Let’s Do It The Hard Way Then
Apr 16th, 2012 by 'holic
That, my friends, is why we turn up to football week in and week out in large numbers. In this League anybody can beat anybody, and the most unlikely games can stir the emotions. In the preview I highlighted Wigan’s recent form, and called the tight game. Given the circumstances it is not surprising that the volatile are being volatile tonight. I was raging at different things during the game, but looking back now we have to hold our hands up and say, first and foremost, well played Wigan, and congratulations to Roberto Martinez.
They controlled the bulk of the opening ten minutes, and the last ten minutes. By that I mean not necessarily in percentage of possession, but in being positive and confident at both ends of the pitch. They had a belief that we only matched for the hour or so in the middle. That was enough to make the game largely watchable and gripping, although it was extremely frustrating that we seemed to run out of ideas at the end.
I ventured onto Twitter once at half-time, as much to leave a reference point I could come back to when writing this.
‘The two Tommy’s awesome going forward. Can’t blame WAFC for timewasting, but can blame Marriner for doing nothing about it.’
By the close of play that remained a salient viewpoint I believe. Our best two players on the night were a thirty-one year old midfielder turning back the clock, and a central defender who proved to be our most potent attacker on the night. Maybe Andre Santos came close for his attacking exploits, but once again a back four that is not our first choice fell short defensively at key moments. The key moments coming twice in the opening eight minutes.
More significant than the goals tamely surrendered to Di Santo and Gomez on the break was the injury to Mikel Arteta. He may have been on the pitch when the first went in, but he was also a passenger who I am told cannot put his injured foot on the floor tonight and has left the stadium on crutches. So important is he to us that there will be some nervousness if our worst fears are confirmed and he misses what have now become four ‘must win’ matches to close out third place.
Because we started and finished so poorly the huge amount of effort that was put in to try and break down a confident and determined Wigan will go largely forgotten. Thomas Vermaelen powered in a typical header to halve the arrears only twenty-one minutes in, and don’t tell me for a large slice of what remained you didn’t believe we could get back into the game, as we have so many others this season.
Yet Wigan showed more resilience than the likes of Tottenham and Manchester City before them. They frustrated with their delaying tactics, but come on, everybody does it if they can get away with it. When finally the yellow card was flashed at Al-Habsi it was in extra-time and ensured a free-kick took over a minute to get back in play. Brilliant if you are Roberto Martinez. Just the culmination of an interesting performance by Andre Marriner, the fourth official just yards away from Mario Balotelli’s assault on Alex Song last week.
Hopefully Wigan will build on their wonderful performances against Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, and us, in recent weeks. There are teams at the bottom who waste just as much time as them but do not do so much offensively with the ball when it is in play. I hope they survive.
Most of all though I hope Mikel Arteta makes what currently looks like it would be a miraculous recovery. He and Song provide a platform from which big results have been achieved, and we need four more very big results indeed.
353 Responses to “Let’s Do It The Hard Way Then”
First. Sadly.
While I like Ramsey he was very poor today again along with walcott and benayoun. I admired wigan before the match but their time wasting 15 mins into the game was disgraceful, but not nearly as disgraceful as marriners performance as wigans persistent fouling and time wasting went unpunished. I have no idea how that little cunt disanto wasn’t booked.
Still -i sโpose the Wear-me-fukkin-out Wolves will be appearing later on tonight with their โsee, i told yer we were gonna lose again at some point in the future โ Wanger Out Nowโ etcetras
nevermind
well played wigan – we’ll bak!
Just this minute walked through the door. That, quite simply was horrible. The 2nd half was possibly the worst I have seen us play in a long time.
Now to read the post.
Well done ‘holic, a great post.
Congratulation Wigan, you deserved it.
Let me warn you now I am not impressed with the abuse being reserved almost exclusively for Ramsey tonight.
If you are going to call out poor performances start with the skipper.
Personally I would prefer if you were a little more constructive and supportive.
Thanks.
Did think we were sadly lacking all over the park though.
Also thought the substitution of Benny a wierd choice, there were far better candidates that needed to be replaced.
I’ll leave it at that for tonight.
“There are teams at the bottom who waste just as much time as them but do not do so much offensively with the ball when it is in play. I hope they survive.”
Cheers for saying what I knew I would feel a little while after the game.
Still fuming about the time wasting when the ball is out of play though – because when it is out of play there is nothing you can do about it legally! Marriner should hav reacted. Time wasting when the opposition can do nothing to affect it is, for me, cheating, since you are in effect breaking the laws of the game.
But credit to Wigan if not Al Habsi. You played really well and well deserve the win for good attacking play, great tenacity and some good defending.
Oops – We’ll “be” bak! – after we’ve re-read our posts – it seems
UREDS!
Poor old wd’s saucepans
And that, my friend, is why, desite what our hearts say, many of us just cannot see the team ever doing anything again under Wenger.
If you buy in to the nonsense that top 4 is a trophy, as we are brainwashed by the club, then tonight was a virtual cup final. A win had us 8 points clear of the pack and, for the first time in ages, we could breath easily. But sadly more and more of us are realising that, when a game is of great importance, when it is, as red nose put it, squeeky bum time, when it is really put up to them, Arsene FC will most likely loose it.
It doesn’t matter if we are underdogs or favourites. It doesnt matter if it comes via a fluke (such as the Carling Cup Final) or when the opposition plays well, like tonight. You just sense Arsenal will find a way to lose it under the current manager.
When all the nonsense about over/under achieving is stripped away, when all the bollocks about playing too many or too few youngsters is ignored, this underlines the only real problem with this team. It just doesn’t have the heart to win.
I honestly believe that, Man City aside, Arsenal are in the best position to push on of any of the top sides. I think our squad is better than Man U’s and, given its age profile, is better than Chelseas. But even if we do make the CL, I do not think we can ever achieve real success again under Arsene. The damning rhetoric of how our once great club only succeeds now against the odds has created a glass ceiling for the club. If you accept 4th best as success after all, why strive for first.
Tonight was horrible, depressing, disgusting yet also familiar, inevitable and symptomatic of what we have got used to over the past 5 years.
So I join you in hoping for a top 4 spot, but I think we will only get it through the deficienices of our opponents. I do not even consider that we will win our last 4 games.
H2H,
Agree with you about Benny. Another who didn’t do a lot wrong, and I was as mystified as you, and by the look of it him, when his number came up.
But I haven’t won three titles and four cups.
It’s an odd feeling not being pissed off after watching us lose at home to Wigan. I hope they stay up.
A few random observations:
1. Martinez’s tactics were superior to Wenger’s. We know they play 3 at the back but we didn’t do anything to counter it. Theo was too narrow and we didn’t suss out how to press when their goalie (eventually) took goal kicks.
2. Moses had the beating off Sagna. He had a rare off day.
3. The communication between the players was really poor when Arteta was either off the field injured or hobbling on the pitch. Noone dropped back to cover him and we conceded two goals.
4. Song was really poor without Arteta.
5. Ramsey was dreadful but I think I know the reason why. I think he has had a late growth spurt and, as a result, he’s lost his pace and acceleration. To think he was a reasonably quick winger when he was at Cardiff. He needs to sort himself physically in the close season and then his confidence will be restored.
5. Is Gervinho becoming Chamakh Mk2?
See!!! I told YOU we was gonna lose again at some time in the future!!! And it won’t be THE last time neither!!!FACT!!! In MY OPINION!!! You herd it hear first!!! Double FACT!!!!!
Good write-up ‘holic . And goodnight.
I’ll go as far as to say that Ramsey wasn’t the player we needed out there today. At the moment his game and what you need being 2-0 down does not match up. Ramey didn’t start which probably means Wenger does agree that Ramsey isn’t in the best form of life. He had to come on due to injury and filling the boots of Arteta is a big ask for a young man in the place where Ramsey currently is. Next season he’ll have some healthy competition in midfield and I’m looking forward to him getting stuck into that challenge with the fearless side I know he does possess. Hopefully we’ll all get along in the end.
We win as a team and lose as a team and even though Ramsey’s current form and indecisiveness is easy to highlight as a problem after a game like this, he surely wasn’t the only one out there. I could count several more, Arsenal players, referees, and Wigan players alike. We win and lose as a team. If Aaron or Bevin or whomever is on the pitch, support him.
Don’t mind me, I am a window-licking twat from Stoke.
Nice analysis of the game,i dont get why our “fans” criticise Ramsey exclusively and forget Theo wasnt in it,RvP wasnt @ his best,Sagna was having a torrid time checking Moses and Song didnt get his passes right as well as Marriner’s crap officiating, Ramsey wasnt quite oustanding but he was definitely above average and put in a good shift. As for those saying Th Ox should have come on for arteta,i see he scored a hattrick when he finally came on, i mean he is very talented but the few minutes he was on the pitch his in-experience for what it is. Keep the faith folks.
I agree van persie was poor as well pretty much everyone was poor but I thought Ramsey really slowed us down going forward and our subs produced next to nothing.
Completely agree with the booing of Ramsey. He plays for Arsenal, not the bloody opposition! Just because we are down doesn’t mean we should turn on one of our own, particularly one as promising as Ramsey.
He is probably in the team 2 years too early, but that seems to have been the policy over the past 5 years. Its not his fault. Hes a good player and may become a great one.
And I guess to be fair I should have mentioned walcott first because he was the worst arsenal player on the pitch.
And I agree the booing of Ramsey or any of our players is unacceptable unless they pull an adebayor or nasri
Lets face it is not certain that Spurs Newcastle or Chelsea will win all their remaining games. it just a question of how many will be dropped. I just feel Spurs will have a tough game away to QPR, not an easy place to go to. And we have to deal with Chelsea and we will be back on track. We riase our game for the big teams . It is still in our hands.
12 ‘holic.
Neither have I sir.
Goodnight all.
Well Tommy R ran himself into the ground, the Verminator had a decent game, and I thought Benny did well and was mystified when he was subbed.
Walcott had one of those nights and should have been subbed early to put him (and us) out of our collective misery.
Wigan deserved the win, we huffed and puffed and rarely threatened in the 2nd half.
Another harsh reality check following the QPR game.
The next 2 fixtures are Chelsea at home and Stoke away. That prospect should dispel any remaining hubris.
isnt it typical that myles palmer is posting away straight after a defeat. if we had won 4-0 he wouldnt of said a thing for a couple of days. TWAT.
4 games to go 3 wins and a draw and we are home and dry!
COYG
Ramsey is fading away fast I don’t know if the season has taken its toll on him physically or just a question of confidence, he looks nervous in front of goal and away from goal. I hope he gets to his best next season.
I am getting really sick of the Ramsey bashing. The team wins and loses as a team but people always have to find a scapegoat. Give the lad a break (no pun intended). He almost had his career ended not too long ago. Constructive criticism is acceptable but the constant bashing is unnecessary.
More importantly, the boss believes the Arteta ankle injury is a serious one. That’s very bad news at the business end of the season. I hope he makes a magical recovery. Keep the faith Gooners!
Yossi should have stayed on he didn’t look too happy coming off, as for Ramsey as much as I like the lad and know he will come good, this game was not for him sadly. Him and Walcott unfortunately didn’t exist especially in the second half. Not once in the second half when Rosciky ran past Ramsey with the ball did he position himself to take ball forward.
Walcott well he’s not consistent enough and yet again his first touches have let him down. Instea dof making a run forward he stalls and plays it back. He did have a great run but hey it wasn’t given, I don’t want to talk about the ref because frankly I have given up on them long time ago. The whole PL refereeing is a complete shambles and has been for a long time.
Even though both had a bad game booing your own is not on, shame on those who joined in with that minority of muppets!
Blimey…the moaners woke up. Did anyone notice what Wigan did last week? Didn’t they play the best team in England at present?
I’m not pleased at all with the match nor many who played…we don’t rotate enough/have enough faith in those beyond the obvious first 11 when fit – but (remember January) if there is one bloke we need on the field to tick it’s Arteta….losing him early left it very lopsided.
