A Time For Looking Back – Thanks Pat
May 4th, 2012 by 'holic
It wasn’t quite the best of seasons, it wasn’t quite the worst of seasons. With apologies to some old geezer who knew how to string words together, I find myself penning one of my least favourite posts of any season.
The match against Norwich will bring down the curtain on another season at Ashburton Grove, and frustratingly it will not bear witness to the clinching of anything significant, although of course Sunday could still be quite a day for the followers of one particular Saint’s day.
Although it will not give us any degree of finality to the season, it looks like being the final home outing for at least a couple of people at opposite ends of the ‘servants of Arsenal’ spectrum. I hope we will make sure both depart the stadium tomorrow with only the fondest thoughts of the club, and more importantly those who follow it.
I have already published a pictorial tribute to one of Arsenal’s finest servants. Word is that this will be his final season. It’s Betty time. I have written many posts about my favourite Arsenal moments down the years, and Pat Rice was there for almost every one of them. I hope even those who have least understood his contribution to the institution we all adore will sing his name out loud and proud tomorrow. Thanks for everything Pat.
At the other end of the scale it is looking like Yossi Benayoun will not be back after his loan period ends this summer. As the season progressed the Israeli skipper found himself watching on from the sidelines rather more than he might have expected when he signed up for a one year loan on deadline day. On his rare early outings he never gave less than a hundred percent, but his true value emerged when he started the North London derby in February.
In the last couple of months he has established himself as a key member of the starting eleven. He has set an example to those around him with his energy, his enthusiasm, and we have reaped the benefit of his experience. That’s a lot of e’s! If your future does lie elsewhere Yossi, thanks for your contribution to us hopefully securing that third place finish.
The walk of appreciation at the final whistle will also prompt the pessimistic to speculate about the future of the skipper. I will not add to that speculation. Robin is clearly more emotionally tied to the club than those who departed a year ago, and the club are sending out signals that they are preparing to risk him going into the final year of his contract, with all that entails. When you consider the purchase price and likely salary demands of a replacement of similar stature, there is some sense in that approach.
All that remains therefore is the critical gain of three points. In that event Manchester City and Aston Villa could seal the deal for us on Sunday, but that has to be an outside possibility. We have to be prepared to secure the final six points available to us, regardless of results elsewhere, to ensure our own destiny. With Abou Diaby the only absentee from last weekend I would expect to see an unchanged starting eleven tomorrow.
It would be easy to say that should be strong enough against a Norwich side who have earned safety this season, but have fallen away in their last couple of outings. So inconsistent have we been, and such a scalp would we be for the East Anglians, that we will need to come out prepared to press high for ninety minutes, to aim to produce our fluid swift-passing best. We need to see it twice more in just over a week. It’s fresh legs going into a not exhausting final eight days with that blasted handbrake well and truly off please lads.
The ‘holic pound has to be planted on something offering a decent return to cover all of those blank weeks of late. I have to believe that what is at stake will bring out the ruthless best in Arsenal, and I’m somewhat hopefully planting my coin on a 4-1 home win, albeit at a disappointing 14/1. That is not intended to show any disrespect to the quality of the visitors, but if we get our A game going, we should be ok.
So that is it for another preview. One more remains this season. If you are at the Grove tomorrow please bellow out your appreciation for the man who has given most of the last 48 years to the service of Arsenal Football Club. Pat Rice, tasty goal (it was at Reading in 1972 and some of us were lucky to be behind that Tilehurst Road end goal), thank you from all of us to whom you have given such pleasure.
Oh, and cheers Yossi.
304 Responses to “A Time For Looking Back – Thanks Pat”
Way hay!
Second!!!
Spot on ‘Holic – left us nothing to add as usual – that’s why we have to keep writing all that other nonsense 😉
Oh, that and we enjoy it.
Actually, I wouldn’t be disappointed if they did offer Yossi another term. He has never given less than 100% – his experience and example to the younger players are a real asset, and with Jack Wilshere’s and Abou Diaby’s fitness far from certain, he could be a valuable member of the squad.
And Pat Rice does indeed deserve a specific mention. Never the most gifted of players, but made up for that by certainly being one of the very hardest working.
Arsenal through and through. Thanks Pat.
I’ll read in a few ‘Holic, just read the first part about Pat and almost got tears in my eyes. What a bare-legged man. Might also be because I had way too many Gin ‘n Grape Tonics.
Anyway, almost feels like a travesty speaking about another club now but watching Blackpool at the moment, and sure as fuck they still like to play some proper football. Hope they go up.
Be back with a proper read through and something more important (erhm…) to say after the game/drink.
Splendid, ‘holic.
Guinness shall be drunk, songs shall be sung for one of my favouritest (need I specify ‘Northern’ to avoid people being offended?) Irishmen ever.
Good to mention Yossi too indeed.
Nice one Holic.
Parting is such sweet sorrow and all that – Pat deserves to enjoy his retirement.
Yossi will be a loss – very much the type of energetic player we need.
See you tomorrow.
What time will you be up, zico?
I remember vividly that Kanu (Papilo) spoke highly of Pat Rice in an interview over here. Great servant to a great club.
Trev, not sure the issue is whether or not we would make Yossi’s move permanent. More that at his age he wants to play. I suspect Podolski’s arrival may close out more opportunities for him to start on the left.
About 4:30.
This assumes I go to bed, of course. 8)
Ouch. Good luck, Dr Z. Think I’m going to bed soon-ish. Only have to wake up at about 7.30 though (but I’m one hour ahead :p).
Goodnight folks, see some of you tomorrow.
One of your best and saddest ever, Holic.
I have the utmost respect for Pat Rice who like Ken Friar dedicated his entire adult life for our club. That is special and I wish I were there to let him know how much I thank him for that.
Danny Graft articulated my thoughts about him in his song.
As for Yossi, I have to say he has never been my favorite as he played for Maccabi Haifa and they are sporting rivals (not local derby rivals like Hapoel Tel-Aviv, but hatred is still there, albeit on a smaller scale).
I have grown to love him as he does the only thing I as a fan can demand from a player week in week out and that is to give his 100% no matter what.
For that I applaud him and I’ll make sure he knows how much he’s appreciated by all of us when I’m in Israel for the summer. A thank you and good luck phone call.
I don’t think we’ll sign him strictly because of the 25 rule. We are currently on 35 with Poldi and I’m assuming AW wants to sign a few more players.
בהצלחה יוסי, תודה על הכל, היית גדול, ואנחנו אוהבים אותך!
Holic, Very moving piece. To be quite honest, between your post and Zico’s in the last set of drinks, there are some tears. This is a bar where the poets shine…Now getting back to Pat. His years of loyal service both on and off the field, will not be forgoten. How difficult it must have been for him to make this decision. And what of Yossi, this is a bit of a shock for me. Holding onto the hope he would stay. Change is constant, something I’m never going to get use to. As for tomorrow, I rather feel the lads will rise to the challenge with a sense of urgency and purpose. And I will cheer them on.
Taxi booked for 7.40 here.
Don’t want to be late.
Also, if anybody reading has a spare lower tier ticket for tomorrow can you get in touch.
Long story, but I cannot get in to get to my seat and the Ticket Office are not being at all helpful.
‘Holic – in a way I hope Poldi’s arrival does close out Yossi’s chances on the left ‘cos that presupposes that RvP will still be in the middle. No malice to Yossi intended there though as he’s done well for us. See you tomorrow Guvnor.
TS, Tabs and Zico – hehs from yesterday 🙂
And Zico, superb summing up of the season too.
Speaking of Blackpool, I think part of my fondness of them actually comes from something so silly as a thermos.
https://skitch.com/drostan/82bej/arsblack-055.jpg
I’m drunk enough to share it with you. Lether-clad and works quite well, and with Ray Daniel (One of few Arsenal players who have played a game with a broken arm) and Stanley Matthews (who need less introduction in this here bar than Ray Daniel I presume!) pictured on it.
Now. To read your post ‘Holic.
Thanks you for writing that ‘Holic. Pat is a true living Arsenal legend and deserves nothing but adulation from all at The HoF tomorrow.
It will certainly be an emotional day, so many things going on in one afternoon not least the importance of bringing home the 3 points. A healthy top-up of the goal difference will almost be like gaining 4.
