Blue Moon, I Saw You Samir, Alone
Apr 9th, 2012 by 'holic
Oh yes, I most certainly have had worse days. Strangely though I never doubted it would be our day. When I say never, I am perhaps going overboard, but have you ever seen a team so desperately in need of three points play so negatively? City got exactly what they deserved. Nothing.
On arrival at the Grove we had something of a surprise when it filtered through that Yossi Benayoun had been picked ahead of Ramsey, Gervinho, and Oxlade-Chamberlain for the left wing berth. Surprise maybe, but credit Le Boss for a masterstroke. The Israeli was ideally suited to the pressing game we played with real gusto.
The tension, a good sort of tension it was too, if that makes sense, was almost eased When Robin van Persie was denied an opening goal by the unfortunate Thomas Vermaelen. It ramped up a notch when the loathsome Balotelli attempted to snap Alex Song’s leg in two. How that was not a red card was a mystery to all. A string of offences and bad challenges meant it was only a matter of time before he got the colour of card his performance merited.
Meanwhile Arsenal just powered on and on, giving City no time and space in which to play. The breakthrough should have come first when van Persie was denied by the post, then Walcott hit a post and Benayoun put the rebound wide from point blank range. Then just as we suspected a point would be our only reward Mikel Arteta lit the Grove up with a superb strike from distance. Less than half a Nasri he cost. Thanks for funding him for us, City.
Cue the Poznan. Instinctive, infectious, wonderful to witness, even in Club Level. The final insult to the mercenaries who didn’t have the team spirit, or it seemed the desire, to sustain their title challenge. They serve as a lesson to us as the final six games loom into view. We must not allow our focus to slip in similar fashion. The evidence of yesterday suggests it won’t. Like the Tottenham home game both team and support gave everything. That is the blueprint for what remains.
It was a very good day to be a Gooner.
273 Responses to “Blue Moon, I Saw You Samir, Alone”
Lovely stuff Maestro. I don’t recall the pre-match confidence but once we kicked-off there was only going to be one winner. Magnificent day out again, our support is superb at the moment.
Yoo and a Hoo
*waves*
Let’s hope the Tiny Totts have a dreary day today.
PS: Here’s to the same Arsenal turning up at Molineux on Wednesday. If they do, a hatful of goals is a distinct possibility.
Ah, the bar is open.
I think yesterday must have been the first time in ages I left the pub before mrswoo.
Greetings from New Zealand ‘holic — marverlous game, though the 4am kick offs are wearing me out. Running round the living room stifling yelps of unbridled joy so as not to wake the goodlady wife. City made to look pretty ordinary by a rampant Arse!
Missed a few sitters but thats showbiz,aint it?
Me old granny may have slotted young Ramsey’s chance away, but lets not get on the kids back – he’ll be right, as they say down under.
Good day to be a gooner, but they pretty much all are.
Top 10. Fair play league?
Here’s to Dumpling’s home team today ….. Raises hopeful glass!
PS well played Bubba. Oddball! π
balotelli is a real disgrace! my local papers had compared him as the football equivalent of Deniss Rodman – erratic but highly talented. even mancini agreed that he deserves further punishment for that disgusting attempt to end Alex’s season (and next) prematurely!
game wise, it was another fantastic win for the good guys! It has to be the blueprint for the way we play our games! Hopefully, AW will use this group of players as spine to build on (bring in players with good work-ethics!). We will be a force again come next season!
I love Arteta and had always wanted him to partner our ex-el capitan but sadly it was not meant to be… what midfield that would have been!
More mirth from twitterdom, made me laugh:
http://twitpic.com/97nx4l
Excellent report ‘holic.
You’ll have to excuse me, for I am, as mentioned in the previous drinks, nursing a basterd cunt of a boilk.
A Boilkotelli. π
Hair of the dog and a round for the bar please, cheers.
Wonderful day to be a gooner…
TS @ 10 Heh.
H2H, π
Nice job Barman, succinct and to the point π
Got a good feeling Rockin’ Robin’s gonna find the net on Wednesday, maybe Ramsey as well if the work gets put in today and tomorrow π
Heh, TS, now you mention it π
“I never doubted it would be our day”
Hmmmmm
My doubt evaporated when I saw van Persie’s 1st header on goal, I knew we’d win after that, in my words at the time, “Come on Lads/Arsenal, you got this.” Confident π
Excellence as standard, Dr ‘Holic.
The real shame is all the media reports after the game were about Balotelly and Citeh’s chances ending. No talk of just how much better we were on the day. Shame we’ve lost Los for two games but still believe we’ll need a rear view mirror to see our curiously quiet again neighbours come the end of the season.
played ‘holic
Artetetetaaaa – for me our player of the season so far – in the ordinary mortals section of the comp – (therefore RVP excluded). He came in we were a bit of a mess and really got hold of our midfield, no settling in time at all, and has made us tick pretty much all season since then. And we dipped when he wasn’t there. And we’s third still – yeefukkinhaa!
TS & Ollie – couldn’t be there as was on a “Reverse Ollie” – i.e. over there when the The Arse were playing. Actually, was stuck on a boat on the deepish, vaguely blueish yonder – unable to find out what was going on.
V poor planning all round on my part that i shall seek to avoid for the rest of this bonkas season.
Anyway, just watched the game in full and agree re our support TS. Can’t not help feeling that the very bonkasness of said season has somehow bonded, and brought out the best in, the fans.
Fucking brilliantly this season’s starting to take on the feel of a defining one – for good reasons – when at times it genuinely looked like it might go right the other way
Onwards and, erm – pretty much staying where we are till the season’s end – ta!
Neighbour, shhh.
We’ll keep it a secret between you, I, TS, and anybody else at the pub beforehand π
Mind you, you called the one nil at half time
I put a couple of photos on here a minute ago and they didn’t show up. I’ll try again…
http://www.imagebam.com/image/567523183929550
http://www.imagebam.com/image/3b3edf183929538
Fine summary Holic. Strangely I did not have the negative vibes for this match that I had for QPR. I thought the boys really put in a shift. Our midfield 3 were colossal. Benny was an inspired choice by Le Boss.
I brought a colleague from work to the game who had been a Citeh fan as a boy. He behaved impeccably in the Grove (he had been heavily drilled beforehand). Indeed I think we have a nascent Gooner. Thanks all at the Tollie for welcoming him so civilly (that would not have happened in Glasgow).
I am just rewatching the game this morning. At HT I thought a draw was the fair result but watching the TV tape, with a calmer mind and a n=better view of the Clock End goal, I can see that we should have been ahead at HT and were pretty much untroubled except for the GBH committed by a certain psychotic Italian.
OOO 2 B etc
I heard Mancini on tv questioning mario balotelli’s wisdom. Hilarious from this guy who left him on the pitch when he should have been off already and was niggling away at Bakary all day. A great team performance from the gunners and rounded off with a smashing strike from my favourite player (RVP aside). City are in free fall now and we could even catch them if we win our remaining games.
A Very Good Morning Holics
Gooner Kevin decided to give the rail problems a miss and we went down to Cockfosters by road.
It was a game of notable incidents .Martin Atkinson obviously needs to go to SpecSavers , he missed, what looked from my position, a clear penalty when RVP was “thrown” to the ground in the area.
We then witnessed what was a truly dreadful challenge by Balotelli, studs up on Song’s knee. Fortunately our man was OK but how neither official saw the challenge is a mystery. Let’s hope the review panel deal with the offence retrospectively as it was not the City striker’s only misdemeanour of the afternoon and rightly he picked up two deserved yellow cards later in the game.
Our opening 20minutes was very enterprising and we were constantly on the attack.RVP then had the misfortune of seeing his goal bound header,from a corner, hit TV5 on the line with the ball careering on to the bar and over the top.
City up till this point had shown little enterprise and our back 5 were well in control.However, Balotelli was put through with Kos beaten but my friend Szczesny rushed out of the area and cleared to safety. Szczesny was called into action again tipping a good effort over the bar. Other than these incidents Aguero and Co were ineffective and shadows of the free scoring players before Christmas.
The midfield trio were working very hard picking up loose passes and driving forward. Song was once again guilty of giving the ball away from time to time but his colleagues covered for him and we were making the City mid-field look very ordinary.
Half-time came but we hadn’t scored and those around me were getting anxious and fearing the worst. Was this going to be one of those days, in control of the game but failing to put away our chances.
The nerves got worse at what can only be described as a bizarre series of misses. Theo hit a great shot across Hart who tipped it on to the post. Tommy V slipped as he attempted to divert the ball into the net and the ball rebounded to Benayoun who, two yards out, managed to fluff his shot and the ball clipped the far post before going out of play!
