April Shower
Aug 23rd, 2014 by 'holic
So I have a routine. Friday evening I have the first pints since Sunday, then watch the presser, then try and fashion some sort of a preview. Maybe it is too routine. I am about to find out. No presser seen, and I’m not sure all the Kate Bush footage I have seen this evening will inform my opinion of our trip to Goodison tomorrow (or probably later today by the time I finish this!)
Welcome to the world of blogs, where every now and again an unprofessional and impromptu offering can be thrust out there. So, should we start with remembering the utter whacking we took up there less than six months ago? Perhaps not. It matters not now.
Unfortunately Mikel Arteta is ruled out after his ‘coming together’ wiith Demba Ba on Tuesday. On the plus side our World Cup winners are back in training, but as none of them is suited to the deep-lying midfield role I will assume that Mathieu Flamini is the likeliest replacement. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is an interesting alternative, but surely does his best work in attacking areas?
Of the Germans I would be very surprised if Per Mertesacker and Mesut Ozil don’t start. I have loved Calum Chambers first appearances in an Arsenal shirt, but Per is the finished article and needed for our first ‘north-west on Saturday teatime’ test. That is Arsenal’s equivalent of a ‘cold Tuesday night in Stoke’.
Lots of nonsense has been spouted about our attacking options. For those who have not seen it I would recommend Tim Stillman’s excellent column on Arseblog this week. We are feeling our way into the new season. Given our last four competitive fixtures have yielded an FA Cup, the Community Shield, three precious points on the opening day of the new Premier league season, and a draw at a tricky Champions League qualifying away venue, I would urge some patience and restraint. Then again I would, wouldn’t I? It’s what I do.
So we are in pretty good shape, Theo and Gibbo apart. What of the bluenoses? Ross Barkley, Arouna Kone and Bryan Oviedo are likely to miss out. So what? Looks like they will have a decent side out too. Until April Goodison has held no terrors for us for a while, but the beating we took that day was significant. Having said that it would be a surprise to many neutral observers if Everton were able to impose themselves on the visitors in a similar fashion.
The ‘holic pound? Let’s face it, at this stage of the season it really is all guesswork. Keep your money in your pocket is the best tip, but I have a sense of mischief about me. I am attracted to the 0-3 to avenge last season in kind. Thirty to one is on offer. Can we keep a clean sheet? If you are sceptical then 1-3 can be grabbed at 22/1. I am on both. It is what you do at, oh wait, it is now matchday!
For those who bought tickets before the television rescheduling and who are still going, have an absolute blast. There are no trains back to London after the game so many have been shafted, but when did the Premier League, Sky, or BT et al, ever give a monkeys about supporters?
And so to the customary have a good one ‘holics. Let’s enjoy today, and indeed the rest of the weekend.
333 Responses to “April Shower”
First?
Now to read more sensible ramblings. Thanks ‘Holic
Pre-qualified ? 😉
Nice piece of uninformed nonsense, H. 😉
Cheers, H.
Thanks fellas. Much appreciated.
Sorry to drag the back and forth into this fresh drinks;
Trev, it doesn’t matter how much I pay to watch Arsenal, even if they gave me free directors’ box tickets forever I will still criticise anything I feel the club is doing badly.
Top ten finish for me this go round….
By the way, Toffees are in Europe, right? Have they been in action there on Spursday nights as yet?
A 3-0 with some old school Arsenal magic to politely remind Everton their place would be most welcome. I know it sounds dismissive and arrogant, but it is time we start making other teams frightened of us again.
Cent, TTG, Steve T. et al. from previous drinks, if I may, I think it is absolutely impossible to avoid appearing as something that one least wants to appear as, at least consciously. In any case in these (post?)-post-modern times texts are supposed (mandated?) to be ‘read’ in a myriad ways, but even if we are to shun such deconstructionist shenanigans (madness?), in an Internet forum expressions unaccompanied by gestures are not at all unlikely to be read in manners which were diametrically opposite to what the poster had intended.
Written words alone is too opaque a semantic prism to accurately differentiate the hues of emotions that lie close to each other in the spectrum of human experience: pride and vanity, passion and obsession, irreverence and disrespect.
Hence it is probably best for our sanity if we simply exclude the personality aspects of the posters and the emotional colors that we might find offensive from the discussion, unless of course we know them personally and this public online forum is a natural extension to our private friendship.
