A Good Summer?
Aug 2nd, 2012 by 'holic
Guinness.
There, I’ve said it. It’s the answer to most things in life. Including in this Olympic week as I have pondered what would entice me to hurl myself into a swimming pool off a diving board on a platform that almost soars above the roofline. A pool full of plain would make me consider chucking myself in headfirst with real gusto.
It’s most certainly the solution to coping with the meltdown of the social media sites this evening as Cazorla mania spreads. In fact please bear with me while I grab another 440ml of the elixir of life from the fridge.
Should something happen on Friday I will mercifully be on the golf course, distracted and blissfully unaware.
Whisper it softly, but I think that while there is no doubt about the quality, and just as importantly experience, of the latest signings and reported targets, we may be overlooking the fact that there is still some work do be done blending this new group together.
I applaud the enthusiasm on display from such a large number of Gooners, and just hope that doesn’t turn to fully-blown ire if we don’t win the first few matches of the season by South African cricket scores. Lest we forget even the greatest, yes Dennis and Thierry, took time to get used to their roles at Arsenal. How many new players have taken six months to a year to become settled and productive.
Assuming a certain Spaniard does arrive in the coming days it is also inevitable that much discussion will surround just who will fit into the starting eleven and where, should they all remain fit. Don’t laugh, they might! Even assuming the worst about Walcott, and anticipating the exit of Arshavin, leaves two wide positions to be filled by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, that Spanish bloke, Gervinho, and Lukas Podolski, plus maybe Tomas Rosicky, Ryo Myaichi, and Andre Santos.
Now some of those can play elsewhere. The Spanish bloke and Rosicky may challenge the rebuilt (hopefully) Abou Diaby, and in a couple of months Jack Wilshere, in the creative attacking midfield role. Poldi may challenge Olivier Giroud as the focal point of the attack. Obviously Santos could find himself picked ahead of Gibbsy at the back.
I suppose what I am taking far too many words to say is that the signings we have made give us a depth we have perhaps lacked in recent seasons because of their versatility and their experience. Just don’t expect that they will all hit the ground running on day one. While I have no doubt they are being prepared as thoroughly as possible at Shenley, there is no substitute for blending a side together that will ever better playing competitive matches.
Now if only we could jetison the unfit, the disinterested, and the delusional a bit smartish, I think most would agree the club would have had a very positive summer.
Have a good weekend, ‘holics.
356 Responses to “A Good Summer?”
First!
First indeed Toby,
or as they say in Dublin, Toby Shaw, Toby Shaw.
it’s all about the guinness…or the chilean. but it’s sazeracs for me this evening.
Top 3!
Aha! A cautionary tail from the mountain lion.
“the team has to start from scratch”.
Enjoy your round tomorrow, ‘Holic.
What’s the first team if everyone is fit?
Chesney, Gibbs, Verm, Kos, Sagna, Song, Arteta, Cazorla, Podolski, Giroud, Theo
Look about right?
Flappy, Santos, Pear Tree, Diaby, Ox, Coquelin, RVP for the bench.
Compare and contrast with this time last year. Love it.
COYG
lol, iT, purrrrfect.
and sorry, gt. sometimes i can even score from defense.
Agreed that a handful are likely to kick off if doesn’t happen immediately, unfortunately you’re never going to please all of the people all of the time.
This is, however, a huge step in the right direction – 3 top drawer signings, talk of a fourth and hopefully an eye opened on the problems at LB in the recent tour.
This could be the best transfer window since Overmars / Petit in ’97…
…oh…went off on a bit of tangent…We do have to be patient and give Wenger / the players time to adjust to a new league, new team and a new way of playing…for me, add a few of the youngsters coming through in the next 12 months and more excited about our prospects for next season that this!
For once, ‘Holic, I am completely stumped. I understand the rules of Mornington Crescent (In fact, I wrote a “…for dummies” about it, but it’s sadly out of print at the moment) and I’ve been around the isles, but I don’t get this reference at all.
Sorry to disappoint.
n7, or this, if nuri is procured:
chezz/flaps
gibbs/santos/tv5
tv5/per/iggy
koz/jd/bartley
bac/jenks/nico
nuri=song/coq
arteta/wilshere/diaby
cazorla/ramsey/rozza
podolski/gervs/arshavin
rvp/giroud
theo/ox/ryo
not bad.
Oh, and you all know me. I have no demands on any titles ever. You can’t demand success in football. There are too many good teams for that.
I demand the club management to give their best and the players to give their best. The management has done a great job this summer and if our new boys (some of them even men) run up and down the field, not sulking, for 95 minutes a game I will be happy with them as well, completely disregarding results.
five stars @12, toby.
and i read your book after it went out of print, though i must say having to hang from my ankles to understand the “rule of twains” left me a bit redfaced.
Keep van Persie, get Walcott signed up and add Cazorla and I’ll change my name.
‘Holic –
Perhaps you’ve ingested too much of the black stuff already this evening?
I point out that there is only ONE “Spanish bloke,” and young Mr. Cazorla does not deserve to be tarred with that brush.
Hit ’em straight tomorrow…unless, of course, you’re one of those guys who can draw and fade at will.
My vote for el capitan this season is Arteta. That’d be just luvly.
BMBD
Nice thoughts holic. I agree with you about the early games However, I canโt be the only one thinking that we are just slightly under cooked? I still do not see RVP staying. We have one meaningful friendly left and half the squad have not got 90 minutes under their belt. I am not sure who we will play up front. As you say both Pololski and Giroud will take time to settle, and neither have played one minute in an Arsenal shirt. The lack of matches does concern me.
I would really like to see the RVP situation brought to a swift conclusion. I am not sure what is holding it all up but the uncertainty does bother me. That said, bring in an adequate replacement along with others linked and I think we are in a far better situation than we were this time last year.
Time just to wait and see I guess but please, none of the shenanigans of last year please.
Under cooked almost certainly, Steve, hence the cautionary note.
Should definitely have the experience that cost us so dear last August, if not quite the understanding.
I would still like to see Robin, Theo, Park, Arsh, Bendy, and Squily sorted double quick. Too many distractions.
I love how you reference the fact that the training ground is in SHENLEY! I’m from there and it kills me that it’s referred to as the London Colney training ground!
I have also just realised I have completely ignored Aaron Ramsey in that midfield equation, and he has shown in the Olympics why we fought so hard to sign him.
Very confident we are going in the right direction, but this may be a season spent discovering just how our squad can be best utilised.
Wise words as usual holic. Perhaps the lessons to be learnt from this season is that those approaching the ends of their contracts need to be dealt with well in advance. For me the RVP and Theo talks are something that we could and should have avoided. Both should have been sorted a long time ago.
Steve, while I agree that it would have been preferrable to have had it resolved earlier I think we have to accept that we will never be able to completely avoid this kind of situation. If a player doesn’t want to talk about a new deal then there isn’t much the club can do.
Good evening ‘Holic
*Pours himself 220ml of elixir places rose-tinteds on the end of his beak*
Folks:
All this talk of preparation and planning, sounds great of course.
However, we brought in Arteta, Benny & Merts after the season started last year and that ended up OK in the end…just about… didn’t it?
It seems likely at least that we’ll have made all of our significant purchases before the season starts this year.
The Robin and Theo sagas may well roll-on unresolved all the way to deadline day, possibly beyond if both stay without signing contracts – highly unlikely but possible.
That’s a big improvement already in my eyes. Plus, at least Poldi & Giroud are already into serious training at LC with a majority of their new team mates.
Who knows, they could be joined by a Spanish bloke or even a Turkish bloke as early as next week?
What’s my point? We seem to be somewhat disorganised and lacking in the necessary prep pre-season (yet?) again. However, compared to last season, we’ll be a finely honed machine when we play host to Sunderland on 18th compared to our first fixture last season at The Toon.
Overall, even though we may be losing Dutch captain bloke and little speedy bloke, this summer’s been bloody brilliant versus last.
*climbs down from the medicine cabinet, prepares for insults*
Nice hol tobesure ๐
Lars, I do agree. However what I would say is that if we instigate talks a lot earlier and the player is not interested then that gives us half a clue as to their intentions, and we can plan around that.
Steve @20 –
I disagree, mate. How could any of this been sorted before the players (acting through their agents) agree? You can’t force a man to sign a new contract, and you can’t force another team to sign a player (or accept your offer) before it is ready to do so.
If anything, the Giroud and Podolski business should show that AW et al haven’t been derelict. I think people are way too quick to think they could have sorted things faster than anyone else.
I will agree that the Nigerian connection was a bit bungled. But my main complaint with the trip is with the judgment of taking such a trip in the first place. I know the Arsenal has a substantial Nigerian (and African) following, but I am not sure a Nigerian tour is prudent logistically.
Once it was cancelled, it was always going to be very difficult to get a replacement game or two scheduled against quality opponents. American and Asian tours make much more sense strategically.
At any rate, I think the focus should be 5 wins, four draws, and 1 loss out of the ten fixtures of the season (with a win and 2 draws out of the first three matches). If we can equal or better that tally, we will be in good shape.
BMBD
Spot on TS – I think we’re in good shape. But I’ll chastise you as I did the Guv’na, there is only ONE “Spanish bloke,” and Cazorla ain’t it. ๐
BMBD
You took far to many words to say absolutely nothing. I usually love your stuff. This was just jumping on the santi bandwagon with absolutely no wheels. And they train in London Colney, not Shenley. I know. I live there. You forgot about Ramsey Aswell. Kudos to this piece. “that will ever better playing competitive matches”. Poorly written. Go to bed. 1/10.
With all due respect….you miserable git Thierry.
Please be kind enough to show your host a little grace.
Manners = 0/10.
Thierry @ 27 (you should be ashamed for using HIS name without HIS permission) –
Hello pot, this is kettle calling…
BMBD
So Arsenal have signed the creative Spaniard. Another similar player is due. What about the defensive or destructive md which is needed.Arsenal also need someone who can destroy or break up attacks. If not the overemphasis on creativity and offence will end up in tears. The defence will still commit characteristic schoolboy errors defensive errors.
We shall see if Wenger’s vision will herald in a new era.
Lonestar. My point is that negotiations should have started last November. If neither player or agent wishes to open talks then the next question is why not? If they are uncommitted about their future then that gives you half a clue as to where they see their future and you can start planning accordingly. You are then not left in the situation that we now find ourselves in. The RVP talks were going to be sorted before the Eurosโs if you remember??????? I agree that you can not force players or their agents to do anything. But no one is bigger than the club, and certain players in my humble opinion need to remember that.
