Bolton Away. What? Oh!
Oct 5th, 2012 by 'holic
I have a routine for previews. First job is to drink Guinness. There is no doubt it is an aid to performance in all manner of areas, including writing. That is something to do with the thought processes it provokes, I am guessing. Secondly, fried food must be part of the process. It can be noodles, a fish supper, or maybe a battered sausage or two. The chemical reactions that follow when fried treats meet tasty stout act as an added stimulus to the grey matter.
Next up one must check out Arsene’s presser on Arsenal Player. Is he going to say anything this week that will give the game away? Of course not. Unlike Roy Hodgson and Ashley Cole Arsene knows just what to say in public without actually saying anything. Politely he praises West Ham for the way they blend ‘direct’ football and an ‘intelligent midfield’, although perhaps mentioning Kevin Nolan in relation to the latter was his way of having a little bit of fun with his audience. Lots of players aren’t available, he stresses, but am I in danger of reading too much into his utterance that Emmanuel Frimpong needs games?
Third job is usually to offer some words of faint praise to the opponents. Arsene has already done that for me. Personally I look forward to playing against a Sam Allardyce side about as much as I look forward to a lager enema, although that is probably the best route of entry into the body for a fizzy light chemical brew. We get it Sam. You lost your job at Bolton and that hurt because you had turned a small-time club into a Premier League force of sorts. You tried to take your players to Newcastle, who blew you out before you could complete the job. You have decided to pull the same stunt at West Ham. Their supporters are even less enamoured with the long ball than the Geordies. Paulo Di Canio is the future, that is all I’m saying.
Para four is where I try to second guess the gaffer’s selection. Don Vito will start behind a back four of Carl Jenkinson, Keiran Gibbs, Per Mertesacker, and one of Laurent Koscielny or the skipper. I’m far from certain that the skipper will get the nod. In midfield the names Mikel Arteta and Santi Cazorla are actually pre-printed on the team sheet. Francis Coquelin or Aaron Ramsey could fill the third spot, but don’t forget Frimpong needs games!
The front three is anyone’s guess. Lukas Podolski should remain on the left, but needs to get more involved than he has in his last couple of outings. Gervinho is scoring goals so probably gets the nod in the centre, although Olivier Giroud would be a handy addition in a game where the ball will spend much of its time in the air. Like Podolski the Ox needs a performance if he gets the nod over Theo on the right flank again, although that cannot be certain. Don’t misinterpret what I am saying. Podolski and the Ox are wonderful players who have had a couple of quiet games when measured against the standards they themselves have set. Recover that buzz please is my plea to them both.
Just before closing I have to advise you what the ‘holic pound is on so you can discount it from your weekend punt. I am waiting to break my duck for the season. West Ham will make life as uncomfortable as possible for us on their own atmospheric little patch. They always do. We have suffered painful defeats, hard-fought draws, narrow successes, and handsome triumphs in equal measure at Upton Park. I’m going for something extravagant. I don’t think we will keep a clean sheet, but I hope there are goals in it for us as well. GunnersGaming offer 59/1 against a 2-4 away win, and as it happens you can click on the banner above and check out their odds for yourself. Support your club’s gaming partner. Thanks.
I have to close by wishing those travelling to the game a safe and enjoyable trip. In the UK those of us with ESPN subscriptions will be spared a stream hunt. I hope the rest of you get an uninterrupted view of an afternoon that will certainly be tense for a while. Let’s hope we can do the business and hasten the change of managerial style at Upton Park.
Have a great one, ‘holics.
260 Responses to “Bolton Away. What? Oh!”
Up the Miller’s Well for Romford Ale and jellied eels, methinks.
First time drinker…COYG
heh, good title.
And well in Tone!
“Well” in there Tone!
Great stuff as ever Holic’. Surely Wenger meant that as a slight against Nolan or maybe he was even alluding to a bunch of players picking up Premier League wages to simply stand and watch the ball fly over their heads?!
I am plumping for 1-3 and a good, crisp passing game from the off and none of what we saw in the first 45 against the “other Bubbles”!
Come on Olly…Get that goal!
Not John Bull bitter, Tone?
God, I remember that crap. π
Interesting thing here, BeInSport seem to be showing games without commentary. Although on the down side, they display twitter posts on the screen every 5 seconds. No idea if that thing can be turned off, but it really is no point. So some totally random person just predicted ‘Aubameyang to Arsenal next winter or next summer’….
Although I am still only a novice drinker, I would like to welcome De’ and offer him free run of the bar for his first visit.
All on my tab Holic’!
I have a routine for reading previews.
First job is to drink Guinness.
‘Your’ tab, TW? Heh, you really are a novice drinker π
heh zico
Bolton fan here,
Don’t think I ever saw Thierry Henry turn up at the Reebok…
Sam’s still the Man!
2-4 punt could be quite sensible. As plenty of your long time readers, I haven’t forgotten your amazing “Eduardo the iMac punt”. (5-1 home win against Shaktar.
Let’s shove 4 up the Walrus’ tusk.
Btw, Innis & Gunn please.
tarmon@10
Exceot of course when he flew over from New York to visit Fabrice Muamba out of respect for his former colleague and good friend.
At least he showed a bit of respect and decency, unlike some.
Zico@8: π
‘Holic: Now we have your formula, it is only a matter of writing an algorithm to generate the pieces. It is how to ingest the Guinness that will be the challenge.
zico π
Hmm Holic, I’d say 2-4 if Giroud comes off the bench but 1-4 if he starts with 2 goals for him and maybe 1 assist π
Nicely done with showing us how you lay out your preview posts, the key: Fried + Arthur π
Second, I read Arsene’s presser on Arsenal Player. Instead.
