Proper Football Back And The Joy Of Six
Sep 14th, 2012 by 'holic
Well that was a long two weeks, wasn’t it. Just as we found our shooting boots at Anfield we ran slap bang into an international break. That has just made the anticipation of the second home game of the season more intense. I haven’t looked forward to a match against Southampton as much since the FA Cup Final of 2003.
I don’t think anybody will underestimate the Saints, having seen them put two goals past both of the Manchester clubs in the opening fortnight of the season. Unfortunately for them they have been far from watertight at the back, shipping eight goals in their first three matches.
Listeners to this week’s Arsecast will know I am tipping fit-again Wojciech Szczesny to step back into the side. Vito Mannone has done nothing wrong, but I do get the feeling the relationship between the Pole and his defenders is one based on greater trust. It is hard to imagine our best defender of last season, Laurent Koscielny, breaking back into a defence yet to concede. He and Andre Santos may have to be patient just a little while longer.
In midfield Abou Diaby should be rested for what look to be tougher tests coming up. I would expect Aaron Ramsey to get the nod to deputise, although there is the chance that Arsene will give Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain a pivotal role against his former club. Up front it is possible that Gervinho will partner Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski. Even if he were not apparently on the naughty step Theo Walcott has only just recovered from illness and is likely to be on the bench again.
If the midfield functions as well as they did against Liverpool then it is hard to see this being anything other than a home win, but how many times have we been made to labour by a newly promoted side? Nerves would be settled by a positive start and an early goal, preferably from Giroud who has discovered that two starts without scoring constitutes a crisis in England. I’ll settle for an assist from him as long as it contributes to landing the ‘holic pound, which is recklessly placed on a 3-0 home win.
Do you fancy Olivier to open his goalscoring account with at least a brace? Then Gunners Gaming go a tasty 21/5, and if you don’t have an account with them then you can get up to a Β£25 free bet as a new customer. Just click on the banner above.
Now I mentioned my anticipation of the game earlier, but it is not just a return to real football I’ll be celebrating on Saturday. The blog clocks up six years on this here interweb as well. That owes more to all of you than it does me. If you didn’t make such a positive contribution through the drinks, if you didn’t turn up in your thousands every month, then this would not be such a rewarding pastime. Thank you for your friendship, virtual or otherwise. Thank you for feeding my ego.
Have a good weekend, ‘holics.
316 Responses to “Proper Football Back And The Joy Of Six”
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/koscielny-giroud-has-the-quality-to-be-here
Is this really needed?
Folks, if you need to wiki Tom Whittaker, thereβs still a few books about Arsenal history you really need to read.
I would also direct you to that article from Little Dutch that he linked to in his arseblog post yesterday, for some more historical bits, about the chairmen.
http://www.arsenal.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=530476
(Damn you ‘holic, for publishing when I’ve just/am doing a long-ish post π – I thought you were posting ‘late’ ! :O)
Yowsah!
Happy Birthday to The Goonerholic! I’m looking forward to the decorations hanging from the ceiling!
It wasn’t even a pub to start with, was it?
Many Congratulations, Guv’!
And Happy Birthday for tomorrow as well mate!
5th, lower than where we’ll finish!
‘Holic & friends, many congratulations, 6 years & this hostelry still reachs the parts very few others do
@GeoffArsenal: News: Chesnyβs back in goal tomorrow. Coq in for rested Diaby. There is more but iβd rather hold for now. Something is better than nothing.
@GeoffArsenal: Other Great News is that Jack Wilshere is joining the 1st team for FULL training next Friday.
Holic. Thank you for providing the platform for us to develop these special relationships.
Great write up.
I think with AW choosing Coq over Ramsey it shows how highly he rates S’oton. I also think he’ll keep Arteta as the deepest of the midfield three to give him more playing time there going into Montpellier and City.
So 6-0 then?
6 years?
Congratulations, Holic – but I only come here for the beer π
Many happy returns ‘holic. Hoping for a good birthday present from the Arsenal.
Happy sixth birthday and many happy returns!
I would have guessed your team, ‘holic, but if Snir is right it means Le Coq gets the chance to press his claims with the boss.
I don’t think Giroud will score (I am sure you are familiar with the double reverse jinx in the pike position).
Congratulations Holic,
Love reading your blogs. 5 -0 to the Gunners today I fancy. Fingers crossed.
Snir, is Geoff ITK? π
Thanks all.
How did Montpellier do tonight then? I missed it…
Lost 3-1 apparently, ‘holic.
I didn’t know they were playing, but I’m guessing French football are once more ‘protecting’ their teams and treating them like they can’t play Saturday and Tuesday in Europe, even at the start of the competition.
Not that it’s done them any good recently.
There’s now always a game on Fridays, but the televised game was PSG vs Toulouse.
Congratulations* Goonerholic……6 years of quality blogging – quite a massivefeat (unlike Arteta’s small feet π ). May you have a double celebration tomorrow.
*if anyone links Cliff Richards “Congratulations”, they should be re-carded with a 3 week ban from the site π
3 losses in 5 games, but it’s a bit like Marseille’s start of the season last year.
Except that even more than Marseille, Montpellier will probably never play in Europe, nevermind the Champions League, again, so they’ll be not only well rested but well up for it on Tuesday.
Don’t think it will be an easy game.
congratulations, ‘holic, and thank *you*. your take on royal arsenal is what brings thoughtful people, and them generally being good keeps them in the bar. and a high bar you do set.
coq? i can’t see him in the shuttle position; but i can’t see him at back instead of arteta. hmm.
wilshere is back soon, just lovely. welcome back, dear boy.
Happy birthday Holics,as the Admin rightly implied it’s OUR birthday,i may not be a regular drinker but i always hang out in this bar watching in silence as you men of wits exchange drinks of knowledge and wisdom. So if you my elder Holics will allow me i’d order a round of whatever anyone wants to drink (on lars’ tab of course) in celebration of our birthday.
On the game tommorow,i’m going for a win,the score line will depend on the approach Soton adapts,if they choose to sit back and defend then i think we will win by two goals to nill but if they choose to attack as they have done so far this season then i will go for a 4-1 win to The Arsenal.
