Whiskey, Andrey, And Pie Calms The Nerves
Oct 28th, 2012 by 'holic
An hour later than usual I stroll in the North London sunshine into the Tollie, to be greeted by the best sort of welcome. “Your first pint is already paid for.” Thank you, you know who you are. The ‘holics arrive from such exotic locations as Singapore, Paris, Edinburgh, The States, and Finchley! It is like a big family get together.
The feelgood factor extends to the announcement of the team as the crowd convenes. The recall for Bacary Sagna and Jack Wilshere is a welcome one although the second comment in our appraisal is along the lines of “Carl Jenkinson can feel himself hard done by”. The Frenchman can play at left-back, which remains a problem area for us ninety minutes later.
Gradually, that air of well being is tested, diminished even, as the game unfolds. The improvement on the previous two performances is frankly sporadic, rather than instantaneous. It might have been different had Aaron Ramseys clever flicked header landed under, rather than on, the crossbar. Confidence may have been restored at that point.
Little Jack’s first effort from the edge of the box brings one of a number of solid stops from Cesar, the ‘keeper who was far and away the standout visitor. The half-time Jameson fortifies withering nerves, thank you neighbour.
The second-half provides more of the same, with added time-wastiness from Rangers. To be fair the crowd, although becoming more quiet with each passing minute, don’t turn on those who are now making the odd opening and finding an inspired goalkeeper determined to thwart them. One save from a series of ricochets is just breathtaking. Surely though even he won’t be able to rescue his team as a ball drops invitingly for Santi Cazorla in front of a gaping target. Ironically, with Bobby Zamora playing for the visitors, the bloke in row Z finds himself in the firing line.
Theo’s return, along with Gervinho, as second-half substitutes is overshadowed by the arrival of Andrey Arshavin when the Ivorian has to be stretchered off in some considerable pain. The little Russian almost immediately provides the best cross of the day, Giroud is denied once more by Cesar, but Mikel Arteta prods home at the second attempt. Cue roars of relief. Later viewing provides damning evidence he is offside. If anybody deserves to be tucked up on the day it is Mark Hughes, the visiting manager far too easily distracted from the game by gentle goading from behind the dugout.
So the post-mortem doesn’t dwell on the game. The consensus seems to be “could do better”, and let’s get on with celebrating a welcome visitor’s birthday. The day is made complete though with a huge portion of steak and Guinness hPie. Thanks Tone for this delicious gift, and Martin and Lou’s team for cooking it and serving it up in front of a pub full of people who immediately want the same, but can’t have it!
I owe that chef a pint at Reading on Tuesday.
196 Responses to “Whiskey, Andrey, And Pie Calms The Nerves”
1st?now to read.
2nd!
Steve-oooooooooooooooo!
Ollliiiiieeeeeee I see you have gotten home safely.
Why do I mess about with past and present tense in match reports? It’s enough to drive you to drink.
Or me, anyway π
I’m glad I didn’t see the pie, I would have been jealous.
Food yesterday consisted of a half-time slice of (overpriced, of course π ) pizza.
And Guinness.
I have such a headmindbodyache that it’s unreal after celebrating yesterday.
I hope M’Bia feels what I am feeling today.
Coffee please.
Cheers holic,for once we get a bit of luck to get the points,for me I thought once we got our real wingers on that’s when we looked most dangerous,wallcots not a happy bunny I personally think he’s worth pushing the boat out for just a little bit more,if the figures are right and we got 70m.anyway another step back up the confidence ladder il take it any witch way we get it.
Bad attack of nerves ‘holic. The only time I thought we were in trouble was the last five minutes when the defence seemed to have left the field already.
I’d have been happy with a draw after the previous two games. But who cares if MA was offside.
Oh, and speaking of people feeling pain today, I hope Mark Hughes gets to feel a bit of it too.
“We were in total control”
“never under real pressure”
“they only created one chance”
“We were making substitutions with a view to win the game because that was the extent of the control we thought we had.”
Possession:
Arsenal 70% QPR 30%
Shots:
Arsenal 21 QPR 4
On target:
Arsenal 11 QPR 3
Corners:
Arsenal 5 QPR 2
Mark Hughes you little prick.
Hughes evidently watching from his own parallel universe !
The holic’verse is an hour in front !
Did he really say that, Toby?
What a tosser.
heh chris, no the ‘holicverse is just on the right timezone for me, for once π
Just saw a .gif compilation from the previous drinks that seem to prove that Arteta was played onside by an ambling QPR player.
But whatever makes Mark Hughes feel more hard done by, works.
Yesterday was another great Tollie-Arsenal-Tollie episode, which started out by bumping into BTM on Hornsey Road, walking away from Tollie to another Thai adventure. Hope that adventure was Tom Yum.
I was greeted at the bar with “Hey, it’s Steve-o!” by quite possibly the barman who manages the Tollington twitter account. Lou grins and asks me for my boarding pass before pouring me a pint on the house for my travels. Faint recognition and a free pint, surely that was a good omen for the afternoon.
The Tollie Jollies were moved inside, due to the shrinking cold. Seeing that I’m an asian persuasion, I’m glad this decision was in my favor(as i couldn’t afford to shrink anymore). So we sat, the early bunch of ‘holic, Tabs and zico with the discussion of a topic of what we held dear.
The bar starts to get crowded, and in walked Steve T and Ollie shortly after. More guinness, IPA and cider flowed. WST, Silva, Snowy, tall english bloke (i cannot recall who!) and a few arseurs pack outside for a cigarette, I debate if habit or cold wins and habit won.
Programme. Check. Pre-match pee. Check. Seat found. Check. Photo of our carpet green surface. Check. Useless ref. Check. Half-time bad decision of eating the Fish Goujon. Check. Goal. Check. Injury. Check. Nervous last 5 mins. Check. 1-0 final score. Check.
Same old Arsenal, eh?
So back to the Tollie I go and the usual suspects are back in already. The enthusiasm was fairly muted, and I can understand why but hey, I’m just glad my league home game record still reads 100%.
Tall English Bloke asks if the O in my moniker stands for my last name and promptly decides that it should stand for Omen. I skillfully added a G before it and apparently I am now Steve-GO.
As in Steve-Good Omen.
That should confuse the time pedants π
, Iβm glad this decision was in my favor(as i couldnβt afford to shrink anymore).
Massive heh, Steve-o.
Fuck me, we’ve just travelled back in time an hour.
McFlyyyyyyyyyyyy!
Steve-go. Don’t.
I have to take issue with your “best cross of the day” comment, as by far the best was the one fizzed in by Walcott after he came on, that was missed by Giroud. I think that was the one that should have been tucked away by Cazorla after it was badly cleared. Arshavin’s led to a goal, but as a cross it was not in the same league as Theo’s, which had pace and whip and just needed a touch to finish it all off
π
Nice one Holic.
Good to see you and the bevvy of Holics (surely the most appropriate collective noun) yesterday and to finally meet the legendary BtM.
A win is a win is a win.
A disappointed Mark Hughes is such pleasure.