Just kidding Holic. π
Sounds like you’re in good form.
‘Tis very tasty tonight, thanks Trev.
That, as you may have guessed, was a six pinter π
Good shout Geez, and well in Tone.
0-3 Giroud hat trick.
Nailed on.
“Letβs hope we can do the business and hasten the change of managerial style at Upton Park.”
Oh yes, pretty please with sugar on top.
Glad to see Wind around as I return for a flying visit to the bar between a week’s walking in Welsh Wales and a weekend in Weston. Is it worth my while attempting a one-week back-drink?
I can’t take a trip to Upton Park seriously. On the other hand I don’t believe in six-goal entertainment-fests. 0-2 to the Arsenal. Let’s pray the players do take the trip seriously.
COYG ICDDR
Even I know Lars is paying! π
Excellent preview ‘Holic.
Hope you’re right about the back four, and that it’s the Captain who makes way for Per if he’s recovered. Think it’ll be Kos who finds himself on the bench though.
As regards the midfield I can’t see beyond the two spaniards and Ramsey. Is Coq fit? He looked like he’d done something or other at the end of the game midweek. As for Frimpong, I haven’t watched the prezzer, so bow to your Arsene-reading, but I’d take it at face value. Think he needs games, and those games won’t be at first team level. Will be amazed if he plays.
As for up front, hope you’re wrong and that Giroud plays from the start. Probably go with Poldi and Gerv on the flanks, though Theo has had some productive days at West Ham so can’t be discounted. Think the Ox will probably have to settle for a place on the bench.
2-0 to The Arsenal, Cazorla and Giroud.
Bit harsh on lager though π
@10 – Sam may very well still be “the” man in Bolton, but that’s hardly a ringing accolade is it. Everywhere else he’s not even “a” man, but just a useless lardy thick as pig shit masticator.
Hey Oxon π
Ok since Tabs mentioned it.
@10 What division you in now then?
Sam’s the man?
Wrong. Sam’s a cunt.
As I said in the last drinks. I think Kos and Per are the better pairing. Kos is better in the air and TV has been a bit rash with his tackles and forays up front the past 2 games. I know he is captain but maybe a sit on the bench tomorrow will get his attention. I agree that OG is needed in this game both for when we have the ball and to defend corners and set pieces.
I’ll go for another 3-1 but hopefully the third comes a bit earlier this time.
I bought a round in the last drinks so Lars, over to you….;)
Well done ‘Holic. I agree that Giroud needs to start tomorrow. Gervais on the right flank, why not?
WH are not the team to underestimate. We had some problems in the past with them. Remember Diamanti’s two goals, couple of seasons ago?
They had one of my favorites Arsenal players last season, Yossi. On the bench!
They have two tricky wingers in Jarvis and Vaz Te, and another player I’ve always respected, Diame. I think they got him for free, and it is still mystery to me, why Arsene did not go for him.
Their biggest treat combines Carroll, long balls and Mannone. Scary.
Their biggest weakness is Mark Noble.
I think they will let us play, and wait on the counter, or a free kick. They will stay narrow and give us the wings. Gervais and Poldi on the flanks, with big man Giroud up front, should be our answer.
Frimpong as a DM. Arteta in more advanced midfield role, with Cazorla roaming.
I will start with BFG and Kos and our two young fullbacks. But I have a sneaky feeling that Sagna is going to start tomorrow.
Cheers.
tabs @22 – From the training pictures on the official site it looks like the Coq trained with the first team so may be available for selection.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/arsenal-train-ahead-of-west-ham-pictures
Good news Bearded, noone wants an injured Coq.
Unless it is one of those Coqs down the road, Trev!
Bunch of useless Coqs anyway!
Arsene said everyone who played Wednesday was available. Must say I was a little surprised. Looked like Coq pulled something, which is the other way round to most other clubs in London.
I do not like this match.
Don’t have a good feeling.
Very true Trev π
NorCal@26: I agree. BfG and Kos are the best defensive pairing. Then BfG and TV5, then TV5 and Kos. TV5.
BG@28. Good to see Sagna in those pics, too.
Hey Snir, long time.
Cheers for the Info Bearded. I must say, like Holic, I’m surprised he’s available.
Hehs at Holic, Thierry and Trev π
Thunderbirds, your mum’s roast dinner, and The Big Match.
That is heaven!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzH2qoI0U_M&feature=related
Love the Pictures of Arsene at Number 11 & 12 on your link Bearded @ 28 π
And towards the end it looks like the soon to return train with each other, interesting.
Definitely good to see Sagna NBN.
Wind – Great to see Arsene putting in work in Number 19 too. The Gaffer’s still got it. He was curling those fake wall players right before the shot was taken.
Caption contest for the photo at 15 with Vermaelen standing next to the dummy defender anyone?!?!
Agreed Bearded π
Thierry @41
” I’d better get my shit together and stop making stupid tackles or you are the only competition I’m gonna get to play against!”
“Why do I have the sudden urge to test how well this dummy is planted in the ground?”
Nice starter there NorCal!
I was thinking something like…
Bould: “Yes Thomas, like that…Just stand fucking still!”
Bearded!!!!!!!!!!!!
HHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAA!!! Yessssss….Exactly like that! π
Which part of the dummy is “behind”?
Thanks Thierry. I think you could definitely get a nice two photo caption going with the shot of TV and the next one of Bouldy.
“where’s the ball? You are not even real, and I somehow lost the ball!