I think this is where there is an inter-personal dynamics that can confuse some of us the non-locals. Many of the prominent members of this virtual establishment also are lucky enough to enjoy match-day bonhomie and hence their verbal jousting on this blog carry with it the winks, nudges and laughters that are not visible or audible to outsiders.
As we the outsiders do not hear those higher harmonics of laughter and lightness, we may find the interchanges weighing us down. It appears gloomier to us than it actually is.
Just a conjecture, of course.
Well said, Doctor Faustus. I was always amazed at the previous company I worked with fellow employees who would try to have conversations via email when their office was 20 feet down the hallway from mine. I would then proceed to walk said 20 feet to have a real conversation.
Communication is often difficult in the best of situations, and in the absence of voice intonations, body language, gestures, and facial expressions, it becomes much more difficult.
ecg @ 9 — Thanks.
Good article on Theo on Arsenal site: http://www.arsenal.com/news/features/20140819/the-theo-formula .
The rapid growth in the intelligence and all-roundedness in his game in the last couple of years before his injury was rather remarkable , and it had totally justified both Arsene’s faith as well as his consistent evaluation of Theo being a very intelligent footballer, even though to us followers in the early stage of his career he looked anything but.
Different players evolve differently. Whatever the criticisms of Arsene are — and we all have our share of them, I particularly find his relative unwillingness to rotate when a stable first eleven is flying high maybe a little regressive, even though I understand it must have been based on certain philosophy that can be well rationalized — his ability to anticipate and accordingly shape a player’s career is really unmatched. Quite uncanny actually. One of the marks of his multi-faceted genius.
nice multipinter, guv. I’m guessing your 22x will come home.
faustus, well said (parenthetically).
Holic
Very nice preview my money is certainly on the Holic pound too! 🙂
It took time for Everton to play well last season I remember when we tonked them 1:6 I believe Cesc was still playing for us then. Anyway enough about that fella. Anything is possible on the day those twists and turns will reveal themselves as the season unfolds. The good thing about the Besiktas game was that we didn’t surrender even thou they came guns blazing and we still could have nicked it with playing ten men.
We are not is any disaster zone so let’s enjoy the ride we have had so far. Everton will be up for it but we certainly won’t crumble!
DF
Interesting stuff defo!
Parenthetically, scruzgöonér? I’m impressed! Almost as much as by Dr F’s ‘deconstructionist shenanigans’, ‘semantic prism’ and ‘higher harmonics of laughter and lightness’ (#8) … all illustrative of a diffusiveness of circumlocutory periphrasis I find intellectually stimulating in this best of all virtual worlds.
It also reminded me of the finest book that resulted from WW1 which we are currently celebrating (or perhaps remembering would be abetter word) … In Parenthesis by David Jones … http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2011/feb/04/first-world-war-novelist-david-jones … a work impossible to classify but lying somewhere in the poetry, history and personal reminiscence genres, or perhaps best described as ‘sui generis’, meaning of its own kind. Whatever, highly recommended to all literary types basking in the well-spring of informed opinion that is this surprising blog.
Öskar
As for Goodison a draw would be a good result this early in the season. A win would be better of course, but our form so far has been a tad disappointing so I couldn’t predict one with any confidence. But then who knows where the Toffees are at, so anything could happen. I shall be watching with an obvious interest and just hoping for the best.
COYR.
Öskar
nice, oskar. glad at least one of us impresses.
“So we are in pretty good shape except gibbo and theo”
Diaby out
Artetta out
Gnabry out
Ozil not fit but just back in training
Per not fit but just back in training
Poldi not fit but just back in training
Sanogo niggling injury
Kos niggling injury and no replacement
Seems like theo has grown in ability somewhere between superman, ronaldo and messi during his regular “gibbs like” injury..
We are a niggling injury away from a shad forsyth ” welcome to arsenal” full blown injury crisis 2 games into the season.
I notice that ” Big Ivan” is not being called big ivan much anymore on here and our net spend is looking more like an international banks budget foreacast at all square on the ledger….
Campbell cant get a game for the life of him and our 3 germans seem unlikely to play….and if they do will be about half fit and match fit rusty..
Pretty good shape
This quote from Robben after Bayern’s 2-1 win last night is an apt comment on our opening game. “Opening matches are always a bit strange. We didn’t have much preparation because of the World Cup, not much training and lots of injuries but we shouldn’t be making excuses. The three points are the most important thing.” The report I read on Real Madrid’s game last night included the comment “Tony Kroos was poor”, so maybe our decision to keep our German’s out of the main group and give them 2/3 weeks of fitness training to get them up to the same level before joining the main group was a sensible one?