I do agree that we are in far better shape than last year. I donโt agree that a loss in our first ten games should be on the agenda. I am optimistic enough to hope that we will still be unbeaten by then.
I am concerned re the lack of games and playing time, The Nigerian trip was madness. I have not met anyone who actually thought it would either go ahead or was a good idea.
Shheeeeiiit, some folks will never be satisfied…
BMBD
Lonestar, cheers.
BTW, what about Manuel? He as a Spanish bloke too.
Hi there Steve. Where were you when Toby and I were discussing mod culture? Anyway, good to see you’re still a tough man to please. Negotiations may well have started last November or even earlier but one of the parties may have withdrawn from talks. Who knows? Only those that won’t tell us.
Santi coming to town according to The Guardian.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/aug/02/arsenal-santi-cazorla-robin-van-persie
Opens lids. Stretches. Time to shake the sleep out of eyes and mind.
I’ll get the boots on, start warming up on the touchline and be ready for kick-off on the 18th.
Have we signed anyone yet?
Evening TS. Been a busy boy I’m sorry to say. Enjoying Wiggo giving it a bit of Weller I must say.
And I am easy to please. Be the best you can be. Remember? Not sure we have grasped that yet. A big shame as we are moving in the right direction in so many other ways.
Steve T (#32 was not directed at you by the way) –
I do believe the Dutch bloke always said he would not discuss contract issues until AFTER the Euro’s. Whilst I agree with you that a player’s unwillingness to sign a new contract gives you an idea of their plans, I fail to see how anyone can complain about what Arsenal has done over the past three months.
The Dutch bloke won’t sign, fine. AW lines up Giroud and Podolski. What MORE could they have done?
Theo won’t sign, cool. Ox is coming along quite nicely AND they’re working on Cazorla. What MORE can the guys possibly do?
Farca sniffing about Song, no worries. Let’s work on getting Sahin with an option to buy. Again, what MORE can these guys do to satisfy the faithful (who are supposed to be, um, full of faith)?
I already agreed the Nigerian trip was folly, but if professionals can’t be ready for primetime after 15 days of intensive preparation, our problems run deeper than personnel.
I, too, hope we remain unbeaten by then. However, hope is not a method. What I was aiming for is a rational projection. You and I both know the BBB will go completely mental if the team loses before Christmas.
Let’s give the management some support.
Up the Arse!
BMBD
‘holic,
“the unfit, the disinterested, and the delusional”
There’s really no need to go writing about me, is there? ๐
Good and funny post, once again. ๐
Howdy TS –
I’m not mad at Manuel. He’s a tragic and pitiable figue in my mind, who, from everthing I ever saw and read, was never a cause of dissention in or distraction to the team. That Spanish bloke, however… well I think everyone knows how I feel about him.
Best to let it rest there.
Speaking of Wiggo, those bikerboys sure do look funny sitting on that golden “throne.”
BMBD
steve, iirc negotiations were proffered back last summer, but robin didn’t want to be discussing his contract.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/8788318/Arsenal-fear-Robin-van-Persie-will-leave-as-contract-talks-stall.html
what can the club do? is that half a clue to say robin’s not going to sign? or half a clue that he wants to wait to see what his year is like so he can ask for more money? is it half a clue that means the club should begin planning to replace him? perhaps hire two new strikers of established european quality? well, they did that.
give him a deadline? let’s say they said “ok, by the time the euros start, these have to be sorted, or we’re selling you to the highest bidder by august 3. if no good bids then you can see out the last year of your contract.” they have supposedly set a deadline (i don’t know if they did or not). i think the club *should* operate like that, but i don’t know how realistic it is in this day of player/agent power (viz robin’s and f&o’s open letters taking the mickey out of the club).
as for robin being bigger than the club i think the transfer dealings this summer (and the continued clearouts, hopefully) show he’s not really holding the club to ransom. even if we don’t get in cazorla and sahin, we’re not really *needing* to sell him. and if we get those two, he’s going to look mighty foolish questioning the direction of the club…though as gt suggested in the previous drinks (and i’ve suggested, through the same kind of haze) perhaps he’s playing a larger game, here.
Goodness gracious and me oh my we have confirmation of Cazorla’s signing in the few hours I was away from the Interweb thingie. Houston, the eagle has landed. Oh, and I forgot to say Whoopeeeeee!!!!
Also, in the last sentence of that Guardian article cited by Steve T @34 it says Afobe has been lent to Bolton Wanderers, who as we all know turned LJW into the man he is today. Afobe to shine in 2013/14!!
Knew I could count on you, Scruz…
BMBD
scruz @40. Good find in that article dated September 26, 2011. If we only knew which day to read the Telegraph …
lonestar, cheers. bt8b, i just searched for “van persie contract negotiations” and that was one of the first articles. i remember it, but thought it was from earlier in the summer/fall.
8ball – I agree with you. I think Afobe might just turn in a few goals this season for Bolton. I think we’re fashioning a good relationship with the Wanderers.
BMBD
Lonestar @ #39
Heh! My humour back-fired yet again. I was referring to Manuel the actual Spanish waiter from Fawlty Towers. Never mind, my bad.
As for Almunia, I’ll join you in wishing him well at one of my local teams. He has more loyalty and dignity in his (unsafe) little finger than some players I could think of.
i like owen coyle, for the most part. i was pleased what he did with jack, and with ryo. if our boys learn nothing else but graft with bolton, the relationship has served us well.
TS –
Ha! (Unsafe) little finger…classic ๐
Sorry for missing the joke. I don’t get to watch much tele, let alone anything from Britain other than the “Office” and “That Mitchell and Webb Look.”
I agree with you…all the best to Almunia. He and Squillaci show how professionals are supposed to comport themselves.
BMBD
A fine wee intellectual ramble ‘holic. Even without any further signings, or departures (and even with a RvP departure), if the Cazorla signing is confirmed, I reckon we have had our best close season for a long long time and can look forward to the season with confidence. Deep down, I think (and hope) that RvP is staying. His ‘statement’ was a mistake – like the e-mail we have all sent too soon, and I believe he deserves some slack. COYRs.
Good post Holic, I think it is our best summer in a while because even if the usual “will he go will he stay?” is happening again with our best player/s Arsenal fans have an air of positivity around them that I haven’t seen in a good few years, almost not sure whether I witnessed such an occurrence before in my years of supporting Arsenal ๐
Its like ‘Don’t worry, things are going to get better soon’ with a reassuring smile and that gives me reason to cheer, Up the Arse!
Santa has delivered The Arsenal an early Christmas present with the signing of Santi.
Hallelujah!!!
Love the way the team and squad are shaping up for the upcoming season. Loads of potential.
Truly excited about The Arsenal’s prospects. Big difference from this time one year ago.
Now, if we can only get Wilshere fit. Fingers crossed.
Up the Arse!!!
Holic, We can’t help but be excited about the lads! Just look at team GB in the Olympics. At first they looked adrift on the field, but in a relatively short period of time they have come together. So I think the same scenario for our team is very realistic, not just optimistic. Delighted about what you said of our Aaron, so proud of him. And then there is this fellow, Gervinho (sorry, can’t help myself). He’s kinda like a new signing!
Steve – how are you mate?
As for contract talks, with RvP, it woulda been pointless. He renewed in August 09, and got injured in November 09 for five months.
The next summer was the first into his four year contract and entering negotiations with an injury prone striker who hasn’t delivered as of yet and is only one year into his contract is stupid.
Next summer was last summer and he refused to enter talks due to Cesc and Nasri leaving, and of course the media overstated trophy drought and “ambition” (not saying the need for trophies is overstated, just that the “ambition” bs is. You get the feeling it wasn’t like that in the past, even after we moved to the Ems. A move away from Arsenal was never considered ambitious even when we weren’t winning, but that’s what the media would have you believe).
So we shouldn’t have entered negotiations before the summer of 2012 and he refused.
And we did know his intentions, ergo we bought Giroud.
All is good.
@iTrev
What are you on about?
Answering to your post in last drinks. I have been man enough to admit I was wrong about Wenger when he did a miraculous U-turn last season.
———————–
And wrt RvP – I just dont understand we need to vilify one of our players. I’m a firm believer in actions speak louder than words. Why should RvP give a public apology? To boost gooners’ egos?
If he is professional and does his job – ie score and create goals, then that would be most meaningful apology he can give.
As GoonerTerry said – there is no need to humiliate RvP.
Sajit-
I believe the problem with the Dutch bloke was his willingness to be unprofessional with his public statement. Had he gone about this quietly, even if steadfastly, I think most Gooners would have dealt with the realities.
Instead he chose to go public and try to force the team’s hand. He miscalculated, big time. As the saying goes, when you swing at the king, you’d better not miss. He swung. He missed.
Now, with interest cooling, if he wants to move forward with the supporters, he needs to walk some of this shit back.
BMBD
‘holic’s question, “Good Summer?” seems to have a fairly positive answer to it considering it is the 3rd of August and we have 3 major offensive signings and the major task in front of us is getting rid of the wantaways and the dead wood. Even if we lose two of our main players (RVP and Theo, say) before the start of the season, we have already signed worthy replacements and an additional major talent we lacked last season. Any club that signed one of the major stars in each of Germany, France and Spain would have to feel optimistic about the new season. With some shoring up of our defence and a good start to the season, the “feelgood” factor could start to flow. Anybody willing to bet against it?
Cheers mate, great post. To add to the Shenley/London Colney non-debate; my cousin (from Bedford) and his son, as fine a pair of spuds, as you could possibly ever not want to meet, did the plastering there, when it was being built. And they always refer to it as Radlett.
I think that people are getting too hung up about the lack of pre-season games. Here is why it hardly matter in this case:
1). Modern training techniques rely more on drills & routines – the fact that the bulk of our signings have been made early gives Arsene ample time to work with the team. The rest will come as the team plays together in real competitive games.
2). Most all the teams will be in the same boat – so everybody will be struggling to some extent through their first few games.
3). The experience of the players being bought should ensure that they settle quickly – Arteta, Santos & BFG didn’t have any real problems settling in last season. It was injury to our more established players that threw out the balance of the team in the early stages of the season.
Morning all.
Let’s not talk about the fucking weather, eh?
No mail yet, Esso?
goonight, ‘holics…
hopefully when i awake pravda will have cะฐะฝัะธ kะฐัะพัะปะฐ signed, sealed, and delivered.
in either case, some of santi cruzorla’s finest on the bar in that old cigar box, share around.
Ha! Mint that scruz. Mint.
