Credit Visitors As The Points Are Shared
Dec 9th, 2013 by 'holic
Well that didn’t go entirely to plan. When Mesut Ozil scored with just ten minutes remaining I was thinking perhaps the ‘holic pound was coming in again. I should have known.
To be fair Everton had signaled their intent from early on, and the first half possession stats demonstrated their positive approach. Having said that the best opportunities fell to the home side, with Olivier Giroud twice thwarted by Howard. Kieran Gibbs and Aaron Ramsey too had chances that evaded them. 0-0 at the break was probably fair.
In that opening period Arsenal’s slick passing had not materialised but it was no surprise when they started the second-half with a greater sense of urgency, and no little determination. Santi Cazorla and Ramsey came so close to opening the scoring, but as the half progressed it became apparent that this was not to be their day. Midway through the half it was time for both, plus Jack Wilshere, to make way. Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, and Mathieu Flamini gave us fresh legs and added energy.
Rosicky and Walcott set up Ozil for his opening goal, and briefly the prospect of a seven point gap at the head of the table loomed large. To their credit Everton stormed back. The best visiting side I have seen at the Grove this season got what they deserved when Deulofeu’s snapshot found the target.
Arsenal so nearly snatched the points with a wonderful Giroud strike against the woodwork, but it wasn’t to be. A month ago if you had offered us a five point lead at the top of the Premiership right now I suspect most would have accepted it.
Now we look forward to the next two, oh so crucial Premier League fixtures. Away to Manchester City, and home to Chelsea. Two draws would keep us at the summit, and yet we have to believe more is possible.
What do you mean, Napoli? Oh alright. Come back for a preview on Tuesday night.
Sunday started so well. Why does an empty feeling remain as it draws to a close?
123 Responses to “Credit Visitors As The Points Are Shared”
Oh man. First?
Yes! A first first for me
I should have said, as always, strong work by the master ‘holic. An empty feeling indeed, but an excellent and succinct review. My writing teachers always said it’s hardest to write succintly.
It’s been a shitty Sunday all round. Snow falling here in Chicago and on the way home from church this morning I skidded on the bad surface and hit the car in front of me. All is well but my bumper needs replacing.
“At least there’s still the Arsenal,” I thought as I drove home. Instead, that empty feeling.
Fuckity fuck fuck.
Nice summary guvna.
After the final whistle I too had that empty feeling you allude to, yet on reflection, the draw and the point don’t seem that bad, I think it’s more then many a team will get from them if they can manage to put in a performance like that.
We are top of the league, say…..
——–
Well in G’ Linc’.
Cheers H2H. We are indeed top of the league.
If I can just repost part of my drink from the tail end of the previous.
My God they were tough today. We were not at our best, but due credit to Everton for making it so. My elation at Özil’s goal was of the highest order. Fists pumping the air, an odd ache in my throat. I was so fucking proud of this team. What a 3 points it could have been. Such was my elation, such has been the solidity of our defense of late, and thus such was my confidence that victory was nigh, that when they hit back it was a letdown akin to a junkie’s.
So yes, they were excellent; yes a draw is a fair result; yes we drew on a weekend that saw Man City draw, and Chelsea and Man U lose, all to lower league opposition; yes we’re still five points clear at the top; yes we have no reason to be ashamed of our team today, their efforts did us all proud; but still. I fucking hate it when we don’t win.
well written, holic. we got a fair point, and from what I’ve seen of pool and the oilys if Everton can convert more draws to wins they are definitely in with a champions league shout. we may look back (I hope!) and see this as the toughest game of this four game stretch.
Evening all. Holic, proper feel to this one. Feel let down a bit, maybe empty, as you say. This day had to come. At least it was classy Everton we had to share the spoils with.
BMBD has taken on an added dimension with this saboteur of a last minute goal scoring two point snatcher. 🙁
That is, he is on loan from them if you didn’t follow. He looks a bit like a rodent I must say.
Nice summary ‘Holic. I am sure the players also feel that bit of disappointment even more and would use that as a fuel for the next few matches.
BTW, if anyone hasn’t noticed, the LWCs are at the Emirates in early January for the FA Cup 3rd round. A chance to beat them thrice in a season? 🙂
Let’s take the point and move forward. Everton best team performance at the Ems by anyone this season. Draw at Citeh and beat chavski and then happy days!
post11: el tel: 13 is not a regression from 12!
post14: cherry picking: why start the season after palace?
and yes, we have dropped points, but we also got lots of other points
against teams where we lost last year.
el tel: you’re not a arsenal fan are you ?
Great post holic. I was slightly miffed too but I love watching matches like this, gets the heart pumping! Never know what’s going to happen next. And that was a great shot by Deufoleu. Absolutely no space yet he got it up and down so rapidly…magic
At least we didn’t give up all the points like Manure 😀
Disappointed that we took so long to get going, a visitor would have assumed Everton were the home side. Disappointed (again) with the performances of both Santi and Jack, but balanced by the Flamini cameo which really upped the ante. I hope he starts against Napoli.
That said it was a heck of a game which either side could have won. If only we could put away more of the chances we create because, once again, we had more than they did.
