Arsenal Freeze At The Bus Stop And Pay The Price
Jan 20th, 2013 by 'holic
I’m sure the neutrals would have been thrilled by that game, and more than a little mystified how each side dominated one half with apparent ease. Unfortunately we are not neutrals, so the frustration generated by our first-half no show, once again, drills deep into the bones.
We avoided an early penalty scare when Abou Diaby appeared to grab Ramires in the box, and then we flattered to deceive with a great opportunity for Olivier Giroud. Unfortunately the big man dragged his effort narrowly wide. Fifty seconds later we were behind. Control of the ball was lost when Ramires clearly went studs first into Francis Coquelin, and Azpilicueta’s through ball picked out the unmarked Mata for a smart finish.
Ten minutes later it was two when Ramires earned his team a penalty, tumbling theatrically under the challenge of Wojciech Szczesny. Now I have had time to consider it I am not as furious as I was at half-time when the Sky pundits pointed out the dive. I didn’t see it that way at the time so can understand the award. Two wrongs, or in Mister Atkinson’s case many more than two, don’t make a right.
Let me be clear though for those who fail to read what is written when matches are decided by poor refereeing decisions. At half-time it was evident that Chelsea were worth probably more than a two goal advantage, so completely did Mata and Hazard boss the midfield. The word disappointing barely covers our lacklustre ineptitude. If they had gone with Ba rather than the hapless Torres I fear we would have been out of the contest before the break.
Not for the first time though we reappeared a different team, prepared to press, determined to control possession and move the ball forward. Theo Walcott, permanently offside in the opening period it seemed, suddenly started timing his runs better and once again gave Ashley Cole a torrid time. He, Per Mertesacker, and Olivier Giroud all worked Cech as we pushed on relentlessly.
As the hour approached Santi Cazorla produced the perfect through ball and Walcott maintained his impressive scoring record against Chelsea. I don’t mind admitting at this point I thought the equaliser was inevitable, even more than that, but no.
Walcott and Cazorla were both denied before we almost got caught on the break. Szczesny, walking a disciplinary tightrope after his first-half booking, made a clean save in the Bob Wilson style at the feet of Torres. Thereafter the Spaniard made way for Ba who also found himself clear as we pressed forward relentlessly. Thomas Vermaelen produced a skipper’s block, and the string of missed opportunities at the other end continued.
The final whistle signalled a double defeat for us against the Blues this season. That Chelsea looked the better side for three out of the four halves in those two games is hard to deny. What is less easy to understand is how we continually need to recover from a poor opening half. We showed today, if only for forty-five minutes, that we are more than a match for our main rivals. Sadly those rivals, like us, are a million miles away from challenging for the Premier League title.
It is January. We have significant resources behind us. It is plain we need to add some quality, some physicality, an attacking option, a fully-grown holding player, while we can. Are we giving ourselves the best opportunity of a sixteenth consecutive Champions League sojourn? Show us the evidence.
283 Responses to “Arsenal Freeze At The Bus Stop And Pay The Price”
Hot toddy please
Top 4 again. Do I get a trophy?
CL place is a trophy!
Good stuff ‘h.
One slight disagreement, I believe that the ball was already gone when Rameres stood on Le Coq, so basically he squandered the pocession before he was impeaded, but still a foul, so ref should have blown because he was left immobile and unable to atone for his mistake.
On our lack of involvement in the transfer market;
One only has to look at today’s opponant and L’pool, who are now on the same point tally as us, to see that quick decisive additions to your squad can pay dividends. Both brought in strikers, Ba and Sturidge, whom both have had an immeadiate effect.
I’m not saying that we should have bought either of the afore mentioned, it’s just that the window has been open for the best part of three weeks already and we haven’t done a thing. We had absolutly zero options from the bench, yeah I know that Poldi and Ox were sick, but we are supposed to be a top club and a top club really should have more options. A DM and a striker must surely be on the agenda/wishlist, if not, why not?
Wenger confirmed in the post match interview that we are not close to signing anyone at the moment. And it’s the 21st of January. If we ain’t signing anyone can we at least try something else during matches? Like show up for the first half and show some fight from the start?
Wenger said the players have a psychological problem at the moment. And who’s in a position to influence that if not Wenger himself?
watched the penalty a few times now, and i would say it shouldn’t have been given, but it wasn’t a dive either. in fact, i’d say it was pretty clear on the replay that it wasn’t a penalty. it reminded me of the penalty we conceded to bale last season when he dove over the keeper, though that was clearly a dive, and this wasn’t. i really think that video replay should be introduced for exactly these situations.
Excellent stuff holic. I will be back later to read the drinks and to add my two penneth worth. But right now I have an urgent appointment with a leg of pork that I have to attend.
Laters.
Trotter off then, Steve. π
Lagavulin and two Valium please. Perfectly summed up. Sadly watching RVP at the moment I am contemplating the massive gap in class between him and Giroud. I am also musing on how Santi can disappear from games for long periods and what body snatchers have done with Bacary Sagna and where they found this lookalike who is about 10% as good.
Theo and Wilshere gave their all but one wonders if the same person gives the dressing room pre- match talk and the half- time one! We had the same ennui against City and Swansea in the first half but really decent second half efforts. I hope Wenger has options ready to strengthen this side. There are plenty of places he could do it!
H2H@5, great point. This will be the 4th consecutive Transfer Window since our Away fans at Fulham May 2011 sang “Spend Some Fucking Money”. Since then AW has cleared out Cesc, RVP, Nasri, Clichy & Song. Come on Utd, hold off Spurs.
we do need to start actually practicing set pieces. we are terrible at them and have been for a long time now. you could see in the first half a clever set piece by chelsea who pushed cahill in close to the goal for a knockdown to torres i think who swept around the top of the area into a wide open position. i’m sure that opposing teams rarely worry about giving up corners to us because i’m not hopeful when i see them probably because i can only remember us scoring on one of them this year.
Bang on, summary, Holic. This game gave you another opportunity to lapse into clichΓ© land with a game of two halves type guff. Delighted you managed to avoid that and refrain from excessive blame for the hapless man in black.
As the snow fell, the sun certainly didn’t look like shining on Arsenal. I got my pre-match wish and we started with the eleven you’d proposed. But that was tempered by the news that two who were likely to play important impact sub roles were ill. Poldi, Ox – get well soon. We need you.
Would Percy have scored inside five minutes when cleanly through (as Giroud was) YES. Simple, we shouldn’t have sold him? NO (this is a shameless attempt to bring some relevance to my note to Derrick in the last drinks, torpedoed by your earlier than anticipated post) π Drink back, holics.
The sun sunk even lower when (just like the Citeh game) a refereeing error on a foul cost us a non-goal. Then minutes later, a non-penalty made it two. But that’s the way Arsene’s luck is running at the moment.
We were absolutely woeful in the first half. We played like Arsenal in the second half (as I expected we would, despite some strange commentary on the length of my teeth at half time). I expected we’d win this in the second half and frankly, we should have. Insufficient sharpness in front of goal (mirroring the last three games – ALL of which should have been won and by nice margins).
Spuds too are going to go down in a game in which they’ve had more chances to win than Manure. The difference? The Skunk. “Why did we let him go?”, you chorus loudly. Check out that late post in the last drinks for the answer. You know it makes sense π
Ah, Vinny. “Cleared out”. Emotive phrasing. Could be described differently with a more positive mind-set. Keep walking on the sunny side π
Hope you didn’t miss my response to your little query in the previous drinks either π
And just for you Top three, One Trophy and 20 Ollie G goals. π
My Sunday is a blast, the sun is shining in Va, the temperature low 70’s and I’m off to hit some golf balls. A positive internal dialogue and outlook on life really pays dividends. How’s yours?
“It is plain we need to add some quality, some physicality, an attacking option, a fully-grown holding player, while we can.”
Absolutely. i think we’ll see two come in. We’ll hold off on the keeper till summer.
Living in Venice Beach@14,currently 76 degrees & about to ride my bicycle along the beachfront. Life’s good. We just see things very differently when it comes to Arsenal.
Not much to argue with in that report, Holic.
Will stay away from the interweb for a bit. Back later.
Actually, not so sure we do see things very differently. Just express our viewpoints differently – which is why this is such a fine establishment.
Good for you, Vinny and enjoy your day.
You too BTM.
I agree about our set piece fallibility in defence and impotence when attacking. If you want to get really scared just look at our defence at a corner — ‘zonally marking’! Oh Yeah? We just have five or six of the ( unmarked and unpicked- up ) opposition flying in at us one of whom will get a free header. Terrifying.
I can only think Bouldy has been nowhere near that defence.
BtM.
Love reading your stuff, so did a back drink.
Where I disagree with yo is your classification of RvP as a player with “a doubtful fitness record”. Diaby would fall into that catergory, but I( don’t think you can compare the two. RvP is as strong as ann ox, he was unlucky with injuries, some occuring from very bad tackles, but all his injuries were in different parts of his anatomy. Diaby is a porceline bull, one knock away from a seaon out. His misfortune stems from one major injury and all his niggles stem from there, he is the quintesential player with a doubtful fitness record. Ofcourse, that said, any player can get injured, so however anyone wants to slice it, the 70mil that you quote will always be a gamble, no matter who it was spent on, but if RvP’s goals bring them the title then that is moneu well spent.
Why? Well because in countries like Indonisia (for continuality ;)) there will be hundreds of newly acquired fans running around on the streets of Jakarta with their brand spanking new Red Devil shirts with a Dutch name on the back. These kids in the devolping countries care not a jot that we are a well run club, nor do they care that others are financed with ill gotten gains or flaunt in the face of the FFP, no, all they care about is being associated with winners and this is what is baffling to me about our current regime.
Financial preduence is a sound policy and the self sustaining method is great……….. until it’s not. Our model, no matter what anyone says, is based on CL qualification, take that out of the equation and we will not be so self sustaining anymore. With all the comercialisation, sponsership, new deals and what not it seems to me that many at the club have lost sight of what the real goal of Arsenal should be, the real business of Arsenal is football, if we don’t do the business on the pitch, then we won’t be able to do the business off it either.
Selling our best assists and failing to invest in proper reinforcements will bring us down on and off the pitch, it’s already happening, it wasn’t even Christmas when we were already writing off the league, that’s not good management, in fact it borders on incompetance. So no PL winners medal this year and a shit load less shirts will be sold. Don’t believe me? If you’re in Bali, bring a suitcase full of RvP shirts and OG ones, see how many of each you can shift. π
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This is not a doomer post born out of anything I’ve seen today, I’m mostly very optimistic and hope we will prevail, but I’m also a fully paid member (cheques in the mail mate) of the Steve T “are we being the best we can be”, clan.
For what it’s worth, I don’t think we are.
Just finished watching Spurs Mancs. Rough ending; yes, DeGea needed a stronger punch or a catch, but he did make the saves from point blank shots that had kept the sheet clean.
Rotation, rotation, rotation…..Can we honestly say that Mancs have better players than everyone else? At the crucial point of attack, with RVPonce, yeah. But you see people like a Jones and a Cleverly come in and put in a shift and it points out how vital rotating the troops can be. For example, why hadn’t a Coquelin been sprinkled in to the starting lineup in league matches such as Southampton away, instead of wearing out Arteta? Why hasn’t Jenkinson been given a sniff recently? Silence on Rosicky…..
‘holic, your requests for signings and their respective positions is spot on, but a lot better use of the squad is in order as well.
Played ‘h.
up the arse
23 Bayonne Jean
Very good points.
btm@14, quoting another poster: βCleared outβ. Emotive phrasing.
Praise the Lord! I was beginning to become convinced that I imagining that all the “clever” quotes that get chucked about here might have some effect on thinking. I’ve taken to pointing them out, in my own, clumsy way.