COYRs
Yes Nonny, but Ashavin actually hit the target, i.e Giroud’s not inconsiderable bonce π
Morning bath. I do recall a discussion with Miss b about this educated and erudite man who could produce the most damning invective where football is concerned. π
@16 Ollie
I sneaked that in after a quick review, trust you to catch it.
So by your reckoning it should be Steve-DGO or Steve-GOD…
Hmm to be African sounding or to be blasphemous. I’m leaning on the latter.
I forgot Edinburgh, didn’t I. I shall have to edit the piece…
Your memory is definitely better than mine, ‘holic.
Heh Holic @22. Passion always sweeps away those years of education which in truth left only a thin veneer. Too fuckin’ right, pal.
Morning,all.
Nice preview,H. I see you all had a nice day out at the HOF(and the Tollie).
Nonny,i think the best cross is the one that hits it’s target,not the one that has the most whip,swerve or pace.
And another big heh at 23. π
Girondins on in Baastia in the afternoon today, ‘holic.
At 5pm. Or 4 for you.
Unless you prefer watching the cuntfest, which I suspect some people will, but I’m glad I don’t even have to consider it.
Baastia? Bastia. Mind you, they’re renowned for their goat cheese in Corsica…..
My tastebuds duly tickled, I am taking the management for some fine dining this afternoon Ollie. Les Girondins may have to win on their own. The lucky charm has the taste for meat π
Greetings Holics
Didn’t get to Kings X in time to get to the Tollie, so had to make do with a quick carton of “tea”at the Ems.
Not a game to put in the memory bank or a goal to challenge GOTM but a vital 3 points. We were slow in our build up, lacked pace on the flanks, our wide players cutting inside all the time and didn’t make an impact until Theo came on and Mbia’s madness reduced QPR to 10 men.
A number of our players worked very hard but had little to show for their efforts, Arteta, Rambo,Giroud,Sagna,Cathorla and Jack was back. I thought he looked quite sharp, was unafraid of a challenge and did provide some drive from MF, he can only get better. Let’s hope there is no negative reaction from the bad tackle on his foot. We all took a large intake of breath when he hit the deck!
We nearly threw the game away at the end, with shoddy defending but thanks to our much maligned keeper we just got over the line. On another day Julio Cesar might not have enjoyed such an inspired second half but a wider margin of victory would not have been a true reflection of our play.
I will refrain from commenting on the performance of our cuddly Brazilian, save to say we can’t get Gibbs back soon enough.
There was plenty to mill-over on the 17.45 home. The consensus of opinion was, it can only get better, starting Tuesday night at Reading.
As always COYRs
Afternoon all.
Sounds like another great day out ‘Holic. Did you manage to avoid gettingback to the ‘H-crib via Exeter? A question, how did Gervinho play before his injury? Have only caught highlights so far.
A bevvy of ‘Holics is the perfect collective noun, bath.
Toby @ #10 – Spot on. I thought that when I read/heard his post match bitterness designed, surely, to try and keep himself in a job. The fact that we beat a Hughes team with a dodgy goal only makes the win even more satisfying for me.
PS – Pubis does exactly the same sort of thing on a regular basis. E.g. yesterday banging on about how one of his orcs rode a nasty flying, late tackle and then got up to shake the perpetrator’s hand stating “that’s how the game should be played”. All he’s trying to do is deflect attention from the fact that his team are about as exciting to watch as a Stan Kroenke upper lip movement at an AGM.
heh; ‘holic 30. Enjoy the meat!
TS, he was only on for very few minutes, and he was being a normal Gervinho. Too short to say if it would have been 100% frustration or if there could have been some product.
Merci, Ollie.
If Gerv is going to be out for a while I wonder if it will re-motivate Arsene + team to try and get a positive resolution to the Theo saga? It may already be too late, of course.
he wasn’t offside….
Open the match report gallery at Mirror football, right click the image and open in a new tab and they’re large resolution π
He’s not offside on the initial header, as the guy Arshavin beats for the far post dink runs with him to the byline. By the time the touch from Ramsey comes, Arteta is offside because the defender has come back infield and is a couple of yards up the pitch by then. Which is unfortunate but who cares π
The Giroud header, I mean.
TS @ 34 – The Theo thing makes no sense to me on any level. Playing wise we are better with him than without and financially it makes sense to go a little bit further, because he’ll be off on a free unless we sell in January, which is when Forehead will be away for the ACN anyway. Letting him go means we have to buy a replacement, or once again give youth its chance to the detriment of the team.
It makes no sense to me to give someone like Frimpong a new deal, even if he’s not on the same money as someone like Walcott, and play silly buggers over what is effectively peanuts, if it’s about the money, with Walcott. The difference between what he supposedly wants, what we’ve supposedly offered and the compromise sum is tiny really, when you think of the cost in both playing and financial terms of replacing him. Even if he’s not exactly Messi, we’re worse off without him.
But then this is the club that lost the best left back in the world (at that time) for the sake of five grand a week.
Makes up for the other poor decisions eg fouls not given, repeated failure t push their wall back 10 yards, second yellow not given for studs up challenge on Arteta.
Are you back in Bath, baff?
Nope, I am currently staying at Miss B’s flat in Canary Wharf. Back in Bath tonight.
Afternoon all.
Nice reports ‘holic and Steve-o, glad to hear all you Tollie Warriors had a good day out.
I thought we were much improved yesterday, yes, we are still a bit short and I can forgive that, but what’s more important to me is that we put a shift in, as has been said by others and myself before; a lack of talent can be excused, a lack of effort not.
Sagna proved those of us who argued he should be immeadiatly reinstated correct with a flawless display, I personally believe he could walk into any team. Jack looked strong and sharp, there was a few nervy moments when he got clogged by a hoop clad mong, but thankfully he brushed it off, he also wasn’t scared to get stuck in himself, all in all a fine comeback. I thought Ramsey put in a good shift too and was unlucky not to score being denied by the bar and a very good save from their keeper, who was as great in the second half as he was erratic in the first.
I wish we could clone Arteta, or at least make a serum out of his blood which we could inject all our other players with, not so that they could all sport a perfect hair do, although that would be cool, no, that they would all have the drive that he puts in every game, an Arsenal Arteta Army, man, that would be a site to behold, we’d win everything and look good doing it too.
There were a few min points, but I don’t think now’s the time to get into them too much, those are things that will have to be worked out on the training field. It was a win we desperatly needed and getting it while keeping a clean sheet makes it even better. Sweeter still is that the win comes at the expense of a Mark Spunky Hughes team, what a butt plug that guy is. His post match interview included the gems; βWe were in total controlβ and βWe were making substitutions with a view to win the game. Ha Ha Ha. His head must be so far up his own arse that he’s able to lick his tonsils clean, plonker.
A hard fought but ultimetly deserved three points leaving Mark Hughes blubbing like a bitch…
I’ll take that any day of the week.
It seems that Walcott is on his way out if only because picking Ramsey to play on the wing in front of him is the ultimate example of cutting off your nose to spite your face.