The crowd really got going in the final quarter, the noise was deafening and the team pressed on but time was running out. Then Arteta , who was my MOTM, dispossessed ? Pizarro in mid-field , pressed forward and let fly a low pile-driver just inside the post from 25 yards,we went ballistic . The lower tiers went into the Poznan and the roof almost came off the Ems, amazing! We still had to survive a late City free kick and poor Rambo ,on a last second breakaway shot miles wide, when a pass to an unmarked RVP would have improved our goal tally.
The only worries following the win are possible injuries. Sagna and Song were given a particularly hard time,Gibbs was replaced ? injured and the 10th yellow card given to Kos ,which will give him an enforced rest for the Wolves and Wigan games.
It was a pain getting back to the car but it had been a great day out. Everything now crossed for Wednesday and here’s hoping the Canaries can do us a favour later today.
As always COYRs.
Great Pics Ricey.
Anyone else feel sorry for Benayoun? Poor sucker must be confused as to what else he has to do to merit a place in the starting line up.
Saying which i think i prefer the horses for courses approach by Arsene. Kinda like Ferguson using Park and Fletcher for the big games and dropping them (Park more frequently) against the weaker opposition. Keeps everyone on their toes as well as preventing injuries due to over-exertion.
The day started strangely. As I exit Finsbury Park I pay a quick visit to the shop. Both my two have been banging on about the away kit all season. I now find that there is 30% off. Unfortunately they do not have kids sizes. Still with loads of time to spare I head to the Armoury, only to find that Easter trading laws prevent the store from opening. Not a great start to they day and I hope that this has not set the tone. My mood swiftly changes as I enter the Tollie, order my first pint of the day only to be greeted from a cheery voice behind me saying, βIβll get that.β Cheers holic. Pre match it was great to see holics both old and new and at last be able to add a few more names to a few more faces.
The walk to the ground was full of optimism. There seemed a really positive vibe all around the place. I must say the team selection was the one I picked, but playing 3 wise old heads in the middle of the park seemed to make a lot of sense.
The game that unfolded in front of us will fill me with delight for a long time. A hard working, mature performance that saw Citeh complete an unwanted hat trick. The first team to play 3 consecutive league games at the Grove and not manage a shot on target in any of them. Perhaps 800 million in the wrong hands does not always buy you as much as you would think?
I thought there were great performances all over the pitch. I thought by his recent form that Theo had one of his less productive days. But what impressed me was that even when things were not going totally as he would have liked that his work rate and effort levels did not drop once.
Then with 5 to go, cue Mickey A. Some people have criticised him this year. I have no idea why. For me he has been outstanding. It seemed completely fitting to me that his industry and artistry would see him win the ball, move forward before unleashing another fantastic strike, Cue mass celebration. Cue the Poznan and cue more abuse directed towards Nasri. All that followed was that justice was administered to Balotelli, all be it 70 minutes too late. You would hope that the FA see fit to do their job in the coming days.
Back to the Tollie to loads of happy faces. A great night continued with more quality Ale and great company. The evening was cut short when BTM decide the call to haddock was too much to resist. He managed to find one convert in the form of TS. The choice of sustenance seemed ironic having just watch The Arsenal batter Citeh. TABS could not be persuaded to make the trip. He seemed more concerned in a cod piece to protect his scampi whilst still wearing womenβs clothing.
I eventually made my way home, arriving just before midnight to be greeted by my daughter coming down the stairs. She is all smiles as I slur, βyou should have been in bed hours ago.β She giggles at me. Her first words of greetings, βdid you make rude signs to Nasri when he went off?β Now, this is quite a dilemma in my current state. You canβt lie to your kids can you? I chose a tactful response. βI wished him on his merry way,β I said. She then takes great delight in telling me how she and her younger brother laughed when he went off and how they did their own version of the Poznan in the lounge. Sometimes things just happen in your life that make you really proud.
A great day out. Some great performances all over the park and another great 3 points. The only negative was the yellow for Kos that now sees him banned for the next 2 games. That said, I am looking forward to my planned trip to Wolves full of excited anticipation.
Keep the faith.
First game back after 3 months out of the country. Unlike the Guv I was not that confident.
Great atmosphere at the ground and an excellent all round team performance.
Props to Wenger for picking Benny, when I heard that I was not happy but he was excellent.
Any result other than a win for us would have been a travesty, but I was resigned to a 0-0 late on after nothing would seem to go in.
Only negative was Atkinson’s performance which was complete bollocks, a blatant pen denied, and the Balotteli’s assualt on Song ignored were the highlights in a string of dodgy decisions.
Good call on Feo, Steve T @26. I have not been his biggest fan over the years but you are entirely correct. In recent times he has excelled and while he did not produce those heights yesterday, he was heavily involved and not the peripheral figure of yesteryear.
Sorry I didn’t meet you at the Tollie. Must have been very close.
Bath, we shook hands and spoke about the wonderful place that is Bath!!!!!!!!. I am guessing your hospitality afforded to your guest was starting to take over.
π
Steve, many apologies…. I did not catch the name due to advancing deafness! Background noise is a real problem for me now. A great pleasure to finally meet you. Aye, I worked hard on him to ensure good behaviour – I even had him wearing a red and white scarf – he wasn’t too reluctant as he’s a rugby man really. Not many non-Gooners that I would take to the game and risk my silver cards or to the Tollie and risk my new found friends.
Blimey, didn’t realise there was another half League programmed today.
Looking at the fixtures, I guess we’ll be back to the situation as it was before yesterday’s win.
Those 3 points were truly crucial, and all to do it again on Wednesday.
Keep it up, Gunners!
AL puts in into words so well:
“feeling that the very bonkasness of said season has somehow bonded, and brought out the best in, the fans.”
I agree 100%. Also, I really do feel that many finally got fed up with all the moaning, and a particularly poignant moment was the utterly ridiculous black bin liner farce. It was as if that was the final straw and many then thought “you know what, fuck this – I have had it with those moaning gits so now I am going to sing more than ever in support of the lads”. I am really happy I always stayed on the Happy Train, I for one have had a tremendous amount of fun this season and we have had a few absolutely legendary games and moments this season like Chelsea away, Henry scoring v Leeds at home (I am so, so, so grateful that I got to be there for that one) and of course also spanking Sp*rs silly.
Delia and Steve T, as always a pleasure to read your accounts of the games and your days out! And Steve, I am 100% with you on not understanding why people have critising Arteta. Well, actually I do to a certain extent understand it now that I think of it, he rarely does the flashy stuff (apart from yesterday and a few other stonking great shots) and many just take the work players like Arteta do for granted and don’t really realise how difficult it can be.
And I laughed out loud when reading about your daughter welcoming you home, an absolutely wonderful little sub-story π
Oh, and for any Tuesday Club listeners, there is a new epsiode up now. I just got it off iTunes, will make for great listening in the car on our way home from the country house back to Stockholm tonight!
Great write-ups Delia and Steve T.
I’m still struggling to believe that some fools left our section in the 85th minute or so.
“Iβm still struggling to believe that some fools left our section in the 85th minute or so.”
It’s a long journey back to Nantucket π
The guy next to me was on a daytrip from Berlin – he stayed to the end and more. Ollie stays to the end.
I know the queues for the tube are long. I can understand the odd time when you have to catch the last train on an evening match. BUT Where do all those thousands have to be so quickly after (during) every game? It’s a state of mind. Mass hysteria.
Great pics, R. Thanks.
Loved the hat, Bath.
Cracking drinks, Steve and Delia.
It’s my new trade mark Holic. A change from my coppola siciiana. Keeps the brain warm and helps it to work.
The guy next to me was on a day trip from Wiltshire. Stayed to the end and then practically sprinted back to the pub.
I wonder who that might be. I need to come up on the train so that I can have a proper drink at the Tollie.
I thought it was something I’d said
Enjoyed that light libation, yesterday.
Also enjoyed the neighbour tugging at my sleeve in case the carefully placed steward took exception to my ranting.
Never.
Swore.
Once.
I may be grassy looking, but I’m not green π
Great match reports, ‘holic, TS, Delia, Steve T. and many others. Will be rewatching the recorded match later today and you have well whetted my appetite. π
Perfect write-up, ‘Holic, and a great set of drinks again leaving us far-flungs feeling very envious.