Please, please, drinkers, think before you start to pepper your comments with references to “super quality” and “like a new signing”. If you want to criticise the present manager, then by all means use the terms – you might like to consider making constructive suggestions as well – if you want to be supportive, then please don’t.
Incidentally, I don’t consider “Spend some f*cking money” to be a constructive suggestion. To qualify for that you should so how the money should be spent. The last potential signing I recall the collective wisdom of this place getting was Nuri Sahin. ‘Nuff said?
H2H @ 23.
11 out of 10. Absolutely spot on.
H2H @22 – spot on post.
Sorry. At 22. Has someone been deleted or can I not count?
We just laid back in the first half. Jack must have waved the other midfielders to press the ball a half a dozen times as we were getting steam-rolled.
Quite simply we weren’t ready to play and I have no idea why. If Arsene was able to inspire the troops at halftime he could have done it before the match as well.
You can’t count Steve π
Nothing new there then, Holic. π I’ve seen the same thing happen with his counting when it comes to “Is it my round yet” π
Sorry, Steve.
Oxon Gooner- you are quite right I was at Fulham when that chant started and it is so ignorant to suggest that throwing cash at new signings is the only answer. Many of our deficiencies at present are down to lack of attention to things like marking,pressing and shooting.
That said and without wishing to play Championship Manager we do need reinforcements. Our bench today looked very weak. I would suggest the following:
A defensive midfielder who can break up opposition attacks and give some protection to the back four.
I’m told Capoue is excellent but hotheaded, Wanyama at Celtic has great potential and was superb against Barcelona and if we were really ambitious De Rossi and Fellaini are superb midfielders but very expensive.Another option is Mbia at QPR but would they sell now?
We also must get another striker and we need to look at being pragmatic this window as we are unlikely to get a marquee signing even if we had the will to spend the necessary cash. Demba Ba would have been exactly that sort of signing. Frankly Giroud is not good enough to be given the protection that Wenger suggests for signings he does not want to kill. My suggestions would be to put clubs with financial problems under pressure. I suspect that gives us a choice of Lopes, Jelavic or the Benfica player Cardoso who is a regular scorer. Lewandowski is probably out of our reach and Llorente is on his way to Juve apparently.A new striker needs to be quick,reasonably strong so he can hold the ball up and a regular scorer.
I would also try to sign an experienced goalkeeper who could understudy Chesney should he lose form or be injured. Surely Schwarzer is now within reach?
That’s probably enough to blow a Wenger gasket but MBiwa seems versatile enough to cover Gibbs or the centre backs . It’s impossible to cost that accurately but I’d guess we could sign that lot for about Β£35 million in fees and hopefully ship out Squillaci,Denilson finally, Arshavin and Santos thus saving on the wage bill.
Hopefully those are constructive suggestions.
Giroud is not good enough to be given the protection that Wenger suggests for signings he does not want to kill
Totally agree with this – he has got some qualities, but is far too slow and nowhere near clinical enough, in my opinion. The chance he missed early doors – he should at least have had Cech making a save. He is also a bit of a pussy – for a big guy he does not put himself about nearly enough, for my liking.
Another striker, preferably with a bit of pace, is a must.
Constructive suggestions, certainly TTG, but I fear that three signings is too many to hold out realistic hopes for in the course of ten days.
I also have more than a sneaking suspicion that if it were feasible to ship out Squillaci, Denilson, Arshavin and Santos, we would have done so by now.
Been thinking a bit about this torpor and lethargy that we seem to bring to games, particularly in the first half.
Last week, the first half funk was blamed on the players being “frightened”, the poor lambs.
But this is not a new phenomenon.
We have heard “hand brake”, “not focused” “a little bit timid….” etc. It happens far too frequently and I would suggest that the second half performances have probably more to do with the players having a good old dressing room barney (verbal) than anything Wenger and Co is saying. Whatever they are saying, and whoever is saying it, needs to start testing it out before the first half starts.
And to agree with a number of posters above, and in the last set of drinks, our set pieces, corners in particular are tragically inept at the moment. We never seem to see anyone attacking the ball with any venom, just floated crosses that invariably end up in the keeper’s hands.
I’m grumpy as hell tonight. Lost my place in my 7 a side game due to travelling to the Grove last night. Arsenal, bloody Arsenal. π
last night = last week π³
Nice summary Holic.
Deeply disappointing first half. It really sucks when we look second best to these vermin.
Did the bus with the bollocks get held up in the snow so they were missing until half time?
What is the matter with this team?
So much individual potential so little resolve until the fan has been covered with shit.
We deserved something out of that game but we haven’t yet got the squad to ensure that we get it.
Needs sorted. Not simple though.
Excellent response, H2H. The differences in our positions are very subtle, I think.
On Van Persie’s fitness, no argument from me. He said at the height of his powers last season that he’d “never been stronger”. My comment in the previous note was really intended more to focus on the retribution that would have come Arsene’s way had he kept Van Persie and had he been injured. (Only two seasons ago, many of our patrons here were vocal about getting rid of Robin as his “glass fetlock” was a liability, an accident waiting to happen).
And I’m with you too on the fact that the primary product at Arsenal is the football. Unlike most, despite the trophy drought, I’ve been VERY happy with what’s been served up. Honestly, I have. I don’t watch the Gunners only to see them win.
Can it be better? YES. But to get it better, we need to be able to 1. Attract and 2. Retain world class players. And that is where (short of a sugar daddy – Chel$ki, Citeh), the football product becomes directly consequent to business acumen and business success. The two are intimately and inextricably linked. And right now, Arsenal’s businessmen are far off the pace of the only top four team in England that does’t just buy success with sugar-daddy money.
But that horse (business) needs, these days more than ever, to come before the cart if Arsenal are to compete with Manure. (I discount Chel$ki and Shitty from this discussion. Manure have achieved DESPITE shitheap owners. Can you imagine what they might have been with Mansour’s money?)
I hate to see us sell of our best assets. I would love to have Cesc, Robin, Cole, Song, Nasri, Adebayor, Hleb (in that order) at the Grove still. My wife would love to have a Ferrari Dino, a mink stole, a Faberger egg, and 40 carat diamond ring. And I’d love her to have them. But just like Arsenal, I have a small problem of insufficient financial liquidity to balance my books. (I must admit I’m a bit concerned that there may be a sugar daddy waiting round the corner with a Dino, mind you) π
Van Persie and Nasri left because Arsenal could not (yet) find the wherewithal to pay them 200k and 250k per week salaries in addition to multi-M signing on fees. Arsenal MUST find a way to be able to afford to do that before Wilshere and co become ripe for picking. But that won’t come by saying we must play better football. It will come by building an income stream that can ONLY come from better business (Sponsorships, TV, Gate). And yes, Steve, that will see us do things like go to Indonesia when Arsene would rather be at camp in Austria,
I debate shirts frequently (it’s a common theme) – “We bought Van Persie last week and he’s paid off already because we sold a squillion shirts”. I agree that winners move shirts. I think that most of these squillion shirts would be bought anyway by real fans and wannabes. It’s not a big ticket item (for the club) and I know you weren’t positioning it that way.
On Diaby, amen brother. There isn’t a single day goes by when I wish it was other. Hey – I’m encouraged that he’s started three games on the trot!
I need to go and pick Her Nellieness up at the airport……and so two weeks of gay bachelordom sink into the sun.
Keep walking on the sunny side when it shines over there in the lowlands. π
Its still January. We’ve got 4 more months of footy to play for. FA Cup – Champs League and like 15 more games to go in the league?
Fingers crossed. Get the shooting boots back on, stop wasting them chances when we make them.
@22 H2H
It’s Indonesia π just saying
AW: “We cannot afford to drop points any more if we want to be in the top four. This was very similar to last week. The team has fantastic quality and spirit but we only come into the game when we’re 2-0 down. At the moment, that’s worrying. In the big games, once you start 2-0 down, it’s very difficult.”
LG: “No shit.”
BMBD
Evening All
I full accept that the ref should have blown for a foul on Le Coq and yet again a dubious pen was given against us BUT individual errors by Diaby and Sagna gave Chelski their goal scoring opportunities, which they took.We on the other hand spurned our chances and although we turned up in the second half and Feo got one back, we were left with too much to do.
In the first half we were over-run in midfield and our two full backs had a torrid time, getting caught out of position. Why it takes 45mins and a goal or more behind, before we turn up, is a mystery.
Diaby appeared to be suffering from playing 3 games in a week. On the positive side, I thought Le Coq had a very good game and there was another encouraging cameo from Ramsey. Jack gave everything he had and TV5 needed to show us that he is back to his best.
We can all see our deficiencies,the signing of a class goal scorer and a DMF are musts to give us options. Today’s bench was threadbare due to sickness and injuries. Arsene, please do something about it, NOW!
Those of you who braved the weather, at the game today, have my admiration. We have Artic conditions here in darkest West Norfolk and I didn’t venture out.
Catch the Valencia/RM game, Madrid are 5-0 up at half-time, it’s a real treat.
As always COYRs
Cheers BtM.
I’ll be looking forward to that sun thingy you refer to here in the Lowlands, it’s min 8 at the moment, I’ll definetly take a walk, being careful not to trip over all the folk worshiping that strange giant object in the sky. π
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I think Giroud will come good, but only if he gets a decent run of games under his belt. I haven’t really noticed that he was too slow, even if he is, I think he’s positionaly smart (like Per) enough to not make it a major flaw. Give him and Theo a bit of time and they could florish, plus work on the quality of balls into the box, then he may get more opportunities to shine. His touch and hold up play is pretty decent.
ape03.
I am to spelling what John Terry is to fidelity. π
Unlucky loss I would call it.
The team just needs exorcism of their first half demons. Only then can we achieve the much needed consistency.
I am optimistic this will happen in the next few weeks though.
Oh!
And a nice report by the master himself.
Kudos.
Bac is really struggling and itβs heart wrenching to witness as heβs been one of the true soldiers for so long. His crossing is atrocious. In the Swansea game it was interesting to see him switch the ball to his left foot and produce better crosses than with his supposedly stronger right foot. Well,at least his left footed crosses didnβt hit the first defender. I think itβs time to give Jenks a run and rest Bac. Jenks crossing would benefit Giroud. By the way, despite providing the assist for Theo’s goal, I think Santi was poor today. Nevertheless, let’s get the three points against West Ham and beat Brighton in the Cup.
First half motivation is let’s say none existent why do these players need a bollocking at half time to tell them they can play better?
We looked below par and this is certainly not the first time it has happened this season. We didn’t press the ball at all, the space and time in which we allowed Chelski to pass the ball was simply not good enough for this league. Good example for this was the Swansea games we pressed them long ball and they score. Today we didn’t press them and they easily got out of their half and created chances that the nearly converted.
Two soft goals even there was a foul on Conq, I have never liked Ramires but any player would have probably done the same in his boots and if it was them on the receiving end we would NOT give a toss would we now?
Please don’t get me started on Atkinson Jesus where do you begin? It took him four fouls to get Cashley finally booked, it’s a shame football is still suffering from the incompetence from the man with the whistle. However saying this we should have not concede the first so easily.
I’m sorry but I don’t see us buying anyone in this transfer Window perhaps Arshavin will get the nod now more often after all he hasn’t played a game in long time.
Another in a seemingly endless line of big weeks coming up for the club.
The midweek game is a must win, Brighton is a must not lose (please rest some players) and what happens off the pitch seems likely to me to dictate our finishing spot in the league.
It is quite obvious to all that we need some reinforcements. And it feels increasingly likely that they will not arrive this window.
I like the young players we now have in the squad and hope that Coquelin can be added to the Ramsey, Wilshere, Ox, Gibbs, Jenks list of future legends. What we need is a few more wise old heads to help guide them along until they’re ready to really shine. I hope to god that said old heads start to materialise in the next ten days, but I will not hold my breath.
Onwards and upwards.