In the last 3 Games we have lacked any real pace in the team which allows the opposition to defend far higher up the pitch and thereby congesting play in the middle of the pitch. Whatever his inconsistencies , when Walcott is on the pitch teams defend deeper making more space.
Ramsey looks like a fish out of water on the wing and not surprising seeing as he is a central midfielder – he has neither the pace or tricky to beat a full back.
If WAlcott is sold it is imperative , in my opinion , that he is replaced by someone with pace.
1-0 at home. A clean sheet. After two dreadful performances. I’ll take it
Rum and coke please
Don’t think Jonjo Shelvey needs a mask for Halloween
Moyes’ daughter sounds like my kind of woman. From the BBC website:
Lauren Moyes, daughter of the Everton manager, tweets (which has now been deleted): “Very surprised my dad didn’t just nut Suarez.”
Then: “Sorry if that last tweet offended anyone. Caught up in the moment.”
H2H. Please stop talking about how good Arteta is. Barcelona will send scouts. π
Heh
Kev @ 45 — The whole Theo sags seems ridiculous to me from the perspective of both sides. If Theo wants to grow into a more central role obviously there would be no top clubs willing to simply give him the chance. In Arsenal he has the best opportunity — and backing of a manager who has steadfastly backed him up all these years — to make that transition, though patience would be needed. In Arsenal he has also a familiar and rather patient supporter base.
From Arsenal’s perspective he provides a key differentiating aspect — pace, directness and now the accuracy is improving as well. As Arsene himself said, he gives us something unique. Yes, he could still be frustrating but in terms of total goals and assists his efficiency is up there with any other top wingers in PL.
So, what is it? The small amount of money? That seems to be a really trivial amount to lose someone, especially someone like Theo on whom the club has already spent a great amount all these years and has painstakingly created a football player out of raw pace. What is the point of youth program and early scouting and patiently supporting young players as they grow if we are to lose them just when they are starting to fulfill their potential? Puzzling, really!
It’s always good to see that excuse for a manager hughes getting a kick in the balls
Hope these two bunches of mercenaries beat the shit out of each other, break a few bones, twist plenty knees and end up in an exhausted and bloody draw.
Dr F – i agree with you about the money.Whilst i despise the amount they all earn , to lose someone who a) adds value and b) for a relatively small amount seems illogical, The cost of a replacement and their wages will dwarf the differential between the current offer and what he wants.
Greetings holics. Holic, It’s not too often you give praise to an opposing player, so when you do, it’s very refreshing. Thank you for your kind words about Cesar, means a lot to a goalie junkie like me π H2H pretty much sums up my thoughts about our performance. Except I would be willing to bet he didn’t start to cry like a baby, when Arteta scored. Forgot what is was like for us to win π
ABB,
Good day.. And a drink on Lars’ tab says H2H cried like a baby!
π
@54 – Agreed with your point about wages, but as I said earlier we lost Cole for the sake of five grand a week, so it doesn’t surprise me that there appears to be no appetite on the part of the club to resolve this issue. It seems like it would actually be a problem for the club if he signed the deal he’s been offered!
I really like Theo, but if he goes, he goes.
We can’t moan about average players earning too much and then condone Theo holding us to ransom.
70k a week is a ridiculous amount of money however you want to slice it. Only the players at the Manc clubs or at the Chavs are earning more then that and that’s only a select few, dont think for a second that they all take home what Rooney gets. Admitedly more then a few at Citeh, but they’ve distorted the market irrepably.
The last few weeks Gerviniho starting has made Theo look better then he really is. Be honest, what has Theo ever really done? Yeah, he can run fast, big whoop. I personally think (at the moment) his best position is impact sub. Is it really right that a sub and his agents are trying to hold our club over a barrel, I think not.
If he was so good why has no club ever came in for him? Ofcourse they’ll take him on a free, but they’re not prepared to shell out for him, hmmmm.
Kev @ 45
In our last two PL games our opponents have parked the proverbial bus meaning that they have sat deep, I really can’t see how Norwich or QPR could have been any deeper unless they all just stood on the goalline. Theo’s pace would not have been a changing factor, his real value comes against the better teams, the ones that are willing to play football.
Whatever happens, I do think that the whole situation should never have been allowed to get to this stage, but shit happens in footy nowadays and it’s all part and parcel when having to deal with
blood sucking leachesfootball agents.Now I will ever so gently remind those who are obsessing about Theo’s lack of game time (recently), that he has just recovered from an extremely painful injury. With each breath he took, the shock waves would have radiated from his chest to his shoulders and through to his back. No way he could have been utilized sooner.
Hi NorCal π
Nor Cal and ABB.
Tears of joy at Arteta’s strike.
Tears of laughter at Sparky’s – look at what a cunt I am post match interview. π
It’s official we now have the best defense in the league
De nada, ‘h, my pleasure.
Hey H2H. 2nd red for Chelsea π Now I pray for something bad to happen to Manu π
Enjoying some classic Man Utd refereeing from Clattenburg here. He really is Mr Consistency.
Even though I dont agree with the second yellow for Torres. It would be good for Chelski to loose some points. Otherwise the gap mau become to big for us.
We can beat either of these horrible teams….erm…I think
Clattenberg is United’s best player. It’s as if he’s channeling Mike Riley
First defeat of the season for Bordeaux I’m afraid.
Mind you, when you have to bring on Bellion and Ben Khalfallah, things are a bit desperate.
Bah.
Sorry Ollie, but at least their in the upper half π
Tim
We should have beaten Chelski at The Ems and we have to beat Man U at old shitford as it’s well overdue me thinks!
H2H @ 58 — please see http://www.myfootballfacts.com/Premier_League_Combined_2011-12.html .
In terms of goals + assists ( total 18) Theo was 13th, above such ‘illustrious’ names like Suarez, Nasri, Balotelli, Young and same as Ba and Nani, and only one less than Mata. He had a few goals and assists in the CL.
He is much more efficient than it appears based on the glaringly obvious bad moments. This season, despite not starting at all he already has four goals and a couple of assists.
He is not a technically gifted player, but he works well for us, especially in Europe where he does scare a lot of wing backs. And he does produce in key matches — Udinese home and away last season, Chelsea, Spurs.
Yes, he can be frustratingly inconsistent. The decision making can improve a lot, but his finishing has really become quite accomplished now and he works very well with Sagna.
The problem would be finding his substitution, someone who can give us that edge on the wing and someone already familiar with English football. If we sell him, I am not sure there is anyone readily available whom we can afford.
If we sell him, the most likely replacement would be Ox, and probably Rosicky moved out to wide position again (and thereby reducing his real impact), with Gnabry and Ryo as long term replacements. Ox is definitely a better all-round footballer and will end up being a greater footballer, but the kind of impact that a fit Theo can have in the next 3-4 years of his career — before the pace starts to fall off — would not be easy to replace.
The points mattered far more than the performance yesterday and happily all 3 were bagged bring on the Mancs! Good to have Jack and Bac back two quality players,
We need a designated lurker at the net, to get more goals. OG would be perfect as he is as good with his head as his feet.
