Turning Bertie
May 7th, 2012 by 'holic
Well, how was that for a Bank Holiday Sunday? If Carlsberg did them blah blah blah. I’m not sure the nerves will survive the tensest of finishes on Sunday, but the fact that a grip on third place is back in our soapy hands is an entirely unexpected bonus.
I’m seeing lots of talk to the effect that we will not deserve that third place should we claim it. Nonsense. Over 38 games whoever comes out on top points wise has earned it, and that applies to each of the positions in the table. For now though let’s hope what remains intact of the squad is being thoroughly prepared to deliver the performance that is required at the Hawthorns.
New Kit Launch – Some of You are Barking
The discussion in the drinks this morning about the new kit prompted a few calls to my marketing friends. There is something about those hooped sleeves and socks adorning the otherwise classic Arsenal style red body and white sleeves.
I’m grateful to @GoonerMan2 for getting me the inside scoop on the campaign, and as takeabowson had suggested, the byline is “One too many, and you might turn Bertie“.
The reasoning behind the campaign is ingenious. The hooped socks, first thought of by the legendary Herbert Chapman, were reintroduced under Bertie Mee in 1967/68. The new kit calls up the vision Bertie had back then to take a mixture of old favourites and new homegrown talent to earn the club all sorts of trophies in the coming years. Amazing.
Actually, all joking aside I am pretty sure the older Gooners will actually like the new socks from the off. As for the shirt, most criticism is directed at the collar and the gridiron hoops on the sleeves. I remember a year ago not many being overly taken with this season’s shirt, but I think it has become much more widely accepted design-wise as the season has progressed. I must admit it grew on me and I am sure the new one will do as well.
Maybe we are inclined to take the new offerings just a little too seriously. At the end of the day if the lads charged with wearing the kit next season bring home a trophy or two I have no doubt opinions on the design will soften considerably, and that is what is most important, surely?
547 Responses to “Turning Bertie”
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Ka-boom! happy bank holiday all π
The kit launch video is a real wheeze and I detect genuine team spirit amongst the (albeit) fimed banter.
Szczesny remains on the naughty step until Tuesday. He’s not the messiah…
The jersey looks like some strange bed time pyjama version of a kit. I don’t necessarily dislike it but I find it comical.
Dreaded fourth place!!!
At least if the kit grows on you, you don’t need to buy one π
We’ll I’ve found something I like about the kit….
This article, well done ‘holic and tabs.
Heh at Trev.
Heh, Trev. Good thinking.
That video is very good indeed TS. Love the naughty Szczes running away.
Nice socks – shame about the sleeves. What has someone at Nike got against PLAIN WHITE SLEEVES ?!?
Heh. And heh again
That Bertie really could be an Arsenal player, looks like he’s got a sweet left foot to compliment Robins chocolate leg.
Plus the walking stick at the ready for the un avoidable injury after coming up against one of the many cloggers in the PL.
Sign him up.
Socks good. Long sleeves actually ok. Tracksuit top v good. Collar meh. Fifties American football look?
So….. is the consensus on the kit “suck it and see”? I guess there are Allsorts of opinions.
…and a drink for Pat i.e. Liquor-for-Rice
….sorry for #13, that was Allsorts of wrong.
I was waiting for a confectionery based punfest to unleash itself. Good to see you give it a Boost, TS…
Cheers ‘Holic, a real Treet…
….Mars-t do better
i dnt care even if we r in a goddammn pyjamas.all we need is excellent performances accompanied by 3pts in evry game……starting with WBA
Chill please Mr.Temeng, I’m trying to forget about footie for 24 hours. Thanks.
Come on Trev, unleash your pun cannon π
Arsenal’s new home kit for the 2012/2013 season is:
a) A punt by the design team, “Socks, shirts… what’s the difference?”
b) An attempt to keep our favorite Dutch player by appealing to his patriotic feelings.
e) A confused interpretation of what Wenger wanted, “No, no, they should run vertically.”
d) An official confirmation that, “Yes, we do depend on RvP, damn it!”
Here’s to a successful next season, and a great ending for this one. π
@17
And some more vowels.
Wonderful! The team is about to go down the toilet and here is the new kit for us all to spend our hard-earned on.
We’re one win away from finishing higher then last season, not exactly the end of the world, is it?
Come on Bb, can’t I tempt you into even a wry smile?
Let’s save the Leonard Cohen for Sunday, if applicable, shall we?
Okay, maybe a bit strong, but I just can`t se us doing the biz at West Brom.
Maybe that’s the best way to look at it, biscuit. Over confidence has been our killer lately, if we all go into the game expecting nothing then a win will be even more the sweeter.
Fucked up logic, I know, but I’ll cling onto anything I can get.
Can we please stay on Topic!? π
Its a slow burn grower I think. Seems to have a nice cut and I like round necks rather than some of the atrocious attempts at collars of recent years.
Do we know why’s happening with the away kit for next year?
I admit to not buying a strip since the white away one. Have stuck to training tops or more recently one of the Nike polo shirts which is plain red and white and timeless. Am fed up of new shirts every year.
Hope we keep the blue away strip for next season and the new home one for two years.
π
What’s got a hazelnut in every bite, TS.
…and we are not talking squirrel droppings here…
Trev’s a (sherbet) dab hand at the puns, where’s he at, the smarties pants.
H2H on form today! π
Ahhhh…remember the year when we did the Zico treble – 2012-13 – great side, shame about the somewhat taking the gimmicky shitey shirts in the victory shots though, only lasted a season – nevermind – unlike that mighty side that went on and on and on and on etc…
And re all the sweet puns – packet in – please!
its growing on me already.
Hope we grab the West Brom game by the curly wurlys right from the off
Pastille Viera would look so good in that…
Just read that steve bould is to become our new assistant manager le moan said the got the news from a good source good move I think if true.sorry for going off topic think the new kit is sweet;)
Heh Dr C
So would Marc Overmars, Noel.
Hehs at TS and Catalan π
I’m afraid i’ll have to rturn for the pun-festival, I’m caught a bit betwix and between at the moment.
I’ll try to come up with something new later – hope the wait is Werther-n-Original π
Wind
If you’re on your Double Decker as usual, you’re really missing an opportunity …
Splendid Dr.C, Noel, AL & H2H. Super Quality (Street)! π
Garsguns 6 out of 10 for effort but deduct 4 points for referencing LG.
…. and Trev π
Heh @35.
Personally I hope they keep their curly wurlys in their snickers !
Is the shirt available in a Polo?
Only second-hand, but in mint condition.
why cant they get some proper gooners who happen to design the kit… im sure you’ll get what it should be… Red with white sleeves, and no other fucking shit.
Honestly WTF is nike’s problem… You never see whatever back-alley sweat-shop the LWC’s use give them anything but a plain white shirt.
So why does Nike need to fuck with ours?
Rumors starting that another signing is to be announced after WBA.
Could be one of a whole Galaxy of stars. Until then we have to concentrate on the Bounty of three points.
Heh Trev. Took me five minutes to get the twix joke!! π
Is RVP going to be a contract revel?
dave….. could I be so bold as to direct you to the LWC’s lilac away kit this year? Admittedly it was their second choice away kit. And let’s never forget that white is the colour of surrender π
Dr.C @ #46
I don’t know about that but apparently (Wispa it) his father was a fan of the Black & White Minstrels Show.
Robin’s kids prefer Rhubarb & Custards allegedly.
I hear a rumour that e revised kit is to be issued after eight games which is a nice gem of a design. The hula hoops will be moved onto the shorts in order to disguise the players nobbly bobblys π
@true 47 – i refer only to home kits of course… and yes the fact that white is the colour of surrender isnt lost on the LWC’s kit designer.
Lets not get on to some of our away abominations….. like the white WE had a few years back – I can accept some things, but frankly we NEVER play in white. And this years hockey shirt??? Phuleeeeze
for me yellow is our only away colour
Well this story has certainly gave us all something to chew on.
in fact we need to do a retro 1970’s yellow away kit with blue trim, or a retro 1989 yellow π
Shame but i really do have to go now.
More good hehs from TS and Catalan.
Starting to rain here, better caramac with me.
I’m with you on the yellow, Dave.
Didn’t like it with the burgendy though (two seasons ago) has to be blue trim for me. 1979 styleeeeee
Fair piece on assessing the kit, ‘holic.
And what a splendid picture, well done goonerman2 !
@54 H2H – Yeeeaaaahhhh… and the whole team must grow big ginger Alan Sunderland fro’s and mustache’s
On a serious note, well done ‘Holic for Highlighting the nonsense about us being “lucky” if we finish 3rd.
After all, the league is a Marathon, Not a sprint
Dr.C – No Snickering at the back!
CG @ 57 – sweet!
I was intending to go to the football comedy evening at the Comedy Store tonight, but with this side-splitting hilarity, it looks like I could have stayed in and saved myself a few quid.
More important than the aesthetics of the new ‘uniform’ is who and who isn’t featuring in the promotional material.
Cesc and Nasri were less prominent last year.
Looks like RvP and Theo are staying. Can’t recall seeing Song featuring much, but I’ve only watched the video once.
p.s. everyone clambers to be the first to post. I was last to post on yesterday’s; a far more difficult feat and my achievement goes completely unheralded π
I thought Bertie Bassett was looking a bit beefy above, and then realised it was in fact the new abomination being modelec by Santos.
Sorry, but no chance will it grow on me, it’s horrible, however much you lot Revel in it.
modelec = modelled π³
Congrats to Jez for his Refresher-ing take on things π
@60.
Well congratulations for that Pez…………….Eeer, Sorry, Jez π
No way zico, Santos’ skin is much darker.
I have received the most extraordinary e-mail from a Belgian cunt at work.
Seriously, some people have no shame.
Were people as negative with the kit in 1992?
I remember dreading the 1992 kit with a hangover, Ollie π
Someone on YouTube said that Steve Bould has just been confirmed as the new No 2. Wonder how true that is?
All depends who that “someone” was CoR.
1992.
The year of the nightmare away kit;
http://images.wikia.com/football/en/images/f/f0/Arsenal_Kit_1992-93.png
This is how an Arsenal kit should look; (imho)
http://images.wikia.com/football/en/images/5/56/Arsenal_Kit_1977-78.png
Classic look the best, H2H. though I’m not sure about the V-neck on the away kit.
V-neck means cold throat, you need a scarf. Or a snood π
Forgot that it was that away kit in 1992 too, I was talking about home, but yes that away was a bit, ahem, special.
Attention Snir… where are you??
Very Very strong M’Vila rumours all over the place now. Which may explain someone’s lack of tracking back against Norwich??
I’m going to stick with the retro top for the foreseeable – probably until Nike get sacked.
@73 –
only if that V-neck is on a big girl’s blouse – like Na$ri π
M’Vanilla – back on the sweet jokes then ?
Ahhh – poor ol’ fellow went all sulky cos he posted some groans next door after closing when no-one was there – soooooo
Re new Red kit – kat out o’ the bag – Nike blue it!
Suck it up – that sweet pun’s for you …
Seriously – no seriously – if, god forbid, the Spuds finish in third, will there be a single voice claiming that is lucky or undeserved ?
No need to answer, obviously.
Have a break, AL !
That’s a haribo thing to say Trev
Heh AL, yeah, he’s a bit of a (Mal)teaser, saying something that Nuts.
Holic, the puns are ‘Good n Plenty’ at the bar (as she ‘Snickers’). Best I can offer up. Don’t much care for the new look. Red shirts with baggy white sleeves will always mean Arsenal to me. And only ‘Sweet Tarts’ should wear v neck collars!
Ollie, Enjoyed the pics from the last drinking session. Jez @ 60 My word, I fully intended to comment on your post…your theory about Song bulking up causing him to lose pace doesn’t hold water (Hussein Bolt). Kwame Temeng @17, Habari! Very funny!
Maybe the fruit polo flavored arms will get the attention of those sweet toothed Linos and officials that only partially see any players attempting
To eat an Arsenal player? between lunch and dinner!
I see that cunt David Dein is at the WEst Ham game.
I wonder who he’s forever blowing…………….
We should do like Bordeaux: score a goal in the first minute, but then score 2 more in the next 10 π
So come on TaBS, I am waiting for you to show and enjoy the fruits of your earlier drinks π
Evening Ollie.
Ah,
I get the Bordeaux reference. 4-0 now…
http://www.vipbox.tv/watch/51049/1/aj-auxerre-vs-girondins-bordeaux-live-stream-online.html
Make that 4-1.
Perhaps I should turn off again π
Evening ‘Holic,
how about a Burlington Bertie on us to win the title next year?
So Wet Spam off to Wembley, doesn’t conjure up the finest of memories.
Evening Trev, H2H.
It will indeed be sweet to see the Arsenal Allsorts lift a Golden Cup next season.
Blimey, 4-2.
If they get a third I am definitely turning off π
Surprised Canal+ are not showing Blackburn vs Wigan tonight. Not appealing enough?
I’ll do with Reims vs Monaco on Eurosport then.
Could be a team wearing red with white sleeves in Ligue1 next season. One that gave us Robert Pires (via Metz)
And I mean as ‘normal’ home colours, as I’m aware Valenciennes and Brest have had that kind of colour scheme in some of the recent seasons, but they’re traditionally all-red.
Perhaps I should try and put it on to revers your curse then, ‘holic.
Loads at stakes in many games tonight, but most are still 0-0. Guess nobody wants to concede.