Congratulations ‘ Holic .This is the sanest place in the Arsenal blogosphere. I’ve predicted 3-0 as well but Lambert is a canny warrior and Ramirez looks set to start so they will test us.
Perhaps Theo’s tantrums will lead to a January transfer. I hear Gnabry is training regularly with the first team and may be a first- teamer occasionally this season.
God bless Vito but I don’t fancy us if he has an extended run. He makes Flappy look sound on crosses!
Sorry *adopt*
Ollie – Montpellier were poor and extremely naive both offensively and defensively.
Six years of classy bloging Holic. A well deserved congratulations to you and all the regulars.
A tipple or more for each of you is on the bar.
I hope the weather and game provide you with the ideal setting to celebrate.
The coq to start?
Lets get the 3 by whatever score necessary!
Still like the Giroud Brace, his movement and workrate deserve it!
That sounds good.
Just watch them rediscover their form next Wednesday…
Hope you ‘hPad owners have all subscribed to the programme? Tomorrow’s should be in the App store in two hours.
Tech savvy, me π
Cheers Snir! I still think it’ll be a different ball game on Tuesday.
Anyway, time to say goodbye for the day.
Might pop in tomorrow while a lot of yer are still alseep?
My train isn’t too early though.
See some of you in the Tollie!
‘holic: I’ll be absolutely happy for them to rediscover their form next Wednesday.
As long as Wednesday still comes after Tuesday π
Well done Holic, cheers. There are forums that inform, others that entertain. This one manages both plus adding a nice, homey feel. Very welcoming. As for this match, suspect maybe you are right about our Theo. Vito will have his chances in the Cup games. And no one commented on the title! Sorry, my bad. 2-0 Arsenal!
Haha Ollie, and I knew it was Tuesday when recording the ‘cast! This malt is good stuff.
Message received and understood abb, thank you.
Happy birthday to you,
Hope the Arsenal aren’t poo,
And that Feo scores a hat-trick,
With two goals for Giroud
Stretching it with the last two lines but never mind. Enjoy your day!
Happy Birthday ‘holic. A drink all round to six more years of quality blogging in this ‘ere bar.
COYG ICDDR[*]
[*] restored to its rightful place after a respectful three days.
Happy Birthday H.
6 yrs and counting.
It’s been an absolute pleasure my friend.
Long may it continue.
Holic, great job over the past six years. Didn’t find the bar until a few years ago but reading it is now part of my daily routine…..wake-up, sh**, shower, shave, breakfast, goonerholic.com…all before breakfast. I rarely even visit the other blogs. The patrons aren’t bad either.
This damn break felt like it was a summer long, back to basics tomorrow am. COYR!
Gedo
I hope the sh** was a shag.??
No shampoo, Gedo? π
Clive, the pleasure has been mine, finding kindred spirits and proper Arsenal people all over the place.
Blinding, as they say…
holic, what’s the trick on the ipad? arseplaya? or something else fantastic? it’s a 7 am kickoff for me tomorrow, and if i can use the wife’s ipad robert’s my uncle.
Happy sixth, ‘holic. You are a right old institution. π
Scruz, we get to sleep in!!
Looks like ipad viewing tomorrow. No live coverage in the states that I can find.
NorCal – the game is on delay on Fox Soccer Plus.
It’s at 12:00 EST instead of 10:00 EST.
I have a gut feeling that Theo will start up front tomorrow as the lone striker with Ox on the right and Poldi on the left. I hope not because I really want Giroud to open his account for us.
I am however inclined to think that starting Theo up front at Montpellier would be a good idea. They are gonna try and attack us and Theo can exploit that with his pace.
I was referring to the match programme on the iPad, scruz. It’s a new app.
Streaming in there requires a deal of luck and the Skyfire browser, which acts as a flash emulator.
It is painful when the streamer has pop up ads though. Can’t get rid of them. Get a cheap Macbook and Apple TV and play the streams throught your tv.
Snir,
Thanks. Theo in the middle huh?
I hope not tomorrow. Against Manure they were very susceptible against crosses coming in. I dont have a ton of confidence that Theo is great at taking down crosses or scoring off headers. Against Montpellier maybe a better option.
Poldi and Ox on the wings? They really tracked back a worked hard against Liverpoo, i think we will need that again tomorrow.
Well we will see tomorrow.
Cheers all.
Lonestar, what was the deal with the bomb threat at UT today?
Another milestone reached.
Congratulations to this fine establishment and all that frequent her.
A month between our first two home games has been far too long, so tomorrow’s 4 – 0 to The Arsenal can’t come soon enough.
Happy Sixth Birthday Holic – you know exactly what I think of this place.
It will be a pleasure to celebrate the anniversary of the virtual bar with some real friends.
Makes that inscription for Abb’s stone quite straightforward really. Not forgetting all the virtual friends too, of course. Hopefully more of them will become ‘real’ over the next six years.
Happy 6 year anniversary Holic!
I haven’t been here since the early posts with 5 or 6 drinks after them but I do enjoy visiting. Even if not many people answer my rhetorical questions! π
Let’s remove the halos off the Saints shall we?
Scruz and Trev, I’m glad you appreciated the Pires vid. It was class but it’s funny that the guy who made it said certain goals were “unattainable” when I have them on my computer. Maybe I should mail them to him?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH3oOVKt0WI&feature=related
Missed the last round of drinks completely because of work commitments, but just wanted to congratulate you, ‘Holic, on the previous post. Not a word of it not to agree with. We were, perhaps, lucky to have been young enough not to know how dangerous those swaying terraces were, simultaneously terrifying and exhilarating as they were. We are the fortunate ones to have lived to tell the tale.
Congratulations on six up, too. This calls for doubles all round….
Goonerholic Blog Killer !
Goonerholic was the last Arsenal blog I discovered but now it’s the only blog I have time for on a daily basis [those fecking long drinks are killing me ffs]…But, but what would I do with my time each day if not trying to keep track with all the goings on in the bar … Imagine I don’t even drink alcohol yet some of the stuff still makes sense to me ..