Also…stupid fouls we concede (I counted 7 in the 2nd half) kept doing exactly what Wigan needed to slow things down.
I’ve seen some write that Wigan came to defend (not here…elsewhere)…..utter nonsense.
Bad news on Arteta has to be said and I already think he will not play on Saturday.
Ox should take the middle against the Chavs along Song, but Song needs to remember about his defending duties. Ramsey doesn’t look one bit comfortable with the ball going forward I’m not sure what it is but his planning forward what to do next with the ball just doesn’t exist. Look at Rosicky he knows exactly what he will do and where he will go with the ball and Ramsey needs to gain a bit of that attitude. Yossi will not be eligible for this one so I would put my money on Ox with Ramsey coming on as a sub.
Let’s not be too negative Holics still a lot to play for and I’m sure we will come good. After all we knew this would be a tricky game defending shambles must not be repeated come Saturday!
Let’s do the Chavs on Saturday….Come on Arsenal!
On another note Wilshere is out of Euros and Wenger said he is devastated.
I miss Koscielny ๐
Evening โholic & โholics;
and sadly not a good one to return from my hols on! Nice summary ‘holic!
Iโve greatly enjoyed the distant monitoring of our beloved sideโs continued resurgence this season (and the faltering of our rivals) from across the pond over the past few weeks away but sadly, once again, another spanner hits our delighful works! Frustrating! There certainly are no easy games in the EPL!
Pitched up at Heathrow just before kick-off and by the time got through my front door, weโre 2 down! Strange stuff!
After freeing oneโs self from the inevitable checks that one must undertake after returning to oneโs abode, sat down to catch the halftime highlights on Sky. From my opinion, both Wigan goals were somewhat unfortunate Iโm afraid with individual errors, as usual, to blame! However, as evident many times this season, I still felt that the three points were not destined to be lost. However, Wigan are a much better side now than their league position reflects! Much admiration and respect has to be given to them for their quick counter-attacking play (a perrenial Achilles Heel of our beloved Arsenal side) and their concerted work-ethic off the ball! Time-wasting and gamesmanship certainly in much evidence but donโt think we can begrudge the latics their result! I for one have always hoped that they would stay up at the cost of Wolves, QPR and Blackburn! If weโve helped them in that regard, I think we have, then Iโll take this loss with a pinch of salt, even if it brings up double-figures in losses for the season! Furthermore, Martinez comes across as a gent and good all-round egg!
With all that said, the boys did not assist themselves tonight and contributed greatly to their own impotentence upfront in chasing the deficit!
Artetaโs injury was the first disaster! The first goal would never have resulted if he was off the pitch or was fully fit to continue (he, and consequently Benny, was caught out of position)! Subsequent to this, the shape and cutting edge of the midfield was lost by 50% with his substitution and the intro of young Aaron (who sadly was never going to be creative and productive in a game like this playing in the middle of the park. AOC, as against Milan, would have been a better bet to assist TR7 with the creative central midfield role, and his quickness of movement and play would have complimented Rosicky more and made up the lost 50%! Alternatively, moving Benny there and bringing on Gerv or AOC was another viable option as he has the same burst of quickness and imagination!
Once Arteta went off and Ramsey came on, the central midfield became too predictable! Arsene probably shouldโve kept Benny on and subbed AOC for Aaron instead (but since he came on as a sub in the first instance, morale wise, that would have further damaged the poor ladโs already fragile confidence โ subbing a sub; never good for oneโs confidence)!
With all of this said, 3rd place is still in our own hands so letโs pick ourselves up, brush-off the debris and get ready for the geriatrics at Fulham Bus-Stop then the rugby team at the Britannia! 4 or 6 points from these two then weโre back on track! Certainly hope that Artetaโs injuryโs not as bad as it looked, and is just a simple sprain, because as many have already said in this thread and before, heโs now the fulcrum of this side and sets our tempo!
On another positive, at least Kosโll be back with Gibbs to shore up the backline to full strength against the cuntiest of cunts in the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday, and I actually hope that Barcelona ends all this Di-Matteo loving that Iโve come back too! Wanker! Please Bayern, win the CL for all of us that like to see football clubs administered and playing in the right way! Please also Arsene, put more creative directness, akin to what TR7 brings, within the middle of the field to supply the PFA Player of the Year-elect, so he can do what does best โ โscore when he wantsโ!
COYBG!
@Oxon & Catalan from 3 posts ago i think (about to partake in a back-drinking marathon soon! ),
I attended St Peters College as a Postgrad in 1998 when I was reading for my D.Phil! I was going to read Medicine as an Undergrad at Oxford but being a man of the people, opted for Edinburgh Medical School instead to further my love of Golf, and Scottish women โ class of 91! Great times! Are you both OxBridge alumni too? โElitist snobsโ he mutters under his breath as he removes his tweed jacket, cravat and woollen trousers revealing a lovely pair of green Speedos with the โMastersโ logo embroidered on the anterior! Very nice, the management comments, I wondered where you had put those! ๐
Open University me. I look up to all of you ๐
Great post Holic. always good to see a reasoned response to a loss. Don’t understand the ramsey haters at all. bad collective performance. we conceded 2 without Ramsey and scored one with him.
to give 2 goals away in 9 minutes is a massive task against any team. When teams kicks us off the park we moan, if teams park the bus we moan, and now we moan about time wasting. some gooners think teams will come and just play pretty 90 minutes and beat us. It does not work that way. You have to deal with everything thrown at you that what champions normally do. I don’t agree with gamesmanship but teams have something in them, Stoke and the towel, United have Ashley Young and the refs. even Barcelona do it, it no surprise teams hardly survive with 11 men against them, they roll around, surround the ref and non stop talking in the ref’s ear. You still have to deal with all the the crap that comes your way and tonight we simply did not do enough to win.
A small dram of vintage malt from your secret stash please bar-keep! Goodnight! ๐
@35
You wouldn’t know it ‘holic! ๐
I hope that the management’s well on the mend mate?!
Do you know, this great football team that we support sometimes baffles the hell out of me? We have been on a fantastic run. We put ourselves in a great position, one that few would have predicted. And then that???????? Why oh why do we continue to find the need to shoot ourselves in the foot. Win against Wigan and all of those behind us slump into their chairs. But oh no. Not us.
The pre match pub talk centred around how great it was to laugh at the spuds. How funny their demise had been and how they may not even get the Europa. A win against Wigan and at least a point on Saturday and we would virtually be there. The team selection looked a good one and the cup of optimism was overflowing with confidence.
Well, that was until we decided to kick a ball. How we managed to concede from our corner is still a mystery to me. How the Wigan 2nd went in is an even bigger mystery to me. I still have not been brave enough to stick the TV on. We then started to wake up and looked threatening. However, it says it all when our only goal of the game came from a centre half. Al-Habsi made a couple of decent saves and we were certainly on top. Surely the second half would see us continue to dominate and roll out winners?????
How wrong I was. The 2nd half was as poor as I can remember. I said after the Wolves game that I did not think we played that well. The 2nd half tonight was shocking. We lacked any kind of invention or creativity. We looked vulnerable at the back and most damaging for me was that we stopped playing as a team and seemed to play as 11 individuals. There was no width, no pace and it was all just very lethargic. It was clueless, leaderless and gutless.
A lot have rightly moaned about the time wasting. But officials have to deal with that far better. I along with many many others pay a great deal of money to watch games of football. I do not pay money to watch an opposition keeper stare at a football for large amounts of time. But do not be under any illusions boys and girls. We could still be playing now and we would not have scored.
In the end we lost to the better side. To the side that sadly seemed to want it that bit more. Good luck to them. Perhaps in our hour of complacency we can learn something from that.
I am impressed that anyone thinks they can single individuals out as having played well. I do not think anyone played well although some were not as bad as their team mates.
I heard numerous disgruntled voices at the game. I heard many words spoken in anger and in frustration, but I did not hear anyone single out any one player for any sustained abuse I must say. The final whistle arrived and despite having witnessed that garbage it was refreshing to see several thousand in the lower tier stay to applaud Wigan and their efforts off the park.
Let’s just hope that today was a blip. Let us also hope that Barca run the Chavs ragged on Wednesday night.
I need a lay down……….
Oh yeah. Mickey A. I had forgotten about that. Just when I thought my night couldnot get any worse. It is also being reported that Jack will play no part in the Euros. His injury has still not healed. I would love to know where the medical staff get their estimates from I really would.
From the awful corner that initiated the break for their first goal, to the lack of class showed to the opposing captain of a side that you could say were the better on the night, RVP definitely needs to shoulder blame for this one. At the end, he was starting to look like the petulant poor sport he’s shown himself to be in the past.
Look, Arsenal would be nowhere without him this season, but you have to call him out when it’s warranted. Let’s hope all the outstanding work for 40+ matches isn’t going to be counterbalanced by a poor last five.
Steve T do you really care about the euros? is it only me or the euros and the world cup somehow lost something . it is all about the Champions league these days its the cream of football. Jack will be better off rested and ready for next season. We must forget this Wigan game. Bring on Chelsea
Night all
get voting here. best goal bergkamp v newcastle. player has to be Thierry of course. be as biased as you can. pass it around and get voting guys
http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/20-seasons.html
@Bayonne I think van persie would be among the first to admit that he had a poor game but when the opposing team is wasting time from the 15th minute onwards you have to expect him to be disgusted with their tactics.
I don’t respect that type of play and obviously neither does van persie so why should he be a phony and pretend to show respect.
No going to join in the Wigan love-in but hats off to them. It was a game we needed to win and while I’m frustrated, I would rather see more teams like Wigan, Swansea, Norwich, Blackpool in the Premiership than negative cloggers. Hope they stay up and help dispel this notion that teams which play football always go down.
I’m not going to get into the scapegoating of our players either. We were dire but as always, we win as a team, lose as a team. We must carry on like the soldiers we are. Not sure how I feel about Robin spitting out the dummy at the end but he’s only human I guess, who wouldn’t be frustrated and angry at losing this one. I would be more surprised if he left the team smiling and exchanging shirts…
team=field
Well measured post, in the circumstances, ‘Holic. Wigan deserve credit for having a tactical plan well suited to playing against us, and then working their socks off to execute it. That said we should have won that game. Even when we went two down so quickly, I thought we would have enough firepower to get a win. The loss of Arteta was devastating, as it was when he was out during our earlier season slump. He and Song are not just the engine room of our midfield, but they set the pace. When we raised the tempo it looked as if we could score, but without Arteta there Song couldn’t sustain the momentum on his own. Ramsey looks half a yard off the pace still and so isn’t making the quick killer passes through the lines to open up defences, but doesn’t deserve the invective being thrown at him. TR belied his age again. Benayoun played well enough to not have been subbed, and was denied twice by fine al-Habsi saves. Walcott was anonymous again, though he should have had a penalty late on. Sagna had one of those rare days when his winger got the better of him most of the time. Santos, on the other hand, was able to push forward a lot, and looked dangerous. If only he could find those magic shooting boots Brazilian left backs seem to come with.
Well it’s going to be a bumpy ride, innit?
No matter, we’ll beat Chelsea at home. I want the Barcunts to tire the hell out of them
Bac had one of his worst games defensively. Szcz could have done better to hold on to the ball on their second
I don’t know why we tried to play so narrow in the second half when the option of going wide and pumping balls in was working quite well
Anyway, we must win against the rent boys.
Wenger’s coat. No, not really. It was merely added to inform people that Jack will.still be out for some considerable time.
I am still perplexed at what I saw last night. Quite simply ridiculous.
Bollox – still!
Unbelievably tired today. I have no energy at all right now. None, nada, zilch.