Evening ‘holic, indeed it would, but I won’t be happy unless we get the quadruple…..
O.K., the treble will do too.
Mind you, as the result correctly stands, with 2 games to go, there would be 7 teams in 4 points at the bottom of the table.
The closest relegation battle I can remember in any league for years.
Well struck, H2H, I was worried of unwittingly self-assisting.
Now Sochaux score and jump straight from 20th (bottom) to 17th
currently not correctly at 101
and results not result, stand not stands.
Multitasking not working fine tonight.
I need food.
Cheers Ollie, I see that as a sign, next years treble’s in the bag. π
4 minutes added, Bordeaux haven’t conceded since I followed that stream π
Final whistle. Bordeaux might still sneak into the Europa League.
In a way though I regret that Auxerre didn’t get a point: the bottom of the table would have looked even more mental with 8 teams in 5 points.
Can’t beat a red Brest Ollie π
Maybe Robin will be off to play for them ? . . . . . .
Sounds exciting Ollie, I only get limited French highlights on my channel, so I’ll be tuning in for the PL relegation scrap – B’burn v Wigan.
Must admit if the former go down, I will miss us putting half a dozen (at least) goals past Robinson next season.
Hopefully he can return to Sp*rs.
Sorry, would have been 9 teams. It’s still 8 in 5 points.
New post?
Tiring day at work, just popping in
Various hehs @ the sweet puns
Re: the kit, I quite like it
http://www.francefootball.fr/ligue-1/#!/news/2012/05/07/205432_jules-bocande-est-decede.html
RIP Jules. Great memories of him playing for Metz.
http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx141/rodentsfamily/Jersey/ArsenalAway1.jpg
Won’t be buying that one either, I’m afraid.
Red and white only – home.
Yellow with blue trim – away.
The end.
Looks like a QPR shirt that was in a hit and run.
Now, I don’t see the hysteria that the new home shirt has generated being worth it, it’s OK, has a few silly ideas, but we’ve had worse.
The away kit, on the other hand….I’d have that as pyjamas, not as Arsenal away kit.
And seeing as it has a lot of red is it, I’m guessing the blue shirt will be our 3rd kit and certainly will be used, er, more than the away kit? :s
After a day of studying it I’ve decided that I could live with the home shirt if it wasn’t for the blue collar.
BTW, make of it what you will, but, there’s no sign of Song in the promo video.
Well now that I’ve looked at it for hours it strikes me as not being too bad – but I still don’t like the blue collar (if they change it to white I will give it my seal of approval)…
Ok thanks to CG that texted me earlier and made me wake up with great news waiting on my phone.
M’Vila to be announced a few days after WBA for 16-18 million.
Rumor was broken by two reliable people (were vouched for by blogs if you don’t believe me).
ummm..posted on previous entry and not sure anyone would ever read it there so sorry for this blatant copypaste π
Okay, the kit video actually made me laugh, it is good to see lads having such lighthearted fun and my god Wojciech is just so damn funny I really did burst out laughing when he hits Arsenes car and did that βlittle boy caught doing mischiefβ kind of runaway.
As for the actual kits, they are terribad, I agree that they look better when actually worn by players but stillβ¦meh, the stripes are awful. I wonder what Nike will come up with on away kit (and I am one of those who like this years one..I even own long sleeved one with RvP on its back), but I am kind of afraid it will not be much better.
Regarding the game, Saturday was day of me being really angry fan since after I watched the game I went to pub with friend to watch our national ice hockey tean play Sweden on world championship which didnt end too well.
Anyways we are surely lucky that third is still in our very own hands and I really hope that lads will be focused enough to not screw this chance. I would personally love seeing Ox starting instead of Ramsey, I do like the lad but he seems to be out of place lately and I somehow have the gut feeling that having he would gel with Song better than Aaron. Then yet again, Song would have to stick much more to his defensive role since both Ox and Tomas are having intense forward drive and we have seen what happens when back four is not protected.
Also I am quite torn about Marouanne now,I really liked him when he was in Bordeaux and yes, he has had terrible time this season given RvPs awesome run of form, but late cameos shown that he still might be worth something when used right. However I think he will be one of those going on loan at least, he deserves regular first team action and with Poldi coming in, I sort of cant see him high in pecking order for our attack.
Reims win 2-0. Nearly up. They need 1 more point maximum over 2 games.
As a newbie just wondering – and by the way I’m a supporter since ’71 and never criticise the team or club – do people think the inability to close down a game is as simple as this ; Wenger looks for tempo and momentum and therefore sitting on a lead, holding what you’ve got, etc, etc would in fact be “sitting back” and completely not allowed given his ethos and mantra ? Personally I think he always wants 4-2 if we’re 3-2 up (hence Song in the box trying a backheel on goal) and that’s the way it is. That’s what the players are told. Come to think of it, is this my first ever swipe at the great Professor ? Probably…but this can’t go on, it’s lunacy. The good thing is we show a pattern of knuckling back to basics straight after a shock. Yes we then lose fluency for a game or two but surely a clean-sheet will move us 50% (or more like 75% given we always score) nicely towards the Holy Grail of 3rd next sunday.
Snir, blogs has been known to get some wrong sometimes…
I think the ‘inability’ to close down a game has resurfaced on saturday, but it had been gone for a bit.
For some reason there’s a ghost that resurfaced and seemed to have reformatted people’s recent memories.
It’s a lot in the head, a mental problem, and I think Wenger was as surprised as a lot of us. Even if everybody says they weren’t surprised and that it’s always the same.
Looks like Reims are celebrating as if they were up already.
Well it would take a small catastrophe for them to not go up now, to be fair.
Ollie – It certainly has gone down.
We did close out games at Everton, Norwich. Swansea, Sunderland, Everton, QPR at home, etc.
As for blogs, I didn’t say he said the rumor was right, I said he said they’re not ones to BS which is can’t harm their credibility.
Wigan score.
Bye bye Blackburn.
Looks like Blackburn are going down.
Was just pulling your leg re: transfer, Snir, no worries π
Other than it would have been nice to have exorcised this season’s nightmare at Ewood park sometime soon, can’t say I’m disappointed to see that lot disappear.
Watching that guy Scott Dann over the last few weeks, its embarassing that someone could ever have linked us with him. Two consecutive relegations for that joker.
Bolton to go this weekend – another trip less “uo north” next seaon?
“up north” even….
I was just thinking the same about Daan, Zico.
B’burns fans seemed more interested in chanting “Kean Out” the entire time rather then really getting behind their team, fuck them too.
Yossi has given a radio interview in Israel.
Here are the interesting parts.
Q: Why are you on the bench in deciding moments?
A: I didn’t get a lot of chances at first, but something changed in the last few games and it’s very significant. It is because I’ve been patient, and proved myself. It doesn’t mean anything regarding my future, I’ve got last game until my contract is up and I return to Chelsea, and will decide my future.
Q: Do you want to go back there?
A: I’m not planning anything for next season as of now. I’ll decide what’s best for my career.
Q: How would you sum up your Arsenal stint?
A: You can divide it to two parts. Extremely unhappy from the earlier months, I could have given up, but I didn’t. Gladly, I started playing and scoring goals again, which for me is the most important thing.
Q: What’s your next move?
A: We’ll have to wait and see. My agents are working, and there are offers, but right now I’m focusing solely on Arsenal and finishing on a high.
Q: Would you want to stay at Arsenal?
A: I don’t know, but there is a chance. At Liverpool I couldn’t stay for a minute longer (because of his rift with Rafa).
Q: Did Arsene Wenger contact Chelsea regarding a permanent transfer?
A: We haven’t discussed it yet. Everyone will decide what’s best for them. Gladly, I’m finishing my stint at Arsenal in a nice manner.
Q: Why is Arsenal struggling?
A: It’s true that Arsenal hasn’t won a trophy for the past 6-7 years, but before that they won everything. They tried to promote youngsters and to invest less and win trophies. But they already signed a player like Podolski who is a massive signing. Apart from that, they need to keep the good players they have, and only that way they’ll succeed.
Thanks, Snir.
@ 113 & 114 double hehs & ta, ta the chicken kings
Nice one Snir.
Whatever he decides I wish him all the best, a class act is Benny.
Blackburn down, its a shame to see former Champions go down but that 4-3 away loss really got on my tits 8) And a Chicken on the Pitch! π Its been one hell of a season, that’s for sure π
Catalan @ 38, double decker π Oh God, that’s good π
But don’t you worry you guys, they’ll be cause for ‘Celebrations’ in our kits next season when we get back to winning ways π
Ok, thks for the views but I think closing out is bread and butter stuff and I think there’s more to it. Sry if it’s old ground too but want to get this off me chest. I don’t think Arsene has confidence that his team can actually sit back and defend without being swarmed all over, that’s the point. He wants possession up the pitch. Sure with 20 wins we’ve defended some games quite well but it’s the same with calming things down after we score. I was amazed that post-match AW seemed more concerned we hadn’t scored 6 or 7 than he seemed about the defending, leaking 3 bloody goals at home, altho sure he mentioned the mistakes. When we’re not bashing teams the response and focus is about passing fluency, tempo, etc and how it wasn’t there. After over 40 years (some of them terrible seasons of course) I’m quite happy with grinding out a few draws. Sure it’s only one point for a draw but look at the Chelsea game, crucial was the fact we denied them 2 extra points. Given they can still finish on 67 and surpass our GD that’s huge. I know this now sounds like a go at the boss but what I’m really trying to say is its not all the players fault so we should go easy on them, especially in case they read blogs and get upset (poor little sensitive souls with their 3-5 mill a year!). If they’ve been told (as we all have on the website) the last few weeks that they’re not passing it well, not playing with pace, etc then when they’ve just scored two great goals and lifted the tempo it’s probably not that easy to change gear. Especially when you’re knackered after 85 minutes and the brain aint getting enough oxygen. In that case, u need it completely and utterly DRUMMED into u by the coach. I’m Irish and have to watch a fairly dreadful bunch of players at international level, but it’s oh so relaxing compared to watching my beloved Gooners. Trappatoni has that side of it sussed, so his limited players do too. At 3-2 he would have been completely hands-on and involved on the touch-line. Sitting back can be very squeaky bum but we hang on to our 0-0s and 1-0s very easily indeed !
Back home in Sweden, have speed-read through the drinks. Some really good sweet-puns!
Rather ugly scenes at Ewood Park, the cameras cut away very quickly but it looked like Steve Kean had to run down the tunnel to escape a mob of people who looked like they wanted to string him up or something.
Thanks for the photo Snir –
that away kit looks like we lost Dennis Bergkamp and signed Dennis the Menace.
Ask someone old Wind π
I’m with zico – away kits are yellow and blue – or bloody well should be.
@114 The hit and run away kit?
Some ugly scenes at Ewood Park……..close up shots of Paul Robinson and David Dunn perhaps?
Oh, and that away kit looks absolutely awful.
zico@130: hmm, “up north”? For you and me that is still “doon sooth” π
zico@142: heh!
Thanks for that Snir @ 133, whatever happens with Yossi I’ll always be keeping an eye on him wherever he plays his football π
And for the M’Vila news @ 119 π Although with that being announced so early, and Song’s lack of participation in the Home Kit 2012-2013 video, brings forth fears of his future in my eyes.
I’m still liking the home kit, Blue is my favourite colour but my beloved Arsenal don the Red & White proudly, and I’d sooner stop following football than support Chβ¬l$ki, so when Blue features on our Kit, I get to ‘double up’ 8) if you get my drift π That’s why I’m definitely buying this season’s away kit although I’m in 2 minds over the anniversary crest with Henry 12 on the back or next season’s slightly bluer than usual crest in its 3rd/Alternate Kit Form next season π and I’m probably going to get next season’s Home Kit as well.
But I will not 100% not be buying next season’s away kit @ 112 β Looks like a training top to me, and that blue’s too dark, more indigo/purple than any conceivable variant of blue to me.
I know! This season’s away colours tracksuit jacket with the anniversary badge from the Arsenal Store nearest to the station, and the 2011-2012 away kit with our primary badge next season in it! But then putting Henry #12 wouldn’t feel right… I’m in a dark place… π
Think its my fear of putting a player on the back of any of my Arsenal Shirts then them leaving the Club that is the stumbling block, that’s why all of my Shirts are blank to this very day. Arteta #8 on this season’s Home Kit feels good to me, I play football like him anyway, and I think that he’ll finish with the Arsenal anyway, + Henry will always love the club.
That’s it! I’ll just get this season’s blue away kit in full with the anniversary badge with Henry 12 in addition to the Β£55 tracksuit jacket, talking over all of this has made me think back to his Cameos this season, they were special to me and all gooners, and what better memory of them than the kit he featured in against Sunderland in his last league game :’)
Man this Bar is therapeutic
Trev @ 140, heh, I love Dennis the Menace. I even have a Black & Red Hoodie, ask any of the Twitter users in the Bar π
Nike.
You are a bunch of lazy cunts.
What are the differences???
http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/ni/nike-07-08-arsenal-3rd-shirt—eduardo-no-9—fapl-patches.gif
http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx141/rodentsfamily/Jersey/ArsenalAway1.jpg
Snir @ 147, How the hell can you call tweaking the width of the vertical stripes and changing the shade of blue a WHOLE other kit! Bloody hell Nike, that’s poor and lazy…
Arse Titan, traps football is in the dark ages my friend,i can’t even watch my national team any more.he’s anti football.takes that lad hunt to the euros and leaves houlihan at home?
