouls (I lost count how many), he was allowed to go back and book the nasty bugs for their dastardly deeds
d. Should AW have substituted the Ox and Theo earlier – in each case it seemed to be quite a while before he did so
e. Re MOTM – I count at least 10 qualified for it – not sure of Gervinho
For anyone who hasn’t seen it , here’s Charlie boy Nicholas going mental . Top boy !
http://www.twitvid.com/LT6AR#
tabs @92 – thanks for that – if ever there was totally unbiased commentary that was it
takes a Bacary type run up the left
Puts his foie gras down just long enough to play a neat little one two with Cognac …
Tabs @ 87 re GT @ 43 Kinda like what Robben did in the Holland v England game, beautiful run.
Trev @ 89, very well said ๐
I’ve got the same question as Steve T, was that Snir holding the ‘We Believe’ Banner on my Stream yesterday?
I could ask him on Twitter, but I don’t want to spoil the suspense 8)
*lobs it forward*
feels a little bit queasy as he makes a dash for the Box …
gets fed up waiting for the support to arrive . wanders to the touchline and demands more food
*smashes it in*
*raises bat*
Heh well in Ollie ! ๐
Back home now, a bit tired but really, really happy I decided to go to the game after all. And I’ll be back in London again in just over two weeks!
Stingy One@59: he may be a fellow Swede but the guy has no class whatsoever. I am not particularly interested in international football, I will of course watch the Euros but if Sweden lose all their games 12-0 it would not even annoy me as much as a ref giving a throw-in to an Arsenal opponent when it should have been our ball ๐
zico@63: long may the Rosicky Revival continue! Absolutely massive yesterday and you could see that his goal v Looting Town has given him confidence because he just slotted the ball home with ease yesterday instead of trying too hard. He knew he was going to score as soon as he hit it.
Steve@75: your point about Rosicky being played in the middle is a good one, although he did pretty well on the wings too when we first signed him.
tabs@87: “Imagine how you would have felt at HT if you had given up your tickets after the debacle of the away leg”
Heh, I would have been kicking myself so hard I wouldn’t have been able to stand up for a week!
Trev@89: great post!
I didn’t see Snir hold any banners, he was sat ten rows below me with his dad and brothers and none of them had a banner that I could see.
Nice shot.Ollie ๐
Thanks for the heads-up about Snir & the Issue of the Mysterious Banner Lars ๐
And nice assist tabs, I would of joined the attack but I was distracted in WHSmith/Outside of Ann Summers at Westfield, take your pick 8)
Nicely converted Ollie
Sod it, I’m going to “tweet” Snir and find out…
70 Ollie
“Iโve just realised that Iโve got less than 2 months left in my current job”
Quick ‘holic, sign him up before Darren Dickhead Dein gets at him. ๐
heh Wind.
Dr C. I vaguely remember seeing the banner.
Not sure how one would recognise Snir so swiftly.
Wasn’t he the one with the exploding head?
Having seen his latest tweet, I’ve got a feeling Wind is walking past a Ann Summers shop again and again and again
hehs H2H
Go on Wind , pluck up the courage to go in .
I get all my fishnets from there .
Well in, Ollie.
Interesting point about Rosicky prospering now he is playing in his preferred position. Would the same have been true for Arshavin?
Trev@89: this.
Maybe Ned , but AA always lacked TR7’s work-rate .
If TR7 has a stinker , you still know you’re gonna get 110% effort . If AA had a stinker (all too frequent in recent times) , there was nothing else to fall back on and he became a passenger . Scary to play with 10 when AA out wide , suicidal if played centrally .
http://www.football365.com/mediawatch/7577202/Mediawatch
Difficult not to burst laughing at the Andy Gray bit ๐
While the ‘official Chelsea twitter account’ shows once more what a classy club they are.
114 NBN. Somehow I doubt it. Still think there’s a general attitude problem with him.
Or what tabs said, really ๐
Here’s one to ponder. 15 mins to go. 3 nil. Both teams hae put a real effort in and are blowing. Who do you want to see coming on? Park or Arshavin? Must say the more I think about it the more I think the last 15 mins had his name all over it as per Barca.
Oh well.
Looks like I’m not going to Madrid after all.
Disappointed? Funnily enough, a bit.
But only because the alternative is that rather than send no-one, they’ll send some newbie from the US who doesn’t have any knowledge of the locals/the customer/the product.
Our Spanish colleagues are disappointed, and I won’t have the chance to say goodbye to them then.
Bah. Stupid politics.
Still, it’s amazing, zero pay-rise policy (times are tough, you know, blahblahblah), but still wasting ridiculous amounts of money sending people who aren’t required, at zero notice, from another continent.
Another example if the number of Chinese people we have this week in the other lab, only one or two may be doing something useful here.
Oh well.
Bob Wilson reckons that some of the improvement is down to Robin’s captaincy, apparently he has taken to the job like a duck to water and AW told him that he hasn’t seen such spirit and togetherness in the side for 5 years. Good on yer Robin is all I can say and long may it continue.
I don’t usually like to criticise refs because they have the hardest job of all but him last night really was the pits. He started off with some quick bookings but then proceeded to let Milan get away with all sorts. The crowning glory however had to be when the ball went out after hitting Bacs from one of their free kicks, he awarded a goal kick. Should’ve gone to Specsavers! At least that one was in OUR favour.
Interesting that no one has commented on this – but in the pub, it looked to me that finally we have been doing some work on back four teamwork.
Either that or Ibramovic was born offside.
Steve T @ 120 – agree totally. I counted Park having one touch, and once he was shrugged off the ball by a gust of wind.
Stirling effort from the lads, if only they’d turned up at the san siro, oh well. Thats why we want to be in the champions league, to play against and beat the best teams in europe.
Keep RVP, get third, make the right signings and who knows for next season…
Come on you Gooners!
Indeed Mr Dumpling, the ref last night was truly appaling, he made PL refs look competant and thats about the biggest insult I think of without resorting to what the kids call a “yo’ mamma” jibe.
The whole Arshavin issue was one of the dissapointments I wanted to mention last night, but didn’t out of respect for the effort of the team. I feel he could definetly have offered something and it just brings sharper into focus what a strange decision it was to let him leave.
I was also slightly dissapointed with Gervininho, nothing really worked for him and for the first hour he hardly did anything of note.
Chamakh and Park offered nothing when they came on, I will always support them when they pull on the shirt, but I wouldn’t shed a tear if they were to ply their trade elsewhere next season. A compulsory squad of 25 is too few to carry passengers.
I feel a bit dirty about moaning after such a great performce, but I just feel that their are some that are letting the side down.
*there are
this is why we’re gooners , boys
this is why we’re gooners
howdy ‘holic
Not sure about Park, H2H, I think he touched the ball once and appeared extremely lightweight, but Chamakh put himself about, got a few flicks with his head too, but perhaps we didn’t cross the ball enough in the box.
Not that I woud keep him, because I think he needs a different environment to really find full confidence again, but I think he gets a lot of unfair stick.
Re: Arshavin not being around. Well that’s what happens when certain pillocks actively boo his appearance in matches.
Don’t really have time to stay mates…
But no, it wasn’t me with the banner…
Steve, Snowy and the lot, sorry I missed y’all, see you on Monday.
Some other North London team just conceded at home against Stevenage ๐
It’s funny because if they stretch themselves for a result tonight, they’ll have only two days until they go to Everton.
I know it’s highly unlikely to say like this at SHL but just for now……..
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
*breathe*
AHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
FOYS!
Greetings Holics
It’s been quite a week, staggering from one lunch do to another, given by various “Girl Friends” to celebrate my 70th.
I don’t usually come to mid-week evening matches,no late trains home so have to leave the Ems on the dot of 21.30. However, as with the Barca games I made an exception and am so very glad I did. Running up escalators and being confronted at King’s Cross with medics giving treatment to a heart attack victim did nothing for my health but I made the last train as did a gang of Gooners heading for Norfolk.
I had totally forgotten that CL matches are “dry” affairs and the bar areas were totally deserted 20 minutes before kick-off, which affected the pre-match atmosphere . There were loads of late arrivals and more empty seats than there should have been.Those fans who couldn’t be bothered to turn up missed a night to remember.
We were all up for it, a do or die approach was evident from the start and we attacked from the kick-off. What a start ,the boy Ox with a perfect corner met by unmarked Kos and we were 1-0 with just 6 minutes gone. TR7 then squeezed in a fine effort from a poor clearance and we were in raptures. When the Ox was blocked off in the box and a penalty given, Van Bommel went to give the keeper advice on RVP’s strategy. Robin scored to the keeper’s left with the goalie going the wrong way!
Milan had one really good chance before half-time but my man
Szczesny got his angles right and the shot went passed the post.
Half time came and we were rocking in the stands , the impossible was beginning to look possible or even likely. However Milan tightened up after the interval and showed more intent. Then after about an hour Gervinho, who had been somewhat anonymous, drove into the area, fired in a low shot which was pushed out into the path of Robin, who had an open goal in front of him. He attempted to chip the keeper who put up an arm and managed to palm the ball clear. It was the pivotal moment of the game.
We then lost Ox and Theo to injury and the thread bare bench couldn’t provide the sparkle we needed in the final quarter. Milan then took over the attacking threat and should have scored. The back 5 held out, with a bit of luck and I made my exit with 3 minutes on the clock.
The Ox was fantastic in the central mid-field role , as was TR7 who has surprised us all in recent weeks. He put in a tremendous shift but like all the attacking players was out on his feet in the final 25 minutes.
The back 5 were all stars . Having proper full backs in the team has made a huge difference. Arsene has real problems in mid-field for Monday night with 7 or 8 players doubtful at the very least. Perhaps Rambo will be fit. We can only hope that Arteta will have recovered and that the Ox and Theo will be available.
Being so close to overcoming the 4-0 deficit was heartbreaking but quite frankly there was only one team that was going to score in the last 20 minutes and it was not Arsenal. So let’s get on with making the 3rd spot ours in the PL. If we do, it will be an enormous achievement and we can then secure our Summer targets without going through the CL qualifiers which prevented early signings last year.
See you at the Tollie for the Villa game. Holics please tell me where to find you!
As always COYRs
Charlie Nicholas last night (sorry if this posted)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWT0YyNMpUw
Evening all. Great drinking. Wish I could spend more time here but at the moment busy as a busy thing at work and at home.
Loving what Arsenal have done this past ten days. Got the neighbours on in the background. I’m sure they will win but my Dennis they are making hard work of it. I think we blew them off course last weekend. Love it!
You can not miss the ‘holics, Delia. To the left of the Tollington Road entrance, outside.
Although arsebloggers might push them inside that day.
Hellolic.
Take care.
All the best ‘holic.
@ 140
What we have, we hold. ๐
You can’t miss the ‘holics Delia. Look out for a french accent, a doctor, a viking and a guy doning leopard skin speedos and strappy sandals.
OMG.
I’ll have to take up drinking again…..
I meant, Ollie @ 137 What we have, we hold.
H2H,
Roxette has been known to have me followed. I would be ever so grateful if you could refrain from leaving any clues There’s a BM in it, for you ๐
heh Dr Z. I was wondering if you were trying to create a loop at 140.
Ollie, I get what you’re saying about Chamakh, but unless he has a dramatic change in form then I can’t see him being with us much longer. We can’t expect RvP to do it all alone and it’s plainly obvious that AW doesn’t trust him at the mo.
Maybe if it was just him in the squad taking up a spot then it wouldn’t be so bad, but couple him with our mystery man Park and then we have two thirds of our natural strikers that offer too little to the team, that’s just not right.
Anyway, that’s enough bitching from me.
Sorry Zico, mums the word.
I’ve been known to be a bit loopy, now you mention it.
Going to be quite a roll call for Villa it seems….pity I have to fit in 12 days of work before then. As you well know Ollie, it gets in the way of stuff ๐
Great Report Delia .