This just gets “better” and “better”:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/apr/09/branislav-ivanovic-chelsea-wigan-athletic
So, not only was Ivanovic offside for his goal, he should also have been sent off when Mata, in an offside position, bundled home a goal thanks to Kalou, being offside, blocking the path of the goal keeper…
Lars, AL –
agreed on how the season has gone and the effect it has had on the fans. Despite the increased number of empty seats this season, the atmosphere has steadily improved and is now the best it has been since the stadium opened. An unlikely scenario after our first six games of the season.
And it wasn’t only the lower tier doing the Poznan in mocking celebration yesterday. The silent members in the upper tier have gradually come to life as the season has gone from strength to strength and the place has become fun again.
I was just thinking this morning, AL, that although all the players deserve huge credit for the rescue act that has been achieved, Arteta is possibly the glue that has held it all together. He settled into the side immediately and improved the pace of our play through the middle of the team. The rejuvenated Rosicky has been the perfect complement to him, in front of the strength of Alex Song.
All this “glueing” of course, let us not forget, has been done by the manager that many of us were ridiculed for supporting when the “Wenger Aahht” and “Black Bin Liner” brigades were at their most vociferous.
Crafty old Wenger, pretending he was desparate not to lose $amir Na$ri and trousering Β£25,000,000 (!!!!!!) for him from the hoodwinked oil barons.
Arteta and Β£15,000,000 in the bank in return ?
Wenger Aahht!!! π
Post Script Holics
I didn’t mention the “N” word ,as I am still livid at having to replace my year old shirt , in any case his “performance” didn’t justify a comment!
See you at the Tollie for the Chelski battle.
Great game. Credit to Man City they gave us a great game & our players were up to it.
Enjoyed the match. Pity the championship is headed to Man U, would have loved a different team to win it this time around.
Breaking News . .
Samir Nasri is to release a single to commemorate his first year at the Middle Eastlands.
It will be a cover version of the Otis Redding classic Sitting on the Dock of the Bay, and I have had sight of the new lyrics . . .
“Sitting on the end of the bench,
Watching my time drifting away,
I never get a game for the French,
Since I left The Arsenal, I never play,
I’m sitting on the end of the bench,
Watching my life just drifting away . . .
Looks like, I’m never gonna play again,
Tears roll down my chinless face,
Looks like, I should have listened to Arsene,
James Milner! took my f*cking place . . .
Sitting on the end of the bench . . . . .
etc etc etc . . . ”
Hope it doesn’t make the greedy little sod a single penny ! π
Great drinks all. Trev, Lars and AL, I agree totally re the crowd.
Neighbor. Heh!! π
Neighbour @38 – π
Trev, You are too funny! π
He might add this,
Two hundred miles I’ve roamed
Just to make the City bench my home ….
Excellent snapshots Ricey and as ever enjoyed the write ups from our on the spot ‘holics.
On the tv, the noise level from the stands was amazing, you could cleary hear every word from every chant and the place was indeed rocking, great to see/hear and a poke in the eye to all the twats that still refer to it as the Library because it rhymes with High……… , like I said, twats.
—
On previous drinks there has been a discussion about the possibility that some PL referees were on the take or bent. I find this theory a little far fetched, however the truth is just as worrying. Corruption it may not be but incompatance is just as bad. There have been some shocking decisions over the weekend, Wigan were absolutly robbed Saturday. Yesterdays performance from Atkinson was one of the worst I’ve seen in a while, but it’s not just him, his two so called assistants offered him no help whatsoever and could someone please tell me what the hell the point is of the fourth official? He doesn’t/can’t do shit.
The time has come for change, better training or video technology, in fact anything to improve the sub standard officiating that we are subjected to week in week out.
48 Trev.
Lyrical genius.
Trev@48: π π π
NORWICH SCORE!!!
Look guys, take it easy please. I don’t like putting my hand in my pocket.
Trev@48 – priceless. Barman, get him a drink please.
That is good news, H2H@56! I opted to watch Newcastle-Bolton, 23 minutes of pretty much nothing at all happening so far.
I didn’t see it, but some cunt equalised π
Lars spot on re the moaners i reckon.
The booing thing looks like it might have been a real turning point all round – i suspect maybe even for AW and the directors – as well as the fans and the players. Almost all of us have dug in and done a lot better since i think, as a proper club – together – perhaps because the alternative really didn’t bare, or ultimately deserve, thinking about.
And you can’t help getting a sense that the new positive mood – on the pitch, in the stands, in the transfer market (if Podolski et al pan out) etc. looks genuinely set to continue.
And Trev, too right – Arsene so-called Wenger – of course – gets the biggest Pat (jennings?) on le back. Boy has he had to put up with some shocking awful shite from Arsenal so-called supporters – who should really have known much, much, much bettererer!
He’s made some mistakes along the way, and encountered some impossible to predict difficulties, and had rotten luck too – which combined was probably enough to make the best of us wobble and wonder a bit at odd moments – but that level of bile from yer own, after all that he’s brought to the club. Nah!
On a lighter note a suggestion for a B-side (do the kids on ‘ere know what one of them is?) for Trev’s $ami “The Sub” Na$ri single – as sung by his halfanamesake
http://youtu.be/FHACIV0MvXs
ureds!
I hear (or rather read) that King should have been off and Norwich given a penalty and instead Sp*rs make it 1-1 in their next attack. Scandalous refereeing again, it seems.
psed Trev “Tears rolling down my chinless face”
……………”James Milner! took my fucking place”…
A rhyming cuntlet of some geniArse!
Afternoon everyone.
Trev @ 48 – quality stuff π
With regard to yesterday, I said in the post match drinks that the best player on the park scored the winner. There was an excellent piece on MA in the Sunday Times yesterday, and the sub-heading read “Mikel Arteta is happy to let others take the glory when Arsenal face Man City today”. How ironic.
What was more interesting, and I haven’t checked the facts, but the piece claimed that Arsenal have not won a game without him in 2011-12. Whether true or not, the guy is so important – the piece is worth a read if you can find it.
I really missed not being at the Tollie yesterday – I did manage to get a flavour of the atmosphere when tabs called me circa 7:50pm although I couldn’t speak as I was driving. Interesting, he didn’t seem able to speak either π
A great result, and, yes still buzzin’
Too busy now lads, laterz.
Cheers fellas – glad you liked the song.
zico, not winning without Arteta? Probably true, at least in the league.
0-0 at St James Park@Sportsdirect@MikeAshleysArse arena. A very dull half of football, the closest either team got to a goal was Bogdan punching the ball straight into the head of a defender and out for a corner kick but it could just as easily have gone in.
Very nearly a Bolton goal about a minute ago. Good save on a rather poor finish by Chris Eagles.
pardon – $ami “the $ub” na$ri
I hear the ref has denied Norwich another penalty. We sure as shit haven’t got many refereeing decisions going our way this weekend.
whatwhatagoal
been having a peak the last 5/10 – the canaries are going for it
2-1 Norwich? Fanbloodytastic!
Go Naaridge…..
You dumplings!
pardon – peek not peak – although if the east anglians nick this it may not get much bettererer
Afternoon ‘Holics
Super-quality drinks from AL, Steve, Lars, Trev, H2H, Delia. Really made me chuckle as did H’s comments re pre-match confidence. Never in doubt? π
Steve T, top man BtM treated me to Santos’ favourite meal. Too much to resist plus a long drive today to The Potteries meant an upside-down evening was just not going to happen. Pleasure to finally get a chance to chat to you F2F, albeit briefly. Would be delighted to buy you one if you can make yourself available for Chel$ki.
Dr.T, Didn’t know you were a fan of Mr.Pitiful. Strangely apt nickname for an ex-Arsenal #8 don’t you think?
Right, who’s up for a quick afternoon Poznan? Looks line City’s season and Balotelli’s career both came to a grinding halt at The Ems yesterday. Next stop, St.Totts Junction π
Oh my goodness what a goal by Ben Arfa… just as I was thinking “he’s a class act” he takes the ball in his own half and just outruns the whole Bolton team and slots the ball home. 1-0 Newcastle pretty much against the run of play.
s***s a mess (a statement that could be applied throughout the ages – of course)
Ryo on for Eagles, N’Gog on for Kevin Davies. Seriously doubt Bolton will get anything out of this game though, they look quite knackered to be honest.
s***s looking desperate (another statement that’s stood the test of time)
Hey TS – good to see you yesterday – you’ve lost me with the ‘Mr Pitiful thing tho’ – sorry, being a bit slow ?
Steve T – apologies to you – I managed to leave you off my list of Tollie folk yesterday. Good to meet you at last.
Naaridge fans singing ‘is there a fire drill?’ at shite cart lane
champions’ league??? Yer ‘avin’ a larf!!!!
Yes
Canaries win.
NOW it’s really on.