Everton looked a far better side than Pool and obviously strong contenders for top 4. I was impressed by Barkley and probably just as well the Barca kid didn’t come on a lot earlier!
Öskar
Cheers holic!
Morning all. Great write up Holic. As I said in the previous drinks I, like almost everyone it seems who has an ounce of football knowledge feels that a point is a fair result. Even the pundits on MOTD last night were waxing lyrical about a great game of football. I agree totally that this was the toughest game at home this season so far. Everton sit 2 points behind second place and are there very much on merit.
Bold changes by AW in a real positive way. All had a positive effect. I thought we let Gibbs down for their goal but take nothing away from the strike.
You are very right about taking where we are now. We sit top after 15 games. We are 5 points clear of second place. We have the second highest goals scored total and the best defensive record. Anyone except those remarkably lacking in brain cells must be happy with that?? There is always room for improvement but today, let’s just sit back and enjoy what we have achieved so far. Then we can raise a glass to all that lies ahead.
Keep the faith.
A top match that moved along at a very fast pace as noted by scruz in previous drink. As a general sports fan I do enjoy a good old fashioned stoush and were very proud of my team as mentioned by others earlier, even with a slightly bummer end result that felt a bit like a small loss.
arsenal are a very fit side and we are well used to playing at that level week in week out for most of the 90, but to evertons credit, they they hung with arsenal for the most part and I believe they will win many more then they will lose or draw, so they will create plenty of damage to others chasing us.
arsenal at 70% was nearly enough to nick this one, but at this level, one small minor error in judgement and focus gets punished and my emotion and elation at ozils goal was just as strong and numbing with the everton goal out of nowhere.
gibbs unfortunately did not have his finest moment, but agree with others above, a lack of cover from others didn’t make his decision easy to stay.
But 5 points clear is 5 points clear and we have Ozil and we have Flam, fast becoming two of my all time favourite arsenal players, in a very good all round arsenal squad.
looking forward to the next 3 matches and enjoying the matchday drinks (pre and post)
Nicked from Twitter;
“Points total equal to Invincibles year plus 14 points better off than this time last year. No reason to be downbeat at all.”
And so we move on – to Napoli.
We only need a point so maybe time for a bit of bus parking? My team suggestion:
GOAL: Woj
DOUBLE DECKER BUS:
Jenks BFG Kos Nacho
Flamster Verminator
UP FRONT:
Theo Jack TR7
Bendtner
My thinking:
First, it’s a team that can get us a point or sneak a win.
Second, there is speed on both flanks.
Third, both full backs can get up to support the attack with confidence that their arses are covered by the two DMs.
Fourth, Bendtner loves scoring against the EyeTies (2 for Denmark last month) so lots of crosses to the back post.
Fifth, the Verminator would give us added protection and threat in the respective penalty boxes at set pieces, plus he has a wicked long shot on him and he likes to get forward.
Sixth: Gives breaks for Gibbs, Arteta; Ramsey; Özil, Santi and Ollie before the big game on Saturday. They can all fit on the bench with Fabianski.
I know it won’t happen but I think it’s an interesting approach.
As Oscar Wilde allegedly said once to the British Customs: I have nothing to declare but my genius.
Sunday started so well. Why does an empty feeling remain as it draws to a close?
I know exactly what you mean. I know that was a good point but like someone pointed out we have become so used to winning that every dropped point feels almost like a loss.
Steve knows@16.
Right, time to start working – looks to be a busy day today for me. Drinks are on the bar for everyone.
5points clear. Still top… That empty feeling is good. We’re getting good. I won’t mind 2draws in d nxt 2matches. COYG!!!
“A month ago if you had offered us a five point lead at the top of the Premiership right now I suspect most would have accepted it.” And before the season even kicked off we still had many bemoaning the fact that we hadn’t snapped up David Moyes to replace the should-have-been-ousted Arsene Wenger. Ha!
I felt a little empty at the final whistle but a Guinness soon put paid to that :-). As soon as that little lad with the No 10 on his shirt appeared on the touch-line, I sensed trouble. He’ll be one of the world’s best in a couple of years.
Overall, a draw was reasonably fair and I agree with your view that Everton are the best of those who’ve visited Arsenal this season. I would love to see them celebrating fourth place at season’s end with the aforementioned Moyes and his apparently very disgruntled employee Van Pigsty wallowing down in the nether reaches. Now, there’s a thought to cheer you up on this fine Monday morning.
In the company of some very good looking mid-fielders in blue, Mikel Arteta, star that he is, showed that, like all of us, he isn’t getting any younger. I’d be quite happy to see an enforcing DM arrive in January and be groomed to start next season when we prepare to start our title defense.
Have a good one, Holics. Steve T, you’ve been noticeably absent from pint buying at the Tolly over the last few weeks. Were you doing your world-famous umbrella pole impersonation again Yesterday? I may have to drive down to Epping for and Epic catch up.
Morning All
“Sunday started so well. Why does an empty feeling remain as it draws to a close?”
My explanation, if you’re interested, is because when you go 1-0 up at home with 10 mins to go you are expected to close the game out.