Oh shit, Bouldy has it in the next picture and he does not look pleased. “
What a busy day i’ve had,good evening,all. Just finished back-drinking From the last drinks, Tabs knows @225,Norcal i share your sentiments Re Per @344. Now to read the fresh post.
Hah, 50 Cent (above)
I need to get out more…..
Good shout Bearded…
“Yes TV…If you can see me we call that a fucking gaping hole in the defence!”
I agree with you about Vermaelen. He is the worst defender of our three centre backs and sometimes too gung-ho. I suspect Wenger now wishes he had handede the armband to Arteta.
I also agree about Podolski and the Ox-they can do much better and even the blessed Santi could produce more end product . He is very wasteful with his shooting. We will need Don Vito to sort his technique out on crosses and be up for a very intense game. I wonder if Vermaelen might make a better defensive midfielder than centre back. Coquelin was very average on Wednesday.Its a big game tomorrow.We need those 3 points!
thundertiny@53
I don’t think that a couple of “rash” performances makes him any less of a footballer. A little harsh there.
Regards the armband, he is Arsenal through and through and has the ability, although maybe he is not using it in the manner to which we have become accustomed, to be one of the finest centre-backs in the league on his day.
What more could we want from a captain? More Tony Adams than The Rotter is exactly what was needed.
Just my $0.02.
Lurky.
I think AW said Sagna will probably play on Monday with the reserves. Don’t think he will get a start for a few weeks yet. 2 nasty injuries last year means a slow reintroduction back into the first XI. Jenks appears to have energy to burn so far this year and he will get a rest after Saturday.
Looks like Wilshire and Sagna to be back in the squad following the interBull. I would say both will start on the bench though until they get a few games under their belts.
The Armband should in almost all cases go from the former Captain to the Vice-Captain, Vermaelen was the rightful successor to RvPrick, nuff said. And considering that Arteta is in his 2nd season in the club, wouldn’t be right to drop the armband on him regardless of his PL Experience, we ain’t QPR! π
There is some ludicrous stuff erupting across the internet at the moment about Vermaelen.
Niall Quinn slagged him off constantly on Wednesday night.
I suspect that allows the hard of thinking to jerk their knees……
Sagna does not deserve to walk back into the side when he is fit – end of.
The guy who’s got the shirt looks fine to me.
And he can cross the ball π
I think anyone who thinks we will score 3 or 4 at Upton Park are off with the Fairies.
Fat Sam will have watched videos of both the Chelsea and Olympiakos games,and smiled to himself at the thought that as far as the Arse are concerned,nothing has changed.!!
Still dodgy defensively under aerial attack and a goalkeeper with big question marks against him.
Enter Andy Carrol,clone of Kevin Davies,who used to lead us a merry old dance at the Reebok.
With no guarantee,according to AW,that Per will be fit to play,it is going to be a difficult evening for Kos/TV if that is the case.
Neither of them are particularly tall,and without Diaby and his height to help out at Corners/free kicks etc,you can guarantee our penalty area will be a war zone.
Their tight cramped ground will be well suited to Fat Sam’s method of play,while cramping our more expansive style.
I have been to Upton Park many times in the past,and i cannot remember too many occasions when we won ‘ comfortably ‘.
I think the start will be crucial,if we let them get up a ‘ Head of Steam’
life could become difficult,if we start off the same way we did at the Etihad,and get them on the back foot then we should win.
But i emphaise the word ‘ Should ‘.
Games like these are always potential banana skins for us,because for the home team it is ‘ Life or death ‘ and they play accordingly.
They always have great support at home,and the atmosphere is always compellingly vibrant.
i will be happy to come away with a 1-0 win,but would not be surprised at a draw.
Cheers
The Sweeper.
Good Evening Holics. Thoroughly enjoyed your write up Holic. Don’t expect a clean sheet either, but we should be able to do the business in a most entertaining matter. And here’s to hoping some tasty fruits and veggies, meet up with you in the future π
Finally watched the U-21s vs West Brom Away, Jack and Emmanuel looked good π
Dr. Z,
I am only joking about Vermaelen. He is a fine CB and captain for me. My only complaint is that he has been a bit headstrong this season when going in on tackles. He actually has been a bit like A.Song was in that sometimes it is better to usher a player away from the goal rather than knock him over and then claim you got the ball. The peno against Montpellier, the 2 free kicks against Chelsea and a few times on Wednesday all could have been played with a bit more finesse.
I think he is playing with a bit too much emotion and that he almost feels that he must be an enforcer, a Verminator if you will. A limitless more guile and better timing in his tackles will come as the season progresses.
Nice preview ‘Holic,your style is efficient and of super quality.
De’ @ 2,welcome,mate.
Thierry @7,see Norcal @21
Lurky Olivia @ 27 can’t see Bac playing this game, Arsene said his first game will be vs Reading on monday.
Good to see our Coq is fit,i expect him to start tomorrow,my team would be Vito,Jenks,Per,Kos,Gibbs,Coq,Arteta,Santi,Gerv,Poldi,Giroud. I’d go for a 3-1 win with,Giroud on the scoresheet of course,funny enough i have a feeling both can’t happen tomorrow. Whatever happens,i will still be in this bar tomorrow evening screaming “Up The Arse”.
Oh hush now with that health food nonsense, abb π
zico@57
Agree 100% sir. Poking a bit of fun at him is, as ever, fair game, but some of the old tosh being thrown his way at the moment is phenomenal.