Morning Snir, morning all.
I am excited about the arrival Giroud and Poldo. The nearly dine deals look great ad well. But i am hoping that Giroud was bought as an addition to the squad,not as a replacement for RVP. I am still hoping that if RVP does go that the full amount received is spent on his replacement. I would also like to see the defense strengthened…..
Or am I just greedy???????
Feeling very Olympic here in London this morning.
Morning ‘holic. Gorgeous weather here.
TOo early for Guinness, enjoy the golf!
Greedy definitely, Steve T ๐
Morning all
Just allowed myself to watch a Cazorla compliation on youtube fr the first time.
Now, Iยดm no expert, but that boy does not have a chocolate leg!! ๐
Yeah, might have to agree with Ollie, Steve T! ๐
Too early for Guinness
Heretic!
Massive heh@38 ๐
Agree entirely with what Lonestar said@37. I think we have acted accordingly to non-negotiating players in the only way we could have. I mean, we couldn’t very well have suspended Robin or sold him in January as things were this winter, could we?
bath@49: I have come to the decision that if RvP stays and keeps banging them in, I am prepared to overlook what happened during the summer – but he’d never again be the same “hero” for me. I still think he’ll go even if my doubts are growing stronger for every day that he is still at the club and the rumours about him continue to be as weak and few as they are.
Terry@59: I agree with you, you can do quite a lot on the training ground. In fact, come to think about it, this may be the very reason that Giroud and Podolski stayed behind even if they could have gone on the Asian tour. Give them proper physical preparation combined with learning how the team plays in certain situations and then practice it during the training sessions that we are having right now, and then one game to try it out and we’re more or less as ready as we can for the start of the season. One more game would have been good, but we did plan for that and then it fell through. And I am quite sure that if it had been up to Arsene we would never have booked the Nigerian thing in the first place, doing both Asia and Africa involves quite a lot of time wasted on travelling and PR stuff that would have been better spent training.
Did someone mention a quick round of Mornington Crescent? In fact, having been to the city of love as recently as Easter, I reckon I could give someone a run for their money in the Parisian version, “Mornington Croissant.”
Preferred variant would of course be the famous Versailles Rules, or if not to anyone’s liking, the De Gaulle Tangent.
CG – I’ve already said that on twitter and you mocked me ๐
I said not even Messi can do what he does.
He dribbles with the outside of his left foot as well as the outside of his right foot.
No player on the planet can dribble with the outside of his weaker foot, not even Messi, it’s just an unnatural movement.
I usually can tell if a player is right or left footed by the way he dribbles, couldn’t do that with Santi, had to watch him take a PK (which he kicked with his right foot).
The crazy thing about him is that he kicks free kicks with both feet, depending where the foul was given. Now, that is amazing.
Hear, hear, Lars. With you on every word. Of course they were left behind to get the best possible preparation for the season. They are not unfit people, there were no medical reasons for them not to go, train a bit with the team in the east, do some PR things, and get a few minutes on the pitch. But the management decided they would get more out of staying at home and I really do believe that was a good call. Of course, in an ideal world, we’d have had all the team in Austria for a few weeks, and jetted in the new signings as they arrived, but I really do believe we have done everything we can (except for perhaps booking both a far east tour and a nigerian tour the same pre-season which seems a bit excessive to me as well).
Now to the important bits.
Camberwell.
I’m prepared to play any version of the game, even as early an edition as the Manidoleum Lunatus, but only if we cut out the Back-Pass Trump Manoeuvre. I know that officially it wasn’t removed until well into the 80’s but I wouldn’t mind removing it even from the earlier versions of the rulebook. Speaking of rule changes I really do propose that we play with the Special Olympics rules to take into account and commiserate the fact that people got stuck in the Arnos Grove tunnel yesterday. But I guess that depends on how you feel about the Piccadilly Line in general.
Well Toby, rather than Piccadilly line, I was thinking more Ligne 1 and places like Opera, Gare de l’Est and Chatelet les Halles, but seeing as the Olympics are on, Stratford, North Greenwich and Custom House would make the best playground.
And in other news, it’s time for me to realise there’s no point bitching about RVP not leaving yet. Could it be that LP and ‘the OG’ have actually convinced the gold digger that it might be worth sticking around after all?
Finally, the LANSes. Who will be like one in the coming season?
Diaby, maybe LANS.
Wilshere, unlikely (isn’t he out until October?).
Poldi and Giroud, AANSes (Actually a new signing).
The Gervester, must be LANS (since he was rubbish after the ACON).
Sagna, LANS for sure…isn’t that almost half a team already?
Camberwell, if ever we were to play the Croissant, I’d have to insist on special care being given to the Abbesses Station Ligne 12 since it’s very interesting for architects due to it being one of the few art nouveau stations that still has its glass canopy. Which, of course, doesn’t mean that the rules have to be extra transparent, if you catch my drift. But I must admit that I still haven’t figured out how I can get a two turn connect from Abbesses to King’s Cross without using the Southwark Method, which of course isn’t an option at all times, especially not when using ancient and modern versions of the rules.
CG: Diaby: PLANS: Perennially Like A New Signing.
Toby: Abbesses is on Ligne 2 I believe.
Toby
Are Olympic lanes in use? The Heathrow Express? These may contravene the traditional routes and invoke the McClellan – Boris get out clause.
Ollie. AHA! See what I did there. If we were playing with the Playstation 2 rules you would have heard a loud error sound from the computer. I believe I just forced you into Knip by playing the +10 Line Number Additional.
Yes, you were right. But now after my splendid move (to pull of a +10 so early in the game) you will find that wherever you look in the Internet it will say that Abbesses is on Ligne 12.
Your move, sir.
Olympic lanes are wild. I’d say you’d get half a Boris, if you could prove that archers don’t make good train drivers nor olympians, but you’d probably have to make it a trump. A good way to avoid having all these extra rules for the olympics could be to play by the Old Etonian rules that makes all suburban areas out of bounds.
Looking at the last few posts, it makes me wonder if players like Cazorla knows what they are getting into going to a club with supporters like us…
Trumped by a Swede! I’ll invoke the tramp&accordion rule and jump onto RER B at St Michel Notre Dame.
Toby 79, they’ll get an idea quickly when they see all the pitchforks in the stands…
Snir @71 –
What can you tell us about ‘Holic from the way that he dribbles ? ๐
Lonestar @37, 56 – Snir @54 – great posts.
GT, Lars –
Agreed. The tight passing and moving drills are vital to the way the team plays. The players we have signed are top class internationals not kids breaking into the team.
Their experience will enable them to settle relatively quickly, but as some who have not made the grade have proved, Arsenal play a specialised game that some struggle with.
As ‘Holic said, a degree of patience will be required.
So as long as we don’t lose another game after the end of August, everyone should be happy. ๐
To echo H2H from a while back, and maybe I have missed it, but has there been a Holic / HT FFL set up yet?
You can tell close-season is getting to its frenzied end when a bout of Mornington Crescent breaks out.
I’ll stick to my medicine, thanks.
Hi, ‘holic
I believe there are plans afoot for more friendlies – behind closed doors. For me, “I will ease the new players into the Premier League” means just that – the new boys won’t be starting the first few games.
Can I just say that I really hope we manage to hold onto Alex Song?
Yes, he can be inconsistent. Yes, his positional discipline is unreliable.
But the guy is, what, 24 years old? Still young enough to learn. He plays two positions, he’s rarely injured, he’s physical and we’ve seen him turn in some huge performances – not least the monstering he gave the Northern oil cunts at the Em a few months back.
He’s at that age where players often step up and find full consistency, and if he does he’ll be one hell of an asset.
I’d hate to see him go, this summer or next.
Song’s contract runs till 2015, apparently, so I don’t think we need to worry about that. Yet.
http://www.football365.com/spanish-thing/7957692/Arsenal-Have-Struck-Gold-With-Cazorla…
Stop trying to cheer me up, F365! ๐
So, Swedens very own Alexander Song (at least in the fact that they both have notable hair and are midfield enforcers), Nilla Fischer (http://bit.ly/QIWBky) just scored 1-0 against france in the quarter final.
That medal is getting closer and closer, as is a game between Sweden and England, which I always enjoy.
Curse of the commentator, 1-1, another header.
Toby, I nominate you as second-in-command jinxer.
I just KNOW that had I not written “The medal is getting closer and closer” that goal would never have gone in. I can’t believe I did that again. I want to extend my most sincere apologises to the Swedish people, and also do I regretfully accept my position as S-i-c J. If not for for any other reason that it’s quite a good stage name if I ever start out a career as a rapper.
heh, add a ‘k’ and it will be better. For ‘King’ maybe?
Toby aka S.i.c.k-J
Yo!
2-1 to France. I feel S.I.C.K.
Arsenalesque defending of a freekick.
Totally agree about Ramsey, btw. I have so much respect for him – future Arsenal captain.
@ Toby
Bad luck.
Lobs one into the box over the line of defenders
*Songesque lob behind the back four…*
Please allow me to assist you sir…..
ends up in the back of the net!
I like the fact that mentioning of Song few drinks above struck me and FG with very same idea:)
Wow – lurkers get in the way of the assist
plus รงa change, plus c’est la mรชme chose
@ 103 Eandy
ha ha
Great minds! Shame we cocked up the assist, though.
I wouldnt call my actions lurking, I do have to work while eagerly awaiting official announcement of Santis signing or “agreeing terms” refreshing comments too on regular basis..and I just turned from provider to scorer this time by accident:P
Boom!
Well in Eandy.
Really, winning a group with both Canada and Japan (the reigning world champions) and getting drawn against France – now that is bad luck. But of course the two teams you wanted to meet are going up against each other, New Zealand and GB. Don’t take it the wrong way, the british girls have pulled off a few nice victories but I’d rather take my chances against them than USA, Brazil, Japan or France.
Err, not even close… :blushingsmileythingy:
You can join our ladies then Lars… (“Don’t mind if I do”)
Lars,
remember that Swedish ladies have other duties which involve dispensing of ale…..
reverse assist from zico, heh.
Well in EAndy!
zico@111, I know that, why are you telling me? ๐
The FA just signed one of us – http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/ivan-gazidis-appointed-to-governing-posts
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/ivan-gazidis-appointed-to-governing-posts
Gazidis is the new David Dein ๐
I was just about to post the same link! This is very good news for the club.
@ 113
Just clarifying for all – don’t want any conflicts of interest ๐
*Ahem*
HELLO THERE HOLICS!