2 seasons ago, I would have been rightly chastised for the outrageous optimism in that comment. But this current team is more than capable of that.
Still, a 5 point gap at the summit and holding THE current form side in The League to a draw is not to be sniffed at. I suspect our impossibly tight and heavy schedule later this week might have also seen a slight application of the mental handbrake.
The Cardiff sparkle didn’t twinkle so brightly, nevertheless we ground-out a respectable and fair point.
Andiamo & UTA!
PS: Also agree with ‘Holic that Everton were the best side we’ve played so far this year. Astonishing what Martinez has achieved in a few short months esp. when compared with the man who’s job he inherited.
Morning BtM!
Too much agreement can’t be healthy, surely?
Will you be at The HoF for the second visit of those awful chavs from Fulham? We owe Maureen – big time.
PPS: You’ve gotta love The Arsenal Gent:
https://twitter.com/ArsenalGent/status/409738728023023616
Good morning hölics & hölices,
Nice one from the Guvnor, and of a truth, emptiness is an understatement to how I felt. I felt dead! We had what it takes to nick that one clearly. Just hope we go to Naples reving on all cylinders. Upon return give the Chavs & $hitty the ‘arse’ bites of their life.
DkG@19, truely would love to see TV5 in a DM role. I feel he’d do well. That leaves Wenger eith the option to go for a CB and back up or pair up striker in January.
TS, YES I’m looking forward to witnessing that home win. See you then.
Dkg19 – good set up cant go wrong with flam and nacho included.
I was also thinking of an alternative set up for Napoli for Arsene to ponder:)
First half
woj
9 backs
Flam (waving his arms,barking orders at the 9 backs and generally being everywhere)
Second half
Woj
Flam
Ozil
(give the remaining 8 a good rest)
Holic, “If you’d offered us 5 points clear at this stage of the season….” should be finished with “I’d have bitten your hand off”. Ah well, we all suffer the odd cliche breakdown from time to time! Great report still.
‘Empty feeling’ sums it up. Going 1-0 up at home with 10 to go, I’d have expected our quality defence to batten down the hatches and ride it out. What’s that now? 2 conceded in the last 5 or something?
TS: Aren’t WE the form team at the mo?
Fine report, H. What I saw. Everton look the business. Martnez has certainly transformed the dour unimaginative style of his predecessor – but how many of that team are on loan from others? 3? I do hope they finish above their noisy neighbours.
Rambo and LJW both looked lethargic from the off yesterday and need a rest midweek IMHO.
Onwards
Did I praise the visitors? Well at least they didn’t park the bus or get their point through kicking. And I suppose Martinez teams do tend to play decent attacking football.
But fuck it. They’re c*nts because of last season’s kickfest, and Martinez can p1ss off because of when Wigan came to the Ems and timewasted their way to 3 points. Siege mentality at all times.
five points clear, top of the table, ozil scored, feo’s assist, a point richer, arteta’s hair still perfect.
Bath@30
I made the same point about the loanees in the last drinks. I guess their thinking must be to get into a CL qualification spot and then they will be a more attractive prospect for the players they will need to replace the loanees. I guess Barry would be happy to make the move permanent – maybe Lukaku too. But will Everton have the money to buy them? Will CL qualification make that possible?
Happy Advent!
Flamini is like a jockey and it’s a very good thing he his on our side. When was the last time you saw a thoroughbred win a horse race without a jockey driving the horse along toward the finish line? Bring out the whip Matty!
Same to you, Pip.
I’ll take a glass-half-full view of the empty feeling, ‘Holic, in as much as the team has made such progress this season that we no longer expect it to drop any points, and especially once it has gone ahead.
I hope that the little bit of luck we didn’t get when Ollie G’s thunderbolt hit the crossbar at the death comes round again at the sharp end of the season and looks upon us more favorably.
Porco @ #31 – It’s close. Everton last lost 9 games ago, us 5 but we have more wins. If they can consistently demonstrate consistent consistency then they’re the dark horse for the league.
BtM @ #27 – Splendid. If we win, I’ll join you for a post-match haddock at Santos’ fave London eating emporium 😉
Bath @ #30 – Agreed. Could we rest Ram-Shere and still qualify on Weds night? I think so. Could we get away with resting Ollie G too?? Perhaps that’s a change too many….
8ball @ #35 – When was the last time you saw a jockey who cut his/her sleeves? 😉
BTM. I was in the Tollie from about 2.45 to 3.30. No one in sight. I watched the end of the Fulham game and departed.
TS. Good point. 🙂 Must reconsider, perhaps.
In Garth Crooks’s team of the week there is not a single player from either Arsenal or Everton! No Koscielny , no Barkley…
Astonishing punditry…but not unexpected…
My starting line-up for Napoli:
Szczesny
Jenk-Per-Koscielny-Nacho
Flamini-Arteta-Ozil
Theo-Giroud-TR7
Bring on Santi/Bendy around sixty minutes for Giroud, and Gibbo/Verm for Theo (move TR7 to right) if we are safe.
The Napoli match is too important to mess around. The double pivot of Flamini-Arteta would ensure better screening and would allow us to control the tempo and hit on counter attack without losing defensive shape.