The only salvation is it appears that the “meeja” is struggling to find too much wrong with us at the moment and so the little things (which, admittedly, when they have the effect on the outcome as in the Cheslee Rovers game, it is fair to criticise) are all they have to pounce on.
3 points tomorrow and let’s see if they don’t get all up and over themselves about how one win doesn’t mean we are not a club in crisis!
Damn auto correct…. A little more guile and better timing in his tackles….
Mr Receptacle @ 62
My TV5 comments weren’t specifically aimed at you π
Right, it’s getting time for me to think of getting some shut eye – praying that I don’t dream of anything involving tusks and blubber…..
Anybody belittling Vermaelen is just plain wrong. I’m only saying that it is probably considered wisdom that Mertesacker starts, particularly because we could be up against Carroll and Cole. How on earth do you pick between the skipper and our best defender last season to partner him?
I actually think the skipper gets the nod because Kos hasn’t been at the races yet (needs games!), but it is by no means a given.
I agree with that on Kos ‘H – he is looking very ring-rusty.
The centre-back pairing of Vermaelen and BfG was working fine till last Saturday – again – don’t rotate your centre backs unless you have to!
Also, Mr Sweeper, I agree, tough game tomorrow – traditional Arsenal scoreline would be most welcome.
To sleep, perchance to dream – laters Arseurs!
Ah yes, I will just put myself out with the garbage. I didn’t think you were specifically speaking to me but I wanted to clarify my thoughts on Vermaelen. He may need a few less Red pills before the game tomorrow.
π
Zico @51,hahaha,i didn’t even take note of that till you pointed it out,i guess it was destined to happen from the day i had my first drink in this bar,you think i should start celebrating it like a (personal) ton?
Thierry and Wind knows @54 and 56 respectively.
Clive thanks for the reality check @59.
Good evening,Abb. *waves*
π
Vermaelen has, it is true, been a bit rash at times this season but his tackling and sometimes ill advised charges forward do look like over exuberant attempts to demonstrate leadership and, ironically, responsibility.
That does not suddenly make him a bad player.
Folks should not forget that last season, when we played Liverpool at The Emirates, tomorrow’s opponent Andy Carroll did not win a single duel with Vermaelen, in the air or on the ground.
So, who to play tomorrow, Per, Kos or Vermaelen ?
Tricky these decisions. That’s why Arsene makes them while we scribble away in here. π
Clive@59: wise and cautionary words. Fat Sam’s teams always take a lot of beating. The smaller the ground the bigger the parked bus seems.
Fine preview Holic – that blend of black nectar and fry up really works for you.
Spot on tabs@22 and zico @25.
A bit late in the bar due to the seductive influence of 18yo Highland Park after dinner. Oh what a brammer as they used to say on Byres Road in my yoof.
Looking forward to a clinical dissection of East Landan Botlon later today.
COYRs.
Hey Ho Holics. Off to bed now and hoping the boys in Red give us a wonderful week [end] with a wonderful win – Don’t care by how many to be honest ..
@ Sweeper: I believe that PL rules has all teams playing on exactly the same size pitches starting this year…
And to all: remember that Tommy V. is still only a boy himself despite his vast experience. Personally I love his “surges” up field and believe that his “rushes of blood to his head” just demonstrates his super-commitment to the cause. You can’t buy that so be glad when a player demonstrates that,,
Great preview Holic. This is going to be a very hard game for us. Vaz Te looks a handful, strong, fast and powerful. If we keep him and Nolan quiet then we should be able to burst their bubble.
Per and Kos would be my pick for today at the back, but it may very well be Per and Verm. Hope Vermy the Neighbourhood Tackler turns his dial to “Contain” instead “Maim” as we don’t want to give away dangerous free-kicks.
I would not start Ox though. I’d play Podolski, Giroud and Gervinho up top. Giroud’s physical presence will be handy.
Should we all play a drinking game where we take a shot of vodak every time we see a shot of Big Sam chewing gum on the big screen?
CoR, do you plan to annihilate our livers?! π
I mean, those who’s livers are still in working condition… For some reason, a certain Dr Z/Mr F doesn’t seem like he’d fit into this category… 8) Trev with his ‘Halves’ should be ok though π
Yes. Hopefully I can obliterate some of your spleen and bladder as well π
Is it bad that I already started drinking? Let’s hope I can 1) keep my head going and 2) not fall asleep before the match! 8)
While back-drinking, I noticed quite a few people said their first match was against West Ham. That’s quite random because my first live match was against West Ham as well. They were singing “WE HATE TOTTENHAM MORE THAN YOU” and crap like that. Made me laugh quite a lot π
The West Ham Fans nowasays are a passionate lot, still careful when I’ve gone to a game though, their firm always seems to be up for a bit of acttion ala when Stoke come to town or some’at…
Morning All
‘Holic – So, a six pinter predicts six goals at Upton Park? Why not? I note The Sweeper’s cautionary tales but a I do recall a rather comfortable 3-0(?) away win a couple of seasons back, perhaps the year they went down (again)? If we get an early strike, it might propogate a Chel$ea backlash on The ‘Ammers but it’ll probably be a tight, hard-fought away win *crosses everything*.
zico – Kos certainly wasn’t rusty about his ring when we played The Vulgarians, he was my MoTM. However, he probably was a bit brown round the hole after the The Blue Chavs game and even vs Olympiakos he showed a few jitters and got away with a vicious tackle that up-ended one of their players. I mentioned in the last frinks that I am detecting a comms problem between him and Vito but I do hope I am wrong about that.