The most important thing for me tomorrow? To enjoy it from first pre-match pint to saying our goodbyes for another season.
PS: for Dr.z from previous drinks #134. Wonderful stuff!
Cheers all.
PPS: Agree with Snir: “Good luck Yossi, thank you for everything, big ‘something’ and we love you”
Will be giving huge cheers for Pat tomorrow, and you have to love Yossi for this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2vXqUSitnA
Top twenty??
While I don’t usually pull for a cricket score victory — a win’s a win, folks — I think one is in order tomorrow, because goal difference could play a role for 3rd. The one somewhat realistiuc scenario where it could come into play is if Arsenal were to win vs. Norwich and lose out vs. WBA, and either or both of Geordies and Spuds win one and draw the other of their fixtures, drawing level with Arsenal. No problem on g.d. with Newcastle, but Spurs are but one behind. And while Spurs seem to have the upper hand vs. dire Villa and are at home vs. Fulham, they are Spurs after all and a draw vs. either is possible.
So a proper thrashing of the Canaries is a must!
Pat Rice and Yossi Benayoun. Great professionals and nobody can doubt they both gave their all in their admittedly different lengths of service at Arsenal.
Brilliant.
From the last set of drinks: zico, that was a truly magnificent drink. Echoes my feelings 110%.
As usual a great post from the barman. Hope to see as many of you as possible post-match tomorrow – now I need to be off to bed!
Splendid tribute, ‘Holic. In these days of cash and grab, it is fitting to honour loyalty that gets increasingly rarer.
Great post ‘Holic :’)
Pat Rice & Yossi Benayoun eh… I’ll remember their contributions even more when they are no longer with the Arsenal 🙁 Sing your hearts out all who are going tomorrow 🙂
Snir @ 12, well said man.
Zico, have to say, amazing drink @ 134 I think from the last bar but I was at that match against Bolton on that Saturday West Stand Block 19 I think 8) (was also at the Carling Cup 4th Round Game as well Clock End Block 21 on the Tuesday or so, those Park & Arshavin goals seem so long ago) & I think your memory fails you on this occasion (I blame the Guinness), Robin got his 99th & 100th goals for Arsenal on that day, I’m certain of it 🙂 99th was greeted with the usual raucous applause & the murmurings of the Captain potentially getting his 100th started to make themselves heard, when he did get it the stadium jumped up as one with an almighty roar, high-fives and hugs with strangers went flying about as we celebrated for what seems like 5 minutes but was probably only 2 or 3 🙂 *memories* Song got the 3rd to cap off an amazing afternoon, and I went home in happy disbelief at my good fortune to have been there on the day 😀
Nice one ‘holic.
Loyalty like that shown by Pat doesn’t come along often these days. He was there when my brother attended his first match 40 years ago and still there when I attended mine in about 1973. In the days when you knew your first eleven off by heart – Rice and Nelson were as reliable as English rain.
My mum is from Dublin but her loudest cheers when she’d come along to Highbury with me,my Dad and Brother were always reserved for our (rather brilliant) Irish contingent whether they were from the North or South mattered not a bit. Magical to me to think he is still involved with the club, like a name running through a stick of rock a direct link to all of our yesterdays. Pat Rice made his Arsenal debut when I was just 4 months old and bows out now with me inching towards my 45th. That says it all – thank you Pat and may the road of retirement rise to meet you.
Let’s give him a special leaving present eh?
Come on you Reds!
Heard, read & seen d man Pat only as a gunner. He’s more of a gunner than those that left d club 4 reasons we care less about now! Good luck Pat. Ur statue is 4 ever errected in d hearts of those of us that knows d contributions u made 4 our beloved Arsenal. Thanks Pat. Goodluck in ur retirement. And hey……drop by d Emirates sometimes eh! U r 4 everly welcome there.
Uurgh…..stupid alarm clock. 🙁
Well I’m up a little earlier than planned. Suspect I might regret it later. Safe flight, zico!
Peanut butter and jelly! Have a safe trip and a wonderful time!
Played ‘holic – huge pat on the back for the Riceman…
Another big, BIG GAME
I’ll have a treble with Zico
UUUUUURRRRRRRRRReeeeeeeeeeeeeeEEEEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDDSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great post ‘holic. Utmost respect for Pat Rice, an Arsenal man through and through
And cheers Yossi, if indeed it is your last season
Just glossing through the pictorial tribute drinks, it’s nice to see all the regular nutters from a year ago are still here 😉
-through
+over
To the train.
Have a good one, ‘holics.
I raise a glass of red wine and a pint of Guinness in two-fisted appreciation for Pat Rice and Yossi Benayoun.
Great players and magnificent men both of them.
Let’s get stuck into some canaries gooners!
UTA
Grey and miserable. Didcot, not me 😉
To the train indeed.
The Guinness, on the other hand, is gorgeous.
Woke up at 3am when I could have slept another 90 minutes…anticipation for this match?
Fuck…I must be subliminally buying into the third place is a trophy concept…..still…I’m up now. COYR
Aw man, starting to feel like a tense pig.
Heading down to the pub to watch the Arsenal then will probably try to watch the Battle of the Bigots afterwards…Let’s hope for multiple injuries and hilarious own-goals leading to a penalty shootout with one team utterly knackered and devastated….
it’s to late now for any more blips good luck pat legend.
Pat Rice is the epitome of a legend, a one club man, an honourable man and a great servant to our beloved reds.
He was the captain when I started coming to Highbury (regularly) and I’ll never forget him lifting the FA cup at Wembley after that final against IOU.
God bless you sir.
Come on Arsenal. And let’s support them start to finish.
Monumental day Holics !!! It’s do or die time, not for the faint hearted, for sure. Didn’t really sleep, I mean how could you!!! Reading the last few entries tells me I’m not the only one going a bit mental. Come on Arsenal!!!
I’m not worried at all…..
*spits out last reminants of what used to be fingernails*
COYRRR’s
Hey H2H, You too?! Oi vey. Where the heck is Gooner Terry, darn him for boycotting the bar before the match! We could use his sage wisdom about now.
BENNNNNYYYYY
What a start!!!
Sign him up.
Yosssi, Yossi, Dear sweet God, WHAT a GOAL!!!
Good block by Gibbs!
We created loads of chances at Carrow Road. Same should happen today.
norwich scored most headers in the league. so they will be a test.
We gotta be careful, Norwich are going for it.
That’s what I mean…
FUCK.
Don’t believe it!!!
thanks chesney
i think this is his only mistake this season. not happy with our defending. too deep and nervous for some reason, i would play a very high line and press the them hard
Where the fuck is our composure? Our Midfield?
Come on Arsenal….nice early goal and then we get pegged back. Let’s sort it out.
what is going on?
High line with Simeon Jackson is a bad idea….he’s as quick as they come
please wake up lads.
Norwich second in the league with crosses, also.
Tim. we are really not looking good defensively, I don’t know something needs changing
Midfield has no shape – Gervinho and Yossi not tracking back. We’re defending very narrowly and Norwich are using the full width. We’re so high up the pitch that the back four keep being forced into making long passes thus keep giving the ball back to Norwich. Wenger must be going mental.
Un-fucking-believable.
poor so far. they are winning 50/50 balls and running a lot . i hope they wil drop as the game goes on
I wrote that before that second goal….our full backs are getting fucked….
I’ve said it before – fucking Vermaelen needs to defend first – not always been so far forward. Pissed off…
Dear god, what is going on here….come on lads!
i said we looked poor defensively and thats the proof.chesney again .he should’ve stayed on his line
We should`ve started this match more contained. Pants. Doesn`t matter.
Come on now gays!
come on we can turn it around
so…that’s the 18th league game we’ve been behind in. Same issues as all season long…our defending. (as a team)
Sagna gone, not good.
Well, now we’ve lost Sagna, horrors!Come on le Coq !
by the way norwich have addoped an agressive aproach for this game
Very aggressive…
Almost!
They’re playing a traditional 4-4-2 and we haven’t adjusted to it.
Come on Arsene….this really calls for a change in approach today
chesney dear me. whats up with him?