Not saying that you’ve done these alterations Snir π Or are you a tailor by any chance? π
Zico,
Know its a little late, but thanks for the sum up post before the Norwich game. I enjoyed it immensely. And your travel-log certainly resonated. Pity about the result, but no doubt, as usual, the trip and the Guinni were nevertheless worthwhile!
Holic,
The piece on Pat Rice was a respectful touch of class from a class of person in touch with everything that AFC represents!
Snir,
Thanks for the word on M’Vila. I’m not one for speculation – but I really hope we sign this player.
Joe,
Every trip is worth it, in one way or another.
Join us next season and see for yourself! π
Snir makes his debuet on Arseblog news;
http://news.arseblog.com/2012/05/benayoun-theres-a-chance-i-could-stay-at-arsenal/
We can say we new him back when. π
Like I told CG- I’m not gonna pretend I’ve seen a lot of him, but if he is what people say he is, I think he symbolizes AW’s recognition that we need to return to Gilberto.
A DM who would want to defend first and foremost and have someone creative enough in front of him (MA and/or JW).
I know Song has been creative, but we can look for creativity elsewhere.
For all I care, we can score less. We scored 73 and won the title without losing in 04.
I’d much rather reduce our goals conceded than increase our goals scored.
47 goals conceded is unacceptable (despite playing 19 back fours, it’s still unacceptable).
Has anyone seen a lot of him? Ollie?
Zico,
This year was an ‘annus horribilis’ on a personal front.
But I normally get over for a few games every season.
And you can be sure, we will meet!
Not sure what to make of the new home kit. The bands are crisp but any new design is a rocky road for any club. But if it stops us having another yoyo season then I can live with it. Is the away kit confirmed or still a whispa? The pastel shades don’t do it for me.
Hello Steve.
Thanks Joe.
I am Snir’s literary agent and very reasonable rates can be negotiated for his services.
Vive L’Arsenal. The other clubs are inferieur.
H2H @ 153, thanks for the link, but ‘new’ him?
Special Agent Ollie will be on your case π
Wind @146 – “ask any of the Twitter users . . .”
afraid I wouldn’t know how to – not my thing π
Snir @154 –
I was first told about Yann M’Vila over a year ago by a French chap I know, who described him then as “an absolute wall. Nothing goes past this player” he said, “and he is strong, just like Vieira”.
His words, not mine . . . . we will apparantly see soon enough.
Snir @154 –
maybe we should try playing all 19 back fours at once ?
Evening Holic. Still not sure about that kit.
If the rumours are true then that is great news. I am more pleased however that we seem to have learned our lesson somewhat. Both signings send out a massive statement of intent.
Now to just make sure the Baggies are defeated. Then we can all rest that little bit easier.
Trev – my problem with scouting reports is that they tend to be too much on the good side. I’ve read nothing but brilliant things about him. But that was the case before we signed Denilson, Vela et al.
Playing 19 back fours at once would definitely reduce our goals conceded π
About to watch Rennes – Montpellier.
I’ll report back with a report of Mvila, , and Yanga-Mbiwa.
Belhanda was suspended.
Wind @ 145: I will not read too much into Song’s absence from the video. Sagna (assuming the video was shot before the Norwich match) and Rosicky are absent too. And for that matter, I would not read too much into RVP and Theo participating. Like everyone else, I would love to have them sign their contract extensions, but I don’t think this video provides any indication either way, if you forgive my skepticism.
If I were to guess, even if M’villa joins us, it is only to bolster the defensive and holding midfield roles and not to replace Song. We didn’t proceed as far as we would like to have in FA Cup and CL, if we did I don’t think Song would have been able to carry on until the end of the season. We need to be able to rotate, and we need to be able to rotate Song’s partners as well. We don’t really know what kind of season Diaby or Wilshere will have retuning from injury, and Frimpong will definitely go out on loan (hopefully following a full recovery by the time the season starts).
Even after M’villa joining, we would have these combinatorial options in defensive, holding and attacking midfield roles: Song-M’villa-Coquelin, Arteta-Coquelin-Song-Diaby, Rosicky-Wilshere-Ramsey-Ox (sometimes). This still seems thin to me, especially with the uncertainty about Diaby and Wilshere, and having one more quality attacking midfielder would be necessary if we were to sustain challenge for PL and cups. Unless Arsene wants to promote Ozyakup or Aneke or Eisfield, I won’t be surprised if we are in the market for one more attacking midfield player.
Speaking of signings, any truth to the rumors about Vertonghen joining that small club? I would have liked to see him for Arsenal as a versatile replacement for Squillaci and even Djourou, playing left back when needed or in DM. With our history of injury records, four top level center backs seem just about reasonable.
Seems like Aston Villa could use an injection of top level signings and with a name like M’Villa, who could be more appropriate for them? Of course we might get him too, but just saying. π
Faustus – Here it is.
Rumors are we’re going for Lewis Holtby, so that’s your attacking midfielder.
As for options.
We could very well have a front four of Poldi, RvP, Theo, with Suarez in the hole (providing JW will have trouble regaining fitness), and Arteta and M’Vila providing cover.
That for me is the perfect balance.
I’d be surprised to see both Song and M’Vila start ahead of Arteta because I think AW rates Arteta highly, maybe even the highest in our squad apart from RvP.
I think that when healthy AW sees Arteta as the second (after RvP) name on the teamsheet, especially after these few games.
As for Song, his demeanor is one of someone’s who’s leaving. I wouldn’t mind him staying, but I am no longer desperate for him to stay.
Having a combination of M’Vila, Coq, and JV at DM is good enough for me, even if the creativity will have to be found somewhere else.
As for JV – He said he has a few offers, mentioning Tottenham by name, but he said he has to decide.
He also said he’s looking for playing time, so that could be the reason he’d choose Spurs.
*these LAST few games.
Ok.
So I’ve watched him.
Two things come up from this game.
1) How he is at tracking back on the break.
2) Would AW push him higher up the pitch like he does with AS?
So, anyways, I’m extremely excited. His positional sense is immaculate. His off the ball movement is extremely defensive minded, and he understands the importance of making himself available for a pass.
He’s got a nice diagonal pass and quite accurate short passes, but his tracking back is so intelligent. He picks up runs from deep and doesn’t run around like a headless chicken.
He reminds me of BFG in the way he first reads the game and then makes his run to track back.
From a defensive stand point, I’m extremely chuffed.
Haven’t seen him tracking back on the break too much as Montpellier was dominating possession and Rennes were the ones going on the break.
He’s here, he’s over there, Snir Geuuuullliii (0;
@70: H2H, l commented on a Steve Bould video four months ago, wondering whether Stevie Bould would be our new number 2 and the uploader (adictschampselysees) said “just confirmed he is” Don’t know who he is or where he is so it’s kinda hard to confirm whether or not it’s true π
As for your kit posts @71 & 72, I actually like the 1992-93 away kit! Been looking to buy one for a long while. I also love the simplicity of the 1977-78 kit. Less is more in so many ways….unless we’re talking about women, then more is more π
@119: Snir, MVila? I’ve only seen youtube highlights and he seems okay, not sure how I feel about him as yet. The important question is whether or not he’s coming to back up Song or replace him :S Thanks for the Benagoon interview as well. He’s such a level-headed man. Much respect for Yossi.
Am I the only one who feels throwing a chicken wrapped in a Blackburn flag at Al-Habsi was a fowl move by a fan that deserves to be tarred and feathered?
I was just thinking, if Song does leave this summer, we should bar our players from having Darren Dein as their agent. The club can refuse to deal with agents, right? I think other clubs have done so in the past.
The inability to keep players drives me up a wall…
Desailly seems to think M’Vila is like Song in as much as he is a DM who thinks he is a playmaker and so gets caught out of position.
In other words, a Song in the hand is worth an Mvila in the bush NBN?
NBN – I don’t know where you got that from. From what I read, Desailly went crazy about M’Vila claiming he’s as good as Vieira.
And from what I’ve seen, he’s nothing like Song at all in possession. More like Arteta.
NBN – here is what you were talking about.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/04/04/3011348/mvila-is-better-than-vieira-was-arsenal-should-pay-whatever
βHe is doing too much on the field,β explained the Chelsea and AC Milan legend. βHe is defending and trying also to create and make the difference up the field. He has to reduce his commitment up the field.
βHe is a defensive midfielder. Fortunately or unfortunately his skills mean he can be a playmaker. Sometimes he is out of position, because he is capable of doing something else.
βI would really like to, and I am planning to, get close to him and tell him, βNo. Like a defender, first of all what is your mission? It is to defend. If you defend very well anything extra you do is fine. First of all, stick on one thing β defending very well and passing very quickly to the offensive players.β
“Once he will have understood that you will see he is the best midfielder β better even than Patrick Vieira.β
———————————————————————–
From what I’ve seen, he is not as cavalier as Desailly describes him. Not even close.
Not only that, he played 10 meters in front of the back four on a 30 meters radius.
SG: that indeed is what I read. Advice that would apply to Song, too.
I haven’t seen enough of M’Vila, beyond YouTube clips, to make a judgement. AW rates Song highly, so I assume that M’Vila, if he joins us, would be coming as a replacement
That said, if he strengthens the team overall, then he would be a welcome addition.
NBN – I was entertaining the thought that AW would wanna make us more solid and play both of them with M’Vila as the holding midfielder and Song as box-to-box, but I just don’t see Arteta being on the bench.
He’s proved his worth along with Kos. They should be guaranteed starters along with RvP.
Now, I can’t say who’s better between Song and MVila, if we’re getting one and selling the other or anything at this point in time…
but I will say this, can’t we sign people whose names are easy to make chants with? π
Your homework today Snir, is to unplug from the transfer matrix and come up with at least 3 MVila chants before the night is over!
will m’villa be available for west brom at the weekend?
AL – His doppelganger Alex Song will be π
Snir. From memory, earlier on this season you thought Song was the best in his position in Europe? What has made you change your mind?
True Steve.
But I also said, that he has no average games.
He’s either a world beater or having a shocker.
There are a couple of positions where we can’t afford our players to have shockers every once in a while.
DM is one of them.
Unfortunately Song has a shocker (defensively) a bit too often.
I still think that he is the best combination between attack and defense at that position, but like I said, I would prefer someone who thinks about defense first and foremost, someone who would be a Defensive midfielder before he is a midfielder.
Song has it in him, but he hasn’t made it consistent enough.
I’ve said this to a friend of mine.
I’d much rather score 70 and concede 20 than score 100 and concede 50.
I’m willing to let go of creativity for defensive solidity.
I do believe that he is exposed a lot by the lack of a box-to-box midfielder covering his share of ground, just as Clichy was when Arshavin wasn’t covering his.
I do think that with Arteta, they make a great tandem, but still he is a bit too offensive minded for me for a defensive midfielder. I’m not just talking about going all Songinho on us, because clearly that’s an AW order, but his decision making. His loss of possession leading up to Morrison’s goal is a perfect example.
If Song coulda done both on a regular basis I woulda been thrilled but as he can only do it once in a while, I prefer someone who can be a rock and worry about the creative part of our attack from other areas.
Namely Jack, Poldi, Theo, RvP, and even Arteta.
I’d be glad to keep him, but since we already have 35 players in the squad and we have to release 10 before we even sign M’Vila, I’d rather sell Song and have M’Vila, Coq, Vertonghen and maybe Frimpong as cover and use Song’s over 21 slot for another signing.
Namely, a striker.
I think with all these transfer ramblings, we are forgetting what’s important here – securing 3rd
If we balls up that one, we are well and truly doomed
I saw Theo may be available for West Brom. Should we play him if he’s fit or let the Ox start in his place?
I’d personally rest him for the Euros…
Harsha – Nobody is forgetting.
In fact, all this transfer talk is worth shit if we ain’t third. We can rebuild and challenge next year if we don’t get third.
Everybody here knows how important third is.
CoR – I’d start Theo. Fuck the Euros. Best should play in this game, and I consider him, on his pre-injury form, one of our best players.
I don’t know, a fit and ready Ox might provide West Brom with some more problems than Theo if he’s 100% over the hamstring problem. He might be more predictable as well.
And before you think it, while I like the Ox and think he has bags of potential, I don’t think he’s the Messiah at this point
if he’s not 100%*
All good points Snir. I have said for a long time that i think he is inconsistent and at times ill disciplined. He actually has his better games against better quality opposition. I also believe that his best position may well be as a centre back.
Steve T
I believe AW is on record as agreeing with you as CB for Song. Steve T the new no. 2 at Arsenal?? π
M’Vila deal 99% done according to French journalist Julien Laurens. All other good bloggers (Jamie Dalton, Jamie Sanderson) are confident it;s the real deal. Apparently it came down to us or Inter, and he chose us….. would he have done that if Martin O’Neill was in charge, BBB’s??
π
On a less positive note, Dutch media reporting that JV wants to be a Spud. If that’s the limit of your ambitions, then good luck old chap!
Coffee??
So, I’m confused.
Is Song “world class” or not?
I’m sure someone on here said he was world class.
A world class song – how about Mull of Kintyre? π
Steve – I think he’s anything but a CB. I’d prefer him as a box-to-box actually.
I just feel like we’re at the stage where we HAVE to solidify our defense.
I’m a staunch defender of our players and I rate them highly. But even I, have to look at the mirror and see what’s going on.
We have conceded 47 goals. That is abysmal by any stretch of the imagination. I know we had countless injuries but United actually had more than us and managed to concede less.