Very good match report, Holic. Wigan deserved it, but all the same it would not have been an injustice in any way if we had turned it around. Song and RvP had proper shockers but shit happens I guess. What we need to remember is that it is still all in our hands, so no time to feel sorry for ourselves (not sure if people do that tbh, haven’t back-drunk yet). New game coming up on Saturday, that is where the focus must lie. Last night is gone, move on.
Now for a shower and some brekkie and then somehow try to find the energy to get some fucking work done today. Really got to get some stuff done today so I won’t have to work extra hours to make up for it. Laters, lovers of the Arse.
I said I was nervous before the game and my nerves were proved to be well-founded. I think too many of our players turned up taking Wigan lightly (as usual against lower opposition) – by contrast, I’m not that worried about Chelsea because I can be fairly sure of a strong showing. Typical isn’t it.
Anyway, some are saying fair play to Wigan and I agree with that (I was at the game). They were definitely very positive going forward and obviously their task of defending was made pretty simple by Arsenal players constantly slowing the ball down in the final third.
But I’m afraid they’re in my book from now on. All that time-wasting (yes yes, I know Marriner’s a cunt and should have clamped down) and making the most of almost every little challenge are impossible to forget.
Wigan, you just made the list!
Morning All
Good report ‘Holic. It was simply a bad night at the office for The Arse.
Wigan looked relatively comfortable and in control for sustained periods of the second half that I managed to catch on a stream. Overall, they seemed to play very well and I’m also hoping they avoid relegation. Depsite the time-wasting that they were allowed to get away with, they play proper attacking football.
Yossi’s substitution mystified me too. We ended up without both Kos and Arteta and in case anyone doubted it, we can now see just how important both players are to our team. Thank Dennis Kos will be back for The Chavs on Saturday. I wish Arteta the speediest of recoveries – will he be back this season?
Here’s to a far more ‘together’ Arsenal turning up on Saturday and getting our quest for third and St.Totts day back on track.
I hate it when we lose, but I love my team.
UTA!
PS: My wish for the summer: A strengthened bench with a seasoned attacking plyaer who can come off it, terrorise with a bit of pace and change the game.
PPS: The Ox is a little too young and inexperienced to do that when the team is playing without much confidence like last night.
I really feel like shit today. I am so pissed off.
I hate to call things right;
though to be fair we could have murdered them in the first half, so what do I know.
Weirdly bad day at the office from Sagna.
Still love Tomas, shame that one-two with RvP didn’t quite work out, perhaps the ball was slightly too much behind him.
Ramsey really is too slow in the brain at the moment, but I hope he recovers.
Let’s regroup. Again.
Sorry – don’t completely buy the idea that we underestimated them – how could we following their results/performances v MancU and chelski. It seems like a long time ago now – but we actually started quite brightly.
Then we had a disastrous few minutes; Arteta injury and deflection off Chesney spinning flukily (it could have gone anywhere), straight into wigan striker’s path for the first – included.
After that, sadly, we didn’t do quite enough to claw the game back from a fast-improving, very competitive wigan side.
And re subs – myself, i think AW might have felt he had to keep Rambo on in the middle of the park – his energy was needed there as AW gambled with our shape late on – by sending more attacking players into the fray, from the bench in search of another, ultimately illusive, goal or two.
Maybe Theo was a bit fortunate to stay on in front of Benny – and maybe he wasn’t…
Oh well – Onward! And to staying exactly where we are for now!
pardon – Ollie’s about and don’t want the syntax Police on my case –
– sending more attacking players into the fray from the bench, in search of another, ultimately illusive, goal or two.
AL 58, totally agree with every word you said there.
I heard shouts of ‘complacency’ etc (on twitter, heh), but it really wasn’t the case yesterday. ARteta injury, Bacary under par and two defensive fuck ups did for us.
We reacted very well but unfortunately only scored one, and then yes we tired, but I never ever saw complacency.
Lack of mental and physical sharpness (sorry at the end), yes.
I would be delighted to see Wigan get relegated this season. They play in front of wasted empty seats week in week out. Why should we be Wigan fans when they barely have fans of their own? There are many, many clubs in the lower leagues that a far more deserving of Premier League status. Which makes last night’s result a double blow personally.
Holic
Your headline was exactly my first thought at the final whistle!
I’m not going to read the drinks as I was too depressed by the cuntery on Twitter last night, with even good people seeming to fall out with each other.
Death threats to Ramsey!???
So, my apologies for any fine drinks that I miss out on, and a plague on your house to any BBBs that may have been in.
On the plus side, I get a lot more work done when I avoid the internet!
Dr C, I think that for 99% I follow only people I know, which, maybe unsurprisingly, means I don’t see most of the crap that you mention ๐
And by people I know, I mean people I have actually met.
ACtually there’s a few arsebloggers I haven’t physically met but seem to know well enough.
Aye Ollie @ 60 there was the first whiff of endoflongdifficultupanddownseason towards the end of that performance…
UNFUKKINACCEPTABLE!?!!!?! Reckon AW etc will have to work hard to try to freshen things up again for the weekend
UREDS!
I think ‘holic is spot on in saying that because of the end, and the 2 minutes nightmare (not the first ten, we were all over them before they scored, their goal stemmed from a badly negociated corner following a great save by Al Habsi), we forget the very good 60 minutes spell. (especially the 30 minutes following their goal).
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/man-of-the-match-v-wigan-rosicky
Unsurprisingly, the 2 Tommys top the POTM list by far.
Don’t always get the games live where I live – but I always visit this site to drink up the cut and thrust of great debate and well-informed, often witty opinion. So, so many fine contributors on here well worth listening to.
But by the by feel the need to put it out there – in the Goonerverse – that I too once passed some exams, a driving test and can swim almost 25m without stopping (back-stroke, not front-crawl).
Lester@66: RvP looked alarmingly knackered more or less the whole game, maybe the burden of carrying the team for so long has finally taken it’s toll? Really hope I am wrong on that one.
Here’s a handly little table to see what the other teams need to tie us for points (and remember that Newcastle most likely have to get more points than we do, we have a far superior goal diff to them and it is highly unlikely that they can make that up in just five games) depending on how many points we get:
AFC S/N CFC
0 5 7
1 6 8
2 7 9
3 8 10
4 9 11
5 10 12
6 11 13
7 12 14
8 13 15
9 14 —
10 15 —
11 — —
12 — —
Feck, WordPress boards do apparently not allow “pre” tags which made my table look a bit like shit…
Lars @ 70 – ‘Tis so. The boy’s played a lot of games – and most of them the full 90. If memory serves he’s taken a coupla knocks lately too…
A positive RSVP from Robin re his recent dip in form – ta!
I’ll get me party hat!
Fair review of the game chez arseblog too.
The annoying and most irritating thing is why we keep going down the middle? we know its a packed area, I remember wolves at the emirates it was the exact same thing not only wolves and Wigan have done it even United do it against us and it works everytime. You would think Wenger would change things around put 2 wide men and ask them to bombard the box with crosses, Gibbs does it but Santos thinks he is a midfielder he keeps cutting inside and leave his position exposed. Why get chamakh if Wenger is not going to play to his strength, Chamakh’s 90 % of goals at Bordeaux were headers he is not a player in the same level as RVp when it comes to finishing with his feet. Even Bendnter use to get few headers here and there, somehow Wenger does not want to use the aerial option at all and I think they do not work on aerial play at all. Apart from Vermaelen there is no one who can head a ball. Sometime you just have to change things and try everything possible, long range shots, high crosses, anything different from just walking into a wall over and over
I’m positive about the Chelsea game as they are no good at parking the bus and they will come out to play.It will suit our game.
Iโm positive about the Chelsea game as they are no good at parking the bus and they will come out to play.It will suit our game.
Hmmm, that’s what we said about Wigan ๐
Afternoon all.
We’ve had better mornings. Cannot believe some of the ill-considered drivel I have seen elsewhere since the final whistle.
Yes I feel shit today.
But I have abstained from checking elsewhere thankfully, ‘holic.
Ollie- Yes but Wigan played a clever game, this is a different wigan. in the last few games martinez changed his formation and it seems to be working, and the warning sign was the united game, we still did nothing to out do them. it wasn’t all attacking football, they defended around the box in numbers and used the flanks really well to counter attack, Moses’s pace and trickery down the flanks caused Sagna lots of problems, i believe Chelsea do not play that way they will attack and lose their shape we just have exploit Terry’s slow pace.
Good points Mr Coat.
Wigan used the formation favoured by Mourinho’s Chelsea: 3-4-3 when attacking, 5-4-1 when defending. It is an effective way to blunt a side like ours that is trying to work its way through little gaps in the middle.
Wenger’s coat: I’m not sure Terry will be playing on Saturday. The best thing for us would be if Chelsea are still in with a chance of beating Barca after the first leg, because then they will have to rest a few players on Saturday. The worst thing for us would be if Barca hammer Chelsea tomorrow and win 3-0 or something, because then their focus will shift to our game and they will also be eager to bounce back.
Whichever way, Lars, if they’re still with a chance, their focus may be slightly blurry, but I still don’t think they’ll ‘rest’ players.
I have had my moments of criticising what Le Boss has done and the attitude of the players – but last night the villains of the peace for me were the crowd.
It seems 9 wins out of 10 counts for nothing. When their first goal went in many around me (Upper West) started to moan and an atmosphere of negativity was immediate. From that moment I knew this was going to be a difficult night.
Why oh why can’t we get behind them when they need us instead of immediately turning on them. Ramsay is going to be a world beater -yet all the experts around me were so busy calling him out goodness knows how he plays at all.
Two examples need to be followed. The North Bank sticking by the team and at least showing support and, from the few left at the end, applauding Wigan off showed a touch of class.
Wenger is no idiot, Walcott not brainless and Ramsay not a quiter.
Just to re-state: when we were losing badly and substituting AOC in the United game I was as vocal as the next, but to turn on the side so early after a run like we have had is pathetic.
Best we grow up and show some backbone ourselves.
Greetings all. Enjoyed your perspective, Holic and ST’s roving report. In UTAH (Up The Arse, Holic).
Just seen the highlights. Two disastrous goals and some excellent stuff from our team. We had the chances, no doubt about that. Really disappointing outcome though and we still have it all to do. Four consecutive wins is not too much to ask. Is Diaby available?
BtM is in Utah?
Can we take everything he says with a pinch of Salt (Lake City)?
Afternoon all.
BtM
Rumours of a Diaby return continue. I think he still ‘little bit short’.
Will you be at The HoF and the usual haunts on Saturday?
TS, I think BtM waved goodbye for the season when I had to leave last sunday.
Well, the previous sunday. (I can’t get used to monday games)
So I come home from moonlighting, watch the game this morning. Then back drink from the last post. Still shellshocked from the opening two goals. Summon up the courage to look at Holic’s new post. The caption, ‘Let’s do it the hard way then’. Made me smile. Tis the Arsenal way.
Wenger’s Coat @ 44, I voted, think I did you proud on the Bias front ๐
Afternoon Holics
I managed to loose my first effort this morning, in the same way as AFC lost their way last night.
A catastrophic start but not unretrievable but we didn’t have the guile or the heart last night to overcome a very workmanlike Wigan, who outpaced us and were more effective in possession.
The loss of Arteta and the absence of Kos and Gibbs were certainly a factor in our demise but there should have been sufficient talent on the pitch to overcome our opponents . As it turned out most of those on display were well below par and the Subs didn’t provide that sparkle needed to get their team mates going. The second half was as poor a display as I have witnessed this season, only TV5,TR7 and the attacking play of Santos can be described as acceptable.
Third place is now under threat and we can only hope that with Kos and Gibbs back in the side we can raise our game against Chelski.
AW has a lot of work to do and he should be seriously reassessing our strengths and weaknesses with the transfer window looming. The possible loss of Arteta for the rest of the season could well be devastating for our CL aspirations and the non-appearance of LJW this campaign is not only a huge disappointment for Jack but for all his Gooner fans.