And Norwich have won the game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, yes yeeeeeeees!
*runs in*
Can we finish above the LWCs?
Yes We Can-ary
*runs back out*
Spuds lose – again!!!
This evening I will mostly be repairing my sides π π
Hahahahahaha, Norwich wins it! Fucking hell, let’s not waste this massive opportunity on Wednesday… while we can not in any way secure third at the Molineux, it would be a pretty massive step towards it.
And oh my Dennis, just saw the Ledley King v Holt situation and how that can not be a penalty, I will never understand.
HAHAHAHAHA…
Geordies for fourth.. FOYS
Well things have just got a whole lot better..
My second team Norwich (I was born there) has just put one over on the twats from up the road.
Must watch Harry twitching on MOTD Day tonight..!
Oh the neighbours.
Please, stop it, my sides, balance of power…..oh, stop it.
Fucking drongoes – St Totteringham junction awaits.
Power shift in North London? T*tts now capable of letting promising season disintegrate after a disappointing result.
Spudzzz have the easier run-in blah blah blah…..
Their collapse rivals Liverpool…this is turning into quite a nice season
@ 92
Don’t you dare cross the State line π
mrswoo at 2 knows.
On the other hand, Ollie at 31 knows fuck all.
I’ll take that, thank you Norwich! π
Harry the Twitcher fails to spot marauding Canaries as cockerels are knocked off their perch by some fine wing play and avery good goal at the tail end of the game.
Come on AL, go for it !
@93 no chance…
Thanks Norwich that is just hilarious and I also hear they were denied a clear cut penalty. Harry will be having a twitchathon. I hope Newcastle get finish ahead of spuds and chelski.
The birdseye view: even the pigeons fly upside down over shite cart lane – courtesy of Steve T
That’s the best i could do Trev – reckon your ear/eye for the birds puns makes you the master from heron in
Tees the ball up in the box
Takes a pop
fires over the bar?
Thanks Bath a good day has got even better… nice assist
Sorry Lester couldn’t resist nipping in there..
Well in West Upper. Thought nobody was going to take the opportunity of my DB10 memorial pass.
the best man nicked it WU – well played –
in a state of slight over-excitement i had” b**e “(the S winger) “fires over the bar” – but deservedly lost my composure as i was about to fire it off – just in case it crept in, and soured the mood – so rightfully yours all the way
Yes Catalan, yes, yes and yes again.
A wonderful, gutsy, never say die performance and win from our tremendous Gunners yesterday and now little ol’ Narridge put the spuds to the sword on their own ground. Week-ends just don’t get much better than this!
Wenger is one of the best managers ever to have graced the game but you know what, Lambert is doing a pretty damned good job to, in spite of having sweet fanny adams to spend. F**k Chelski, f**k Citeh (not Norwich which of course is also a city) and f**k Manure.
Sometimes this game is truly orgasmic.
Great result yesterday. Great company. Great beer and now the Spuds get dinked at home. If the Easter Bunny brought pork pies instead of chocolate my weekend would have been complete.
Will catch up later but Trev@48 is different class. Made me laugh out loud as I was trying to sing it. Superb.
Totteringham la la la, Totteringham la la la…(0;
Deary deary me.
And as embarrassed pond life retreats back into many a hole all over the shabby end of the Seven Sisters Road, the Mighty Gunners with the genius at the helm march on towards the promised land.
Giggling into my pint.
Ah, the good times keep rolling in! The next weeks will be massive for us- I know this run in would be a blast. Was away this weekend with no service, but the highlights were an experience of sheer glory. I imagine a true day to remember for those of you at the Ems. Arteta really deserved that, as did Benny. I hope we see more of him this year, and next.
Steve T, top post man. Wish I had extra funds I’d send your kids away kits myself!
It’s early here, but I’ll grab a quick pint of you will, barman.
What a result at Three Point Lane no wonder they call it like that now for the Chavs π
‘Arry showing real confidence in his lads:
Headline from the Mail:
Forget Arsenal… we’ll settle for fourth now, says Spurs chief Redknapp after Norwich defeat
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2127348/Harry-Redknapp-Forget-Arsenal–Spurs-settle-fourth.html#ixzz1rZNHjYjS
Saw that BJ @ 112. Mind games. Ignore him, he’s getting desperate.
After 50 years of failure, most Tottenham fans probably didn’t think things could get any worse. How they can concoct so many new ways to lose is beyond rational belief. π
Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon on Twitter after his side’s 2-1 defeat at home to Norwich: “No excuses we *wasn’t good enough today, and *where all gutted but we all got to stick together now and get back to winning ways”
…maybe he should start with English lessons..heh (0;
Just catching up.
TS@10 – Just f***ing priceless.
Trev@47 – Brilliant stuff
Just a word re: Arteta. He really has been the baromoter of the team this year. I thought he had a real off day against QPR. I remember several times where he was in the vicinity of an opponent with the ball and he just didn’t seem to have the drive to track them down. This was more glaring given he is usually the best player on the team in tracking defensively. None of this is meant as a knock on him, as even the best players have off days, but rather to add further evidence to his influence on the team, as they couldn’t overcome his off day. A week later he was at his usual influential best offensively and defensively in the middle of the park and the result was brilliant.
Come on Fulham… you can do it!!! Send them back to ..err.. Fulham….with their tails between their legs!
It’s remarkable to think the spuds could well be down to 5th in 25 minutes. For as up and down as our season has been how could you manage to follow that shower? This isn’t written out of sympathy though of course.
Up yours Chavski!
Come on Fulham push on!
I had a slightly difficult time reconciling myself to the idea of wanting the Chavs to score a second, but experienced a surge of delight on reading the Fulham had equalised.
Revenge is a dish best served cold – and slowly. Much more fun watching the pond life from the shabby end of the Seven Sisters Road[1] being reeled in inexorably by the Toon and the outfit from the Bus Stop.
[1]Acknowledgements to Camberwell Gooner@109
Ahha! And now the russian money launderers pegged back late on in the fulham derby. By dennis -what ‘n’ effin fine footballing bank-‘olidee weekend we’ve ‘ad
Up, up and away The Arse
The weekend keeps giving…..
So, Chelsea drop points and are four points behind us with a game in hand for us. That means that we have the chance to more or less kill of their chances of catching us with a win on Wednesday.
Please, Arsenal – don’t let this opportunity slip!
We play three games in the league before Spurs play their next game.
If we beat Wolves, Wigan, and Chelsea, then Spurs will go into their game at QPR 11 points behind us.
Now, that’s pressure on them.
Very good evening to all you wonderful goonahs out there. Just want to offer this up to RVP. Robin, you have my eternal gratitude for all you have done for Arsenal. I am truly humbled by your grace and beautiful style. We are very fortunate to have you on our side.
Very eloquent, and accurate arsa. Have a drink on me! And Robin, if you’re reading- I hope you score against Stoke right through Shawcross’s skull.
Keep it goonerish.
SG: These are the maximum points that the seven clubs who could still mathematically finish above us can get:
Man U 97
Man C 89
Arsenal 79
Tottenham 74
Newcastle 74
Chelsea 72
Everton 62
Liverpool 61
So by my reckoning, we still need 14 points from our last 18 available to guarantee 3rd come what may. Anything less guarantees only either 4th or the Europa Cup spot at this point. So, as ‘Holic says, no time to let our focus slip.
Trev@48: brilliant.
Abb- inbox.
NBN – you know how much pressure can have a say in this month.
If we are 11 points above Spurs (which we will be if we win our next three games), by the time they play at a battling QPR at 15:00 on 21 April (we play at 12:45), I wouldn’t be surprised if they drop points at QPR.
Ned. You also have to factor that some have to play each other. The geordies last 3 games are chavs, Citeh and Everton. We obviously have the chavs to play and I think they have to go to klanfield????
I am liking Snir’s idea of the Spuds kicking off against qpr 11 behind.
Also worth noting is that the chavs play the Spuds at wembley, then Barca before playing us, all in the space of 6 days.
All ifs and ans but surely it is now all down to us to kick on from here?
The other point is that if we go into the game against the chavs having beaten wolves and wigan then that will mean we will start that game 13 points ahead of them. Just a draw would mean that they can not catch us.
Bring it on.
Steve T: Nice account of the day yesterday. Wonderful to see the hard work on our little Gooners begin to bear fruit (0;
Regarding @ your 131: You are correct in what you and Snir say – the spuds defeat today is a real gut-punch to them because Norwich was one of their bankers. They may find it hard to get back now that their ambition have run smack into their reality!