We are The Arsenal, we should have capable replacements no matter what.
I feel like AW has conceded that as well, and that’s why he’s going for a Gilberto Silva type again.
Someone who would mop up.
I’ve watched M’Vila the whole game, didn’t look at nothing else but him, not even the ball. His positional movement when not in possession is perfect. Absolutely perfect. He reminds me of a bulkier, quicker, tougher BFG in the way he reads the game.
I’m not one to like hype and that’s why all the Gotze, Munian, Hazard et al can do one for me. I need to see the guy play. I loved what I saw.
We have to solidify our defense. It starts with a DM.
And of course, if there’s an option, I’d much rather (and this hurts me so bad to say this) let go of Diaby’s over 21 slot and sell him than Song’s.
I’ve come to a conclusion about the new kit. Well, I’ve come to a few before and changed my opinion several times. Here is the latest.
The shirt looks quite nice on a player and with the rest of the kit. It needs the balance of the socks and the shorts. Just the shirt – nah. Which is kind of a problem if they want to sell shirts, since most people don’t go to the pub in a full kit and yellow boots.
But as a whole kit – kind of works. It’s a grower.
Zico – He is world class, but that’s because the standards of the position have gone down.
He has to improve his defensive side of his game.
And CG – I’m not too sure about AW saying that. I think he said he was educated as a CB.
As for Vertonghen, he didn’t actually say that. He said:
“I have to make a choice. There’s something going on with Tottenham, but there are more clubs interested in signing me,” Vertonghen said to NUsport.
“The most important thing for me is that I get regular playing time. Plus I need a stable environment.
“More and more clubs in England seem to realise that you can go a long way with ‘good football’. Arsenal started with it, and teams like Newcastle, Tottenham and Manchester City are playing good football as well now.”
I think his problem would be lack of playing time at The Arsenal, but I wouldn’t be surprised if TV and AW convince him.
Doctor Faustus @ 164, well said, thanks for alleviating my pessimistic fears π
But if Vertonghen signs for the Tiny Totts, I’ll be in a state π What a waste of Talent, and Vermaelen and Vertonghen’s friendship = compromised. I hope to God he re-considers…
Mull of Kintyre – A song brings ballads to the midfield
Vertonghen to Spurs?
He does have “hen” in his name so it’s a natural fit I guess.
Gwan ya cunt!
Regarding Song. I think he is the perfect player when playing containing football against stiff opposition, using two quick wingers to break. If you play two defensive midfielders that both (or at least Song) can their creative sides at the right times but still cover for each other. I wouldn’t mind playing him and a player like M’Vila against some harder teams because both seem to be creative enough to not be useless when we are attacking.
Having that said, the problem is when we are trying to break down a team or need to score a goal and he is the most defensive midfielder we have on the pitch (i.e. his role for the game) he sometimes gets caught out of position or tries something too clever as the last man (in front of the back four.) Now this isn’t wholly his fault since in that situation (five minutes left, we need a goal) the team needs to take some risks, and if we get countered, well, that’s just how it is. But like in a game as the Norwich one, he really didn’t cover himself in glory. It is one thing if he takes on a Vermaelenesque (what a word!) “Now I need to step up and get this goal for the team”-role when we really need something to happen and then get caught out of position. That for me is fine. That for me is a good quality. That for me is having a player prepared to risk becoming the scape goat to get that goal we desperately need.
But what is required is of the player to know that when we are 3-2 up, we do NOT need that attitude. Then, instead, Song (or Vermaelen for that matter) need to think “Now I need to step up and make sure they don’t get a goal.”
Yes, roles must be fluent in a modern footballing side. Song needs to have his attacking side, he needs to be able to help out when we have the ball, it is great he can play those lobbed passes. I love it that he goes forward when there are just a few minutes left on the clock and we need a goal, even if it ends with us letting one in. But here is the important thing –
FLUENT ROLES goes both ways. It means attacking minded players needs to be able to help out and defend when we are 3-2 up with a few minutes left. And it definitely also means that a player like Song must be able to switch back from desperate-attack-mode to solid-defence-mode if we get that important goal.
And that for me is where he is lacking.
I still would love to have him in the team, I think he is a great talent and that his weaknesses as a complete footballer gets smaller and smaller by the season. The only problem is that his new found extra talents has made his available choices on the field expand and he hasn’t really worked out how to manage that yet.
And to answer the question about him being world class? I think, in the perfect game i.e. under the perfect circumstances he really is world class. When a game plays to his strengths and he has the right team around him , the role he then gets he is one of the best in the world at playing, at least to my limited understanding. But most games aren’t like that and he needs to be able to switch roles better to be world class for real.
It’s not that he can’t both attack and defend. He does both roles great. He just needs to work some more on knowing when to do what.
Smashes it!
* Bursts into Song, but only receives yellow card……*
I have said before thatch our vulnerability defensively is not just down to the back 4 but the way we defend as a unit. I have also said that I don’t think the balance is always right.
I will say it again, you want a top tune then check out The Rifles on the new kit video. Great track.
Dr C ‘good bloggers/Jamie Sanderson’? :s Something wrong there I suspect.
Whey-hey, runs over to celebrate with Toby as he still debates Alex Song π
In other news – re steve bould – do we now have the hardest number 2 (trevvvvv) in the prem?
I hate it when you see that you’ve just posted the 99th post and just know that you can’t be an a-hole and self-assist.
But well in Wind! Well in!
It is great indeed, Steve T.
Heh, Wind, you must admit that was a really mazy run I did there before I released the ball. I think I rounded a few defenders at least four times.
Like what I’ve heard of the Rifles, Steve.
But do they have a world class song?
If not, that should be their target…….
*fetches coat and sprints for the door*
I thought you only listened to Roxette, zico.
*at this rate the cloakroom will empty quickly*
Zico, I’ll answer that for you in post #299… If the rest of the bar don’t beat you black and blue and throw you out first…
Heh Ollie
I listen to Roxette as frequently as I listen to my doctor…….
Toby : In the words of officer McNulty
What the fuck did I do?
OK so it seems like JV is Spurs bound.
Can only think of two reasons after all confessing his love to Arsenal.
AW’s quote that he’s an interesting player but a Centre back and that they’ll have to see.
And that he’s keeping Song.
Oh well…
Miquel and JD for the 4th CB it is then.
Trying to find new ways to serve up puns regarding the duality of meaning in one of our midfielders names is a serious offense, Zico McNulty. And you know that.
Now, one more please! π
I hear Juventus are going for a song…..
And yes, JV is a lost cause by now. But I guess that is down to us not wanting him. I really do.
As a central defender I think the boss has all the faith in the world for the trio of Vermaelen, Kos and the BFG. They all have their faults but it’s nothing that can’t be coached and they are different enough to be able to cover for different situations. One spot needs to be open for developing younger players for the future, so there goes spot number four.
He wouldn’t be playing left back, since we have one good prospect there (one that made me quite mad during the Norwich game, but still) and one newly bought player there.
Regarding DM, it appears that we have set our sights on another player there, and we still have a few young un’s developing.
So if we keep Song (which I really hope!) I can absolutely understand why we are not going for JV. Better put our money elsewhere.
A song for the old lady – back to Roxette again
Why spend money on a CB when we have homegrown Kyle Bartley ready for action? If he could tackle in Scotland he can tackle in England! And he’s fucking tall
Cannons,
He’s not very good. In my opinion.
AL – you are one braveheart
Old? π
Toby – I agree.
I think Song will stay and rotate with M’Vila and Coq throughout the season.
I don’t think AW will sign as CB but just promote Miquel full time.
Morning All
GREAT NEWS re: Stevie Bould’s appointment as a replacement for Pat Rice. Brilliant start to the working week.
As important as any new signing we make this summer?
IMO, with a team properly disciplined in the art of defence how many more new signings do we need? With the exception of the CF position bar Robin, I don’t think we’re lacking in outright skill and ability anywhere in the squad. It’s the organisational boo-boos that frustrates us so, isn’t it?
UTA!
@219: Zico, maybe he’s not the best in the world but he’s got to better than Squillaci. But then again he’s out on loan and Miquel is here so I’ll let the boss sort that one out π
Dr. Zee – i use it purely in the Londonism term of endearment type phrase way. Why wouldn’t I? From everything that fellow Feelgood says about the Gal she sounds just grand (honest Rox – if you’re having one of them there sneaky peaks)
Dr. Zee – i use it purely in the Londonism/juve term of endearment type phrase way. Why wouldn’t I? From everything that fellow Feelgood says about the Gal she sounds just grand (honest Rox – if you’re having one of them there sneaky peaks)
Snir
As far I’m aware, there’s still no firm evidence that M’Vila will become an Arsenal player?
Do you have that ‘missing link’
Cheers.
Oops – think that’s Denzil’s way telling me to knuckle down this tuesdee morning what’s masquerading as a mondee
https://twitter.com/#!/LaurensJulien/status/199763059126960128
song coq m’vila, there’s only song coq m’vila, song coq m’villllllllla, there’s only song coq m’vila…
He’s back – with A Song…
Doc C. When I am in a position to make an announcement I will let you know.
Thank you Snir. That’s the best I’ve seen by some margin.
Should it be confrmed then we will have to make space for him in the squad so selling now becomes as important as buying. How’s that for a turn-around?
UTA!
AL – Feelgood WOULD say that. π
Cannons – Better than Squillaci? Damned with faint praise indeed.
And Snir finds the missing link……
Heh @ Dr.Z π
I wonder if that fat f*ck Clive Allen will be pushing for a handshake now we’ve got Stevie B on the bunch?
More rumours
apparently we splashing out on junior’s toilet now
Now i know above is out of contract but how come we’re signing say podolski before the window opens??? If players can talk to/sign with a club beforehand what’s the point of the window?)
Am sure some of the v knowledgeable folk on ‘ere know the answer. Asked same question at The Tollie on Saturday but no-one i spoke to knew the answer for sure…Reckon this one’s right up your strasse Snir
Ts seems le moan were on the ball yesterday do I get my points back:)
M’villa’s arrival may see Song drop back and negate the need for the signing of JV.
And if Podolski hasn’t signed as of now does that mean the deal’s not yet done???
So is there an M’wolves or M’brum?
We deserve to know….
Steve holic mentioned it a couple of posts back about our old team having a mixture of silk and steel,seems to me arsene is going back down that road again,song has to stay mvilla to me would allow songiniho out a bit more.getting excited for next season:)
Signing Vertonghen….???
We have PM, TV, Kos, JD……..Squillaci & Miquel…..Bartley on loan.
Now I think were all in agreement that Squillaci will go and that Bartley is not good enough………it still leaves us with 5 centre halves. Will Wenger really want to have 6..?? I can only see Ventonghen being signed if JD is sold. In that context we’d be keeping the numbers in check, but at the same time maybe getting a more versatile CB who can also play at full back, unlike JD.
And for me, the defensive problems are not all down to personnel. Its all about how we play as a unit. And no appointment at No2 could possibly excuse the repetitive defensive shortcomings over the past years under No1..!
If you look at the winners of all the primary leagues throughout Europe – you will find that sometimes, its not always the teams that score the most goals that win the trophies. But what you will find, is that almost invariably – its always the team that concede’s the least that wins trophies.
The “we don’t score enough” philosophy has to be comprehensively swapped out with the “we concede too much” mindset for us to really progress. We only need to score once to take 3 points – if, and its a big IF, we can manage not to concede!
if the club pulls off these v interesting signings being talked about above AND manages to keep hold of our best players – WHY I might go out and buy one of those rotten tops we’ll be wearing next season…
Nah – nah i won’t, sorry…i might bring a packet of liquorice allsorts to home matches though!!!
“Oh mist rolling in from the sea, my desire….is always to be here…….”
Some things are just timeless…!
Rumors doing the rounds that Song is actually gonna be offered a new contract.
In addition, this is from James Olley who is rather reliable (broke Poldi story first if I’m not mistaken).
https://twitter.com/#!/JamesOlley/status/199802261499691009
AL – Players and Teams are allowed to talk/agree/sign before the window opens but the window exists so there won’t be movement of players on every day of the season.
Kinda like “this is who you picked, you’re stuck with them.”
Without the window everyone can move every day and contracts would need to be structured differently (as if to expire in June of that year).
Ollie – catty! :0
Good point about Miquel being available Snir. He looks classy to me. Could well go out on loan next year, though to beef up a bit.
I’m happy enough with JD as 4th choice. ABS
garsgun @ #235 – 50% refund mate. 50% retained just for visiting LG π
zico @ #238 – We can verify when we visit M’WestBrom on Sunday mate.
This (alleged) M’Vila quote taken from twitter: …”From the moment Arsenal wanted me, I wanted to get on the first train there.”…. Another recruit for the HT? Bit late Yann.
@ ‘holic
Thanks for getting the backgournd to the kit design. I like it a lot apart from the blue around the collar. The tracksuit top thingy is better in that area because it has a funnel neck with stripes like the sleeve design but on red.
V funny puns and gags – zico, True Storey and others too numerous to mention.
@ Joe
It’s actually goal difference which is the crucial factor but the stats I have seen show that the team with the highest number of goals scored is significantly more likely (more than 10%) to be the top team than the team which concedes fewest.
8ball – complaining about M’Vila’s name not lending itself to songs. Come on…. “Yann”!!!