Haha! The real Aussie is back.
“I would urge some patience and restraint. Then again I would, wouldn’t I? It’s what I do.”
Cheers ‘holic! Great stuff and may the ‘holic pound come good.
And cheers Dr. F @Mikel Arteta. Well said.
Always nervous before an Everton game. My favorite team not called Arsenal.
To be clear though, fuck em. COYG
btw, interesting infographic here. Didn’t realize Arsenal’s new kit deals give them the second-most lucrative kit sponsorships in Europe, behind Man U. More than Real Madrid, Barca, Bayern, Chelsea, and well…everyone else.
Of course, as other big clubs renew their deals we’ll inevitably drop a few places in that list. But our deals, both with Puma and with Emirates, are just 5 years each, which means we’ll be able to renegotiate relatively soon.
$100m/year. My God that’s a lot of money.
http://espn.go.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/11389002/top-10-most-valuable-euro-kits
Just sayin like Impec1 ?
Could we seriously have anymore injuries if steve bould and shad forsyth told our players to go and run a marathon whilst piggybacking diaby after each training session and don’t complain if your legs are a bit sore.
The whole intention of a pre season is to prepare the players for the actual season.
The pre season is not meant to injure the players for the season….
Morning all.
Cent. Football and football clubs have changed. The paragraph on the preview about kick off times and fans not being able to get trains home tells you everything about the modern day game. Football sold it’s soul years ago. We bought into it years ago. No one cares about supporters anymore. That is why to the clubs and their big businesses we are now just customers. As a result I would suggest that the tolerance levels of the average fan are a lot less than they would have been some years ago. An awful lot more is being asked of supporters these days with very little given in return.
Today I think will be very tough. Everton are a well drilled team under a manager I have huge respect for. Lukaku is also someone I rate highly. He will be a handful. I think the money Everton paid for him will eventually turn out to be excellent business.
I’m not sure if the Germans will be risked. None have had any game time. I would be surprised to see all three play. I think today could well be a Sanchez day for us. His tenacity and guile could well prove to be our match winner.
Fingers crossed for 3 points.
Nice preview h. I’m still away in a remote part of the world so have seen nothing much of the games so far. I’m relying on your words and the words of others for updates.
Enjoy your day people.
Thanks for the preview Holic. As ever a beautifully crisp and succinct précis of likely events but a draw would seem to me to be the likely result. If BFG is brought back I think Chambers might morph into a DM- perhaps the DM most of us crave. I would unhesitatingly replace Santi with the Ox and Ozil looks likely to come in although possibly from the bench. A hard- fought 1-1 is my view of the likely outcome.
Aussie: I understand your concerns but things are not as bad as some people are making it out to be.
Injuries occur and I doubt Shad Forsythe is the magician everyone is expecting. Quite significantly, the guy has just started the job and it will take some time for his methods to come to fruition.
People need to relax a bit and cheer on the team. We are just 2 games into the season and it’s all death, doom and despair already. Based on the manager’s presser and training pictures, we’ve only lost Gibbs and Arteta recently. Aussie, if it comforts you, even Diaby is fit and raring to go (tongue in cheek)!
Let’s dismantle the Toffees. Revenge time. COYG!!
May I join my own to the list of comoliments to the proprietor? I may? Excellent!
Good preview, Guv. I’m unfamiliar with the strategy for placing the legendary ‘holic pound. 0-3 seems unjustifiably optimistic. I would, of course, be delighted with such a result but I’ll focus my hopes on a more realistic 1-2. It’s just like the latter part of last season as far as I’m concerned WTNM.
Actually, I well remember the Graham era so a WTNM philosophy suits me fine at all times.
COYG
Ozil should come in and maybe Ox.. hope Alexis gets at least a rest and maybe bring him on if we need him. He’s a tough Squirrel but we’re asking a lot of him of late!
Having said that a win would be crucial, need to maintain momentum!
😀
Last season was a predictable result. Today is not, and Everton will need to be at their very very best to even get close to doing us any damage.
Someone will surprise us today and step up. Don’t ask me who, but I see us growing with each game so we’re going to see a better performance.
Aussie, you’re also right. Our injury list is also growing and it’s ludicrous to be in a shaky position in week 2 of the season. Let’s say this is our annual injury crisis right now instead of February-ish. Could happen!?