Yossi could have got a red there….what a dreadful 30 minutes. I’m dreaming right?
lucky Benayoun. lack of dicipline and lotsof shit going on at the moment
penalty for norwich really . I said we are lacking everything in this game. norwich very clever they are nocking long balls to the 2 wide men and the striker runs from deep.
absulute shit if I was Wenger i’ll give them a rolloking at half time. pathetic
we could’ve easily been 3 down and 10 men down
huge booo from the fans and rightly so. poor poor poor
Can’t believe how a simple 4-4-2 is making us look so utterly shit.
Need a big upgrade in the 2nd half and a strategy change. We’re fortunate to still be in it….but now we need 2 goals to get three points in 45 mins.
Annoyed as fuck….how can we not be able to adjust midstream…as early as the 5th minute you could see Jackson was going to pair with Holt and we stick to our usual shape – huge gaps between the back and midfield…and Vermaelen playing in the wrong half. Our best CD is Koscielny….he deserves someone playing alongside him who wants to defend. I hope that’ll still be the Belgian….but I am annoyed.
Light a fire under their butts. Literally.
Just too nervous. Same symptom as seen before with this team , everyone trying to do too much individually and forgetting the basics.
Both players in midfield taking too much time and cant cope with some really good norwich pressing.
Come on Arsene sort it out.
Just not good enough at the moment. Utterly shocking to be quite honest. Better wake-up or we’ll have a lot of Thursday games next season. C’mon guys let’s go!!!
We’re way too nervous. Need to relax and just move the ball quicker. At least we’re not letting those fat cunts bully us. Keep getting stuck in
46 goals conceded this season and we’re still in 3rd. Read that a few times.
Norwich aren’t parking a bus, they’re driving one right through us.
Let’s pretend that half never happened and be a very different proposition this half.
Dear o dear, I hope a different Arsenal come out for the second half, because to be brutally honest we really were quite appalling. No disrespect to Norwich who look well up for it.
Our midfield look pretty clueless, there was constant mistakes on the right and way too many passes are going astray. Some of our tackling is terrible, Benny is lucky to still be on the pitch after his petulant little kick and they really should of had a penalty.
The only plus point is that we are only one goal down (it could of been more) so we’re still very much in it, I just hope that AW or Pat give them a good rolliking and theyb come out fired up for the last 45 of this term at the Grove.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!!!
Tim, Kos is actually the one having a shocker today.
We need van Persie to be on the end of the passes by van Persie
SG – Where was Vermaelen when they scored their 2nd? Not even in our half….
Lucky boy Aaron.
it could’ve been 3. really fortunate so far. Ramsey should go off now he could see red. But who to bring in midfield
Come on boys…how much do you want this!
Go Gunners
(not to mention what Jackson just did to him)
I like TV but still think he’d make a better defensive MF
Come on Arsenal….need a goal in the next 10
Can we bring another goalie disaster for chesney today
to be fair the back pass to him was at waist height….
red cards coming very soon
The Ox for Ramsey, sesible move.
Come on Ox!
Good move from Wenger Ramsey was not doing much and on a yellow
wow, I have never seen Chesney in this state
Never seen Woj so unsettled.
Which arsenal is this? Why do they seem so clueless, harried, stressed out? Bad tackles, bizarre mistakes, unnecessary show offs like Cheney’s recent attempted clearance. Weird. Hope they compose themselves and get three points.
Lady luck not on our side either…
It looks like we’re finally waking up.
COME ON YOU REDSSSSSSSSSSSS
ok…a 2nd striker with more than 12 minutes to use him…..
come on Chamakh
We need a goal soon if we are to win this game. we look like scoring but also look like conceeding. I cannot tell how it ios going to end. either we win it or lsoe it by 4 or 5
RRRVVVVVPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP
RVP!!!
get in Robin….
come on then…
(Chamakh helped…sorta!!! )
that has to be a Penalty…
fuck off ref
a penalty for us not given
Super goal from the man! Let’s get two more and get the three points. Coyg.
they had won not given so its only fair.
The OX has made a huge Impact
a point is not use, we need to win it
The Ox shoud have been on from the start. Not sure what Ramsey was trying to do out there today. 🙁
Come on Arsenal!!
YYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
fUCKING YES!!!
He scores when he wants
yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Van pesieeeeeeeee!!!!
Robin Van Thirty
Captain Captain !! fucking brilliant….
Can you believe that control/touch from AOC on the right wing….
Gervinho’s best 15 minutes in 5 months
Now we will have to stay as calm as possible score one more and win. COYG
come on boys keep it tight now pleaaaaaaaaaaaase
Now we must keep our composure and score again!
The OX sub was key in this game.
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
SICK SICK SICK
what is going on lads
fuck me…TV falls asleep….
We need Denilson back. Pass hold pass. Not give it away every time. Song having a nightmare here.
we simply can’t keep the door shut at the back
Unbelievable.
SO freakin close!
47 GA
what a chance
Surely that was a penalty.
That wasa foul!
A penalty not given again taht is taking the piss now
ugly game…ugly refereeing…ugly everything….ridiculous match
COME ON ARSSEEEENAAL
Cunt ref
NO LUCK FOR US!
simply fucking hopeless
Awful awful awful result. Come on the Villa please
How do these refs get away with such blatant cheating
Only this Arsenal team can make a match with a vastly inferior team look like a final against Madrid. What a waste of fucking energy.
blaming the ref? we conceded 3…at home…to Norwich…
seriously….our problems are bigger than the shit level of refereeing in this league
we have no defensive nous. I think I miss the BFG
What a balls up and all our own fault as well. That was a fucking penalty turned down too, what the fuck! Trembling with rage right now…how could they send Pat Rice off like that?
Wow. Microcosm of the season in one game.
I don’t even know how to react to this one.
Terrible result. We seem to have inflicted it upon ourselves. Now it’s down to uncontrollable factors like others breathing down our neck losing. Oh dear oh dear.
Our GK really needs to raise his game next year….
He can still become world class but he looks a long way off at present
RVP did his bit but the defence has been pants, chesney was certainly unsettled by the men in front of him he looked worried and nervous, The other thing is why the Ox did not start.
If that was Rooney you bet that fucking ref would’ve given a penalty. What the fuck
Now we must PRAY our contenders lose their last 2 games AND we HAVE to score many, many goals against WBA. What are our chances…
A shit resut, but I was still glad we decided to play in the second half, however you look at it, that was some game, it certainly did have everything.
Shame that once again we fail to keep hold of what we have and offload full barrel in the direction of our shoes.
Yes the ref was terrible, but on both ends, we were lucky to get away with the penalty in first half, could have been 3:1 and that would make the world of difference. The first half was terrible from our side and only thanks to poor finishing from norwich we did not concede more.
Yes the foul on Robin was crystal clear pen, but then again, we should have just closed the door after getting in front, pass pass pass and see the game out. Their goalkeeper made couple of good saves too in the dying seconds, all I have to say its our own fault that the finishing third is out of our hands and fair play to Norwich for turning up like this when there is nothing to play for for them at all. Lets beat WBA next week, thats all we can do now.
We need to change our back 4….how many 4-3 and 3-2 games can you really expect to win each season?
I see the Villa as the only hope we have. I think Newcastle will drop points agaisnt City and Everton. But Spurs have a n away game to Villa and a home game against Fulham, So the villa need to do us and themselves a favour and of course we simply have to win our last game. 3 points from 4 games is poor.
Anyone still think the draw at stoke last week was a ‘good result’, a ‘decent point’. My ass – we created pressure for ourselves today and the team wilted under it.
was a better result than today Goatee….at least we looked organised
All we had to do was show defensive discipline and not underestimate Norwich’s counter attacking threat. Our goals would have come. This disease of not taking certain oppositions seriously — we can organize our defense against Man City and Stoke and Chelsea and Newcastle, but not against Swansea and Norwich, really? — should really be looked into. Shows how important Arteta’s intelligence and maturity has been to our good results.
Terrible performance from Ramsey, Sagna and even Vermaelen and Szczesny. Rosicky was quite ordinary too, as was Song who simply forgot his defensive duties for the large part of the game. Ramsey was visibly not fit, so why not start with someone who is?
We are now having problems against mid or low table teams that like to play football — a loss each to Swansea, Norwich and Wigan — and that doesn’t certainly bode well.
With this attitude, now I am not confident that even if we turn up at WBA needing three points to secure third spot, we will make it.
The much dreaded late season collapse happened after all.
At 3-2 up, with five minutes to go, the lack of commitment in tackles and the absurd disorganization in defense were not good signs.