“plan”, “man”, “van” (Yann Persie goal combos?), “tran” (for Wolfie)
What more do you want?? π
ta SG…soooooo anyone can sign anyone at any time – but they must wait for the window to open before new player gets new club and new club gets new player – hmmm – surprised what’s going with us right now doesn’t happen more often then…or maybe it does and i haven’t noticed or p’raps it’s unusual for a club to announce signings in the way that the mighty Arse are at the mo OR (at this point i stopped giving an eff)
Why, why not bid for Odemwingie and other key west bromers before the weekend!!! Come on Dick Law pull your finger out!
Morning all.
AL @234
Players in the final year of their conrtact are allowed to talk, negotiate, even sign contracts with another club when their deal Γ©nters the final 6 month period.
Garsgun @235
Now you’ve mentioned them again…………
H2H – He’s not talking just about players in last year of contracts, he’s talking in general.
And any player can talk to any club with his club’s permission, at any time, regardless of his contract situation.
I know that H2H – it’s players like Podolski who i thought had at least a year to go on his contract that i was wondering about
AL – It does happen like that.
For instance, we announced RvP in April.
Bayern announced Shakiri in the winter.
So did Dortmund with Reus.
Heh TS @245,H2H last time sorry mate.
What’s with all this buying established star stuff???
Why doesn’t he pay less and take a gamble on youth a bit more often?
Honestly, he’s lost it…. π
Joe @ 242
You just resurrected my breakfast.
Next time, I’ll put a sarcastic smiley in my post *
* Can someone please tell me how to create a sarcastic smiley in WordPress?
@ #245
Yarp…. good point
“Don’t spend all our f*cking money, dont spend all our f*cking money”
If (and it’s still a big if even though the rumours seem to have grown rather strong lately) M’Vila really has signed for us not knowing where we’ll finish this season, then this does in my mind strengthen my claim that finishing third this season is not as deciding a factor for the immediate future of the club as many would have it. I maintain that it’s about going for the right players in the summer and not repeating the mistakes of last season and Podolski and M’Vila (again, it is still a big if) are two signings that by all accounts address two areas of weakness in our squad for the coming season and this season hasn’t even finished yet.
Is it easier to attract players if we finish third? Without a doubt. But that does not mean that building a stronger team for next season will be impossible if we finish fifth or sixth.
Plus…
Project Proven Professional is doomed to fail.
Bring back Project Youth.
Lars, well said and I think you’ve answered you own question with the signing of Poldi.
Can we please sign M’messi?
I kinda want us to sign M’neymar, can anyone M’ake it happen?
I should have put a smiley on mine too Zico…!!
π
That was my attempt at humour..!
Did you honestly think I was being serious?
Joe, probably not mate, but my breakfast arrived anyway…..
Garsguns
If Le Moan took credit then they are even bigger cubts than I thought. Alex49 and YouAreMyArsenal broke it, and copped a lot of shit as well.
Vindicated now though. Well played them.
I don’t know if anyone noticed but M’Heskey is out of contract…
Maybe our interest in Vertonghen waned once it was clear that Mertesacker’s ankle injury wasn’t as long-term as was once feared.
I heard that M’Heskey will sign for M’body that will feckin have him….
NBN: surely you must mean M’Ertesacker?
Some great drinks above – lots of sense being spoken.
I personally hope that M’Vila will arrive to compliment, rather than replace, Alex Song. It’ll be great to finally have another player in that spot who actually wants to defend, and particularly a big, snarling b@stard of a player who knows how to put this foot in
Song was god awful on Saturday but he’s approaching the peak of his career now and has shown he can boss big games. Consistency could well arrive in the next year or two and then he’ll be some player.
I know that this would put pressure on Arteta’s spot in the side, but I think we need to rememeber that (a) he’s getting on and can’t be expected to play every game; (b) he has a chequered injury history; and (c) there’s nothing wrong with competition for places. The Spaniard has shown his quality this season – Arsene will find a way to ensure he gets enough game time.
I remain optimistic about the possibilities for this current side. There is still a lot of dead wood that needs moving on to ensure that we get to the tail end of the season with a bit of puff left, but we appear to be bringing in the right sorts of players and we can realistically expect further improvement from the likes of Chesney, Kos, Song, Wilshere (god willing), Ramsey, the Ox and so on.
The only major concern I have is re: the CBs. I love Kos, rate BFG and think that Vermaelen is capable of much more than he’s showed at times this season. What worries me, however, is that none of them are world class in the air, and that’s still an avenue teams are using to get at us. On Saturday I lost count of the number of balls straight down the middle that we struggled to deal with and it feels like every time we come up against a physically imposing centre forward we struggle.
Anyway, enough of that: THREE POINTS ON SUNDAY AND LET’S ALL LAUGH AT THE LWCs.
N7 – excellent post (again).
I was saying this very thing around 3:30 on Saturday…..
….a big, snarling b*stard of a player who knows how to put his foot in…..
Moving on the “deadwood” (trademark, whoever) is the big conundrum though.
How many players can we realistically look to get rid of, given their wages/status of contract?
Anyone care to suggest a list?
Dr. zee @ 270 – were you not announcing yourself as you made your way through the throng on the way to the bar?!
Heh, AL
Only the bastard bit 8)
Zico
3 GK
Squillaci – France
Denison – Brazil
AA – Russia.
NB – other PL team or maybe Germany? Euros should help.
Yossi
Vela – Spain.
Chamakh – Bordeaux
Park – France.
Lansbury – Norwich
Bartley – PL/Championship
Diaby is a question mark along with JD.
Zico @ 271
I’m not sure it’s feasible to sell and replace more than 5 players in one summer, especially with a major international tournament on the go, but these are the ones I’d look to move:
Arshavin
Denilson
Bendtner
Vela
Almunia
Squillaci
Chamakh
Park
Jury still out on Diaby. He has the potential to be massive but at some point we’re going to have to cut our losses. I’d give him until January.
Good list Snir.
Anyone have any idea on how many of these players we have a realistic shot of actually selling this summer?
And presumably we also need replacements at the ready?
A big list Snir.
With the exception of Yossi, and the pre-bodysnatched Chamakh, can’t say I disagree with any of it.
Don’t think we’ll sell JD on the back of granting him a new contract though.
Diaby – shame – but sorry, if you were a horse son……
Zico @ 227 – you’d ride ‘im???
apologies for that – will stop now…
or at least rein it in…
I think we should have a Deadwood Tournament.
We pit them against each other in a fight-to-the-death tournament and the winners get to stay.
Not sure if FIFA would sanction it but would be worth considering. If the players are unable to play that nullifies their contract right?
Like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSwd7TY7NXw π
Btw Snir, I think Lansbury is at West Ham. So if we decide not to keep him he’d stay there no?
@ 278
Erm, no, not quite what I had in mind…..now hopalong
Lars @ 257 failure to qualify for the champs league will hit the club hard financially – our self-sustaining model works on relatively margins – i think. And i reckon it does make it tougher to get players to sign/re-sign, for a start there’s less cash around to offer them, then there’s Thursdays on 5 and all that…
Still – the club, as you say, still seems to be busily strengthening the squad anyway and
Still – still thired and in our hands still – personally mine’ll be doing that praying thing come the weekend
As a variation on a theme Cannons @ 281 –
maybe we could audition them for an alternate career, on the Deadwood Stage?
@ 285
Your hands can’t remain still long enough to do that praying thing π
pardon “relatively fine margins”
sorry ’bout that…chaps
Amen to that reverend Zee
AL: it will hit us financially, but we have already splashed out on Podolski and do appear to be going for other targets as well. Selling before buying can also mean we sell players like Bendtner, Vela, Denilson, Lansbury, Squillaci, Fabianski and others – even if they don’t bring in more than a million or two each or even nothing at all then we won’t have their wages bogging us down. Even if I am sure we are not paying their full wages while on loan, I would guess that getting rid of Bendtner, Vela and Denilson would pay for at least one new good player.
Also, remember that the “we have to sell before buying if we miss the CL” comes from Tim Payton and the AST, not from the club and my experience is that the AST tends to see everything in a rather negative light. The club may have money coming in that we don’t yet know about, like new commercial deals or player sales (of the deadwood variety) already agreed on but not made public etc.
Or maybe I am just subconciously trying to prematurely soften the blow for Sunday… π
*goes deep to collect the ball and hoofs it upfield like Song should have done on Saturday*
*Completely misses the lofted ball from Lars, and crashes into the hoardings*
Lars – minus the champs league the club would take a financial hit of anything between 20 and 30 million quid – that, i think, would hit us hard.
Dribbles…
*Stamps on a canary off the ball and whistles in a nonchalont manner as he races towards the box*
*runs towards the penalty area*
H2H as Sylvester!
Still dribbling
*Spots Lars’ run and loops it through*
Still dribbling messi-like…
*makes unselfish decoy run*
Wellies it
Well in Lars, but I must say my own contribution for that goal was exemplary.
with the ball up his jumper??? Well in Lars…
Oooh, didn’t see the cross coming in from H2H, was hit on the head without knowing it and it went in!
Unselfish run into the net, well in my Swedish chum.
*Takes off failed wellies*
I would like to thank all my team mates for this wonderdful team effort! No handbrake in sight anywhere…
AL – that would be a hard hit of course, but it doesn’t neccessarily have to mean we would have no money that we can use to buy players.
Also, shouldn’t the Europa League at least bring in a little money? Not on the scale of the CL of course, but a few millions or something?
No handbrake?
That’s probably why Toby ended up in the hoardings. π
No Lars it won’t mean no money – just less money, sadly. Anyway old son this is all purely academic as we’re still thired, and it’s still in our hands, still
UREDS!
I’m afraid the Europa league money is peanuts compared to the CL revenue.
The biggest downside to not being in the CL is the sponsers deals you can make will diminish in value.
With new deals up for renewal it is massivly important that we get the desired result Sunday.
Heh, my problem isn’t as much the lack of a handbrake as a a lack of training wheels. Which, incidentally, is what I think our team has lacked as well. Some experienced training wheels to help us not fall over. We got a few in, it worked really well, but then the most experienced one in the middle of our midfield got injured and now we seem to be wobbling again.
*with current deals…..
And Lars – i tried to end @ 309 with a resounding “And we’re going to qua…” etc. but couldn’t bring meself to do it – so apologies if it seems to end a bit abruptly
Onward and staying exactly where we are!
H2H knows – Europa league – you get peanuts and no prestige…
Perfect competition for Monkey Boy Bale, then AL.
A very spritely day holics! Looked up the word ‘fickle’ (of course I knew the meaning). In order, it referred to matters of loyalty and affection. So heartfelt thanks to all those who offered up kind words and constructive criticism to one Alex Song.
Hey H2H. Hope ‘Arry manages to make it happen for the big s.winger
pardon that was – heh H2H
Re: H2H @308: Actually I think this is the reason Toby wound up in the hoardings, unless I have my Tobies mixed up somehow:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13XeQQMbJjc
Did somebody say whore-dings?
AL/H2H: it is indeed peanuts, but even Β£5 million is better than no money at all.
Anyway, as you say let’s hope that come Sunday around 5pm UK time we won’t have to bother about it. Not that I am particularly confident, mind… π
A man with a bottomless wallet and he quibbles over Β£5m.
Pah.
Bring on the dancing girls….. 8)
3 points from 4 games, all of which we were favourites to win.
They say our fate is back in our own hands, unfortunately our fate is in West Brom’s hands.
By my reckoning, then, we are due a win, eh Toolsy?
Seen it all before, zico. Every season is just too long for us.
At least our new home kit is quite apt. The black armbands seem to come as standard.
Well, given this crazy season, even if we don’t win, it’s not inconceivable that we draw, barcodes draw and the LWCs lose.
Come on lads have some faith we can beat them Saturday, the Norwich game should of giving the lads a kick up the hole they need.
True Lars – And it might help drown our sorrows if…
We will win.
We have mental strength.
And drink. 8)
We HAVE to win, let buck the trend of us not winning without Arteta, 5 mins off on Saturday, we can do it π
Heh, Mr. 8 Ball, my cover is blown!
And I have every faith in us winning. Not because WBA is in any way a crappy team, but because we will knuckle down and do it. I am really looking forward to hearing the away support on the TV. I think they will be absolutely marvelous.
or indeed, mental strength drink…
Toby –
you – and we – are all lucky Tabs isn’t in here, what with you talking about ‘stiff opposition’ and ‘going both ways’ an’all. Careful mate π
And if you feel like self-assisting, go right ahead. Never mind this sanctimonious crew of card brandishers in here – sod ’em, I say, even on a Tuesday. π
AL – ‘junior’s toilet’ π
Dunno about you lot but I’m positively BRICKING it about Sunday.
@ gars – Good call…haven’t they had various other kicks up the hole as well? QPR, Wigan, Swansea etc…
Anyway, let’s forget all that’s gone before, forget that our form over the last 4 games has been dreadful, BELIEVE we’re going to do it, KNOW that the LWC’s belong in our shadow and SHUDDER at the thought of that c*nt Pardew doing that dad dance of his on the touchline.
Come on Bayern
Tabs doesn’t scare me! Well. He does. A bit. But that’s just because I never know which way he will swing. Mood-wise that is. Aaaanyway. I’ll be careful in the future. Wouldn’t want him to explode in my face, now would I?
And regarding self assisting, I kind of more enjoy the fox-in-the-box goals, sneaking in with 60 odd posts or so since my last contribution and just banging it in. The whole goalmouth scramble thing doesn’t suit me. It generally just ends with me falling on my bum and then not getting the goal anyways. Kind of like when Arsenal does it.