COYG
BtM: ‘GAY bachelordom’ ….does your wife know? π
βI donβt think the current team have the same strong characters Arsenal once had. They have very good footballers for sure, but they need leaders. And not just one – you need five leaders up and down the pitch. The board have to help Wenger. They need to invest.β
Sol Campbell.
I posted this in the last set of drinks and for me it sums up exactly one of the reasons where it is going wrong. We have not had any true leaders for years now and there is only so long that you can go on.
Many have alluded to the undesired loss of certain players. All have stated that they wish they had all stayed. Many have stated that their loss is down to the vast rewards on offer elsewhere. All very valid points I must say. But I would ask just one thing. These sales have richly enhanced the bank balance of the club. If players donβt want to be here then my view has always been, thereβs the door. Make sure you close it on the way out. But, if we have not become a selling club, why have they not been replaced? At this stage last year RVP had 19 goals. Ollie G has 9.
Now I am quite happy with Giroud. I think he can be a real asset to the club. But as Zico says, he needs someone alongside him. RVP perhaps? After all, we were told that he had been bought to compliment and not replace him? If you do not replace the talent then it is a slippery slope.
AW after the game has stated that he is not sure if we will get a top 4 finish? Not sure? Letβs be honest, itβs time to take those heads out of the sand. There is every possibility that we will not make top 4. As others have stated many of our financial deals may well require us to play Champions League football. No Champions League means not only a big drop in revenue but it also makes it increasingly difficult to sign the quality that is required. Then as H2H states above, we then become less attractive in the foreign markets. Even the Arsenal mad Indonesians may well seek solace elsewhere?????
The next 11 days could well have a massive affect on where we go as a club. Where we end up playing all of our football next season and who is playing it. Dare I also suggest that it may well have an affect on who is actually picking the team? Yes, for me it is that important.
I have nothing more to add re todayβs game. We all know what went wrong. Two very poor decisions do not mask the frailties that have cost us more than once this season.
West Ham on Wednesday night. How important is that one now?????
I had (another) dream … That we are pipped for Premier League 4th by the neighbours, but win the CL … and if you think you’ve read this dream before it now has a coda … we beat Man U in the final, RvP and all. Dream on Oskar…
Plenty more chances today, but still only one goal. We could have been one up, but went one down almost immediately. More blind refereeing of course, Coq was fouled right in front of Atkinson ffs. But still no excuse for why Sagna was MIA gifting Wossa the opportunity. Wossa who, but for AW refusing to go a measly extra 2 mil, could have been ours (to be fair, we probably wouldn’t have Santi if we’d signed Mata … although I know which I’d prefer right now.).
Apropos Sagna, enough is enough, it’s time for Jenks. A couple of games past time in fact, we are leaking way too many chances down the right edge.
If I remember right Sagna was also nowhere to be seen defending what resulted in their second goal. Having studied the pen in slo-mo I believe Ramires just made a meal of what Sir Ches offered him on a plate (as would anyone in the same position). A clear foul, imo, by a keeper naively going in feet first and lucky not to see red since he was clearly last player.
Nice finish by Walcott, but Giroud should be doing better. I wish it was the other way round frankly, cos all things being equal a big CF is worth more than a small one in my book. Then again Toshack and Keegan were the ideal striking combo, imo, but Giroud is no Toshack and Walcott no Keegan … yet.
Overall I thought I was watching the Swansea game again, and seeing exactly what could have happened had the Swans scored in the first half, which was more than possible. For all the second half brilliance in both we could have lost both. Not good enough.
Oskar
OK β so my 1st go at βthe drinksβ so go easy β¦ Great blog as usual β but hereβs my two bobs worth.
No doubt it was two poor decisions for their goals β clear foul for the 1st and a clear dive for the pen, but as you say Chel$ki were well worth 2-0 (at least) at half time.
For me itβs the lack of presence, or metal, or grunt, or call it what you want in midfield β I donβt even think we missed Arteta today cos heβs not the guy for that role β Diaby looks the part but FFS !!!??
With the ball Arsenal still look capable especially JW and Santi – if Giroud had a ruthless streak it could have been a lot different (not seen enough of him but he looks a wee bit like a rabbit it the headlights)
Theo ?? 100K p/w for standing 2 yards off-side ?? β once or twice fair enough but again and again .. FFS? β great finish for the goal though.
Big problem at the right side of defence β somebody needs to introduce the BFG to Bacary Sangna as there is a total disconnect between the two β¦ they are miles apart – time and again – and other teams know it.
Anyways β onward and upwards β the support sounded great on TV and looking forward to being part of it in Brighton next week !
Steve T
Spot on post.
I cannot for the life of me understand why we would refrain from adding to the squad this window when the risk of finishing outside the top four is material, and the costs of failing to do so could be extensive.
Surely we must be able to scrabble up some cash from somewhere? It feels a bit like failing to fix a leak in your roof, knowing full well that come winter there’s a good chance that the neglect will cause the whole thing to collapse.
I hope the boss has an ace or two up his sleeve. We could seriously do with them right now. I, for one, am not comfortable with simply hoping that the LWCs find a way to collapse once again.
For the last few seasons I’ve thought the CL was the be all and end all I was under the misguided impression by being in it we may keep hold of our best players and heaven forbid may actually strengthen with the money, We’ve had no hope of winning it since the days of the 3 musketeers (God I hope they prove me wrong this year) But let’s be honest we won’t buy top top quality and weve run out of top top quality to sell Bar Jack so what’s the big deal π
Mbiwa is apparently having a medical at Newcastle tomorrow.
Another one off the list, although I’m not convinced he had the “super, super quality” we need,
Spot on post. Its all been said of course. Those questioning the validity of Chelseas goals miss the point that we were absolutley played off the park in the first 45 minutes. I simply cannot understand how top pro’s who are primed all week for the big game,and paid fortunes to deliver, cant get out of the blocks until half time. Two weeks ago AW said we could win the league for Gods sake. Now he wonders if we can make the top four. Over twenty points behind the dark forces in Mancunia and still half a season to play.Three weeks into the window and the only thing rolling into the emirates is tumbleweed. Some very difficult games coming up and confidence amongst fans is evapourating like a puddle at Ayers Rock. (I leave BTM out of that generalisation). We have the most erudite and articulate manager in the world but he currently seems incapable of recognizing truths that slap the rest of us in the face.Tell the ball boys to look down the back of every sofa in the stadium and for fucks sake lets spend some fucking money before its too late.
Here’s a thought. With the money we got for RVP we could have bought Sturridge and Ba. The only problem we would have is what to do with the 5 million change.
Fully agreed N7 and Steve T, there is no prudence without foresightedness. Penny wise pound foolish and all that …
Some have rightly mentioned that spending money for its own sake is rather foolish as well. And I agree with that too.
However, it has started to feel like that the club’s establishment is almost playing a game-of-dare against the footballing gods…the tightrope walking has become an addiction of sorts.
We are being predictable risk-averse where being a little bit more courageous and assertive is called for (on-field tactics and strategies) ; and we are now gambling where making a few safer ‘average’ decisions to ensure squad depth would be immensely helpful.
Arsene Wenger of even 3-4 years earlier would have taken for this match — in absence of Ox and Poldi — someone like Gnabry or Eisfield and would have tried them out towards the end of this match. They would have more reason to fight — as Coq had shown — than someone like Arshavin who has checked out for a while now.
And almost as a compensation for the lack of courage in that respect we go into the season without a single first choice DM in a team where the full-backs share the attacking responsibilities.
Venice Beach?
Stinks of piss, and populated by cunts.
Bargain Bucket please Vinny.
Holic, top report mate, always a difficult one to call, when it is such a game of two halves, but you got it right Sir, as always.
Hate losing to those cunts.
@43 – Delia says it best!
Geoff, I’m trying to keep it quiet – careful, she reads Goonerholic π
N7 – fear not. Two new players by the time the window slams shut. Coquelin had a very fine game today. We have a very talented squad.
I wonder if Vinny has ever torn himself away from the “muscle beach gym” to actually watch Arsenal?
Probably not, the silly cunt.
Chop chop Vinny, that Chicken aint gonna wrap itself in Colonel Saunders secret recipe all by itself is it.
And there was me thinking that silly old Vinny had actually been to a game.
What
a
cunt.
Evening BtM, top work fella.
All of which is fair, but isn’t the saddest thing that we just didn’t/couldn’t pay RVP enough money to stay? Who are we looking for in the window? A striker? we had the best in the world. A Song-like midfielder? oops.
It is just so sad that we had the team to win the league this year before we let those two go, and then let it slip so obviously away… how many goals does RVP need to score before that sale is seen as the dagger that it was? rather than give stan 24 mil to put in his pocket, even if we had just kept him on ice for a year, would that not have been more correct? oh well. at least wilshere and woj have what you can get behind… and if bayern and brighton can be beat… COYG!
Well written Holic, watched the game in the Tollie, tried of seeing us go 2-0 down before Half-Time, not befitting of the Arsenal, or the Arsenal that has been left behind with the times. Its like during the Swansea replay game, Wenger brought on 1 sub in the 90 mins, Laudrup brought on three even with extra-time looming. You can rightfully call that decision experience (it was) and this isn’t a call for a swap in Managers or a change at all but I’m just saying that the Wenger of old would have gone for the win in 90 mins.
I think all these prevailing player and financial situations along with having no soundboard/confidant has taken away Wenger’s drive during a match. Reminiscent of a lion, once the unquestioned leader of the pride being forced out by a younger, stronger lion except this new lion is the changing times of the Premier League, and like a maelstrom, its sweeping Wenger along, and he’s got no-one to anchor himself to. π
Saddens me also to say this, but along with Andrey Arshavin (just didn’t want to admit it), I think Bacary Sagna is done at the top-level. Can’t keep the left back with the ball or without it (crossing it), the double leg-break really seems to have done him in. Bring in Carl Jenkinson.
Oh yeah, Ramires is a diving little toerag.
Been on the sauce Tabs???????????
Isn’t the saddest thing of all that a player required Β£1 million a month just to stay at the club that stood with him through thick and thin?
On that note, bed.
Any excuse to have a go at silly sausage Vinny, Steve π
My guess is that a few of them will not be there in the morning???
Just saying.
π
Good post, ‘Holic. If we could play matches where there were only second halves we’d be fine.
Wind @ 67, I too am saddened too by the extent to which Bacs game has declined. In most of the last six games he’s been badly out of position and has been unable to recover; has given the ball away carelessly and his crossing, never brilliant in the past, has worsened. He looks like he needs a breather.
I’m surprised that Arsene hasn’t given the Corporal a run. He had begun to look very good prior to Sagna’s return. No one goes on for ever. Two broken legs are not the best recipe for an extended career when a player’s key asset is his speed. Right now, anything more than a one year contract extension looks doubtful to me.
Sturridge and Ba, Steve T (#59)? If he wasn’t so ageist I suggest AW could probably have got Dimitar Berbatov thrown in for nix and we could have bought Fellaini and STILL had 5 million change…
As the great Russian ballerina Tumbelova once put it so eloquently … ΠΠΎΠΈ ΡΠΌΠ΅ Π½ΠΈΠ΅? ΠΠ°ΡΠΎ ΡΠΌΠ΅ ΡΡΠΊ? ΠΡΠ΄Π΅ ΠΎΡΠΈΠ²Π°ΠΌΠ΅? Π₯ΠΎΡΠΈΡΠ΅ ΠΏΠΎΡΠ°Π½ΡΠ΅Π²Π°ΡΡ?
Oskar
Sagna has been poor, yes. But much of that is due to the fact that Theo provides him zero help on that flank when we don’t have the ball
Good post Holic
Whatever talk AW is giving at half time needs to be said at the start of games! Too often have we come out like it is another training session with nothing to lose. We showed how well we can play in that second half, some great fluid football, but why does it take 45 mins before we can do that. Change the training regime! Go hard and fast at the start!