Watching Barca . I know it’s all been said before but Messi is quite extraordinary – utterly unstoppable .
I know that he is aided by changes in the rules to the offside law and to tackling , and that he gets to play with other stellar talents on a weekly basis , but he is quite simply head and shoulders above anything else I have seen in my lifetime .
Pele , Maradona , Cruyff all did extraordinary things , but Messi does it again and again and again and makes it all look utterly routine .
According to The Mail, Poldi is ours. Can anyone verify?
Lovely report again Delia. See you sometime at The Tollie soon, hopefully. Orange Speedos are a giveaway clue. Or a pint of beer rating on a clipboard ๐
*resting*
Professor – I can verify that I saw The Daily Mail stealing a scoop from Bild on Twitter that Podolski will sign for ยฃ13M.
Which probably means its a crock of……
Tabs@116, Ollie@118: I know it is hard to be sure from recordings, but AA seemed to work harder at Zenit than he did for us. But no question that Rosicky puts in a shift whether he is playing well or badly. It is also really heartening to see him enjoying an Indian summer to his career after the terrible interruption that it had.
Song, Frimpong, Arteta, LeCoq, Wilshere, The Ox, Rambo, Lansbury, Diaby, Rosicky, Ozyakup — couple of more than decent midfields in that lot if they all could be got fit. Not even sure what my first choice would be, especially once some of the younger ones have a couple of seasons’ experience under their belts.
TS – http://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/podolski/transfer-zu-arsenal-london-perfekt-23041792.bild.html
Will come back with a report of my crazy ass week… But only when it’s over ๐
Forget my last post – http://t.co/uWr8NXd1
And of course, if it’s true, it’s great news, since we need to conduct our business as early as possible and not on 31/8!
We need our players fresh after all the preseason tours they have this season, despite not having a UCL qualifiers, since we’re gonna get 3rd ๐
This Podolski story does seem more than the usual tabloid tittle tattle TS . Good news indeed , as long as its not an admission that our chances of keeping RVP will end in failure . The reported salary (probably bollocks i know ) would also signal an end to our current salary structure .
Ned , agreed on TR7 . I will happily hold my hands up as one of those who thought he would never recapture his form and that crucial first yard of pace that he had prior to such a long time out of the game . His performances in general this season , and which peaked in the NLD and last night show just how premature that assessment was . Hope he stays at the end of the season .
As for AA , I dont want to give him the bird , but I don’t think TV always showed just how poor his general fitness and attitude (the one probably feeding off the other) , was . You really had to be at the ground and be able to watch him off the ball just to see how little movement he was prepared to make and to see him huffing and blowing after a 20 yard run .
Messi has now got 5 !!!
All that said , he would have been a great option off the bench last night , always capable of a sublime moment no matter how poor his general play was .
Good to see your head hasn’t , in actual fact , exploded Snir ! ๐
You seem to be a lucky mascot – any chance you can extend your stay beyond the Newcastle game ?
tabs,
you just know that it is only a matter of time before the Podolski story is spun to say:
Arsenal prepare for life after van Persie
–
Feel free to call them c***s before they print it ๐
Tabs !!
My record is P=6, W=4, D=2, L=0, F=11, A= 3. With 4 Clean Sheets.
The 3 goals against were 2 against Barca and 1 against Liverpool!!
I’m going for 49 unbeaten ๐
Tabs – I’m certain the Poldi story is legit. The Mata lesson has been learnt.
Dr Z – no doubt you are right on how it will be spun , and yes they are c*nts ! ๐
Snir – I would agree . The Bfg’s admission that he has been in contact with him , Podolski’s refusal to confirm or deny all add up to it being a “done deal” .
That is some record Snir . You have to stay . I have instructed The Speedo Massive to nick your passport . ๐
Tabs – The most telling hint is Poldi’s agent’s reply when asked about the speculation.
It was “no comment” which is akin to yes ๐
Agreed Snir .
Would have loved to have seen your celebrations up at Klanfield ๐
You can ask the legend Glennw ๐
Absolutely legendary.
I’ve been to three ridiculously awesome games. Got two left ๐
Ha ๐
3 awesome games ? 2 more ? Thought you were only over for Anfield , Milan and Newcastle ?
Podolski seems to share certain qualities with Robin that make me wonder, and yet, he does look a proper “super-quality” in this short excerpt:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiTIzP1hSI4&feature=related
Mwahahahahahaha at Lyon
Amazing achievement by Apoel tonight, especially considering what a closed shop the European Cup has become in the last decade or two.
tabs @ 162 – heh at Klanfield!
Thought that would please you Ollie ๐
That Podolski video (cheers TwO) , certainly whets the appetite , and yes, the similarities are all too apparent .
Yes, Apoel win in penalty phase. Exactly why Wenger used Park and Chamakh as subs, just for that scenario. He realized 2 more goals in the 2nd half was too much too ask from our spent players. He was dearly counting on one more goal to see us thru to pens.
Bath – heh , not mine , plagiarised , forget who coined the word first . So apt , it deserves to stick ๐
Great three games, and the Totts and Liverpool games are saved for posterity for me to watch over and over. Glass half full, it would appear. ๐
Tabs – my family and I were also at Real Madrid – Espanyol on Sunday and we’re also going to Milan – Lecce on Saturday.
Then I’m going to Arsenal – Newcastle while they go back to Israel and I go back to the US the next day.
๐
Re: wdali2h @13: Spot on about Gibbs and Sagna having a big impact on our recent resurgence. I’ve always been a big Bakary backer but I have to hand it to Gibbs for his last few performances which have been better than expected. He will give Santos a run for the berth if he continues playing at this level.
Snir, Have fun and I hope you don’t suffer an overdose. ๐
Am I the only one being really puzzled at our injuries? We spent over 2 months with our 4 fullbacks in the infirmary with the consequences we all know, got only a few games were we had enough starters fit in every position and now we’re at the beginning of the final sprint our entire midfield is decimated.
We got the GPS trackers, the state of the art medical facilities and the multiple statements of intention from Arsene and Colin but in the end I have the feeling we’re in the exact same situation we were since we moved to the Grove.
As a result we got the choice between exhausted midfielders or newcomers for our Newcastle game. I’m excited as the next Gunner to see more of Ozyakup but with 10 midfielders on the roster it’s crazy that we’re reduced to that choice.
Understood that many think we need to buy/replace some players but with that level of injuries it won’t make any significant difference to our competitiveness.
Speaking of buying players there is a bit of a good rumour on the bbc site, Podolski is in contract talks and we’re breaking our wage barrier for him (100K/week). About time!
Snir: Have fun, I must say your family look like pretty radical football lovers. Although if you like good food that’s a pretty nice roadtrip for that too!
Please support Lecce for the whole of us ๐
Good evening/morning one and all! This is my first beverage at your homely establishment and I am grateful to have found such a wonderful place to “chew the cud” and “raise a glass or two”!
After such a compelling and rousing performance, I have just had the irresistible urge to find a place (away from the Ems and my local public-house) to post my true 35 years of feelings for our beloved Arsenal FC after last night’s (and the previous 2 matches) glorious displays! What a group of players! What a team! What a club! What a future we have to come over the following decades!!! Simply superb!!!
I have been ever so proud today and I can only see things going-up and up from now on!
Like you ‘holic, I like the odd flutter, so with RVPs inevitable new contract following CL qualification, and the new inevitable new additions Arsene will make to the first team (Podolski all but assured with Gotze and Hazard to follow) and great quality in the young squad players (e.g. AOC, Coquelin, Miquel, Ramsey, etc) i am going to have a rather big punt on success in at least 2 competitions next season one of which will be the EPL title! “All good things do come to those who wait”; and when they tend to come along, they tend to remain with one for quite sometime! Happy days and I’ll have a pint of Guiness please Bar-keep! Cheers!
Hey DanC, welcome to the bar! I’ll join you for some Guinness.
First off, Holic, I’m glad everything is going well with the management.
It’s been a fabulous few weeks, I’ve been so busy though…have hardly been able to add anything different to the conversations at hand but I think after printing all of the drinks out I’m fully up to date. Time to shred these 500 pages of holic matter surreptitiously ๐
What a rollercoaster of emotion these past few weeks have been. 2-0 down, 5-2 up. 1-0 down, 2-1 up. Rolling up the sleeves and getting stuck in to completely annihilate the Serie A leaders 3-0 at the Emirates. They are crap, they knew they couldn’t handle us which is why they messed up their pitch. Now the world knows it as well. If there’s anyone who believes their own hype more than Bendtner it’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Although they go through, maybe it’s for the best considering the lack of players at our disposal due to injury at the moment. Immensely proud of our soldiers. I must say though, all the coming from behind has my nerves shot…it’s like being in a prison shower ๐
Snir, I’m jealous man. Hope you have a good time watching the matches live. I’m not even worried about Newcastle since you’re going to be there! Charm them barcodes into submission, howay man!
@170: abb, that’s a good spot. I thought that as well. I still feel despite what we’ve seen of Park so far, he’s a pretty good player. Whether he’s suited for the physicality of the Premiership is another story but he knows where the goal is, would’ve been handy in a shootout.
If these stories about Podolski do turn out to be true, I think we’ll be alright for squad depth.
Pints of Kirin Dark for anyone in the bar over on the counter and help yourselves to some edamame and salted cabbage.
Arsenal,
Always and forever
Busy, busy days last couple of days so I should already be in bed – 12:45 AM Jamaica time and I am Cream – Crackered…as they say but I will say this before I go:
Great post Delia. Worth popping in just for that..
Don’t miss AA at all. I think that the dressing room is a lighter place for one less lazy, disaffected cunt weighing the place down. Now to get rid of the rest PDQ…
TTFN.
Lovely writing again, ‘holic.
I am still a roiling mix of emotions. I have pride, shot through with poignant memories, regrets about the first leg, fury at the referees in both matches and contempt for Milan’s “gamesmanship”.
I too had all but written TR7 off,but he has had a good season and having the OX about is what i put his resurgence down too,Ox will run at players something that has been missing in our armoury,and it seems to be contageous,TR7 has had lost that side of his game and the turning on the ball and sideways passing had become the norm for so many of our mid-feild,OX has shown them how effective to run at players is,something TR7 used to do so well befor and when he first arrived,Great to see it back in his game and doesnt he look so better for it.
@ Matt
Regarding injuries, we are coping better but it is bizarre, isn’t it? Some of it bad luck, but I feel that if only we could just once start the season with everyone (or nearly everyone) fit, it would get us off on the right foot – we could rotate and wouldn’t suffer from the chain reaction of injuries to over-used players.
As to Podolski, the Bild report does look credible, although they said the package was “worth” ยฃ5.8 million a year, which could mean a weekly wage within our structure but a massive signing-on bonus.
@ nz gooner
running at players… another reason why we have missed Wilshere, too.
Matt: “As a result we got the choice between exhausted midfielders or newcomers for our Newcastle game. Iโm excited as the next Gunner to see more of Ozyakup but with 10 midfielders on the roster itโs crazy that weโre reduced to that choice.”
Oxlade had been ill and was taken off because he was knackered, he should be fine for Monday. So should Benayoun who was ill on Tuesday, and Arteta should be fine as well after his concussion.
Ollie/Wolfie @ 108&110/112, haha, my neck beginning to hurt (whiplash?) I evidently haven’t got the (small)balls to go in, but my mate finally appeared and saved me from the torture ๐
The mystery of Snir & the Banner is resolved. Trev was on the ball first, but if he can’t down the 2nd 1/2 of his pint, he could of fabricated not seeing Snir with the banner ๐
Excellent summary @ 134 Delia, a pleasure to read as usual ๐
Ollie @ 144, personally I thought he was attempting time-travel ๐ (Big Blue Box anyone?)
Snir @ 155/159, great news! (If its true of course ;)) And I feel the impetus is with us to get 3rd also ๐
Ollie @ 166, I was thinking of you within 1 second of finding out the result, hopefully APOEL’s run will continue well.