You step out for 24 hours , and so much happens !
Holic , heh , you brought it all to life , top art work π I’m afraid all the sweet references already appear to have been taken by some top work above .
All I will add is that apparently Bertie Bassett has released an EP entitled “Victoire” π
http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/qX9sQ7c8lwg/hqdefault.jpg
Are Arsene Wenger and Bertie Bassett one and the same ? I think we deserve to be told !
As for the kit itself , I have warmed to it over the last 24 hours . Socks are cool , and though a white collar would be hugely preferential , the blue collar doesn’t bug me as much as it does some . No excuse for the desecration of the white sleeves , but heh , we’ve had worse . Prefer it to the adidas version of 93 .
Last Saturday has been mulled over by many already and there have been some top posts over the last couple of days . I shall therefore limit myself to a few brief points :-
1. Song, Verm, and Sches all chose the same day to have stinkers . Whilst their displays serves as a reminder to some that a readiness to place them all on a “world class” platform is premature , last Saturday should not detract from the huge contributions that each have made to this season .
2.Having been abject in the first half , collectively outrun and outfought by a, lets face it, pretty average Norwich side , the fact that we were able to haul ourselves back into the game is testament to the firepower that does exist within our side when we get it right .
3.Easy to be wise after the event , but i still maintain that in a side shorn of Theo , The Ox must play . Devoid of pace down the flanks Norwich were able to compress the midfield without fear of being caught on the break . Ox coming on changed the game , and I think he should start at the weekend .
4.Our inability to close out the game was further evidence of the collective brain freeze that appears to form part the present squad’s DNA . There has been an improvement this season , but it’s still there when the pressure’s on . How we missed Arteta’s calm assurance . My biggest gripe in the Tolly inquest afterwards was why we dropped 15 yards deeper as soon as we scored our third , immediately handing back the initiative to Norwich.
5.Coq again looked a class act , and Chamakh had a decent cameo .
Le Grove’s Sunday report was a disgusting and poisonous piece of innuendo ,half-truths, and abuse .How much longer must these people be tolerated ? Their vile and opportunistic bile was in stark contrast to both the gut-wrenching disappointment of all the familiar faces in The Tollie afterwards , and the defiant optimism and fatalistic acceptance which, with the help of a few jars, it was replaced with .
Top Gooners singing “Lets pretend we’ve won the League” will remain an abiding memory of this season .
And so to this weekend . Handed another chance by the Tottering Totts, I still cant say I’m particularly optimistic , but , whatever happens , We win together , We lose together , and when the dust has settled , we will still be The Arsenal .That surely is what’s it’s all about .
Onwards.
Toby , be scared , be very very scared π
Evening all. Top stuff in the bar recently. Hidden discussions and, of course, silliness
A drink for you all. On Lars, of course
Heh, “let’s pretend we’ve won the league” – that is one of the ones I remember us singing! I also (sort of) remember the “Let it be” Podolski one, but other than that… nah, memories of that part of the evening is, shall we say, a bit hazy π
“whatever happens , We win together , We lose together , and when the dust has settled , we will still be The Arsenal .That surely is whatβs itβs all about .”
So true.
Top stuff, tabs.
Post-match singing took a while to get going, understandably, but there was much singing in the end indeed.
hmmm – maybe the club should consider producing a version of the new shirt minus the bits people don’t like…
I’ll be on the side of the “skins” then….
Good stuff Tabs
I echo Camberwell’s sentiments about “positively bricking it”about Sunday
Who should start at right back though, Jenks or Coq?
CoR. Wolfgang Smallballs and the Speedo Massive seem to be on your tail. Not a particularly comfortable position to be in, I should think, considering who has all the momentum in the FFL sweepstakes going into the last week of play. Good luck and may the most massive cannon win. π
Damnit tabs. I make it a point never to read Le-Groan anymore so I don’t lose faith in humanity but your post made me pop over there. Sadly I can never get back the five minutes I wasted reading the post and all the vitriolic ocassionally xenophobic comments that followed. The saddest part is if Wenger does good business this summer and makes needed changes to the squad and wins a trophy or two next year I don’t think any of the Arsenal “fans” that post there would even celebrate.
Lars , it was the redoubtable Holics and the GeezyPeas gang doing all the singing I think . An uplifting moment on a difficult day .
BtM , if you’re reading this you’ll be glad to hear I topped off my matchday experience with a bit of Cod and Chips on the way home ! Perhaps you had a point after all π
Cheers Ollie and Harsha .
Harsha , tricky . I think Le Coq is the better right back , and I think AW will go that route , but Le Coq in midfield for the ailing Aaron has some appeal .
Exactly my thoughts on that last point, tabs.
I fear I have left my late run at Glory a little too late 8Ball .
However , Canons will be anxiously looking over his shoulder trying to figure out where I am !
It is a position I , and The Speedo Massive , am used to and positively revel in π
Cunts 1 Bigger Cunts 0
I apologise for having put you through that Bearded .
Don’t often read it myself , but James (a fellow imbiber in The Tollie) directed me to it on Twitter on sunday with the message that I would, with heavy sarcasm , “like” it .
If ever there has been a bigger example of a purported “writer” strangling his sentences , or of abuse masquerading as constructive criticism , or of media presence being put before the interests of the Club he pretends to support , I have yet to see it .
Disgusting from start to finish .
Sorry Bearded @351 was me .
I have never checked Le Grove and I am not about to.
Only ever heard about it, and that’s put me off.
Cunts 2 Bigger Cunts 0
Terry just fell over. I didn’t know it was rerun night tonight? Still as hilarious as ever though.
Yellow card for tabs for sending any poor unsuspecting soul to that cesspit “The Office”
And further yellow card for having solids on Saturday.
No right of appeal.
#fascists’r’us
Cunts 3 Bigger Cunts 0.
This is actually quite funny.
I’m starting to really regret John Terry not being eligible to play in the CL final though.
3-0
How much as I ever loved to see Chelsea just concede the third goal, it didn’t feel as good as the second one. There is nothing like watching Terry falling over to gift a goal. The defending for the third was just a horror show.
Guilty as charged Dr Z .
Mind you , I didn’t bugger off sometime in mid afternoon though π
At least we know Chelsea won’t make the top four. That does help if worst comes to worst and we don’t win our game on sunday. Makes fourth more likely.
I’ve got a feeling that the Chelsea – Blackburn game will be quite a bore…
No worries tabs. I should have known better.
Oh and sorry for blowing your cover @352 π
@ 359
Couldn’t stand the company π
Chelsea just blew a 4 against 2. Sad.
Touche Dr Z π
Ha Bearded ! I think that cover was blown a while ago π
Downing nearly scored.
The end of the world is nigh.
I saw Ollie. Didn’t dare to say anything. Was afraid the mere thought would be enough to wake Cthulhu or at the very least Andy Gray.
This is the only nice thing I will say about the teams involved, but I must admit it’s quite a good game. Good tempo, loads of chances, funny mistakes, goals and at least two shots in the woodwork already.
Essien should have been sent off.
Was afraid the mere thought would be enough to wake Cthulhu or at the very least Andy Gray
Heh, superb, Toby.
a penalty!
And Ivanovic should have been sent off too there.
Hahaha, well the end of the world just about got averted again.
what a miss!
Ollie, it was squeaky bum time there for a while when Downing stepped up for the penalty. But no need to worry. The thin membrane between the world as we know it and complete void and darkness is safe for now.
That was a nasty challenge by Essien.
They are a despicable lot.
Where’s my voodoo doll…… ?
Indeed, Dr Z, indeed. And see Ivanovic’s action for the penalty.
Bunch of thugs.
Keep the doll until May 19th, Dr Z. Unless you need a bit of practice.
Good point Ollie.
Actually, I’m still working on making the Terrycunt’s head explode on national television.
I have a witch nearby, though, name of Roxette who can cast a spell or two, so don’t fret too much about the 19th π
And lets not forget how Mikel elbowed Ciote really hard last week, brutal attack, it was. Yep, they are a bunch of thugs. Torres, please save yourself and go to La Liga.
Wonder if all this chat about dolls will bring Clive back to the bar?
If you’re looking in Clive, take care.
Yours,
The Feelgood Family
I am bored with the Liverpool game. No other team can satisfy me: not even watching the Fulham Blue cunts get stuffed…ah well
Just been reading the dot.com and saw this: http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/-i-want-emirates-to-be-the-centre-of-london-
Which other manager thinks about the game or of our enjoyment as much as Le Boss? None! That’s the answer..(0;
Tabs
Any truth in the runmour that the Speedo Massive’s surge up the table coincided with Wolfgang stopping mincing his words at half time?
To think that some managers just coach but do not buy their own players. And we have one that in effect drives to whole club and London area, into the future. One that grasps the economical effects of his decisions, one that is involved in finding financial partners, one that cares about making sure that the club takes its social responsibility and helps not just the borough but also people from all around the world, from Chernobyl to wherever.
I may scream at the old git, but Arsene Wenger will always be one of the people I don’t know in person, but still feel a deep respect towards. What a wonderful man he is, and his faults, and they are many, are made up for ten times because of his intelligence and his way to always put others before himself. That is why he can look a fool so many times when he stands up for others. And he might not always behave gracefully in himself, but when he comes to others he always is the gentleman. That for me is huge.
You are very much right, GT.
Back to the game, it’s not as fun as the first half… Terry has yet to fall over and no red cards.
I think I wrote that a bit too quickly and nonchalantly. Grammar is way off. You might call me sloppy in possession.
@347 – my gullet is green with envy – or maybe it was that Peking Duck I ate tonight that has made things green and has me awake and reading GH at 4.00 am.
He chips in when he wants, he chips in went he wants, Luigi at the Fish Bar Cips Inn when he wants.
Nice goal Shelvey.
I’ve had he sne conversation with a certain hyperactive Israeli about Le Coq; jenks at RB. He’s a Gooner. He knows what’s at stake. Le Coq in to replace Ramsey and help out a knackered Song.
Ox to start on the right. Feeoooo to come on for the last 30.
Job’s a good ‘un
tee hee – that pretty much nakers their slim chances of finishing thired – or indeed fourth – then…
Great post Toby.
What you said.
psed GT – only have it on, on the radio in background…might have to look in to watch that lot as they traipse off after a whopping though
God, I’m looking forward to the traipsing! I might make some popcorns.
And cheers Catalan! I’ve made pretty much the same post here at regular intervals during the last couple of years. At times I just feel the need to say it. He really is worth all the praise.
Anyways, I’m thanking you because 1) it was nice of you to say that and 2) now we’re one post closer to 400.
Good enough reasons Toby.
Nudges the ball forward to his strike partner,,,,,
Heh Toby @ 389 and some fine stuff re AW before
Let the traipsing commence!
Here comes the traipsing!
And oh, does a little roulette-spin with the ball just because he’s not very good at doing them smoothly in real life and switches side with a cross ball.
Traipsing is now over. It would have felt better had the Liverpool players also done some. Now they were moving happily around shaking hands. That does not get my seal of approval.
Was it worth it? Hell yes.
or indeed fifth – sixth then…sack the manager!!!
Am I correct in assuming that we may lose with the odd goal against WBA and still finish above the tiny totts if they draw?
Runs behind the defence, passes to Downing… (is that the end of the world as we know it?)
flicks on
Apropos of absolutely nothing:
http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2012/0508/soc_g_chicken_gb1_600.jpg
BMBD
Scores with a real flyer!
http://bit.ly/JddmA0
Downing falls over. JT joins him
Curler?
Did I score? I forgot to take me blindfold off once THAT game finished (0;
I cuddent have hit that golazo better myself, Toby! xD
Oh its Toby…nice
Toby-rone, out on his own, triangular chocolate….
Query ‘Holics –
Now that I have singlehandedly scuttled Barca’s season with “BMBD,” it might be time to revise my valediction? Perhaps something more positive?
AUA – Arsenal uber Alles. In honor of our increasing Germanification.
KC&CO – you know we’ll need this at some point next year.
TCB – If you can’t get behind the Bachmann Turner Overdrive, you might as well give up the ghost.
I’m taking suggestions. Winning suggestion gets a drink on my tab.
BMBD
Are we still signing, Bevin, Bevin?
TCB –
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJprEyXMrIk
BMBD
Lonestar
On a practical note I’d vote for CK&CO, but happy if you go for z more stirring AUA…
How about MG. mustn’t grumble?
Nice one Toby, wish I could of provided the lengthy assist but what can you do π And thanks for the praise about my 200 @ 206/208, the defenders were probably paralysed with fear about what was going to happen when you got on the ball! π
Great pics by you & Lonestar by the way π
Blimey the boy Bevin’s back on the radar – top scouting Dr. Zee
which might be handy as some other sources are now reporting m’vila deal a long way orf. still room in the squad then…m’mmm!
Newcastle fan said to me today that he was happy for me that we’d definitely got third, as we couldn’t fail to beat WBA. I was like this
http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n539/oh_dear1/brush_girl.gif
I cannot comment on dat but you will be the 1st to know if anything happens. Dis is not to re-flect badly against My current club, but is more of a compliment to Arsnal. I wud like to test myself in a big league and u are a big club and also I H8 spurs.
And I’ve herd that your boy Frimpong is running a class calld “Spelling One-Nil-One 4 young Fotballers.”
Sign me up!
Fr da course I meen! The rest I cannot comment on.