Then for City bring Rambo back for Arteta (who I guess won’t be able to physically manage three games in a week), and Santi/Jack for Theo, but leave Nacho against Nevas…
Something to make your day better, nicked it off Twitter. This is Manure fans reaction when they look at the league table http://m.imgur.com/aoxvsKK
@43 Dr F – that’s a pretty good looking team for Wednesday. I wonder if Santi/Jack may get the nod ahead of MO11 though?
ST – Chelsea game?
@44 Cent – Try Red Rants if you want a really big laugh. Those lads up there in Surrey don’t like Moyes. As Holic said on here once (he was exasperated at the time, quite unlike him) “Will someone plead tell me what the f*ck has David Moyes ever won?” (or words to that effect – he’s pretty good at avoiding the f-word so that might be my memory coloring the recollection with imprecision, which I was guilty of once apparently). I recall that it was at a time when several were close to slitting their carotid arteries because Arsene had “definitely lost the dressing room”. Ha!
Afternoon all.
I hope you can all find solace in our lovely 5, yes FIVE point cushion, it’s a sign that things have really been good this time around when we all feel a touch of remorse about gaining a point from a hard thought game which in all reality could of went either way.
Up next Napoli, I managed to catch the extended highlights of their weekends game against Udinesse earlier today, from which I can conclude that I don’t think we have that much to worry about. They weren’t too bad going forward and took a two goal lead through Pandev, but as far as I could tell that was pretty much against the run of play, their lead didn’t last as the visitors scored twice. Napoli then regained the lead only to lose it again, 3-3 the final score.
I’d expect the boss to have a little rotation but nothing drastic, the squad strength, which is now starting to show, means that every player coming in can pretty much do a job, a situation we have definetly not been in, in the not so distant past.
All in all, a good time to be a gooner. (it ALWAYS is)
#46.
It was afternoon when I started typing. 😉
BTM @ 45: Yes, possibly. But I think Arsene would keep Ozil in just to ensure that any defensive frailties from Napoli are punished without exception and once we have scored one or two the game would be over. As H2H described they had conceded three goals at home to Udinese over the weekend, so maybe a bit of Mesut-magic would come in very handy.
I think we should really do our best to win this group to avoid the big boys in the Round of 16. Yes we have to beat some big teams eventually to win the thing, but more we postpone meeting the heavyweights the chances get better. The 08-09 run to the Semis was a good example…
H2H, I’m with you. I didn’t see their game at the weekend but the Napoli who came to the Emirates were ordinary in the extreme. If they play at the level they did in London we have nothing to fear (except fear itself of-course :-), but don’t get me started on old Winnie )
I think the boss will take the opportunity to rotate. I wouldn’t start Ramsey or Ozil they both need a breather. I would start Nacho and the Corporal and it feels to me that this would be a good opportunity to give Messrs Walcott and Gnabry the opportunity to share equitably 90 minutes of a cool Neapolitan evening.
Just one Cornetto, Mr Giroud. Should be enough.
It really is a temptation to leave him in Dr F. Just as well the Wenger brain is engaged and has priority over mine :-). Didn’t you think he looked tired on Sunday though? There was one Denilsonesque defensive jog back that almost caused me to swallow my monster gobstopper whole when I leapt out of my seat to ‘holler’ at him. Having said that, there he was at 80 minutes to put us 1-0 up.
BtM/Doc Faus’
I think he’s looked tired for quite a while, in our home game against Southampton he was almost invisible, but still managed a few touches of briliance that no other mere mortal could, and there you have it. In the stadium you also get to see a lot more of what he brings (as your goodself should know) then what you see on the box,
He’s not going to run around trying to be involved in everything a la Ramsey, that’s not his thing, he’ll probably be on the peripheral of most games as he adjusts to the hectic nature of the PL, but that’s ok, because what he does do is sublieme and what he brings to the team is priceless, he actually seems to improve those around him. I say keep him in.
Early night for me last night, and for reasons I can’t begin to fathom, I didn’t look in from work during the day…
Excellent piece Maestro. Hard to remember exactly how I felt after 90 mins yesterday, (is this early-onset Alzheimers?) principally disappointed that we hadn’t held on to our late lead. It’s hard to get a proper feel for a game that you’re listening to on 5Live, but it certainly sounded close. Judging by the amount of bodily fluid emanating from the radio, Everton’s equaliser was quite the shot (I haven’t seen the highlights yet either), so I can’t be too upset.
At work today one of the in-house Gooners pointed out that we were a point further ahead of the team in second than we had been on Saturday morning.
So, another “big week” dawns. (It’s fun isn’t it? We haven’t had this type of big week for the past couple of seasons.) Napoli and Man City away I understand. Well, I can’t claim I’m confident we’ll get the results we’d like, but I am most certainly confident that the team will acquit themselves well and that’s all we can really demand. As a bonus, “acquitting themselves well” might see the team coming home with a couple of win.