π―
‘holic, thanks. i’ve decided to move the imac into the living room, to watch streams through it on the 24″ screen. hopefully it won’t be too stop start.
for those of us who use macs, sopcast just came out with a mac version: http://download.easetuner.com/download/SopCast-1.3.5.dmg
snow leopard (10.6) and up.
i tried it tonight and it works a treat; try to pick a slightly lower bandwidth stream if you’re watching across wireless…
norcal, aside from the fsplus it’s not on, damnit. but streams will do just fine in the morning, especially now that i am not limited to flash.
3-1 le arse, with a penno to southampton. giroud to break his duck.
Six years? Happy Blog Birthday, Holic!
Had a good day yesterday with a number of pints downed, looking forward to down a few more today. Hope to see as many of you as possible at the Tollie today!
I’ll take that 3-0 prediction with a Giroud assist/goal, ‘Holic.
Sadly I won’t be there as I am ‘sunning’ myself in a wet and thundery Peloponnese today. Enjoy sunny blighty everyone.
And thanks for a great six years Holic and bar regulars. Many happy returns (hic). I will toast you later with a glass of Mythos.
Thanks again all. Sorry we’ll miss you today bath. 71 and sunny forecast here today. Just sayin’ like π
Morning one and all.
First of all, many congrats on 6 years Holic. I must say that like many others above I rarely read other blogs with the exception perhaps of the Arseblog. The reason this place excels so much is that this is a blog where healthy debate and the airing of different opinions is actually encouraged. It is not a place for mindless negativity and text speak. I congratulate you and thank all the esteemed guests for that.
I do not think that Soton will be a push over. I expect them to come and try and play. We will have one eye on Tuesday at our peril. That said, a professional performance and I would expect to see us run out comfortable winners. I agree re Shezza starting. You are right to point out that Vito has hardly put a foot wrong but if you are behind Flappy in the pecking order then you are there for a reason I would suggest. The Coq for Diaby seems sensible as well considering the last 3 years that he has had.
I fancy Giroud to open his account today. Donβt all top Arsenal strikers break their duckβs against the Saints?????
I will have the little man with me today so do to draconian rules I will not be able to join some of the regulars for a beer after the match. I will however try and say a few hellos through the railings. Keep a look out towards the road for a little fat bloke and his nipper if you are in the beer garden. It will be nice just to say hello and shake a few hands at least.
3-0 to the mighty Gunners.
Keep the faith.
On me way to the station shortly!
Football is back!
Happy 6th birthday ‘h. See you for some less virtual drinks later.
But who doesn’t have that dread at the bottom of their minds of arsenal dropping points?. I know i do. But the faith with this team has shown is spurring me on esp. Since d inception of the season. When last have we seen arsenal start the season so judiciously (’07 maybe). I have faith in this team even more than last season’s. Nd my usual Malta Guiness please since its the official Malt drink of the gooners in Nigeria. And a round for anyone that fancies, on me.
I’ll join you KrazyGenius, but only if I can have one of these Maltas…
http://bit.ly/TVLnw2
Any predictions for today? I have a feeling we’ll experience our first penetration today but still come away with a win. Would prefer a clean sheet but can we really do 4 in a row?
Six years without a trophy? ‘holic out! π
I kid of course….thanks for all of the writing and ideas kind sir. It takes special quality discipline (as AW might say) to write so well on such a regular basis. I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again, you’ve replaced the pre-match chats with friends in Avenell Road for us former local gooners now cast far and wide. Thank you.
I think Southampton will park the bus today seeing as plan A hasn’t bagged them a point this far, we need to be patient and disciplined. Goalless at the half but 3 late ones sounds ideal with Gibbs being the star of the show.
Happy Birthday Number Six, ‘Holic. Hope to catch up with you soon with a birthday Glenfarclas.
Six years holic…commendable, am sure the posts will outlive us all thanks to the tech savvy you!
Giroud, i hav a feeling he’ll find his scoring boots, hell i wont mind even if they are pink!
3-0, another clean sheet, another 3 points, 3 Tuskers for me and 3 more for the road, put it on iLars tab
COYGs!
Happy 6th blogday holic,keep up the great work,enjoy the game today 1 and all.
Six years holic…commendable, am sure the posts will outlive us all thanks to the tech savvy you!
Giroud, i hav a feeling he’ll find his scoring boots, hell i wont mind even if they are pink!
3-0, we like teams that go for it, then we hit them where it hurts. another clean sheet, another 3 points, 3 Tuskers for me and 3 more for the road, put it on iLars tab
COYGs!
Station !
Holic
Happy birthday! – thanks for the enjoyment the blog and the banter in the bar continues to provide..
Thanks again all. Celebrations will commence properly in about an hour π
Nice one holic! Don’t dare set foot back in here without being langered off your tits (or whatever it is the kids are calling it these days) π
Happy Birthday ‘holic!
*raises glass*
Cor, It’s about 2015 your time, right? Amazing how you manage to stay in touch with the rest of us, a nice cold one for you sir. Hope to be hearing from all the holics today, no matter where you are. Time to check in and make your claim at the bar!
Le boss has an idea of who will develop as a perfect striker n who, a perfect central midfielder
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8080152/
On the central line with the little fella. He has a bag with assorted sweets and soft drinks. I was hoping to make the Β£5 pint with a pie chaser offer so generously text to me this morning.
The sun is shining. Bring it on.
Keep the faith.
‘Holic – Congrats on building by far the greatest blog, the world has ever seen… and may your ego be satisfied for ever.
LOOOL at Theo on the naughty step too π
To all at or going to The HoF today, have a fabulous time and remember to sing your hearts out regardless. Look forward to the various match reports from the usual suspects.
Cheers all! π
Less then two hours to go, pre match jitters starting to kick in.
A drink for all in the bar.
Drink and a shout out to the gathering at the Tollie. May you see a great performance by the Arsenal today. π
Amidst all the kudos for the barman I was wondering about one potentially criticizable act on his part, namely the composition of Diab’holical, his You Ropey league team, which is literally packed with Chelsea and Citeh players. I’m certain he will defend his team selection with something about needing to play in more than one league. Or perhaps by citing “late rules changes” or some such rubbish but is this really what we can now expect from our fearless leader, I ask you? π
8ball.