I believe also that $hiteh could also go into a tailspin (similar to us last year) and even lose 2nd place…just 4-weeks ago they had a five point lead, now they are eight points behind united – that’s an eleven points differential. We are now ten points behind them with six games to go…relatively speaking if both teams maintain our current form then we could overcome them for 2nd place…just saying like…
Cheers NED –
good work with the stats as usual. Likewise re. the previous top flight winners.
Keep ’em coming, if you can find the time!
GT. After the season we have had I will be very happy to get to the day when we are confirmed as finishing in the top four. Then time to go for third and then I will worry about Citeh. What I would say is that if we win the next two like we all know we should, then psychologically that is massive. Time to grab the bull by the bollocks me thinks.
After you Claude . . . . .
Steve – We’ll be 10 points above the Chavs.
67 to their 57.
We play them after Wigan, and if we beat them, then it’s 13 points.
As for City – I already talked to Dr. C about this on twitter.
I think we’ve got about a 30% chance that if we keep winning we’ll be 2nd.
City are imploding. They literally hate each other, and the Balotelli incident is separating the dressing room. Not to mention Toure and Silva missing through injury (although I’ve heard Silva will be fit for Wednesday but he hasn’t been himself since January).
I see at least 2 losses for them at Newcastle and at home to United. I wouldn’t be surprised if they lost points to Norwich away, and QPR at home (who will probably need the points to survive).
We should see 3rd out tomorrow and on Saturday.
My bet is Newcastle to finish 4th.
If West Brom take points off City on Wednesday I’m backing us for 2nd.
Tomorrow = Wednesday.
I don’t like Andy Townsend, but he is SPOT ON!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2127431/Mario-Balotelli-Fourth-officials-help-stamp-violent-incidents–Andy-Townsend.html
Don’t forget to factor all the ManUreophile referees into your Citeh calculations – although their bias is probably no longer necessary.
Your maths are right Snir. I think I was getting over excited.
π
Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. Other duties kept me from viewing the match (of all the weekends!), but I snuck every update I could, and it was well worth it when my friend called me screaming Mikel’s name.
NASRI, NASRI, WHAT’S THE SCORE?
As for today, thank you Norwich, and thank you especially my fellow Yank, Clint Dempsey. If we can hold our nerve, this could turn out to be one the best awful seasons ever.
*Ears, dare I say it – twitching*
What’s this I hear about us being interested in Clint Dempsey? Although I’m not completely sure he fits our squad, as a Texan, I’d be supremely chuffed if we signed him. He’s got skill and character in abundance.
As a bonus, we could get the Ems to sing “The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You” or, even better, “Texas, FIGHT!” whenever he was on the pitch.
Abbbsoooolutely Chuffed.
Arsene, please make it so.
BMBD.
Eyes of Texas (I was at that game):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0z8l9YNSEbM&feature=related
Texas Fight:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4XkluT_hCc
Forget all the stats, the simple fact is that if we keep winning then it’s irrelevent what the teams below us do.
It’s a total clichy, but the team has to take one game at a time and treat every one of them like a cup final. If we don’t become complacient or underestimate any of our opponents then at least third place will be ours.
The Chavs and the LWCs dropping points along the way is more then welcome too.
Oh dear, Lonestar. Please don’t ruin my love of Deuce with that horrible burnt orange nonsense! π
Heh! Oh, my dear, sweet brother Dadric… please don’t tell me you can’t appreciate the ‘Horns π
As I was reminded by a neighbor a few months back, while I was walking my dog in the nearby park, The Arsenal is the ONE thing that can cause a Longhorn (me, unabashedly) and a Sooner (him) to see eye-to-eye.
God Bless the Arsenal.
God Bless Texas.
BMBD. (Hook ’em. π )
H2H: Treat every game as if its a cup final? Oh dear, our recent record in cup finals does not inspire confidence does it? )0;
Ricey @ 21, quality pics, you could give Stuart a run for his money as Club Photographer! π
Delia @ 24, per usual, a joy to read π
SlaSh @ 25, I do, especially since he’s won the 3 points for us on at least one occasion coming off the bench, I bring him on when I’m playing Fifa more than Wenger does in real life! π
Steve T @ 26, you’ve got some great kids mate π
Ollie/Ricey/Bathgooner/Neighbour @ 33/34/35/38, I understand completely, hate seeing those smug twats at the front of the queue for Arsenal Tube Station, still can’t get over the fact that people left early and missed van Persie’s 100th goal for the Club against Bolton, still in disbelief over that one. :s
Trev @ 45, heh π
@ 48, π James Milner indeed :’)
H2H @ 53, never realized that was the reason. Tis a shame, but the Library tag will be banished next season I think, the Emirates seems more and more full every game of passionate Gooners who love the club through thick and thin, long may that continue π
Bathgooner @ 99, everton-esque assist like their 3rd against Sunderland for West Upper’s century, quality play lads
GT @ 108, you called it 3 months ago that St Totteringham’s was still on, but lets hold our tongues until after Wolves tomorrow at least, and then Wigan on Monday after that π
GT @ 115, π *giggles*
Snir @ 125, woah, heavy.
Well said abb @ 126 π
Nice Calculations NBN @ 128, spot on, bring me back down to earth for catching Man $hitty, let’s just focus on Max Points if possible (I believe :)) from our last 6 games, all is possible with Faith in the mighty Arsenal, you Reds.
Although, GT’s 133 is making me want to escape the gravitational pull of the Earth again 8)
Steve T @ 135, agreed.
H2H @ 144, you’ve summed up all the finishing position drinks with the best answer, win all our remaining games, cup final mentality for each. Come on lads, keep the focus.
And Steve T, regarding the Away Kit, got a price if its 30% off? π
Alas, Longhorn, as a born and bred Husker, I cannot pretend to love the ‘Horns. But as you say, such differences can never trump our mutual love for the Arsenal, and all that is good in the world. That, and the fact that we both love to beat OU!
God bless the Gunners indeed…especially that sweet, sweet foot of Mikel Arteta.
Agreed, Dadric…agreed.
Have a drink on my tab!
BMBD.
Wind – dont give up on 2nd just yet π
H2H @ 144: Exactly! The only thing that should matter to the Arsenal squad is the next game and how to win it, and then the next. We don’t need to look at others’ results if we can maintain the focus and commitment of the last couple of months. The three of those other teams can then go please each other in their wonderful mΓ©nage Γ trios of champions league desperation any way they want. π
Finishing 3rd in this season would be doubly important given that the key members of the squad would be participating in the Euro (I have a feeling Arteta might get a call as well now that he is playing for us): Sagna, Koscielny, Szczsesny, Per, RVP, Theo, Rosicky, and possibly Jack.
Which brings me to squad rotation for the next two matches. Djourou for Koscielny is forced, so it seems would be Santos for Gibbs. Santos is a real quality football player, but in two matches against two really desperate teams who would throw everything and have good wingers the rest of the team will need to cover for him as he may find the frantic intensity unusual. I thought against Villa Gervinho had shown good defensive work rate and discipline. Whatever permutation of Gervinho-Ox-Ramsey-Benayoun play down that wing would have to be sharp.
It would also have been nice to have Coquelin back as a dual cover because Song too can do with a rest. Jack by all indications would not play before the end of this month. Hopefully Diaby can contribute as he looked sharp in the few minutes he played this season.
IMHO, a 3rd place this season should qualify Arsene for PL Manager of the season after the start we had and how all obituaries were written on one of the greatest modern managers and our great club.
Dr F@152 and others, Minutes played this season, all competitions, including reserves games and matches played for other clubs before joining us.:
Szczesny: 3780
Van Persie: 3555
Song: 3535
Arteta: 3329
Koscielny: 3266
Walcott: 3229
Vermaelen: 2841
Ramsey: 2749
Mertesacker: 2725
Gervinho: 2022
Rosicky: 2018
Sagna: 1944
Djourou: 1635
Miquel: 1500
Oxlade-Chamberlain: 1361
Gibbs: 1344
Santos: 1202
Benayoun: 1073
Coquelin: 1043
Jenkinson: 993
Chamakh: 758
Squillaci: 721
Park: 594
Abu Diaby: 127
Wilshere: 0
No wonder Woj needed a beer on Sunday π
Wind@148: heroic back-drinking. Have one on me.
SG@130 & Steve T@131/2: my calculation was of the maximum points the teams still mathematically in contention for a top five place could get so by definition don’t take into account the outcomes of any head-to-heads, of which there are several. I also don’t think that any of those clubs, bar perhaps Man Utd and, of course, ourselves, are not going to drop points. Four wins out of our last six games wil probably turn out to be enough to end up third. One of the neighbours, the Chavs and the barcodes will probably put a run together over the final few games, however. The neighbours have the easiest looking run in, but the barcodes are the form team and will be highly influential over the final standings as they have the Chavs and Citeh to play. Hopefully they’ll turn over Citeh and we’ll return the favour by beating the Chavs when they come to the Ems. Citeh’s implosion can certainly get worse, but, even so, we’ll probably have to win all our last six to have a chance to grab second.