DanC @ 178, good to have you mate ๐
abb @ 180, good thoughts, I’m definitely sure Wenger had extra time & a shoot-out in mind from about the time Theo & The Ox got injured.
And on Robin, Blogs’ words are as good as anyone’s “Youโd have put all the money you had on van Persie scoring from there but how can you criticise the guy? These things happen.”
โYouโd have put all the money you had on van Persie scoring from there but how can you criticise the guy? These things happen.โ
Absolutely. It’s like Henry missing in the CL final after we had gone down to 10 men and he had run himself ragged and done so much to get us there. We can’t criticise.
Strange to reflect on AA and Chamakh, they both looked to be good buys when they first arrived and both had a decent first 3 or 4 months in the team after which they just seemed to drift out of things.
In the early days AA showed the talent and ability whilst Chamakh showed a good work rate and physical presence. Both scored a few goals.
What went wrong subsequently I have no idea, but the general perception seemed to be that AA was unhappy in England and perhaps he just didn’t settle, your guess is as good as mine. Certainly from what I’d seen of him playing – only on the TV – his work rate seemed to leave a lot to be desired, and an intrinsic part of the modern game is that all players have to work hard, even the most talented. Look at any of the consistently top teams for evidence of that. However that doesn’t excuse or justify the treatment some of the ‘fans’ gave him.
My own feeling is that he will be happier back in Russia and we can no longer afford the luxury of his presence. As for Chamakh we’ll have to wait and see but I wouldn’t be in the least bit surprised to see him go, and replaced, quite soon.
Morning all. A quick open letter – please forward it to everyone.
Dear Mankini,
I heard this morning that you were interested in signing RVP.
Kindly cunt off and shut the fuck up.
Regards
C. Gooner
Camberwell , thanks for the template , but I shall leave out the “Regards” , and replace it with “looking forward to you losing your job and returning to the Teletubbies” .
Snir , ah understood , have a good one , and as Matt has already said , give Lecce a cheer for me .
Nice post Canons .
Welcome DanC . Goetze AND Hazard ? I like your thinking ๐
Heh @ 190
As Blogs says this morning though “it will depend more on what we do than what Mancini says”.
Plus the posionous tongue of the Agent unfortunately….
Cannons of Rhetoric, Wind, & takeabowson – Cheers for the welcome guys! ๐
Camberwell & takeabowsom – I’ll sign that letter too; RVPs going nowhere!!! He’s not a greedy cock like Nasri!
Once Citeh finish with f**k all this season it’ll make our disrupted season because of those c**ts all the sweeter! For only the second time in my life (the other being against the Stamford Bridge scum in the CL final) come on United, do it for Britain and get that Manky tosser sacked!
Been offline for the last week or so but just wanted to drop in to say GET IN THERE YOU FCUKING BEAUTIES! OOH TO! OOH TO BE! OOH TO BE A… GOONER!
What an incredible ten day stretch. Kudos to the lads, kudos to the manager and kudos to all those on here, on the other Arsenal blogs and in the stadium who kept their heads when all about them were losing theirs.
How on earth we’ve got ourselves to this point given where we found ourselves in late August, I do not know. Proud as punch of the players and it’s been great to watch old favourites coming good (RVP, Bac, the little Mozart, Song), new legends being born (world class Kos, big Chesney) and to get a glimpse of our tantalising future (le Coq, Frimpong, the Ox).
I know they’ve had their wobbly moments, but I’ll take this side all day long and twice on Sundays over some of the Arsenal XIs we’ve had in recent seasons. Maybe a bit less quality in places, but they’ve twice the bottle and twice the pride.
Let’s crack on and lock down 4th and then we can make the few necessary tweaks this summer.
I will also be having my own little party if and when the club confirm that Alex Song has signed a new contract. He ran himself into the ground the other night and has the potential to become one of the best midfielders on the planet. I just hope it’s a potential he fulfills with us.
Oh, and for all the Wenger-doubters out there: the man bought Robin Van Persie to the club for ยฃ2.75m. Show me another manager in the game who can find a player like this for a price like that. The boss has taken pelters this season from all angles, and I do hope that there will be a few eating their words this summer if he steers us to third. I know it’s not a trophy but it’s still a hell of an achievement after the summer we had.
Right, that’s enough babbling from me. I’ll sign off with a hearty “Fcuk you Mancini” and leave a round on the bar for all those who have a pre-lunch thirst.
COYG
Spot on DanC.
I loathe the Utd scum, but one of the great consolations of this season is going to be watching them reel in the oil money gang over the next two months, and get Mancini his P45 this summer.
I think we all know that nasty feeling of being a gnat’s whisker ahead of them and being unable to shake off the demented red nosed geriatric. Good to see someone else suffering it for a change, and City couldn’t be more deserving of the crushing disappointment headed their way.
It’ll also be a good excuse to laugh once again at the former Arsenal players who have apparently gone there to “win things”.
Morning Dr Z ,
All too true re the agent unfortunately .
Having got it it all spectacularly wrong last summer , I will keep quiet , save to say that I really do think Rvp is a different kettle of fish to both Fabregas and Nasri.
I don’t think what Mancini actually said was that bad , though of course it does give the green light to the sensationalist media to pursue their own agenda .
In a way what he did say , that he thought RVP would stay , was fairly encouraging – something he never said about Nasri .
I think in this instance Arsenal would be prepared to keep him for another season and take the hit at the end of next season (though that scenario would be dependent on continued Champs League income ) .
The worst of all worlds is if Rvp gets injured during the Euros and we are left with a sidelined player running down his contract .
N7 , two great posts .
Flick-on to the near post…
A wicked swerving ball into the box…..
Buries it.
Get in!!!
Good move, zico and Camberwell.
*stands up and applauses*
@N7, top posts mate!
Amazingly, there are still shit loads of tickets available for Shitty at home.
I think I’ll make a comeback to the North Bank as I don’t have to book for anybody else at the same time.
Doesn’t matter how many are left Ollie, there will still be 60,023 people at the game ๐
Heh. True, zico.
If the atmosphere is as good as against Spu*s and Milan, you may think there are 80, 000.
Welcome DanC, delighted you are here.
An equally warm welcome to the usual collection of reprobates and ne’erdowells ๐
Podolski eh? Pretty encouraging.
Well in, CamG.
what about this for a new chant… to the old freddie chant…
WE LOVE YOU SZCZESNY…
BECAUSE YOU’RE FUCKING NUTS…
WE LOVE YOU SZCZESNY CUS YOU’RE ONE OF US…
WE LOVE YOU SZCZESNY, YOU’RE ARSENAL THROUGH AND THROUGH
Wotcha Holic.
Hope all is well with Management.
It’s now over a year since I saw Lukas Podolski play for Cologne. He looked a class apart from the rest of his team-mates and scored the only goal of the game, a pretty classy one at that:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61xwnWT9uNs
It’s a bit back to front as the celebration comes before the goal ๐
NZG@182: you are right about Rosicky being more direct recently, and the benefit we get from that. It may also help explain why he is getting in the box more often, and thus scoring again.
ND@188: Chamakh may just need to be elsewhere to revive his career. He is probably one of those players who needs to be playing regularly to be at his best. He fashions his goals from hard work rather than sporadic moments of inspiration.
Tabs@196: spot on.
DanC: welcome to the bar.
tabs @ 196 and Ned @ 212
Do you think that if RvP refuses to sign a new contract and Man City offer ยฃ25m that Stan and the Board (not Arsene) will be happy to let a “dis-interested” player run down his contract to leave for nothing?
I’m not convinced.
I do agree, though, that RvP situation does “feel” different.
The BBC have announced that we have reached an agreement with Cologne to sign Podolski this summer for about ยฃ11M. Personal terms are still to be agreed.
I think Robin will stay because he will be offered more money, he likes the club, he is captain and the main man. If he goes elsewhere Citeh? he will be just another player. He’ll never enjoy the kudos elsewhere that he does with us.
Tricky one Dr Z , and the truth is I just don’t know .
I think one thing that does differentiate Rvp from our two departees last summer is that no-one can aim the accusation that he is “disinterested ” in Rvp’s direction .
Given the amount of time he has previously spent on the sidelines , I just think he loves getting out there and playing football . I don’t think that will change .
Secondly , I think he thrives both as Captain , and as the “main man ” , neither of which he would be able to replicate with any potential suitors .
As regards your question , I would proffer that ยฃ25m is not a large enough sum to persuade the Board to part company , (as long as we qualify for Champs League) , given the collateral damage that would ensue following on from last summer – ie accusations of being a selling club etc . However , stick another 10-15m on top of that and it becomes pretty much impossible to resist , if RVP chooses not to sign a renewal .
Zico@212, Tabs@214: I don’t know either, but the FFP rules may play into this. I do think this will be resolved one way or another this summer.
Cesc never made any secret of his wish to return to Barca one day and AW did well to get an extra season from him when he would rather have moved on.
The Nasri situation was different. He never seemed to grow into the club and he had an indifferent second half of his last season with us. In the final event money talked.
I think Robin has a genuine affection for the club and for AW who gave him his chance and stuck with him through his petulant early days and his many injuries. He is now captain, a position he takes very seriously if reports are to be believed, he is most definitely ‘The Main Man’, is liked by the fans and his team mates and already has cult status. At another big club he will be just another player. I think an increase in salary and some good summer signings will keep him with us.
I make tabs spot on at 214.
My own instinct re: Van Persie is that his contract position is irrelevant to everything but the price, as far as the decision goes, the logic is simple: if Barca come in for him, I think he’ll strongly consider leaving. If they don’t, I think he’ll definitely stay.
I would suggest that the above is probably true of 99% of players in world football right now.
It also raises the prospect that we might, again, find ourselves in the extremely undesirable position of being hard-balled by the Catalans as the only buyers in the running.
Personally, I would rather the club allow him to run down his contract than sell him to Barca for 20-25m, thereby reinforcing the Spaniards’ belief that they can screw us over every time they fancy the look of one of our players.
What about Podolski?
Playing Devil’s Advocate, I could suggest that all of those sentiments, Mr Dumpling, are just wishful thinking on your part. If all of these things were of such consequence, he would sign now.
There are differences in the Nasri situation but there are some worrying similarities as well.
Not least the odious agent…….
@ tabs, what I meant by “dis-interested” was electing not to sign another contract but I think you knew that ๐
This Podolski story has now been running for 2 months (if you include Snirs’ breaking news) but still nothing has been officially confirmed by the two clubs.
Remember the Joe Cole story?
Yeah, maybe he is waiting to see what comes to the table. Got to go now.
The Podolski signing if it happens (I will believe it when he has our red and white top on) at least will allow the Board to demonstrate that we are still prepared to sign top quality players.
But as I said earlier in the drinks, that is one step away from “preparing for life after van Persie”.
I actually think that N7 is on the money with this one and I totally agree with the sentiment of not selling in the final year, and take the hit. In fact, I would prefer it if we never sell Barcelona another player again. Ever.
*Apart from Bendtner, Denilson, Almunia,……Johnny Deadwoood*
Dr Z – ” If all of these things were of such consequence, he would sign now. ”
Not sure that’s true . I think the things that Norfolk Dumpling mentions are of import , it’s just that at this stage they are secondary to a) Arsenal being assured of Champs League Football and b) Arsenal improving the squad sufficiently to make a realistic challenge , which in Rvp’s eyes , (if his last interview is to be believed) , appears to equate to replacing Fabregas with a player of similar quality .
Hard not to see that it is sensible for him to wait from his point of view , but at the same time , the wait in itself does not preclude Dumpling’s reasons as very real factors in any ultimate decision to stay .
Apologies , i genuinely misunderstood your use of the word “disinterested” , given the accusations levelled at Fabregas and Nasri last season . The point I was trying to make I suppose was that in my view RVP will continue to give of his best even in a situation where he was running his contract down .