It’s a vast improvement on this time last year when he had Rooney as captain. π
I can”t say too much though as H2HFC is also contaminated with the stench of the odd Merc and Chav, it’s just the way it is in todays ever changing footy market. (worst-excuse-ever)
Must admit I was a little surprised (read; downright dumbstruck with shock) last night when I checked in on my charges to find out they had notched a weeks best of 80pts which had catipulted them into the CL spots.
Not to worry though my friends, now that I have returned normal service should be resumed, midtable medriocrity here I come.
H2H. Congratulations on your good week, FFL-wise. But sneaking in under the radar is a highly effective strategy so be careful about trumpeting it too loudly. π What are the rule abiding to do? Be content with mid-table mediocrity, I suppose …
Giroud is on the bench I see. Does that mean Podolski is playing centrally?
Well Beefcake is going to have to bag his brace as a sub. No worries. The Swerve to start centrally? Interesting to say the least or is it a constantly moving front line?
Come on the Arsenal!
.. and congrats Holic!
Streams: so far this is all I have…
http://www.ninja-streams.blogspot.com/2012/08/channel-4.html
We love you Arsenal, we really do! Enjoy holics, feel real good about this one.
any good links out there fellow gooners…if you may please π
English comentary on Sport1 (NL) so if your looking through streams that’s one to keep an eye out for.
(sorry, no link, I’,m watching on TV.)
COYRRR’s
http://www.vipboxsports.eu/watch/71430/1/arsenal-vs-southampton-fc-live-stream-online.html
thanks..now lets get those 3 precious points in the bag!! gunnernation!
YYYEEEESSSSS.
GIBBBSSSY
1-0 to the Arsenal!
And good on Gerve the Swerve for making it into the starting line-up.
Gibbs…as promised (sort of)
Immediately after the goal did you see Cazorla kill a 50 yard pass dead on the top of his boot? He is amazing…
Excellent work by Podolski for the goal….
H2H, I’m working so just listening today – can you tell me where Le Coq is playing?
Sopcast Channel – 6816 is a great stream
http://www.sportlive24.me/streams/CreepyTV10.html
Or 6816 on Sopcast
It looks like he’s playing in a deep MF roll, but S’hampton are playing pretty deep, so he’s mostly arond the halfway line.
Great passing by our boys.
Unlucky BFG nearly got his first.
@ H2H
thanks. behind or alongside Arteta?
Cazorla is amazing…
I am in love with this team.
Can’t promise this game will end in a good way but I absolutly adore the way we are playing football. I am getting my fair share of entertainment out of these boys.
Gerv looks like a different player and the understanding between Poldi and Santi is unreal, Come on You Reds!!!
Joy to watch so far …shame Giroud wasnt at the end of this pass…but so far ..oh my we are brilliant!
Looks like alongside, but as the saints are not marching forward it’s hard to tell.
Southampton takes our scorer off. π
Nice to tell all the Arsenal haters that our ‘one-man team’ is now an 11 man version
Boom
Assist………
…back to the game
Well lurked Toby, I was miles off.
POOOOOLLLLLLDDDIIIIIIIII
Goldi Poldi!
He scores when he wants………..
LU LU LU!!!
Cheers, H2H
Today feels like the start of the season for me – it didn’t feel like we were ready before now.
How wonderful to see us rotating like this, as well.
Nice goal, Toby
What a goal! Come on Podolski!
GERV!!!!
EASY
they look tasty eh?
Gerve the Swerve!!!!!!!!!!!1
Gervinho!
Walk in the park?
GERVINHOOOOOOO!!
what a finish by flipper
Always late with my comments must be my feed lol
I had the same misgivings Fun, but this team looked to have gelled real quick. Good times.
#4!!!
4-0
There goes the ‘holic pound. π
Bad day for the Saints!
Listening on player…but still fun!
I have to say I am really grinning like an idiot here ..what ..a ..game from us!
What I want to know is who the HELL is going to score our goals now that the Greedy Badger has gone?? Eh???
all this with Wilshere to come…..I’m feeling emotional…I do believe in Wenger and it’s lovely to see this team play with confidence
Agree Tim, you said it quite nicely.
As I said, I’m only listening, but it sounds like a tactical triumph.
Bollocks.
Poor from Woj, shame.
It’s ok…can’t have everything.
oh Woj oh Woj
Gah. Perhaps that boo-boo will gee us up again for the second half.
Ah! Nice. Real nice. Brilliant free kick, nice to have someone who can score from dead all situations, we haven’t had any since Thierry. He worked well for the first one too” good to see Gervinho scoring. Now they have let in one. Bould and Wenger not happy over the mistake, understandably so. Hope they keep clean sheets more often.
Vito Vito Vito
What a half!
Fun asked me to eplain where the Coq was (oo-er) playing, normally a pretty straightforward question. However, the movement and rotation from the entire team makes it difficult to pinpoint any players true position, outstanding interchangable play.
Szzzzzzzzzzney was a sleep there
Man U 0-0 Wigan
QPR 0-0 Chelsea
This might be a great day!
We’re 2nd in the table!!
@ 136 H2H
I looooooooooove that answer.
Manone should’ve had this game to put more pressure on the number 1 keeper. very disapointing to conceed such a soft goal
I predicted 4-1 to the Arse by full-time,it’s already that at haltime.
Kinda had a feeling we’d concede today but so far so good.
O.G. starts and is on a hat-trick, good battling in the midfield and great finishes by IPod and Gerv the Swerve…
well, isn’t that nice. excepting chezza’s brain fart at the end there, what a dominant half of football from our gunners.
love the combinations for the goals (not counting the saints): podolski to gibbs, gervinho to gibbs, arteta to gervinho. and wasn’t that just a beautiful freekick? CvC who?
MOTH: gibbs. led to both OGs, great crosses and pace down that left side, and putting in a bit of a defensive shift as well.
word of the game, so far: movement.
arsenal!