Like quite a few here, my first ever Arsenal match was also against Wet Spam. That was a home 2-1 win. I’ll admit to never having made it to a game at Upton Park. I think a few nightmare home games stood in The Northbank in the late 70s against marauding WHUFC bootboys with NF logos tatooed on their foreheads may have put me off. I know, I’m such a pussy.
Good weekends to all and COYRRRs!
Wind, good to see you blowing in. So you’ve already out-done me in terms of going to the Boleyn Ground? *hangs head in shame*
TS – 2 goals conceded from set pieces and the second one in particular, MoM really?
Kos was immense last season but will only attain that standard if he plays consistently in a centre back pairing. That said, he should have been benched again after Man City if TV5 is undroppable because we need Per in the centre.
Do not rotate the back four – and only change when it is forced on you. My new mantra.
Can anybody tell me what the problem with Vermaelen is, tactically?
Snr – for me it is a question of too much adrenaline which seems to affect TV , and also a number of others, I might add
Kos for his tackle last week
Gervy, when running with the ball, or with an open goal (from what I recall he can score through the eye of a needle but anything bigger)
Caz and Rambo , when shooting seem to rush
Theo, when running towards someone with the ball at his feet
By comparison, BFG, the Cpl, Arteta, Giroo, Gibbsy, all are calm and thoughtful
OK they will all prove me wrong today and I go for 2-4
Dr.z – I was referring to his game against Man City aka The Vulgarians. Blue Chavs = Chel$ea. Can see now that my post was mis-leading.
Certainly concur with your mantra even if you can’t legislate for illnesses which have struck both TV and BFG in the last couple of weeks.
On that subject, allegedly le Boss has asked the players to touch elbows rather than shake hands because of the lurghi sweeping through LC.
I see – Chelsea look pretty vulgar to me.
Yes, they are both vulgar:-)
It was @ArsenalGent who coined the phrase for The Manc team.
So, if our BFG is fit who do you think will be our CB pairing? It’s a tough call cf Trev @ #73.
Morning chums,
Sorry if anybody has emailed me. Virgin Mail and Google doubtful until this afternoon. Nuisance.
*looks for runners, slots ball into the channel*
Morning TS
Per if fit,must play,probably with undroppable Captain.
It worked till the City game,and if TV doesn’t get a virus,Kos would still be sitting on the bench in the PL games.
Then we wouldn’t be having this debate.
Having said that,TV doesn’t have the patience or the vision of Per,and opposition players have worked out that he has a propensity for diving in to tackles instead of being patient and letting them commit first.
If he could curb his impetuosity,[ which is what my first girlfriend kept telling me at our regular assignations behind the school gym, ]
then he would be a much better player,and i would have been a much better finisher.!!
Cheers
The Sweeper
Morning Holic
Apologies if i offended you in my earlier post @ 59.
I didn’t read the post in full,and hadn’t noticed you had had a lash at a 4-2 scoreline.!!
So you are off with the fairies as well.!!
I hope we score 4,but will be very disappointed if they can score twice.
Yes i did email you a reply a couple of days ago.
Holic away with the fairies – yet Holic is in Wiltshire and Wolfie is in London.
Curious.
I heard that!
Goodmorning,Lovers of the Arse,wish you all a nice day topped off with a hammering of the Hammers.
Thanks Clive. Will catch up with my correspondence tomorrow, if Virgin and Google are talking again.
Naughty zico π
*pick the ball up in his own half,looks up and opts to start a slow passing move from midfield*
Crosses the ball…
Ahem
Girou??
Nice assist,Lars.
Esso,you cheeky,lurking bugger,well in.
WEll in Esssssso!
Someone will have to explain why there is a queue (admittedly small) in the Arsenal Online Box Office Saturday mid-day.
Well in, Esso!
It’s a beautiful sunny day here in Stockholm, think I’ll actually walk to the pub today.
General consensus seems to be that we should play Giroud, and I can only agree. My team would be
Cpl Jenks-BFG-TV-Gibbs
Ramsey-Arteta-Cazorla
Gervinho-Giroud-Poldi
Easy being an armchair manager, innit? π
I’d like to thank..absolutely no one. Thank you.
Esssssssssssooooooooooooooo π
You’re welcome.
(Who’s ‘you’ then?)
Lars with the Jenkinson-esque cross, and Esso with the Gervinho-Style Finish π
Esso looks just like Gervinho in real life too.
Possibly.
Apart from being shorter, considerably fatter; and white, yeah.
But the same-sized forehead, Esso?
My forehead has n’t been used in anger for years.
Time to leave the virtual bar and head for the physical one. Have a good one, Arselovers.
It’s the hair, Esso.
Laters, Lars.
Great post, goonerholic. Out of interest, do you think you are ahead or behind on your bets on the scores over the years?
Fat Sam + Phil Dowd = Awkward.
TV has the passion. He is the defender who would run through walls for Arsenal, the one many fans have been missing for a few years, so I think that’s why he’s captain, even though it was a close-run thing with Arteta.
Esso’s forehead seems to be quite the topic today.
Nothing could make my weekend like a Giroud goal for a winning Arsenal. Except a Giroud brace. Or a Giroud hat trick. Or …
…any Arsenal win above all that, perhaps, bt8? π
I do realise now that was included in your post though.
Yes, Ollie it was implied further on too. π
We have an international break coming up too so a win and a good performance are necessary to put us into the right frame of mind for the eternal period of waiting for the next game.
Tabs,
Just having a quiet back drink and I noticed Mr Spiggott had been in. π
Actually, he came up to me and he said “Hello!”.
Just like that !