I’m finally back from my trip to Europe. Seeing as it was my first time to Switzerland and France I’m bursting to tell you all the details of my attempts to sprechen die Deusche and parler le Francais, as well as placate the little lady that I travelled with, but I won’t seeing as this is an Arsenal blog and nobody likes hearing about travels while being stuck in work ๐
Anyway, I doubt you missed my uninformed but somewhat eloquent opinions but I took this entire week to catch-up on back-drinks so I figure I should toss in my two cents on current events in the goonerverse. ๐
-The friendlies seemed to be good for publicity and mild exercise but of course it makes no sense using the results as a yardstick for what next season will bring. I figure the boss just wanted to look at the reserves and players who need to prove their worth to decide whether or not to keep them anyway…
-The Olympic opening ceremony was fantastic. But I got really fucking angry after waiting hours to see the Trinidad and Tobago contingent only for EuroSport to cut to a French athlete eating an apple after FIVE SECONDS! Putains!!!!!!
-Arsene has been looking a little ill for a while. Hoping he gets better and leads us back to glory with his new glasses and recently purchased “Magic Transfer-completing” hat.
-Couldn’t believe we had a raid of sky-blue trolls. Are they for real? Just for the record, I don’t dislike the Citizens, just Mancini and their pack of mercs. Classless. But, ultimately, all my rage is for Fergie, ManU, LWCs and Darren Dein.
-Aristotle’s post was the drink of the summer. But, I read it on Monday so can’t remember what it said!
-Mertesacker has the moves. Missed his calling. Then again, he could still be a back-up dancer for Lethal Bizzle if his stint with us goes pear-shaped.
-Our squad looks in good shape, especially if the rumoured deals do get finalized (and we keep The-O and RVP). Regardless of whether they stay or not, I feel more optimistic for the new season than I did last year summer. With or without them we’ll be doing some serious damage in the Prem.
-On the topic of RVP, I must admit, despite being profoundly sad, angry and disappointed by his letter, if he were to change his mind and stay, I’d still cheer him on if he gives 100% for the cause of winning trophies. Not sure if he should remain as captain but I guess everything depends on how he decides to atone after signing a new contract. Let’s face it, if he were to help us win something wouldn’t we be happy about that? If it all really was a ploy to get the team strengthened then maybe a trophy or two will make the whole letter incident recede into distant memory.
I will say that last summer and this summer’s shenanigans have cured me of idolizing footballers. The game is all about short-termism so what’s the point of getting attached right?
Anyway, productive close-season so far. Let’s hope it continues!
Now who do I have wax to get a drink around here? 8)
P.S. I ran into Shaft into Zurich. Said he may be popping in sometime soon with an update ๐
Bad luck Toby – Sweden out, I see. I’m quite pleased about France progressing, though. Sorry.
One day your painting Dr Feelgood’s fence, the next you’re moving in the exalted circles of the FA Governance committee(s).
Do you reallythink these things are a co-incidence?
English football should be very afraid…..
http://www.francefootball.fr/#!/news/2012/08/03/144349_muamba-j-ai-joue-20-25-minutes.html
Good stuff.
Although I wouldn’t have thought Dubai in the summer was the right place to start playing football again from heart problems….
The French deserved it. You can’t afford to play a bad game in the quarter finals, and we just didn’t do enough. Still a bit miffed we won that group with Japan and Canada only to get France, but it’s pretty much just good teams left, so what the heck. Has been quite entertaining even if todays game never felt within reach once their second went in. Second half was pretty much all France. I wonder if Lotta Schelin will be around in four years time, being a forward aged 28, but if her body holds up I wouldn’t count against it. She might have to find a new playing style because she thrives on balls over the top at the moment and I’m not sure the pace will still be there in a few years. Oh well. There will be new footballers.
@ Tony
Yeah, no wiggle room for mistakes or sub-par performances now. I’m crossing my fingers for GB Women later on.
Btw, some LWC on the interwebs said Sigurdsson is better than Cazorla.
Wow. What are they on…
This one seems like it was written for (by?) Shaft:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W57G8_c7Ljc
Paraphrasing PH-to-the-W, have we signed anyone yet?
Hey CoR. Great to hear from you again. But did running into Shaft give you a big head, what with all those italics? ๐
I did of course mean Toby. That “Tony” was a typo.
@125: Yeah, I heard that track before when I borrowed Shaft’s Ipod. Just listening to it made my goatee thicker ๐
@127: Nah, it’s because I passed near by Italy ๐
I’ll get me coat.
I don’t know if I’m following the wrong people on Twitter but I came across this:
“It was a straight choice between Arsenal or Tottenham. I picked Arsenal because Spurs are a big bunch of cunts” – Santi Carzola ๐
Hey Cor, that was funny, welcome back. Love hearing about misadventures abroad, so please share sometime. Like the time I went to Spain and stayed at a Club Med back in the eighties. I was put up with a Parisian lass as my roommate. She never let on that she spoke English till one night she turned to me and said, “Tonite is Theatre Night, you must wear either black or white”. And out the door she went. Well I thought, who is she to tell me what to wear! So I put on my yellow and green cotton frock and descended down the stairs into the lobby…all eyes turned to me. Everyone dressed in their finest silks and satins. My lower lip was quivering and my palms were sweaty as I struggled to plaster a smile on my face. Happily for me, after a couple of drinks, all was well. But I learned my lesson.
Hehe, no such faux pas for me ABB.
I did get caught wearing nothing but purple speedoes in Bern though…I was about to make some purple rain ๐
Actually, I feel like all I did in Paris was get caught in the closing doors on the Metro. Quite embarassing…
Getting lost because you’re pretending not to be a tourist and your French is merde was also a bit lame!
Ah well, not everyone can be Shaft I guess ๐
Are you enjoying the Olympics, ABB?
Looks like the Boss had a few pies this weekend ๐
https://twitter.com/tmcewan88/status/231372253839912961/photo/1/large
Hey Cor, did miss ya (chuckling). Guess your friend will have to spill the beans. My trip began badly, at the airport, riding down the escalator, my large suitcase got away from me, tumbling down it went, building up velocity in the process and knocked a Senora and her Senor right off! Me shouting “Lo siento mucho” in the process. Just another ‘Bridget Jones’ moment for me…God must have had a reason making me the way I am…clueless for sure.
Yes Cor, very much so, but cause of work and school, missing way too much. Think Team GB have a great chance, in the quarter finals, but Brazil will be tough to beat for the gold.
Oh ABB, bowling on the escalators again. I hope they were alright and not trying to beat you up. I think if me and my lady were knocked over by a falling suitcase I would be either pretty angry or scared that you did it on purpose! ๐
I’m pretty clumsy myself but mostly because of my huge beer belly. Gotta lay off the booze….
*Takes a swig from bottle of cheap wine then wipes lips with back of empty box of sake*
Alright, going to head out of this digital bar into an airconditioned one.
But before I do, I ask you to ponder:
Is Fletcher really worth the same amount of money (or more) as Cazorla? It just doesn’t make sense…
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4468899/Steven-Fletcher-bid-raised-by-Sunderland-but-Wolves-eye-15m.html
Cor, blimey!
No way. Especially after what Arseblog dished on Cazorla. Now I know why we’ve wanted him so badly. I had seen the stats comparing him to Mata, seemed pretty even to me. But now I can officially join the bandwagon and welcome him with open arms. Very excited!
@ 138
Says it all about Premier League players.
When playing for Hibs, that 15million pound player missed an open goal from 2 yards becuase he could not use his right foot.
Oh how we laughed…..
Or Ex premier league players to be precise….
You could have got away with it, Dr Z: it’s the Scottish Premier League.
Thats a lot better! No matter what Arsene and the club have been saying about RVP, they at least admitted to themselves from the get go that he would be off, and moved quickly to bring in quality replacements. Now we are about to sign a player who, if reports are to be believed, was was a first-choice target ahead of Mata last summer, moreover at probably half the price we would have paid.
Even if Sahin doesn`t arrive for the season, it appears we are well enough stocked to cover for injuries, certainly for Jack to be able to take his time coming back. My only reservation comes with Arsene`s statement that the two strikers would have to be introduced gradually into Premier League action, and doesn`t suggest we will be quick away from the blocks.
Go on to the spuds forums and they are bemoading their team`s lack of spending on strikers, as they face starting the campaign with Defoe as the main man. There`s always someone worse off.
Oh I see Peanut Butter and Jelly are at the bar, my day is complete (twinkle in my eye). Would be lovely if Rangers could at least play Celtics once more, for their fans. What a pity.
Too true Ollmeister…
abb,
Ignorance is bliss they say….. ๐
CoR – that is absolutely nuts. Does the stupidity of most clubs know no bounds? I suppose the test will be whether anyone is dumb enough to actually shell out that much for him.
And how’s life in one of my favourite countries outside blighty? Must be absolutely boiling right now…
Fletcher > Cazorla still has me stunned as well…
Demand and supply affects the price I guess. My valuation however would be around 4 million pence.
And yes, it’s as hot as the dickens over here. I have no aircon and live in the middle of Sannomiya so it’s like trying to sleep inside a jet engine. The nighttime is actually hotter than the daytime with the sun out. What a weird climate ๐
I wish I had a job that would allow me to live in countries where it’s always like autumn all year long. Any suggestions?
Cannons,
I know just the place.
Know anything about trains? ๐
“like trying to sleep inside a jet engine” ha ha…brings back memories of some seriously sweaty Tokyo nights.
Suggestions…move way up north perhaps, then it might be milder in summer. Never went there but I’ve been to Bogota and I think it might just have the perfect climate: average high temp, 23C (ranging between about 22 and 27 all year round, lowest temp (night time) 5C but generally around 7C.
So yeh, pretty much like early autumn back home. All the time. Did I mention the local honeys?
Those jokers who run our club are really a bunch of cunts. I have checked the .com maybe 15 times in the last hour and NOTHING!!!
WTF?? ๐ฏ
Joking cunts that’s what they are! …
http://www.arsenal.com/news/reserves-news/afobe-joins-bolton-on-loan-for-the-season
Afobe loan confirmed.
And that’s your transfer news for the day on .con.
I thangyu
Hey Zico, boy don’t I know! Gooner Terry, I agree, que passa. Now since it’s still FFF, maybe I can get way with this (or not…). Remember when Cusop you to say “Evening Ladies?”Well it always made me giggle, course I felt guilty(ha ha). Remember it’s Friday, please!
speaking of jokers, what a fun little video:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/free-video-gibbs-v-the-ox-in-beijing
something i noted with interest, is that gay brasil, while losing to theo, beat the scores of both gibbs and the ox…
Surprising to see Andre beating both Gibbs and Ox..now I want to see him get in to shape even more! That guy has lot in store for everyone to see I suppose:)
A source some distance removed from negotiations has asked us to release the following statement:
–ends–
Oi, Lawyer-type @ 159,
I thought you was representing ME?