I must say in the opening minutes I was worried that we were bunching up too much but everyone seems to remember their lines after a bit. If we can, I think we should rack up a big score and get our goal difference up. Might come in handy later
agree…would be nice to inflate the GD further today
the team play looks good and everyone wants to score rather than relying on one man
irish coffee for everyone, lars is buying, i’m pouring.
that exchange that ended with gervinho shooting from the left inside the box, out for a corner, was breathtaking (gibbs, santi, poldi, and gervs).
arteta’s pass for gerv’s goal was so simple, but it was g’s movement off the ball that made it happen. and what a near poster.
cor, when the fourth went in i was envisioning six or seven. still on, that.
Thanks Harsha. That’s an excellent link π
I say we go for 10 scruz. Let’s get some absurd hyperbole from MOTD if we can!
i’d be up for that, cor. you know that even then motd would put us third on the show. draws for mud, chel$ki, and al-citeh would do us just fine, as well.
they just showed a graphic on my stream that has 45% of the first half played in southampton’s final third, and another 34% in the middle of the park. again, please.
Man City have now conceded six in 3.5 games…..we need to keep doing exactly what we’re doing. Pointless comment I realise but I’m buzzing on really strong coffee at 7am…it’s going to be 103f here today so the beach calls after we score 4 more
southern cal, tim?
yes…San Diego
COME ON YOU GUNNERS>
Vito warming up?
head to the pb shore club…
not sure…parking down in pb will be horrific with this heat…probably going to Del Mar
enjoy that, then!
cheers…the water should be cold!
where are you sg?
surely that’s not what you’d be drinking at the beach π
in the mountains above santa cruz. will be foggy and cool here today, until the afternoon. perfect bbq weather by then.
course not
Wakey wakey lads, this one’s not over yet.
ok boys, giving the ball away in midfield is not on. come on arsenal!
nice part of the world SG….
north *and* south, tim. we are blessed.
Gerv with super skill!
Gervinho playing well…we’ll get another in a bit
can’t complain SG that’s for sure, although I do miss being in N5 at times like this….
jealous that you know what it is to miss n5, tim. i’d love to try it just once!
gerv looking great, game in a bit of a holding pattern, credit to the saints they picked it up this half.
we’ve been needlessly sloppy for 10 minutes…let’s get back to what we were doing in the first…Southampton have pushed up and closing down more
SG…yeah was taken along as a five year old and then season ticket til moving to the US in the 90’s….I left as Wenger arrived…shitty timing!
Ramsey In, Coq out.
Szcz seems like he’s still not fully recovered from his injury. Movement seems hindered…
Go Aaron!
Woj unusualy shaky today
well played, francis. get in, aaron!
come on Aaron
Come on Woj, shake it off son.
at least you were there for ’89!
agree about chezz, he’s not quite on it. maybe he reinjured?
Chezzzzzney still hasn’t waken up. what’s up with him?
THERE WE GO
RAMSEY_ GERV
Team work, God bless Aaron.
oooh, what a job by ramsey, just beautiful. well in gervs, but that should have gone in for aaron.
WONDERFUL pass from Cazorla and Ramsey’s touch exquisite…he deserved the goal….but great to see Gerv get another
come on OG!
giroud and theo coming on. gervs and ox off?
Looks like 6 is on the offing, a birthday gift perhaps? I’ll be damned.
Gervinho off (knew you had it lad). Come on Theo!
Ramsey- Theo – Giroud on from the bench.
What do you mean no strength in depth?
I’ve never seen Gerviniho play so well, well done Flipper.
They shouldn’t be allowed to show porn this early.
Good call Kenyan’
It’s been a few years since our passing was quite this quick and good….changing direction and angle of attack so often. Loving this…..
Get a goal Theo….
TRies one.
runs back to the centre circle looking for more
Well in Tim.
cheers h2h
get in, tim.
now for giroud to break his, then have a career that arcs like thierry or god…
“Southampton paid too much respect to Gunners in first half” really? I think it was more because of our total dominance and superiority on the field ..bah BBC
THEO!
FEEEOOOOO
Gets 6 for the Holics.
happy anniversary, holic! six for you…
Theo makes it six…nice lad…doesn’t celebrate
(note holic’s blog post title)
eandy, now it’s “the scoreline illustrates the superiority of the home side in this game”. what a difference a goal makes.
Theo! ..but before this …there was exact show of how great runs OG does…dragging defender away with him allowing Theo to attempt pass to Cazorla…I want this boy on scoresheet so bad…deserves it!
oooh, santi to giroud, very nearly.
Arsenal in crisis….’you won’t make the top 4 without Rotten van Pigsty’….scraping by 6-1 and in 3rd place
ooooh, the ox nearly for 7up…
Happy 6!!! So proud.
damn straight, tim.
off to breakfast, enjoy the day holics!
lovely match lads….those opening 2 matches seem an age ago now….let’s keep it going. Thanks for the drinks all…time to hit the beach
We crushed them in the first half and the game was basically sewn up.
The second 45 was a different story and many will say it’s because the Saints showed a little more ambition, but I think to say that we took our foot off the gas due to upcomming fixtures would be a little closer to the truth.
This result now makes the first two goalless draws look pretty tasty.
4 games unbeaten, 9 goals for, 1 against, 8 pts. Actually very tasty.
Oil City drew with the Orcs….
6 goals on your 6th anniversary, perfect. I wish Giroud had scored, but theres always next game. Superb result.
Great work by the boys in red and white. I wanted all of the outfield players to score but maybe next time eh? Unlucky for Giroud today, no luck in front of goal…
lowest goals against in the league so far….not too shabby
Chelsea drew at QPR…..a very good day indeed
6 is truly the mark of the beast.
The red-and-white-sexy-goal-scoring beast that is π
a new chant?
we score when we want…..we score when we want….Arsenal FC….we score when we want
Yeeeeeeeaaah get in there you rip roaring Gooners!!!
Nice repetition of (was it?) the last time we played them in the league or something like that.
Can’t WAIT for MOTD but as a wise head has already stated before me, we’ll probably still be 3rd or 4th in the schedule behind the filthy oilers with their weak 1-1 and the bus-stop-inhabiting chavs with 0-0.