Saturday is now a must win game. Why oh why do we keep shooting ourselves in the foot but with the season we are having I expect we will all be biting finger nails and hiding behind the sofa come the 13th May!
See you all for a pint of Abbott on Saturday
As always COYRs
That, my friends, is why we turn up to football week in and week out in large numbers. In this League anybody can beat anybody, and the most unlikely games can stir the emotions.
Never a truer word has been spoken.
I must admit, I was really optimistic about last nights game with what seemed, at the time, good reason. We were on a magic run, had beaten the oily gits and easily dispatched Wolves without breaking a sweat and all the right noises were coming out of the club retaining to commitment, concentration and not underestimating our opponants no matter how high or low they were in the table. What could possibly go wrong?
Well, thats easy………. We lost Arteta.
He was hobbling when the first went in and off the field when we conceded the second. Most probably the most underrated player weยดve had in years, Mikel is the glue that holds this team together, the cog that makes us tick and that otherthingymijig that makes us do what we do better then when heยดs not there.
It was not the two early conceded goals that lost us the game, it was his absence. We more then matched them in the first half, but we had no shape in the second. I wouldnยดt go as far as saying we were like headless chickens, but we were rudderless. Iยดm not going to do the pointy finger thing, too many players were below par, Iยดm sure theyยดll be as dissapointed as we are with their performances.
Hereยดs wishing MA a speedy recovery, and for all those who have doubted his worth to us, I hope you were paying attention last night.
There is no time for wallowing or self pity, AW has to come up with a new plan to get the best out of the players he can select from and he has untill Saturday lunch time to do so, because there are bunch of cunts who need a good kicking to be dealt with.
Arsenal Forever.
Time for a drink, my round.
In the box!
Plays 1-2 with Bevin, looks for return.
Well played H2H – Arteta, thingymijigs and a bunch of cunts – have to agree with all of that!
He’s disappeared, so looks to push forward from the midfield…
shoots early – (it’s one of his many attributes apparently) but doesn’t score, the ball comes back out and falls to…
shoots early – (it’s one of his many attributes apparently) but doesn’t score; the ball comes back out and falls to…
Wind, who drifts out to the wing!
Oops – this may go in and come out again!!!
Or the other way round even
Ahhh – Wind assisted, well played fella! Think the goals panel might take another look at that one later though…
http://player.arsenal.com/schedule/day/2012-04-17/player/2009-fans-from-afar
They completely disregarded my shutout to the bar :(!
Booo on the editor for cutting out the shoutout!
Thanks Bevin ๐
I’ll watch it later Snir ๐
*Still struggling to self-harm*
Is it Saturday yet?
I could be alive at this rate…..
Re: Delia @91 and H2H @92. Thanks for your level heads. Our performance was poor and we need to say it wasn’t good enough, but we can get the ball rolling again with proper application. UTAH.
Bollocks , bollocks , bollocks !
Never had us down for anything less than 3 points last night . After a quick back-drink , all analysis seems reasonably sane , so I’m guessing the madness ‘Holic refers to above occurred on Twitter , from which I am mercifully sheltered .
Not much to add , given that circumstances conspired whereby I missed the first 25 mins , and could only watch the rest of the game on a crappy stream .
Thoughts that occurred to me during the incessant buffering and subsequently , having read the drinks :-
– I don’t buy the “complacency” jibe at all . The players wanted to win out there , and I think it seems to be an automatic reflex of football supporters in general (not just Gooners ) , to always blame attitude whether it be complacency or lack of heart , and completely forget that there are always two teams out there trying to win a game of football , totally dismissing and devaluing the efforts of the oppo .
– It would be a very hard-hearted view to deny the efforts of Wigan (save for Caldwell , who is a cunt) , last night . Their recent form clearly belies their lowly position , and they defended impressively and attacked with purpose when given the chance . Fair play .
– Would like to echo what has been said about Arteta . As H2H states , he is indeed the “glue” , conducting the play , retaining possession , and bringing out the best in others . Without him , especially in the second half , we were not able to retain possession for long enough to exert the sort of sustained assault which invariably leads to a goal .
– AW ‘s subs didn’t pay off last night , but I always think that after-the-event descriptions of those decisions as either tactical masterpieces or muddled thinking are inherently flawed , given that the outcome of those substitutions is known and that any analysis of same comes with the benefit of hindsight . At the time , they made sense . Whilst the Ox might have been the more exciting option for both Arteta and Benny , Aaron was the most natural fit for the Arteta role , whilst it was obviously hoped Gervinho’s ball-carrying skills might have unlocked the door . Walcott might have made way instead of Benny , but I understand the temptation to stick with Theo , given that his pace can always worry defences , even when he is having one of his more anonymous evenings .
– Any criticism of Sagna is , I think , to grossly underestimate the performance of Moses .
– Criticism of Aaron is pig-ignorant and ultimately helps no-one but the opposition . If Arteta’s injury is as bad as it looked , Aaron will still have a big part to play to the end of the season . It is imperative that an already fragile self-confidence is bolstered , rather than further inhibited , by any crowd-reaction he might receive .
– The petering out of ideas in the last half hour , together with the news that Jack’s recovery is still some way off , leads me to believe that we should aim to bolster our attacking midfield options in the summer , rather than go into next season with what we have , as some have suggested .
And so to saturday , where we welcome the racist-worshipping , hillsborough-mocking , money-laundering , mobile phone shagging cunts that are Chelsea . Still very much in our own hands , a position the likelihood of which I would have scoffed at 2 months ago .
All to play for . Let’s just do it .
Well played SG – as it’s Arsenal Player am assuming thems the highlights – so the shoutout should appear when they put the whole thing up – no?
My day has been miserable
Assuming we concede one more goal this season (you think?) we will have reached 44 goals against, our 5th straight season of increase and worst goals against total since I don’t know when..I’d guess 1994?
That is why I’m really worried…all the attention this summer will be on getting cover up front – a marquee name to aid RvP or (shudder) a replacement when I think the issue remains at the back.
I ask vintage Arsenal fans how many of our back 5 (including the goalkeeper) are league winning calibre? Really think about it.
I am usually as optimistic as they come but I’d suggest one. It would be Sagna.
Gibbs will never play 30+ games a season, TV is a great goalscoring defender, full of fire but is he close to world class yet? Is there room for him to grow? Does he know when to hold – does he marshall the back line well? I really like him overall. Koscielny I think is our 2nd best defender now and has the highest upside, he commands the back line and is perhaps the other choice at the moment. Sczs…not yet…soon I hope.
We have to reduce our goals against to 30 or less next year to really challenge and 33/34 or so for top three. That’s a big step….can we do it? Is the issue the quality of the depth? Without the injuries this season would it have improved? Are there not going to be injuries next season too?
Of course it takes a team to defend…and that’s another part of the issue.
I am rambling – but we’ve now lost 10 league games and conceded so many goals, but the cries will be for forward players. Maybe the game has changed beyond all recognition and great defending won’t win you the league anymore – but I think it will. It’s what we need to improve on.
Perhaps we don’t need to change more than one of the back 5 – but we’d need EACH of those 4 to improve next season. That’s asking a lot.
Shouldn’t you be ‘Snir -USA’ rather than ‘Snir-Israel’ these days? :D.
I’ll hear it at home as I can’t put the sound on at work ๐
tabs 109, a pleasure to read an extremely good and sensible post, as always.
In fact, I think the next drink will be on me rather than on Lars’ tab, so good is that post!
Great vid Snir .
What are your “coping with fame” mechanisms ? ๐
Cheers Ollie . Guinness it is then ๐
tabs, my life has never been the same since this :
http://videos.tf1.fr/telefoot/foot-etranger-un-samedi-en-europe-6345237.html
So I don’t know how Snir will cope. ๐
Ollie , heh , a short and sweet appearance ! Good song though ๐
My own brief brush with fame came when when I was shown reading the programme on the bbc 1 Grandstand half time report at the FA Cup Semi Final vs Wolves in ’79 .
I completely went off the rails , and would very much have liked to have embarked on an hedonistic orgy of drug-taking and shagging . Unfortunately I was only 14 ๐
Fine post Holic and as ever you temper my frustration with some sound wisdom. I have had no time to backarse beyond tabs @ 109 but fully agree with his every comment. I did not think Gerry for Benny was likely to be an improvement but it is not for me to make those decisions or take the crap when they fail to work.
I do think this game showed how key Artie has been to the renaissance of Arsenal this season and we need to find a way to keep the midfield solidity and rapid recycling without him. The Ox may be that man one day but I fear for him against the Chavs and Stokers.
There was no lack of commitment last night, simply a combo of naivity and bad lack resulting in a 2 goal deficit and a lack of guile and luck in the second half. As you say, Holic, in the second half I fully believed that we would still win until about 60 minutes.
Believe, Gooners.
Still – drowning sorrows o’clock – i reckon…you reds and some whites
Tim @ 112 both CBs still improving and better than Kolo ever was already; Sagna top o’ the shop – we all know; Chesney well on the way to becoming a great goal-keeper at 21 (Lens had nowhere near as much talent in any of his fingers – big or little) and the slightly bonkas Brazilian/Gibbs combo, depending who you go with, the best cover i can remember the club having at LB – PLUS – not sure we’ve even seen the best of Pele’s old side Sanots just yet – so jury still out there – in positive sense, i think – overall. All, of course, imho.
And there’s Jinky Jenkinson – king of the deep cross – waiting in (on?!) the wings too
Not seen anything of the game, listend on 5 live which drove me mad! perhaps a case of the other C word – Concentration? as for transfers imo we need to strengthen the spine; back up keeper, centre half, creative midfielder and striker or 2 or 3.
I suspect we’ll raise our game for sat. When do Arsenal ever do things the easy way??!
Pardon – Santos of course
And Lester – I usually share your optimism too…but why so many goals against once again…yes the injuries…yes the 8-2 freak result…but it’s a 5 year trend.
I’m now looking glass half full…after 17 games we’d conceded 26 (1.53 per game) – in the 17 since it dropped to 17 (1.00 per game). I like numbers too much I suppose…we need to see it drop to about 0.75 per game next season.
Is it simply better opposition throughout the table perhaps? I wonder if the year over year shows more goals in general….
I also know I need to consider that the bulk of our injuries this season have been at the back.
Brilliant Snir! Liked the vid
Hello Chaps & Chappettes…
Had to finish back-drinking from the last post before tackling this one…Glad I did because I was delighted to see my mate Dapper DanC back at the bar! Welcome Sir! You’ve been truly missed..
By the time I got to my computer yesterday expecting to be in time for the game, it was half-time and I had a shock when I noticed that we were 1-2 down…I almost had a heart attack…but remembered my resolution not to stress about the Arsenal, I recovered in time to squirm through the second half…
Just as well I didn’t have a heart-attack because the BBC World Service carried a story today of 6″ 3″ ex-rugby player who suffered a heart attack and when he recovered he had turned gay! Well as much as I am sure this would cheer Wolfie up immensely to see a gay GoonerTerry, Jamaica is not a great place for Gays right now.. ..(0;
My thoughts about the game? Well bad luck comes to mind…but in the cold light of day I have to say that if the table were reversed, and we took our chances as Wigan did when Arteta got injured, then we’d all be chuffed today…sooooo as pissed off as I feel I will have to consign that game to my “Fucking-hell, fuck, fuck, fuck File (or FHFFF for short)…now to read the post and the drinks…I hope the funny Holics are in the bar today because I am not in the mood for any whining wankers today..
KingsVeryCross @ 83, bullseye, couldn’t agree more.
Delia & H2H @ 91/92, you both show an excellent command of the Queen’s English ๐ Great reads, the both of you.
tabs @ 109, very well said.
@ 118, heh! I’ll take a look at Ollie’s link when I get onto a PC
Tim @ 112, interesting thoughts. I agree about reducing the Goals Against to at least 30, vital when you think about how similar the two teams above us goal differences are and how the title might be decided on goal difference.