Evening All,
Have taken some time out from transfer land to cheer on TeamGB (sorry H2H ๐ ), Rowing, Swimming, Judo, Equestrian, cycling, even fuckin’ canoeing have all moved me to having watery eyes over the last few days. Saw the cyclists whiz past in the road race, geez those boys are fast, and if anyone wants to know about Zara Phillips’ piaf, I’m yer man!
Back to all things Arsenal, (and a big back-drink) and it really does look like Cazorla might be about to become a Gooner. I have to say that if it comes to pass, it’s arguably the most exciting transfer since Bergkamp. He is just the sort of player we require following the departure of Fab. Top that off with Sahin and we’re good to go.
Great stuff in the last round of drinks from Toby Trev Lars and Faustus on AW, and cheers for the extended match report Derrick.
And Cheers for posting that great vid Mr C.
I see people are still trying to convince themselves that that Dutch bloke will stilll be at The Arsenal next season – not a chance. Still very confident that I won’t be paying for Btm’s Fish and Chips come September. That said, I won’t need anyone leaning on me to cheer his name if he yet turns out for us and scores. GT, consider me in your gang.
Completely in Lars’ and Lonestar’s corner as regards Arsenal’s contract dealings. I don’t know whether the criticism is a hangover from the nightmare that was last summer, but it’s difficult to see what Arsenal might have done differently with regard to RVP. In fact I don’t think we could have played it any better. Don’t want to sign last summer, fine, we’ll take another season out of you and thirty odd goals to get Champs League football. Issue a silly statement this summer, fine, we’ve already got 2 class replacements in, wanna take the easy option and join Oil City, fine, your new suitors are gonna have to pay top dollar. No one comes up with the readies?, fine, we’ll have you for another season.
RVP’s going, but Arsenal are playing the cards available to them very well.
Look what the cat dragged in……
Why aren’t you in pre-season table-dancing practice?
My training regime was interrupted by Wolfie singing Kumbaya ๐
Acoustic version I hope ๐
Electro/tambourine version ๐
๐
Normal madness has been resumed.
tabs, I agree with you about our close season dealings; good strategy this close season and if carloza signs it’s the most exciting since DB10 IMHO. Fully agree with the handling of RvP10 too but I am beginning to suspect that he may ‘do a Rooney’. I think he might just stay, and sign too.
I’m sorry, I know a lot of people have a lot of respect for that person, but this is the last straw.
I can’t believe I prefer the analysis of a former Man U player rather than an Arsenal player (Neville).
This has gone too far, bitter cunt. He obviously was sacked because of his opinion which hasn’t been objective for a long period of time.
I’ll never forget the time where he was on record at Arsenal Live in 09-10 saying how we’re going win the league, and then commentating on a Chelsea game and berating Arsenal, saying we’re too weak, etc.
I don’t care how good he was or was not for Arsenal.
The man is a CUNT and should have his tongue cut off.
http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/120803/exclusive-robson-urges-arsenal-cut-van-persie-asking-price-1
Everyone happy about Cazorla? Good!!
If NS joins then it would be interesting which direction RVP’s advisers believe the club should still be going.
Snir,
the man is an idiot.
Relax and have some herbs….. 8)
As part of my intensive pre-season training, I listened to the iOlliempics on the long drive home this afternoon/evening and heard Alan Grean (ahh, what memories) commentating on the rowing.
He was reassuringly bloody awful, sounding as though he had no idea of what he was talking about. In an interview afterwards, however, he sounded disconcertingly well-informed. I still think he’s a pratt who shouldn’t be allowed near a microphone, but I’m beginning to harbour suspicions that just possibly commentating on sport is actually rather difficult.
Is there a doctor in the house who could prescribe something for me to take twice a day until the feeling passes?
Bath, agree with you on Cazorla, but I don’t know about this Carloza Chap ๐
As regards RVP, I would still be very surprised if he’s still with us at the end of the window. From Arsenal’s point of view, it’s in our interests to hold him for as long as possible, both to extract the last shilling, and to deny him a close season with his new Club. I really can’t see a “Rooney”. For one thing I would think that once Cazorla signs, RvP’s previous offer is probably no longer on the table. Still think he’ll end up in Manchester.
Dr Z @166 – Having back-drunk, I don’t think the Bar needs any help in the madness stakes ๐
Snir ๐ Stewart Robson is a hammer. Says it all. No point getting any more wound up by Robson than Gale/Cottee et al.
Snir @ 168 – Let me first say I completely agree with your opinion of Robson. I can’t stand the sound of him. I am also of the opinion that if they don’t receive what they consider a reasonable bid for RvP they should hold him to the final year of his contract, strip him of the captaincy, and let him play in spots. The financial prudence of the club over the last several years has put them in a position to be able to, if push comes to shove, afford that type of action. It also avoids the potential of strengthening your direct competitors if he goes to either Manchester team.
Having said all that I don’t see what Robson has said as that controversial. The other main alternative to the approach above is to sell him at the highest bid even if it is not what you think he is worth under the assumption that his presence in the team, no matter what the involvement, would be a distraction and they should get some money out of him. That is not my opinion but I also can see the argument to it.
The other thing I like about the first approach is the possibility that the team will win some trophies without him while he rots in the reserves. Then at the end of the year tell him to shove his “ambition” comments up his arse and piss off.
Now here is sponsorship run amuck:
http://www.footballeconomy.com/content/players-wear-false-beards-sponsorship-deal
And pictures of the beard beanies here:
http://www.kendaltown.com/news/2012-08-02-beard-beanies-keep-town-team-toasty.cfm
But who needs snoods, now.
NBN the timing of your post was impeccable. I have unfortunately had a beard for several years and never received a single pound for my efforts.
BG@175: Just no respect for authenticity these days….
CoR @129. Now I’m starting to get you and Shaft confused in my mind. Just to help with the visuals, Do you look more like Richard Roundtree or Samuel L. Jackson?
Maybe that question should have been posed to Shaft himself …
Yeah why grow something from scratch with some proper effort and grooming when you can just splash some cash and get the finished product right away. I’m sure there is an appropriate football analogy here but I just can’t see it right now…
Here’s one good review of Cazorla.
http://www.football365.com/spanish-thing/7957692/Arsenal-Have-Struck-Gold-With-Cazorla…
Based on seeing him in Euro and World Cup matches I agree he is a great player.
Evening all. Scruz, really enjoyed that clip! Still want to see Bale and Theo in a race (who would win!). Love seeing how our lads get on so well with each other. Wonder if they ever pulled that trick of putting plastic wrap under a toilet seat…And with that in mind, pleasant dreams…
Pronunciation foibles to follow …
Castillians pronounce their z as th but I’m not sure what part of Spain Cazorla is from so what is the correct pronunciation?
If he is from Barcelona or southern Spain the proper pronunciation of a z is an entirely different question.
Either we have a Cathorla on our hands, or a Casorla. Cazorla as it would normally be pronounced in English is not a phonetic option. Capiche?
OK, so which is it you pronunciation wizards?
Bearded Gooner@175 ‘I have unfortunately had a beard for several years’…. if you consider it unfortunate may i suggest Gillette? If it was good enough for our Thierry
Some people in Spain (and even in a few parts of South America) pronounce the letter z roughly the same as the English “th” of “tooth,” while others pronounce it like an “s.
In Castilian Spanish, the sibilant s sound exists and is represented by the letter s. The ceceo comes in to represent the sounds made by the letters z and c followed by i or e.
In medieval Castilian there were two sounds that eventually evolved into the ceceo, the รง (the cedilla) as in plaรงa and the z as in dezir. The cedilla made a /ts/ sound and the z a /dz/ sound. This gives more insight into why those similar sounds may have evolved into the ceceo.
Love google
fellovergen. How does Cazorla himself pronounce his name. That’s really all I’m asking.
???… Thanti?
I’m looking forward to hearing the first terrace chant of his name
Tabs,
Welcome back and thanks for the nice words.
For what it’s worth, more contradictions in my head re RvP. Initially I was in the ‘don’t let them take him’ corner but I’m now coming round to the ‘get rid’ viewpoint.
Is it worth running the risk of disrupting the camp with a disgruntled ex-skipper who would go in 12 months for nothing ?
Hanging onto him until the end of the window to extract the maximum possible, may realise us ยฃ20 – 25million with which we could make another Cazorla quality signing next year, if necessary.
That possibility has genuinely excited people this summer, and if RvP revenue allows a repeat over the next 12 months, is that something to pass up on ?
Sure, it would be nice to ‘punish’ an ungrateful player, but by all accounts RvP and his wife, did a great job in fostering team spirit last season, without which we may not be looking at the signings we have already made.
The influence of his scummy agent should not be discounted either, in terms of the statement he made. I still feel it was an orchestrated Dein / Red & White attack, which backfired badly on all parties except, ironically, the club itsself.
If he decides, after all, that he is better off at Arsenal, and apologises for his public outburst, and signs a sensible new deal, I will get behind him.
Who knows, maybe his outburst even had the desired effect, as our signings over this summer have been of real quality.
Unfortunate in the way that it was done, but who knows which wheels are turning behind the scenes ?
Not me, that’s for sure.
RvP is Wenger’s secret agent to loosen the purse strings, Trev?
Nah, his sale will have been factored into the overall splurge on Podolski, Giroud and this new shiny spaniard (if he signs).
cheers, abb@181. i thought it was pretty funny. glad you enjoyed it. i thought the interview with gibbox was classic.
and fortunately, arsenal is shed of other mercenaries, like ashley “the mobilephone masster” cole, who’s willing to move to psg if he gets his ยฃ200,000 a week…
Quite possibly zico, but he seems seriously lacking in suitors thus far.
Man City don’t seem that serious, and the current press on ManUre’s attempts to raise money through dodgy share issues suggests that they couldn’t afford him even if they really wanted to.
Serie A appears to be in turmoil over corruption again. Spain is bust.
So where’s he going ?
fellover – the unfortunate part was not getting paid for my beard as opposed to having a beard. I wear it proudly and have since before TT had his but of course he made the it look much better than I ever could.