Right, it’s MoTD 2 for me…
COYG
Ah. It seems MoTD2 won’t be available on IPlayer until tomorrow. Bloody copyright laws…
BtM. Gnabry and Walcott together. Terrifying would be the word in English. Not sure what it would be in Italian. 🙂
But I like he idea and agree it would be an opportune juncture to introduce the youthful speed, power and positive energy of SG.
BtM. An internet translation gives the Italian phrase for TW-SG style terrorism as santo terrore so I hereby petition AW to unleash santo terrore on Napoli. Maybe it would be doubly effective to petition the pope at the same time. 😉
Just another little sidetrack to Hector Bellerin (another with Barca DNA). Played the whole game for Watford at Leeds and set up their second in a 3-3 draw. It is clear from the Watford website that he was playing in midfield, although Arsenal have been playing him at right-back. The Watford website says he showed incredible pace for about 60 metres, breaking away with the ball after a Leeds free-kick and setting up a team mate to score.
So I wonder if Arsenal have just been playing him at right-back for him to learn the defensive duties required of a midfielder/winger or whether they actually see him long-term as a defender. I believe Gibbs is a converted winger – isn’t that so?
His loan is only until January in the first instance.
Any of you guys ever seen him play on a regular basis?
Went to the AST drinks evening. A few words from Ivan who was clearly relieved that the mood was lighter than at the same time last year. General mood among supporters was high but a vociferous minority still followed Gazidis around like a set of vultures ( there was no Q&A) and frankly asked him questions nobody could expect him to answer.
I met Sir Chips who was exactly what I expected. He was wary at first that I wasn’t a reporter ( good job he didn’t know I write for the Gooner) but expressed himself pleased with things and said that he found the AGM very nerve wracking. You get a feeling in all of these affairs at Arsenal that you will never find anything of interest but in reality with half the room tweeting and sending pictures of themselves with Ivan to Facebook what else can you expect?
I had an interesting chat with some entirely reasonable ladies and gentlemen who had all enjoyed the Everton game despite the equaliser. Most seemed to think we will buy a few players in January. I don’t . I suspect a loan or two or a Sanogo type buy might be all we see but I desperately hope we back up Giroud. Some felt a predator would be a good contrast. I think an experienced player who might have been written off might be the answer. There was a very wide spectrum of opinion which underlines how difficult it is to manage a club nowadays. We also see changes in mood affected by individual games not whole or half seasons. Far too knee jerk for my liking that’s why I value the opinions on here so much because they tend to be measured and mature.
Many of the assembled were off to Naples. Let’s hope they have a very happy trip
dkg, he played in midfield at Arsenal the last and the first time Arsene used him. He plays for Arsenal u-21’s and for Spain u-21’s as a RB though.
I saw the assist you mentioned for Watford and it was exactly as you/they described on their website.
I’ve seen him couple of times and he looks a prospect. In fact I expect him to be our first choice RB in couple of years. People often think that he is a not that good at defending maybe because of his excellent attacking abilities, but in contrary, every time I saw him he made an impression. He is quite fast and recovers just as well as Jenks, but is a lot better technically than him.
For more info, ask Jeorge Bird or Tim Stillman on twitter or on their websites.
Evening all,
Busy day today and a looonnngg journey back last night – engineering works on the railway, and before one could even get to the platforms to try and catch a non-running cancelled train, we were all locked out of Finsbury Park station.
The reason ? The newly engineered, sparkly – if bricks can sparkle – platforms and access ways were overcrowded.
The reason ? There were no stuffing trains running. Engineering works and the EIGHTY drivers who reported sick yesterday had seen to that.
So, Steve T,
After much waiting around and overcrowding on the journey to Finsbury Park, I was in The Tollie from 1.30 til 2.45. As you say, there were no Holics in sight and I had to return a borrowed ticket, so I took a leisurely stroll down to the stadium. Must have only just missed you.
All a bit ‘after the Lord Mayor’s Show’ following the Southampton gathering. Good to see Ollie briefly though.
dkgooner,
Quite like that team line up for Napoli – much to be said for resting those players – Ramsey and Wilshere probably had their worst games of the season yesterday, and that left Arteta a bit stranded and fouling everyone trying to contain the Everton midfield.
We were better from the start of the second half and the introduction of Flamini instantly gave us a far more secure look.
While I am more than happy with Mertescielny – excellent again yesterday – I do have a lot of sympathy for TV5 who has not had the luxury of playing at centre back with Flamini providing the protection in midfield. With the Flamster in front of them, the centre backs don’t have to run forward, out of position, to close down opposing forwards and can hold a much better line.
Kos bullied Lukaku out of the game yesterday while the BFG cleaned up everything else. The best two centre backs in the league right now. Personally I thought Gibbs should have got closer to Deulofeu to block the shot, but he had another otherwise excellent game.
Five points clear at the top of the table in December ?
Yes please. Or any other time.
Dkg
He is a real talent. I tipped off my mate at Watford about him and he has been enormously impressed but says he is so good he shows up the rest of the team!
He and Toral were signed from Barca on the basis they would have a much better chance of getting first-team football at Arsenal and we discussed him tonight at the AST do and felt he is much more talented than Jenks ( who is a very decent back- up full- back) . Wenger may see him as Sagna’s replacement next year. I think he will probably prefer him to stay at Watford and get first-team football rather than return to us this season but then the world is his lobster as Arthur Daley once said.