On the transfer front, I am completely over this whole leave it til the last minute and keep it secretive shite! Bring some players to the club and show the rest of the world that we can still attract big name players. Keep the paying fans happy and show us that you mean business AW.
It is too unbearable to watch this arsenal team I decided not to watch any more Arsenal match until we have a new manager. I want manager who can inspire player.
Gents, a little decorum please.
Thanks.
we have a very fragile side. and to top that we have no squad depth. when was the last time sagna managed to run past the opposition and deliver a cross into a dangerous area? none of his teammates even bothers to run into the box knowing fully well it wont beat the first line defence.
and gibbs? his crosses are so powder puff you would have to be the incredible hulk to generate some pace into the header.
wenger needs to sort this out quickly. we are a laughing stock in london. frustrating.
Cheers for the blog mate, cant argue with any of it really. And good drink from the Big Yin at 54. Good to get another’s perspective. I had n’t really picked up on the BFG/Sagna thing, but its true. We looked a whole lot more solid down that side when it was a BFG/Corporal Jenks combination. I would play Bac, because he certainly offers more going forward, but some work on the defensive side of things need to be done on the training pitch. Which it can be, cant it?
Small matter of the those cheerful cockerney east end murdering bastards on Wednesday, then its Brighton here we come!
Not a real Arsenal fan then, A HK Gooner (#78)? Perhaps you should change the nick to ‘Goner’, whaddya reckon?
Oskar (true supporter since 1950)
Okay, make that #77 … You can’t turn round here without drinks disappearing, it’s like a Courtenay Place (Wellington) pub on a Friday night!
Oskar
Vinny, it obviously escaped your attention that I asked for gents, plural, to behave as others do here. Your vulgar slur is the sort of thing I won’t have here. Think it as unfair as you like.
Morning Esso, good to have big Ian around as well.
BTM @ 73, can’t find anything to disagree with over Sagna π
Hoping Jenks can come in from Wednesday, for both of their sakes.
Cheers, ‘holic. Good write-up as usual.
Let’s sign someone who can make a difference.
Apparently Newcastle have offered 750k⬠for Gouffran.
Ridiculous price but he’s out of contract at the end of the season.
Morning all
I see itΒ΄s been feisty in here.
I understand the reasons, but prefer not to make my Monday worse than it already is, so will settle for reading HolicΒ΄s succint summary, and try to get my karma back onto something more healthy than yesterday.
A pint for all the regulars…..
Haven’t back-dunk much yet but here are a few thoughts after what was (in footballing terms, of course) a very, very hurtful loss for me.
Arsene has once again said our problems are primarily mental (that’s my interpretation of it, anyway) and to me that sounds about right. I did a lot of thinking after the game yesterday and I think that this is a team where too many players are in a state of feeling sorry for themselves. This must end and end very soon.
I don’t think it is a mystery at all that we too often only turn up when we are a goal or two down. What happens is that in those situations we don’t have much too lose anymore and the inhibitions (“the handbrake”) are forgotten because we’ve got ourselves a “good” excuse, i.e. “well we gave it a proper go but you know, it’s difficult when you are 2-0 down”.
Now, it is of course incredibly difficult to tell for sure as an outsider, but it is my distinct impression that save for a few players (Jack, Szczesny, Gibbs and Mertesacker primarily) Arsene must address the mental side of things. This has always been the one point where I have felt that Arsene has never really been getting it right apart from the 03/04 season. But even that team totally lost it for a while after Rooney’s dive at Old Trafford.
Where we are as a club right now is that we are in a sort of decline, and most of what is written about us is negatively slanted. Clubs like Liverpool and Tottenham are seen as “on the up” and get mostly positive press. The same goes for us fans, we see anything but a win as two lost points whereas fans of Spurs and Liverpool see it rather differently. This certainly goes for the players as well, but the only ones who can do anything about their situation are the players themselves. Well, that’s not entirely true, us fans can be supportive for the 90 minutes but by and large I think we also are. I haven’t heard much negativity at all for any of the five games I’ve been to this season and didn’t hear much for the six I went to last season either. Anyway, what the players have to do is to stop looking at finishing in the top four or the top six or whatever. We must look at the next game and the next game only until there are no more games to play and then lift our heads and see where we are.
There are three points to be won in each league game, and from now on in every game is a cup final. Forget about feeling sorry for yourselves, think about what you are good at, remember that YOU as a player have the power to make a positive change to every situation, remember to want to win more than you fear to lose, take the responsibility that you have the chance to take, take the chance to inspire team mates and fans alike, remember to feel the joy of playing, stay focused for every pass or run or shot or whatever, make sure that after the game you can say that you gave everything you had in every situation, think of the sweetness of a win and work to achieve it.
For my part I am now off to try and defeat a healthy helping of spaghetti bolognese. I think I stand a good chance of winning this one.
Apologies ‘H.
My fault completely.
Tabs fair play to you he deserved that having a pop all dayhe was.the only thing I would give out about u coming in and jumping the que for zinger burgers π fooking gas
What worries me is the fact that the learned observers in this fine bar are not all pointing to the same problems; many agree on certain things that need to happen to improve; some disagree. What I’m trying to say is, everybody agrees on something at least. If a poster raised a point that everyone disagreed with, you could safely dismiss it, but that isn’t happening.
Let me illustrate my cryptic ramblings.
Having back drunk today’s offerings thoroughly, the following is a list of things people feel we need to improve: corners, set pieces, pressing, attacking at pace, not getting caught out of position, starting games well, defending, mentality/psychology, squad depth.
If you disagree that “spending some bloomin’ money” (just a bit) isn’t the answer, then what needs to happen? Better coaching on defence, better coaching on pressing, some more squad rotation?
I love the positivity in this place and I’m an optimistic person but I never hoped for a signing in this window (pleasantly surprised we kept Theo though) and part of me knew we wouldn’t get a result yesterday.
I don’t want to say “See? Told you!”, I want a sign that something is being done to address our issues but on concrete evidence, nothing much appears to be changing (apart from our form: not bad before Christmas, abysmal now).
I don’t feel qualified to say I know the solution; there are far wiser heads in here who can do that. But I’ve (rather long-windedly) summarised what I see at this moment in time and I don’t see too many positives today.
Just a quick point to note: four of our next five league games are at home. Three of the LWCs’ next four league games are away.
Immediately following the above sequence, we play each other.
Time for us to be putting a run together.
N7: indeed it is. This run of games is to a rather large extent Last Chance Saloon. Last year at this time we went on a seven-win streak, lost one and then won two more and it will take something similar this season for us to make the CL spots. The gap is slightly smaller this season, but apparently (and I am surprised that this hasn’t been mentioned more often, wish someone could have told me sooner) we don’t have Robin van Persie up front anymore.
What Lars said.
I’m starting to think that our best bet here might be to start a campaign to have Andre Villas-Boas appointed England manager.
OK then, might as well start knocking it about, obviously noone’s interested in the century…
‘Afternoon all
Another fair and accurate summary from our Barman. “Show us the evidence” indeed.
Like Lars, I am somewhat peed off at losing to that bunch of c u next Tuesdays but am, unfortunately, becoming resigned to the fact of where we are and what we are likely to achieve this season.
What’s annoying to me is that, had we decided to play 90 minutes of football, I genuinely believe that we would have shared the points at a very minimum. When we decide to play, we’re as good as anybody in The Prem.
Lars is spot on again when he says the players need to lead the charge in terms of turning this situation around.
I have already mentioned several times in previous posts my thoughts on the management of our club and so don’t feel the need to regurgitate that at this point in time.
Top drinking from Esso @ #80 and Ian @ #54 especially the well observed point about Bac & Per. Surely a little head-banging encouragement courtesy of Mr.Bould could help resolve that situation?
As Esso says, bring on those mudering b’stards from the East End. It’s yet another must win game for The Arse and we need to go head-hunting for a big blubbery walrus.
COYRRRs!
Lays on a perfect assist….
Bang
Can someone please smuggle Lars into the dressing room to do the pre match motivation speech.
Tekkers @ N7 π
*Pulls shirt over head to reveal “No ref likes us, we don’t care” t-shirt*
*Airplanes over to the corner flag*
*Produces crumpled 100k a week contract from inside one shinpad, fountain pen from inside the other*
*Signs da ting*
*Looks forward to smug post-match interview*
Respect to True Storey for that Cazorla-esque through ball.
Well in N7 and HEH
Reflected at N7 for the Walcottian finish and celebrations.
Told you before why you should never say sorry TaBS π
Hello ‘Holic. How’s the freeze in the West Country?
Heh@N7 and well in!
H2H@101: that would be a really interesting thing to do, I am of course under no illusions that I really could make a difference but it would be interesting nonetheless π
Windchill in Minneapolis today of 25 below zero Fahrenheit and my 8 year old daughter wants to go skiing with her day off from school. The windchill chart says you can survive for 10 minutes in this weather before frostbite sets in. What is the responsible thing to do as a parent? If only Arsenal had beaten Chelsea I would say the answer is to set her in front of the telly and watch the replay of the game instead of going skiing ..
Re: N7 @103. That’s the proper attitude. π As you were mate.
Which part of Swindon do you live in Guv? “West Country”?! More like “West Midlands” from what I remember of Swindon.
Just saying… π
And a big welcome to big Ian. Apart from the guvnor, everyone in here seems to be ignoring you. The only excuse for their boorish behaviour is that aparently there was a “football match” or something yesterday and it seems to have distracted them. Get yourself a drink from the bar. If anyone asks, tell them Lars sent you.
COYG
Well in and heh N7.
He’s Big Yin, Oxon π
Oxon @ #112
Read my post @ #98 regarding our newest poster before you tar me with the ‘boorish brush’.
Thanking you.
Oxon, I live in the province of Noord Holland, the homeland of the Boors, or Boers as they are refered to here, but, you do make a good point.
*Rolls out the welcome wagon for Big Ian*
Serious snow again here.
Can’t remember the last time there were as many snow days in a winter here.
TS. Please accept my apologies. I absolve you of the charge of ignoring big Ian.
Mea culpa
Mea culpa
Mea maxima culpa
Sorry
3 games in a row we have decided not to turn up for the 1st half and then played catch up when the team has got a wake up call. Can anyone explain this ?
Q. You are playing Chelsea a huge London derby and the players are not up for it.
A. YOU HAVE THE WRONG PLAYERS !
Physically, mentally, team spirit and overall. These are just a few of the reasons I will admit I dont listen to the managers interviews after the game. As very few times this season have we shown any of these things claimed to be inabundance at Arsenal.
Dont get me wrong I am delighted that the team have shown a response in the 2nd half of each of those games but do they really need to have both barrels before they decide to play ?
You could easily say we havent had a true captain since Tony Adams who would bark orders and drive the team forward. Viera didnt realy bark he led by example as did TH 14. We are crying out for a leader like TA 6. Someone who can get hold of his team mates before the half team bollocking.
As for signings, no one at Arsenal can come up with one player ! WTF have you ever heard so much BS in your life. I still believe thou that AW will not bring anyone in without clearing out some more deadwood. I have question for the board, do we actually have funds to spend or is it just smoke and mirrors ?
Each transfer window you get figures of 30-50m in a pot just waiting for the AW nod to spend it. Is this fact or fiction. When Aw arrived he had a book full of players to buy who no one out side of there country had any idea of who they were. Now each major club has as good or if not better scouting network as us. Aw can no longer pull a Anelka or Viera out of the hat as Man U ect already know about them and the price war will ensue.
So this leaves one option, you pay the market value as everyone else has too. The member of the hair bear bunch who plays for Everton Mr Felani would be perfect for us but you cant bye him for one n six. You will have to pay the going rate of 20-25m for him and AW just wont do that.
However frustrating Arsenal get there is still no better team so for better or worse throw sickness and health and without doubt death till we part.