Trev – you are a better man for taking the high road and not wanting to punish RvP for his ingratitude. I think however that the argument is really whether you sell if a sufficient offer doesn’t materialize. 20-25 million seems to be the value Arsenal have put on him and if that offer comes in then I agree sell him, but if nothing over 12m is offered what would you do?
@ Trev
We already know that the purchase of Thanti was planned before RvP’s contract negotiations started – Malaga outbid us last summer. Bild said the first contact with Koln about Goldi Poldi had come in May 2011. So I’m not buying the “forcing the board” into action theory. Grimandi said that Giroud was bought to supplement RvP, or if it came to it, replace him.
The club saying that RvP is still under contract, Arsene’s talk of easing in the new players and sending Chamakh and Park on their way, added to noises here and there about Robin going cool on Juventus, all hint to me that the Dutchman will remain an Arsenal player. No doubt RvP will come up with some sort of face-saving statement. I share your anxiety about using a disgruntled player, but he may not be disgruntled. (what a lovely word that is. Can one be gruntled?) He may think of what he did as “just business” and be able to shrug it off as a ploy which didn’t work.
I don’t expect any booing, and in all honesty I probably will forget (not necessarily forgive) his behaviour if he gives his all and plays well. But something died inside me when that statement was issued. Feet of clay. He was my hero, he’s just another talented footballer now.
Summons up the spirit of Thomas Vermaelen and starts long run out of defence…
Cheers Trev, I hear what you’re saying re RVP, and I certainly wouldn’t have a problem with him staying, he is a quality player when all is said and done, but I have to say I agree with Dr Z. I think his sale price and the savings made on his wages has already been factored in with the purchases of Giroud, Poldolski and hopefully Cazorli.
As for where he is going, I still think he’ll end up at City. They haven’t strengthened yet and they are the only ones where the financial outlay on an injury hit 29 y/o is not prohibitive. That said, Financial Fairplay is having an effect and they need to get rid of their own “deadwood” before buying.
Arsenal are in the happy position whereby we only need to sell at a price that allows for further signings. If the price offered is so low as not to make a huge difference, we might as well hang onto him for another year, and forego the fee next summer.
Tabs – sure there is more reason to get angry at Robson. He worked for ATVO!
Bearded – I don’t really care what he said about RvP, listen to what he says about AW. “Arsene Wenger is the problem at Arsenal” etc.
I’m sick and tired of that cunt berating our most successful manager, especially considering that he worked for ATVO (that just blows my mind! I wonder what Tom Watt had to say about it!)!!!
TABS
Not that it’s important, but I saw the cycle road race go past all of my old haunts, from Putney Bridge onwards… From where do you hark?
FunGunner –
“Can one be gruntled ?”
Oh yes. Just ask anyone who has played Serena Williams, or Azarenka. ๐
going for the gold…
Gets his head over the line!
ooooh, well in, wind. you got the ball, too!
Mr C, I’m a North London boy, but I was in Richmond Park for the cycle road race. Unbelievably impressive, real “now you see them now you don’t” stuff.
Snir, I have found Robson’s punditry as irritating as you do, but he is not an Arsenal fan, nor has he ever been, despite his employment at ATVO. His views are not therefore those of a fan, and hence it is no surprise you find the views of an intelligent pundit (Neville) more palatable than a stupid one (Robson). That was my only point.
Well in Wind! ๐
Snir – I can’t stand the man and think most his past comments on all things Arsenal and Arsene are despicable. I was only pointing out that the comments in the link were… Oh who am I kidding I feel dirty defending ANYTHING that comes out of that windbag.
Please disregard my previous comments and have a drink at the bar on me.
Well in Wind. It just goes to show what an extra bit of time on the practice pitch can do for your finishing. ๐
Tabs, I’ve been spending a few hours watching the iOlliempics myself. ๐
fellovergen. Thanti it is then. ๐
@157: Scruz, that was quite fun. Loving the banter between the young players! Don’t get too attached though, before you know it they’re looking for transfers because of “ambition” ๐
@177: Hey 8ball, que pasa?
In the interest of clarity, I look very much like Link from the Matrix in real life (or a young GoonerTerry, just more handsome :p )
http://www.demotivationalposters.org/image/demotivational-poster/0905/i-love-my-computer-matrix-link-computer-friends-demotivational-poster-1243056751.jpg
My friend Shaft however has an uncanny resemblance to Richard Roundtree but with the personality of Samuel Jackson. He is way more sassy and into fat chicks to be believed…So he is more like “Two Shafts, One blog” 8)
http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BNDg3MzQ2OTk2OV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwOTE2OTY3._V1._SX450_SY343_.jpg
CoR: If you think that Link comes anywhere near to the young GT you are fecking RvP mate ..
๐
Hahaha! I beg your pardon!
iCoR, too right…sad, isn’t it, to think that way, though?
CoR. The best of Roundtree and Jackson combined in one Shaft must be coolness to the nth degree. In one word, devastating. 8)
felloovergen@187
Funny that, would hate to jinx the deal but woke up really early this morning a bit “Boilk” and couldnt get this out of my head:
Santi Cazorla!
He came from Ma- la- ga!
Santi Cazorla
Ran out of Per-say-tah!
Santi Cazorla
Su-per Pae-ella a- at the Ems!!!
Optional in last line
“Now its”
“Club Level”
“Gooner”
It better happen………………
Scruz, it’s a bit sad but may be the only way to keep sane these days I figure….and of course, it’s easier to say than do. Who knows, after one cracking goal, I’ll be saying make Podolski ruler of the world ๐
@211: You’re damn right. 8)
Arghh, it’s so hot, I’ve taken to drinking during the day, but now I’m just drunk and hot :/
Btw, thanks for the suggestions zico and Camberwell. Maybe I can move to the HT in Bogota after I brush up on my secondary school Spanish. What sort of job would I have to do though? I can only do so much pleasing of cougars….;)
Ohhhhhhhh Arsene Wenger’s magic, he wears a magic hat, and when he saw the double, he said I’m having that!!!!!
2012-2013 version.
Wears= has.
Fucking boilk
Come to think of it, it is wears!
Oh fuck it, I’m too drunk for this logical thinking shit.
Right, so now I’m a bit angry with the club.
After a tip from Arseblogger, have a look at these three mugshots right next to one another, from left to right:
Per (2012):
http://bit.ly/QR8BR1
Persie (2012):
http://bit.ly/PPBsBh
Persie (2011):
http://bit.ly/Ozv5G1
I understand things like this are done at times, but then 1) be honest about it or 2) don’t try to sell the image (as in actually selling it) with the caption:
“ST ALBANS, ENGLAND – AUGUST 1: Robin van Persie of Arsenal poses for a photo during the Arsenal Team Photocall at London Colney on August 1, 2012 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)”
Aaaanyway. Small thing. Still happy with most of what’s going on, but things like this really gets into my head and makes me feel like “what else am I missing?”. Feel like I’m being made into a stupid fan, instead of an Arsenal supporter, you know?
Tinfoil hat on.
heh at Snir, I was wondering what your 216 was about! ๐
@ 198 Trev
ha ha
@ Toby
Let’s both have a consoling non-alcholic cocktail. GB Women went out of the football competition last night. Canada 2-0.
@ Toby
Only the first of those will load for me – can you explain what you are upset about?
The sooner we get shot of RvP, the sooner we’ll have clarity, Toby.
I still don’t see how some people are deluded themselves about RvP staying.
Also I can’t remember to many players who’ve put their head down and played to the best of their abilities in a similar-ish situation.
Perhaps Chamakh at Bordeaux, funnily enough, although he never came even close to putting out a similar hostile statement.
It’s been a month, but read that statement again. Fuck RvP.
And I still haven’t found the best way to deal with my shirt. Gaffa-tape over the name when I wear it?
In exactly two weeks I’ll probably be having a bit of brekkie or maybe even already be on my way to the pub. Proper footie is getting closer!
Fun@193: added to noises here and there about Robin going cool on Juventus, all hint to me that the Dutchman will remain an Arsenal player
Agreed. When he released his statement, there was a fragment of a thought in my head that all wasn’t lost but I quickly knocked that idea out of my head because I counted on ManCity to swoop in like vultures and also because I understood that it was just me trying to deny the inevitable. I moved on and regarded the chances of him staying at absolutely zero percent, but now I would say that I would no longer be very surprised if he does stay and I can with 100% honesty say that I wouldn’t even be surprised to see him sign a new contract. Do I think it likely to happen? Well, the MOST likely thing is that he is off after all but I wouldn’t recommend the Holic pound to be put on him moving in this window either.
But whatever happens with him, I do think it’s quite interesting that pretty much all of us said months and months ago that there really weren’t that many places he could move and that it seems we were right – and I woudl say we were right regardless of if he moves or not. I’m not even sure ManCity really want him that much even if they offload Adepaymemore. They still have Aguero, Balotelli, Dzeko and Tevez and even if they sell one of Dzeko and Tevez, do they really need one more attacker? They are in more need of a player to take some weight off Silva in the creative midfield department than yet another attacker. The main reason they would want him is, I would say, to make sure he doesn’t play for another Premier League team. And as tabs alludes to@195, maybe FFP actually is scaring Man City at least a little bit? Or are the oil merchants not that keen on losing as much money anymore now that they have got their Premier League title? They have said that long-term they always intended City to be self-sustaining, maybe they actually meant that and are moving towards a more prudent financial managment of the club?
Wind, nice lurky century there, blindsiding all the goal-hangers!
Quote of the summer there from Snir@217:
“Oh fuck it, Iโm too drunk for this logical thinking shit.”
๐
Toby, photoshopping new shirts onto old photos is nothing new, it’s done all the time and doesn’t have to mean anything at all.
Last seasons picture of Van Persie’s head photoshopped onto this years body of Per Mertesacker. And they have the audacity to have the pictures pretty much next to one another and charge money of you want it and saying that the picture was taken on a date it clearly wasn’t. Fair enough if they add a player to a full team photo, but come on. The only part of that picture taken this year is Per Mertesacker so they just shouldn’t sell the picture with that description. If they don’t get Persie to come to the photo session, don’t sell us old goods.
I know, I know, it’s just a small small thing but I don’t want to feel like the club is trying to fool me. It’s mostly the feeling I get by the thing and not the thing in itself, so to speak.
Fuckety fuck fuck, mucked up the italics there! This is what it should have looked like, and hopefully the landlord can remove the faulty one to spare me a few blushes:
In exactly two weeks I’ll probably be having a bit of brekkie or maybe even already be on my way to the pub. Proper footie is getting closer!