He came on as sub at West Brom in the League Cup and did very well in midfield. But would you try to get into this Arsenal team in midfield or full- back!?
Trev, Not that TV5 needs it necessarily but his attitude surely cannot be hurt by the excellent example of patience displayed by Kos when he was out of the team for a lengthy period, cannot remember if it was the start of last season or the season before.
Hello gooners…having had the time to deeply ponder on’t and having let the emotions subside, I have come to the decision that the Everton game was def 2 points lost and not 1 point gained…you just do not work that hard to score in the 80 minute to have an opponent’s goal go in 4 minutes later because…Gibbs didn’t block…we switched off…we didn’t put all 11 players in front of goal like the Rockettes just knocking away any attempts…defending defending…whichever one you choose or all of the above…forget that the media/Everton fans are banging on about Everton bossing Arsenal around at the Emirates ( if they were that bossy how come they didn’t score earlier,eh?…no pundit wants to mention that, right?)
BUT, still, you don’t score then just let 1 in with 10 minutes to go…Mesut must be thinking: ‘What the f___!!!’, but then again, he has probably already thought that many times, because, even though he does sometimes wander off up the heath, he has provided so many sly, delicious passes that too many times come to clattering dead ends…you have all seen it I know…that the Ronaldos, Biteys, prob even Lewandowskis, would just bang right in…and while I’m ranting (please forgive me, I must care if I’m taking the time to write this :)…where is Cazorla? did he return yet from injury…did he go further up the heath and lose his way back?
Thanks for tuning in…rant over..
Let’s not turn off at all in the next games and start tackling back if they ‘boss’ us…and let’s get the points!!!
Btw, Kos was amazing yesterday….that highligts video on youtube is da bomb!
As far as the Napoli game goes, I feel Arsene should pick his strongest team as he sees it – forget about the following game. Get it wrong and it could be adios to the ECL for this season whereas a loss at Middle Eastlands on Saturday will not in itself de-rail our premier league aspirations.
TTG, believe both Bellerin and Toral have both been held back by injuries – let’s hope they have a clear run and show their potential over a period of time. Bellerin v Atkinson… technical skill v physical prowess…which will prevail in the demands of the EPL? Either way, hope. Bacary us still with us next 2 seasons – he is a warrior !
Uplympian, I agree, the next game is the most important one, especially if the next one is a CL decider. If we are in a winning position then make the changes.
Btw, who is Atkinson?
One of my pet hates is the orgy of celebration that greets every goal scored, ever more frenzied when it gives us the lead late in a game. The way some carry on you’d think they’d never seen a goal before in their lives, when scoring is in fact quite common in football. Godammit some clowns even have loony dance (?) moves ready for such occasions!
But while they are hugging, kissing and rolling around on the ground in ecstasy I am screaming at the screen for them to pack it in and CONCENTRATE on defending, lest they allow the opposition back into the game. As happens all too often…
If I was AW I’d insist on a new cool response – perhaps a high-five for the goal scorer – and a quick return to position. This would tell the opposition that we actually expect to score, it’s what we do and nothing special about the latest one. In fact they shouldn’t be surprised if we do it again before the match ends!
Öskar
Whoops Lurky, I mean Jenkinson ( old age + wine not always a good mix 😉 )
Uplympian: re: Napoli game #63
Spot on mate! Best team forward, forget about Saturday…get in group F at the top and screw all the goal difference script…
I like your team at #43, Dr F. We only have to draw to win the group so the emphasis should primarily be on not conceding, but with quick counter-attacks when the ball bounces our way. Merts/Kos speak for themselves, Flam and Mikel in front of them, Özilla as the fulcrum, Theo/TR7 and on to Giroud are the best guys we have for breakaway goals.
I agree with those who say that we should delay meeting the stronger teams as long as possible. I’m all for letting someone else knock a few out and saving us the bother.
Öskar
I watched the Everton game with a housemate who supports them (banter was expected), I thought the 1st half was ‘illusionary dominance’ for them up until the 40 minute mark, which was when we started to go at them properly.
This continued in the 2nd half, with us more likely to score at any moment than them, so Özil’s goal was met with ecstatic, controlled celebration. A shame, then, that we couldn’t close out the game, Deulofeu’s shot was truly something to beat Szczesny in his relative current form (27 saves from 29 shots previous to that goal) and in all fairness, a draw was a fair result. But it doesn’t stop you pining for the win that we’ve all begun to expect from this team on at least the subconscious level, and who can blame us? 8)
The lads are playing some sublime football these days and are well deserving of their 5 point cushion at the summit of the table 🙂
I hope they can finish in the Top 4 with their former manager finishing anywhere outside there, they’re playing some great football under Martinez after all, but not at our expense of course 😛
Oskar @ 68: Thanks. The idea is to play a team suitable for the occasion (organization and maturity in the middle complemented by speed on the wings to be exploited by Ozil) but ensuring Rambo gets a breather. The few times — one full match and a few minutes together here and there with Theo as substitute if I recall correctly — Ozil and Theo have played together we have seen one or two glimpses of the possibilities. I think the Ozil-Giroud-Theo triangle would become one of the most profitable combinations once they start playing together consistently.