Gooner for life !
I’ve got to say I agree with Arsenal1971@119 on the captaincy question.
Choice of captain is about the only decision of Arsène Wenger’s, over 15 years, that I would disagree with – one effect, possibly the least, was us losing Gilberto who was consistently underrated when he was here and playing and whose departure never seems to be mentioned as a cause of subsequent problems.
COYG
OMG how many spelling mistakes in 119 *sorry*
Oxon how on earth did i forget Gilberto ! We let him go far to early again due to this your 30 and can no longer play football policy. Anytime he wasnt in the team you relised just how much he did for us. Penalty taker extreme as well. Under pressure no problem Gilberto will step and take it. GOAL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oxon
No need to apologise, see ‘H’s earlier tweet.
Appreciate the acknowledgement though and there’s a pint on the bar with your name on it.
Just back from the hinterlands over the weekend and, luckily, I escaped without a Deliverance incident – though they are ever close in many parts.
Some really odd sports writing in another source got me motivated this morning. The NY times sports sections (pathetic as their sport section is, yes i know, and as daft as Rob Hughes’ writing often is) classified Chelskowich’s player Ramirez as and “enforcer.”
Rubbed my eyes; did I read that right? Maybe i’m imagining things? Can that skinny, diving, dodger really be an “enforcer.” Enforcer of what, I wondered…? Maybe that third Jameson really was a mistake??
BUt I thought no, read it right. And two things came to my mind:
(1) the world, and world football, is just a crazy, crazy place; and
(2) big ups to the ‘holic for running a joint that is surely the saneist around.
Let’s do WHU, win some games, and see what can be salvaged, eh?
cheers all.
Afternoon TS, still freezing. All main roads now fine but on the estates just sheet ice for a surface. The thaw has started slowly, which is a blessing as the water table is high and we have a lot of snow lying.
Oxon great call on Gilberto.
Perhaps if we’d kept him he could’ve taught the youngins a thing or two, along with keeping the ship bow into the wind.
Ah…
Oxon, good afternoon. East Swindon, the Oxford side for me.
We improved muchly second half but we weren’t that shit in the first half against Swansea, let’s be fair.
We have a lot of snow lying
New verse for tabs’ song?
Snow told me it was about to melt. I said ‘Liar, liar, fucking fucking liar!’
Afternoon all.
Having just finished a back drink, I notice that I have to get back to work – yes, folks are actually getting to me through the sheet ice and snow drifts of Hertfordshire – woth no time to comment on anything, at all.
Therefore, in keeping with current team orders, I will write nothing of any use, whatsoever, until the second half of my post which will follow after I have been sent out early from the dining room this evening.
In the meantime, could the Happy Train management team please ensure that the handbrake is a little bit off before setting off for Brighton at the weekend.
Those who know me, Oxon, will realise that is a little joke borne of endless repetition, and not a nasty swipe at the manager.
Well done Holic, btw, don’t know how you brought yourself to write about that game so soon after it ended.
Heh @ Trev.
Look forward to the second half. π
Off to see The Hobbit instead of skiing in frostbite conditions. It doesn’t get much better than this. π
Gilberto is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer in whom I take refuge. Oh, wait. I think that’s been said before. π
Is it safe to come out yet?
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1307770/leaked-list-reveals-arsenal-fines-system?cc=5901
The weather has turned here as well, I’ve just had to shovel a path from the car park to the front entrance, manual labour’s not my forte. π
As mentioned in previous drinks I went to see AZ v Vitesse on Saturday, a nice evening out, although it was friggin’ freezzzzzzing, min 12 with windsheild and as it’s just off the motorway, surrounded by fields, the wind cut right through ya.
On arrival you’re guided to one of the ample parking places, it’s then a short, four minute tops, walk to the stadium, flash your ticket at the automatic gates and you’re in, where you are welcomed by pretty lases who hand you, free, the match program. (shock to the system that.)
We then walked right next to the pristine pitch, one of the best in the Lowlands (if not the best) it really looked like a snooker table and I was told that this was due to the fact that their groundsman had done an aprentership at the Arsenal and learned the tricks of the trade from our grass masters (funny that, you’d think the Dutch would know more then enough about growing grass. π ) We then ducked under the stands for a drinky in the heated and nicely furbished supporters area. The Arsenal influence was there too, with shirts and scarves doning the walls. The first game to be played there was AZ v Arsenal, the first goal was scored by one Mr Gilberto Silva.
After knocking back a few brews, we headed for the stands, beer in hand to take up our places, we were up behind the goal in the “sfeer vak” (roughly translated athmospere section) it’s where all the die hards and most vocal supporters gather, one rule when you’re there, make as much noise as possible. In the front rows all are seated, but up top sitting is not an option as it’s jump up and down and make yourself heard area. There are stewards in full attendance, but none of them tell you to sit down, in fact the opposite, you are literaly encouraged to do your bit for the team. There’s no bollox with seat numbers, as long as your in thye vicinity of your designated area then you’re sound. You’re not treated like a five year old and drinking, as previously mentioned, and smoking are allowed, result!!
Situated a little futher up in the row behind me was a big arse drum, admitedly when I first clocked it I thought, O fuck me. there’s bound to be an annoying little toe rag beating the crap out of it for the entire game and there was, but surprisingly it didn’t bother me at all, it just added to the great atmosphere and kept me bobbing around which was great, because of the frigin frezzzzingness of the weather.
As not to seem like a total tourist I’d done a little bit of homework on the AZ squad, but before kick off the crowd was chanting a name I’didn’t recognise, turned out to be a Vitesse player that had spent a short time at AZ, he also got a rousing send off when he was subbed later in the second half, a nice touch I thought. Due to AZ’s kit it was kind of like watching the gunners and with such chants as “Come on you reds” and the long forgotten classic “We are red, we are white, we are fuckin’ dynamite” (hilarious when heard in a Dutsche accent) it almost felt like home.
After 90 minutes of jumping,chanting, beer guzzling (although I did gaffle a Hot Chocalate at HT to warm the ol’cockels, sssh,)the footy was done, a 4-1 victory to the home side, which given the positions of the clubs before K.O, AZ 12th, Vitesse 5th, was a major result. I was granted lucky mascot status and asked if I would return asap.
All in all, a decent evening out that didn’t cost me either an arm nor a leg and well worth repeating to tide me over ’til I can get over to visit the real HOF.
Nice H2H. Atmosphere seemed enjoyable.
Really enjoyed reading that H2H, lucky charm eh? π
Good match report H2H; shame it was “the wrong” match.
trev@129 Reading your drink for the third or fourth time, I think that I haven’t actually accused you of anything recently. When people start pre-emptively apologising to me, it’s maybe a sign that I’ve a little bit overdone it.
holic@126. Sorry about the crack above, I always think that the “West Country” starts around Bath. Thinking about it, I’d probably describe places like Devizes and Westbury, maybe even Chippenham as “West Country”, but not Swindon. I can’t think where I would describe it as… probably not “The South” (except during the week – seen from Scunny, practically everywhere could be described as “The South”), certainly not “The Cotswolds” or “The South West”, but I really don’t like “West Country”. You’re not that far from Gloucester but that’s Severn Valley, which certainly doesn’t apply. Mainly, however, it was just a cheap shot at Swindon, motivated by prejudice which does me no credit. Sorry again.
and Arsenal1971@121, I think “You’re 30, you can’t play any more” is a little off the mark. I think the policy is/was more “You’re 30, you’re quite likely to pick up a bad injury, we don’t want to risk a long contract”. Didn’t the immaculate Dennis get two or three one year extensions? I thought I’d read that Gilberto had gone off on holiday expecting, with some justification, that he was going to be appointed Captain only to return to find some Frenchman sat in the middle of the pitch wearing the armband. After being let down, and possibly humiliated into the bargain, I can’t blame him for deciding his future lay elsewhere.
Dr. C @ 133 – hats orf, well done you.
H2H – top stuff from the dutch front – thanksch.
up the arse.
Arsene seems like a rabbit caught in the headlights. I don`t think he doesn`t want to buy anyone, but that he cannot bring himself to do so. I worry that his latest statements are to prepare fans for next years Europa league. For fucks sake, if we beat the Hammers we are only 4 points off 4th, and Arsene seems increasingly resigned to missing out? According to the papers we are thinking of hijacking Newcastle`s Β£6.7m deal for Yanga Mbiwa, a player we have supposedly been interested in for months, and, while I`m rather underwhelmed at the prospect, he is at least a versatile French international. But even this aint gonna happen. A player we really should be going after is the Hammer`s Diame, a player I like, and who would provide cover/replacement for Diaby for relatively little outlay. Notice I haven`t mentioned the striker we so desperately need, if only to share the load while Giroud is still settling in. In the past, any defensive frailties were masked by our ability to score goals, but we`ve lost that now. If there`s anyone who still doesn`t appreciate how desperate our situation is, I refer them to the players on the bench yesterday.
H2H, a good read, cheers for that!
About Gilberto – it seems many have forgotten that in his last season with us he wasn’t really that good anymore. He was starting to fade quite rapidly and that he went to the Greek league when he left tells you that rather few clubs were interested in his services. He wasn’t out of contract either, he had at least one more year to go but left because he did’t want to risk being sat on the Arsenal bench anymore.
Oxon, you may not have seen my view on apologising before.
Never say sorry. Your friends don’t need it, and the other bastards don’t believe it.
Funny, I always had you down as more Woodstock than Blackbird Leys π
Various@above: Watching a replay of the Chelsea game, there was a moment when the cameras panned from up high on a fast Chelsea counterattack down our right after one of our attacks had broken down. Sagna could be seen trotting back way behind the play. I thought at the time that that was so uncharacteristic of him. A few minutes later he went down when he just crumpled. Could he be carrying more of an injury than he has let on, rather than he is just no longer the player he was?
Biscuitbum@140: What is AW to do? Watch the first half and he needs to buy 11 players pronto. Watch the second half and he probably has a good enough team, though the squad unarguably needs more strength in depth. As someone said in the back drinks, these players have got to get themselves sorted.
Hey ‘holic, I’m with you on that although I’m learning that a ‘sincere’ π apology to my wife once in a while does indeed work miracles (god knows I can’t afford to lose another!)
Geoff – man up for DennisΒ΄sake.
Take me for example – I always have the last word in our house; “yes dear!” π
@107 Cheers ‘H, you’re a Gent as always.
H2H, lovely stuff mate.
Every time we are bitch slapped some poor sods take a beatin’. We will destroy ‘Ammers like we did Reading after Bradford.
Twilight of the Gods.
We used to be noble.
Ned, I wonder too. In fact when he went down, I feared leg break again (I believe it was the same leg as last year) and was slightly surprised to see him come back for the second half.
But then if he’s that injured and Jenks is fit again, surely that latter should play. Maybe on Wednesday…
tabs, see my post at 128 π
We still are noble – certainly compared to Wet Spam.
It’s just that we have fallen on hard times……
Thanks for the kind ones gents.
===
Noble?
Doesn’t he play for Wet Spam?
Didn’t he once break the land speed record ?
Heh
Ollie, heh, just seen it π
Will have to give it an airing!
heh @ H2H2 152 and Ollie 153.
Evening TaBS. LTNS. All good (apart from the obvious)?
Evening Bath, yep all good thanks Sir, apart from the obvious as you say.
Just can’t get my head round the difference between the abysmal first half and a pretty good second. Seems to be the norm as well. Whatever they put in the half time tea needs to be dished out much earlier in the future. Very frustrating.
How’s tricks at your end?
Soton Everton, 0-0. The home side absolutly bombarded the Everton goal in the first half, second half not so much.
Ollie, I’d agree with giving the Corporal a run of games. Injured or not, Bac is out of sorts. And not out of form out of sorts as the skipper was earlier in the season. But holding himself back out of sorts.
Good, mate.