Fun@193: added to noises here and there about Robin going cool on Juventus, all hint to me that the Dutchman will remain an Arsenal player
Agreed. When he released his statement, there was a fragment of a thought in my head that all wasn’t lost but I quickly knocked that idea out of my head because I counted on ManCity to swoop in like vultures and also because I understood that it was just me trying to deny the inevitable. I moved on and regarded the chances of him staying at absolutely zero percent, but now I would say that I would no longer be very surprised if he does stay and I can with 100% honesty say that I wouldn’t even be surprised to see him sign a new contract. Do I think it likely to happen? Well, the MOST likely thing is that he is off after all but I wouldn’t recommend the Holic pound to be put on him moving in this window either.
But whatever happens with him, I do think it’s quite interesting that pretty much all of us said months and months ago that there really weren’t that many places he could move and that it seems we were right – and I woudl say we were right regardless of if he moves or not. I’m not even sure ManCity really want him that much even if they offload Adepaymemore. They still have Aguero, Balotelli, Dzeko and Tevez and even if they sell one of Dzeko and Tevez, do they really need one more attacker? They are in more need of a player to take some weight off Silva in the creative midfield department than yet another attacker. The main reason they would want him is, I would say, to make sure he doesn’t play for another Premier League team. And as tabs alludes to@195, maybe FFP actually is scaring Man City at least a little bit? Or are the oil merchants not that keen on losing as much money anymore now that they have got their Premier League title? They have said that long-term they always intended City to be self-sustaining, maybe they actually meant that and are moving towards a more prudent financial managment of the club?
Wind, nice lurky century there, blindsiding all the goal-hangers!
Quote of the summer there from Snir@217:
“Oh fuck it, Iโm too drunk for this logical thinking shit.”
๐
Toby, photoshopping new shirts onto old photos is nothing new, it’s done all the time and doesn’t have to mean anything at all.
Lars, I know. But then again, they shouldn’t try to sell it as “Persie posing August 1 2012” Of course, he might have had a cold and couldn’t make the photo session, but don’t make up stuff. again, it’s not the photoshopping per se. (heh, PER)
FunGunner, I’ll get the first round. At least Sweden managed a 2-2 draw against Canada, but well, you did beat Brazil so I’d say we can call ourselves joint 5th?
What’s on at the Ollimpics today?
Ollie:
Bolt.
And oh, some heptathlon and rowing.
And you might well enjoy this one from Twitter, Ollie:
“Wondering why Arsenal are delaying the announcement of Cazorla signing until Monday the 6th of August? That’s Robin Van Persie’s birthday.”
With the follow ups of:
“And on the same day give Podolski the number 10 and Tommy V the captaincy.” and “Big grinning pic of Lukas & his shirt, Tommy & his armband, Santi & his contract.. Happy bday somebody that we used to know!”
Oh yeah, remind me I need to pop back shortly on twitter to follow someone who’s just followed me, Toby ๐
Heh, cheers for that tweet.
Thanks all for the congratulations for my double century @ 200 Scruz, TaBS, bt8bbgfg, I would like to say after my disappointment four years ago I knuckled down and devoted myself to elevating my lurking to a state where neither radar or any wave in the Electromagnetic Spectrum or any Clairvoyant could pick it up so I could approach the finish line undetected… But that would be a slight mistruth… 8)
Ollie does u-turn on Twitter shock…… ๐ฏ
heh Wind.
How so, Dr Z? :s
Morning all,
Ollie: “i need to pop back on Twitter shortly to follow someone who’s just followed me”.
Well everybody, try and follow that ! ๐
Follow me and Arsenal, as the old car stickers used to say. ๐
Cheers Ollie. I promise you won’t see much from me, I’m very much in the vein of mostly using Twitter for “news and not for talking by myself. Might well change though, with so prominent followers!
heh iTrev ๐
Don’t worry Toby, you won’t see me much there, and I’m certainly not using Twitter for ‘news’, ๐ฎ
Ollie, thought you had left Twitter?
Maybe I mis-understood a previous comment in the drinx. ๐
Zico @238 –
Do try and keep up !
Mind you, how do you keep up with followers ? ๐
Heh Toby @229. Good idea.
Nah, just taking an off-season break from Twitter, zico.
Although when I get notification of a follower or a mention, I see it in an e-mail, so make very short reappearances.
But there’s too much rubbish on there anyway I don’t know if I’ll really make a ‘comeback’. Although I suspect travelling to/from game I might still check it from Eurostar lounge so might be there more during the season again.
Also for the sharing of funny gameday/travel moments with Gooners.
Hah, actually hooked up my account when I was working as journalist to get info from PR people, which REALLY made me feel like the worst kind of scum on earth. Most of them are removed nowadays.
Right, I need to get myself some more coffee. A bit *boilk* after catching Patti Smith yesterday. See you all in a bit.
Apologies – not footie related, but watching a magnificent effort from Jess Ennis in the Ollieimpics.
To keep producing her absolute best over two days against such expectations – brilliant.
Sorry, ๐
@ 241
I don’t see why YOU should be exempt from the Daily Spam aka Professor Storey ๐
heh @ 244.
This afternoon Trev, Ollimpics is off and pรฉtanque is on.
Good idea about the coffee, Toby.
Ollie, what’s a petanque ?
Is that what French people keep their pefish in ? ๐
Trev, Wiki has the answer to (nearly) everything, even in English:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petanque
Cheers Ollie,
Actually I knew it was ‘throwing metal balls’ but I had no idea about the ‘feet together’ bit. The history bit is quite interesting too. Sometimes it’s worth asking a stupid question. ๐
I’ll be honest with you, Trev, I had no idea about that bit either before I read the page. ๐
I had actually always heard that the name came from the noise the balls made when clinking together.
Let’s not talk about the noise balls make when slapped together. Wolfgang might be near.
Curiouser and curiouser….
http://blog.emiratesstadium.info/archives/23801
heh
@251 ๐
252 indeed: just WOW.
CoR@252: Untold Arsenal are rather partial to conspiracy theories, but that Chevrolet deal is a bit mysterious and there are legitimate reasons to wonder where the Glazers are taking ManU.
Speaking of the Glazers, I believe they all appear in this zombie video.
http://tv.yahoo.com/walking-dead/show/46234/videos/30178683
Not for the faint-hearted, mind you. ๐
Word is circulating in the north woods that the Santi Cazorla signing won’t be officially announced until IG returns from his two month vacation. ๐
I think it’s safe to say at some point in the future we’ll be talking about ManU in the past tense. And I’ll be laughing my head off…
@257: That’s some good footage of the average ManU and LWC fan there ๐
Yep, I remember starting to read Untold Arsenal years ago and loving it, but I think that both me and them have moved on since. Don’t get me wrong, I really respect the amount of work they are putting down and I still visit from time to time, and some things are really interesting, and I agree with a lot, but I just wish they tried to be a bit more impartial when it comes to presenting facts. I think they would gain a lot of from taking that approach.
Having that said, I guess the whole idea they have is to be the counterweight to the kind of sites that does the same kind of thing on the opposite side of the fence. And in many ways that is a good idea. But they are quite adept and knowledgeable and I think that it is a bit of waste of the talent that clearly is there to be so single-minded. They could do great things if they left that blind faith to someone else.
But that was definitely an interesting article and I am glad they do those in a world where pretty much no serious journalist do any digging on how we run football clubs and what goes on behind the scenes. At least it’s a start.
@ 227 Toby
ok – joint fifth it is. Cheers!
@ 243iTrev
totally agree. I don’t know how she does it. I am absolutely loving the whole shebang. And I love the crowds. Knowledgable, enthusiastic and generous.
Very impressed with Ennis this year. Makes me long for the good old days when our Carolina Klรผft got her heptathlon gold in Athens. If I remember correctly you English lot got a bronze then? Kelly Sumfink?
See what this is doing to me? Ollimpics and no confirmation of Cazorla all at the same times makes me talk about anything.
Right, heading out to grab a beer and then I’ll go see Emmylou Harris. Might not be my favourite kind of music but she is a legend after all, and she has covered Townes Van Zandt (my kind of country, much more folky) http://youtu.be/TMPydiR4NaQ (Oh and of course, you’ve got a nice English connection there, it being from the The Old Grey Whistle Test)
Toby, Thanks for the link to Pancho and Lefty. I am normally more on the folky side also but that song grew on me.
Nice video compilation of Cazorla.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6E-sWIirnE
For all the pronunciation freaks, the Spanish announcer says his name as “Casorla” about half way through so that’s what I’m going with for now.
And you have to love the goal he scores for Villarreal against Getafe at the end of the video. I’ll be pumped if can do that for us a few times each month. ๐
I’ve probably been punished in my time for “seeing my wife” but certainly never like this. ๐
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/19126909
I’ve been punished for seeing other people’s wives…
Haha! Some guy claims that he knows Sahin is coming to Arsenal because he winked at him in L.A. ๐
http://www.reddit.com/r/Gunners/comments/xmxvf/sahin_very_well_may_be_coming_to_arsenal_on/
Boilk.
Good morning.
Afternoon Snir.
Have to agree with Trev and Fun about Jess Ennis, and indeed all the Olympians. I am absolutely loving it.
Apart from the unbelievable sporting excellence on view, one can’t but admire the willingness of all the athletes to engage with the media in such an open and honest way which is so so different from the cliched nonsense we are used to from footballers when they can be bothered to remove their over sized headphones.
Almost feel inspired enough to go out and do some exercise.
Pass me my fags first though eh!
Today I am mostly modelling a “Jessica Ennis” catsuit.
Bit tight, need even smaller balls.
Wish I’d done the training.
From the Amazing Opening Ceremony to Team GB with 10 Gold medals and 3rd in the Medal Table at this Juncture, this is turning out to be a great Olympics for London ๐
To everybody who is stressing about the RB situation come the start of the season, I’m pretty sure Kos will be at RB with TV & BFG as CBs.
Oh Snir, I’m not stressing at all…we’re gonna win the league! Now Wind, I trust you will be watching THE game tonite, Gibbs is gonna be on the bench again (frowning) but I think this will be one doozie of a match. Bellamy, Sturridge and Aaron…can’t wait!
8ball @ 265, Hey that was amazing, HE is amazing! Thank you!
Wouldn’t you expect The Glaziers to be better at transfer windows ? ๐
Cheers, by the way FunG and Tabs,
Incredible dedication and they all keep producing their personal bests on the one occasion that matters. Quite brilliant.
Abb – Gibbs on the bench? What game are we talking about??