Totally agree with you on football, football clubs and their relationship, or lack of, with the fans.
Cheers H!
Most football clubs have a very close relationship with their fans, Arsenal included. Its along the lines of ‘…give us all your money, you mugs. Now!’
Fine preview, guvna.
0-3? What have you been smoking?
I love the optimism but believe that this game will be a real scrap.
What I do hope and believe is that we will scrap it out properly with them this time.
2-3 to the Arsenal.
COYGs.
Well, at least if you get the prediction wrong Holic, or indeed, if any members of the bar feel like they’ve come up on the wrong end in any of the hotly contested debates, you can always plead the Harry Redknapp defence of ‘not having raped anyone, and not being a paedophile’ 🙂
Have finally back-drunk and sampled some stimulating and engaging drinks from many of the regulars and lovely match reports. Some fine debate and considered posts. Pangloss, Ttg, Bath, Steve T, Cent and many others, absolute class all of you – always a pleasure to arrive here and read something stimulating and engaging.
Otd thank you for the link above. As to you Dr F.
Soft drinks for the moment, drinks definitely ordered for all closer to the game.
Aussie: Shad Forsyth has only been with the club a few weeks. Any new training regime will take months to have any discernible effect.
Also, the Germans have been in training for almost two weeks so while they may lack match tempo they haven’t come straight from the beach to this game.
In any case I expect a game today where Everton try to blitz us like they did last time around. But they are without Barkley and this time we have Alexis who will either pin Baines back or, if Baines pushes forward anyway, find lots of space behind Baines. If we can use that space well we should be able to create a couple of good opportunities on the counter attack.
Would I be happy with one point? Well… I would have to say no, actually. I would be OK with one point, but I want the three points.
Impec/Lars-
We have the opportunity to be in such a better position than last season with finance restrictions, chambers, debuchy and sanchez are such astute high quality buys, I truly pray injuries dont unravel the early season transfers and work on the squad.
Impec – I wish abou was fit and raring to go. We need that strength and physical presence in that role.
I hope we see a fast moving zip the ball around display and i hope campbell gets a run.
Morning all.
Smoking, bath, I? No sir. It’s our day 😉 (There may be an element of tongue in cheek there.)
Esso knows, but they can get away with it because our love is unconditional. Until that changes the club will continue to fleece…
Restraint is for others, as is acting on betting impulses. 🙂
Greetings maestro from exotic Brooklyn NY where the sleeping last night ended early. Come on you Gunners. Maybe lightweight in weight but not in results!
I never had any beef with Everton before but I really hope we batter them today!
I have a feeling it might be a score draw though
Thanks for the preview ‘holic, sir.
No way for me to see the game today, at time of kick off I’ll be a few thousand feet above the north east coast of the U.S of A, enroute to warmer climates.
Enjoy the match all, wifi permitting, I’ll catch up wih it all later.
Salud todos.
howdy all
howdy ‘hol
i’m guessin bbc4
was takin a beatin last night then
😉
Morning all, and the top of it to you, cba, sir !
I seem to have strolled into Pseuds Corner.
Anyone know where the Colemanballs are ?
😉
Also missing today’s game but will be watching in spirit and I like TTG’s team selections above.
Heh Trev @41. I suspect that reference has flown over a lot of heads. 🙂
yeah trev
🙂
crowbarring intellectualism in
ye can all but hear the bibliography
Nice one ‘Holic!
Worried about this one but COYG!
Blimey the Mugsmashers have Eto’o lined up if Balotelli flunks his medical ( he might saw the table in half or attack the examiner. ) And he will need someone to dress him afterwards if that bib video is anything to go by. It is very clear that they are very serious about a tilt at the title. They’ve reinvested the Hannibal Lecter fee and then some. Of course they ,like the LWCs, have still to build a new stadium but John Henry must be considered an upgrade from their point of view compared to Gillett and Hicks.
It’s ironic that they have so many strikers and we might be a bit short especially as Sanogo looks suspiciously like a hugely injury- prone figure. I tended to write them off as one season wonders and certainly their defence and midfield are not as strong as the attack but sadly they might be contenders
Pseuds corner indeed.
Bring back gratuitous and unnecessary swear words.
Like the sound of that 22 to 1 shot, H.
Off to lift the rock on my Ladbrokes account…..
You were right about the Tim Stillman article Holic. He has an understated but very readable style which is redolent of many of your pieces. No hysteria but applied common sense and gnawing away beneath it a feeling that the current squad doesn’t enable us to be quite the best we can be.