Erm… I lent Bevin my phone for a few sec. You know how it is with young footballers and technology…
@406: Lonestar, don’t change a winning thing! They’re not destroyed yet anyway…
The mystery is over, the pooch was screwed on this one! (Down Wolfie, or is it up on this occasion…? :o)
It won’t happen but boy I’d love for it to happen.
A magnificent keeper.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2141447/Arsenal-want-Michel-Vorm-Swansea.html
Blimey! Completely back-drunk – does anybody here actually work?
That question is not directed at you zico – I know you don’t!
As for Bevin, I read on Twitface that attention has now turned to the Sachsen branch of the family, and we are opening discussions on
von Bevin.
Negotiations will be held with our new chief exec, I van Gazidis.
On subject of I van Gazidis, could he please tell Nike to leave our f*cking plain white sleeves alone. We are not Down-the-Park Rangers, we are The Arsenal and our shirts have WHITE sleeves and WHITE collars, FFS!!!
In earlier drinks I noticed ‘Snir and Yet Sfar’ saying he was excited about a transfer prospect.
My imagination will only stretch so far Snir ! π
@418 – is that a picture of Roadrunner in your link ?
When asked about the possibility of signing the Swansea goalkeeper in the summer, a senior Arsenal scout said “Dib dib dib, Dob dob dob”.
Arsenal will use next season’s kit for the next two seasons.
AL @412 – would they be the M’Vanilla sources ?
Snir @422 – no it won’t stretch that far.
Trev – https://twitter.com/markg_arsenal/status/199949915223367681
So M’villa is actually 21?
A good prospect with under a lot of pressure.
I hope he is the right choice.
@οΌοΌοΌοΌ 8Ball, Wolfgang Smallballs and the Speedo Massive are on my tail but won’t get in front of me! I’m lightning quick, and I kick like Gunder π
@349: Tsk, tsk Wolfie. Even Stevie Wonder could spot you in those flourescent speedoes mi amigo. Isn’t she lovely, indeed! :blush:
Two seasons???
They really say “be careful what you wish for lest you get it.” I hate to sound like a complaining old fart but after bitching for them to stop changing the kits every season this is the one they choose to stick with?
CoR, The problem with defending against a club the likes of Smallballs and the Massive is they can attack with speed (via Smallballs himself) or with power (via the Massive) at any moment. The task of defending them was not so daunting earlier in the season but their stamina has been telling in this late season push. If only the Numpties had a modicum of their stamina.
@419: Trev, drinking in this bar IS our work. This bar is not called Gooner-social drinker you know π
@429: The race is not for the quick of feet but for the tight of speedoes it seems. Damn him and his aerodynamic speedoes helping him dash up the table! Surely FIFA should look into that? If they banned snoods, they should ban budgie-smugglers as soon as. Only good for attracting loose German cougars in my experience…
Where can I sign up to do a CK ad?
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/898458-freddie-ljungberg-calvin-klein-advert-made-my-nightclub-life-hell
There’s two of them????
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/898401-harry-redknapp-lookalike-left-disgruntled-by-england-snub
Cannons – that is one scary thought.
Well, two actually.
Trev@419: I also hear that our Asian campaign is to be given a further boost by us signing Thai under-21 international Tran Sit Van. It is hoped that this will help move a lot of shirts in Thailand.
Heh @ Lars.
Can’t help thinking that Wolfie will be interested in that new Asian signing
‘A husband who stormed out after a row about his wife’s cooking nearly starved to death when he got lost in frozen forest for more than a month. Yuri Ticiuc, 69, walked out of the family home in Altai, Russia, because his wife’s soup was too cold, but lost his way in dense woodlands. “I walked and walked but after a few hours I didn’t have any idea where I was and I couldn’t find my way back,” he told local media. He survived eating berries and leaves and finally collapsed in a field where he ate grain from a haystack and drank snow until farm workers found him too weak and crippled by frostbite to move.
“I thought I was going to die. The temperatures were sub-zero and I was getting really weak,” he said. “And then one day I heard voices and saw some farm workers. I called them and they managed to get me to hospital.” Doctors say he is lucky to be alive, but fear they may have to amputate his legs. “They are severely damaged from frostbite and it may not be possible to save them,” said a hospital spokesman. Yuri added: “No matter what happens, that’s the last time I criticise my wife’s cooking. Anything is better than rotten hay”
Heh
Two words this morning ‘Holics: FEVER. PITCH.
Harsha, is that a coded message?
I took out the first words from each line and found this message:
Where my cold death workers walked hours, I too damaged a really lucky local spokesman.
Spooky
@433: Zico, no wonder he’s seemingly omnipresent in the media, eh? He had help!
Morning Snir
Re: the new kit.
I heard that only the away kit will be retained for the following season’s second choice away kit.
Next season’s (12/13) second choice away kit is this season’s light blue/dark blue ensemble.
I have not heard that we’ll be keeping the same home kit two seasons running. On the contrary, I’m expecting us to announce two kits a year in the not too distant future: winter home and away and summmer home and away. Wouldn’t surprise me in the least.
Can you (re)verify?
Cheers.
422-433. Right. As if I wasn’t unique in that. So to speak.
432-433 I mean
What the fuck am I on about?
Anyway, the kit. It will last for two years this one. Confirmed by Mark Gonella.
Apologies if anybody is trying to get hold of me by email. The attack on Virgin Media means I can’t get to it at present.
Will respond as soon as I can.
Thanks.
@445.
What you saying ‘holic?
Virgin’s fucked?
Afternoon Blog buds,
I think I might have to ‘heh’ that post at 446.
Today’s Arseblog makes an interesting point about Song needing to cover for Vermaelen when the latter goes on his forward forays. But to me it is a little like the argument about the chicken and the egg. Which comes first, and why should Song be the first to be criticized in this scenario since TV goes forward as often as he does? We’re all used to seeing the resulting counterattacks and easy goals against us. Would TV have such a need to go forward if we were tighter defensively in the first place?
Mr C @380 – No idea , I leave Wolfie pretty much to his own devices . I think he will say that the turning point of the season was relaxing his players . Once they no longer went into each game with their backs against the wall , results improved . π
BtM @383 π
Great stuff on AW Toby .
Canons @427 I fear you might be right π
Hehs @429 and @430 – It is of course a well known fact that Budgie smugglers come into their own in the Springtime . 16 points is too much to make up but The Speedo Massive will be going on an open-top Bus parade , win lose or draw . It willl be bigger than the Rio Carnival .
Hehs @Lars and @Harsha .
Right , who are we signing today ? Snir , where are you , I need a laugh . Your Vorm link last night had me in stitches π
H2H @446 Heh π
8Ball – The first responsibility lies with Vermaelen . There is much to admire about TV5’s attitude and whole-hearted approach , but he has to learn that leading from the front does not always equate to kamikaze forays up field .
His charge forwards which cost us Norwich’s second goal was reckless bordering on the stupid . It was immediately apparent, (albeit from a seat in the Gods), that there was nothing really on as regards a breakaway and that conversely , if we lost the ball , his foray left us horribly exposed at the back .
I like Vermaelen , but his attitude and his goals do cover up a heap of defensive failings , which Kos , the Bfg and Djourou would all be crucified for . For me , Kos and, in certain situations, the criminally under-rated Bfg are the better defenders .
@ 449
Wolfie has devices?
To add to his vices.
Lock up your sons and……
ok, lock up your sons.
New away kit as modelled by the Cap’n .
https://twitter.com/#!/Lagvilava7/status/200203662000267264/photo/1/large
Looks better off the peg as it were . In fact , in a kind of “beat me hard with a hairbrush” kind of way , I rather like it .
However , I can’t think of one single opposing club that we could wear it against , where the Home kit wouldn’t do the job just as well .
Maybe we will wear it against teams that wear white to nullify the slight clash with our white(ish) sleeves ?
We’ve had some bizarre stuff, but somehow that away kit seems like the least Arsenal kit you could imagine.
Fuck me, even the white away kits were more Arsenal than that, heh.
Heh @451 π , and Afternoon Dr Z .
I was beginning to think I was drinking on me lonesome in ‘ere .
10 free pints on the Bar for the next 10 posters .
And no Dr Z , you can’t make the next 10 posts and claim all 10 drinks π
Didn’t see you there Ollie . Free pint for you of course Sir .
I can only think of Swansea and Blackpool (if they come up) that we can wear it against . Can’t wear it against the LWC’s cos of blue shorts clash .
Does each poster get 10 free pints, then? π
Heh Harsha π err no . I’m not Lars. But here’s your free ONE pint .
Even free pints hasn’t got ’em swishing through the doors . Spoilt for far too long by Lars’ tab methinks .
tabs, hand me one of them free pints, please!
(need one to strengthen myself for a final push at work before I can go home!)
There you go Lars , a pint for you Sir π Well played !
At this rate ,ETA for the 600 is predicted as early June .
600 pints?
Lars, tabs dipped your wallet on Saturday!
Ok Tabs, I’ll do my bit too. This might come as a surprise to some of you, but when we are 0-1 on Sunday, I’ll be shouting for us to circle the wagons and close up shop. Never thought I say that. Blame this on my fixation with the league table at the moment.
Have we not signed anybody today?
Why not?
Wenger out!
Well in Nurse Abb , pint or cheeky cocktail ?
Dr Z , I won’t bother asking you the same question . π
5 pints left , the tension is killing me .
Hi Tabs. Please tell Zico I say hey (smiling sheepishly).
Hi Nurse Abb .
Dr Z , err , Nurse Abb says hey (albeit sheepishly) .
I love nurses.
Not too keen on sheep.
Oh Tabs, You’ve made me smile. A honest to goodness one, at that. Cheers.
We will never even catch the slightest glimpse of a trophy with Alex Song as our first choice DMF. No discipline, no leadership, no footballing common sense, right where a team needs it most.
The patrons seem to be in fine form today…Morning Campers (in my best Benny Hill impersonation)…Ollie, Harsha, H2H, Dr Zee, Lars, TABs cheers..
8ball: I made the same point in the last set of drinks. Vermaelen seems to be untouchable and so no-one like to criticize him. I wouldn’t want to drum the attacking urge out of him or Song, but the team needs to cover better for each other – the gaps we leave has become a favorite channel for all the teams we play against. Every team expects to score a couple against us…this is just not good enough..
Gosh forgot Nurse ABB…hi sweetheart π
Right , pints for Small cod (even though I don’t agree with him , I’m generous like that me) , and GT , with whom I do agree .
3 pints to go , and if they’re not claimed by 4 10 , I’m drinking them myself, so there !
hic !
I would have claimed those three pints but I was practicing my sheepish look….
Were you singing “Hello Dolly” ?
I’ll share a drink with my main man, TaBS. [*It helps that you’re paying.*]
Thanks, boss.
BMBD.
Tabs @ 450
Totally agree re: your read of TV’s positioning for the second Norwich goal.
I took my brother to the match on Saturday and as Vermaelen gave the ball and set off on a head-down sprint up the pitch I pointed it out to him and asked why the fcuk he would be doing that at 1-1 with 60 odd minutes still to play.
We then watched as Kos bellowed three times at Gibbs to come over and close the gap. Gibbs either didn’t hear or didn’t want to hear and remained out on the flank.
Sixty seconds later he’s flailing all over the place in the box trying to get tight to Holt and we’re a goal behind.
Shocking, shocking goal to conceded. These are the basics and we are still doing them badly.
Get the win on Sunday and then let’s sort it all out in the summer.
Gray, rainy day in Kingston, Jamaica,,,Slow in the bar…so I was trying to paste a link into a new Twitter account – have to go lie down now (0;
@ N7: I saw that too on my stream (the part where Kos is shouting at Gibbs just before Norwich went ahead)… I hope he went berserk in the dressing room afterwards..
It was also notable that Song played ten yards deeper in the second half and we were the better for it (apart from his contribution to the third goal).
I don’t much care who plays DM, but someone has to take responsibility for that spot.
It would also help if our players could read the game a bit better. Vermaelen didn’t need to go on that run, given the score and where we were in the game, but he PARTICULARLY didn’t need to go on that run when it was blatantly obvious that we had a big hole in defensive mid that no-one was filling.
The players are smart enough to pick these things up and they need to take responsibility for the team as a whole rather than simply ploughing their own furrows (ahem).
I say all of the above as someone who loves and rates both Vermaelen and Song.
These should be really easy things to fix if we just have the will to do so. I certainly like to think that Steve Bould won’t stand for us continuing to make these rookie errors.
@ 475
Dolly?
Mutton dressed as lamb, clearly.
Alex Song is clearly the anti-christ, btw. I say let him sing for his (last) supper.
If I trust the calculations, my income in 2011 has increased by 5.8% (a bit surprised by that), and so my income tax increases by…. 11%.
Sarkozy out!
Oh.
Pay freeze + no longer on call should decrease my revenue in 2012, we’ll see what happens to taxes….
G(NT)T @ 479
Amen to that. I hope he bollocked him sideways. I certainly would have done.
The whole back five need to talk (and listen) more. That’s the first step to building a good defence.
I honestly think we have the players – they just need to communicate, practice and learn to fcuking hate conceding goals.
It occurs to me that the image of the new kit figurine, “the Bertie,” is ergonomically a bit off kilter. To properly rest on the “cheese wagon-wheel,” would not his RIGHT leg be bent, instead of his LEFT.
I will defer to the learned opinion of the various and esteemed “Misters” and “Doctors” in the bar on this issue. The sweet comments prompted by Bertie’s appearance were a Bit – o – Honey, however.