All that said , I do agree that probably if he doesn’t sign , hard-headed Business will take over , and it will be a case of extracting the best possible price , something we singularly failed to do with Fabregas (albeit in exceptional circs ) .
Good point re; buying Podolski to replace RVP as opposed to supporting him.
Damn Arsenal you selling club you!
On a lighter note , apologies if this has already done the rounds , but it made me smile this afternoon …
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0j3gplxcH1qc9rwwo1_500.png
Not sure the Podolski/Cole comparison holds water entirely, there was (as I remember, at least!) never really this much talk about him. Wasn’t it only John Cross (who, let’s not forget, at the same time claimed to know what Fabregas and Wenger had said to each other in that famous meeting and that Fabregas had played his last game for the club which wasn’t true either) who said Cole was a done deal and was going to be formally completed after the World Cup? Well, there was Harry Yappyapp too of course who said “I think he’s going to Arsenal but I don’t know” or something like that but other than that I don’t really remember this much being said. This has been going on for quite a while now so I believe there is an element of truth to it even if it might not be as done and dusted as some sources say.
And in other news, the Premier League has now, in it’s infinite head-in-the-sand stupidity, banned non-English broadcasters from airing more than one live Saturday 3pm kickoff. Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face – because they are worried about Sky possibly not wanting to pay as much for tv rights in the future they then make sure that NO BROADCASTER AT ALL ANYWHERE will want to pay as much in the future as they do today! And besides, it won’t stop pubs from showing the games anyway because the broadcasters are still allowed to show the games online which means that pubs can just get a subscription that way instead. What an utterly, utterly stupid decision.
That’s bad news Lars, I can’t watch streamed matches if I’m behind the bar.
This is the fallout I was scared of due to that pub lady in Portsmouth (I think) who got her subscription from Greece.
On the other hand, I suppose I could just hook up a laptop to the tv, I’ll get the local geeks on it. ;p
So what you’re saying Lars is this is more of a Chamakh type story than a Joe Cole story ? Which as i recall was splashed across most sports headlines until he eventually rotted away up in Merseyside for two seasons.
Why Lars does Snir happen to be your Moniker?
๐
Goonertown: or Koscielny or Nasri or Vermaelen just to name a few who were all players whose transfers were all but officially confirmed rather long before they were announced on arsenal.com. I don’t remember Cole being talked about in the same way at all, and even if he were he’d rather be the exception than the norm, come to think of it.
But you’ll have to explain that bit about Snir. I am afraid I don’t quite follow you here ๐
The RvP situation.
I’m afraid if he’s not signed up before the Euros then he’s a gonner. He’s worth way too much at the moment to let go on a free a season later.
I’ve seen a shit load of interviews with him and I truly believe that it’s not about the money, but I do think he wants to win stuff. I can’t see him going to Man City, but a top club abroad might tempt him.
He does love the club though and his family are well settled in London, Robin is a family man, so do not underestimate the importance of stability for his kids, also the influence from his wife, who by all accounts is very happy in the capital.
This is all ofcourse nothing but conjecture and extrapulation on my part, I suppose we’ll all just have to wait, hope that he signs and in the summer and that DD’s tongue explodes in his head so he can’t whisper poison in Robin’s shell like.
@ 223 – I said I was playing devil’s advocate!
Keep up ๐
Like this Zico?
http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lf0uuj0LG51qef3wwo1_250.jpg
Great goal and assist Camberwell & tabs ๐
In the case of the former, maybe the calling of ‘undertaking’ is calling you, with all thee buring you’ve been doing ๐
Exactly like that, my friend (well without the good looks) ๐
Heh.
tabs @ 225
missed that one.
Stating the obvious now counts as humour? ๐
Too quick for me Dr Z ๐
The obvious is what I rely on Dr Z – Lost without it ๐
@ 233,
The*
Burying*
๐
Afternoon all,
Tabs, H2H, good stuff above on RvP, covers my thoughts entirely. I think that providing we make the right kind of signings – not LANS!! – he will be our player.
I don’t think he would play for another Prem team – if he goes it will be abroad and his family may, even then, tip the scales in our favour.
The right kind of signings ? A decent back-up keeper: Podolski appears to be done, so maybe one other quality forward: either,an improved Theo, or another good winger to compete with The Ox and Gervinho.
Assuming our midfielders can get fit, Jack, Song, Arteta, Ramsey, one more try for Diaby looks good. If Goetze comes, that may necessitate a bit of further trimming – nice problem for AW, glad I don’t have to solve it ๐
Dr Z – report to The Quackery at your earliest, where copious amounts of “uppers” await ๐
Are you down for Newcastle, or must we wait for a Villa reunion ?
Afternoon Trev ,
Agree largely on new signings . Back up keeper as I think both Almunia and Fabianski will be offski in the Summer .
Not sure about another wide player unless agree ment is not reached with Theo . We will already have Gervinho , Theo , Poldo and Oxo competing for the wide spots . Hazardo for Theo looks good to me though .
I still hope Goetze or a player of his ilk is on their way . Not sure Ramsey is suited to the No.10 role , Jack will need time after his injury , and TR7 , for all his recent excellence , understandably struggles to play 3 games a week .
I think the emergence of Le Coq has nullified the need for a DM , as long as Song signs on .
Another Centre half , Tommy’s mate Vertonghen ?
I believe the kilted one is next down for Villa .
Lars @ 229 you are as passionate about this Podolski report as SG is, so I reckon you could both be one in the same person using different I.D’s! But maybe not!
Yes I agree with all you have said but I just hope if this report does lead to him wearing the shirt, his journey with the club is less Chamakh and Joe Cole and more Kos and Vermaelen! ๐
Trev,
Why must I report to the Quackery? There is a difference between despair and distrust – I don’t trust the advice that Robin may be getting from Mr 20 Percent, but I am not in anyway down at the moment.
In fact, given recent performances, I am more upbeat about our team than I have been at any other point of this season. And now that Feelgood has pissed off to another part of cyberspace to create merry hell, I see nothing but blue skies. Which got me thinking….. ๐
Take all you need, all of you, from the medicine cabinet. DLL is on its way to hell in a handcart anwyay, now that you’ve got an academic at the helm……
Fixtures – good news and bad news. The bad news (for me) is I won’t be at the Newcastle game. The good news (for you) is I won’t be at the Newcastle game.
But Villa? Death by Guinness. 8)
It would appear the the HT Mk II is unexpectedly up and running again for the rest of the season.
May I make a suggestion for the jukebox?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wa5B22KAkEk
Of course, perhaps only Snir and Wind are young, but still….
#TunefulThursday#
*trots off to medicine cabinet with a big grin and an even bigger suitcase*
Fetch me the big Pipes !
Heh Tabs.
Be careful though, someone may mishear and think you asked for bagpipes.
You can play the Bigpipes?
Dr Zee: Here’s what I think is going on with RvP. I think that the reason he has not signed a contract is twofold:
1. He does not want to ‘jinx’ his current injury-free run of form – I suspect he is superstitious (like most footballers & fans) and want everything to ‘stay’ exactly as they stand while this run continues..
2. The other is a consequence of the first in that if he continues in this form his value will rise the longer he delays (value in terms of market value and negotiating advantage when it comes to contract talks and not the amount of cash the club will get if they sold him)..If I were advising RvP I’d tell him to ‘hold off’ until the Summer too. So I believe that this is what Darren Dein has advised him to do also..
There has never been any indication that RvP is disenchanted with the club. He does not strike me as a person who is in it solely for the money (Ade, Na$ri), so only glory is left. Winning stuff is great but 99% of players don’t win anything, so to be worshiped by your fans, to feel as if you can do no wrong as far as your managers & team mates are concerned, and to feel powerful as a player is what all kids really dream about. RvP would have seen how TH12 and Tony Adams transcended to being Arsenal immortals and he must have thought to himself “how close am I to this?”….he must also be aware that he could possibly break TH12’s goal-scoring record if he stays on this current form…so I feel that all these things considered he will opt to stay and become a true legend at the Arsenal…
Wanted to go home early, now I have to deal with bloody Brazilians.
Heh H2H ๐
My little contribution to TunefulThursday ๐
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFLw26BjDZs&feature=related
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtSk8hqTjmo
Ah H2H, “someone” would indeed.
Dr Z , you fetch ’em I’ll play ’em !
Ollie – I think there’s a double entendre there somewhere but I shall desist ๐
GoonerTown, as far as I recall that post was the first time I have ever even mentioned Podolski, think you must have me confused with someone else ๐
I’m certain that RvP is signing a new contract.
I’m also pretty sure that when TV and RvP have their bromance talks, TV asks RvP about his contract, and isn’t satisfied with an answer like “I haven’t decided yet.” I’m thinking more in the line of “Don’t worry TV, I’m just holding out to force the board into strengthening the squad and not be content with signing me only.”
TV then thanks RvP for being responsible for strengthening the squad and they continue their bromance dinner.
@FunGunner (183) and Lars (185): Thanks for reassuring me.
Still it’s frustrating to see what the team can do with 11 starters but almost never able to fill 11 starters ๐
@Tabs (225): Very funny and sadly so accurate.
Re: Podolski. The greatest news for me is not the discussions about/with him but the rumours about his wages breaking the current wage limit. If he’s the only one coming and we have a summer clearance with the right ones staying and being rewarded for it, that’s going to be the signal we’ve been waiting for a long time. One big signing or two every season and the best core of the team kept. Add the new sponsoring contracts and there’s the recipe for success. That is if we can keep injuries under control, a big if considering our record since moving from Highbury…
Aha the certainty of youth ๐ ๐
Excellent stuff Snir !
TABs @ 250: Oh to be young, wild & free! Smoke the weed and a midnight run to the Italian ice cream place on Camden Lock for refreshments…100’s of ‘heads’ would be there all slurping away at their gelati in the middle of winter!…Hmmmm yum
If Snir sees it, I’m going out to celebrate.
In your face agents!
SG – a fly on the wall/in the soup – v glad to hear it. Talking of which BBC radio announcing Podolski as a done deal – v glad to hear it…
tings sure seem to be looking up –
ureds!
If we are looking for other players to come in and strengthen the squad, besides those already mentioned there is Yennaris, Frimpong (if he ever gets fit again) Miaichi (spelling?) and Oxyakup to name just four more so things are actually looking pretty good in the longer term and provided we make the CL again I believe Robin will stay and lead us again to greatness.
OK before “someone” else says it.
I’m very happy with our new iPod(olski)
Coat.
I want to go home….
Zico – I’m 3 for 3 this season, predicting Arteta, TH and Poldi ๐
Too bad you ain’t gonna be at the Tollie for the Barcodes!!! Would have been great to meet you (or your alter ego, I’ve lost track… :\ )
CG @ 244 My man not only smokes it, he cooks with it, bakes cookies, and makes tea with it. Of course, I abstain from his culinary delights, as being a gooner gives me a natural high (sigh).
Yes, pity Snir.
But Arsenal is for life – we’ll nail it one day.
Thanks for the welcome Holic! ๐
Wrt RVP, he’s just too much of a family man and he and they are very settled and happy in the capital after being here for so long!
The pseudo-gooners who jumped ship, never had such bonds with the city and us!
To keep RVP, the following will happen:
A top 4 finish (however IMHO a top 3 finish will be the final outcome and I’m going to greatly enjoy watching the “other North London Club’s” bum squeaking!);
Top class signings of the like we’re all chatting about aligned with the quality youth squad members (e.g. AOC, Coq, Ramsey, Frimp, etc);
and
An increase in our “worldy” salaries to ยฃ150,000 per week and a signing on fee to satisfy the 20% vultures that represent our best leader and captain for 5 years!
Job done and bring on next season! COYG!
GTerry @257 – Midnight ? Just gettin’ started . Maybe the following midday for ice cream ๐ Speaking personally , I was always a raspberry Mivvi man .