We edged it on chances created but I can’t put it down to our finishing. It is normal to miss chances but to give 3 goals away at home is not acceptable at all. I think we can finish 4th but that is very risky position to be in.
For once I dont feel bad for saying this, but the ref cost us the game.
Yes we have ourself to blame. Each of the three goals we let in was our fault. But we did earn four goals and we should have had them. Usually that feels like a lame excuse but that was a nailed on penalty. Persie slows down so the ball won’t go behind him, gets pushed and falls. He didn’t do it to earn a pen but to get a solid chance.
Yes, we shouldn’t have let three in, but we did put ourself into enough chances to score three and that fourth would have been a goal were it not for a blatant foul.
I’m angry with the way we conceded three, but I will not blame the players completely for this. We did enough for four and only the ref knows why we didn’t win 4-3 “like champions do, just edging it when not playing well”
blown it
@ Toby…
I know what you’re saying but it’s clutching at straws
We conceded 3 – at home – to a team that were in League One 24 months ago
We’ve conceded 47 goals this season
Offensively, we were on fire the last 30 minutes or so. Ox played brilliantly. Song’s back heel flick was so sweet, if only…his pass to Robin for the 2nd goal was terrific as well. Truly a defensive mare today. Yes, we need Per back! Mr. Cool personified.
Well honestly if we cannot beat Norwich at home when desperately needed 3 points, then we don’t deserve to play Champions league this season. Granted Ramsey was horribly injured last year, but he has been crap all season. Do we really deserve Champions league with duffers like Ramsey in the midfield?….Get a grip..I am not too hopeful of Sp*rs dropping points tomorrow…they are on a roll and Villa are shit at the moment…
Also the luck going with Chelsea, I can see them winning UCL..
pathetic results which can have long running repercrussions…Sad gooner from India here…absolutely fuming,.,
I know Tim. It’s not good enough. We aren’t good enough. But we were good enough to win today, not by a flattering score m, but win nonetheless. Persie slows down to get it on his left, would never have missed it, the whole point of the slowing down was to get the ball just so, and it should be a pen and a red card for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity. Period.
It is clutching at straws regarding outer season and our team we managed to put out (I miss Arteta…) but please, everyone, before you kill the team for this, remember that even if we didn’t do it with fmgood grades we really did enough this once. It was ours and the ref took it away. 4-3 is as good as 1-0 when you need the three points and I don’t mind us letting three in if we win.
Having that said we will have to do better in the future. But this was nailed on.
after the 3rd I thought we would normally pass the ball side ways backway whatever, to just calm things down and let the Norwich players know they are not getting the ball back. but somehow we were still looking for those forward through balls.
What really were Vermaelen, Song and Gibbs were doing for Norwich’s 3rd goal? Surely we must practice defensive situations like this!
Those blaming the referee — however awful refereeing was — are really clutching at straws. We could have had a couple of penalties — the handballs in the box were mysteriously overlooked — but Norwhich could have had a penalty when 2-1 up as well. Our defensive performance was atrocious, the midfield gave the defense no protection, players like Ramsey and Song in the first half were jogging back when lost possession.
So, basically, the old problems remain. We do not have the nous and maturity to close out season defining games towards the end. Trophies and championships would remain only a target unless we learn to do that.
Toby.
I can’t lay the blame at the refs door.
He was indeed shit, but he was shit for both teams, Benny and Ramsey were lucky not to be red carded and they should of had a penalty long before us.
The simple truth is that we’ve chucked it away and we’ve only got ourselves to blame. 3 points from the last possible 12 available, which incidently is the same total that Blackburn have also managed, tells it’s own story.
@ Toby…
Norwich could have had a penalty too.
With an early goal today we should have gone through the gears and worn Norwich out. Instead we had no defensive discipline, lazy midfielders and everyone hoping to get upfield and join the attack. How many times did you see Gibbs be where we should have RvP or Vermaelen where it should be Ramsey.
We tried to play exhibition football in a game that counts…I’m just disgusted tonight.
I think we have the most attacking flair in the league – I also think our overall defending is about mid-table at best. Amazed that we are in 3rd.
Per coming back will help of course, Arteta too….but we need discipline far more than we need a huge reshuffle. Our goals against is going up year after year, that has to cease.
It is no secret…when the 3rd went in…I was screaming “keep hold of the ball:…control it for 5 minutes….but no our heroes want glory and want to go for 5th..
Well in a hindsight…if we had sat back…I am 100% sure we would have conceded as well as we were pants today defensively..
as ususal when arsenal are in pole position and need result to have his destiny in our hand we fook it up ……. mental strenght my ass,the fan need to have mental strenght to follow this arsenal
Holloway- I can’t agree more, we can talk about ref decisions all day long but the performncce defensively was not good at all. it only 3rd spot and we bottled it, imagine if the title was riding on this game. the players really need to learn how to get that narrow 1 nil win and even play boaring football just to get you the result you need. sadly it does not look like we have masterd that quality yet, It is never Wenger’s way to hold on for a 1 nil. If you want to win titles we need to be able to shut up shop when required.
That’s fair enough H2H, and I agree, especially with Ramsey’s second yellow. But I’ve not seen such a nailed on pen not given in ages and had we got it we would still have scored 4 which would have been enough even if we let in three silly goals. So for once me and myself will blame the ref. maybe because it’s easier for me. I am 100% behind the thought that we didn’t play well enough to challenge for titles and that we have to do better, but for fuck sake, had the norwich player not fould Persie as the last man, it would have been 4-3 and we would have said “close but we did battle back well, mental strength, even if we have to improve”
But we don’t gmhave to agree on that. For me it’s enough that we agree that we have to improve and that the ref is a cunt.
I am sure I won’t be liked by many but I do think RVP needs to play with better players…he has a serious decision to make and I wont complain if he leaves….what more can this guy do…
Tim @ 180: I agree our overall defending across the span of the season is mid-table. But it is not the abilities, or application when needed, but simply a matter of attitude.
Against Stoke Song sat back, protected the back four, Vermealen moved upfield judiciously. Because we knew we were up for a battle.
Today, especially after the first goal went in, the team simply forgot that the other team can play too. That naiveté, lack of respect for the opposition surely is the most curable of footballing maladies.
The concern is that it keeps on happening, every season, and against exactly the same type of teams.
Oh and I actually didn’t see the Norwich pen claim (Arsene-style, but true). Was eating a giant piece of meat which had me distracted. And sorry for the spelling errors, I’m on the phone.
also lets see the Mental Strength of Sp*rs tomorrow…if they go and beat Bolton, Villa, Fulham inside 15 days ( 2 away games), then you have to hand it to them…over all …this season…we have been poor excep that purple patch when Robin was flying..
come on Villa..please make my weekend tomorrow
@Tim – I am just smarting as shit and do not know what to say.
http://cs316331.userapi.com/v316331566/702/5CH34V03s4E.jpg
Robin has been flying for 18 months Goonerblood….we just need a few more on the same jet
The ref wasn’t up for it but we weren’t either and that is what everyone must focus on. Yes, RVP was hammered in the box but I’m fairly certain Gerv was offside anyways by a mile….the cross basically went through his legs….not to mention Kos took down their guy in the first half in the box……not to mention Ramsey should have been given a second yellow….so forget blaming the ref, it is OUR fault plain and simple.
Even in the event that the ref can be held accountable, we’ve had umpteen times to wrap-up 3rd place and have declined the invitation each and every time. Disgusting.
@Goatee…
I understand. I just thought against Stoke we displayed bags of composure and discipline. The complete opposite of today. Thus I thought that was a good point, whereas today was a poor result.
Reality is the Wigan loss was the crippling one.
the only good thing is that Villa need to win or get a point at least. so I’m hoping fora huge double decker bus Mcleash style tomorrow. Villa simply cannot take on Spurs so parking the bus is the way to go, Mcleash plays that way anyway so there is some hope.
Goonerblood, Arteta being out has been a big blow for us. Theo missing hasn’t helped us either. Consistency is our problem, trust me, the quality is there. Ox to start against WBA.
Gedo Gervinho did not touch the ball I thought. Anyway pointless now. Lets look forward and hope things go our way tomorrow.
Nice one Snir! Looks genuine enough on my phone. But isn’t it a few too many colours on it?