I suspect that the post currently@126 will not be there for much longer…
tabs@109, great post.
Tim: we must reduce goals against, no doubt about that, but we might not be as far off as the stats for this year suggests. Let’s not forget that 12 of the goals came in two games alone when the team was in a right old state at the start of the season. We then lost all four full-backs for about three months and I’d say that no team can cope too well for so long with only makeshift full-backs. Gibbs does seem very brittle, but the other cases were pretty much just bad luck. Kos and Vermaelen seem to be developing a rather good partnership, and having Mertesacker and Djourou (who has played pretty well in past few games) as backup isn’t that bad. One more year of experience and further developed understanding and who knows?
Tim – I reckon – as you say, that you provide a large part of the answer, re this season at least, in the first part of your reply @125.
Also worth a mention, p’raps, is a broader point re the limitations of stats when taken in isolation. It would be pretty difficult for anyone, who’s watched The Arse closely over the last few seasons, to not acknowledge that our defence has improved this season (at least i think so, i might well be wrong). A massively improved Kos; a relatively injury-free Vermaelen; the continued emergence/establishing and improving of Chesney; Gibbs being fit quite a bit and the additions of Jenkinson and Santos to the squad are all palpable improvements to our defence, when compared to last season – and possibly when compared to some of the seasons just before that too. Yet the stats you’re using tell a different story.
I apologise in advance for any tpyos!
Ollie – I will always be Snir – Israel ๐
And WHO could forget The BFG (well me, obviously…) another improvement on last season – at the very least!
Wow, my very own dumb and dumber in the course of twenty-four hours.
Our illiterate Stoke ‘tard (who’d a thought it!) thought he could use the y word, so hence the editing.
The last mong was from the left bank of the Atlantic. Thought it was best to remove his puerile garbage altogether.
Now to check out Fans from Afar ๐
Jamaica Goonerterry ?
I very much prefer to take my holidays in Jamaicim ๐
Sorry Lars – seems you’d said much of that while i was still trying to string me sentences together…and i missed what ‘holic was talking about at the first 125 too – no bad thing maybe
1-0 to Bayern, get in there!
(sorry Snir ๐ )
Just seen Ronaldo taking his stupid pose before hitting a free-kick.
Made me want to puke.
Just seen Mourinho. Made me want to punch the screen.
I think I might still turn the telly off.
Cheers Lars , some sound stuff on the Defence .
Interesting stuff from Tim re the stats , and the upward curve of goals let in over the last 5 seasons .
Have to say however that I am in full agreement with both Lars and AL on this . The figures this season are slanted by the horrendous start to the season .
There is still room for massive improvement . I don’t buy the hyperbole that Kos and Verm are world class , but I do think that this season there has been an enormous improvement in the collective organisation . The harum-scarum defending of last season and the first 6 weeks of this , has steadily been replaced by a much greater organisation and communication .
Goals will always be conceded (even by the famous back five) , and most goals can generally be traced to a defensive lapse at some stage . That said , games that I have watched through my fingers as a result of a comedy back line , have become the exception rather than the rule this season .
Much of that renewed confidence is down to the keeper and the authority and calm he brings . He has had lapses of form , understandable given his age , but barring injuries , one can only see him improve . World class in the making .
I think you’d struggle to find a better right back than Sagna , whilst the defensive pairing of Kos and Verm should only get better given more time to forge that all important understanding . Throw into the mix the criminally under-rated Bfg , and I think we’re well set .
Djourou still has his moments of madness , even in his preferred position , but as a fourth choice , he’s pretty good .
Still think we’re short at LB . Notwithstanding the attacking brio of both Gibbs and Santos , and the loveable eccentricies of the latter , both have yet to convince defensively , and Gibbs’ brittleness is a continuing cause for concern .
Holic’s much mooted request for a centre-half who can play left back seems a very reasonable one to me . Vertonghen may yet arrive in the summer .
More important , however , than personnel is the frustration that we do not always press as we should which leads to needless pressure in our box . I think we have taken significant strides in that area this season . Next season , we need to take a few more .
Truth is, we don’t have anyone who can defend at left back. I mean properly defend.
‘Holic, that last prick’s post was like reading gimp porn, not that I’d know anything similar to that… Seriously. Closest I’ve read was written for fun, the little diddy about Di Matteo’s appointment and his meeting with the Managers Three Terry, Cole and Lampard ๐ Still makes me laugh.
Wind, I didn’t think my post was all that bad……. ๐
The Bayern/Mad match-up’s a good’un. Fair point Zico @ 140 – reckon that one goes as far back as our Gael – too.
Evenin’ ‘holic & ‘holics,
Much great drinking has certainly been had over the past few weeks from the usual suspects and the new! Heeheehee! Good stuff! ๐
What can one say further about last night’s 10th defeat of the season?! Tabs, Holloway and “gay” GT (it’s good to be back mate!); spot on with your analyses! Yet again the match reaffirmed where our problems still exist and I’m sure Arsene will address them appropriately this summer!
KingsVC @83, agree with your sentiments regarding the crowd – far too many fickle muppets still at the Grove and in the blogosphere! Had hoped that many would’ve fecked-off or learnt abit about football and general psychology by the latter end of the season?! I guess it’s yet again just too much to ask! Morons!!! The treatment of young Aaron (from what i could fathom from the telly) was disgusting to say the very least!
For all the short-sighted cunts out there, why don’t you just FHFFF-off!!!
1-0 Bayern! Feckin’ great! Webb having another wanky night as usual! How the feck is he still permitted to officiate at the higher levels?!
Big fan of gimp porn here . What’s not to like ? ๐
@140 Agreed and heh @142 Dr Z .
Lester, no need to apologise – we wrote pretty much the same thing and you know what they say about the attributes of minds that think alike!
Evening DanC , and welcome back .
Yeah, agreed AL.
Made the most of his biggest asset – speed – to cover for much of his defensive deficincies.
As for Bayern match, I’d forgotten how much I want to repeatedly punch Arjen Robben. (Once I’d finished with public schoolboy Parker, that is).
Sad times for football. Fuck that shit, I knew I should have turned off the TV. Doing it now.
Individually I think our defence is pretty good, the whole team needs to defend better at times and the pressing game needs to be more consistent.
Fair enough Lars!
BtM. Who???????
Lars and Tabs. Very good points re the defense. Big improv
ements and the confidence Shezza gives the back 4 is clear for all to see. That said I do agree that we are far from the world class that some would suggest we have become. I would also suggest that I am still not convinced that the midfield offers sufficient protection to those at the back. That is also an area we can make big improvements in.
Perhaps more worrying in the short term is the loss of Arteta. He has so far featured in 29 of 34 league games this season. Out of the 5 he has missed we have drawn 1 and lost 4. A trend that needs bucking as a matter of urgency.
Good point, Ant. Defending is of course not just done by the back five. And speaking of defending: did anyone else notice how Lahm was running around like a headless chicken when Real scored a few minutes ago? Awful defending, plain and simple.
zico, Robben really is a grade A see you next Tuesday. Totally with you on that one.
Dr. Zee @148 – re-match etc. – harsh – but fair enough!
Steve, Areta is a big, big loss. Ramsey has to find his feet again and quickly.
Tabs @139,
The defending certainly has improved but to expect clean-sheets in the modern game, is quite unrealistic! There’s just too much pace in the modern attacking game now! Even Barca, with their superior ball retention, are getting caught out more this season on the counter! Regarding the pressing and winning the ball back higher up the attacking third or the opposition’s half, couldnt agree more mate! For me though, I sometimes find Song too ponderous and slow in the defensive midfield role (that is when he actually decides to sit and play that position!)! More pace (possibly from Coquelin or M’Villa if purchased), aligned with positional discipline and awareness (since that is actually the primary role of such a player), will always help of course!
1-1; Real cunts! Come on Bayern
Jack is a brilliant footballer, but extremely dumb.
After tweeting that he wants Chelsea to do well in the CL becauuse they’re English.
He now says he wants RM to qualify because he’s a massive Mourinho fan.
WTF???
Just shut up you idiot, ’cause if you carry on like this, I’ll start suspecting you’re a chav!
Tabs, thanks mate, glad to be back! Gimping once a week; never a bad thing! ๐
Zico @148,
Agreed but not as much as C Ronaldo! What a cunt! Wait a minute! The whole Madrid side are cunts!
Snir @ 157 – most footballers are dumb.
Jack at least is young, and has time to learn ๐
Nice video, btw.
Although not enough swearing in it for my taste. Or self-harming.
DanC
You just soared in my estimation. And you were pretty high up there already
Oxford?? For Dennis’ sake man, I’m a quack!! The day they let my kind into the Old school, is the day we get a penalty at OT. Oh, ok… The day we score one!
Holic, that being the case, I look up to you. Not sure who I look down on. “Children of science”, probably ๐
SG @157,
Sadly Jack’s not the brightest nail in the box! But he’s ours though!
It never ceases to amaze me just how Mourinho manages, without exception, to turn every player he manages into a total and utter cheating cunt!
Zico – CG called me mellow!!!
The camera does some crazy stuff! ๐
I heard the British are polite, I was just trying to adapt ๐
Not seen any of the game tonight. I undetstand the feelings of some towards Roben but I firmly believe we should have taken a gamble on him when he left Spain. He would have been ideal for us.
I agree with Dan re Song. He has been hot and cold at times this season. He needs to be more consistent for me.
Munick it!
Tabs @139.
Maybe its just me but I’ve always appreciated pressure in the box.
Zico @ 142 :lol ๐ :lol you slay me man ๐
Mr C @161,
Cheers mate, i think highly of your views too! But knowing myself the way I do, still don’t know how the hell i managed to sucker the elitist snobs into taking me in! Must have been the Ashley Youngesque dive that did it! ๐
I for two certainly look-up to you ‘holic! Not so sure about the others though! ๐
2-1 Bayern! ๐
Heh @ 162.
Just been doing some back-drinking :
So Dan C has been steeped in the Burke and Hare trade and has a love of Scottish women?
Interesting. Very interesting.
Serial murder and Scottish women – it’s hard to know which is scarier, isn’t it, Rox?
DanC
Kind words, but correct me if I’m wrong – Edinburgh is hardly slumming it is it?! ๐
Hi all . Snir @103, What an honor !!! Ollie @ 117 , Bet you can recall it like it was yesterday. Terrific atmosphere. Wind @ 141 Too funny. Zico at various points, never fail to cheer me up.
Snir Superstar! Did your Dad & brothers get to say anything, or did they just focused on you? If so, then the least they could have done was have them say something like “Up the Arse!”
Zico @169, ๐
Much kilt & sporran-wearing, and anatomy field-work, was certainly undertaken! Auch aye!
Mr C @170,
Granted, maybe not! But sure as hell felt like it when one was “dragged-out” against his will on numerous pub crawls along ye olde public houses of the Royal Mile! Such common behaviour; so ashamed! ๐
Snir@103. So that is the reason why you did not buy me a pint???? Nice piece. I think we must have passed each other in the doorway of the Tollie. Until the next time.
Steve T @152- Totally agree on the Defence stuff , and wow on the Arteta stat . As you say , we need to turn that round sharpish !
Mr C – Pressure in the box is fine as long as you’re not open at the back . ๐
DanC – Feel you’re being slightly harsh on Song but nevertheless agree that he has to become more consistent to take that final step and become truly top top drawer .
OK I know its a given that there is a huge difference between being in the stadium to watching a game on TV but here is my issue with how this team is currently playing football: I rarely see a plan unfolding on the field. What I mean by that is no matter whether we are playing well or not we approach the game much the same way. We are always trying to “overwhelm” teams!