It’s gonna be either
Utd, City, Arsenal, Newcastle or
Utd, Arsenal, City, Newcastle.
Chelsea will finish sixth and will be out of Europe.
The name of the petition says it all:
http://www.change.org/petitions/arsenal-football-club-relieve-stewart-robson-from-his-arsenal-player-duties
FinnGun @ 158: You have beaten me to it. I was going to ask the Governor if we could get involved. I have signed the petition and I implore all you holics to do the same. I have also written my own letter of complaint to Feedback @ Arsenal. We have to rid ourselves of Robson once and for all !
Signed.
With a rather straightforward comment explaining why.
Kudos to GT who signed as well π
Please everybody, post it on your twitters, on FB, everywhere, and please sign.
He literally is taking the fun out of watching Arsenal Player for many Arsenal fans.
Holic – Could you maybe post it on your twitter, and ask blogs to put it in his blog, please? π
GT – I have already tried that.
They didn’t reply :\
If it makes a difference, I’ll sign it Snir, after I go home that is
Twatter blocked at work
Only half of the back drinking done but some nice match reports from the usual ‘holics
Work calls. Laters
Right, here are the updated fixture lists after yesterday’s pretty good results:
ARSENAL
11/4 Wolves (a)
16/4 Wigan (h)
21/4 Chelsea (h)
28/4 Stoke (a)
5/5 Norwich (h)
13/5 WBA (a)
NEWCASTLE
21/4 Stoke (h)
28/4 Wigan (a)
2/5 Chelsea (a)
6/5 ManC (h)
13/5 Everton (a)
CHELSEA
21/4 Arsenal (a)
29/4 QPR (h)
2/5 Newcastle (h)
5/5 Liverpool (a)
13/5 Blackburn (h)
LOOTING TOWN
21/4 QPR (a)
29/4 Blackburn (h)
2/5 Bolton (a)
6/5 Villa (a)
13/5 Fulham (h)
North Bank Ned: The neighbours have the easiest looking run in, but the barcodes are the form team and will be highly influential over the final standings as they have the Chavs and Citeh to play
As I said yesterday, I’m not sure Sp*rs really do have the easiest run-in, I think the Barcodes might. Everton away on the final day is not an easy game by any means, but a by then probably completely knackered (and quite possibly disillusioned) Chelsea followed by a disintegrated ManCity at home is probably a lot easier than it seems at first glance.
Have to dash off to a 90-minute meeting now, drinks are on me!
Petition signed! I cannot believe this is the same Stewart Robson I used to watch from the stands when he was playing for us as a seventeen year old. I have long walked away from his involvement in Arsenal Player but unfortunately have no choice when watching matches here in Turkey – I have tried watching on occasions with the sound turned down. His comments about Arsenal players during the Man City game were truly dreadful – defamatory, in fact! I cannot believe he is paid by our club while directing such one sided negative bile towards it!
Back to the grindstone again.
It’s been a very pleasant weekend.
I will sign the petition when I get home as well.
We need to rid the Arsenal Player of that spiteful twatspatula.
@163: Lars, I agree with you on the fixture list. To my mind, I don’t really think ANY team has a particularly easier run-in at this time of the season though. Lots of twists and turns coming up…Let’s make sure Arsenal are the ones riding the waves and not plunging under the waves of squeeky bum time
Great post mate. Nice to see your good self and a few other faces on Sunday, it was.
Good morning ‘Holics
Glad the link posted at #10 raisea few laughs.
Dr.T @ #80 – Otis was aka Mr.Pitiful and here’s a clip to moisten soulful eyes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TUTXQKWGNM
Lars & NBN – Love those ‘statty posts’. Top work and please keep ’em coming.
Still basking (again!) in Sunday’s splendid result and yesterday’s hilarity @ SHL and The Classy Club in Fulham -> cue Dr.T’s brilliant Martin Jol impersonation.
Have a great day all for tomorrow we go into the deep, dark forest of The Black Country to go hunting for wounded Wolves. This will be a real test of the famed mental strength.
COYRRRs!
*raised a*, Ollie! π
One other correction: replace ‘classy’ with ‘classier’. What was I thinking? π³
Morning all.
Back to the grindstone Ollie?
My nose has hardly left it.
The Ivanovic punch caught on camera:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=T1GW1TWTJOU
He must be suspended for that. The ref had no chance of seeing it as it can be clearly seen that he has his back turned towards the incident.
Lars @ #171
Chel$ki’s reputation for class continues to grow.
Indeed it does, TS, indeed it does.
In other news, I hear Alan Davies has been getting a lot of abuse for having the temerity to suggest that perhaps Liverpool should not be allowed to decide what dates to play on. As usual, none of the abusers have actually heard what he said – and rather ironically, the same fans that boycott the Sun have swallowed what another tabloid has wrtitten, hook line and sinker.
Surprised, Lars?
It’s been said before, but still worth repeating :
Liverpool FC – offended by everything, ashamed of nothing.
Can’t really take that mob seriously after the Suarez saga.
Morning All,
this holiday lark is OK – time to browse in the morning, and all.
H2H is, of course, correct in that the team have to ignore all statistics and “win the next game”. But they are great fun for the rest of us, and more good work up there from NBN and Lars. Thanks fellas, for taking the time.
Here’s to thray poyints at the Wolves Tay Ess (TS) and cheers for the Mr Pitiful update.
Esso – “ALRIGHT SON!!!!” Good to see you π
Here, here zico.
TS – liked the @10, sorry forgot to mention it. Looked again last night and the ad flashing next to the chinless face was for ladies clothing. Happy accident ? π
Dr.z @ #175 – Spot. On.
Trev – Hehs! π
Wolves fan walks into a fancy dress shop in London, looking to hire an outfit for a 70’s disco.
Shop assistant: “Good morning sir, how can I help ?”
Wolves Fan: “Will, oid loik to hoire some of them flurred trohsers”
SA: “Very good sir, we have plenty of them”.
WF: “And hoh aboht a noice tank topp”.
SA: “Yes sir, no problem at all”.
WF: “And wun of them shirts with the noice rohnded collars”.
SA: “All here, sir”.
WF: “And fineeshed off with a purr of big platform shoes”.
SA: “Yes sir, we have all of that. And would sir be wanting a Kipper Tie?”
WF: “Oi thanks mayte, that’d be luvvlay. Milk and two sugars please!”
@179: Trev, heh π
Hello hello hello, what’s all this here then.
Wolf-baiting is illegal, I think.
You’ll get me reported to the RSPCA.
Having a tasty cheese and pickle sarnie before taking the management back to Reading, hopefully to hear she can get back to a more solid diet.
Fingers crossed, ‘holic.
i remember when the Wolves eat the Chicken.
But now Chicken get eaten by Canaries, heh.
Good luck with that ‘holic.
Thanks for the update ‘Holic. Best wishes, good luck.
Thanks all. Preview later. On our way…
Fingers crossed here as well for the Holic management!
Am I alone in feeling that I almost can’t wait for tomorrow? We are so close to achieving what only about two months ago seemed so unlikely that I can almost feel the sweet taste of lasagna in my mouth and winning tomorrow would be such a massive step towards it. Statistically, at this point we can afford to lose one game and still finish third, but let’s postpone the need to use that life line for as long as possible, please – preferrably so long that we won’t even have to use it!
Ollie@174: I am not surprised at all. I see so many slag off the tabloids only to buy into everything they write without questioning, the world would be a better place if we all stopped visiting their websites and stopped buying that crap.
I’m actually very nervous about tomorrow. Even more than I was at QPR. Actually I wasn’t nervous at QPR, I was expecting us to mess it up for some reason.
All the best to you both ‘Holic.
I am with you Lars.
As others have pointed out elsewhere, we have the opportunity to go ELEVEN points clear of the scum before they next start a league match. IF we can do that, I believe that will finish them off for third and we can start finalising the St.Tott’s day arrangements π
The Tuesday Club / Hillsboro’ debate hugely furstrating and totally unwarranted. The bandwagon leapers contemptible as usual, IMO.
Sorry folks, I can’t look ahead that far, I’ll just be absolutely delighted if we’re 5 points ahead tomorrow night.
Fair enough Ollie. Just win the next match works well.