The only thing you can count on McLeish to do is be a scrotum faced cuntbucket. Villa are awful under him so I’m not going to get my hopes up.
ArsabeatBarca, quality and consistency are not isolated. I cannot count on Ramsey, Rosicky, Song to be consistent over a period of 1 season…and sadly none of them have real pace…
Walcott also is patchy and has missed only 3 games… a club like arsenal should be deep enough to recover from loss of arteta and walcott for last 4 games of the season…loss against Wigan, draw against 2nd string chelsea, draw against norwich, hardly deserving for 3rd…only stoke was a decent result..
and for god’s sake…such an over reliance on RVP…I don’t know if I can sleep tonight…my head will burst
And the long awaited goal…
Sagna has broken fibula…same injury as he had at tottenham…out till August at least
Sagna must be cursed…..that’s bad news indeed
190 Snir
Horrorble looking shirt, a bit like a Man U circa 90’s cheap knock off.
I hope that’s not what we’ll be forced to watch next season.
H2H couldn’t agree more on that
190
Will we defend better in that shirt?
Poor Bacary, it looked bad when he went down.
I am going to say this once more, and I don’t care if anyone do not agree with me, or insult me, I am that pissed off…
That is what happens when Ramsey starts. He is that poor. He is not the oly one to blame certainly, but the facts speak for itself.
We managed to beat Milan, Tots, Liverpool and New Castle in 10 days without him. Five games in a row he is in the starting line up and our gorgeous midfield who we are all proud of, looks mediocre.
What I don’t understand is what he is capable of doing on the pitch to deserve starting place, and the Ox or Coquelin are not.
So frustrating.
To clarify – “nice one Snir” was for getting the picture up, not for the kit… :p
@207 – that same midfield has lacked Arteta….
SG@190: I hope RvP front and centre in that picture is a sign that he will be staying. About the only thought that would cheer me up today. I still don’t grasp why we didn’t beat Norwich. Chances galore, but two goals given away that Woj won’t want to see replayed too many times. Like the season, once we got our noses in front today, we thought it was done and dusted. But it never is until the final whistle.
Oh no, poor Sagna…truly terrible for him. Goonerblood, Song was off his game defensively, but he created some good looking chances and had an assist. TR, no pace? Really!!!
lurky oliva….I agree with you…even though Ox may not be ready but is he any worse than Ramsey ?….He has lost whatever pace he had post injury…his decision making is worse than Obama…he has lost his strength on the ball..Coequlin did much better than Sagna in pushing forward to be honest….I would be disgusted to see Ramsey being in our first 11 in next season…squad player at his best
Why do we have to make things so complicated…ahhhhhh…..nerve racking..I have no hopes from Villa, if anything Dempsey’s fulham may pull one out for us unless Martin Jol remembers 2004. Anyway I see it the odds are completely against us. If norwich have not laid down for us nor will WBA.
I’m gonna go out on a limb here. Maybe Song is exposed when Arteta is out because btb mid isn’t doing his defensive duties?
Not to take any of the blame away from Song because he and Kos were the two worst AFC players today, but worth thinking about, no?
Why does our home kit have black on it?!?
Does anyone here know how to make a good lasagne?
@SG
Our goalie wouldn’t make your top two? Does he have to wear an Almunia mask to get noticed? I thought that was his worst match in the shirt…..
Ive got a great recipie Snir. I’ll give it to you in a week when we’ve earned it.
even if Villa do a favor tomorrow, do we seriously believe we will beat West Bromw with this kind of defense and attitude ?
maybe , just maybe losing out on UCl next season will have some reaction and we may get some players who know how to defend when needed
Apparently Wenger refused to speack to Match of day as a protest to Lineker’s pathetic impresonation of him. can’t blame him
Tim, Woj was third.
Everyone is entitled to his/her opinion.
Me, I don’t think it’s very constructive playing the blame game and pointing fingers at individuals. Football is a team game, you win as a team, you lose as a team and in todays case we drew as a team.
Many of our playrs were below par, but these same players have scored goals, played blinders or saved us on other occasions.
Not a dig, just my opinion.
@ SG
🙂 — Good to know. Sad to even have to make a list when everyone should have been on their game…
OK, before I go, NEWS FLASH: Aaron Ramsey did not lose the game for us. As a team, we were poor in the first half period. We conceded goals we should not have (where were our defenders, save Kos). We started getting our act together in the 2nd half but lapses at the back cost us this game, not AR. That being said, really think Ox and Coq should start.
Tim . All players can have a bad game but chesney picked the wrong game. I thought for the 2nd goal he should have stayed on his line. the defender was dealing with it he didn’t need to come out. its similar to the Spurs 1st goal at the Emirates. Maybe seeing the men in front of him in disarray made him nervous, he is normally very cool under pressure.
@H2H
You’re right…and that’s fair.
I’d say collectively…as a squad…our defending depresses me.
It’s no better than in years gone by and arguably worse.
@224
His distribution was (again) dreadful. A late free kick didn’t even get into the required area and at least 3 times he whacked it into touch. Thought the first and second goals were very softly conceded. He will be a fantastic keeper, I hope it’s with us, but I think there is loads of room for improvement/focus. I think he’s a great shot stopper…fantastic disposition….confident….but technically can improve a lot and work on his hesitations which happen quite often..
maybe we have overrated TV. Although he has real heart but his positioning exposes us too much for our liking…people said BFG lacked pace..but honestly he was much more solid and calm
Just on my way home from the match.
Perspective from the stands: decent second half from us, woeful first. Ramsey did some good things and needs the crowd off his back. Thought Kos had a very good game, as usual, Vermaelen had a stinker and Chesney didn’t recover mentally after the first goal.
One of the worst ref’s performances I’ve seen in many a year (pen looked stonewall and i was all of ten yards from it with a good angle) although that doesn’t excuse tossing away the 3-2 lead. Coquelin and Ox both decent when they came on. Song incredibly frustrating. Has the potentk to be world class but no shows the “smaller” teams.
Shit result, shit day. Am off to pray to the footballing gods that Villa and City do us a huge favour tomorrow.
No point getting on individual players’ backs too much. They went for it big time second half and did enough to win.
Can this season please hurry up and fucking end?
Oh, and hats off to Pat Rice. Great servant and deserved a better result to see him off.
Over and out.
I don’t know. These are good talented players yet it takes 70 mins to inject some urgency. My own view is that nerves get to them – and Arsene does not help. Team game – team loss.
Kos cannot be criticised he was outstanding as an individual he made about 2 awesome late tackles in the box that can easily result in a pen but won the ball cleanly, I think Vermaelen wasn’t at his best, Like I said every player can have an off day but this game wasn’t the one to have a day off. To be fair to Vermalen he has been good all season this is possibly his ony 2nd game where has been below par.
I am just saying that I would like to see our team with Ramsey on the bench for the WBA game, let hope it won’t be too late. He is a good squad player, even better when he arrives as a 70’th minute supstitute, like we saw that earlier this season.
But for a starter…. he does not deserve it, imho.
ok Friends…all frustration out…time to enjoy other things in life like family, friends…the players will collect their 80K pound a week salary and move on….
lets hope miracle do happen tomorrow and both City and Villa win….
CIAO
A drink for anyone who wants one. I’ll be back. As will arsenal. Eventually.
Haven’t read all the drinks, but i raise a glass to Sir H2H for your views
After the match, Arsenal confirmed the 29-year-old sustained a broken fibula which was similar to the injury he suffered on October 2 against Tottenham which left him sidelined for nearly four months.
“It is broken fibula, the same leg,” confirmed Arsene Wenger.
“He was kicked on it, it has not happened alone. When he was kicked, he has broken the leg. The guy closed him down and walked on him. I dont know if it was deliberate or not
You know when you can’t be arsed to even watch our goals? Yep…..
Tim@226: the first goal was a howler from Woj. He would hold onto 99 out of a 100 of those. I don’t think he had much chance with the second given the deflection the ball took of Gibbs. His angles weren’t right for the third. He has been overcovering his near post since being beaten there early in the season. This was not the first goal he has let in across him to the far post since. His kicking had seemed to be improving from last season early in this one, but it has slid back without doubt.
Also, Gervinho gave more than a hint today of the threat he could be.