Either that (which naturally confirms their status along with the rest of the media as: Cunts) or they’ll start talking about what will happen in May, which will of course prove that they’re retarded as well.
Can’t win either way, thank god we smashed 6 past So’ton! Can’t remember the last time we rolled over a promoted side so convincingly.
We rolled over Blackpool about 2 years ago twice if I remember correctly. 6-0 first game of the season?
Never that hard to peel a tangerine to be fair π
Anyway, I’m off to finish more pints lads and laddettes.
Great day for everyone associated with the club, let’s enjoy it!
UTA
Still buzzin, I know I shouldnt complain when we have 6-1 victory but I am slightly worried about Woj, he looked still under the influence of the injury and wasnt that convincing general of the players he usually is. Hopefully he will be fully recovered soon.
Other than that its again hard to pick one single player who would be the best for us in this game since every single one was brilliant and I m loving this, superb team effort. The move on the left which ended up as a corner by Gerv in the first half…oh my ..should that go in that would be team goal of the season..flawless one touch football with great movement.
And thats only 4th match of the season, the more understanding will come in in time, as Poldi with Gerv showed earlier in the match..they arent still on the same wavelenght but getting close …and I personally cant wait for that to happen. Especially with certain LJW and TR getting back from injuries soon:)
2 points off the top in Sept after 4 games
Not bad!
Now watching the first half. 24 min in. Poldi and Gervihno, heaven. AOC had some deadly crosses early on. Very enjoyable!
Oh man Oh man, just saw Poldi’s free kick!
Cazorla is just exquisite! What a footballer he is!
Gervais goal, sweet!
Get this Holics: Southampton are the 7th biggest spenders in EUROPE this season.
Yet another example of why spunking cash just for the sake of it is absolutely no guarantee of anything.
The Gibb’s assist goal, adorable. The ref btw, Mr Friend referred his first game at the age of 13 (no, not in the EPL).
Busy day at the quackery eh? Doctors not in yet?
Add prophet to yourr resume holic, ‘the joy of six’
A day at the fields with my smallest. 2 games today.
Listened to first half. Sounds like we dominated. Will have to watch replay later. It sounds like it will be a pleasure.
Proud
Proud to
Proud to be
Proud to be a Gooner!
Been out all day, did I miss much?
Really liking the way Per went for those headers too. Whole team coming together. Have a great day all and Happy 6th.
Just tried watching the Liverpool game [don’t know what I was thinking] .. it’s like leaving a fancy restaurant and then going into your local chippie and buying a a couple of greasy sausages and a bottle of Tizer because you are still a bit hungry …
I won’t be doing that again in a hurry π
Tim – I’m SG! π
Scruzgooner is Scruz!! π
Surely, I’m not the only one who saw that Gervinho played up front with Poldi on the left.
AW is strengthening our depth without signing by converting players to ST.
I’m loving it.
As things stand our options at ST are Giroud, Poldi, Gervinho, Theo.
What a lovely, lovely, day.
@ 195 lurky oliva
ha ha ha
No, no, you’re the one and only Snir, no need for abrieviations.
Gerv was indeed the out and out striker, but the interchanging of positions of the front three and Santi was outstanding.
Plus, as I’ve already mentioned (twice), I thought this was the foreheaded one’s best game in an Arsenal shirt.
I am in love.
Suarez yellow for diving in the box.
I don’t usually swear in this bar. I really don’t I think if you look through all my posts from the last three or four years, I have done it once or twice.
But Suarez. You are a fucking cunt.
We let a goal in?
Bold and Wagner out…..
So let me get this straight.
The Saints showed Arsenal too much respect? In other words, the Saints showed “in crisis,” “that Dutch bloke-less,” Arsenal more respect that they showed the champions?
What a load of rubbish.
Well played lads. Each and every one. Chezzer had to knock some rust loose.
Let’s put in a professional shift at Montpellier and get a win on Tuesday.
Tim @ 225 – I REALLY wish the fans would put that tired chant to bed. No Supporter should sing that song again…other than that, good comments, mate.
BMBD
I’m with you, Zico.
BMBD
SG & others — even in last season Gervinho and Arsene both talked about the possibility of playing him on either wings or through center. He still hurries things near the goal but against opposition that do not have defensively very well-organized units he would be a handful. Against sterner defenses wings should be a better position.
Had Giroud scored a goal and had we not conceded any, it would have been truly perfect.
Thought Ramsey was very bright in his cameo. He has picked up a bit of speed — not only in terms of running with the ball but also the quickness of thought and feet — since last season and even though it may have become harder for him to get a start, he can end up having a very effective season.
Arteta was just phenomenal.
@ 248 Toby
(chuckle) It’s like Arsenal has had a hair transplant (not a rubbish Rooney kind) and been hitting the gym…the love never went away but the thrill is back.
***
Is it just me – I cannot remember feeling this relaxed before and during games for many seasons. H2H’s reference to “pre-match jitters” really jumped out at me because I simply haven’t been getting them. Just a sense of pleasurable anticipation. Perhaps it will change when we face City or as the season wears on. But at the mo, I just don’t get nervous for us. Must be all those clean sheets.
The PL table makes interesting reading at the mo’, I think the top 4 teams now will be pretty much the ones that will battle it out. Best statistics are our goal difference figures, the best in the league.
“Proper Football Back And THE JOY OF SIX”?!??!
Seriously Holic’, put that crystal ball down before you start predicting a trophy-winning season for the, maybe, just maybe, Mighty Again Gooners!
Great read as always.
Thank you for all your work.
Special mention to TABS for his piece on the Hillsborough Disaster. You put into words what many a fan has struggled to do for a very long time.
The joy of six and the best goal differential in the division. π
Missed most of the game due to taking my daughter to gymnastics but the DVD was at work in the meantime so I will be watching all the gory details tout de suite.
Fun.
For me this was like the first game of the season (something we touched on before).We weren’t ready for Sunderland and I wasn’t around for Mordor and the Scally trip.