Snir – 3 out of 103 surely ?? ๐
Dr Z @258 ๐
Nurse Abb – Can I come round to your place for tea and cookies ? ๐
DanC – I’m liking the cut of your jib I must say .
@Dumplings 260,
I like the cut of your Jib mate!!!
@Holloway2Holland 261,
Lol, nice! iPod(olski)! ๐
H2H @ 246, LOL, bagpipes, yes that’s what I thought. Probably cause I’m half Scottish.
@takeabowson,
Thanks mate! Yours is pretty dapper too! ๐
Oh Tabs, Do drop in for a ‘proper’ cup of tea, and maybe convince him that Arsenal deserve some respect from him, if nothing else.
Nurse Abb – excellent news . I shall wear Speedoes , you shall bring cookies and we shall discourse on all things Arsenal , (until I pass out) ๐
Cheers DanC and welcome to the bar.
A tea party for the nurses, how very gay. (in a 1950’s kind of way ;))
OK so here goes… ๐
I started my trip by landing at Heathrow and checking in at the Arsenal Tavern, right off “The Gunners” pub.
I met up with a friend of mine, and we headed over to the Ems for the self guided tour. I have to say that it’s a magnificent tour but I now think that I went through it too quickly, in curiosity to see what station is next each time (but don’t worry, my friend brought a camera and I made sure she took a picture of me fulfilling a dream sitting on AW’s chair!!).
We had plans to go out but the jet lag definitely beat me and it was rather evident that no partying would be done that night as I almost fell asleep while talking to her!
We then went our separate ways and I headed over to Luton to say hi to my dad and brothers (who spent the night at Luton waiting for their flight to Madrid in the A.M) who I haven’t seen for 8 months!
Went back to the Tavern and watched the Spurs game again to make sure I don’t fall asleep, cause If I would’ve fallen asleep I would’ve missed the coach to Liverpool for sure!
Met up with Glennw (LEGEND) at the Supporters’ Club and we hopped on to the coach to Liverpool.
I have to say I was absolutely knackered so I spent most of the time on the coach sleeping, but when I was awake, Glenn and I came to an overwhelming conclusion that an away win was in the offing ๐ .
We went to the away pub (with his two kids, 7 and 5! Love those kids, I’ll go partying with them when they’re old enough one day!) and met up with top man Snowy. A couple of beers later we were inside.
I was in the away section at Anfield. Wow. I was living a lifelong dream.
I have to say that I was rather concerned by the fact that we couldn’t get our passing game going and that Suarez seemed to cheat his way to everything, but mostly that he gave Kos a hard time.
But you don’t need a lot when you have the world’s most creative DM, one of the world’s most promising keepers and the world’s best striker.
We headed back to London and I headed to Luton to spend the night there waiting for my 7:25 A.M flight to Madrid.
After landing in Madrid, I noticed…
Mark Halsey and Peter Walton!!!
I had to say something! I approached Halsey and told him, that it wasn’t his fault that Suarez is a cheat, and we spent a couple of minutes debating over the idea whether it was a penalty or not.
He tried to get himself off the hook by saying “there was contact,” but do you award a free kick every time there is contact?
I also found out (Halsey told me when he heard I’m from the US) that Peter Walton is moving to the US to be the Mike Riley of the MLS.
I then told Halsey that I’m glad he’s feeling better (after beating cancer of course) and went my way to meet my father and brothers, who were waiting for me in Madrid.
We went to Real Madrid – Espanyol and headed back to London on Monday.
I met up with Lars and a couple of other people (cheers Elizabeth, you fellow lucky charm!) at the Tollie, and discussed football but did not forget Hockey of course! But unfortunately I missed Steve by a few minutes as I had to go with my family to the Armoury where we took part in a “fans from afar” segment.
(Watch out for a certain shout out ๐ )
(See you on Monday Steve, Trev, and TS)
As for the game, what can I really say? I mean, if this is when we go for it, then I’d prefer us doing that every game, even if we do tire in the second half, as long as we steamroll the opposition in the first half!
I’m absolutely certain we’ll finish 3rd, and you can already take it as a guarantee that Spurs are losing points at Goodison this weekend.
It’s in OUR hands.
You know me, the eternal optimist, so you heard it here first, we’re gonna have an awesome team next season and we’re gonna win the league ๐
Loving my trip so far, but there is one thing that keeps haunting me…
When I decided to go and study Sports Management abroad I had to choose between UK and the US…
The UK would give me the opportunity to go to every game home and away (and I really don’t care about the money, I’d do anything needed to get money for games, that option that you Brits have is something I would die and kill for, to be able to be in the same country as the game is played, to have a remote possibility of attending each game), but the options after studying would be limited as the big money (being a Gazidis, which is what I’m going to school for) is only in the 20 clubs in the PL.
In the US it is 120 teams in four major league sports.
I have to say, that it’s a trip like this that makes me question my decision.
I love you Arsenal, I do.
Look out everyone the Germans are coming! The Big Friendly Giant, Per, has started to influence Lilliput! iPodolski on his way then hopefully Gotze next! COYG!
Now I don’t even know if they’re still on-line, I haven’t seen much movement on that remote screen.
So what do I do? :s
Mustn’t forget little Eisfeld too! ๐
Ok, Now that we are all feeling pretty, ah, good…I pose this question to anyone out there. Who, besides me, would have loved to see us go into the penalty phase against Milan? To see Szczesny score, oh the glory it might have been. Read up on goalies, Rogerio Ceni (San Paulo) has the lead, 103 goals, most from PK and free kicks. Now that’s something special!
I like your thinking DanC – Welcome ๐
Tabs – It’s those three that I predicted, all the others I linked the report, don’t blame me for them not arriving ๐
He signs when Snir wants, he signs when Snir waaaants , he signs when Snir want.
Great write up Snir.
Enjoy yourself mate.
Goonertown @ 242: I am the other Podolski groupie not Lars..Its been Snir & I banging on the big bass drums for the past several months and by gum our dream may come true after all – now for Goetze!
+s
Snir, you mean you actually slept for a few hours on Saturday? ๐
Take notice of the time of Tabs & DanC’s comments @ 269 & 269. Separated at birth?
Ollie@281: heh!
H2H I have been meaning to ask you if you really came from Holloway originally, and if so, whereabouts?..
Great write up Snir . Enjoy the rest of your trip .
GT @286 – Spooky !
Ollie @281 ๐
He “sees” when he wants,
He “sees” when he wants……
(Obviously that chant could apply to either Snir or Mark Halsey….)
Zico – I only sat on AW’s chair, I didn’t become AW! I see everything :)!
Nurse ABB @ 279: If that had happened (penalty shoot-out) you all would have been talking about my sad passing away of heart attack..I have never been so nervous watching the Arsenal – and I have seen some thrillers over the years I can tell you. It has taken me two full days to recover!
Puts down Nurse Abb’s cookies and wanders onto the field in a self-induced stupor . Hopes to God he is facing the right way , and puts his laces through the ball and launches it 60 yards . Picks up cookie and carries on munching ….
Heh
back-heads it into space and turns to leave marker flat on his arse
Since I sent an e-mail saying I’d have to go home soon, I’d like for one of these folks in Brazil to reply.
But maybe they’re having lunch?
I might fuck off of my own accord in a few minutes, and not bring my laptop home with me.
GT, We need you! Snir, please tell us more bout the Spain visit! Oh Tabs…
*punts ball in the general direction of Sao Paulo*
and heads it in!
Still licking his lips from the ice cream buzz he launches a thunderbolt into the top corner..
Goal!
So poor.
Have to be benched.
yay ABB. I am totally supportive of the girls playing footie (0;
Oh Ollie, want a cookie for your assist.
Somehow finds himself in the oppo’s box , catches a large spherical object heading towards him , thinks its a UFO , chucks his cookie at it and manages to divert the ball goalwards …
There’s been some great air-kicking by Snir and GT!
Beautiful finish, abb. Yes, I’ll gladly accept a cookie ๐
I am so glad that ABB scored. You lot are such poachers! One up for free spirit and cookies! (0;
http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/agents-arsenal-ace-van-persie-happy-ac-milan-are-interested-2922481
Is this their (RvP’s dutch reps) idea of being Darren Dein?
Fucking hell , I knew i shouldn’t have entered the field of play stoned out of my head ๐
Well in Abb – cracking header , almost as good as your cookies ! ๐
Ollie: Stop being a pussy and go home! Fack em..
@ 310
I couldn’t tell the difference….
I knew I shouldn’t have entered the field of play stoned out of my head
GT @286, tab @290
Spooky indeed! Woh!
GT @301, SG @302
He’s on fire! An iPodolski-like left-footed thunderbolt!
He’s certainly had abit more cream with his pre-match meal!
@312 , Ha! , i would have grabbed 301 if I’d been cookie free ! ๐
Tabs @310,
What kinda cookies you been eating mate?! The Amsterdan “total-footballing” brand?
Abbs, what’s your deadly secret ingredient?
Amsterdam even! ๐
A reply, at last.
Well I’m off.
Abb’s cookies DanC .
No idea what’s in ’em , but I have gone into Charlie “flat on his back” George mode . No other players around to help me back up , so I shall stay where I am .
Tabs,
Lol! You’ve deserved a rest! You’ve played a blinder off the bench tonight! AA23 would be proud!
i-Ollie if that’s all it took I should have spoken up earlier! Glad I could be of help (0;
The Amsterdam โtotal-footballingโ brand? Two cartons please barman and a couple of family-sized cartons of milk to go..DanC, TABs you coming?
Dan C @315, My secret ingredient is simple mate, my cookies are not ‘store’ bought!
Make it 4 cartons GT!
“Danke shoen” as our new German contingent would say!
“Salut” to our regular French speakers!
Abbs, you’re clearly a person of the people! You’d make a fortune with Tesco! Keep it pure and organic! ๐
*Raises head briefly to shout “6 cartons please GT” *
Close to signing a new contract. (No, not “him”).
I hope its the reverse body-snatched version that signs it ๐
http://t.co/0hc5oQdr
Heh GT ๐
DanC: Bienkommen, as the Germench would say if they existed.
Dr Z. I shall carry on wearing my Rosicky 7 shirt.
I was thinking it would be Wilshere 7 by now or next season, but Maybe we’ll have to wait for that.
Fighting talk from Diaby:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/diaby-i-am-not-a-fragile-footballer
I wish him the best of luck, and unlike a few people I know, I think he’s a fantastic player, but I’ll admit I still have to be convinced that he can remain fit.
What he needs, in my opinion, Ollie, is a good pre-season and then a run in the team.
There is no doubt he has the talent – when I got my first view of him I thought “wow, Viera re-incarnate” but we all know what happened.
If he can get fit between now and the end of the season and stay fit over the summer, then who knows? His problem is that he now has competition for his place with some of the youngsters coming through, like Coquelin and Frimpong.
Dr Z, that’s great news! I too hope the new 2012 model remains under a reliability warranty for another 2-3 years!
Ollie, danke freund!
Vassiriki will be tops as we’ve seen in spurts over the past few years! I just wish the poor lad wasn’t made of glass!
Dr Z, yeah the competition’s gonna be there for sure but Diaby’s such a tricky “big-guy” and I don’t think there’s anyone like him in any squad in Europe nevermind ours!
He looks to me like a more languid combo of Kanu, Viera and “Rocky Rocastle” rolled into one! He’s hard to knock-off the ball but can beat a man with a dip of his shoulder and curl of his long legs!
God rest your soul Rocky; you’re much missed…….
That was my first impression Dan.
My most recent impression was of a ming vase ๐
Hope he proves me wrong though….
Evening all,
Apologies,was hoping to scribble something tonight, but got distracted. Will you settle for me sharing a bottle of Old Tom with you?
Butter, sugar, flour, green flaky stuff,,,,, pop them in the oven and off you go.
Wow triple nelson for Dr Feelgood.
How do you like them apples, Graham Gooch? 8)
(Someone may need to explain to our American cousins……)
@ 334
I’m in!