I am increasingly concerned about long-term injuries. Sagna again today. Jacky’s little setback turning out to be another stress fracture. Mertesacker’s ankle reportedly shot. None of that sounds good.
Salud, Dr C.
wow, it’s hard to think of anything positive coming from this team now or in the near future
————-
– obligatory late season collapse is on
– st totteringham’s day looks off
– we’re still stuck with an entire lineup of players who need to be moved on, and it’s worrying that rvp and to a lesser extent walcott haven’t resigned
– our champions league hopes hang by a thread, and we come and put forth this sort of display at home with the fans paying the most per seat of just about anyone in the world
the players and their manager are poor, and yes, i think ramsey’s inclusion in the starting 11 was an absolute disaster. we haven’t won without arteta this season so why persist with the ramsey experiment. it’s clear that he’s either done since the injury, never had it, or isn’t ready. the pace and speed of the game changed instantly when the ox came on. why not start benny in the middle with ox on the outside?
this is just exasperating.
Snir, agree about Song, but are you criticizing Kos? I think he saved us on a couple of occasions. TV5 had a stinker
Fuck it. Let’s get fourth and hope Bayern do us a massive favour
Again we may all have different opinions come EOD tomorrow.
Fantastic game, rubbish result, dodgy penalty-decision, sublime substitutions, come on Villa.
Iit wasn’t that surprising that when Arsene fielded a more attack-minded and on-form XI we looked better. Why does he handicap us by starting with the team he did.
Why he mention that we’re overly reliant on RVP without making even an attempt to support him with Chamakh until we’re chasing a game?
Chamakh has looked pretty sharp to me these last two games and with him and the Ox (and Gervinho who was superb), we looked a pretty good team (except the defense which were woeful (the usual suspect excepted).
We’ll be very luck to get 4th this season and yet again, it looks like the same old same old.
But we support the Arsenal, so please less of the booing — its not a pantomime and frankly, its fucking embarrassing.
Can there now be any dispute that we need the Belgium geezefrom Ajax and another DM?
Up the Arsenal — fuck the spuds
I agree with you Matt – Chamakh has looked far more useful again these last two appearances
Talked to a few mates regarding Vertongen, the Ajax fans love him and will be sorry to see him go, on the otherhand they’ve also told me he can be prone to mistakes due to lapses in concentration. Some doubt if he can make the step up to the PL, but then again that’s what they said about The Verm too.
Back home from the game and depressed !
A few observations
No Arteta and no one else wants to sit and do his role
How many times did we get caught on the break with too may players ahead of the ball ?
Gibbs simply can’t defend – he allows the player to turn rather than getting tight. He invited Holt to shoot rather than closing him down.
None of our front break a gut to get back when we do lose the ball.
Lines woman indicated thatRvP dived when nompenalty given
We were more purposeful going forward when we went 4-2-4
Coquelin needs to be given some chances
K@244: she did? How?
Just got home and have a family dinner. Next post may be much later than usual, and probably tomorrow.
I need to calm down or risk posting the sort of shit I hate reading.
And Bradley Johnson, you are utter fucking leg-breaking scum.
She indicated to the Norwich players he dived with a show of the dive with her hand
I sat above and in line with goal – it was so clearly a pen
K@247: Tks. It would make no sense for RvP to dive when it would have been easier to score. Looked like a stone-cold penalty on the replay.
Enjoy the dinner ‘h.
I lost my appetite earlier today.
Surprised Massey would make that call. She is one of the better officials and hasn’t got much wrong whenever I’ve seen her run the line.
Enjoy your dinner GH — I look forward to reading your measured assessment and a glimmer of light in what you write
In the meantime, I’m getting rather plastered
Dine well, ‘Holic. This game probably needs the cold light of morning to make sense of it.
In between the defensive howlers, some good performances run the risk of being forgotten — RVP of course but at his mid-season peak he would have scored a hat trick by the time of the 2-2 equalizer today, Benayoun was neat early on, his goal was classy and the kind of goals our strikers don’t score that often anymore. Gervinho was fast and tricky and definitely someone who could be immense for us next season, Coquelin was tidy if a little nervy when he first came, Ox and Chamakh were good once they came on. RVP and Chamakh can play together, and just because the formation then spells out 4-4-2 (or 4-2-4) doesn’t mean that this is something we should not explore oftener.
Will have to see the replay on what happened to Sagna, BUT from what AW hinted at, there should be very stern punishment dealt out. Matt(2) @ 241 Some excellent observations re Chamakh, Gervinho and the Ox. Congrats to Yossi and RVP for their goals. The stakes have never been higher for our club, let’s just keep supporting them as best we can. And pray (a lot).
Dr Faustis, Yes. Seems many of us agree about these same players. Feel really bad for Woj…but after seeing Buffon screw up earlier this week, it can happen to anyone. Laters and chin up.
Song has to be shown the exit door this summer.He is supposed to be the DM.But gives no protection whatsoever to the back 4. 47goals conceded in the league this season alone tells its own story
Sadly Ramsey is not good enough to be an Arsenal player
It is very obvious that Song and Rosicky plays better with Arteta, since his experience enables him to set the right tempo for us in crucial moments and hold possession when we really need it. It really is something that he has acquired through his experience and natural game reading ability. It is something that, for example, Cesc has. He knows when to slow down the game to our benefit.
Unfortunately, our midfielders today know much more about raising than lowering our tempo. Rosicky thrives on his aggressive game. Oxlade was absolutely briliant, yet he is not at all the finished article and should by no means bear a defensive midfield role, at least alone. Song should be our DM, yes, but remember that our most solid defensive performances came when Song is protected by Arteta and vice versa. Yet throughout the season it is clear that although he has potential, AR is not the Arteta type of player that complements our other midfielders perfectly. Nor does he have Cesc or Arteta’s game reading ability.
The same, however, can be said of almost all our players that finished the game. What was Gibbs doing in Gervinho’s position when we conceded the third goal? What was Ramsey doing when we conceded the first two goals? Having watched the replays over it is painfully clear that Ramsey should have been bursting his lungs trying to cover his defenders. Yes, Song should have helped too, and our defenders did not do well at all, but Ramsey was in a position to help out, yet he must have failed to see the importance in covering our defense for the first two counterattack goals we conceded. The fact that our players looked for the fourth goal when we were 3-2 up with the manner in which they did it was absolutely unbelievable. Unbelievably horrifying and amateurish.
The penalty denied at the end was terrible, yeah, but I can only blame ourselves. We were a goal up with 8 minutes to go against a side playing for nothing. How difficult can it be? The sheer naivete, or dare I say, unprofessionalism, shown by some players was just very difficult to swallow for any Arsenal supporter. We were entertained with a thrilling match, but like someone above me said, we played like it was an exhibition game. Surely they knew this was only our most important game of the season so far?
I don’t know where this leaves us, what implications this may have on RVP… All I know is that today’s result felt like a dagger to the heart. Hopefully the heart will keep on beating still. God it’s painful.
Derrick @ 257: Absolutely agree. To add, Arteta not only does a good job of controlling the tempo as needed but also provides very intelligent cover for Song when he is in the opposition half. It requires maturity, intelligence and also discipline.
In Arteta’s absence Song should learn to stay back, as he did well at Stoke and we looked so much more compact.
This particular form of naïveté, as you said, keeps on repeating itself season after season, and when by players who are otherwise so talented and in all other respect shows so much intelligence and spirit, one wonders what could be the cause of this collective immaturity.
Arsene himself had repeated a few times this season that maybe we don’t take certain oppositions seriously, he qualifies that saying maybe subconsciously. But as you said, the players being true professionals should recognize this pattern and learn to change. After the bizarre game we had, and the score was made 3-2, to not be able to think on our feet and close out the game knowing how we had conceded the previous goals demonstrated a shocking lack of professionalism.
Finally found a video of the Sagna injury….
It seems like there was rather more to it as ‘holic points out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=V5IaUCbieTg
Harsha and the rest – I know I might be in the minority but I think Kos had more of a shocker than TV. His last gap tackle doesn’t make a good performance for me just like Song’s assist doesn’t.
I do however think my @215 is worth further exploration.
As for Woj – Holt’s goal is exactly the same angle as Danny Graham’s at Swansea. Clearly, Woj has a problem with those kind of shots.