Southampton are a newly promoted side and history tells us that we sometimes struggle against teams we are expected to beat that are debueting at the PL level. They gave a good account of themselves against both the Cuntchester teams, leading both of them at stages in their games. My jitters probably came because I saw this game as a potential banana skin, with enemies and so called friends alike waiting in the wings to take the boss and the team to task if they sliiped up.
Fortunatly my fears were quickly put to rest as the team showed a masterclass in passing, pocession and finishing, the game was done before the Saints knew what hit them, so those twats who are harping on about too much respect are talking tosh.
I got home totally wiped out from work and fell asleep in front of the tv at 0-0. I woke up with 2 mins to go, and it was almost as good as being awoken with a blowjob!
Eandy @ 229 — Scez is only twenty two, and for all his outward positive demeanor he must have suffered from a drop in confidence due to the Euro misadventure and then the injury. He will have his off days now and then as he grows into a great goalkeeper. Today his clearances were very panicky and that particular area of his game he really needs to improve. Even if he has a few bad games I hope the defenders and the supporters won’t lose faith in him…he has everything to become one of the very best.
About TR7, given the stellar display of our midfield, it is easy to forget how influential and dynamic he were in the second half of last season. Once he returns to full match fitness and hopefully regains form quickly I think he and Santi will share the attacking midfield role as Santi cannot be expected to play at this intensity all throughout the season. It would be a great prospect to see them together but that is not that likely, don’t see either Santi or TR7 playing in the wings for this team.
The joy of six????? How apt. To celebrate I have 6x just awaiting my attention.12 of them in fact. Not 6 but a multiple of 6.
Back tomorrow with a full on the spot report.
Fun, that’s exactly, exactly the feeling.
I would love to offer you all any more deep analysis of the game or my feelings, but sod it. I’m drunk, I can’t stand Suarez, we are third in the league above the title holders, we have the best goal difference and we have Diaby, Wilshere and Sagna to come back.
And oh.
We have Cazorla.
We fucking have Cazorla.
Bliss.
And oh, I hope Song is enjoying sitting on the bench against Getafe. They are probably saving him for the big occasions… Right.
BREAKING NEWS:
We are going to be featured first on MOTD according to sources close to a BBC program scheduler. The full quote is as follows “We’ll he has always hated Southampton so for him the choice was easy.”
I think I’m actually lost for words. Reading the comments has just put a satisfied smile on my face that defies description.
Just found what I wanted to say: god bless the lot of ya!
*lines up multiple shots of mezcal along the bar*
Have at ’em holics!
So, sounds as though the boys done good today. Let’s hope it’s simply the latest of many this season.
COYG ICDDR
Back from The Emirates. π
The Joy of Six indeed Holic.
Good to see The Guvnor today who was mostly in a seated position under the Tollie Brollie with Ollie – even more of that to come later.
Tabs, Lars, And Lester, Ollie, cfpb in the distance, a pleasure as always fellas.
My match report:
Tell the ‘experts’ on MotD that the team that can’t score are actually quite good.
20 Shots, 6 Goals, The two signings of the season in Podolski and Cazorla, Arteta brilliant again.
Nuff said. Can’t stop doing this. π π π
Actually, I don’t care what they’ll say on MOTD.
Most important thing so far for me is, that we adapt our game plan and tactics, along with our starting line up, depending on the opponent. Like it or not, that was not the case in previous 3-4 seasons.
We are witnessing the merging of the 1-0 Arsenal with beautiful passing 5-0 Arsenal.
Actuakly lurky, I think we changed the team due to injury and wanting to protect a striker who had lost a bit of confidence.
Plus, we had one still on the naughty step.
Didn’t really notice any great change in game plan ??
I love a good rout of Sout’. Makes the entire weekend better. Hope the boys take this feeling and continue. The momentum is building, now let’s take it into the next 3 games and we will have laid down a real marker of intent!
Lurky, that is the popular conception but it’s wrong.
An example off the top of my head is when we fielded Yossi vs the big teams (Spurs, Liverpool) as opposed to Ox who was riding high in form at the time with a brace against Blackburn.
Obviously that was done to help with the defensive assignments.
SG,
Very true. AW has made tactical changes the last few years but they have also been subject to injuries and maybe were a little more subtle. This year, with a healthy squad, we have lots of flexibility. I would have said we were thin at central striker but Gerv did well today and I also think in some games Theo is a good option. I know Poldi wants to play centrally but he has played so well out left and dropping deep and playing defense that it is hard to not play him there.
I have not seen Montpellier play this year but they seem to be struggling. I am sure they will be up for Tuesday, but we should also have confidence going in and AW has done well in France in the CL.
Happy Birthday ‘Hols. (better late than ne’er)
BMBD
NorCal – I don’t think Poldi wants to play centrally, he wants to win, period. And he knows that he’s instrumental to our play on the left, and his understanding with Santi is immaculate.
I’ve been thinking about the game next week against City, and I have to say that I don’t think we should start with Giroud.
We are gonna be under pressure from City at times, and Theo at CF would expose them to our counter attacks.
No CB can keep up with him, not even Kompany, who might be able to handle Giroud in the air, but won’t be even close to keeping up with Theo on the counter attack.
I really do think that playing counter attack football in Manchester would be the smart way to approach the game.
That’s not to say that we won’t control certain spells in the match, but when we don’t, and they have the possession, we have to be able to hurt them on the break, and having Theo is vital for us to do that.
Evening all. Home just in time. Report will be tomorrow, I am wazzocked, or something like that.
Wazzocked as a newt…
I’ll grab the opportunity ‘Holic to congratulate you on the six years. Six more years! At the very least. I demand it.
On the other hand, I did demand six more goals from the Arsenal a few hours ago, didn’t get that.
SG,
As much as Theo frustrates me, I do rate him, especially in certain situations. On the counter is where he can be devastating. No one in the PL can catch him from behind and last year he showed better finishing. If he plays centrally then it frees him from his defensive duties and I really like the idea of Arteta and Cazorla springing him quickly. Poldi has also shown that he is willing to bust a gut to help on the counter. Theo and Gerv just need to develop a little better vision. This team is getting into spaces that are very promising. Just a little quicker decision and the goals will flow ( as if they didn’t already today).