‘holic 334.
Our pleasure.
Good man Ollie.
This stuff may be a bit strong for you ๐
So, Olie is a Good Man, and Snowy is a Top Man?
Just trying to get everything straight in my befuddled brain…
re Diaby… for the talent just look at his first touch at Klanfield – or rather no touch. He let the ball roll past him, dipped a shoulder and some sad scouser went hurtling past in the wrong direction. He took three long strides forwards ans had a go.
If anyone has a clip of it, please post it. That’s why he is worth persevering with *up to a point*.
Dan Smith. You utter cunt.
Dr Z…. do you sport the ‘tache??
Catalan: good men, top men, things are not always what they seem.
Just tell that to your befuddled brain.
Or give up on the home-baking ๐
@ 341
*horrified*
Feck, no.
Street cred is trashed as it is, mate…. ๐
DanC / TABs: 6 cartons? Dang, we gonna need more milk!
I like the jib of this new boy – fits right in with the rest of the inmates – No need for tranquillizers Nurse Wolfie (0;
Snir, Great report @275. You can be our roving reporter and barking statistician. ๐
Good to hear GT , I shall put the paddle away .
What’s wrong with an enormous ‘tache ?
Hey Holic, You sound a bit weary…and for good reason, no doubt. Spring is coming soon and I really hope it ushers in only the very best for you and the Management.
Dr Z 333,
I got one of them in my hallway! Think it’s a fake though?!
‘holic 334,
Count me in for a few! Gotta a day off tomorrow! ๐
Catalan 340,
Sure was a mercurial touch! Had Messi done, the wankfest in the commentary box and studio would’ve been messi as it was last night on shITV!
Passenger DanC
Please report to The Quackery where probationary nurse ABB will attempt to carry out a gender test for the records.
*note to nurse ABB, the clue’s in his name*
I say, these cookies really are rather good…..
*Old Tom ? wakes from slumber*
Evening Holic ๐
So what’s been happening ?
Rosicky signs new contract … good .
Diaby coming out fighting … very good .
Manc clubs struggling … Excellent .
GT 334,
Here’s Johnny!!!!
just for you Mr C …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtSk8hqTjmo
Mr C, Abbs, GT and all,
Can I please have some cookies with GT’s milky-round before my Caster SEMENya?
Hey, Dr Z!!
Told you he’d still be chewing gum!! ๐
Holic.. think you’ll like this one too!
Happy 60th Sir Viv….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RajqY37YjpU&feature=related
Enjoyed that Snir, cheers.
@ 346
Do you want a list? ๐
Thank you abb. The patient is having a tough time in parts but we will get there.
Mr TaBS, good news all.
Tabs 334,
Lol! All sounds far too familiar that! Good times!!!
TaBs
And this one is for you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFSLFBAJdBI&ob=av3e
Ok, My brain is tired after listening to a debate on ESPN desportes in spanish comparing Nemar to Messi. Whilst I compare Nemar to our very own Ox. And take notes. And smile…Messi, Nemar and the Ox, pure joy. Just want to share it with you guys.
..and, of course, one in tribute to Nurse Wolfie…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkwD261MHsc
Fun Lovin’ Criminals?
Stereotyping, if you ask me. ๐
@356 I’m all ears Dr Z (with my Bic ladyshave at the ready!) ๐
Nice clips gents!
Was that Liz Hurley i saw sitting behind the Jim Beam advertising hoardings?
Gooner Terry @228.
Yeah mate, Holloway born and bred.
Made my debuet in Hanley Street Hospital and grew up on the council estate across from the Tollie (Hornsey Rd N7)
======
Evening all *bendy knees*
Random useless fact #2457
Shane Warne was in a box right behind us when I watched Geelong vs St Kilda at the MCG a year and a half ago.
Holic , glad to hear Mrs H is getting there slowly .
Mr C , very kind , you can’t beat a scooby snack !
Always a Clive Lloyd man myself Mr C , Viv was just TOO good .
Have to say those cookies were good . 11 games to go , 11 wins puts us on 82 points . Enough to win the League ? ๐
Am I reading right?
United currently very lucky to be only 2-1 down at home?
Am I jinxing it?
3-1 now Ollie.
Although I suppose they want to go out to have more chance in the League.
Cunts.
Heh H2H, thanks, I’m obviously no longer a jinx ๐
Mr C @361 , well thank you kind sir , you sure know the way to a girl’s heart .
*flutters eyelashes and tosses hair back in vixen-like manner*
3-2. I’ll just fucking shut up forever more.
I’m not allowed to bask for a single second on this planet.
@ 363
“All ears”?
Wolfgang Smallballs is Gary Lineker.
Who knew?
๐
Nope, you’re not a jinx Ollie, the Mancs still lost, both of them did after fielding what looked to me pretty strong teams. Citeh lost Kompany which can’t be good for them.
On the subject of injuries; Michael Dawson is expected to be out for 10 to 12 weeks with a ruptured ankle ligament.
Wheels comming off?
Dr F @362
My mistake – that should have been for you really!
Tabs
Anything is possible. 82 points should do it. ๐
Sorry, Wolfie, don’t pout ๐
H2H – hopefully they are well and truly off, and descending rapidly down the hill.
Catalan @ 377 – remember, innocent until proven guilty. Or guilty until the dog dies ๐
Re: Catalan @359. Now we know what you do in your off hours. ๐
City 4 wins 3 Draws 4 losses .
UTD 5 wins 2 Draws 4 losses .
LWC’s 0 wins 0 draws 11 losses .
Arse 11 wins .
Arsenal Champs . Simples ๐
H2H @ 365: Me too! Whittington Hospital for me. Lived in Mercers Road till I left home. Holloway School, Camden College, Borough Road College (now part of Bernel University). First proper job at the Sobell Sports Center. Use to run up the stairs in your block of flats!! Two high rises as I recall – from there you’d probably be able to look straight into the Emirates eh?
GT.
4 high rises, 5 smaller. My old man had the keys to the roof, you could see into Highbury from up there, you could probably spit into the Emirates from there. (not that I’d want to ofcourse)
I spent most of my youth in the Sobell Centre, playing on the 5 a side courts. Was even in the Sobell team that got chucked out the league. Those were the days.
Went to Pakeman primary, (across from the Sobell) secondry, Richard of Chichester in Camden Town, did a year course in the college on Camden Rd (a work thing) before deciding to bugger off to Spain.
Apology accepted Dr Z (he is after all an ex LWC) .
Pout out . Grin in ๐
True, Wolfgang, it was remiss of me – I apologise again.
Now looking at your stats – (no not “those” stats) – you have Arsenal down for 11 wins.
So you stole, Snir’s passport then?
Whittington boys, we are here, Whoa, whoa! ๐
H2H: Could have sworn that two of those blocks were much taller than the rest – don’t ask me to give evidence ‘Arry! Anyway, depending on your age (I am 56) I probably chucked you out of the Sobell a few times! I remember those urchins from across the road – I wonder if you were one of them (0;
Did you go to the swimming pool on Hornsey Road?
I too buggered off but to Italy and then Germany and stayed away for 6-years on that occation.
* spell-check )0;
Holic: I just nearly wrote “Holloway Boys we are ‘ere Who, Whoa!” (0;
We got turfed on a regular basis and the age difference adds up, so yes, there’s a very big chance we crossed swords in the past. ๐
Seeing that we never paid to get in anyway, I suppose that makes us even ;p
Anyway, it gave us the chance to go bunk into the swimming pool, yep you guessed it, Hornsey Rd Bathes.
I gotta ask, Tel, did you used to have to wear a yellow T-shirt with those dodgy green tracksuit bottoms?
Here it is Tel, you can just about see a bit of the Sobell Centre in the top right corner and 4 high rises.
Shit, forgot the link;
http://www.sir-robert-mcalpine.com/files/project/3659/Highbury_18crop___Main.jpg
Dr Z @385 – ha! The Speedo Massive have his passport safely tucked away , 11 wins to follow ๐
Just catching up with the drinks…
Heh, a lot of tired fingers towards the back end and a few butterflies about the Podolski report. An air traveling supporter and the Guvnor stepping around the bar to share a drink.
Only at the Arsenal!
And oh Matt, always the voice of logic!
GT, Lars, Matt and co good to hear spirits are high!
Goetze or Hazard will keep the buds tickiing!
Lets go!
Blimey – been away for the night and come back to find a north of the border love in. Down south we’ve had it much harder – losing our best team and all.
Then there’s SG’s report/predictions – good work sir
Watching Sky Sports with Per Mertesakers statement that he has encouraged Podolski to join the club. Glad to hear he has been spending injury time valuably and oh all the other clubs barring Barca being criticised besides us for a change! Heh
Coyrrrs
Nods it on
makes dummy run
attempts to chip the keeper
Threads it through ๐
AL, Prodigious chip. Into in the net just like RVP putting his signature on a new Arsenal contract. ๐
And this time it goes in – played tabs – goes and polishes RVP’s golden boot
Well in AL ! Sweet as …
8ball, tabs – too kind guys, too kind (Bugsy Malone – circa some time ago)
Too much Good Stuff not to back-drink, but I’ll do it on the early journey in to Central London in the morning. (240)
H2H he only has i’s for us apparently – http://gu.com/p/363kt
Ah Mr C, Poor Lurky Oliva, It felt like a scene right out of the movie ‘The Crying Game’.
H2H @ 393: That photo makes me nostalgic for my manor..you lot probably bunked into the ABC on Holloway Road for entertainment too eh? We did every Saturday evening – one would pay and let the others in around the toilets! The management knew but left us because if they tried to get us out we’d just run round & round for half hour disturbing the movie for the paying customers (0;
Good to have another Islington boy in the bar – just in case the Jocks starts another fight…sorry Dr Zee..not you per sey…
Arsenal 5 Tottenham Sh*tspur 2. Yes, that made for another evening’s worth of pleasant viewing. ๐
Morning ‘Holic & ‘Holics
Loving the simplicity of #381. It does look so possible when written down like that. I’m going to be a happy bunny if we simply guide the HT MkII in St.Totteringhams Junction before ending up on Platform 3 of Championship Central.
Really enjoying this part of the season. We’re on a cracking little run. Manc clubs still faltering in Europe. Everyone looking at how Chel$ki is being runn and thinking WTF? Best of all, lasagne has just been banned for life in The Bill Nicholson Refectory. From what I can gauge, our Lily White Chums are absolutely cacking themselves at the moment whilst still refusing to step out from their garden of delusion.
Snir – Nice trip report mate. Should you rise to a position where you become ‘an Ivan’ of a well known sporting club (and I wish you every luck in that goal) then I sincerely hope you add more value to the sporting side of the club and remember to be present at all crucial matches/games.
Bring on those Barcodes!
Good fucking morning Storey and all
FFF
What the FUCK does Vengaar think he’s doing?
Signing someone before he window had even opened? Doesn’t he know he’s meant to wait until the last hour of the summer??
And then look; why hasn’t he bought one for the future??
26 years old. 95 caps, 46 goals. And a fucking Rainbow!!
Madness. The guy has finally lost it.
Vengaar aart!!
#FFF# ๐
Alright, back-drinking begins with ‘Paint It Black’ by Black Sabbath in my ears ๐
Trev/tabs @ 240/241, excellent signing choices, some that my youth couldn’t make, but Snir’s could (he has an unfair advantage with his clairvoyance ;))
Catalan @ 244, very astute choice sir ๐
Slow Ride – Foghat (8)
GT @ 248, excellent summary mon ๐
Snir @ 254, one can only dream of such glorious things ๐
Trippin’ On a Hole in a Paper Heart – Stone Temple Pilots (8)
H2H @ 261, of the highest quality ๐
DanC @ 266, nice take on the RvP situation, and good to have you ๐
Snir @ 275, finally! I’ve been waiting days for that summary of your trip! ๐
And this line “.
I have to say, that itโs a trip like this that makes me question my decision.”