Please deposit any garbage, waste, rubbish,left-overs, debris, trash, remains, nonsense, drivel, goobledegook, mumbojumbo, and unused portions here…..
Enjoy the game and the day!
Finally a decent start time here out west. The only problem is my sons game starts an hour before. I will have to watch on tape delay.
Cheers all.
Are you sure he didn’t say Mr Respectable ?
Oh… No then… As you were. π
Afternoon ‘holics.
Nice preview guv’ and an excellent insight into the blogging process.
Was a late night yesterday/this morning due to a billart competition here in the bar and today the drink’s flowing again, this time a dart competition the reason/excuse to hit the amber nectar, beer for brekkies, hmmmmmmm, this could/will get messy.
I think we need to start with Giroud up front, I believe the team looks more balanced with him in it, and as the Sweeper has previosly noted, Poldi plas better with him too.
In the defence BFG plus TV is the best bet, the former keeps the latter in check.
Whatever the team I hope we kick the snot out of them, I have a dislike of both the Spam and The Walrus.
Enjoy the game gooners.
COYRRR’s
Mr R. If I have remainders should I file them under remains or is that a different category altogether?
I hope this gentleman is not related to Mannone. Else it could be a nasty scandal. π
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-19850385
Trev, he came up to you and said hello? Just like that? Provocative fucker!! π
Well in Esssssooooo !
Good job Mr Receptacle. π
Might be time to make a move to the pub soon.
Arsenal team, much as most thought …
mannone jenko mertesacker verm gibbs ramsey arteta cazorla gervinho podolski giroud
Good thinking Ollie
Mannone, Jenks, BFG, TV5, Gibbs, Ramsay, Cazorla, Arteta, Gervinho, Podolski, Giroud
Oops – damn refresh
Gotta be quick in this game Dr Z π
I like the balance of that team. Now to release the Giroud.
Bring it home Arsenal. I’ll be right here watching.
Hope I stay up though, starting drinking at 1pm was a bad choice…eyes twitching already π
Giroud, get in there and hit the Iron while it’s hot!
Lets hope bulgar tv is working today
COYRRRRRRRAVISHINGLY reds
@ 135
And YOU know how to spell Aaron’s name π
anyone else having troubles with sopcast?
Bloody Norwich giving me hope for all of five minutes.
Well done Wigan.
Congratulations OG and looking forward to seeing the Merterceptor doing his thing, though I do feel a bit sad for Boscielny.
I like Ramsey being in there as well, well deserved.
ooh boys are playing in yellow today:)
You still don’t like the Purple Reign kit, Eandy?
it looks better when worn by our guys FG but still didnt grow on me ..but as long as we win in it ..I dont mind:P
@ Eandy
π
You’re not alone in that sentiment. I really like both kits now – modern.
We sound like we’ve started well.
Ugghh…hate watching any Allardyce team play.
All us. 81% possession.
Can Andy Carroll do anything besides handball and look like a ponytailed cunt?
Answers on a postcard please.
beautiful by Giroud by the line
Wouldn’t you just know it. Gah! Come on you Gunners!
BOOOOOOOO
Not exactly a great game is it
FOR FUCKS SAKE
Come on lads…lets score few now
Oh for f*x sake Arsenal!
I’m not watching so can’t really comment much but are we reverting right back to our soft-centered selves of the last 3 seasons?
Pissbags. Depressingly familiar – dominating possession, unable to score, go 1-0 down. This is doomy and gloomy I’m afraid but 95% of games like this end up with a 90th minute equaliser at best.
If there is a footballing god we will score before half time.
COME
ON
ARSENAL GET YOUR GROOVE ON!!!!
(please)
Oooh.
Not convinced by this front three at all.
I can’t believe Giroud’s workrate, especially for such a big guy.
We need to whip those crosses in to the box more often when we have OG there now.
Giroud!!!!!!!!!!!!
Four feet from goal, even OG can’t miss it. π
thats what I am talking about! GIROUD IN!
Ah…………..thank you footballing god.
Now if there’s more than one god up there he/she/it’ll make sure we don’t concede immediately.
Let’s get another one just before half time.
Boom baby!
I require Kleenex…
In your fat cud-chewing gob Walrus face!
Phew.
bah dive :S
Shame that that calmness I have been enjoying at the first few matches of the season during set pieces near our goal didnt last that long. Now I am like last year, pretty much crapping my pants everytime high ball from set piece is lofted in to our box.
But good display so far, keep it tight at the back and goals will come.
Even with mert and Giroud in there the high balls in the box cause chaos. Until we show real control of those situations, teams will play us the same way. Park the bus and hope to throw balls high in the box. Frustrating.
Eandy I’m only listening online but I feel exactly the same. Started out quite calm in August but the jitters are right back as strong as ever.
I can remember when literally every time any team attacked I was worried we’d concede…welcome back old friend fear.
good morning, all. a pint of old crafty hen, please, and a round for the assembled, on lars’ moist generosity.
i AM giroud. that goal reminded me of the pass and run for goal by podolski early on. fully deserved. a little more luck and he could have a hat trick by now, well played mr. winger for giving him the start.
with the exception of that moment of diame brilliance, and that last nolan shank, i have been sitting here largely untroubled by wet spam’s tactics. i would like to see better marking on carroll’s knockdowns, though.
Um…. Fox soccer just died
brilliant turn by Giroud, shame the touch was heavier than needed.
C’mon boys wake up
I’m frankly bricking it. Commentator says belief is growing in Wet Spam. Really bricking it.
messy defending woah O.o
Santos in, Gibbsy down, might be some knock, please dont be serious.