Coping with 4-6 inches of snow fall last Thursday night and the challenge of living on the side of a hill with a twisty road to the main road. Melting a bit today so sheet ice tomorrow morning π
As to the game, my feelings entirely – haven’t been able to comment really because I’ve found the contrast between first and second halves inexplicable. Whatever they put in the tea has such a dramatic effect that it surely must be illegal (certainly for cyclists :D) if not for Feelgood.
That’s illegal?
Get Oprah on the phone, I feel the need to share….
Haha, perhaps it’s Arsene who is keeping the Feelgood Foundation going! π
Good luck with the ice mate. Sounds dicey.
Heh – Dr Feelgood on Oprah! Move over Lance.
Feelgood π
Maybe a point at Southampton on a cold January might isn’t such a bad result! Interesting that I have picked up that Coquelin is talking to Betiis in Spain about a loan. Some mistake surely? Or else ( heart leaps) we have a mega deal for the best defensive midfielder in the world sorted.
I expect the Coquelin story is rubbish!
Or we haven’t resigned an invincible yet- we do every January. Perhaps it’s Gilberto. The good old much underrated ‘ Invisible Wall’
That Coquelin story certainly a strange one TTG.
For Coq to go out on loan now would prove that we have totally lost the plot. FMG
Indeed TaBS- the relevant website carrying it is videodelbetis.com.My Spanish isn’t good ( it isn’t anything) and they may be the Spanish equivalent of the Daily Star but it looks quite authentic. It has a pic of the young man and lots of biographical stuff.
Arsene must have a plan mustn’t he?
Joel Campbell is already at Real BΓͺtis. Nice to know we ‘re now their feeder club as well!
Heh TTG, Betis is every young man’s dream π
As for a plan, your guess as good as mine I’m afraid.
Bath, if he was to go (and I would have the same doubts as TTG), then there would have to be an incoming …. surely??
All very difficult to surmise what on earth is going on at the moment.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2265776/Arsenal-boost-David-Villa-wants-leave-Barcelona.html
Cross everything you have.
H2H. Great read above.
Just quickly drunk backwards to read H2H @ 135 – don’t know how I missed it last time around.
Anyway, nice post. I will be makng a similar venture at the beginning of March to see Twente v Ajax but as I understand it, both teams wear red and white?
Apparently, Enschede fans sing the Liverpool dirge at the beginning of their home games. And Schteve is a local-hero. And I’ll be in with the home fans.
There could be trouble ahead….. π
Oh and we are down the Lane the day after.
Roxette-free weekend, footy and lads on tour.
What could possibly go wrong? 8)
Evening all,
Back drinking just about done.
Lars @89,
Fine words on the team’s mental state, and it’s quite true that real mental strength has been an issue for a long time.
Mental fortitude did, indeed, disintegrate somewhat when the Invincibles unbeaten run came to a cheating Rooney inspired end. Gallas sitting sulking on the Birmingham pitch was probably a low point, but our repeated failure to capitalise on every opportunity we create, is now, unfortunately, a hall mark of rhe team.
The problem is, we all know this well enough. The issue is ‘why’ does it continue to happen.
One bit of insight may have been provided by our own Edu the other evening, when he was talking in an interview with SSNews.
When asked for his views on Arsene Wenger, his first comment was that Arsene was like his “second father” in England, a sentiment often aired by Cesc Fabregas when he was at the club.
Maybe the players feel so protected by this fatherly figure – of whom they are all so genuinely appreciative – that they expect him to take on responsibility for their own failings.
I cannot otherwise understand how a group of players, who repeatedly tell us how desperate they are to win trophies, can so utterly fail to turn up as in the first half against Chelsea.
Why, how, can such a group of players need to be bollocked at half time into producing the performance of which they were so clearly capable ?
These are no longer kids populating our team, but even kids should not be going into the first half of every game like they couldn’t care less. Every player bar Francis Coquelin in Sunday’s starting eleven was a full international, so the “bit afraid” and “lacking confidence” arguments hold no water for me.
The youngest player in our side on Sunday was Jack Wilshere, yet he looked our most obvious leader by some distance. His were the arms waving in exasperation as team mates couldn’t be bothered to back up his attempts to press rhe opposition.
He was the one urging the team to get up the pitch and not just to sit and wait to be attacked again.
He and Coquelin were the two players least likely to back out of a physical challenge.
Against Swansea last Wednesday, who was making a lung busting run in the 93rd minute to get up with our last attack of the game ?
He may have signed a six (?) year contract, and I dearly hope he is as committed a Gooner as he appears, but the lack of fight around him at the moment, is scaring me already.
H2H – nishe posht about de Dutsch footbol.
Hope the rumours about Le Coq are not Real Betis. He did some really good work on Sunday, and has some much needed energy which, importantly, he seems happy to expend.
Seems like just what we need in this squad.
Have to stop typing now as my fingers need crossing for David Villa.
Best we can be Steve T !!! π
If we let Coquelin go then we are out of our minds.
I don’t know what he looks like in training, but I do know that Fabianksi looks good in training and is appalling in an actual game. Coquelin has looked good to me whenever he’s given a shot.
Even if we’re bringing someone else in, I’d like us to keep him. Arteta can push on further forward. Or, better yet, we could go back to playing a double pivot.
Fully crossed for the David Villa rumours. Please god let this happen.
I agree N7.
He’s acquitted himself anytime he has had the chance to play.
So, Arteta injured, Rosicky abducted by aliens, Diaby is, well Diaby, so why in god’s name would we even be thinking about it?
If indeed we are. π―
The only reason we could be thinking about it is if we’re close to bringing someone else in.
Either that or we’re on a dare.
The Coquelin story must be the usual bilge the press write about us.
North Bank Ned @143, The team didn`t turn up in the first half at Bradford, against Swansea, as well as Sunday. Indeed it`s the same for most games. This coupled with the obligatory defensive balls-up or two, means that all too often we are chasing games, even against so-called lesser opposition. I want players prepared to listen to the manager (assuming he stresses the importance of being alert from the off), and who are prepared to put the effort in for the full 90. If they can`t or wont, they have no business being at Arsenal. I didn`t find it amusing either to see young Jack having to berate his teamates for not closing down opponents. That`s the job of the manager and coaches.
I know it was written last month and apologies if posted previously but worth a read.
http://www.arsenal-world.co.uk/feat/edz8/will_stan_sell_out__like_all_his_predessesors_771310/index.shtml
Fingers crossed for Villa? The 31-year old Villa?! David the 31?! Oh so old DV?!
Are we that desperate?
Jesus. We better sign Patricia Gonzales.
SSY. Villa isn’t as old as Henry. Yet. π
But does he have the pace now ever to catch TH14, bt8b? That is the (totally irrelevant) question.
Biscuitbum@179: as I said in an earlier drinks, if we could just play matches in which there were only second halves, we’d be fine.
To your other point, a bit of verbal on the field from the team’s leaders is no bad thing, even if it is coming from the youngest person on the field. Where the coach does need to make a contribution during games is on tactics. It is difficult for most players to get an overall view of the play during games and thus make tactical team adjustments during the course of a half, as opposed to encouraging better execution of things worked on on the training ground. Good coaches have to make adjustments on the fly and relay those to the team on the pitch. I am not sure how good AW is at that.
Cocks out on loan.!!
Is there a World shortage.??
Whatever next.
The lovely’ C ‘ would be highly miffed if mine ended up in the warm female hands of someone other than her good self.!!
Cheers
A Bewildered Sweeper
Arsene is sitting in his personal office at the end of a grueling training session. He is looking wistfully at a newly acquired painting — red and white squares and rectangles interspersed, with much of the canvas being dominated by the white blocks.
In the corner farthest away from Arsene’s table in this spacious room there is a large board on which Steve Bould is furiously drawing complicated lines — part runic scripts, part children’s doodle — in front the captain, Per and Laurent. While Per seems to be listening stoically, Thomas and Laurent are exchanging knowing yet quizzical glances between them.
[Bould]: Boss, do you agree?
[Arsene]: Yes, yes, I agree. The W formation is very important when defending. Especially in the first half. Oh, the first half!
He sighs and falls back in his reverie, continuing to looking wistfully at the newly acquired painting.
Two sets of knocks on the door: one powerful but unconvincing, another rather excited but lacking the strength of its own convictions.
[Arsene]: Come in.
In walk Olivier and Theo, holding hands, inseparable. Laurent looks hurt and there is a hint of smirk on Bould’s face.
[Arsene]: Hello, hello. What do you want, mes enfants?
[Olivier & Theo] (In Unison): We have a cunning plan, boss.
[Arsene]: (Under his breath) Non! (Then loudly) About what?
[O & T]: It is about Jack. We think he should be split in two halves.
[Everyone else]: What!!!
General chaos ensues with Bould and surprisingly Per using the choicest invectives. There is a forlorn look at Laurent’s face as he stares at Olivier.
Olivier, as the full horror of the implications of what he had said dawns on him, covers his mouth by his hand and nods his head vigorously from side to side. Theo has found himself lifted up in the air by his collars by Per.
[Olivier]: Non, non, that is not what we meant. Jack not to be harmed. Non. We want Jack to play two positions in two halves.
[Theo]: (Gasping) Yep. Jack to be the central defender in the first half and then the central striker in the second half. Simples. We don’t concede goals then at the beginning and score a lot at the end. Ha ha. Trophies, yay!
[Arsene]: (With a mad glint in his eye). Then who will play in central defense in the second half and who would be the striker in the first half?
Olivier and Theo speak simultaneously.
[Olivier]: Theo. [Theo]: Ollie.
Not forlorn or even hurt, Laurent is now visibly angry. Thomas seems to be holding him back.
Arsene open his mouth. The smirk on Bould’s face has now returned but this time because he knows a very scathing remark is forthcoming from the boss. The legendary put-downs of Arsene.
However his words are drowned by a devilish noise — all screeches and distorted harmonies — coming in from the large chestnut cupboard at the back of Arsene’s chairs.
[Everyone but Arsene and Bould]: (In unison) What is that?
The noise stops and then returns again…
[Bould]: (Nervously looking at Arsene) He he, that is nothing. It must be Arsene’s medals — those are bored with themselves and want some company. He he.
The cupboard springs open and out comes Rosicky, wielding a Gibson Flying V and crunching some meaty power chords. Arsene looks down guiltily. Rosicky looks exceedingly pale but moves around with feverish animation. Bould is looking accusingly at Arsene.
[Bould]: Boss, I told you it was a bad idea to have him his guitar in there as well.
Arsene puts on his noise canceling earphone and is again lost in reverie, looking at the newly acquired painting.
[Rosicky]: (Walking maniacally as everyone tries to stay out of the circle he is drawing in air by rotating the Flying V above his head): My idea! That was my idea! And it was me. It was supposed to be me. To play in the defense in the first half and as the striker in the second half. We would be unstoppable. The true indomitable.
Then he breaks down sobbing. And for the first time his glance falls on Arsene’s newly acquired painting. It is a brilliant late-era Mondrian. Arsene is now looking at it reverently, like a monk at his Mandala. Fully concentrated, eyes half-closed, and a beatific smile appear on his face.
[Theo & Olivier]: What is happening to the boss. My God/Mon Dieu — what are we to do?
[Rosicky]: (Tears rolling down his face). It is a Dutch masterpiece in Red & White. And it is all ours.
Dr F. Brilliant. I don’t understand a word of it, but brilliant.
There is only one Dr F.
Beware of imposters. π
Heh @ Clive # 185
Nurse !!! Get the crash team to room 186 ! π
Trev@174: cheers, interesting thoughts on the father figure bit too. That makes a lot of sense, a manager should protect his players but it can go too far.
And whatever drugs Doctor Faustus has taken, I want some of the same!