@Dr. F, absolutely on the mark about Song. His pass for RVP’s equalizer was inch perfect, like many others he delivered this season. The boy has added class to his well known physical attributes. Yet not for the first time he failed to fulfill rather preliminary defensive duties. Arsene talks a lot about having intelligent players who are as quick with their brain as they are on their feet. It is therefore sad to see how much we lacked football intelligence today. We were up a goal twice at today’s game, and yet we were exposed against counterattacks for each goal we conceded. And to be truthful the Canaries could’ve had more goals. You would’ve thought we were playing a counterattacking side on par wth Real Madrid.
On a somewhat sweeter note, I thought that despite his near misses, RVP was absolutely breathtaking today. And the keyword here is breathtaking. In the second half, each time he got the ball it is as if he is about to deliver something magical. The chance he carved out in the dying minutes, when he stopped the ball dead with his shoulders before setting himself up for his left foot, left me absolutely breathless. It was like the stadium went quiet for a split second, before their goalie made another stunning save. RVP could have had at least a hattrick, yes, but when he is playing like this I can only hope he loves us enough to continue to grace the Arsenal crowd with his magic for years to come. That result really tainted an otherwise paramount performance from our captain.
Elsewhere Gervinho was briliant in the final 30 minutes, finally finding his guile and passion again. Hope to see more of that. Yossi again typified his solid season for us. I can only sing him praises for everything this season. Sagna’s injury was also a bitter blow. Wishing him a speedy recovery, a relaxing time off, and to comeback even striniger than before. And lastly Pat Rice, thanks for all the memories – bitter, sweet, and everything in between. Nothing much we can do but to get 3 points next week. And CL football or not, we will still be The Arsenal. Hopefully the number 10 jersey will remain firmly on the back of our outstanding captain. He’s done his fair share for the team this season, leading the line and leading by example. Let’s hope he leads by example once more for Arsenal come the off-season and sign his extension. If that does not inspire our players to sober up for next term, I doubt much else will.
Striniger was a typo for stronger. Apologies I’m typing on my ipad…
Bollox
psed – company was good – but bollox
Sorry Snir but you are way off the mark.
I was there today and, like ‘Holic, I’ll leave whatever I might have to say until tomorrow but, in my book, Koscielny was one of our best today, not worst.
It was a shocking defensive performance but it wasn’t down to Koscielny.
Kos and Vermaelen are good players but without Arteta they are getting no protection.
Gibbs is constantly out of position and rarely or never prevents a cross going in – not a great help against a team like Norwich who score the majority of their gopals from crosses.
Poor Bac is also repeatedly left exposed against two attackers.
Song is having a poor period right now but, in general, although I think his strength can be a great asset to the team, I don’t think he has either the defensive awareness or urgency to be a defansive midfielder.
And perhaps saddest of all to say, and maybe it is not his fault, but Aaron Ramsey has turned into Denilson without the speed.
I take no pleasure whatsoever in writing that last sentence, but of late it is unfortunately true.
I did not boo today, and never will, but the level of first half performance was mystifying to say the least.
This mental block that causes the whole team to freeze whenever the pressure is really on, has somehow got to be addressed. Now.
Ok, I didn’t leave it ’til tomorrow. Sorry.
gopals = goals ! 🙁
Heh @ bollox
You would think after we took the lead we would get organized with some shape to defend but I suppose if we didn’t play that way up to that point it is not unexpected that we would get burned…..again.
We are all pulling for Ramsey but I’m sorry to say he is not up to it at this point. I really do think he’ll be much better next year….but he will have to fight to play.
As I’ve read the blog over the last week or two it seems we all knew this team was limping to the line given all of the attention on the results of the teams chasing us….when all we had to do is take care of our business…..very, very disappointing.
I almost feel like we let down our guard after we scored the first goal….not the first, second or third time I’ve seen this….perhaps all teams do this, but we had something to play for, for crying out loud.
Tim, thanks for the link showing what happened to Sagna. Looked at it over and over again. Not sure if he did it on purpose. Since no one else has remarked about it, maybe they have some doubt too. Either way, it’s really a horrific blow for Bac.
Total rubbish. We don’t deserve Europa League let alone Champions League. Bye bye Europe, bye bye RVP, bye bye Arsenal.
Sorry sorry about Sagna. Bakary you have all our support.
Gervinho and Chamakh both looked very creative and energetic in their cameos. More generally though, why did the energy take so long to come and what about the defensive organization in the whole team?
I am horribly drunk right now, so don’t expect any Nobel-prize winning uisings from me. But I’ll ell you this: I have to beup at 6 tomorrow…
Moaners will always moan. Thats just the way it is.
Come on Arsenal
Stand by for big performances by James Collins and perhaps the other players who “shamed” Aston Villa this week in a bar fracas. Either that or it’s shame shame and relegation time for the Villa.
I will be cheering on Heskey and Mcleish, never thought I would do that. hat trick for Heskey . I know I’m getting desperate now.
Unbelievably disappointed. Bored with all the excuses. You let in three goals at home to Norwich and you don’t deserve to win. End of. From a fantastic position we now rely on others. It should not be like that and we all know it. Today was an opportunity to not just define this season, but to put into place the foundations for the next. Sadly, schoolboy errors yet again have cost us.
But hey, what do I know? Let’s get some new shirts out along with those season ticket renewals.
Firstly, nice article ‘holic!
Thank you Pat for your devotion & commitment to the cause.
Thank you too Yossi for your season long cameo and a glorious mauling of the LWCs at the HoF!
Now for today’s match; after a long but thankfully successful night in theatre with an acute abdomen, one went into a deep slumber in anticipation of a hard fought but expected 3 points and a step closer to securing automatic CL qualification. How wrong I was!
I shan’t say much more this early Sunday morning, particularly after several consoling “beverages”, but from my seat in the North Bank, i can only politely say “gutted” and “pissed-off”! So many under-par and deja-vu performances that may now prove fatal and have finally tipped my considerable patience over the proverbial “edge”
After my ethanol-assisted slumber, I shall hopefully be in a more measured state-of mind to objectively reflect later today! One only hopes that Villa (by feckin’-up the LWCs) and the Barcodes (by at-least sharing the spoils with the Oily Mercs) do us a favour! But one is well within their rights to now ask, why should many of the players in this current squad be bailed-out yet again by third parties? Do they really deserve it? Bacary certainly does and his shocking injury topped-off an utterly abject day at the Grove. What should have been an upbeat end-of season lap of appreciation, was considerably more sorrowful in its character!
Goodnight!
I’m not buying that shirt @ 190. Probably. And at this rate, I’m not sure whether I’m renewing my Red Membership 🙁
Watched the game, Yossi was awesome aside from that Beckham-esque kick out at a Norwich player, the Captain only stepped up 2nd half but thankfully was immense with 2 big goals, the happiness on his face at his 2nd made my chest swell with pride so much :), worst game I’ve ever see Szczesny play, even worse than 8-2 in August, Vermaelen was overall poor, Koscielny saved our collective asses more times than I can remember although we was lucky not to concede a penalty to them with his shirt pulling, on Ramsey’s performance, someone said something about him being the paceless Denilson above & it pains me to agree with them on some level, he shouldn’t start, not ready for it + he could of been red-carded as well, Gervinho was great in the 2nd half, best game Chamakh has played this season when he was introduced, Ox was awesome when he came on, whoever stepped on Bacary’s leg is a surefire cunt, feel bad for Ludivine and their kids, should of been taking part in a lap of honour not worrying about their husband/dad, Gibbs made a good block but was generally poor, Song had a nice chance with the backheel but it didn’t come off, he’s lacking discipline for his role as many have said, Coquelin was good when he came on, good signs, Chamakh, well… He was just amazing in my eyes, maybe because of how poorly he’s been playing all season apart from our last 2 games 🙂
Hopefully he starts next Sunday along with Oxlade-Chamberlain and Benayoun, reminds me of how he used to be in the 2010-2011 season.
Other than that, don’t know what else to say other than we were lucky that we weren’t put out of sight on a few occasions goal wise, and that we need another CB (Vertonghen) and a DM (M’Vila) along with a defensive coach (Adams/Keown?), the tactical and defensive nous is just not there in our performance.
Trev- you don’t need to be sorry, it’s ok to disagree.
I just thought he was bullied by Holt just like he was against Zamora and Ngog.