Wake up lads, seriously..too casual from Gervs now.
Gervinho and Podolski off please.
You cant hurt Vito head is made of granite
well played, vito. i hope the spammer is out, fucker left his foot in on vito’s head…
Gervinho down, Poldi anonymous for large part of second half so far admittedly. Feo in
Vito’s head 1
West Ham 0
and agreed scruz, he indeed did leave his foot willingly there, serves him right, karma bites swiftly.
That’s what you get for trying to do Mannone, Vaz Te you twat
ooooooooooooh, close on the break.
Better better better more of that please
Agreed CoR. ooh the fear welled up in my stomach just now, Carroll should of scored.
again, close on the break.
how on earth that was not offside?
How on Earth was that not a Penalty? :O
Fucking get in Theo you hero!!!!!
Theo theo theo
Giroud, WalcoooooT!!
Theo!!!!!!!!!! thank god
deserved. Theo!
GET IN
Great finish
What a pass from OG and as cool finish as ever.
Theo!
Phew
FFS everybody back to defend please
Quality goal. Game over.
Santiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Curl it in Santi
GET IN YOU BEAUTYYY
Santi!!!!!!!!
Yyeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssss!
Missed the goal, will see it later π
ooooh, class does tell.
Cazooorla, We bought him when the cash ran out at Malaga,
He’ll take your back four doooownnnnnn….
Its my ringtone CoR!
Luckily didnt catch Mikels leg in full impact, would have been nasty.
Nice choice Wind!!!
Great save by Vito
Might have to get ‘Sign da Ting’ as well with the way Theo’s been playing of the bench, Roxy Harris is great π
What a pass, shame OG didnt opt for chip, deserved a goal.
Yes! get in, arsenal!
1-3 Away Win! π
Well done, boys.
Had my doubts but we finally took off the “handbrake”. Well doneq.
Deserved victory, lucky that we got away with that penno call. Good call on 3-1 predictions. So glad for OG that he found the net and I have been really impressed by Theo today, there is hunger emitting from him now, his finish was one of the best I have seen from him..and Santi..just …wow..how good is that lad.
Good battle. Dealing with Andy Carroll is like trying to ride a bipolar stallion but we managed. Bringing on Theo was a big turning point, great sub. 3 points and we don’t have to put up with a gloating Big Sam. All in a day’s work.
Great goals one and all! Let’s hope Giroud keeps scoring regularly now 8)
SeΓ±or tabs,
Didn’t I tell ya SeΓ±or Santi is some player?
Si.
π
happy as a clam here… a bit of stress, but the way we bossed the most of the second half was deeelightful. a bit more luck and olivier could have had a hatful. all four goals were quality, glad spammers didn’t profit from their hitem high and pray tactics.
Even a big mouthed receptacle guesses right every once in a while. 3-1 with the third a bit earlier. Love it!! See @26
Better but spammers did have a few opportunities that we need to tighten up.
Good game by the team. Vermaelen was better more composed today. Liked the bringing of theo in earlier. Gerv didn’t have it today but that’s ok.
Still need to have more purpose attacking headers in our box and closing down in the midfield when teams are pressing but time to enjoy a fine win!
I would love to say “I hate to tell you so, but in truth I hate to say I love to tell you so”!!!
“I am plumping for 1-3 and a good, crisp passing game from the off and none of what we saw in the first 45 against the βother Bubblesβ!
Come on Ollyβ¦Get that goal!”
Sorry guys but I am rarely quite that correct!
Also, I did call for Walcott from the start in place of Gervinho and I think the difference was fairly plain for all to see.
Wenger who?!??!
HA HA!
P.S. Please forgive the rampant cockiness and sarcasm! π
NorCal
Great minds?!?!
Celebrate.
Good times.
Come on.
__________________________________________
Fuck you, you fat walrus tub of lard! 8)
“Stupid bubbles in the air,
Divided, Divided, Divided!”
Zico@230
Celebrating.
GREAT times.
Come on indeed.
——————————————————
HAHAHAHA!!! Those tusks lost a bit of sheen today, didn’t they?!
That was a very nice win indeed. But what with big fat fecking Sam filling up the stadium all by himself, Stewart Robson & all & sundry wanking over Andy Carol, I am glad we could make some space on the pitch to win the actual game. Jesus H. Christ, does winning a header on the edge of the 18-yard box against Ramsay cause to get your dick out? The resulting loose ball was gettered by the Arsenal Goalie – If you were from out of space you’d think Carol had just scored!
Fuck ’em – don’t expect them to like us. Just keep winning, winning, winning…
π
Does anyody think that Theo was speaking very positively about the club in the post-match interview and in a manner that indicated that his contract may be closer to being signed than we may think?
Got the impression that he wasn’t actually expecting to go anywhere.
SIGN THE CONTRACT THEO!
What a second half performance by Santi! He was playing a little deeper in the first half but once he took control around the opposition area that was a really quality display. On another day could have had a couple of more assists. And what a brilliant goal that was.
Giroud had a very effective game. A little bit more familiarity with the league and he would start scoring more with the ones he is creating with really brilliant runs. His assist to Theo was very accomplished as well.
Theo’s constantly improving finishing, decision making and efficiency with ball on his feet all show what pressure for the position can do to a positive minded player. He gives us a variation and option that is not easy to come by and I am in the group who think he should be retained.
And Arteta…that is some consistency and professionalism.
Really really enjoyed that! Cazorla is fucking ace!
gt, i had to mute the bastards. they had hold of theirs all game; here i thought fox was a family channel.