A thing of beauty man ๐
DanC @ 276/278, heh, he hasn’t scored any goals (quite worrying, only 1st team summer signing that hasn’t) but Per’s coming good in his own way ๐
abb @ 279, we haven’t had a heart-stopping shootout since I think it was Porto away a few years back, I thought it was curtains for me X_X But I don’t think the shootout would of made it to Szczesny, some of those Milan players’ finishing was truly deplorable ๐
That Sao Paulo keeper is a legend, I’ve seen some of his free-kicks, one word, Phenomenal!
Could Well Be In – The Streets (8)
What an assist and what a header by Ollie & abb @ 299/300! Messi-esque circa 2009 methinks.
Amazing air kicking and ice-cream licking from Snir & GT as well, tabs, you out did yourself @ 306 mate! ๐
abb @ 322, Nice. ๐
Ollie @ 329, after seeing his goal against Watford, I’m definitely not giving up on a player of his calibre.
And zico @ 330, I have to whole heartedly agree.
tabs @ 399, you redeemed yourself @ 306, with that dummy run, finished with one of the deftest touches to chip the keeper by AL for the Century! Well in Man.
Ironic, my Blackberry Spell Check tried to correct Messi-esque into Messiah -_-
Just noticed, the 88,888th drink is coming up in 40 or so drinks… 8) *Ultra-Lurk Activate*
Morning all.
Trust you got your open letters to Mankini sent off in time. Hopefully they’ll arrive in the post along with his P45 and the bailiff’s letter demanding repayment of ยฃ100m he wasted on a bunch of gold-digging cunts who can’t even beat Porto in the also-rans cup.
BTW, does anyone else really, really like Athletic Bilbao right now?
PS – To all commentators. STOP calling them “Atletico”. It’s not their name you bellends.
Bale on Football365: “I don’t dive, I’m just saving myself from injury – saving my career if you like. I’m more likely to try to get out of the way and not get hurt, rather than get hurt. I tend not to dive.”
So what you’re saying, you diving, simian cunt, is that when someone comes in with a challenge you throw yourself to the floor to stay out of the way of it? Sort of like, going to ground with minimal contact? Kind of…diving?
Footballers really are utter retards if they expect anyone to buy that grade A bullshit.
Oxon Gooner strolls into the bar, looking haggard after a week on the piste. He breathes in deeply savouring the lack of that distinct odour which comes from sharing a room with a Sp*d and settles down over a nice pint of Best Bitter.
LWC “mate’s” reaction on Saturday – ‘Oh well, we should be able to stay ahead of Chelsea OK’. Pauses for thought and calculation. ‘On average, under Twitchy we’ve only been six points behind you over a whole season so we should be OK with a four-point lead and only ten games left.’
No comment since Sunday.
Despite the experience of the last few seasons, I’ve somehow always been confident that “the other North London side” would blow up at the end of the season and we’d be OK if we were in touch. Maybe we will, indeed celebrate one of the sweetest St Totteringham’s days for years.
PS – SZCZ is a legend.
Just noted that our home game v Wigan has been moved from Saturday 3pm to Monday 8pm. Thanks for that, Sky Sports fuckers.
Camberwell@416: Bale is an idiot. And a diving, cheating cunt.
Morning All ,
Please learn and commit to memory the following …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=a3Juhm54IkI
Examinations will take place on August 1st . Please make sure you arrive in plenty of time and that you have brought a sharpened pencil .
Extra bonus marks will be awarded to those students who cultivate that winning Europop look .
I shall attend but only if Wolfie takes the test in his psychedelic lederhosen ๐
Goes without saying Dr Z ๐
TABS @ 419
That is hilarious. Can’t wait for Lu lu Lukas podolski t ojoin just to hear that chant at the Emirates.
Lu lu lu lukas podolski.
Heh.
First me , then Per , then young Eisfeld , Poldo on his way , and maybe Goetze to follow .
Ze Germans are coming .
I am a trailblazer . New kit for 2012-13 ? Speedoes of course .
*goes into rehearsal mode*
LU-LU-KU… damn it!
KLU-L… arrgh…
LU-LU-LU MAROUANE CHAM… ah, feckity feck feck!
*puts half a bottle of hair gel in my hair and adopts fake German accent*
LU-LU-LU, LUKAS PODOLSKI!
*yes, nailed it!*
Now try singing it without mentioning KaNUUUU!
Guten Tag everybody! Tabs @ 419 Wow!!!
Hilarious Euro link @ #419.
The same song was also referenced on today’s Arsecast?
Brilliant jamming sesh @ #424, got it nailed.
A perfect tune for bopping in your JCs and Speedos?
Got it down to a tee TS ๐
Sterling effort Lars . Copious hair gel and german accent today , it is but a short hop skip and a jump to Speedoes and Jimmy Choos tomorrow ๐
Guten Tag Fraulein Abb .
Wind @ 414 Happy FFF to you son! Just love goalie trivia. Our Wojcieh is one of the best out there today and what spirit he has!Now, here is an assignment for you when you have a free moment. Check out Nemar’s 3 goals he scored for Santos against Internacional the other day, UNBELIEVABLE!!!
Zankz, volfgangh! Only zing nao iz I haf to get zis churman acksent out of mah hedd… and you keep zose verdammte svimming trunks to youself!
And Troo Storie, zat remindz me I hafnt listned to ze arzecast todee!
*browses off to another corner of the interweb*
Lars – heh ๐ *troops out with Lars to listen to the Arsecast*
The Scene : An office somewhere in The City
Dr Feelgood sits opposite his financial adviser, a heap of crushed and wrinkled paperwork lies on the table in front of them. This “bundle of joy”, symptomatic of a chaotic lifestyle and a man who has a mind for anything but business, is Dr Feelgoodโs filing system. The adviser sifts through, picking up an invoice here, a betting slip there, and all the while, tutt-tutting his disapproval. He doesnโt actually say anything for a while, until, he stumbles upon a bank statement that makes his eyes widen with astonishment:
Adviser : โSo whatโs this? Roxette 52?โ
Feelgood : โOh thatโs just the name of my, err, dog. And err…. the dogโs age. Erm, in dog years.โ
Adviser : โBut there is a substantial amount of money in this account โ yet you have come to me to advising that Feelgood Foundation is in some financial difficulty. I donโt quite understand….?โ
Feelgood : โOh, I donโt know anything about the money in that account. Oh no. I was just asked to open the account by a guy I met called Mr Redknapp. He said it was to save on taxis. At least I think thatโs what he said โ itโs difficult to concentrate when he talks, as his face always looks like it has its own personal tsunami going on, just underneath the skin……โ
Adviser : โWell this Mr Redknapp looks like heโs familiar with the mechanics of sending money overseas. Do you know if he ever gets abroad?โ
Feelgood : โWith a face like that, I would very much doubt he has too much success with the ladies ……….โ
Dr Z – you’ve outdone yourself there ! ๐
“his face always looks like it has its own personal tsunami going on, just underneath the skinโฆโฆโ
๐ ๐ ๐
Dave O’Leary impression on the Arsecast is hilarious .
Like I say…..
๐
Afternoon gents, a quick pop in to say a double HEH at the above posts, funny stuff.
Tel, “bunkin in” is a Holloway birthright, I can’t remember me and my mates ever paying full whack for anything, I suppose being stony broke was the particular Mother Necasity to that invention, passed on from street urchin to urban yoof, a right of passage if you will. ๐
Well done tabs, you’ve been promoted to resident Sherlock Homey for tracking down the tune for our new iPod(olski). It’s so bad it’s almost good, I bet it scored high in the German charts.
Apologies if this interview has already been linked to
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/mar/09/cesc-fabregas-wenger-arsenal-barcelona
I try to hold any ill will towards Cesc and he was an incredible midfielder who clearly still loves Arsenal. However, what was also clear when he left and even clearer now that we have seen RvP as captain is he was not a leader. This article just hammers that home for me. He went from a position where he could have had a team built around him and been a legend to one where he gets the comfort of home and a supporting role. He took the easy route. I realize I am not upset with him, just dissapointed that he wasn’t the character I wanted him to be.
RvP will be in the same position this summer as Cesc was the last few summers. He has a choice, as Cesc did, to either leave for an established team and win trophies in a supporting role, or stay and take the chance that this team with a few key additions, built around his football and his leadership, will come good and make him a legend. I for one think he will have a statue outside the HoF in the future.
*I try not to hold any ill will
What a Boost to Revels in! Santos is back in the squad for The Barcodes.
With a run-in choc-full of tough games, having him aRowntree will help to vanquish any Flake-iness in our defence.
Welcome back Andre, it’s a Treets to see you back in the famous red & white and we really missed you.
(*This post was brought to you by Andre’s personal sponsors) ๐
@ 440
How sweet. ๐
tabs @ 419, August 1st? As in, Members’ Day? Lu Lu Lu, Lukas Podolski! And I haven’t even listened to the Arsecast yet… ๐
Dr.z – Heh! Just very, very pleased that he’s back to help us overhaul the LWCs. Hoping we’ll see LJW, Diaby & Le Coq back soon too???
New New New, Newcastle Monday…..
Catchy little ditty isn’t it?
This Lukas fella better bloody well sign for us now ๐
Wind@414: thanks for back drinking for the rest of us. Exhausting enough just reading yours.
Podolski would be a versitile buy. Can play on the left if RvP stays, in the middle if he goes, and would let Gervais play on the right if Theo goes. He could also play up top if RvP drops back into the DB10 role as he turns 30.
Not as pleased as Greggs in Holloway Road ๐
Lars @ 424, heh! Got there in the end ๐
abb @ 429, Ms! Did my homework, can’t get my jaw to retract off the floor into its Natural Position after seeing Neymar’s 2nd goal ๐ฎ
NBN @ 445, not a problem mate, I enjoyed it too a degree ๐
I’ve actually read the Lu-Lu-Lu article about him coming, and I’m happy, but I WON’T be happy if RvP doesn’t get paid more than that, the ebst player’s gotta be the best earner in my opinion.
And he nips in for the cheeky half!
TS @440 – Sweet as … ๐
Afternoon H2H , always a homey me ๐
Bearded – Cheers for the link , good article . The contrast between Rvp and Fab as the leader of the group is indeed stark , but I would suggest that the evident chasm is only partially the fault of Fabregas .
With the benefit of hindsight ,Fabregas was clearly given the job prematurely , rewarded not because of any real leadership traits , but simply because he was the best player and in a young side arguably the only other option .
Whatever Gallas was or wasn’t , he certainly wasn’t a leader of men . He was always a little bit , ahem , c*nty , and when that trait continued to overshadow any other character traits into 08-09 , so making his continued captaincy untenable , there were very few other candidates available . RVP himself was constantly sidelined , TV5 was new to the Club and Bac lacked seniority . The only other contender was Clichy , and personable though he was , he never really struck me as a leader either .
Fab therefore obtained the position by default , a role to which he was neither temperamentally suited nor possessed of sufficient “club DNA” , (it always being his dream to rejoin Barca) .
Rvp has got the role at a time when he is 7 years older than Fab and is playing football from the Gods . It is also surely the culmination of a footballing dream when he wore an Arsenal shirt as a young teenager , a realisation of ambition , which , through no fault of his own , could never be shared by the Catalan-inspired Fabregas .
One can of course never tell what might happen in the world of football , but I think that we are entitled to a greater confidence when RVP comes to make his choice this summer than we did last year .
RVP is a more mature and a more dominant personality than Fabregas and we now have a better Captain , but I don’t think that is , of itself , a reason to castigate Fabregas .
Whilst the manner of his ultimate departure , and the shenanigans that preceded it still stick in the claw , Fabregas did much whilst he was here and still speaks of the Club in glowing terms . I think you are right to try and save your ill will for those who truly deserve it . Adebuywhore to name but one .
Wind @ 447 You’ve got a good eye, # 2 goal absolutely scrumptious!