Dr Faustus: I agree with pretty much all you say@72 and I have always said that I want him to stay, but I also agree with H2H that he is not worth a King’s ransom. I don’t think he will sign a new contract given that no negotiations seem to be ongoing at all anymore, but if he knows what’s best for him in terms of developing his career he’ll come to his senses and realise that Arsenal is the best place to be. But as I said, I don’t think he will unfortunately.
Doc Faustus.
I understand his stats are pretty good, but as you may or may not know, I don’t put much stock in stats, I take my conclusions from what I see transpiring.
Please don’t think that I have anything against Theo, I don’t, I like him, but I think his (although probably due to his agents) inflated sense of worth has got in the way of him signing on the dotted line, if he wanted to do a deal it would have been done and dusted. But he hasn’t and all the talk in the world won’t change that simple fact.
If he signs = We love you Feo, we do.
If he don’t = Fuck him, I never liked him anyway π
Plus – what Lars said.
Lars @ 75 — absolutely agree that if Theo knows what is best for him he would stay with us. I had previously posted how from either side’s perspective this delay seems puzzling.
According to Arsene himself the financial disagreements are very minor, almost trivial and according to Theo it is about the central striker position. If the former is true then the delay makes no sense from club’s perspective , if the latter is true then it makes no sense from Theo’s perspective as he is not going to get a central striker position from any top English club and they would not be open to the idea of allowing him to grow into such a role.
I am sure it is fundamentally about money, as it almost always is. And what will happen will happen.
But I wonder that whether for a well-run business — I fully support club’s stance that first and foremost it must be and stay a well-run business to ensure long-term and sustained success at the top level — to have this extraordinarily poor retention rate for the highest performing employees subvert the essential purpose of the business: to produce exciting and attractive football teams capable of winning matches and competitions?
H2H, I fully understand where you are coming from. And morally and ethically I agree with you about not pandering to inflated egos and their demands.
However, relatively classier we might be, and Arsene and Gazidis may want to keep things clean as much as possible, but to survive and prosper the club may need to find a way to handle this particular phenomenon with a bit more subtlety and cleverness. Not join the ranks of the ill-bred, but manage the problems well, with more nuance in their dealings and the odd Machiavellian gestures.
BTW, we are not fully above it. Threatened with no tangible back-ups for injury-prone RVP and out-of-form Chamakh, we had pulled off a very un-Arsenal like stance with Park and Lille. That was low, to be honest. :–)
That we seem to lose our best players every season is indeed a worrying trend and one we have to stop. I just don’t think TW is one of our best players, but I will say that it would have been bettter to lose him in the last transfer window as we started the new season with a new look front line anyway, rather then let it drag on into the new seasonm as it has, but once again I reitarate, no fucker came in for him.
Assuming he’s been offered 75k a week, in football terms that is very small beer indeed. If his agents want Β£100k a week for their client, in the current climate and bearing in mind he will almost be able to name his own price as a free transfer, that is also small beer.
If Arsenal are saying Β£75k and no further, they are shooting themselves in the foot. You would think that the player’s advisers, aware the player really does want to stay, would negotiate their demands down. If the club are not prepared to shift from Β£75k, they are fools. The difference between what they want to pay and what the player’s adviser would accept is probably so small, spread across a five year deal, that to say no is mad. IMO.
Still they can use the savings to give Diaby another six year extension at Β£80k a week to get about four games a year out of him I suppose.
BREAKING NEWS-Arsenal request the services of U.S. Marines to protect them from been robbed at Old Toilet next week.
Nonny you talk about Theo and Diaby like Theo has always been this fit as fiddle lad,i can remember Theo dislocating his right shoulder and been out for months only to come back and dislocate his left shoulder,he did come back, played a few games then dislocated both shoulders at the same time,obviously he’s past his injury problems now but i wonder if you said the same things you say about Diaby now when Theo was nursing all those injuries.
Nonny: “If the club are not prepared to shift from Β£75k, they are fools. The difference between what they want to pay and what the playerβs adviser would accept is probably so small, spread across a five year deal, that to say no is mad. IMO.”
I see what you mean, but it is all based on your assumptions. What if Theo (and I am speaking purely hypothetically here) is demanding Β£120k per week?
good afternoon, all.
‘holic, nice post. your knack for keeping it simple is a great pleasure.
lars and nonny, about theo i have some thoughts. first, remember it’s not about the money: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/sep/24/theo-walcott-arsenal-thierry-henry it may be arguable that theo is lying about this, but he has always seemed honest until now. so it’s down to where he plays, and that’s within the team framework, and wenger would be a fool to give such guarantees…and, imho, we are foolish as fans to think less of him for that.
also, i think the theo is still an issue because, while he did well last year, and has done ok so far this year (better than last, I think), fans expect him to live up to his desire of “being like thierry” NOW, before anything beyond is given in a new contract. and that hasn’t happened. he has helped us all along with an image of what he can do, but that image being sold by him and his does not contain the blind running, the poor ball control, and poor decision-making he has consistently shown since his first day out. if he just signed and played, and played up to that self-promoted image, surely a higher-paying extension, and playing in his preferred position, would follow.
Scruzgooner knows.
Recent history suggests all the protracted negotiations for the “senior” players coming to the end of their contracts have resulted in these players leaving for much larger pay packets elsewhere (Cesc excepted). Arsene has always stated in all these cases that he expects all the contracts to be renewed / players stay with us and has been 100 % wrong. How much of this confidence is bravado to bump up the transfer fee and how much is self delusional only he can say. If Theo wanted to stay he would have signed. The nearer he gets closer to expiry, he in parallel gets closer to a free transfer and a higher pay packet than if he stays or would expect if he was transferred for a fee. It all signals he is off at the end of the season.
For all his well known weaknesses, he also provides pluses to the team. His goals and assists are at a decent level. As to what salary he should get, the bigger picture should not be discounted when our highly paid executives come to their final offer. Unless his demands are absolutely OTT, then get it done!! If he goes, goodbye Theo and take care on the way out.
I had my say in the last post.
Can I just say one thing?
Tom Brady – I love girls, but if I was a girl, I’d wanna marry you, you perfect man. TB12 <3!!!! Fuck Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Patriots are conquering London….!!! All y'all gotta bow before you let them leave back to MA!!!
Disclaimer: The person behind this post might have been intoxicated at the time of posting. Viewer discretion advised!!!
SHE SAID NO ROBIN, SHE SAID NO, SHE SAID NO ROBIN, SHE SAID NO, SHE SAID NO ROBIN, SHE SAID NO, OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH ROBIN SHE SAID NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nonny @ #39 – Theo definitely enhances our squad. I also think we’re better off with him. In Gervinho’s absence, his stock is likely to rise. Good time for him to push for a few extra K per week?
An ill wind has blown me some good!
The Magnificent Men responsible for United Airline’s flying machines have deemed their fleet unfit to fly from London into the teeth of Sandy’s fury. I am delayed until Wednesday…………and what happens on Tuesday night (other than my wedding anniversary for which one thousand apologies HN)?