At this point of time TR7 complements Ozil better than Santi, not only because Santi is still finding his way back to form (thanks to that utterly pointless summer tournament), but TR7 is a better player without the ball than Santi and his pressing benefits Ozil directly.
BTM @ 50: If I may, Ozil most of the time looks tired, even in training photos. 🙂
I think it is a bit of (probably unconscious) deception that is in his footballing make-up. Looking exhausted and disinterested and generally strolling near the touchlines before choosing the right moments to make key contributions with the ball. In a match of this magnitude Ozil would be very handy as he will occupy at least one, if not two, of the defensive midfielders (our opposition coach is Rafa who always likes to dedicate special tactical attention to oppositions’ special players ) and in counter attack he will find passes that no one else in our team is capable of. We really need one goal early enough in the game to put this to bed.
Hello all,
as far as Napoli match goes I am very much in the “field the strongest team possible” camp, the game is too important and possibility to top the group so near that it would be criminal to not take advantage of it.
That said I am not going to witness it since I realized yesterday that tomorrow is our companys Christmas party..so cue me not socializing too much during the game as I am going to check the scores on my phone constantly ..and then getting massively drunk hopefully celebrating important victory:D
From a sporting perspective, the CL is the one trophy that Wenger has not yet won and is arguably, the trophy that I think he will target primarily over the coming years.
From a financial perspective, qualification from the CL group stages is worth somewhere in the region of 20m. The difference in monetary terms in progressing into the quarters – Semis and Final etc is not actually all that much more. So the primary financial gain is getting out of the group in the first place.
So I just can’t see us approaching this game with anything other than fielding our strongest possible 11.
The downside is that Citeh have already qualified and will surely rest players for the weekend.
We can afford to loose the Citeh game an awful lot more that we can afford to loose to Napoli I feel. In order to sustain the momentum and confidence, its one game at a time.
Is it reactionary to mention this?
http://www.football365.com/news/21554/9066008/Vieira-Arsenal-Have-Lack-Of-Leadership-
In the words of the Arseblogger (witten to Hleb after he moved to Farca and started talking about attracting other Arsenal players there):
Cunt off and shut the fuck up.
Re: goonsterham @3. Sorry to hear about your icy auto accident but glad to hear you are ok. Ice on the roads is not uncommon up here in Minnesota either. 😉 As a matter of fact the high temperatures this week have hovered near zero degrees. For old world readers I should add that is zero degrees fahrenheit. 🙁
Heh
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BbHiaMhIYAAHeDS.jpg:large
Lurky, 😆 excellent !
Some people really have too much time on their hands. 😉
Thats pure gold Lurky, shame it is not in higher resolution 😀
BtM @ 49: erm, that was Roosevelt on having nothing to fear but fear itself, not Winnie…
How about this updated version of a Lord Churchill windup?
“We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We…shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air ON SET PIECES, we shall defend our GOAL, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the PITCH…we shall never surrender.”
Lurky @ 75 — Ha! Excellent …
A gunner at heart:
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25312174
“I’m sure that if Arsenal show the same mentality as last season from Christmas time to the end of the season, they will be champions of the Premier League”.
Fucking thugs ruined what would have been a wonderful Arsenal career…
Lurky @ 75, that’s class 😆
Doc Faustus, Eduardo has a heart of gold, but sadly he’ll always be a big ‘what if?’ for us, almost as big as Diaby’s current ‘what if?’ 🙁 But he’s the kind of guy who will always be welcomed back to the Emirates with open arms by the fans, even if he’s in opposition colours.
Wind @ 82 — Yes, there was a rather impressive interview of him in the Arsenal magazine a few months back. Very warm and insightful especially about the tremendous struggles and frustrations of getting back after the injury. Always liked him.
And you got to hand it to Diaby… that is some dedication and optimism. I know the cynics would talk about the money he is earning but I think the best professionals are never really motivated that much only by money and to suffer one setback after another when you know (and have already shown to the world) that what a good player you can be must be immensely dispiriting …
Would really love if Diaby comes back to full fitness and have a couple of stellar seasons with us.
Aww, thanks 8ball @74. Just an insurance hassle.
Did you all see Viera’s comments about our lack of leadership? Has he been watching the Arsenal at all this year?
Sorry, these comments.
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1645963/patrick-vieira-arsenal-lack-leadership?cc=5901
Doctor Faustus @ 83, I can only wholeheartedly agree with all that you have said.
There us too much media now. Too much space to fill and not enough real news. Vieira and Keane are on ITV4 tonight. Keane will be on ITV talking about the non- event game of the season . I wonder if the Vieira story has been trumped up to remind people about the programme later and to wind up Arsenal fans ahead of the weekend.