I am furious at Song but I really do think Arteta’s replacement isn’t doing his defensive duties making Sobg defend for two people.
Other than that, I don’t really wanna talk about that dreadful game.
I just hope Villa will do enough for a point because they’re not out of the woods just yet.
Tim@259: thanks for the link. It is hard to see exactly what happened but the Norwich No 4 seems to have stepped on Sagna’s leg as he clattered him. He certainly didn’t make much effort to avoid it.
Haven’t imbibed all the drinks yet and it has probably all been said. I am not going to single out individuals or look for scapegoats – I am sure that has already been done aplenty, I will just say that once again we showed no defensive structure, organisation or discipline. Chickens with heads cut off springs to mind on occasion.
On the training pitch; drill, drill, drill and more drill. Defending isn’t a mystic art it is about shape and discipline, the discipline for each player to stick to his task even when he’d rather do something else. Two banks of four or a four and three or even a bank of nine or ten when you only have to close out a game for the last five minutes or so. We have seen others do it recently in important games, it isn’t pretty, it isn’t entertainment but it is effective and sometimes necessary to win matches and collect trophies.
The evidence is there for all to see in the number of goals we have conceded this season (forty-odd?). It isn’t rocket science, it is a basic footballing essential – if you want to win things.
I think we can now kiss goodbye to CL next season, unless we are far more fortunate than we probably deserve.
Who the hell invented early mornings?
Just realized that we don’t have much latitude on the goal difference front. We’re on 24, Spurs on 23. By virtue of the 2-0 against Blackburn and 4-1 against Bolton they’ve gained 5. One particular scenario is that we only manage a point against WBA who are eager to finish in the top 10 (for the first time I think?) and Spurs maybe just win a game and lose another.Then it’s all about goal difference.
I can’t believe this is happening.
Alcohol didn’t fix it. I’m even more pissed off now!
Song didn’t clap the fans during the lap of appreciation.
I like him, but no matter how mad he was at the loss of points/performance, that is unacceptable, disrespectful and disgraceful.
I think Song is off Snir. Perhaps it means we’ll get a more conventional defensive midfielder in. Less magical assists but more solidity and positional discipline.
Feel for you Lars.
We went back to the Tollie after pizza, tabs was still there though about the leave. Stayed until closing time then go to The Metro for a few more drinks….
Ollie – If he is off, that’s even more disrespectful and disgraceful.
Your last chance to bid farewell to the fans who have grown to love you and this is how you behave???
He should be ashamed of himself.
Song is a complete midfielder he can tackle and pass. this season he has been doing the Fabregas role probably without noticing it. Last season he provided 4 assists compared to 15 this season. I would bring in a more defensive player like M’villa and let Song do the creative stuff as I did not see anyone taking the Fabregas role, you would think Ramsey would do that but the poor guy is having a very bad time at the moment. Song has assisted RVP with more passes to score, his passing to RVP has been sublime, I heard so much about M’villa apparently Arsenal wants him he is the perefct partner for Song similar but more denfensive, he will allow song to go forward more and create. Throw Arteta in the mix and you have a solid midfield imagine M’villa ,Arteta, Song and Wilshere that is some midfield.
Szczesny had a little argument (nothing big) after the game. Presumably concerning Norwich’s 3rd goal
I meant ‘with Song’
Bollox – still
Sunday morning, I feel even more depressed than yesterday. I got no appetite, had a worst sleep, have a whole day to think what to say to my colleague at work who is chavs supporter, the cunts won the FA, they will beat Bayern with their luck and that could be a perfect end to our perfect season. But let’s first give WBA something to be proud of next sunday.
Snir@279, Arteta’s replacement? Why you do not say it loudly and clearly, Ramsey? Or maybe even louder, Wenger. Bacause he picked him for 5,6,7 games in a row. Is he blind or stuborn or just both?
Off to bed… if that doesn’t help, I live on the 7-th floor and the gravity is stil a force here on earth.
Norfolk – that is a pretty decent post indeed.
Such is our lack of awareness of danger and defensive nous, I wonder if they do any defensive training at all.
For Norwich’s third goal Morrison simply made a run through the back line that wasn’t tracked by anybody. At all.
Total football becomes total mayhem if players are not aware of how to instantly cover each other.
The clue there is in the word ‘instantly’.
It is heartbreaking to see our defensive midfielders jogging back, allowing forwards to run away from them.
Positives yesterday: RvP; Coquelin – very busy, energetic; Koscielny – put himself on the line several times, trying to recover abandoned positions; Sagna – hard-working as ever – terrible shame for him;
Gervinho – a second half as different from the first as it could have been; OXLADE-CHAMBERLIN – transformed the side when he came on – why is he not playing more? Poor lad looked devastated at the loss/draw – a quality a few more would do well to discover.
I feel less depressed than yesterday, but that’s only because I was so shell-shocked at the final whistle
Wasn’t lucky enough to be at the game so listened on the radio,have to say we don’t seem hungry for it at all concede 3 at home?wtf.id feel for the likes of kos sag but do we deserve CL,no motivation at all fuck that handbrake shite get out and earn your crust.
“You’ll be on the roof, zico” he said.
Not quite, Trev, but I was far enough up to consider bringing oxygen next time I find myself in row 33 of the upper East Stand. Unfortunately, I had such a great view, situated right on the half-way line, that I saw everything unfold in front of me.
I had no sooner found my seat and Yossi confirmed all that we had said about him in the last set of drinks, curling a shot around the Norwich keeper which we all thought, or hoped, would set the tone for a serious upsurge in our goal difference. But was that early goal the worst thing that happened to us? Did it set off some psychological signal that these turkeys from Norfolk were going to be easily stuffed?
It is hard to come to terms with what happened between then and the substitution of Ramsey with Oxlade Chamberlain, and I am not going to add to the search for scapegoats as it was a collective collapse from when we first went in front, in the same way that it was the collective who forced the team 3-2 ahead – but having come from behind, how we needed someone with a calm head and ability to organise for those final 8 minutes. Someone to keep the ball. What we got was mayhem.
To speculate that the game could have ended up 4-3 or even 5-3 if we had taken some of the chances presented, kind of misses the point. Most teams, not just the top teams, will know how to close the game out from a winning position in the last 10 minutes of a game. We seem to have forgotten how to do that.
The “lap of appreciation” afterwards seemed like a cruel joke, and rough on Pat Rice who should have had a much better platform for his send-off. My immediate reaction to the game was that the 90 minutes was a microcosm of the season. Up and down like a hooker’s knickers.
It was a rather subdued Tollington I arrived at after the match. Wolfgang Smallballs forecast that it would take at least 5 pints to bring himself near to equlibrium. The normally loquacious And Lester was found reciting a new mantra “Bollox. Bollox. Bollox.” Ollie flitted past with a prophecy of doom. But it didn’t last long. The elixir of life, black on blonde, brought the necessary resuscitation and where there had been but a weak pulse, the sounds and songs of the Arsenal were full of blood and defiance. Wolfie even got a response to “Liar, Liar” which proves that one should never give up hope. The fact that our hopes lie with Emile Heskey is of course another story…..
PS – so good to see all the usual suspects yesterday, Holic, Trev, And Lester, Top Man Snowy, tabs, True Storey and Ollie (plus cunt from potters bar) heh. Yesterday we were witness to a new first. Trev had a pint in his hand before tabs!!!!
If that isn’t an omen that there is change in the air then I don’t know what is!
Oh and Lars.
How could I forget Lars?
Sorry, mate.
Good to see you made it back in one piece, zico!
Great to see the usual suspects indeed, but how could you forget the one who pays for all the beers with his bottomless wallet? 😉
To those who say ‘blahblahblah we don’t deserve to be in the Champions League’, ask yourselves: ‘do Spu*s deserve to be in it?’.
I am reduced about hoping we get in, not matter if we ‘deserve’ it or not.
I have to admit I have but only the faintest of hopes now though 🙁
Ah, I see you realised your mistake.
*casually flicks the ball on*
Scores
lurktastic
Well in Lurky. Too depressed and slow to move quickly enough….maybe the problem with our tracking back. ECT the solution?
I’m up, and still angry and irrational >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
thank you villa and city…city, just so you know, i was hoping for a draw today.
geeze yaya is just unreal.