I have a lift to Reading but no ticket as yet. Is there a holic out there with modest Arsenal-end seat for the Modeski?
Cent – He has never dislocated both shoulders at the same time, the ops fixed them. He had a couple of games out with bruising on one after a heavy fall, post-op, if I remember right.
Lars – If he was asking Β£120k that would be too much. In a sane industry Β£75k is too much but football isn’t sane. If it’s the club refusing to shift from their position, even a few grand a week, I just think they’re mad.
TS – I think he’d be simply hoping to play and prove his worth on the pitch. I hope. :-s
BtM – Brilliant news! I shall keep ears and eyes open. See you down there. Remember your fancy dress, Halloween outfit. Go as Dr.Who?
heh Snir @ 88
I was under the impression that Hallowe’en was on Oct 31st but by the sound of it it’s been moved forward a day this year.
Evening all. A most enjoyable Saturday with an early start in the Tollie. A good old meet up with many regulars is always a good way to enjoy the pre match banter. I was surprised to see Jack named as a starter. I was also surprised to see Sagna start ahead of The Jenk. Like many I felt he was very unlucky to be left out. He is undoubtedly the most improved player at the club, if not the league. That said, at 4.50pm I am sure we were all pleased to be reminded of exactly how good old Bacs really is.
The match itself was on the whole a big disappointment. For the vast majority of the game I felt we flattered to deceive. We lacked sharpness and pace. We lacked the ability to really create anything.
The game changed for me when Flipper and Theo entered the proceedings. At last we had pace out wide that started to stretch a previously relatively untroubled QPR defence. However, it was when our dolphin was replaced by our very own meerkat that necessary skill and craft increased a sufficient amount to set up the only goal. 3 points is 3 points whatever way you look at it and I am grateful for that. But we all know that we have played a lot better than that and have lost. We still need to make some big improvements.
The way we have played our little Russian will always mystify me. As and when he does leave there will always be a part of me that wonders if we ever really tried hard enough to get the best out of him. For all the frustrations that he brings he is still an incredibly gifted and intelligent footballer.
The Theo debate is interesting. I must say I find the whole situation bizarre. Theo says he wants to stay, AW says he wants to keep him. So why after 6 months are we no nearer to sorting it? The two main reasons seem to suggest that it is money or playing position. Either way surely the time has come for a final decision to be made? I think it is time for everybody to get round the table for one last time. If it can not be resolved this time then I have to say that it is time to move on. Time to sign or be sold in January.
Reading away on Tuesday. I am very much looking forward to that one. A proper Daddy and kids trip. My two will love it. For those travelling if you fancy a meet up inside the ground then drop me a text. BtM, the best of luck with a ticket. There must be one spare somewhere. It may be worth giving the box office or the travel club a call? I hope to see a few familiar faces at the Mad Stad.
Keep the faith.
Good to see you again on Saturday, Steve T.
I believe at least ‘holic (after all, it’s nearly his local game) and TS will be there on Tuesday.
May need some parking tips if anyone has any? The holic drive maybe???
Likewise Ollie. Good to catch up.
*plays the ball wide in honour of Steve T*
Steve T, even wider for that curled delivery…….
Full length diving header…
Pay the man what he wants in my eyes,for to long have we neutered players and not got rewards,give him the money in 20 years time when your kids are going to watch us will they care where the money came from?No not a jot,if he wants 120 a week I’d give it,the boy is a finisher has pace and fuuk me if I have to watch another gunner turn a winner without a cannon on his chest I give up.sorry lads.
Holiday Inn on the old A33 for me Steve. They charge for parking, fiver last time we went there, or take a chance in one of the units between there and the ground. I’ll pay the money and should get a decent getaway afterwards.
BtM, if you don’t mind the smell of sheep and pigs Reading have them on general sale.
Obviously not our end though, sadly. I will keep my eyes peeled on Twatter.
Another day at The Arsenal
It sits before me, almost daring me to dive in.
A lovingly poured and perfectly formed pint of Guinness, has settled and awaits communion with lips, not quite trembling, but parched.
It’s match day, and having jumped through hoops to get here, I contemplate the beer and I contemplate the visit of more hoops at The Grove. And the cunthead that is Mark Hughes. What would normally have been a routine and straight-forward fixture has taken on an importance of massive proportions. The journey South has been whiled away with a back-filled sandwich of Arsecast, Tuesday Club and some favourite re-runs on Player. And now I’m here. In London. In the bar.
My ticket tout is nowhere to be seen. To be fair, there are very few other early arrivals as the match is some four hours away. But HE Is there. The elusive, peripatetic, ducking and diving, Bergkamp. The Man. Our last joint assignment (heh) ended badly, Arse-wise, and I’m sure we both have hopes for a much more positive outcome this time around. He’s already on the right track, as he swoops to the bar and brings back a lovingly poured and perfectly formed pint of Guinness, (the one above in fact) which now sits before me.
So I’m sat there thinking :
Do we have, given the funk we find ourselves in, the wherewithal to stop that mob from Loftus Road burgling any points from the Grove today? This thought is uppermost in my mind when I get distracted by a commotion at the door. The Jackie Pallo clone bouncer is remonstrating with someone over something. Whatever it is, I am destined never to find out as the offender has scuttled off, presumably deciding that a forearm-smash from Jax is not going to be worth the price of admission.
Meanwhile, almost subconsciously, the fist goes out, clenches the flimsy plastic glass and the trade is consummated.
Guinness, meet mouth.
Stomach? There’s an attraction coming your way soon.
Delicious.
The transfer from bar to belly is complete but over far too soon. Pace yourself bonny lad, I tell myself, it’s just gone opening time and Wolfie has still to arrive. I distract myself once more by thinking about team selection and team formations, recent performances and the criticality of grabbing the 3 points available today.
At that point, the TicketMaster arrives. I go to the bar to buy him beer only to find the barman pouring and advising this one has already been paid for. Magical things happen in this part of the world, it seems. BtM, a model for clean-living, disappears for food. His place is taken by Steve-o, and the silent tolling(ton) bell is clearly calling the faithful as we are then joined by tabs, Trev, And Lester, Snowy and Steve T (brought in from his wide position out in the cold).
The news comes in – Jack is back. Bac is back. Corporal Jenkinson,having earned his stripes, has had them summarily ripped off, which is harsh but predictable. Relax, I am told, Arsene knows. Reverend AL and I set off for the ground, and say our temporary goodbyes and I enter the ground and find my seat, which our esteemed Barman has conjured from his many bags of tricks.
The view from the rarified seats behind the dug-out turns out to be a bitter-sweet offering. I am close enough to mouth obsceneties at Mark Hughes the like of which he will never have heard before (unless he has been moonlighting down Kirkcaldy high street at midnight on a Saturday night) but too far down to get a proper perspective of how the play is developing. The guys around me are very gregarious, offering me beer at half time for example, but don’t have very much to say by way of encouragement for the Gunners. They are clearly part of Red and White’s constituency, so I for the most part, keep schtum, and even decline the free beer (which some may find hard to believe, right Steve T?)