Thank God we got him off the Arsenal Player.
Sounds like a bitter old loon now.
GT @ 233 — The funniest remark from that fired-by-Arsenal commentator was ‘Arsenal just about deserved the victory’ … ha ha ha, ha! Feels so good to see the ill-wishers suffering …
What a lovely game….and once again it’s a team performance. Shame BFG didn’t get his goal and his block against Nolan was really important considering it was 2-1 at the time.
Keep the faith…so much to be happy about, wish we didn’t have to wait 2 weeks for more of the same.
Very good win after poor organisation for their goal.
Dowd should have had Diame off – if you observe the rules rather than what ESPN think the rules should be.
Ramsey denied a clear pelanty – even Chris Twaddle said so !
Ten very decent performances today, although try as I might, I still can’t trust the keeper in the air at all.
Another scoring cameo from Theo – very well taken goal, passed precisely round the keeper and in by the post.
Brilliant goal from Ollie Giroud, from a superb cross from Poldi.
And sorry Abb, but Gervinho …….. Not his day, let’s say.
Well done lads. Very spirited performance. Top four – more than 2 months ahead of last season (that’s just for you TS ). π
Forgot to mention Santi’s goal – but what can you say ?
Pure class. Hit so true that you could see in slow motion that the ball didn’t spin at all. Not once. Straight past Jaaskaleinen like the proverbial.
Is it true, does anybody know, that three Arsenal players walked straight down Allardyce’s gob at the end, mistaking it for the tunnel ? π
So, 350 then?
Today was win 350.
More Premier League wins for Arsene Wenger than Roxette has shoes, and both collections have been accumulated over time with the same type of periodic anguish. There was no sign of that anguish at the full time whistle though, apart from on the juicy-fruit face of Allardyce.
Fantastic finishes from both Walcott and Cazorla, and a great all round contribution by Giroud, including the elusive league goal. Ramsey, apart fom being nutmgged for their goal, put in a great shift and Arteta’s consistency is a joy to behold.
There are a number of things that deserve attention by the Arsenal staff though, because several times, we could have been punished by a better team. There appears to be a collective terror when the ball is launched into our box, and I cannot understand why we look so much more vulnerable to this tactic than other teams.
But that is another difficult away fixture safely negotiated and as I said earlier in the week, gets us the same 3 points we carelessly let slip last Saturday.
The dreaded interlull beckons – a mass epidemic of the recent virus will keep all the players on this island. Come on Arsenal, get in line and give our Big f’n German a snog, and you will all get a few days off!
244 π
tim @ 240, no worries, Per gets closer & closer by the game, his turn & attempt was Podolski-esque π
My reaction to Santi’s goal = :O (^o^) Yes.
I meant 243 π
@ 240 tim
Total team! VCC and all that.
Is it just me or does OG look even more handsome now he has scored?
244 and 247. π
And he called it his first goal – so the Coventry one didn’t count, then!
@248 – it’s just you. π
@tim 240 so glad you mentioned the BFG. Although his positioning was questionable for Diame’s goal, his block when Nolan was put through was so so crucial. Could’ve been the margin between winning and not. I’m still waiting for his first Arsenal goal too, when he could finally showcase his dancing skills to the world.
Aside from that, proud to say that we won as a team again. Could not be happier for Theo and Giroud, who both had a point to prove. And Santi? Did we really get him for half Carroll’s transfer fee? I hope you remember this Stewart carrollasslicking Robson. Our Santi is just unbelievable. Kudos also for the rest of the team.
Btw anyone know what happened with Gibbs? I hope he’s alright, at least for Arsenal’s next game!
@ 251 Nah. Me, millions of women and Wolfie, I reckon.
**
Gibbs, rest up, get better soon.
Told you about Theo and Giroud.
Hope they become a success!
Obviously because we won, there is less cause to berate fat Phil in the middle today but he bottled out of two big decisions – second yellow card for Diame for his challenge on Arteta and what looked to me like a penalty on Ramsey. *
* Dodgy stream meant I couldn’t tell for definite whether the challenge was just outside the box or not, but then Dowd did not even think it was a foul, the twonk.
Just re-watching the good bits. A special mention to Poldi. Excellent work ethic to go with the abilities. Tireless in both defensive and offensive duties…just love the Poldi-Gibbs-Cazorla combination play down the left.
Last few seasons we were notoriously bad with CL hangovers. But the kind of passion and effort that Poldi-Arteta-Cazorla and more specially Jenk and Gibbs put in after the CL involvement is praise worthy…
zico @ 252 — The clipping on Ramsey’s ankle was most likely just outside the box — even though I saw it on TV there was a bit of doubt whether part of the foot was on the line. At least a free-kick was deserved.
Doctor Faustus,
A very good point about CL hangovers – we have been notoriously sluggish in previous seasons after CL midweek, particularly in games against the “smaller” teams.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Gooner Terry knows @234.
Trev @243 made me giggle.
Derrick @252 we didn’t get Santi for half of Carrol’s transfer fee…we got him for 3million pounds lesser than half of Carrol’s transfer fee.
FunG,the stats you requested a while back,i couldn’t find the figures for this season for other guys but last season Aguero’s shots per goal ratio was 5.7, RvP 5.4,Rooney 5.7. Jelavic 4.5, Demba Ba 6.8. Suarez 11.6. Gervinho 11. Poldi 4.7.
So far this season Gervinho’s shot per goal ratio is 3.2, Poldi3.25 so if you compare them to the best players from last season they are doing quite better and have both improved from their ratios of last season.