Doctor Faustus, that was one of the greatest things I’ve read in recent times (excluding the Maestro’s posts obviously π )
Very well in π
Currently in the Queue for the 10am Box Office Sale of Arsenal vs Bayern Munich Tickets. If I fail here, then its back again tomorrow for Arsenal vs Aston Villa tickets π
Its time. 8)
on why Per Mertesacker is the team’s debt collectorβ¦
The Germans do well economically and we respect that. They are the only ones that make money in Europe. Thatβs why weβve chosen a German!
heh
Oxon @ 138
The over thirty bit was bit OTT I will agree but we still let him go which was a fundermental error on AW part.
As for Gallas, dont even get me started. The leader of men will sit on the pitch and sulk, what an inspired leader he was.
As for Dennis, true Arsenal man. Offered a one year extension ! Where do I sign !
A true Arsenal legend
Arsenal vs FC Bayern Munich booked!
West Stand Upper Tier, Block 92, pretty towards the back of the Block but as close to the Halfway Line that I could afford, looking forward to my first Last 16 UCL Game π
Is everyone busy today? π
Well its going to be my debut in the West Stand next month anyway, all 4 Areas of the Emirates will have been sat in π
And I might as well do an Ollie π
Shoots
And scores!
*reapplies gel to hair, grows little triangular beard beneath lower lip*
*reveals “Arsenal – te amo” t-shirt*
*and secondary “BMBD” under-shirt*
*is super, super quality, even at 31*
Heh, well in N7 Gooner! π
Good work on the ticket, Wind. And great assist! π
Well in N7!
@ 194
Alternatively, it’s because he is a BFG and no one is literally able to stand up to him? π
22Holloway2Holland
βare we being the best we can beβ,
when you say best, dont you think that there should be a distinction as to what kind of best ?
cant leave it open like that, it is vague. it is also not put into perspective and it does not take into account the difference in the set up of our club against the ones we get compared with.
in my mind a more correct approach would be
” what is the best that a club like arsenal can hope for in the immediate years/period after building their brand new stadium AND in the midst of outrageous spending by clubs whose money aint generated from football?”
imo, a club that was never rich and has just built a stadium in order for it to make money, cannot be placed in the same category as the clubs which SPECIFICALLY spend money to win titles.
the difference in the annual transfer budgets of arsenal and the rest in top4 should have given us all clear indications that arsenal was not targeting any titles since the move and frankly speaking they COULD not either. had “15m per summer” arsenal won the title against 60-100m chelsea and united with a group of untested youngsters it would have been an anomally. an anomally that arsenal wouldnt be able to sustain.
therefore for a club that was never rich and for club that had to go with youth for a while and for a club that has to compete against three real madrids in their domestic league….surely champions league qualifications is the best you can hope for and if a trophy comes our way its a bonus.
the problem is that many thought that this process would take something like 5 years…. only such things take 10 and maybe even 15 years to materialise. and lets not forget that in such schemes you always run the risk of having your first crop getting burnt by the weight of expectations and pressure ( which is what happened), which will bring you back a bit. lets not ignore that the manager was building the future of arsenal around a player whose intelligence on the game is not easy to find. after the loss of this player things were bound to get ugly and even uglier, since players like that dont come out very often.
either arsenal had to go out and find cesc;s replacement or they will grind it out and wait till jack assumes that role together with others sharing the responsibility.
in the meantime what do we do as fans? complain or support? thats for each and everyone of us individually to decide and i cannot blame anyone at arsenal for not winning titles in an era where corrupt tycoons from abroad are allowed to step in and destroy the advantages that asrenal worked hard for in order to have.
arsenal has suffered to get to the level we ar at, arsenal has suffered to make money, arsenal has suffered to build the stadium, arsenal had to let go of its most brilliant team ever in order to accomodate for the new stadium and in order to put the club to the next level. others have not, and they are seen winning titles and our fans get mad and turn against the team and manager…which is very sad.
N7,
Good goal, crap celebration. No mention of pants anywhere in your celebration styling. π
*runs over to West Ham bench balancing the match ball on his nose*
*lowers shorts to reveal lucky underpants bearing the legend “I Hate Walruses”*
*Points at Fat Sam, makes provocative hand gesture*
*Takes a yellow card with a smile on his face*
*Collects massive sponsorship fee from “Ihatewalruses.com”*
http://www.francefootball.fr/#!/news/2013/01/22/140348_hanovre-s-est-trompe-sur-franca.html
Massive heh (sporting director announced the arrival of a 1.90m tall player and he’s only 1.81m, manager says they’re disappointed because they recruited him only for his physicality).
Do they recruit players on a web catalogue without ever monitoring them?
Thanks again for the kind ones gents.
===
Zico, indeed both Twente and Ajax’s home strips are red and white.
You do realise you’re going to get to see God on the bench, right? You lucky lad.
===
A sterling effort Doc Faus, went a bit over my head to be honest, but then again, most things do. π
===
Good result on the ticket Wind.
===
Well in N7
===
What are all these Coq tales all about then?
We need to keep our Coq firmly in his place.
We should not be sharing our Coq.
In fact we should veto all attempts to loan him out, a total Coq block if you will.
Excellent post hunter13. Stating the obvious, i think, but stated clearly and cogently. But a reminder many need from time to time.
H2H:
“In fact we should veto all attempts to loan him out, a total Coq block if you will.”
Post of the year!
numerous hehΒ΄s and a pint for Hunter for a nice concise post…. even if I am concerned by our APPARENT dithering….
Hunter13, thanks for the responce.
I believe I’m being as clear as I can when I say are we being the best we can be. I couldn’t be less vague if I tried.
You point out that it does not take into account the difference in the set up of our club . Well, quite frankly it doesn’t have to, because I’m not comparing us to the clubs that are playthings for Sheikh Yo’ Moneymecca and Ivan Lotocashicow or whatever their names are.
What I’m asking is can WE be the best that WE can be, it’s got nothing to do with what others do or our failure to win trophies. It’s the simple fact that I don’t think we are maximising our full potential because we are not using the assets and recourses we have wisely.
I’m not asking us to blow loads of cash on player X or player Y, but you must admit it’s pretty frustrating that this team has obvious flaws that have been needing to be adressed for quite some time, yet nothing has been done. I’m not standing on my soap box screaming “spend some f-ing money”, because I know we do spend money, quite a lot, and if I’m being completly honest, too much.
We have a ridiculously high wage bill, but a great deal of that is spent on sub standard players, to paraphrase todays Arseblog, it’s unbelievable that we have so many players out on loan, yet we are dependent on a core of around 12-14 players, the rest of what is around is either disinterested or nowhere near good enough. Sunday’s bench made this fact glaringly obvious. Is this us being the best WE can be? I think not.
This new stadium that we have suffered for was errected to make us more competitive, not less. Yet this year for us the league was done and dusted before Christmas. Could we have done better, I think we could and should have.
Again, I don’t really expect us to compete with the Chavs and the Mancs, but I don’t think we should bend over and take it from them either. Losing our best player to ol’ red nose hurts too much especially when it will most probably be him that makes the difference in the race to be champions this term. We may not of had much choice, but that doesn’t make it less bearable, does it?
We read that we’ve been gazumped by the Chavs for certain players that we were interested in, at the time I thought “fair enough, that’s just the way it goes” I was under the impression that they were offering wages that were way beyond our means. But I read recently that Juan Mata (a top target for us) signed an extension to his current contract which meant he would now be earning closer to 100k a week. How can that be right? We let him slip because the wages were too high, yet we cave into Theo’s demands for just about the same amount on a shorter contract. Is that being the best WE can be?
In the mean time, the manager is molly cuddling his team with excuses about how the poor diddums are fatigued or mentaly fragile or whatever the excuse de jour is. Well, do something about then FFS, don’t indulge them, kick them up their arses, get them to be the best they can be, that’s his job right?
If we fail on the field then we fail everywhere else, it’s all well and good that we’ve suffered for our lovely new stadium, but it won’t be worth shit if we can’t fill it, prices rise while the quality on show diminishes, what do you think will happen if this trend continues.
I’m not a doomer, I don’t subscribe to the AKB or Wanger OOT point of view, I’m an Arsenal supporter, nothing more, nothing less and all I want for us is to be the best that WE can be.
I hope that puts it into perspective for you.;)
Good afternoon bar people.
‘Holic – Belated thanks for the weather report. Heading over to Cheltenham on Thursday on an important mission, hence my interest in West Country conditions. Yes, I realise Glos isn’t Wilts π
Ollie @ #128 – That has tickled my funny bone, bravo.
H2H – I shee you form ish peaking too, for shure.
Talking of laughs, have you all seen this?
http://news.arseblog.com/2013/01/exclusive-new-arsenal-fine-list-revealed/
Heh-larious, I thought.
Blimey H2H, no wonder the players are frightened of the fans.
Great post though. π
Can you help H2H – I’m stuck in the snow ?
Hands off our Coq !!!
Greetings
Seems we may see Frimgpong tomorrow night, Le Coq has a hammy problem.Can’t think for a moment he was off to Spain on loan.
Still think reinforcements are on the way, in this window!
Heh TS, did you see this, BFG gone power mad;
http://i.imgur.com/ALY3Qaf.jpg?1
Be the best you can be?????????????
Seriously, don’t get me started.
π
Agreed Delia. It looks like we might see a midfield of Frimpong, Wilshere and Cazorla back in the no. 10 role with Poldi back on the left. I really doubt we’ll see Diaby start 5 games in a row as that would definitely be pushing it. He was obviously struggling physically in the Chelsea game.
Come on Steve T.
I’m just a spokesman, you’re the CEO of the “Be the best you can be” movement. π
Hello Hunter
You make much of Arsenal’s ‘suffering’ in your final paragraph @ #105. I can’t agree with that.
The players and management of our club lead a very privileged and comfortable lifestyle. You can even argue that they deserve it as some/many are at or near the top of their respective professions. However, they are not suffering. They might struggle with form, fitness, pressure, weight of expectation, deadlines, performance related targets, etc., etc. but they are also coached to deal with that sort of thing.
I think the supporters have suffered in real terms based on increased prices to attend matches to watch teams that, in my opinion, are becoming progressively weaker. Many have done this against a background of reduced income for one reason or another. That is not necessarily unique to Arsenal supporters but we do pay the highest prices and our team has dropped somewhat from a very great height over the past 8 years or so.
Whilst I agree that it is sad to watch Arsenal or any other great champion fall from the very top of their profession, the club itself has prospered during this period in financial terms. Meanwhile, the supporters i.e. those who live outside of ‘The Premiershp Bubble’, have had to deal with the realities of tough economic times. Therefore, I believe they are the ones who can be descirbed as suffering… especially when they’ve had to change their dietary habits from caviar to sausages π
A drink awaits you on the bar for your obvious love of The Arsenal.
Heh @ H2H @ #218 – Everyone’s gone snow mad.
Steve T – Save your anger for those rockers on Saturday. Steel-capped desert boots at the ready.
Dr F @186….
I just KNURD and found your post!
Marvellous effort. Although clearly you have been taking the wrong colour pills again. What did I tell you about that?
Still, IΒ΄m sure no lasting harm done…
TS @ 221. Nice one Prof!
Hey Dr.C.
What a huge pleasure to find you back in the bar. A drink of your choice and a free run at the CMC on me π
Goal by Gervinho for the Ivory Coast v Togo! Massive howler by the Togo keeper gave Gerv an empty net but the finish from a rather narrow angle was very good nonetheless.
Gervinho clinches it for Ivory Coast against Togo, with a superb goal apparently.
Adebayor, what’s the score?
France football say ‘Gros match de Gervinho’.
Any chance he could bring back some of that confidence?
Although you know our fans will be on his back straight away again. It’s psychological and some aren’t helping.
Seriously, he’s not as shit as he’s recently showed for us.