Like many games at The Emirates, the match turns out to be an exercise in frustration-management, but when the goal eventually arrives, myself and the Doomers cuddle one another as if it is the most natural thing in the world. Which of course is as it should be. We all leave delighted with three points, albeit with differing views on the way forward. I head straight back to The Tollington and assume I will be first back only to discover that I have come last (which some may find hard to believe, right Roxette?) .
The consensus inside is
result before performance…….Clean sheet….. Kudos to Vito for the save at the end…..We looked better when Ramsay was moved infield…..This beer tastes good….. Have one more for the road…..
As time moves on I am reminded that I have the added responsibility of escorting BtM across London and out to Gatwick for the last flight home. We manage this with a little time to spare only to be rewarded with a one hour delay by BA. At Heathrow this news would have been met with a further hours drinking, but here at Gatwick the Ground Staff in their wisdom have herded us out to the gate and an alcohol free no-mans land. My liver applauds. I then crash out for the whole journey home, leaving Bergkamp the Man stranded with an in-flight magazine for company. He is probably glad to see the back of me by the time he is collected at Edinburgh.
It is one AM when I get home, and Roxette and a female Feelgood in-law are wrestling with a bottle of wine. I take that as a cue to head for bed and dream of an unfancied win at Old Trafford and my next trip down The Grove…..
I would like to dedicate this rambling drink, with the utmost thanks, to Goonerholic, for sourcing my ticket. 8)
Good goal, ‘holic. Impressive header!
Zico, don’t mind me… π
Cheers holic. See you in there.
Zico, great stuff.
1000 apologies Ollie – you are like the bar staff, a permanent fixture π
Zico,excellent post,mate.
Nonny,i comment wasn’t so much about the nature of the injuries,it was more about reminding you that even Theo had times when he was injured and at those times most of us wouldn’t have been bothered if he wasn’t given a new contract. I’m quite sure those shoulder injuries where not (and will not be) the only injuries he’s had in his Arsenal career.
Well in for the 100,Guv.
Haha, zico. Anyway, glad you made it in one piece to warn Caledonia. Till next time.
Jack not playing on Tuesday then??? That’s a shame.
So, when do we get Henry back so that we have some striking options again??????
π
Apparently Mark Clattenburg is alleged to have “verbally abused John Obi Mikel” and calling one of Chelsea’s Spaniards a “Spanish twat”.
Holic and Steve T
I will be going to the game on Tuesday night I know the Holiday Inn on A33 and I know few places where you can park for free. Just have to get there earlier.
Nice one, Zico. You are as dangerous as BTM described.
And thanks Zico for reminding me about meeting Trev and Lester. One of which would be Tall English Bloke.
Really nice meeting all of you and the aforementioned in drink numero 14 (thierry!). Hopefully the next time would be sooner than later.
Mail me Arthur, and I will pass the details on to Steve. Think I will stick with the Holiday Inn as it gives me a good out to the M4 afterwards.
You are a top man.
Steve-o, can’t believe you are up at this hour the day after a game. Proud of you. I’ll wager that wonderful tale-telling zico is sparko now π
Haha ‘holic! The time shift has gotten my system all confused, not too sure to sleep later or earlier now.
Glad I was able to get you a couple rounds to return the favor from 2 years ago π
Sorry I’m late folks. I have a little further to travel. Agree with most re the value of result over performance — we’re gonna need a performance next week though. Just watched THe Twelve Men Of Manchester’s hollow victory over the Chav’s. Despite my loathing of the boys in Blue I am moved to say that I found Clattenbergs performance rather disturbing. In my humble opinion Chelsea were robbed — Why should I care? I dont really, but isnt sport supposed to be played on a level playing field? If you win fair and square, fair play to ya. This was anything but the performance of a nuetral referee and that rankles with me,I’m afraid. Sorry if this is a bit off the Arsenal topic, but the Stamford Bridge match made me realise a few things –1) Van Turncoat really is the best striker in the Premiership and will probably rub salt into our collective gaping wound next week, 2) Chelsea have some fucking good players and would surely have triumphed but for the intervention of the ref. 3) WE SIMPLY CANNOT ALLOW SANTOS TO FACE VALENCIA NEXT WEEK.
RE our game – Arshavin made a case for his inclusion in next weeks clash at OT — As long as Gervinho is injured, play the Russian say I. He simply cant be any worse. Jack n Bac = Class!
Large anything please Barkeep, and one for yourself! ANY victory is cause for celebration!! Up the Arse!!!!!!!
Stay safe NYC goons.
Indeed Sajit,
Have just received this message from my friend in Brooklyn
Didn’t think much about the storm till I was in the supermarket round the corner. I was suddenly aware the shelves were emptying fast ….. No water, no bread …. And there was I standing in the queue holding 12 bottles of beer and half a pound of cheese!
You can take us out of Scotland……..
heh zico. Yeah, good luck to Sandy-exposed folks.
Morning all,
‘Holic/Arthur – Would appreciate a copy of that parking email. Cheers.
Lovely diary report, Dr.z. Getting to see Jack make his comeback must have made it all worth it. Was it Caledonian luck that helped to bring us the 3 points?
Good morning,all.
On the subject of including or excluding Arshavin from the starting eleven at Old Toilet,i say we start him from the bench,my thinking is that the game will be about who wants it more,we will need all our players to attack and defend in equal measure,yes Arshavin did chase after a few balls on saturday but that is not enough in my humble opinion,Poldi is way better than him in defense and slightly up to his recent standards in attack so Poldi,for me,gives us a better balance as a team and should start,especially if Gibbs is not fit enough to start the game.
Heh Professor,
Jack’s comeback was most reassuring, especially after seeing him mix it in some meaty challenges.
Enjoy yourself tomorrow.
Cheers Dr.z. Tomorrow is just about ‘avin’ a larf regardless of the result.
My guts, however, are churning a little at the thought of the big one at The Old Toilet on Saturday. It’s all for the wrong reasons as well….
Our current form
Their current form
Memories of last year’s result
The LWC’s beating them this year
A certain stinky Dutchman allegedly sharpening his boots for the weekend
*searches for Leonard Cohen tracks on his iPod*
This made me laugh – In the Guardian:
βSunderland can make legitimate claim to be the least watchable side in history; in nine games this season, they have mustered a grand total of 12 shots on goal, eight of them from Steven Fletcher. For context, Stoke, Reading and Villa are next lowest with 30.β
TS – with you there mate.
And well in Holic for the ton.
Cheers bath.
On the BtM side of life, we have the meanest defence in The Prem (I think) with 3 goals conceeded both home and away i.e. 6 in total.
If we can create like we were just a few games ago, we might (whisper it) sneak a famous victory?
UTA!
We do have the best defence so far (6 goals), followed by Sunderland (8) and Chelsea/Man City (9) I think.