He suggests we may rest Kos today and if this will help his Achilles we may see Calum and the BFG in the centre with Flamini.
amen zico
can’t beat a good lump o swearin
up there with a great big fart
as a tension reliever
Just win please Arsenal. Don’t care how, just fight like loons and bring 3 points home.
UTA
Two bits of advice I was given at a young age CBA.
Never trust a fart.
Never waste an erection.
Always stood me in good stead.
bustin fer a fart
hard as a table top
oh the quandary!
Steve T @51, you were clearly very precocious as those were items 2 & 3 in the advice given to Billy Connolly on turning 50.
Item 1 was: ‘Never pass up an opportunity to take a piss.’
Item 3 had the additional clause: ‘Use it even if you are alone’
cba @52,
just
let it
out….
and hope.
Read that Stillman column. Always seems a but syrupy to me, takes a lot of words to make some simple points sound oh so reasonable. We look rusty, the team hasn’t gelled, a few players have been particularly naff but let’s not go overboard, we’d all like a new striker. Just my taste, but I’d rather rave about it.
Whilst proven “super quality” strikers might not be available at the moment, I still reckon we could add someone who’s a prospect. You’d have thought finding the next hot young thing would appeal to Arsene.
My team for today: Schez — Debuchy, Chambers, Kosc, Monreal — Ramsey, Wilshere — Sanchez, Ozil, AOC — Giroud
Fart
yer a braver man than me baff
yikes
more barry shite than white
nope
i’m already the talk of the parish
Delightful confection, ‘Holic. A little something whipped up out of nothing with masterful skill. Landing your 22-1 punt would be the cherry on the top.
Bath@43: *sigh* Are we all — or at least some of us — really that old now?
Varying shades of meaning on the proper use of an erection. Instructive. Reminds me of an old adage. Those who can, do. Those who can’t, instruct. Let’s hope our boys do something useful with their instructions today. 😉
Did I really just read El Puno saying someone “takes a lot of words to make some simple points” ?
Obviously it’s a different El Puno to the one bludgeoning my eyes with the same transfer rumour 300 times a few short weeks ago.
those who can , do
those who can’t , teach
those who can’t teach become headmasters
Bath. Did not know that about Billy Connolly but it does not surprise me. Always a top bloke with generally good bits of advice.
Free e-book about football on telly in the days before the Premier League, for those who have futuristic reading devices. Or like to read PDFs on a computer.
http://bigmatchaction.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/restricted-view-football-on-british-tv.html
Poldi not in the squad today???? I did not know that???? Lots of rumours that he is off???? Personally I hope not but I do think he struggles to fit in with our system. He will struggle even more with the arrival of Sanchez. What I do hope is that if he is allowed to go that there is already someone lined up to replace him.
Must be di Maria to replace him on the left, Steve.
Obvious, innit? 😉
Trev@59 – Beat me to the punch. I’m trying to restrict myself to two potentially lengthy per week and was dithering about a third.
Chew up those toffees, Arsenal.
COYG
Cynic,
“futuristic reading devices” –
North Bank Ned just asked me if you mean “spectacles” ? 😉
pan G
dithering – love that word
used best by Charlie Chuck
.
“He was dithering like a shiting dog”
.
🙂
Quite so, Pangloss,
I indeed dithered myself, wondering what I might be getting into but, like the child I am, I’ll simply run the other way ! 😉
I have to say, cba, that our experience of dogs is divergent in the extreme. I have always admired the single-mindedness of all of my canine acquaintance when it comes to defaecationary activities.
I’ve no idea how I failed to include the words “lengthy differences of opinion” in my previous post. Sigh, wonder what vital component I’ve omitted from this one. (The “d” in the second word almost didn’t make it.)
COYG
Of course Trev. I can’t believe I was that stupid not to get that myself??? I guess that “big Ivan” is I the case right now???
🙂
On the case even???? #freediMaria etc etc.
I thinks that’s how the youngsters do it??
🙂
Oi, SteveT. ‘”Big Ivan” I the case’? I believe ttg and I have the concession on that style of typo in this manor. I’m prepared to allow the occasional intrusion, especially from an old hand such as youself, but ttg and I have spent good money on lavish backhanders to secure the rights and I can’t waive those rights on his behalf.