We have to be careful tomorrow and at all costs not underestimate our opponents. Wolves can’t afford to lose any more points so they’ll be giving it their all. I saw them play some nice stuff against the Munsters last Saturday, but if we play as well as we did against City we should win. An early goal will destroy them, but the longer they can keep a clean sheet the more their confidence will grow. Get in early and get the job done.
As for all the remaining fixtures, I’ve never bought in to the whole easier on paper run in . Football has way too many variables for that. Injuries, form, suspensions, bad referee decisions (perish the thought) even just rub of the green are just a few of the factors that can influence results and at the business end of the season there’s no such thing as an easy game, everybodies fighting for something, even if it’s just pride.
Ollie@190: agreed. Let’s not get carried away here, go into the game with the right attitude, get the three points and then take it from there. We are in a really good position, but so far it is nothing more than a good position. If we don’t capitalize on it, it’s worth pretty much nothing.
Indeed Lars, indeed.
*Takes a swig from a beer bottle thrown from the crowd, launches the ball upfield…….
Jumps for the ball, heads it on towards the area in front of the semi-circle and goes off to get some bloody work done…
Latches onto H2H’s pass, weaves by shades of light blue…
Shuffles, kicks Mario in his Ballsotellis, and plays a through ball……..
Lars has moved for the ball ahead of him, he makes the run down the wing…
Hopes to take advantage of the favorable Wind with a lofted pass into the box …
Whey-hey, get in bt8b!
Goal of the day, well in 8Ball.
In the first place, I’d like to thank my parents and friends for supporting me down the years …
H2H and Wind, I couldn’t have done it without you. π
Good luck holic. I thought it was only you on the liquid diet?????
Not to mention Lars who provided that cheeky nordic pre-assist. π
Well, 3 weeks before it starts, I have at last got confirmation of new job.
Funny that the first day will be a Bank Holiday….
Oh, flurry of posts. Double century? Well in bt8.
Best wishes to you and the Management, ‘Holic.
Busy day today – can I just have kipper tie, please?
Congratulations on the new job Ollie.
Anywhere exotic, Paris, Monaco, Swindon perhaps? π
Cheers H2H. Staying in the same place for now, then who knows.
They let me catch hope of being involved with UK, so I hope I get to visit Swindon from time to time indeed.
Good luck in your new role, Ollie
I’ll make sure the local hospital gets me my own personal stomach pump. The bad influence is coming π
I have to say I am quite concerned my Arsenal attendance may suffer, especially European away games.
We’ll see, but current boss was so extremely Arsenal-accomodating.
I take it my early leaving on Sunday made you stay completely sober, ‘holic? π
No, Ollie, others followed your lead and forced Glenfiddich and Jameson down my throat against my will…
Shame on them! π
How very dare they…
And you can’t refuse these days because people get so upset π
Best of luck with the management ‘holic.
FG @158 – I could not have signed that petition faster. I watch the Spanish broadcast here in the US when it is available to avoid having to listen to that muppet. I can’t mute it because I want to hear the crowd noise which has been brilliant at the HoF recently, but I can’t listen to Robson for more than 2 minutes without wanting to hurl my remote at the TV.
haha ‘holic 218
nice piece holic short and to the point.
Only a c-unit as big as the chinless one could make you wanna side with a plonker;
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/895584-samir-nasri-makes-10k-bet-with-piers-morgan-that-arsenal-will-remain-trophyless#ixzz1raJ1NMJH
Don;t some channels have the option of having crowd noise, but muting the commentators? If not they really should!
8ball – nicely played.
Holic – good luck.
Ollie – had no idea your expat status was so completely ex! π Just 18 months??
Has Snir got an exam? Spookily quiet.
Don’t some channels have the option of having crowd noise but neutering the commentators? If not they really should……
Snir @ 151, I won’t mate π
Doctor Faustus @ 152, I agree with you generally, but specifically about Wenger being PL Manager of the Season although he’ll have competition with Pardew if Newcastle make 4th place or Paul Lambert if Norwich reach the lofty heights of 7th or 8th.
NBN @ 155, thanks π
@ 156, well said man!
Snir @ 157, those placings have been on my mind for sometime now, I’ll be very happy with 3rd and 75 points for example but elated with 2nd and 79 points π All we can do is win our next game, and the game after that, and so on and so forth until the end of the season.
FinnGun @ 158, I’ll sign it with my eyes closed, what a negative man Stewart Robson is. Its like he was in the Liverpool Squad that lost the title to us at Anfield back in ’89, Hansen’s got that shitty excuse for his hate for Arsenal although Lawrenson got over it somehow… 8)
Trev @ 171, that punch was disgraceful.
Trev @ 179, you’re on fire mate! π
‘Holic @ 181, all the best.
Lars @ 186, agreed, the minimum I expect from the lads is 4 wins and 2 draws in our last 6, that’s 75 points, 3rd place, job done.
H2H @ 192, well said about the run in.
Holics – a present from me. Finally found the relocated site. I thought he was brought down too but he just changed an address.
Motdgoals.com
The guy has absolutely everything!
I downloaded the coverage with Robson of the City game.
It took him two minutes to bash Arsenal on public media, saying Arsenal players go down easily and complain about every decision trying to get opponents booked following Toure’s booking.
Did everybody sign it yet?
Holic, did you tweet it?
Did you ask blogs?
Signed the petition, posted the link on Facebook and Twitter, the sooner Robson fucks off, the better.
Home again.
Management has all clear to gently ease herself back onto normal diet. At last some light at the end of what was for her a dark tunnel this weekend.
I felt very guilty grinning like a Cheshire cat and muttering “Poznan, Poznan” all weekend.
Holic, Fingers crossed for the Management and you. And for heaven’s sake, don’t worry about the preview. The holics will keep us all amused and informed in the meantime.
Great news, ‘holic!
Re: H2H @222: What an absolute twat! Nasri, I mean, not H2H.
Good news ‘holic.
Ivanovic charged retrospectively with violent conduct according to Sky Sports News π
Hopefully Balotelli’s next… 8)
Good to hear she’s on the right track, ‘Holic!
Management managing again, ‘holic? Must be good news. π
Best wishes for you and yours, Holic. @ Wind 233- when could we expect a hearing on Ballsntelly?
Oh there it is! ‘Possible 9-match ban!’ He may never play in England again…
Thanks for the good news ‘Holic π
PiK, where’ya hear about a nine match ban?
The FA, I have a message for you:
Fuck off and stay there.
“Retrospective action in relation to the incident involving Mario Balotelli of Manchester City and Alex Song of Arsenal, which occurred in the 20th minute of Sunday’s game, will not be taken.”
The FA is completely totally fucking insane. If a ref sees this, and doesn’t act, you can’t say a word about the ref without bringing the game into disrepute, but no action can be taken. The FA is full of shit, it’s amazing the beautiful game continues at all under this type of ‘supervision’.
I swear, you’d think no one in the FA has any sense for the game, let alone capacity to custodian it’s prosperity. Total incompetents.
Couple this with their Shaun Derry decision and the FA are once again left looking incompetent.
Seriously, how are these clowns supposed to “safeguard the game” or whatever claptrap it is they usually try to have people believe that they are doing? Fucking idiots, we are talking about a criminal assault here. I would seriously like to see what happens if Balotelli was reported to the police for attempted GBH. Yes, there is an implied acceptance of higher risk when you partake in a game, but what Balotelli did was so obviously meant to cause serious harm to Song that it goes way beyond that accepted risk. And if you can be tried and convicted in a court of law for racial abuse (which I think is absolutely correct that you can, I hope they throw the book at John Terry) on the pitch, why not for attempted GBH? There is no logic at all to this. None at all.
So, you inbred, pampered and clueless wankers at the FA – you have no place in the game. Piss off the lot of you.
Please tell me that I read FA decisions wrong.
It is simply IMPOSSIBLE not to take action on that.
The stamp by Song in the Newcastle game was a gentle carress compared to that criminal assault.
In France, Belgium, Germany, Balotelli would get a 5 match bans at least.
On a much less important note, @H2H 222- that is hilarious considering his tweet about us ‘letting it go’. I swear Arsenal have become a boogie man in his mental closet. Money is important in life, but he knows he crossed I line I think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG0SwP0zkUk&feature=related
Smoke on this, Na$ri…
The FA is a shocking disgrace.
The FA = (Does) Fuck All
Great news about the Management guvnor.
Seriously, I have no word for this short of thing.
They hide behind the rules that only exist in England, and even then, seriously, how can the ref or one of his assistants, who has access to the video claim he saw the incident and deemed it not a foul.