BG, interesting article, useless in the end, tho. Glad he is gone, feeling like that.
@ 451
I will see your Adebuywhore and raise you a chinless lesbian……
well I don’t mean that I will raise you AS a chinless lesbian but…..
OK I will see your adebuywhore and call you a chinless lesbian……
erm, I never was too good at poker ๐
Wind, I’m always for rewarding our ebst player. ๐
I’ll bring the cards to Villa , Dr Z . We’ll start playing after 8 pints ๐
@ 455
And selling our owrst ๐
Dr.z
I hear Greggs are going to launch a commemorative line of celebratory buns in honour of their #1 customer.
Talking of which, I’m looking forward to chucking one or two at Pardew on Monday. I know how popular he is amongst the regular clientelle in here.
Come on Arsenal. Bash the barcodes. Jolt the Georgies too.
@ 456
I refuse to play cards before kick off ๐
Parde is very very close to joining that elite group of c*ntspatulas – Pulis , Alladyce and McCarthy .
Can’t fathom how The Toon have had such a relatively successful season . The man is a complete penis .
Dr Z @460 ๐ ๐
Damn , plan foiled !
I’ll see your Adebuywhore & chinless lesbian and flush you both out (ahem) with a Big Bad Billy G plus a Belligerent Bentley – SHL defectors and c*nts both.
Actually, it’s almost impossible to top Ade or Na$ri.
Stapleton? But such a long time ago….
Well seeing as this is FFF, here’s a riddle for all you blokes. Guess who said this about Nasri, right here in Holic’s bar. “Nasri is the apprentice to the sorcerer that Cesc Fabregas has undoubtedly become”. Or this, “Nasri is indeed special”. Yes indeed, our very own barkeep himself. Foisted by his own petard, me thinks…
TS
Punter Piles Pressure on Pardew as the Pies “Have It”
My future as a sub-editor is secure.
abb, I was waiting for it, but congratulations on the 88,888th drink in the bar! ๐
And scrumptious Neymar’s 2nd goal was indeed!
Right on cue tabs @ #461 ๐
Actually, I have him ahead of McCarthy and Colin Wanker but of course it’s all down to personal taste.
Really Wind…Yahoo!!!
@ #465
…. as the (Mag)Pies “Have It”
Can I be sub-sub-editor? ๐
Well done abb – you win an all expenses paid cruise down the Danube with Dr Feelgood.
(Bring your own drugs. And cookies.)
Actually, the “cruise” prize was Wolfie.
For Feelgood, its an all expenses paid [b]trip[b] down the danube. You still have to bring your own drugs, though. 8)
Abb @464 – Reckon the Guv’nor said those words before Nasri’s chin disappeared and he became a one knuckle shuffler , so he’s excused ๐
Bloody good hand there TS@463 . I’ve only got a Pennant and a Stepanovs . Will have to fold .
tabs @ 451
Excellent perspective and I think that is a major part of why I have gone initially from dislike of Cesc (certainly nothing compared to the level of dislike for the chinless lesbian of course) for leaving to my current state of just accepting who he was and more importantly wasn’t. I agree with all your points except for the difference in ages. It is clearly ideal to place the captaincy in the hands of a more established mature player, but I also think some players are born leaders (RvP, TV, Adams, etc) and will take the position and responsibility by the scruff regardless of age. Woj and Jack come to mind as players who I think would already make great captains.
I do appreciate the fact that Cesc clearly still loves the club. His tweets during the LWC game were classic.
One knuckle shuffler and bloody good hand – make up your mind !
Bearded
You need experience to be a “great” captain.
Jack might be able to lead by example in terms of playing but he has achieved virtually nothing in the game thus far.
His day will surely come though.
As usual, you guys just crack me up! Going thru the archives was a real treat for me. Esp. Steve T’s references to ‘width’ over the years, what a revelation.
Steve’s a bit of a cockney wide boy, abb.
Allegedly. ๐ฟ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezdAiDh31D8
๐
Roll up , Roll up
Bearded , cheers for the kind words , and take your point re the age thing .
TA certainly a great young leader – very very exceptional though I would suggest . Not convinced RVP would have been much of a Captain at 21 , notwithstanding his all too apparent qualities now .
Breaking news: The Sun swoop in and offer Feelgood a chief sub-editors role for their back pages. A very content and somewhat pie-eyed Feelgood was quoted as saying, “I’m off on a trip followed by a cruise down The Danube with a nurse when I’ve recovered”.
Agree zico I just feel if it was given to Jack or Woj they wouldn’t relinquish it and would grow into “great” captains as their careers progressed.
Oh Zico @ 477, Better pray Steveo doesn’t get ‘wind’ of that, young feller. Wish I could hang around for Gooner Terry to start sparring with you, better man up now and be prepared!
TS – that job is not for Feelgood.
As you know, he can hardly use his own phone, never mind hack someone else’s. ๐
The pie-eyed bit sounds good though….
It was @ 452 abb, ‘Holic should give you a mention or something ๐
Zico @ 454, I’m pretty much a pro, still need to test myself Face to Face and perfect my poker ๐ face ๐
You’re bluffin’ Wind.
You don’t scare me. ๐
Two Fat Ladies ?
Oh , sorry , wrong game ๐
tabs,
You trying to summon up the ghost of Shaft?
Heh ๐
Forgot he was the master of that particular pastime .
First?
TaBs @ 451 – I agree with every word, mate. You put it a nutshell.
It is one of the small number of satisfactions of this season that RvP has surprised us with his leadership qualities and the evidence is there to see on the pitch and when the rest of the squad are interviewd.
I am praying that the club meet his requirements for a signature this summer.
Some of that fine (but strong) monastic beer from Belgium all round that TV5 was suckled on.
Heh Ollie ๐
Where you been all day ? Trying to track down a Brazilian no doubt .
I share your frustration ๐
BG chips the ball to TaBs and takes a bite of his prawn sandwich and swig of Moet.
Cheers Bath and Afternoon Sir .
The Patrons are pouring in . ๐
I too shall have one of those Belgian Destroyers , delivered by teet if at all possible .
Takes ball down on his chest and sweeps the ball out to the left wing in one sweeping movement …
Good afternoon TaBS. Have you recovered from our fine victory over the LWCs and your long celebration then?
You know the joke about Alfonse le Aviator? – I can’t do the French accent on the keyboard so it’ll have to wait for the Tollie.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/andre-santos-back-in-training
Has TS posted that already?
No time for this silly century shenanigans – it’s Friday, it’s 5 o’clock (ish) and …….
I have an appointment with Arthur.
Laters, thrill-seekers.
With DB10-like skills, bg takes the ball on his right foot, pirouetted, lobs a thug and floats the ball across field towards the right where he sees TaBS haring down the wing.
bath
TV wasn’t suckled.
He was built in a maturation chamber by The Borg and then released back to humankind when they realised he couldn’t be assimilated. They’ve never uttered the phrase ‘resistance is futile’ since. He’s biding his time for the captaincy. When he takes over, his first mission will be to laser bomb Shite Hart Lane and vapourise greedy ex-players. Mr. Na$ri knows this and is plotting a move to Boca Juniors over the summer. You can run $ammi…
Now, where’s my nurse with my medication?
Runs into the box and either hits it or misses it…such a silky touch, cannot tell which
It’s a goal!
What a one-two with bath! ๐
Heh, what’s the word, oh yes : ‘Blinding!’, baff.
Or was it just ‘blind’ ? ๐
No medication for those ideas TS – it’s gotta be ECT, but the NASH cannot afford the electricity this month. Gotta wait until the new financial year.
Hey Ollie.
How are things?
Did I detect a new job, based in Swindon?
Such a concentration of premier Holics will be bad for both your livers.
Thanks for the assist TS.
Heh scrappy goal Bath , but they all count – got your silky touch in amongst the flailing Boots .
Yep recovered from the LWC extravaganza Bath – ready to go again ๐
TS @499 ๐
Alphonse L’Aviator ? Nope new one on me . Pray tell …
Ah apologies Bath , I now see it will have to wait for The Tollie . Another item to look forward to . Add it to the agenda Prof TES .
Just me or does Santos look like he is in prime fighting shape in the those pictures relative to when he first joined in the summer?
Not just you Bearded . They’ve clearly been keeping him off the chips !
Wow you bloody holics have been busy haven’t ya (well not busy doing your paid work obviously) but skiving off on here and having a lark while I have been stuck in Kingston traffic all morning! You are all bums – every single one of ya! Well…except TABs (maybe) and new boy DanC (who may be a bum but has not revealed it yet)…and of course young Hurricane (who may yet turn out to be a bum)…and to the biggest bum of them all, Holic, I have just one thing to say to you lot…Up The Arse…
Happy Feisty Freaking Friday Folks (0;
Now for a bit of back drinking..
Nurse ABB: If its true that you had the 88,888th posting then congratulations…I had the 77,777th and I can tell you what you have in store from the Governor in way of recognition……Zilch! Nada! Nix! Fack All! Not a Dickie Bird of congratulations! Nothing!
Happy FFF Folks..
TABs: When you say that Pardue is a “complete penis” do you include the scrotum, pubic hairs and the stuff under the foreskin as well? Just inquiring like…(0;
Didn’t give it a great deal of thought if I’m honest GT . Please feel free to include or exclude whatever you feel best suits him ๐
Thanks btw for my possible exemption from your catch-all description of all the patrons as “bums” . I fear however that in this instance your exemption was entirely misplaced ๐
Not quite, baff.
Only the boss a couple of echelons above me will be based in Swindon.
Still got gallons of back-drinking to do. Could take a while going half a pint at the time!
Zico – glad you’re not down at all. Just seemed to me that your normal positive spark was slightly blunted.
Glad to see I misinterpreted – look forward to seeing you before Villa.
All back to normal Trev, practising for Villa right now ๐
Evening ‘holic and ‘holics! Yawn!!! What a lovely bunch of home-made cookies and milk that was! Where did I sleep last night and where did I get these speedos from?! :-/
GT @512,
Shit, I was supposed to be at the office this morning! That’ll be another stint on the gov’s work-placement programme then! Wonder if tesco’s still doin it?
Wind @414,
I know what you mean mate but I’ve got a good feeling about these guys and our BFG Per! He’s gonna be a top influence on all the lads!
BG @438 & 473, Tabs @451,
Nice analysis about Cesc and I concur! He just wasn’t ready to be our leader and I doubt he ever would have been!
Great news about our Brazilian “winger”! Can’t wait to stuff the barcodes and that cock Pardew! What a wanker!
As no footy tomorrow, gotta take the wife out for dinner tonight!
Shit I’ve put on weight since I last put on this tux! Must be the cream and cookies! It’s all your fault Abbs and GT! ๐
Auf wedersen boys!
TABs: Read the article (and the August 15th article below that one for the first time – I was too gutted to read it then)…I agree with your summation. Cesc is my boy – I will always like him. He has never hidden the fact that he wanted to go back home some day to play for his hometown team. No one should underestimate the attraction of that. No one should be quick to condemn him for being honest with us…Reading his quotes you get the impression that even through he no longer plays for us, and his allegiance is now with Barca he is still a Gooner and that is fine with me..
Hey ~Dr Zee: That Trev does not forgive or forget does he?
OK that’s my back drinking done. Now for something completely different (0;
Bearded@438: every time I see Cesc play for Barca it stings my heart. I want to not care but I can’t.
tabs@451: agree with pretty much every word. There are those far more deserving of scorn.
TS: what a magnificent way to grab the half-millenium, making that blind-side run and then suddenly appearing at the first post to poke it in!
Practicing, Dr Z?
Alex Mc Leish told me Martin Taylor is a nice man.
I said ‘Liar, Liar, fucking fucking liar!’
Or something of that ilk.
I have the solution for you Lars: don’t watch Barรงa.
Works for me.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Squeaky bum time at Shite Fart Lane!
Bale going for gold in the 10 meter platform this summer…..
Test