I have only seen Arsene’s team play live once, but I saw the majority of George Graham’s games. I would never try to compare both managers but in Graham’s teams went through tactical phases that you could recognize during games. Whenever I see us flailing around these days I often think “what would a George’s team do in this situation?”…take last night for example: Arteta is injured; they break away and score. OK. Bad Luck. But now we are a player short and we make no adjustment to deal with that fact. It could be that Tony Adams as Captain and CB would have been in a better position to see what was in front of him…maybe…but this team just flung themselves forwards again….
What’s all that about? Any comments?
Agreed, GT, the 2nd goal was headless. I think we miss Mertesacker in moments like that.
Heh! Check out cardiff’s second goal this evening
Congrats Snir on making it to the Arsenal fans hall of fame on iPlayer. Thoroughly deserved, I’m sure.
Other Holic bars may be available … ๐
Steve T @163, Tabs @175, GT @176,
Consistency certainly a “could improve on” for Song.
It sometimes looks like that too when live at the Grove – always playing on the edge with the midfield 3 and when the ball is lost, a huge gap is immediately exploited! I’m not having a go at Song, but whenever he loses the ball, as Denilson used to do, he’s invariably the last defender and the counter attack immediately exposes our back line with support on the wings! Man U do it brilliantly with Rooney everytime and Chelsea will try the same on Saturday I’m sure! If the central defensive midfielder thinks “caution & defend” and only goes forward when there is clear disciplined support behind, I really think that we would not lose as many goals on the counter! If the defensive midfielder wants to be a creative ball player too, like Song clearly aspires to be, then he must have one of 3 attributes at least: 1. Have great pace to recover when he loses the ball (Coquelin can certainly do that); 2. See a pass and get rid of the ball far quicker so that you never get caught (again Coquelin can do that); 3. Be able to beat a man with a trick or a drop of the shoulder over 5 yards (yet again, Coquelin can do that)!
Don’t get me wrong, I think Song’s great but if he’s to become “world-class”, he needs to be less ponderous on the ball and understand that preventing a goal (his primary task in the midfield) is as good as creating one! This is especially the case when I don’t actually think that we are any nearer to being as good at retaining the ball in very tight positions as Barcelona are!
Regarding the George Graham era, I’m pretty sure our style of play would be far less endearing to watch and certainly not as entertaining! But one thing’s for sure; everyone would know exactly what their defensive jobs are meant to be with and without the ball!
All of this is just IMHO of course! ๐
tabs @ 175, you and Zico make me ๐ so hard ๐
Some good stuff, as ever ‘holics.
Only you lot change my mind….very occasionally ๐
Wind, too much information, thank you ๐
Mr Barman, too much information how? ๐
I’m just saying they make me laugh a lot, ‘Pressure in the box is fine as long as youโre not open at the back. ;)’ Comedy Gold Boss, Comedy Gold.
Maybe the ๐ on the end of 182 was a bit too much… ๐ณ
KingsVeryKross @83 –
Tabs @109 –
ALester @somewhere (lost count) –
all good posts.
KVK – I am in West Upper too and have to agree with everything you said about the crowd last night.
After AW and RvP made such a big deal about how great the crowd has been lately, I thought they lost patience far too quickly.
Walcott did have one of those ‘drives you mad’ games last night, and it is clear from the very limited options that Ramsey is taking that he is devoid of confidence at the moment.
But having taken 27 of 30 possible points, I think anyone in the squad is deserving of far better support.
DanC – @181
I know what you mean about Alex Song but he, like RvP, has also played almost every game as far as I can remember.
He can be a bit ponderous and I wonder if he is a natural defender. Correction, I’m fairly sure he is not a natural defender. But he does contribute a huge amount to holding the ball in the middle of the pitch, and normally is an excellent passer just outside the opposition box.
I think he is probably feeling the strain of being the only viable option in his position for most of the season, due to Coquelin’s injuries, and Frimpong’s loans and injuries.
He uses a lot of strength in the course of a game and takes a lot of knocks too. Let’s hope he has enough left in the tank for the last four games.
Any news on Arteta ??
Evening Trev.
What on earth are we going to do Saturday without Arteta?
Still can’t work it out. Put Aaron in the firing line? I suspect he will. Unless Diaby can give us an hour…
Wind – naughty step, now !
Evening ‘Holic.
I don’t know, hence my enquiry.
Aaron looks a bit shot to me at the moment – lacking a yard of pace and very reluctant to try much that’s really positive in case it doesn’t come off.
Personally, I might try Song and Rosicky in midfield with The Ox just in front of them.
Rosicky is chasing and tackling like a demon, and I think The Ox deserves a chance to start. Last night he seemes to be trying a touch too hard ‘cos he was basically brought on as the rescue act with about 15 minutes to go.
@ And Lester
With my own eyes I agree with much of what you’re saying….although I think other teams are ‘having a go’ at us much more than in years past too. From my eyes I think Kos has been the better player (defender at least) than TV this season (minus the goalscoring threat)…Sagna is at his very peak I’d guess. Left back I’m not convinced….
Our goalie could become one of the very best. I’m sure.
Does Per + Kos with TV as a holding MF not make sense….TV is good running with the ball…great pace…good in the air…two footed….
I would pick Song, TR, OX or Song, Diaby, TR.
Aaron needs a rest from this season. He’s become the new AA and it’s destroying him.
@ Tim – much of that sounds fair enough. Personally i wouldn’t want to switch TV to the middle of the park though. He presses all the right buttons for me defending in and around our box, shutting off attacking channels and winning most of the aerial battles etc. early on, and so sending out a strong signal to any side that there’s not even a remote chance that we’ll be turned over easily … TV set to stay CB – i reckon.
Trev @ 189, ๐ฎ
Snir @ 192. agreed. And maybe Benayoun should of played the full 90 mins regarding the fact that he can’t play on Saturday, Ramsey could of had a good few days rest to be prepped for Saturday although no-one foresaw Mikel’s injury.
‘Holic, now I understand with hindsight and clarity, I was talking about my 182 but you were talking about ‘that’ post, apologies, lets leave it at that Boss ๐
apologies for the punfest Tim – it’s what happens to me whenever Trev Brighton and Hoves in to view…
Still – having said that – re TV – those are my views. Though can’t see why AW couldn’t give TV license to be a bit more creative going forward as you suggest
Thank you fellow ‘holics for your compliments, high praise indeed, I feel honoured. I try to call it like I see it and not unlike our fine host, I don’t believe in finger pointing or piling all the blame on one particular aspect/player in/of our squad. As has been said before, we win as a team, we lose as a team.
tabs, once again it looks like we’re singing from the same hymn sheet, I may be a little out of tune though. ๐
Tim. The Mercs have scored more goals then any other team and have conceded less, yet they are not top of the pile, go figure???
‘holic. Nail on the head. Our biggest challenge at this moment is how we will cope without MA. Aaron is the natural replacement, so it’s time for all the BBB’s and scapegoat seekers to get behind him and support rather then bitch.We can make the difference.
I maybe going against the grain here, but I think Robben is a great player (briliant for Oranje) he used to be a diving cheating monkey boy Bale, but he seems to have cut that out of his game lately. Don’t underestimate how good a player he is.
I’m free tomorrow, so there’s a shot on the bar for whoever choses to join me.
Cheers.
Trev @186, Holic @188,
I agree with your view on fatigue regarding both Song and, in particular, Robin – both have certainly been exhibiting it in abundance of late. Just 4 more matches and they can rest; but with the Euros, I’m pretty worried about Robin for next season! Quality back-up in IPodolski and another, possibly Joel Campbell once he finally gets his work permit, would be invaluable for early and throughout next season!
Regarding the Chel$ki cunts on Saturday: Ox to replace Aaron; Gerv to replace Benny; Gibbs for Santos; Kos for Djourou. If we press well and keep it tight on the flanks during their counter and in the middle of the park in front of the central defenders following their inevitable long-ball tactic to Dogbreath, we should have enough creation and pace to out-score them. Mata is the only creation they’ve got so if he’s shut out and made to play deep to get the ball, all should go well! I can also foresee AOC setting our attacking tempo and playing the Arteta role well alongside TR7 with his usual sharp movement, but Song must remain very disciplined in his defensive duties; aswell as the central defenders and fullbacks!
Pace, pressure, concentration and calculated directness must be the key attributes, similar to the mauling of the LWCs, and if we get that, we’ll have 3rd place and the title of “no.1 London club” all but sewn-up with a subsequent result at that cunt Pulis’ back yard! ๐ COYBG
A small dram yet again tonight please bar-keep but just the cheap stuff! I’ll sort ya oot amorow! Cheers & goodnight!
H2H @ 196, you deserve it mate ๐
Dan C @197. nice idea, + Mata will have been run ragged trying to cope with B*rca today, but I know in my heart that Ramsey will feature in the Chelsea game at one point, I can only hope he’s ready.
Chamakh throwing his gloves to the ground in frustration on Monday was worrying also, he might get a run-out at 70 mins or so to placate him until the summer.
Double century assist?
Nice one, Wind Man. ๐
I could say the same 8ball, wasn’t expecting the easy assist, DanC played me through ๐
2 for 2 on assists, and with that I retire, have a good night all.
@176: GT, it’s rare but I’ve seen Arsene’s team go through tactical changes during games. Seems to happen mostly in the Champions League though. Besides that (to my untrained eye) it does seem like the way we play the game does not reflect the opposition in the Premiership. Or maybe it is because my eye is untrained I can’t see the phases of play?
@196: H2H, I’ll grab a shot with ya. Will you be drinking all day then?
Regarding Robben, great player but not sure if he would be a hit with us. Doesn’t he have beef with Robin? Also remember him choking Mueller at Bayern a while back, may not be the best for team morale signing a primadonna.
@200: Well in for the 200 8ball! Was that your first non-self-assisted century? ๐
GT – they said they only want one to talk so I did it.
They did say Up the Arse but it was edited along with my shout out to the holics at the bar!!
Snir, I can’t see the video as I’m in work and my home computer has a virus. Will it be on the Arsenal video podcast this week or just the Arsenal website?
Re: CoR @203. I beg your pardon? ๐
CoR – It is on the Arsenal website, isn’t it? I mean, isn’t Arsenal Player considered the Arsenal website?
Don’t really know about the Vodcast but it should be on Arsenal 360 this Friday.
The hard way it is, then:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ADKUG50P30
CoR @ 203: The only other team that dominated games like us were the great Liverpool sides of the 80’s. They were very tactical in how they would play. For example when teams try to sit back (like Wigan did) the would often lob the ball into their half to draw them out. Their forwards were masters at holding up the ball for their runners coming through. They also had great wingers like John Barns who had very good close control and could carry the ball into the penalty area where they always had 3 or 4 players available for a cross. I don’t know why our team loves the ‘eye-of-the-needle’ pass so much. In games like last night’s I wanted to see us attack the box with four players. Hit the fucking ball. Try to get to the byline and cut it back. Hits low crosses to the feet of anyone (there is nothing that unnerves a defender more than a hard low ball to their feet (not their legs, or thighs, nor the chest, or definitely not high so that they can head it away – hit it straight at their feet and be ready to feed off their panic…..how many games have united won via scrambled goals late in games when the opposition has been defending for 80+ minutes?
@206: 8ball, I’m just jealous of success ๐
@207: Hey Snir, I can’t access the videos on Arsenal website in work or at home but if the video is featured on the Arsenal vodcast this week then hopefully I can update my Ipod and be able to check it out. Did you sing on camera?
@209: GT, I agree we should mix it up a bit. It seems to me that the Boss gets the players ready but when they get on the pitch they decide how they should approach the match and what attacking techniques they employ during the match.
Earlier when you were talking about players going through phases of play though, I thought you were referring to way the team approached the Arsenal v Liverpool 1989 title decider where the phases were decided beforehand and changes were visible to onlookers. Arsenal were supposed to get to half time scoreless, then up the tempo and score as soon as they could after half time, then sit back and defend, then try to score the second goal near the final minutes. I guess a definitive game plan…
[pressed send to soon!]
…not just different ways of attacking the opposition.