BMBD
Now that I’m thinking about it.. It doesn’t make sense for us to wear the same kit two years running.
Aren’t we supposed to renegotiate our commercial deals?
Does this mean we already have an agreement with Nike?
What happens if we sign with someone else? We won’t be able to use the same kit.
That’s weird.
Snir Guizzle!
What’s the haps, my man?
BMBD.
I’m good bro. You?
Going home for the summer tomorrow.
N7 – Agree with all of that . As you say ,the timing of his run , 1-1 with an hour to play, was just plain crazy . Understand that TV5 may have become frustrated by what he saw being played out in front of him , and tried , by example , to gee the team up , but his method of doing so was tremendously ill-judged .
Lonestar – I think you’ll find that the marketing team , in having Bertie bend the left leg rather than the right , wished to transport the fan base back to memories of The finest left peg at Highbury , Chippy Brady, whilst at the same time , the upright but still jaunty stance immediately invokes recollections of Herbert Chapman .
Heh , on Twitter ….
“Following their FA Cup win, Chelsea fans have signed a 1 year extension to remain at the club. They had been strongly linked to Man City.”
H2H @ 446, π
Well said tabs @ 450 on Vermaelen, he’s turning out not to be the Verminator many would of thought him to initially be, the Terminator would never leave his back open following a forward foray with the cannons blazing! π
And sorry for not taking you up on your VERY generous offer of a pint, but I’m not legal 8) And I don’t really like Guinness, fleeting experience in ’09 says it all in my eyes π
@ 452, agreed. The Captain models it well, but I will NOT be buying it as an away kit next season or as an alternate kit in 2 seasons, just don’t really like it, and we’ve already had one VERY similar to it as Snir pointed out maybe on this post by Holic.
Hey Nurse abb, and regarding your 462 drink, who can blame you? Its not like the Tiny Totts are level on points with us, 0-1 and a resolute defensive performance like we have seen on a few occasions this season would suit me just fine, maybe with Robin to get the solitary goal π
Ollie @ 482, heh π
Need to watch Fever Pitch, missed it last night π
I think people are a bit hypocritical in criticizing TV for going forward for Norwich’s second goal.
There wasn’t one Arsenal fan on this planet who criticized him for his goal against Wigan.
Granted, this time around it was in a 1-1 draw with 60 minutes left, but we were being outplayed and offered nothing going forward so he could have been a different option.
The criticism should go to the midfield who didn’t cover for his run, not for him making the run.
I still feel that if people would watch the game again, they’d see that Kos had more of a shocker and was constantly bullied by Holt.
All in my opinion of course.
Snir
I have no problem with defenders going forward at the right time, and particularly when it results in a goal.
I have a big problem with them going forward when our shape is already all over the place, we’re looking vulnerable every time we’re attacked and it’s a vital game, poised at 1-1.
Context is everything.
Snir – I’m sorry but I couldn’t disagree more , on both counts .
There is no comparison with the Wigan goal .
At times it seemed it was only Kos holding us together on Saturday .
N7 – Many here were saying Song’s best position is CB.
Why should there be a difference if TV goes forward and Song covers?
I mean, if TV does go forward and Song covers then we still have enough at the back to deal with a break.
Exactly that – It was a vital game we HAD to win, not draw. Win. And it was at 1-1 when we were out of ideas and offered nothing going forward so a change of option is welcome.
Tabs – I think there is a comparison between the two goals. Had Song or Ramsey covered for TV’s run, we could have handled with Norwich’s break.
And I think it was the other way around and that TV covered a lot of ground that Kos was missing in his battle with Holt.
No chance Snir , maybe you had to be at the ground to fully appreciate it .
As soon as TV5 set off on that run , there was a collective intake of breath in the crowd . His risk to reward ratio was way off beam . No-one else to blame for that goal but TV5 if we’re playing the blame game .
As N7 has already commented we were already light at the back and horribly disorganised when TV5 set off .
Not surprised it took other players by surprise , such was the sheer stupidity of his run .
Snir
Why should there be a difference if TV goes forward and Song covers?
There shouldn’t. But Song didn’t cover. Both players at fault (piss poor communication), but it’s entirely legitimate to ask why Vermaelen thought that was a good moment to bomb on.
Needing to win a game does not mean you just throw caution to the wind in the first minute and chuck everyone forward.
We were thirty minutes in. We weren’t out of ideas and we didn’t need to win the game in the next five minutes.
As I’ve said above, this isn’t entirely hindsight – I asked aloud what the fcuk he was doing as soon as he started to make the run. If I’d done what he did in my Sunday team I’d still be hearing about it today. Basics.
I love Vermaelen and he’s bailed us out a few times, so this isn’t meant as an attack on him. It’s an attack on the type of indiscipline and lack of nous that has contributed to us shipping 47 goals this season as a unit.
I thought Kos had a possible claim to being the best performer in an Arsenal shirt on Saturday (a low bar to clear on the day as it turned out).
I know what you’re getting at – he did lose a few headers with Holt in the second half, but so will most centre halves and he got far, far more right than he got wrong.
Nah Snir I’m sorry but on Saturday for all his faults, Koscielny is a reason why we left with a point from that match instead of none, can’t recall how many match-saving tackles he made to deny Norwich in the 2nd half at 2-1 down.
Charges forward from centre back, sending opposition players flying like skittles (and checking to ensure that Song is covering).
Floats a beautiful ball into the box…
Goal!!!
Goes for it…
Vermaelen gets frustrated by the guys in front of him (like we do) and sometimes rashly surges forward trying to do something about it.
You have to take the rough with the smooth – we got caught out collectively on Saturday. If we start on individuals, you can similarly criticise Gibbs and Woj for their performances on Saturday, Song for not covering etc.
Vermaelen was missed massively when he was out injured. I prefer him in the first 11, and he would always be in my team. Despite his flaws, or struggles with his form, he is what we need, a winner.
We need to address the defensive issues on the training ground. Hopefully the big Boulder will make an impression.
Drinks on the bar – on the nouveau riche tabs tab π
Cheers N7!
Thank god Song covered so you could assist that π
Does it really matter why and when he charged forward? As soon as he did the midfield shoulda covered. Regardless of how surprised they were that he did charge forward. Snap out of the so called surprise and cover.
Good stuff at several points up there from Tabs and N7 Gooner –
afraid I’m right with you fellas re Staurday’s game, TV’s bombing forwards and Kos.
Heh @489 π
Heh heh, Snir you sneaky S.O.B! π Nice one mate, and what a ball by N7 for the assist, take a bow the both of you π
Snir and I already argued that point on FB and I disagreed with him about Kos then. We clearly saw a different game because I thought that Kos was the only Arsenal defender who showed any interest in keeping to his defensive tasks..
Maybe that goal will cheer him up – he’s been a miserable sod for weeks π
Kos was our main defender, Saturday Terry, no mistake.
tabs was our main offender. π
Ha ha – great finish Snir!
Agreed zico – can’t see players getting away with a lack of defensive discipline under Bouldy.
I said in the previous set of drinks that total football without good communication becomes total mayhem. That, unfortunately, was what we saw on Saturday.
Personally I fail to see where the criticism of Koscielny comes from for Saturday’s game. I thought he was one of our best. Had his ankle turned over from behind, was head butted in a thuggish looking assault by Morison, got kicked all afternoon but just kept coming back for more. Great performance in my book.
I think our centre backs have a nigh on impossible job at the moment. Due to a lack of tracking back by our wide players, the full backs are mostly left one vs two, and consequently fail to stop crosses coming in. All the defenders are poorly served by our current defensive midfielders and that is why they are continually pulled out of position.
Mad forays forward by central defenders, without the required covering organisation, can only make things worse. Or ??
Snr @503 I totally agree that there was a lack of discipline when TV went forward (I think the same thing happened when Kos ran forward btw), that noone fell back to cover, and when their attack broke out there was very little effort made to run back.
I seem to recall occasions in other matches when the midfielders (Arteta, Gervy, TR ) have all scampered back to aid the defence, but in this match there was no such support forthcoming
Have just noticed that Kos has been preselected to play for France in the Euros along with some ex-reds whose name I can’t remember!!
Cognac – seems that they only percieve a need to press the opposition when we are playing the big names. Sadly, no longer true.
Oops, i before e except after . . . . perceive . . .
Trev – I remember seeing TV bail Kos out a few times.
I can watch the game again and write everything here like I did with Santos’ performance against Chelsea, but I’m really not in the mood for that, and I actually am looking forward to watching the EL final.
De Marcos π³
Totally agreed Trev. A while ago I suggested we play three CBs (Kos, BFG, TV5) at the back; do away with regular fullbacks in favour of wing-backs; have the DM (preferably Song but this M’Vila might be ideal) ‘sweep’ in front of the defensive line when we are under attack or when we lose the ball…
Not saying he was faultless Snir, but my impression from inside the ground was that he was one of our best players.
Trev: Have you ever, ever seen Snir surrender a point? He should be our defensive coach! π
Can we just bury that Norwich game now? Time to look forward.
Hopefully both TV and Kos will contribute to a clean sheet on Sunday.
Congrats on the half-thousand, Snir.
Right, tonight: Championship play-offs or Europa League final?
Terry – The fact that I’m not watching the game again, is me surrendering a point π
Might work GTerry, interesting thought.
Any system might work providing the players understand their jobs and take the trouble to do them.
Terry, a treble for both of us – at least !!
Your tab Snir, π
Cheers Ollie.
And Europa League Final.
Bilbao are a joy to watch.
Ooh, just got lots of computery syntax stuff when I submitted and now seem stuck in some parallel blogiverse. Trying again??
Terry, a treble for both of us – at least !!
Your tab Snir, π
Ah I’m back, twice – just like a new Andy Goram.
Indeed, Snir, I suspect the quality of football might be bigger in that game.
Snir –
Are you able to veryfy the authenticity of this M’Villa story. It is starting the go in the same direction of the ‘Mata’ saga?
Cheers
GT – It’s going that way because of Philippe Auclair. Here are his tweets.
Many getting very excited about M’Vila ‘99% certain’ to go to AFC. OK, will recap: 1) no offer made, as far as I and others know. 2)…
…M’Vila has had poor last 3 months. 3) number of off-field issues. 4) Too expensive at β¬22m. 5) Inter are on him too. 6) Wait and see?
Last time I talk about M’Vila – not worth the insults – 1) not saying it won’t happen, just answering questions from what I know. And…
2) …don’t know everything. 3) players’ keen, as is club, but 4) Price too high IMO. 4) Mata/Cazorla situations wised me up; and…
colleagues might have better information than I do, which wouldn’t be the 1st time. Just giving my opinion, so can we talk in peace, eh?
——————————————————-
He concedes that while he hasn’t heard anything about it, he’s been burnt by the Mata story, he’s been wrong in the past, and his colleagues have better info at times.
Bollocks, Atletico score.
Great goal from the cunt, mind.
That goal was a perfect example how important an overlap is. The CB moved towards the overlapper for a split second and that gave Falcao the tiny bit of space he needed.
Damn.
If I could be arsed, Bilbao would be my Spanish team , but I can’t, so they’re not .
TABs: I like them…so perhaps we can be arsed together eh?
heh, tabs. I think I liked Deportivo in the old days (just cos they could beat the usual cunts to the League), now yeah, I would be basque too.
What a silly tackle.
Snir
Your conclusions @ #527 do not match what Philippe A has written. From experience, Mon.Auclair writes a good deal of sense and what he has tweeted about M’Vila is as valid as any other “ITK” opinion out there. The deal is not done and it is not certain that it will be done. “99% certainty” on a mutli-million pound deal leaves a rather large 1% for the deal to fall through. He’s absolutely correct to enourage others to view the potential transfer with caution.
Thanks for conceding the point re: the home kit BTW π
Are you back to Israel for the entire summer? Sound like a lot of fun.
TS – he says that he hasn’t heard of a deal being agreed but it could be right as sometimes his colleagues have better info.
That would be Mr. Laurens in this case.
Coming back to the states in July, so yeah, should be fun π
Rules of twitter:
1) do not follow footballers
2) do not follow journalists.
I think I followed Philippe Auclair for about 3 days though.
Bollocks, 2-0 to Atletico, I might switch to the play-offs.
Snir, that’s not what you wrote @ #527 and Laurens, in general, is no more ITK than Auclair.
If you don’t make it as the next Ivan G, a fine career as a legal eagle awaits. Could it be a slightly genetic thing? π
Where is the family home in Israel?
@ #537
Yes, PA is a real twitterholic.
Heh Ollie and GT .
We can be the triumvirate of the newly formed French-caribbean-London branch of The Bilbao fan club .
Gotta feeling they might need us tonight !
TS – why are you being so tough??
Laurens isn’t more ITK than Auclair, but Auclair himself admitted that his colleagues might have better info than him and in this case:
His colleagues = Laurens.
π
Snir and TS
Thank you for discussing this subject with me because M’Villa is a decisive signing for any club.
As far as I’m aware Laurens is the Ballague of france and we all know what Ballague gets up to.
Eitherway Wengers’ response to the said question will reveal his stance on the story and AFC’s ambitions.
(I hate these sorts of TR, as they unsettle a lot of those concerned).
GT – From what I know, Laurens is far off from Balague as possible.
He’s actually considered rather reliable by his colleague.
*as far off
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H e l l o, H e l l o ! Just woke up from a nap. Now for more back drinking.