Also Mancs play most games with 12 men…
Holic you have mail well I sent it about an hour ago or so I believe TS would like a copy as well.
I am nervous about the old trafford trip, to be honest. Those cunts are playing really well and the refs are in their pockets(as always)
But, bring it on.
Point-Missing Headline Of The Day
‘Misery for UK holidaymakers as flights to and from U.S. cancelled while New York City shuts down for Hurricane Sandy’ – The Daily Mail get to the heart of the issue.
If we win on Saturday, and if Skunk Face doesn’t score, I will post a video of myself on YouTube actually having my woolly beanie for dinner. With salt, pepper and ketchup, washed down a glass of my own piss.
Safest place to be in NYC during Hurricane Sandy. In an Irish bar drinking Guinness. π
Afternoon.
Having caught up with the rest of this weekends PL action last night I came to the conclusion that the PL is in real Barney.
There’s nothing wrong with the standard of football, it’s great entertainment brought in mostly good stadia, but one aspect is constantly letting the game down. The Officiating.
If we thought that the clown taking charge of our game on Saturday was bad, (and he was) he was Colinaesque compared to the incompetance shown at other fixtures. What the fuck was Clattenberg doing? Why not just pull on a Manure shirt and have done with it. I’m hardly in the business of feeling sorry for the Chavs, but they were robbed, plain and simple. To add insult to injury the ref alledgedly racially abused them too, I can’t wait to see how they sort that out, I’m guessing it may involve a t-shirt.
It wasn’t any better in the Miseryside Derby either. I must admit I did laugh when chipmonk face did his little dive thing at the feet of Moyes, some refs might of booked him, but not yesterday and I suppose I’m ok with that, yet when he later tried to take the guys leg off he was very fortunate not to see red, the ball was long gone. Sterling should of went too, three bookable offences in short succession yet he got away with a ticking off, where’s the consistancy?
The lino then got into the act by disallowing a perfectly good goal. Once again I laughed because it was that dispicable toerag that “scored,” but I then got to thinking how pissed we’d be if it happened to us and how a decission like that could be the difference between Your Hopeless League or Champions League qualification or even, but not in L’poo’s case, winning the title.
The biggest problem is, wtf anyones going to do about it. Probably sweet F.A (all puns intended)
I really enjoyed the game on Saturday, hadn’t like that since a game or three beforehand, proper celebration of Mikel’s goal (relief, joy, happiness all mixed up in my vessel) π
Jack and Bacary are back, hoping they can give us the edge at the Old Toilet next Saturday, maybe Arshavin will re-discover the form that gave him his wonder goal there a few seasons back with a start, his cross to Giroud reminded me of his assist for TH12 against Sunderland last season *memories*
And Clattenburg? What a joke… π
Could have been worse, Phil Dowd (who was the fourth official I believe) could have been doing the Liverpool v Everton game yesterday.
Did I mention my starter? A week-old dog poo from the green opposite my house.
Quite… Grim Camberwell. π What did you eat last night? Did you stay longer in the CMC than permitted? π
Last night’s dinner was top notch but I’ll eat anything you suggest if we get the 3 points against the Scum.
The official version of the Chelski complaint about Clattenburg has just been realeased. It reads:
“You can’t use language like that. That’s our captain’s job”.
Drink # 136 now bookmarked for future use. π
And # 143
Heh @ 144
Horses, pigs, cows, chickens, earthworms and tarantulas, Holic. It takes much more than that to lay low a man from the Kingdom. If I’m behind the goal would you advise Fab 4 or JW 10 top? Is there a local that you frequent?
Excellent piece Dr Z. No business meeting in Reading on Tuesday then?
Camberwell – be careful what you wish for. Should we win, please spare us the video. Er… WTF am I saying? We’ll send a bevvy of ‘Holics (copywright bathgooner) directly to Sarf-East London to make sure that you enjoy your woolly and turdy feast.
Ollie – I don’t know what we can do about their 12th man in black plus there’ll be Fergie time at the end of the game, if required, as well. They’re the same thing I suppose. Bloody Manure…. actually, that can be Camberwell’s dessert.
H2H – Heh! Excellent post, right there with you. FA officiating has long been beyond a joke. We’ve been relatively lucky so far this season compared to previous ones. I suspect that might change on Saturday should we be leading by a narrow margin with 15-20 mins to go.
iBtM
In Aldershot on Wednesday which isn’t a million miles away.
Unfortunately, some buffoon decided it was a good idea to keep me in Edinburgh all day tomorrow and start my day at 4:30 am on Wednesday instead of pitching up the night before, and getting some free beers on the Company Account in Reading!
Bitchin’.
Good point TS, I almost forgot we are up against Prospect IOU this weekend.
To all the Gunners in the US East Coast, stay safe! It is just heavy rain and some winds here in Boston, not expected to get any worse here.
Also, if you are in US, you can watch the Reading match on TV on Tuesday evening, not live but just a few hours delayed and hence before the match is posted on Arsenal Player. There is a new channel beIN Sports — I think Qatari owned — that is making big moves in Europe and US football TV market. They now own the rights to show La Liga and Serie A in US and some English football, lower division and league cup, and in a few years expected to fight Fox Soccer for PL-CL rights as well. Anyway, only the Spanish version of the channel is available now in Comcast here in Boston and the English one is expected to arrive in December.
I’m wondering if we should just send Frimpong on for a few minutes at the start?
Get him to take one for the team by properly knacking the Dutch skunk for which he’ll get spit roasted by Fergie+The Ref post game and sent off immediately of course.
We can then try to beat them with ten men using all means fair and foul a la Stoke and Sunderland?
Maybe it’s me who’s been at the CMC for too long?
We have a chance on Saturday. Manure is not that good. They play a leaky defensive strategy. Carrick is not at all covering the back 4. If Santi can get a run at them we will score goals. Wilshere has to play. And theo needs to start on right. We need some pace on the break. And please lord let Gibbs play!
Nice plan TS, but I’d prefer we lose rather then resembling anything close to Sunderland or Stoke.
There are lines that should in no circumstances be crossed. π
TS @ 153 — I think we can win the Man U game without having to resort to Frimponging the ex-captain. :–)
But for that to happen, we need Gibbs back. Or the next best option would be TV5 on the left with Koscielny accompanying Per. That would reduce the attacking potential, but we must avoid the Valencia against Santos calamity. I like Santos, and I think his defensive performance may improve, but even then just at the level of pace that is such a mismatch.
Or, we can play a surprising, unexpected, one-off 3-5-2, with Santos/Gibbs and Sagna as wing backs. That would also help us put additional pressure on the Man U midfield which is really very ordinary at this time, even when Rooney is dropping back, and the Man U wingers would have more defensive duties to worry about.
Looking forward to that, Camberwell.
H2H – Yes, of course. I’ve sobered up now.
Dr.Faustus – Interesting ideas. I have no idea how a 3-5-2 would actually work vs Manure but deploying Santos and Gibbs as wingbacks is a good use of resources. I’m guessing we’ll go for our usual 4-3-3 or maybe 4-6-0. Even for Arsene, tactically out-foxing Old Purple Nose is a BIG ask.