Trev, Dr C, and others – I think you’ll find this interesting.
http://www.arsenalreport.com/editorial/misfortune-myth-or-neglect-arsenals-injury-problems-investigated/
Yes AARON Scores!!!!!
Now Snir….
Another freaking PK for GB! YES!
Snir, a typo – abb must have meant Giggs.
And now Rambo missed a pelanty ๐
All good Aaron, great try. My hero.
Thank you Lars! Hey Snir!
I cannot believe rambo is the gb penalty taker arsenal. When would he ever take a penalty for us ?
Taker arsenal???? Blooming smartphone
Hey chrisgooner, you just got caught up in all the excitement, totally understand!
http://www.arsenalreport.com/physioreport/maestro-out-the-trio-of-injuries-that-sidelined-jack-wilshere-for-a-year/
Analysis of JW’s injury problems
Thanks nurse ๐
Oh chris, your welcome. snir took a quick look, doesn’t look good. Will read it properly after the game. Go Aaron!
Giggs is warming up, God bless him. Come on GB, you can do this!
hell of a great save by our goalie!
i’m sorry folks, just can’t help gush over Aaron, he is having the game of his life.
Came back home just to see Mo Farah’s last lap.
Great day.
Penalties !!!
Plays a beautiful crossfield pass from right to left. Stupendous Cazorla change of play.
Aaron Scores Again!
Ramsey scores his penalty.
Don’t care about the rest of the cunts now.
Ramsey scores!!! What about me ;)?
Cleverely does the job!
Bang
Oh Snir, waves!
Apart from Snir scoring at 300, that is: well done, Sir!
Dawson up, and hammers it in 3-2!
Gibbs, OMG, baby does it!
Bah, I was hoping Giggs would miss.
No way you should EVER cheer for Giggs, abb.
Pearce Out.
Commentators just said that Korea deserved it anyway, so… is this true?
Welcome back home, Aaron, the rest of the cunts are cunts anyway.
I knew Sturridge would miss. He reminds me of Robben.
Heartbroken…but I tell you WHAT, I’ve fallen in love with this team. I’ll never look at any of them in quite the same way. No longer truly enemies in my appreciative eyes.
Great tournament for Aaron and home in one piece ….good result
Oh Ollie, I implore you to somehow watch this Fantastic game, filled with heart and gusto!
What a fantastic day & evening for Team GB (apart from the footballers – Pearce out!) Drinks all round ๐
GB = Gold Baby *
* in his best Austin Powers voice *
MOTM for GB, Aaron without a doubt. Smartass of the match goes to South Korean goalie, what a di*k head.
Ok Snir, now to take a second look at those xrays…
Sturridge’s ego has been writing cheques his footballing skills can’t cash for too long now. Aaron missed a penalty, but that guy never ever hides and it takes huge cojones to step up and take the first penalty in the shoot-out when you’ve missed one earlier.
But footie aside, let me raise a glass for the British! What a day, the atmosphere at the Olympic Stadium must have been amazing.
Sorry didn’t watch the football tonight….the athletics was just brilliant. Great to know that Aaron had really good tournament and hopefully his last season’s form is now behind him. Our midfield is looking very crowded..especially if Sahin also joins. Still with our injury record maybe not a bad thing ๐
Can’t wait fr the season to start…all the signs are it’s going to be a great
one.
This is absolutely ridiculous.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/arsenal-skipper-robin-van-persie-1218984
Good morning folks! How the hell are ya?
Some great articles there Snir, thanks for sharing.
In terms of the injuries one, I think they forget to mention the influence of voodoo dolls by jealous managers though. They should look into that…
Not sure if any of you are still interested in our departed number 1 but I found this exclusive interview of Almunia and felt it would be good to share.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manuel-almunia-says-he-would-still-1218506
Aaron played a great game, even if the technique of his 1st two penalties were bad, his 3rd one exuded confidence and straight out moxie, he did himself, Team GB, Wales & Arsenal proud ๐
Having returned from the Suncebeat (Southport)weekender in Croatia this week I find it incumbent upon myself to share this little doozie with you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&hl=en&client=mv-google&v=y8gLdqNfzl4&nomobile=1
Another club to root against on principle:
http://swissramble.blogspot.com/
I have a feeling we might meet them this season in the Champions League. In any case it would be interesting.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-55834/Vieiras-Highbury-feud-turns-ugly.html
I guess I can forgive RvP if he apologizes. I did, after all, forgive PV for this.
CoR 321: yes I found that one too at the bottom of Snir’s link ๐
bt8, that would certainly be a handy ‘away’ trip for me ๐
Thanks for that article CoR, I have always had mixed feelings about Manuel, but he seems to be genuinely nice bloke. Funny enough mentioning the West Brom game which was his eventual downfall sparked memories of our last game this season.
Woj was also playing while injured and who knows, should we lose the game maybe fans wrath would also fall on his head, since the goals he let in there were also very soft, only after the game Arsene revealed that he has been playing injured for few weeks already, which made us all understand dip of his form towards the end of the season. Anyways I wish Almunia good season there at Watford, I think he deserves some praise.
I have a lot of conflicting emotions towards Manuel. He was such an amazing shot-stopper and penalty-saver. But, he always exuded nervous energy and this transferred to the back four who would keep moving further and further back during games which resulted in defensive blunders. His running out to follow strikers to the corner flag like a puppy was simultaneously hilarious and depressing as well.
All in all, he was a loyal servant who never really insulted the club despite being benched for long periods of his career and insulted openly by the fans. Hopefully he can have an easier time of it for the rest of his time between the sticks in England.
I hope you all know that this means whenever we play Watford in any competition he’s going to have the game of his life! We better not draw them in any competition while he’s there ๐
@325: I could also forgive RVP if he apologizes and puts his head to work towards winning something with us.
Anyway, I need to go buy some beastly cold beverages because this is how I’m feeling at the moment—->
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkGgdIBX1to
Bt8b 324 thanks for the link on the new owners of PSG. Yet another detailed & interesting report by Swiss Ramble. As for Platini’s FFP, it notes that his son now works for QSI ( the owners of PSG ) – nuff said!
I’m starting to worry that Santi has disappeared down the same rabbit hole as Bevin ! What’s going on fellas ?
Swiss Rambler does a magnificent job with his blog, but the posts are so long and full of numbers and charts that my non-accounting-trained brain overheats trying to follow what he is saying ๐
Lars…but not as long and detailed as your tab ๐
Uplympian, well nothing really is, right? ๐
Exactly what Lars said at 332.
First, Wind. hmm. His first PK went in, good enough for me, you rascal! Snir, re to your two great articles from last night. Fixture congestion seems to be a culprit in our injury record. Good news is that with our new signings, we now have excellent choices for squad rotation. Want to hear from the good doctors T and C about Jack’s injuries. Have many questions, like do they believe Jack might have decreased sensation in his foot, numbness and tingling, that sort of thing. Cor, thanks for that link! A Cultured Left Foot did a nice little piece on him as well, wish Manuel the very best (such a decent man). Eandy, it’s like you read my thoughts, really.
Nurse ABB. sensation changes could well happen if he’s had nerve damage. Shouldn’t be too bad otherwise, although I’m sure he might feel ‘not quite right’.
Not surprising if you consider the internal damage and subsequent biomechanical changes he’s suffered. Will he gave increased probability of arthritis in these joints? Yes.
More Probability of knock in injuries in the musculoskeletal chain, ie knees and hips? Yes.
Sorry… Predictive text! ๐
Yeah, I thought ‘musculoskeletal’ sounded wrong ๐
Afternoon (or morning , depending on where you are) all.
Serious boilking going on here. Over-celebrated an incredible day of sport for the Brits.
Now watching Murray outplaying Federer in opening set. Long way to go, and Wimbledon Final started the same way, but could be another big celebration yet.
This Murray fellow sure can play tennis. I just wish he’d played like this all through the Wimbledon final since I was in Scotland then and I was really looking forward to a night of celebration. Missed the first half of that game, since I was up on Ben Nevis, and it would have made a great narrative, me climbing my mountain and Murray climbing his on the same day etc.
But it looks really good now and he might well get his revenge today. 6-2, 6-1. It is absolutely extraordinary. Murray has been as lucky with the bounces today as Federer has been unlucky, but you earn your luck and Murray is playing a blinder.
There’s a nice article about Jessica Ennis in today’s NY Times. A nice introduction for those of us who didn’t know her name before Thursday and who didn’t get to see her on the U.S.-centric TV coverage over here. Of course we can toot our own horn too with the likes of Gabby Douglas on our side. ๐
Congrats to Mr Murray. Well done Sir!
To get 2 aces in the last set, when having had just 3 aces up to that point is to show nerves of steel. Congratulations Murray. What. A. Game.
Well done Andy, but I’m hoping he can go for the 2nd Gold with Laura as I type ๐
Andy Murray made 2 life-defining decisions in his life, one of which he got right.
One was picking up a tennis racquet as a very small child. The other was his choice of football team. ๐
Well done today, Andy. 8)
Another day, another episode of gun violence in small-town and small-minded America. ๐
Mr C (Doctor, hello!), Thanks for sharing. Be curious to know if Jack is indeed flat-footed. My concern is how well he will be able to ‘curl’ the ball with his foot with decreased sensation. But the human body is resilient and so is our Jack. Worked with a nurse who was born with one leg shorter then the other (just by a couple of mm), wore down her hip on the affected side and she finally opted to have her leg amputated. As you point out, tis all related.
“When I told Arsene Wenger I was leaving, he said to me, ‘I have ยฃ25million to spend on a few players’. My answer was, ‘Obviously, Mr Wenger, you are not shopping in Harrods.
Who do these players think they are? Well the obvious answer to him was “Yes Patrick I going to shop in the Dollar Store where I go you, you cunt!”
More than any other year I hope the Arsenal win something this year just so Le Boss can be vindicated …
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-55834/Vieiras-Highbury-feud-turns-ugly.html#ixzz22grGSUjf
… not to mention the continuing gun violence in big cities and suburbs too of course. ๐
…is puzzled by zico.
He’s a Hibee.
Defence rests, Barman ๐
Ah, a re-read clarifies the misunderstanding ๐
What a gret weekend of sport – pity about the rain up at Leeds.
Less than 14 sleeps for the real stuff, yay!
Stuart Pearce is taking a lot of grief for playing our Aaron. Fans tearing Ramsey apart over his first two penalty kicks. The courage and composure exhibited by this young man, definitely would be my first choice as captain of our team. And props to Mr. Pearce for believing in Aaron, in the first place. Also enjoyed Mr. Bellamy, great spirit!
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