While I had huge regard for Vieira as a player his supposed criticism is utterly ill informed . The one thing we don’t lack now is leadership. Merts , Arteta , Wilshire, Koscielny and Rosicky are all natural leaders and all could be captain. Giroud is also a mature and battle- hardened player with leadership qualities. Even the goalkeeper is a leader. We’ve got leadership coming out of our ears. Hopefully that will be shown over the next two weeks
Thanks to Lurky and TTG for answers to my question about Bellerin. Yes, I did see him briefly in the West Brom game but not enough to go on really – hence my question.
I also hope Bacs gets signed up – not only the best right back in the PL but also a wonderful squad player, having filled in at CB and LB, and an inspiring spirit on the pitch. I will never forget that headed goal against the Totts that swung the whole momentum of the game. Forget the 30-year-old rule Arsene – Bacs is good for at least 4 more seasons, either as RB or reserve central defender.
Thanks also for the kind words about my speculative starting 11 tomorrow – I see Dr F came up with almost the same – just made the mistake of playing Arteta 🙂
Huh – match hasn’t really started yet and City are a goal behind.
Piece of cake on Saturday.
ttg@87 Not to mention Flamini.
12 minutes and 2-0. They may have rested a few but if they get well and truly hammered, this could be a demoralising evening for them.
make that two, dk. i guess beating bayern at home in the CL isn’t as easy as some might say.
Evening peeps,
I’d be interested to know when those Vieria “quotes” were actually made, as I seem to remember him saying something along those lines a while ago, at the time it was pretty much true.
city get one back after a sustained spell of pressure. pep’s defense looked all at sea.
Zings a diagonal left footed ball which some might call Cazorlaesque ….
heads it back across to the top of the box…
***Stops to admire Lurky’s moto pastiche and examines Wenger’s and Moyes’ expressions closely.***
Snow stops play in Turkey.
loops the newly exchanged orange ball to the back post…
Ping
Ping? Is this golf all of a sudden. Lifts golf hat and acknowledges the genteel applause from the gallery. Walks off to next tee.
@ 98
Think you will find that snow starts play.
*applauding btm*. you certainly didn’t slice that finish.
BtM -“The more I practise, the luckier I get.”
H2H
I think you’re right those are old quotes rehashed
Dk
How could I forget the Flamster! ?He has shown them all season
Evening all
Naples is a lovely wild anarchic city,but totally football bonkers.Every shop and bar shows their colours, mostly though from the Maradona era.Pompei is massive,fascinating and astounding.Probably the best Time of year to visit as not too hot and crowded.
As for tomorrow night I would like to see some nécessary rotation as their were some tired legs on Sunday and now we have got a practically full squad it would be foolish not to take advantage.As for who to rest ,I will leave that to the Boss who watches all the training sessions and has all the technical data to hand.Ciao
Nor hook it, Scruz. Right down the middle! Sadly i’mno Gary Player dkg.
I see the little piglet inside the Pigsty is warming up. Yawn.
wrongly given penalty to city. poor call.
2-2.
and now an offside call not called, and milner profits.
city 3-2 bayern. will bayern have the pep to pull it out?
Agree scruz, a pity that. Not happy with some of their (Citeh’s) defending, either. High kicks, etc.
washed up (Naples), Would love to hear more about your trip …
sigh 2-3 🙁
agreed, abb (hi!). both dzeko and milner earlier, though they were carded. could have been red in dzeko’s case.
Hey scruz, agree, red should have been given. Will need Flamster to sort this rag tag bunch out 😉
lol, even with three goals i think everton at the weekend showed more composure, and serious quality, compared to what i’ve seen today of man city.
Beating the CL cup holders with half the side rested plus an extra day more than us to recuperate, and we shouldn’t be worried? I like that optimism!
You could also mention we thrashed them pre-season.
It should be a heck of a game Saturday, and I’ll be ecstatic with a one-goal win. Even a draw will be a good result. Napoli will be a cakewalk in comparison.
Öskar
Well in BtM.
Heh @ zico.
Not watching the Citeh game, but to from two down to lead at Bayern is no mean feat. One more and they top the group, which would put Bayern as the unseeded team in the draw for the next round.
*but to come from
Not much more to tell ABB.I got an early plane in this morning,dropped bags at the hotel and took the local train to Pompei.Unfortunately I could not spend as much Time as I would of liked there due to breaking in new shoes.You eat réally well and cheap in this town .Prosciutto cured ham and Buffalo mozzarella followedby spaghetti volgone(mussels)washed down with the local wine,surprisingly good and finished off with a coffee and Amaro digestive which is a sort of alcoholic herb syrup.Tomorrow visit to the old city and all its churches ,muséums and catacombs before heading for the stadium
Enjoy, wash’.
Oh washed, sounds absolutely lovely. Thanks for taking me out of myself, for a bit. Can picture it as we speak. xx
The achilles heel of the Germans – thought the game was won after 10 minutes. Not dis-similar to their attitude when we won over there,
What I saw of their centre-backs tonight suggests that they can be well and truly got at. And Boateng’s contribution to their winning goal….will give Pep ulcers.
Great result for City considering the team they put out.
Sounds like you’re having a bad time over in S Italy. Hope it perks up tomorrow evening.
COYG
Churches, museums and catacombs?
That’s code for pub, right? 😎
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