TS – “woolly and turdy feast” and “bloody manure for dessert” – utterly horrid and hilarious at the same time!
We’re fucked;
http://twitter.com/davidschneider/status/262934591281709056/photo/1
If we play Santos at full back on Saturday there could be carnage.
Gibbs fit would be best solution.
If not, I’d play Sagna at left back and get the Corporal back from R ‘n’ R at RB. At least Sagna knows how to play the position, albeit less naturally on the left hand side.
And I wouldn’t have any qualms about someone putting it about a bit on Saturday, particularly in the vicinity of Mr van P.
No more, Mr Nice Guy.
(If you pleeee eee eee ease….)
TS, the actual formation can be more fluid than those static numbers indicates. Anyway, the idea is to aggressively dominate the midfield while not allowing the Man U wingers to run straight at defense on the counter.
Man U’s midfield is shit, Scholes or not, and they are getting by because of the very potent strikers. And to add to that, Man U’s defense is very ordinary too without Vidic, and both Rio and Evra have lost pace. Last few years — last year’s nightmare excluded — Fergie has relied on hard-working midfielders like Park to counter our passing game, and using wingers on the break.
We haven’t played a single pressing game yet in this season. And we can start with Man U. If we constantly harass their midfield and defense then I am confident Santi-Arteta-Poldi on the ball would find enough chances to crate using Giroud’s off the ball movements.
I also like the idea of Theo starting and Sagna-Theo giving Evra a run.
Anyway, if Gibbo is fit I think we will play our standard formation and Poldi will have to help Gibbs out against Valencia.
We can win this one. And I have a feeling we will. π
zico – Even I’m not advocating my favourite Brazilian as a LB at The OT (shock horror).
Sagna + The Corporal or even Kos in the centre with TV5 at LB a la Faustus are prob the best options for a flat back four.
If all else fails, a bit of the old ultra-violent might work wonders. Maybe Bouldie can work his Stoke connections to help? π
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/arsenal-train-ahead-of-reading-pictures
Looks like SZCZ might be back.
True Storey, have some faith π Everyone usually raises their game against worthy opponents.
And even if he`s not a proper defender, we`ll still gain in attack something close to what we lose in defence…. I`d like to see a midfield of Wilshere-Arteta-Cazorla, Poldi up front with Arshavin on the left. I have no clue who to play in the right wing. I`d be very wary of playing someone who`s uncommitted to a new contract and reportedly wants to be the highest paid in this squad.
We could also do Wilshere-Arteta-Ramsey, and put Cazorla on the right wing… I would like that π
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zekzS_wnFqM
H2H, had a good laugh at ur ‘sentiments’ on mark hughes….he must have had it coming heh?
Garguns 101, u spoke well. I love theo, he now oozes class that he rarely show us a glimpse of, but when he does, he fuckin glows…case in point, his last two goals in the league cup.
(Edited by common sense bot)
Kenyan, and everybody, I don’t want to see the first verse of that van Persie song on here, thanks.
Anybody who gives a rendition of that is as bad as the Mancs, Wham, and LWC’s who sing that crap about Arsene.
By all means let the second verse ring out, but we are bigger than the first. It’s an embarrassment.
We can still kick him though, right? π
Wait, what is the second verse?
van P ?
who he ?
My apologies holic, got carried away there
Good evening,all.
Good ideas @165/166.
You’re a cunt, Robin, you’re a cunt. Oh Robin you’re a cunt.
Thanks Kenyan,that was said after a few to many pints last night down the local, watching the c__fest and seeing our old greedy badger tearing up trees for the scum,frustrated to say the least.now the beers worn off I think the wars over regarding young Theo,I think he’s gone either way.
@169
George Michael and Andrew Ridgely sang about Le Boss?
Sorry,couldn’t resist it * coat is picked up*
I feel like we need something a bit more evil than that… Something that would ruin his concentration, make him miss sitters π
Ollie, something tells me we’ll have reasons to sing that on Saturday
Am I the only one feeling confident for Saturday?
We will create chances against them. Their defense is poor.
We’ll have our strongest eleven with Gibbs, Woj, and Ox coming back for the game.
Plus, with all the BS about our defense you’d be inclined to think we conceded 17 or something but in fact we’ve only conceded 6 having played Chelsea, City, and Liverpool.
I’m very confident.
I’m with ye snir I think rio an Evans can be got at,there midfield ain’t great either,no doubt fergie will overload his midfield as ever,hope your right about Gibbs badly need him back.
Right Kenyan,
You heard the Gov. First verse in ma mouth and in MA Belly straight away.
I’ve got the voodoo doll for” pursestrings” all made up. Needles ready. The doll is a bit pidgeon toed and runs like a girl so it has a certain likeness. The fergie doll is drinking whiskey as we speak and the poll is already half way up his ass. Should be fully planted be Saturday.
Snir,
He missed plenty of chances for us on his day. Several last year. The prick.
I think it’s doable, Snir. Although I hear that Mike Dean is the ref.
Seriously.
Ballon dΓr becoming a joke.
Rooney and Balotelli on the shortlist.
H2H, the Ballon d’Or has been a joke ever since Thierry Henry never won it.
On the other hand, they could just as well have put you and me on that shortlist because any player other than Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is just on the list to make up the numbers.
True, Lars.
Heh Lars.
If we’re not on the list next time I’ll make a formal complaint.
If we are on the list I’ll be joining Camberwell in one of his culinary exploits. π
Well you & Camberwell certainly won’t be in the running for a Michelin star any time soon π
The culinary endeavors today are equal to my usual fair as the official trash bin of the Quackeru.
Lunch time calls!
Ollie, if we indeed indeed consume what he suggested then we’d definetly be running somewhere……..
Some pretty interesting comments especially about the meet up, by the time the game was over idint haveany nails as i had bitten them all off, that is how nervy i was. Three points is three points so i will take them and hope for better showing next game.
heh H2H
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From Laws of the Game (see Interpretations and Guidance for Referees, Laws 2008/2009): βAny defending player leaving the field of play for any reason without the refereeβs permission shall be construed to be on his own goal line or touch line for the purposes of offside until the next stoppage of play. If the player leaves the field of play deliberately, he must be cautioned when the ball is next out of play.β So there was an invisible defender on the goal line.
So based on the rules. If the QPR player went out of bounds he is considered to be on the goal line until the next stoppage of play. If you watch the linesman he follows the play all the way to the corner flag and then just stands there thus indicating the last man was on the end line. I think that is what the explanation was to Hughes and he just doesn’t know or agree with the rule. Hahahaha.
Snir,and indeed everybody,i think we will definitely dominate proceedings at Old Toilet,i’m just worried that we might not be clinical enough to make our dominance pay off.
As for songs for RvC,i feel giving him any sort of attention will actually make him play better,i wish we could just suprise him and behave like he’s not on the pitch,by the time he gets around the shock of that,we may have won the game.
Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Nonetheless, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking
back often!