If that’s what you meant, then I feel like I do see some of that depending on how strong the opposition is.
A lot of times, it feels like we believe our abilities will get us through 90% of the opposition that stand before us and we employ specific tactics for 10% of the opposition we face…
Wind
I think EVERYONE is talking about your @182 post!!
Shocked me over my coffee this morning! ๐
I just read Wind’s post at 182!
Did somebody feed him Sodium Pentathol or something? ๐
So a certain team are celebrating 51 years in the shade?
Happy Anniversary window-lickers. ๐
Just had a look at 182
Massive heh! ๐
@ 213
Nothing to do with me, despite what he says ๐
It would appear that Zico and Tabs were the suppliers.
That does present a more satisfactory explanation.
Heh, ah Zico, the Lord of Mischief ๐
I woke up thinking today would be a better day. But less than 5km from work, the gearbox broke down and I had to do the rest of the journey in first gear.
How come my car passed the MOT a couple of weeks ago?
I am thoroughly depressed now.
Morning all.
Ollie,
cars are the bane of my life.
Especially at 1am, after a night on the Pivo.
Takes me all my time and concentration not to bounce off them – god knows what they are doing driving on the pavement! ๐
Piston broke?
There’s a coincidence.
DanC – Nice posting but Santos IN ๐
Dr. z – They be window-licking, shadow-dwellers forever, ooh-arr.
Ollie – F*ckity-f*ck! Do you know a good mechanic? ๐
Ollie.
Your personel life really does coincide with going ons at the Grove. The team couldn’t shift up a gear this week either.
Sorry, couldn’t resist it.
CoR, drinking all day is my profession and hobby. ๐
Now Grasshopper @182 , a word to the wise .
In a six word sentence in which 5 of the words are “you make me so hard” , it’s probably best not to substitute a symbol for the all important sixth word . People might get the wrong end of the stick , comprendez compadre ?
Flattered though , so thank you , and Wolfie is positively skipping around the gaffe this morning ๐
Here endeth the lesson .
No I don’t, TS.
And I’ll wait tomorrow to see what I can do, not in the mood today.
I was considering changing car soon, but thought with MOT done and a summer ahead it wasn’t the time yet.
Obviously there are no MG garages in France anymore either. Oh well.
MG? You star. Weirdly I have an MG garage under my clinic!! Not much use to you though!
Ollie, on behalf of the UK, I apologise for our automotive products, although that brand is now owned by the PRC ๐
Patient Wind
Please report to the Quackery. Nurse Wolfie seems very keen to see you.
Must be something about carpentry. I didn’t know she had a hobby other than speedoes, but she keeps talking about “examining your wood”
I’ll leave you in her hands. I’m off on shopping with DanC. He’s going to introduce me to his tweed stockist. Happy days.
Ollie , get yourself a ban , takes all the angst away .
“I’m sorry Officer , but I was just way too pissed to walk .”
*Disclaimer :The above does not in any way condone drink-driving* ๐
You need never worry about a gear-box* on the Happy Train.
* The Gear Box is of course just another word for the Columbian Medicine Cabinet.
heh, tabs.
I have to say TS, I had a couple of serious problems in the first few months, when it was still under warranty (the company still existed then), but then nearly 8 years of no major problem.
Shit was bound to happen one day. Still mightily annoyed.
haha, nice one zico!
Mr C , what a day it promises to be in the Quackery today .
Can’t say that I’m normally in favour of battling against a stiff Wind , but I think today , I’ll make an exception .
Heh@230
Take care, nurse, I’ve heard that hurricanes can blow your socks off.
Of course, that may appeal…
But, then again, you might be disappointed.
After all, an ill Wind blows no good…
oh dear – heavy-heart – hear Atetetetaaaa! has ligament damage…shite for saturday and beyond, sadly. Bollox!Bollox!Bollocky-bollox!
Hehs @234 and 235 ๐
Bad news indeed AL . Gotta link ? There doesn’t appear to be anything on Pravda .
I do not like the new Online Box Office.
It shows blocks where seats may be available, indiscriminately, and then you can pick.
But all these ‘tickets available through Tx’ seem unavailable.
Until yesterday, I could see tickets available on Tx on a generic stadium-wide basis, they looked fewer but at least they were REALLY available.
I am also guessing that for next season it means that when I want to book several seats together I have to try and find seats this way.
Which will make it harder.
Cunts.
Customers wanting customer service.
Cunts.
haha OBO
Not looking forward to ticket hell next season now.
TGB = CMC? ๐
zico @230 – heh!
Catalan – “an MG garage under the clininc”
does that mean you’re now a caropractor ? Just wondered ๐
Ollie – sadly the MoT is a test of safety – not reliability. Not that you wanted to hear that, of course ๐
AL – great set of TV puns – any more of this nonsense and ‘Holic will start screening out our posts – hasn’t a remote chance of stopping us though.
TGB is junkie slang for the CMC ๐
And by “junkie” I mean HT customers!
Well I did know that indeed, Trev.
Heh Dr C.
Have ordered extra supplies of bromide for our errant youngster, and will ask Ollie, with his networky jiggery pokery skills, to remotely disable the lad’s keyboard.
I think SZCZ may have stolen stuff from the CMC/GB.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/-lukasz-is-the-best-no-2-in-the-country-
Splendid plan Mr T. Although nurse Wolfie will be upset.
Pass on a “heh” to Trev for the caropractor joke!
Fabianski is the best No.2 in the country ?
Then why the f*ck didn’t he play there when Sagna and Jenkinson were crocked ?
Upset ???? Absolutely livid !!!!
Put my best dress on especially .
It is at times like this that I take succour from the advice given from my many sailor friends around the globe – never count on a hard wind !
*throws some cutlery and goes to sulk in the corner*
A pass on a ‘heh!’ – the ultimate accolade ๐
Controlling a stiff Wind is a breeze around here . . .
All hot air as far as I’m concerned Mr T .
Caropractor. Heh.
Heh @ 249.
Heh, at life.
hehs at all
I think that Flappy really is a bit number two
Dear Diary
It has been some time since my last confession.
Roxette has removed all the cutlery from the house after a bout of blunt gouging merely resulted in bruising one, death nil. Does this mean that worse is to come? (Squillaci for example?)
Itโs not all bad though as the smug academic, momentarily in charge of the Happy Train, has had the smile brusquely removed from his face. An unexpected defeat and lo and behold, the usual depressing drongos clamber out from under their rocks, all on the Professorโs watch. Edwin of course, he’s too nice. How I long for the bloody, gratuitously violent, days of Carlos.
Of course, it is only a matter of time before โthe peopleโ start to clamour for the return of #FF โ the ubiquitous Feelgood Factor. It will happen before the end of the season. I’m sure of it.
Before then, I am hoping to survive the night-of-the butter-knives.
Saturday will take care of itself โ itโs the subsequent trip to cunt-cuntry, i.e. Stoke, that fills me with dread โ I have a feeling that I am going to have to use chopsticks.
Got to go โ have a brick wall to run through.
Self-harmingโs not all glory, you know.
So, our midfield injury crisis deepens: Coquelin, Wilshere, Diaby and Arteta.
And some still think that we shouldn’t sign Bevin?
Think Bevin is a left winger Dr Z , rather than a midfield player .
Heh @night of the long butter knives ๐
I say put Bevin in centre-mid.
He is amphibian. Or ambidextrous. Or something.
He kicks with either foot. Bit like you Wolfie. ๐
Multiple heys to the usual suspects. Trev @ 190 re the use of the Ox. Your’re 100% spot on. He should start this game or be brought on at the beginning of the 2nd half. My preference is for him to start. He needs some time to get it going. A thought about Santos, he needs to remember his defensive duties, but I love seeing him going forward. This fella has goals in him, just know it.
So what do we want tonight, then ‘Holics?
A demoralising 5 nil rogering, or a tight contest that leaves the unwashed thinking they still have a chance at the Camp Nou, thus distracting them on Saturday?
Personally, I can’t decide. A few injuries before Saturday wouldn’t go amiss, to level out our missing Arteta at least.
If not, can I have the consolation of John Terry’s head exploding, live, on not-pay-per-view television?
Zico, Been looking forward to this game. Barca owes us a couple of favors, time to collect.
Catalan @ 212, CoR @ 213, Harsha @ 215, you guys are mean! ๐
Zico @ 216, should I be worrying about what goes in my drinks? ๐
tabs @ 224, kill me now… ๐ณ
Dr C @ 228, to the Quackery eh? Well you’ll have to drag me there kicking and screaming! *watches out for sedating needles*
Wolfie/Dr C @ 233/234&235, Stiff Wind? No fear, I summon the power of Anders Limpar… ๐
Mr T @ 246, so that’s what’s going to go in my drinks eh… Br2. How convenient, as I’m currently in a Chemistry lab 8) I’ll tell you this on the situation, I do Bromind ๐
And also, do you or any of you know why I’m called Wind? Because I, AND my keyboard, are always on the move ๐
The Barman will attest to this I think ๐
Woflie @ 250, Nice Half Century, but I dare say your ‘talents’ will be put to better use on Mikel ๐
Mr T/Wolfie @ 252/253, if you’re not careful, you’ll get blown away… 8) (And for anyone with a dirty mind, so that’s pretty much all of you, not ‘That’ Way, ok?) ๐
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/friendly-arsenal-xi-1-oman-0-match-report
A goalkeeping error? I wish that other Oman ‘keeper had made one on Monday….
I see Diaby played one half, so maybe he can play a part on Saturday.
Wind, if you’re anyhing like me (face it, who is?), you should always be worrying what goes in your drinks.
You don’t want someone serving up that alcohol-free shit for a start. ๐
Nurse Abb, Barca probably still owe us for TH14!
Interested to see how the great-white-hope, Cahill, will cope with the quick one-twos around the penalty box…..potential for carnage.
And its not even #FFF yet… ๐
Paranoia’s only good in healthy doses Dr Z ๐
Wolfie,
You have male. ๐
Wind, The thought of you in a chemistry lab right know is a bit disturbing. Still, not sure why the fellas are being so hard on you. Not a clue.
@ 265
I think AW may well gamble on Abou and start him on Saturday, given the limited options available.
Feck, Monday still in the system. Lend me a fork……
Sigh ‘now’ in case you didn’t know.
We can confirm that no approach has yet been made from Arsenal FC regarding the availability of Bevin.
abb,
you lost me.
You’re not the first ๐
Have replied Dr Z .
Right off to see Chelski get their classless Arses tanned .
Longish sigh, Zico, see 270.
Learned friends and shysters @ 273
Your client holds all the cards just now.
But we may turn our attention to Bevis (or Butthead) or both. Be warned.
abb,
I am sorry. Must have my hard of thinking head on but still haven’t a clue.
This puzzle is almost as hard as wind was earlier….. allegedly.
Yep, it’s a hard one.
Just like my life. Got a fork on you?
Dr Z, Soft with the Ladies, Hard with the Men. That’s what Frimpong says anyway ๐ ๐
Trev, if Dr C had his practice above a pen shop, would that have made him a Biropractor?
Or, above a shop for farm vehicles, a chirotractor?
Or above the Dole Office – a Giropractor?
Probably go over the heads of our non-British contingent ๐
@ 279
Sure it wasn’t Wolfie who said that?
51 years ago today….
I see Diaby played one half, so maybe he can play a part on Saturday.
He got a knock on the same ankle again Ollie ๐
Aw, fuck. thanks for the info though ‘holic.
Not every non-Brit, zico – I got it ๐
Well Lars, you’re kind of adopted, you know that.
What do you want tonight re my query @ 262?
Hope you all realize that it should be Arsenal out there, the glory, the pagentry and Robin on the flag.Pep and Wenger shaking hands. Not hubris or wishful thinking. When they’re all fit, our lads could take em.