Right! MoTD!
Shock! Horror! The Arse really are match number 1 on MoTD
COYG ICDDR
More shock and horror, they were actually positive about us.
When I see Van Money I wanna puke my beer up
It seriously come up now!
Hanson said we might have something special WOW what a tosser!
Lovely Evening. Can’t wait to see the 2nd half during the week. You know, it was fitting we stopped at 6. Looking forward to all the match reports tomorrow. Until then, all a good nite.
heh, I was reading the title and wondered if it was a match report as it mentioned ‘Six’.
Was amazed at the number of drinks
Started reading and realised I had read it already π
Great day out!
Goodnight!
H2H@282, were they? That would be truly shocking and horrifying. I didn’t think they were; best go away and watch the comments again.
Back soon…
COYG ICDDR
We gored the Southampton bull six times, largely through the excellence of matadors Cazorla and Arteta. Ole. Ole. Ole.
I know that newt!
Hmm. Just watched the MoTD comments again. Maybe as many as two cheers from the pundits. I’d characterise them as “not very negative” rather than actually positive. Given that Arsenal had just win 6-1, I suspect even Lineker, Hansen and Shearer were able to work out that if they were thier usual selves they would look extremely stupid. Still, fair play to them, they begin to show rudimentary intelligence.
Night all. Maybe I’ll be more charitable after a good night’s sleep.
Montpellier and Manciti away coming up. Methinks the season has finally started!
COYG ICDDR
You can never have too much SIX π
Koscielny, Giroud and Gervinho to start in Montpellier?
iStorey, We were scoring goals like rabbits. π
Could anyone possibly imagine Gervinho, as anything else, but a false 9….!!!!
Only Wenger.
I thought we were wonderful. So many goals – from so many players – a team collective – no superstars.
A team that is hungry and keen to prove itself.
Just Wonderful…!!
Stars are bright.
And all is well with the world.
It might not be not perfect,
but we’ve got some of that mo-jo back…!!
And then of course – there’s Mr Cazorla…..
Where have you been son….?
Just where have you been….?
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/reading-captain-jobi-mcanuff-calls-1326354
I really like this dude!
@67: Hey Abb, I’m sorry I missed your question amidst the football action last night. Actually it’s 2018 where I am. I’m just back here looking to make money gambling on sports events I already know the result of. Great Scott! *
Or did you mean 20:15? If so, then yeah, it’s hard to keep in touch because usually everyone’s asleep when I’m up and my questions/comments just fly in the void unnoticed. But I go anywhere there’s alcohol and red and white shirts π
*Back to the Future reference there to brighten your day!
Snir,
You have to like a player who is aware of the absurdity of the salaries and money being thrown around in sports. Even if he’s from tottenham.
Anyone lurking????
Yes.
One hell of a genius goal
http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/blog/post/2012/09/15/game-update-henry-scores-corner-give-ny-3-1-lead
In celebration of the 300 victory I say unto you lot, “HOLICS! What is your profession?”
AouAouAou!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIr8u0j08gU
Nice link-up play NorCal, cross-continental goal that was 8)
@296: I agree with Anuff as well. After a certain point, what does an extra 50grand matter when you’re already filthy rich? And you can’t take it with you when you anyway…
Well finished CoR. I was going to have to take a card for the self assist but you took it well.
Heres what I would have done if carded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDPQl5_axIQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Yeah…I don’t like yellow cards either as red is my favourite colour π
What a psycho that player is!
Just in case you missed it, here are some highlights…
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xtmu83_arsenal-v-southampton_sport?start=1
Happy blirthday ‘Holic!
And it was good to see BTM at the local gooner bar again π cheers mate, if you see this.
If you’re around again next week, let me get you a pint.
Joy of six indeed ‘Holic. Even at long distance. COYRs.
Morning Holics, catching the ‘graveyard shift’ version of MOTD.
Nice to see Wigan rolling over to have their bellies tickled against the red scummers. As usual. Seriously, Al-Habsi is supposed to be a good keeper and he just plays like he’s getting a bonus for every goal shipped.
As for van Pursesstrings, the transformation is complete. Seeing his face evokes only the kind of feelings I used to have to van Horseface. No nostalgia. No longing for the old days.
still smilin’ my face off
Just watched the highlights again and my word..good days! I really love the understanding of the left side of our attack. Gibbs, Santi and Poldi are working really well together. Once right side will gel in that kind of way too..and its close…we are really going to be force to reckon with. Also..special mention to Arteta, hes just supreme in his role, making the team tick and another masterpiece tactical descision done by Arsene.
Yesterday was a great day.
Lovely sunshine too, shades were much needed in the first half from the first row of the lower tier in the North Bank!
Thanks to the usual and less usual suspects.
Blimey, nobody here.
I see blogs’ nicked part of ‘holic’s title today.
I suspect some tabloids might have done it too?
Since it’s so original.
So, as per my 287: well done ‘holic for being the only one to have printed it BEFORE the game!
Great vision.
Now what was the ‘holic pound on?
Oh
To think you had at least our number of goals staring at you right there….
Well in for 300, CoR.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<
Morning All,
Sundays feel very good after impressive Saturday victories, and after
6-1 victories they feel fine indeed. Others will do much better reports than I, but good times are on the way for this team.
Any team which includes Holic, Tabs, Zico, And Lester, Ollie, True Storey – benched at present with a mystery injury, but he’ll be back – Lars, and myself struggling at the back, deserves success and it is coming. Bathgooner is almost ready to return and BtM hasn’t even made his first appearance yet this season. A deep squad indeed.
The other team has some pretty fine players in it too.
Snir,
Nice link to Mr McAnuff, who even as a player thinks Β£50 to get into a game is pricing too many loyal supporters out.
FunGunner seems to think that if I consider Β£123.50 a bit steep for my seat at a Category A game, then I should stop going to games.
Well FunG, when you’ve been going to matches since it cost Β£1.10 to stroll onto the North Bank, you maybe understand those sentiments a little better.
Anyway, it was well worth whatever yesterday cost. My forecast of 4-0 was achieved after about 35 minutes.
Good times indeed.