There’s absolutely no way this should be allowed. It was assault, pure and simple.
I really can’t understand that ‘decision’.
Meanwhile, Shaun Derry’s ban for breathing near an offside player is upheld.
Somehow this feels like a very dark day for English football.
Glad to hear the Management continues to progress, ‘Holic. Best wishes for you both.
Congrats on the new gig, Ollie, now it is set in memo.
More heroic back-drinking, Wind. Have another one on me.
The FA should be taken out and shot, to put us out of our misery.
Ollie, et all. Shocking indecision. Can’t help wonder the backstory on all of this. I was really fearful that he was going to permanently harm one of our lads. Shawcross is clumsy, but not spiteful where as Balotelli has real anger management issues, to put it mildly.
What Ollie said at 247 minus ‘shocking’.
The ineptitude of those non-cunts is incredible. It mathces the ineptitude of their officials.
They are non-cunts because they have neither the depth nor the capacity to give pleasure to others.
Good news Holic @ 228. Best wishes.
That Balotelli isn’t that type. He is the biggest, gentlest man. He would never, ever do anything malicious. He has no bad blood in him whatsoever. There is no way in a million years he would ever go out to try and hurt someone. The lad was heart broken at what happened. He is distraught. He’s a real gem, an absolute dream to work with and be around. It is so ironic he’s involved because he is such a genuine kid. He is not a dirty player. I’ve seen the challenge and, yes, the studs land on [the Arsenal player’s leg]. In slow motion these tackles always look bad but he’s not a malicious player. [The Arsenal player] was just too quick for him. He has mis-timed the tackle. Some would say it is not even a yellow card. The referee’s done his job.
Well, that was what Pullis, McLeish and Bruce said after the Ramsey/Shawcross and Eduardo/Taylor incidents. Every word after Balotelli in the above is a direct quote from one of those three.
Evening Holics
Last night on the phone-in ,John Cross was certain that there would be no further action taken by the FA in respect of the Balotelli attack on Song. He had heard that Martin Atkinson had indeed seen the incident, which precluded the FA from taking further action! Outrageous!
All the best to the Management Holic.
As always COYRs
Greetings all around π the gap between this and my last post is huge but didn’t have a chance to do so earlier. First of all it was pure JOY to watch us play against City.
One would have thought that team which is supposedly in title race would step up the game a bit, but yet again, parking the bus at the Emirates was way to go and serves them right that their title hopes are pretty much in tatters.
But I think it was not because City would play bad, but they were simply outclassed in every department in that match and only the unbelievably bad luck from our side saved them from being hammered 3 or even 4-0, which would be much more fair reflection to our performance.
Shamefully as said before, everyone is focusing on the fact that Balotelli is nuts and that City are no longer fighting for the title, even here in Czcch Republic in the sports paper I buy every morning, there was huge two side report from that match focused purely on those two facts, no words about how good Arsenal was even when our national team captain (congrats to the player of the month award Tomas btw, rightly deserved:) ) was playing superbly in that match.
I somehow cannot wrap my head around the fact that FA did not take any action regarding Ballotellis assault on Song, thats just nonsense…everytime I see that tackle in replay it makes me cringe, I think its only thanks to the fact that Alex is made of awesome that we didnt see another horrific scene like with Ramsey, Diaby and Eduardo. Seriously..what kind of tackle is more worthy of retrospective punishment than studs to the knee in full speed…O.O
I thought that Atkinson was seriously incompetent before, but this?
He claims that he saw the incident. What was it that he saw exactly? From the angle that I watched, there were 2 players obscuring his view so if he is claiming he saw it, he is lying and is doing so to cover up for the incompetence of his mate running the line who MUST have seen what happened and didn’t think an offence had been commited.
But any sane person can see that this was serious violent conduct and whether anyone has seen it or not, deserved retrospective action. Players will continue to get maimed as long as this is allowed to continue.
I’m speechless.
PS – good news re Management, H.
I’m trying desperately to understand the FA decision…
They say: “Where at least one of the officials has seen the coming together of players retrospective action is not taken, regardless of whether they have seen the full extent of the challenge”, which rather implies that at least one of the officials saw the incident but didn’t realise how (potentially) serious it was.
Now, the FA has painted itself into a corner whereby they have to (be seen to) support referees. This means that they cannot punish any of the officials for the fact that they don’t recognise an extraordinarily dangerous incident when it happens in front of them. I rather suspect that the best way for the FA to support their officials is by providing them with some additional training. I would prefer to see better standards achieved by having better-trained officials, rather than by getting rid of clearly sub-standard officials and replacing them with almost certainly worse ones. The FA won’t budge, and attempts to make them behave responsibly are likely just to prejudice them against Arsenal in the future.
Perhaps the best response would be a dignified statement that Arsenal regret that the FA believes that their policies do not allow them to take any retrospective action against Balotelli.
On a more positive note, Conor Henderson who tore a cruciate ligament in pre-season, is back on the pitch again playing for the Arsenal reserves in their away game at Newcastle. Current score 1-0 to the Arsenal, Eisfeld scored the goal.
What is this ‘he has seen the incident’ bullshit anyway? What if the ref has seen it? He isn’t Jesus fucking Christ, is he?
Fucking cunts. I hate the FA. I hate the English media. I hate all pundits. I hate these anti-Arsenal cunts to the core
Nice update lars. The FA really needs to come out in a very public forum and state out loud:
“Our referee saw exactly what happened- then point to a video re-showing the incident while we all watch- and determined it did not warrant a whistle and any card at all and we fully stand by that decision and anyone questioning a referee’s competence should and will be banned from being on the pitch for the next three games and fined thousands and thousands of pounds.”
They are obligated to do this and face public questioning as to the direction and competence of the FA as a massive national institution.
I really could puke.
Sorry if I’m ranting Holics but the degree of arrogance and insolence in this move by the FA really should create or validate deep deep concerns about how football is being managed in England. Now, I’m an Americano and maybe this is not my role, but as a lover of the beautiful game and of English football, I am outraged- as I imagine many of you are.
The FA excuses are all nonsense.
Provision exists within the laws of the game – I don’t know the rule number and sub-paragraphs, but I have read it – to retrospectively punish a player, whether or not it was seen and/or acted on at the time, during the game.
Therefore, the FA has chosen not to.
In the case of such a blatant, horrible challenge, the question becomes “why not?”.
I have no idea why not as I cannot, for the life of me, think who sits at the head of The FA. We have always assumed, and liked to believe, that there is no corruption in the English game, be it involving the authorities, referees or whoever.
To me, sadly, a decision like this seems to go beyond the realms of incompetence.
Abb – You are clearly a good-hearted sole, but I fear you are being over generous to Shawcross when you say he is “not spiteful”.
Have you seen his history, including clips of his time on loan in Belgium as a teenager ?
In an attempt to lighten the mood ‘Holics, although the FA decision is a disgrace in terms of justice for Alex Song, they would probably have done Citeh a favour had they banned Balotelli for as long as possible, and then some.
Theoretically he could now be available for them again this season – more power to our fight for second place ?
Just saying.
Liverpool 2-0 up at Blackburn, but then an awfult back-pass which results in a penalty for Blackburn and a red card for Doni! Liverpool will now have to field their third-choice keeper in the cup semi-final on Saturday.
And guess what? Brad Jones – just subbed on – saves the penalty from Yakubu!
Awfult? Creative spelling, I see!
Lars Quite an amazing turn of events happening with Liverpool. 3rd choice goalie as sub and saves penalty. His young son passed away from leukemia, so I wish him well in this game.
Trev:
To me, sadly, a decision like this seems to go beyond the realms of incompetence.
For me as well. As I think we discussed the other day, I will not be the least bit surprised the day a ref (or, for that matter, a player) in the Premiership is caught with his hands in the wrong cookie jar. Why would the PL be immune to it when no other leagues are?
Trev, Hello! Looking forward to seeing you on FFF along with Gooner Terry as your partner in crime. I think I’ll ask 8ball, Snir, and Wind to be on my team. BTW, my motto is this, “I don’t like this man. I must get to know him better”. Abe Lincoln.
abb: oh yeah, that was him. Really sad story, that π
And Yakubu gets a little bit of revenge for missing the penalty and scored a header from a free kick. Blackburn 1-2 Liverpool right now. 37 minutes played.
Full fucking rant mode, wihout the f’s >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
on the team news…
Gibbs is out with a fatigue of his groin, so Santos is back. Koscielny is of course suspended for two games and Gervinho is ruled out with an ankle problem. Squillaci and Park come in. The squad is quite easy to pick because all the players available are in.
Be afraid, be very afraid.