Zico @ 279, Frimpong knows ๐
Zico @ 282*, Frimpong knows ๐
Re 262, I want as many Chelsea players to be as tired as possible and for them to get a result that will still make them think they can win next week in the hope that that will a) make a few of their players focus more on next week than on Saturday and b) make Di Matteo rest a player or two. Players like Drogba, Lampard and Terry (who all played 90 mins on Sunday and will, I assume, start tonight) are prime candidates for resting on Saturday if Chelsea are still in with a chance for next week.
Terry won’t start on Saturday if his head explodes though…..
That’s true, zico.
Lars, do you REALLY want Terry not to start on saturday?
I want him to start and be made to look as ridiculous as he eventually was at the Bus Stop.
hehs @ Feelgood, Lars, zico.
Abb @261 – “The Ox . . . . . he needs some time to get it going.”
Is he going to fix Ollie’s car, abb ?
Re the Chavs: nice tight game up to 85 minutes, chasing the ball like Zico round the Sainsbury’s checkouts, then implosion and a completely demoralising 4 goal volley to physically and mentally destroy them.
That’s for me ๐
zico – Would probably be wise not to mention ‘rogerings’ around the bar at the moment ๐
I want what Lars said too. Why can’t I have everything ?
Is an Egyptian back specialist a Cairopractor ?
I’m off before I self assist ๐
Heh @298
Or if you are above a Greek kebab shop you could be a Gyropractor.
Whopee, my long shot went in off the post!
Or, if you tend to draw things out and make them take longer than neccessary and stall things so they take longer than they should have if you didn’t waste a lot of time beating around the bush, would that make you a chiroprotractor?
How ironic that the team that coined the phrase “park the bus” have put a big fucking double decker on their own 18 yard line…..
Did they coin that phrase? When was that? Was it Mourinho, perhaps?
Yeah – it was him.
So true, Zico. Grogba being given the business. Puyol a real workhorse.
Evening Gents, I see Bus Stop cunts are the new Stoke! Long throws and long balls! Pathetic! Come on Barca – knacker the geriatrics out for us on Saturday then muller them next week at the Nou Camp towards your finals defeat against Bayern! Sweet as….! ๐
Cesc misses a sitter – feck he’s shit! ๐
Wind @182, 199, 202, 279, ๐
I kind of agree mate but I hope Ramsey’s only allowed to play as back-up for the remainder of the season so that he, and Chamahk if he stays, can prepare for the next campaign with a good pre-season! I’m sure they’ll work “very hard” from back to front! ๐
Hope what I’m hearing about Diaby’s true and he can play an influential cameo on Saturday and beyond for the remainder of the season; especially as we’ve lost Arteta for what appears to be the next 2 important matches against the biggest cunts in the EPL!
SG @204,
Hee hee! No wonder! ๐
GT @209,
Good points mate!
Ollie @219,
Sorry to hear that mate! Self-drive sucks! ๐
iStorey @222,
Santos maybe mate! How about as left midfield with Gibbsy behind if Gerv’s playing shit again?!
Tabs @224, 249,
๐
Mr C @228,
Heehee! You’re welcome mate but be prepared to have a rather effeminate bloke touch our inner thigh! Better not let Wind come along as there’s already plenty of hard-wood on Saville Row! ๐
Wolfe @233,
Heehee! ๐
Lars,
Nice triple century! Silky assist Zico! ๐
Lars @291,
Fully concur!
What the heck is going on here!
Dogbreath! Feckin’ cunt! That’s what happens when you miss 2 sitters Cesc!
Well, Chelsea are 1-0 up at half time, but they have had to do a lot of running. At times it was quite comical when all the Barca players were more or less walking and just passing the ball around, making the whole Chelsea team run back and forth. Chelsea will need a lot of luck (which they may well have got, I’m not sure Messi will return to the pitch – that slip looked quite nasty and he lost the ball remarkably easy before the goal) to win this.
Messi off colour tonight so far and comical defending by Barcelona – watch Puyol and Mascherano both running toward Ramirez and leaving Drogba…..
Could Drogba be any more bloody objectionable? Playacting, crying, going down at the slightest touch like he’s been hit by a sniper – what a pathetic bloody big ugly lump he is.
Well they’re in it now – more chance they’ll run themselves ragged…
Horrible !*%*s.
That was the second coming that was – I was absolutely sure that Drogbunt had been fatally injured at least 5 times, as well as intentionally crippled six further times in 45 minutes – but it was not true – before he showed that he had been guilty of simulation 11 times in this half
Today is 51 years since T*tts won the league .
Look at the Holic Bar and all laugh at Spurs.
zico, that “defending” was not very good, to say the least.
Hee hee ๐ ๐ ๐
Tactical genius, Matteo, apparently.
Feck, football punditry in this country…..
Can’t keep Messi down!
Lars, I can’t see Drogba starting Saturday. How is Torres record against us, when he played for Liverpool?
Happy anniversary tiny totts….
that’s a bloody long time innit?
Chelsea to win 2-0 and be really focused on the away leg please and thank you. If they win the cup doesn’t that kills the spuds hopes of CL football even if they finish 4th? Can someone confirm that?
Zico @313,
And if that was us, you’d never hear the end of it!
Without Messi’s destabilising runs and threat, Barca are a tippy-tap side!
CB @316,
Heeheehee! Fantastical LWCs! ๐
abb, don’t really know but I remember him scoring a few goals against us for LFC.
Tim: if the team that wins the CL is not otherwise qualified for next season, they take the place of the team that finished in their league’s last qualifying position, which in the PL is of course fourth place.
thanks Lars….
would we take that if it kept the totts out of Europe? Tough call….hate em both
and of course raises the importance of us finishing 3rd….fucking Wigan
Tim @322,
Yep it does but it’d be a feckin’ disaster! No way can a bunch of cunts like them be the first London side to win Europe’s premier competition!
Gunning for the Geordies to finish 4th even though Pardew is a massive cunt!
horrible options then….
and Barca continue to find ways not to score…..
I feel a bit sick
Tim, if we finish third I can honestly say I don’t really give a flying fuck what happens in fourth and below ๐
Have to say though that the injury to Arteta worries me like hell, I am not at all as confident any more that we can make third place ours ๐
One match at a time Lars….the other contenders are all going to drop more points I’d wager
If Barca was us, you’d never hear the end of it! One dimensional and tippy-tappy! Not easy when there’s a 300 million quid geriatric bus parked in front of you! How the hell can Chel$ki fans enjoy watching this kind of non-entertaining garbage?! Embarrassing for English football!
“if we finish third I can honestly say I donโt really give a flying fuck what happens in fourth and below”
Actually, let me rephrase that:
“If we finish third it would be quite hilarious if Sp*rs finish fifth or sixth but I am not focusing on that – give us third place and I am perfectly happy with that”.
Lars @329,
We will finish 3rd and the Spuds 4th, unfortunately!
Lars, Thanks. Very worrying about Arteta, but what can we do. Have to go for 3rd place with what we”ve got. Ox has to start!!!
Nice comb-over Meireles! ๐
See, This is where Barca miss David Villa
Watching this match has now shown just what we are missing to be world-beaters; a player that isn’t afraid to take on men in the middle of the field. Ox can certainly do that, as I hope he will do on the weekend, or Eden Hazard in the Summer transfer window! Barca wihout Messi – good side! Barca with Messi – Excellent side!
Cesc very poor tonight!
Tactics for Saturday? Get stuck into the bastards! Go for their legs and make them afraid to miss the CL 2nd leg (0;
Well they won.
They still look like the worst team left in the competition. Ashley Cole was very impressive for them tonight.
Oh, and Adrian Chiles sounds like he has just deposited some jizz in his underpants.
DanC: but Cesc was played in a very strange way. In the first half he was on the left of the front three, and for a good few minutes of the second half he was in the middle of the front three. Why, when you are up against a parked bus, do you play one of the best passers in the world in those positions?
Still, Barca should have won this by about three clear goals. One off the bar, one off the post, one cleared off the line and two sitters missed.
zico@339: they certainly do look like the worst team left and they were really, really lucky not to concede three or four tonight. However, the geriatrics still know how to park the bus and if they can fluke an away goal then Barca will have to score three and may well choke.
GT @338,
Spot on! Let’s get stuck in!
Zico @339,
Heeheehee! ๐
Lars @340,
That’s pretty much where he’s been played all season in La Liga where he’s scored plenty of goals and he said in a pre-match interview that that’s how he would have liked to be used!
With Xavi still very much part of the first team and this new boy Thiaggo, it still begs the question, just why did he leave us to go and play in a side where he’s actually quite surplus to requirements at ths time? It’s exactly the same scenario he’s in with Spain. When Villa comes back from his leg injury, I’m pretty sure he’ll go ahead in the pecking order over Cesc!
With all that said, football ,wrt the beautiful game, was again killed tonight by a side made up from players that cost nearly the half yearly GDP of a small developing nation! Embarrassing!
But of course, the whole English footballing media will inevitably be ejaculating everywhere over the next week or so! Wankers!
Regarding Jack’s season long injury; could this perhaps be why he’s not recovering fully?
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=pepsi%20advert%20wishere&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CBwQtwIwAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dosw7s31BDwc&ei=GiePT7W1OdO08QOu9K20Cw&usg=AFQjCNFRmXeDO5bM86hoX1JHdp_Mncz9oQ
Rest up wee lad, rest up!
DanC,
Adrian has gone first – refer again # 339
Zico @345,
Oohh, and you could see what Roy Keane was thinking by the look on his face! :-/
Very nice Kebab Triple Century Lars, I want one now ๐
That prompts me, anyone know a good, no great Kebab shop around the Ems/Finsbury Park? Wanna do it properly the next time I go to a match (^o^)
Dan C @ 307, feck off!, very cheeky mate ๐
Tim @ 327, I have a feeling that its Arsenal’s destiny to be the 1st London Club to win the Champions League, the Bus Stop lot won’t win it, I don’t even think they’ll go through to the Final.
Lars @ 332, I think we’ll finish 3rd and the Geordies will sneak 4th somehow. Personally, the only way Chelsea are playing in Europe’s top tier or maybe at all is if they win the Champions League, and they haven’t got the stuffing in ’em to do that.
Chavs did well. Fffffff………….
DanC @337 – Cesc reminded me of the Cesc who left us and I kept thinking that the current Rosicky is doing better for us now than he did in his last two years.
What Messi does is a gift. Maybe the OX can grow in to it but that is a long shot. As for him starting arsabeatbarca @334 he is not the messiah. Since the United game he has tried too hard when on the ball and lost it a few too many times. He is still young and not ready to shape a game. He is however a class act to bring off the bench for impact.
IMO Aaron needs to start, use his fantastic work rate and just get and give the ball. This is what we will miss with Arteta out – a water carrier of the highest class who keeps the team ticking over. An absolute essential for the way we play football.
Quite right Cesc. You do look a far better player now?????? You looked world class tonight son????
Must say that I will settle for anywhere in the top 4 after the season we have had. Then sit down and re build from there.
Just saying.
Be better to miss a CL qualifier though Steve by finishing 3rd – for all sorts of reasons.
Massive game on Saturday.
Don’t want to set off a panic, but fourth won’t get Champions League football if the unthinkable happens this season.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
KingsVeryCross, Hi. No the Ox is not there yet. But I really believe he is utilized better when he starts a match. He is forward thinking (no pun intended). Just imagine the chaos he can create in front of goal. If he can out maneuver even one or two defenders the whole match and create goal scoring opportunities doing it, he’s done his job.
Wind @347,
Wouldn’t you better with a large post-match Savloy or two! ๐
KingsVC @348, Steve T @349,
Agree mates! Cesc’s biggest weakness, IMHO, is, and will always be his lack of pace over 5 yards and quickness of foot on defender-losing turns! Xavi, Silva and even Mara are better at that, whilst TR7 has it in abundance! Cesc has regressed and not advanced since his transfer!
A wee dram please bar-keep before an early night! Bonne nuit ร tous!