Ollie, it was rather good goal and he played fairly well (only saw the last hour though) and also set up Yaya Toure for their first goal. Hopefully he can have a good tournament and come back with a little more confidence.
And I most certainly agree he isn’t as shit as he’s recently showed.
I checked that link yesterday TS, hilarious piece!
I started laughing right in the middle of work, mental stuff
Agreed Ollie and Lars. Gervais had a good game as he was beating his man at will and he did set up numerous chances that were spurned. Nice left footed finish to clinch the game too. I hope the fans give him a chance as berating him constantly does no good.
I remember the Chelski fans singing “Robin van Persie, he left ’cause you’re shit.” It hurt slightly because it’s 100% true.
Gervinho has clearly been hugely affected by missing the penultimate pen in last year’s African Cup of Nations.
You could see from the TV footage that he desperately did not want to take one on the night, and at the end of the match he was shown on camera absolutely sobbing on the shoulder of one of his team mates. Losing that shoot out had huge significance, both for Ivory Coast in general and Gervinho in particular.
Prior to the ACN he was looking decent. Finding his feet in his first season, not setting the place on fire, but at least as accomplished as (say) Nasri had been in his first few months.
He returned with his head down and has since sunk into a major slump. The ability is clearly there – he’s quick and can beat a man + his record in France was impressive. But his head just isn’t right.
Frustrating as he is, making him the latest in a long line of Arsenal players to act as the elected fan whipping boy will do nothing for him at all.
I can totally understand the emotions that bellow up when he misses a sitter. What I cannot understand is where I get the sense that some sections of the support (not on here) take a perverse pleasure in being proved right – “see, he’s shit, just like I said”.
Hopefully he’ll have a great tournament, Ivory Coast will finally win the bloody thing (despite Drogba breaking both his legs) and the hoodoo will be lifted. He could still be a decent asset if he can turn it around.
β¬2.5m for Gouffran? Decent deal for Bordeaux under the circumstances. But they need to sign another striker, especially with DiabatΓ© at the ACN.
I agree, N7.
Dr C @ 224
You obviously did not pay any attention to post #188.
Your card.
Is marked. πΏ
So Gervinho isn’t shit?
Opinions I guess.
Personally I think he is utter pony.
How much did we pay for him?
I hate to think what we’ll need to pay for caviar if that’s the price of sausages….
You’re rarely wrong, but this time you are, zico π
Although if you want a frank opinion from me, I don’t think he’ll ever be good for us again, sadly, a bit like Chamakh.
Mental weaknesses.
Zico
He’s certainly played poorly for us this season.
But we’re talking about a winger who scored 28 goals in 67 games for his last club and generally makes the starting XI for a fairly handy international side.
If Arsene can get him going properly, there’s a better player to be had than we’ve seen so far.
Hope Bradford produce another miracle tonight as I’d really like the Villa game to be on a weekend…
Hope you are correct N7 @234 – he contributed well today. Is that cos the opposition is crap or cos the temperature and the lack of pressure suit him?
Ollie @239, I hope you are wrong, and zico @238.
N7 is, as ever, the voice of reason.
With you there Ollie @241.
bathgooner @ 242
I don’t know all that much about the ACN beyond what I see on the box, so tough to say.
What I do know is that there is HUGE pressure on Ivory Coast to win this thing.
This is the last hurrah for many of their “golden generation” (Drogba, the Toures, etc), and they’ve come close several times without managing to nail it. In fact, it’s been over 20 years since they last won the trophy, which is made given the quality of their side.
He will be under huge pressure these next couple of weeks, particularly as we move to the business end of the tournament. How he and his team mates acquit themselves could have an enormous impact on whether the player who returns to Arsenal is a dead weight or a potentially useful option for the home stretch.
Fingers crossed.
I can only go on what I see.
Wenger is bound to be a better judge of a player than me. But I don’t get paid 7m quid a year for that judgement. And I wouldn’t have signed Francis Jeffers π
I thought Gerv was good initially but he has been dire this season. His finishing is appalling
On the other hand, he does have something about his game
I am on the fence with this one
N7 knows@234.
Just to be clear, if I were a betting man, I would bet against Gerv the Swerve making a go of it with us.
I don’t completely rule it out, is all.
As someone else said above, his problems appear to be predominantly mental in nature. That and not being able to control the bloody ball half the time.
…and Ollie also knows@241.
But to be honest I find it hard to believe that Villa will fail. They played quite well v WBA on Saturday which probably gave them some confidence back.
They still only drew though, Lars, so there is hope.
Or is that wishful thinking? :p
Coquelin out for 3 weeks……
Fuck’s sake.
We have a fantastic ability, year on year, to cluster our injuries in the same areas of the field.
REmember if the score is 2-0 tonight, there is still extra time, but if it’s still 2-0 after 120 minutes, Villa go through.
The League Cup semi-finals still have the bizarrest rules in the world, right?
The rules certainly are quite off the wall, Ollie.
Ten minutes played and Bradford are already struggling to get beyond the halfway line. Unless they can somehow knick a goal on the break while it’s still 0-0 I can’t see this ending in anything other than a Villa win by a bunch of goals.
Not looking good for Bradford π
Far too early that goal.
Far, far too early, Ollie. It was just waiting to happen though.
My prediction is that Villa will be three goals up before the half-time tea.
as usual
been away from computerystuff for a while
have just learned i missed ‘holic’s birthday
felicitations big man – i’m sure your snake hips deny your years
but
more importantly
sorry ‘hol
Wilko is not a well man at all
one of my heros
fuckin rough – top man
anyhoo
hello boys and girls
and come on you reds
one of my
+ favourite sports teams
normally i favour the tottingham spurs
GO TOTSPAS !
At least that prediction was misguided, Lars π
It is sad news indeed, cba, about Brother Wilko….
Thankfully it was Ollie, Villa seemed to take their foot off the gas just after I posted that. Shame that Bradford shot towards the end didn’t go in.
Evening, cba.
heartbreakin zico
a real fuckin genius
a sad day for music
one of the real greats – that had an influence – a real influence
be it primarily for the telecaster assault or the black suit-wide eyed-stage sprints
great man
and anyone that can get in a tour van with norman watt roy after he generously sweated through a gig – has a will of iron
i think Walkin on the Edge is gonna grace my turntable just now
YES!
evening lars
i look forward to diving empty pockets first into your wallet
π
seein as you’re offerin
i’m a stout man
i’m not really – i’m svelte but my hankerin for arthur knows no bounds
heh, cba @ 266
kindred spirit, I suspect.
ollie, they’re singing “you’ll be fired in the morning” to paul lambert, now…
cba – Are you red & lillywhite? π
Dr.F of DLL – Are you going to try and catch him on his farewell gig in Glasgow in March? I can imagine a bunch of moist eyes at the end.
Someone wake me up when we have a bit of good news.
Coquelin looked good on Sunday – lot of energy, good urgency for the most part.
And now out for the inevitable 3 weeks.
Our brittleness goes on and, I have to say, really pisses me off.
My perception, and I stand to be corrected, is that Coquelin gets injured most times he starts a game. He started one very promisingly in the second half of last season at The Ems, at right back, lasted half an hour and was then out for weeks with a hamstring injury.
Arteta out, Rosicky out -injured in a warm up before the comeback from his last injury, Coquelin out, Diaby still struggling back from his latest injury.
Our state-of-the-art new medical centre, complete with anti-gravity machines, bubble wrap suits, pools, baths, horse placentas, et al, still seems to take longer to get 3 week strains fit than any other club on the planet.
Think I’ll have a night off from sitting hoping for some positive news, of any kind, and go bang my head on the wall.
Can we sign this Hansen bloke from Bradford ?
The man is an aerial goal machine. What would he cost ?
Probably not super quality. Sorry Oxon. π
#269
My old man said be an arsenal fan
i said – d’you know what i think i fuckin might
GET IN!
My stream seems to be a few minutes behind Ollie’s…
cba, one stout waiting for you on the bar.
Trev, agree about the mythical three weeks.
zico
i suspect so
Wilko full tilt is a joy to behold
oi , lars !
one stout ?
i’ve walked a long way with only my thirst to keep me entertained
and believe me
there was no laughter
–
rumours of the wallet greatly exagerated !
yup
thats how you spell it
Heh! @ #271
Trev – If we’re ‘avin’ a moan how about Mbiwa to The Toon? I’ll admit to never having watched him play footie but even his manager said he was an idiot to join Pardew. Doesn’t Mbiwa, on paper at least, look like just the sort of squad strengthening player we need in the DM area now that Arteta & Coq are out and Diaby is, well Diaby? I think they even paid under Β£10M for him i.e. well within our price range.
Baffling in the extreme.
Great move, could have been 2-1!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Bradford’s #2 is a fella called Darby. Just sayin….
I’m starting to believe we’ll play Villa on a Saturday.
I am still a jinxing cunt π
Stupid Bradford.
So there will be a game at the Emirates next time I am over, after all π
212Holloway2Holland
great feedback , appreciate it.
only that 3rd paragrpah of yours, is it a dig at the club’s efficiency ? and if it is, do you think that as a club we aint as efficient as we can be? on or off the pitch? or both?
if its about issues off the pitch ( transfers, pr, etc) i can agree to an extent. when the pr/nego team secures only 5m sponsorhip deal and as a consequence of that low fee the club is forced into selling a top player every season, i cant blame the manager can i?
if its about issues on the pitch, (quality, expereince, etc) again i will point to the influence and knock on effect that the above painful decissions can cause to a team’s chemistry, so again how can i blame the manager.
and if its about the club as a whole, the company: arsenal, when you add everything up, this club is perhaps the most efficient in this country when you consider what it makes and what it spends and possibly in the world …possibly…so its a bit hard for me to turn and say we arent ran efficiently, all things considering.
i will agree that the board and upper hierarchy should have shown a bit more of an “aggressive” attitude, and not let their fine manager take the blame for everything but i can understand that the times and responsibilities did not allow for any financial openings.
as for ” i thought we moved in order to compete with the big boys” , i mean we moved in 06 and thats like 6 years now going into 7th, and as fans weve been complaining from 2009 onwards. i dont consider that logical at all. 04-unbeaten/06-paris/06-07emirates/07-08 eduardo/08-09 -complaining till today.
as for this motivation of players, again i disagree. of course ive seen the players wonder about like clueless children and i was also screaming BUT i also notice that from their eagerness to do well
(indication that the manager does motivate them) they get so stressed they mess it up and then lose hope. would you say that a calmer and more positive supportive atmosphere would help the players release their talents on the field for us, their manager, for arsenal?
the way i see it, fans = players, reciprocal relationship, you give and take, and you get what you give. you give misery you receive pain, you give smiles and maybe they make your day. and if they dont we wont chop their heads and treat them like theyve killed our beloved ones cause its football and success in football comes in cycles. we peaked at highbury and now onto somehting new which is still a work in progress and we are poking our own eyes out turning against our players and managers.
put it this way, if we were spuds and mancs wed be laughing our heads off at the embarassing behaviour and lack of respect arsenal fans show to wenger. there are people/fans who havent reached the status in their respective professions that wenger has in his and they feel perfectly entitled to judge him as if they are equals disguising it as an opinion….. that is not correct. some others feel entitled and that its their right to swear and abuse him and our players because they pay expensive tickets…thats not correct either.
if you want my personal take, i consider it an insult that some consider themselves entitled to question him, but please dont get me wrong, i dont mean it in a military/dictatorship way, all i mean is that this guy has devoted countless hours and real effort into making our club big and deserves real respect and not to get ousted with tar and feathers like in the far west. he has done many great things for us and still does, it might not be visible/obvious now but lets check again when jack and co start hitting 26-27 years of age. some things could have been better, i agree but when i have to balance things out, the good outweigh the bad in tons, not gramms. the idea that he is taking us back is clearly a madman’s.
sorry, way too long..but its for arsenal..it says it on the top.. sleep breathe drink …