COYG
Just read that the Ipswich Norwich derby passed off relatively trouble free with only six arrests. A police spokesman said “it was a good natured affair with only a few minor incidents. You could count the arrests on one hand.”
Just saying like.
🙂
Bugger. Got to work on the speed.
#freethepursestrings.
Etc etc
@75 Made me laugh out loud. Stop it. Please.
well now
thats as well as maybe
but any dogs i know
dither
gaze into the middle distance
whilst they are loading one in the cylinder
but
as soon as they pull on the trigger
transaction only begun
their minds wander
as do their legs
hence the long straight foot long turd
scurge of pavements everywhere
cba et al.:
I was taught
At an very early
Age
Never to be mean, petty or
Vulgar
But not to be offended by those
Who are.
Parents were teachers at first
Then bureaucrats
But they did more for
A few hundred unfortunate families
Than most of us would have the
Privilege to.
I try to carry on that tradition
While directing a company,
Helping the less fortunate.
Heh @ Steve T 73 – a thousand miles away and still bang on. 🙂
Bonjour Le Bath.
🙂
Comment ca va, mon ami?
Steve T, I hope we don’t sell Poldi, why? because we all know that he won’t be replaced. COYG!!!!
78 dr Faustus
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fyr0zbaFyE
.
turn it up
turn it in
Sigh, come next week it looks like it’ll be EPM and SAG. Ho hum. Good to have the disputes planned in advance.
Holic, You’ve earned a place on the bench, sandwiched in between Bould and Wenger 😉 Got my pencils sharpened, so I’ve edited out ‘ unprofessional’ 🙂
Chelsea looking very pedestrian in the first half at the bus stop vs. Leicester. Cue the moaning on twitter.
Finally have the new season’s kits delivered. Alexis 17 for the son and Koscielny 6 for self, all home kits. Couldn’t wait until the transfer window ends…last year the patience paid off and the then one and half had a Ozil away shirt he is still very fond of. He wore it even today to be out kicking balls and chasing squirrels in Boston sunshine.
The color looks good and fit is okay (much relaxed compared to the players’ ), but last couple of season’s Nike shirts had better fabric…at least felt better against the skin and the stitching was better.
@ 21 Goonsterham
I believe Utd’s kit deal is worth quite a bit more than ours. I am not half as hot on the money/business side of things as some on here but I believe I remember reading that Man U’s kit deal gives (Adidas?) far more access to Utd’s commercial revenues and imaging rights than ours does (which goes some way to explaining the notably better ‘cash up front’ terms they are getting. It will be interesting to see what type of deals other big clubs negotiate in the next few years but I believe ours to be a good deal- lucrative, not too long and not obtrusive to us in other areas of our club/business.
Pangloss @84, funny , I guess so. I just want us to be the best we can. There is no excuse for us not doing what needs to be done to make this season a great one. Eight more days, we will soon find out.
Plus Puma seem to be laying it on super-thick. I think their chuffed to bits to be associated with the Arsenal and our values- especially given the battering those values have taken throughout football in the last few years.
Sponsoring Man City or Chelsea is doubtless very lucrative but there is a clear difference between their brand and image and Ours. It seems like Puma actually like being associated with us for additional reasons beyond the money. (Although I am not suggesting their first consideration was anything other than the Benjamins!)
their = they’re.
Whose got the concession on typos involving homonyms?
@88 GSD. Yes, from what I’ve seen Utd are getting 108.9m/year and we are getting 100m/year (kit deal and shirt sponsors combined). Not sure about how much access Adidas has to Utd’s imaging rights, etc. But I’m very pleased that we have such a big deal and that it’s not too long, as you say. As opposed to Chelsea, who are in a 10 year deal with Adidas, or Man U, who have 13 years with Adidas and 7 with Chevy.
Dr. F. Pleased to hear the new kits fit ok. I like the away kit this year but not sure yet who I’d get. Ramsey is the obvious choice, but I’m toying with maybe an Arteta? The Ox?
That lovely Boston sunshine. Are you an academic by any chance? If so, can I ask what discipline? I nearly did an MA at BU a couple years back, in contemporary American poetry.
GSD – It’s up for grabs, now. Be warned, the concessions don’t come cheap.
Dr F, GL – I’m delighted to see you following a great tradition. The last person I recall being asked whether he was an academic in the bar was myself, way back when. To the best of my memory it was by the sadly lamented Gooner Terry during an arguably hair-splitting dispute between myself and Snir. Nurture the tradition and be sure to honour it.
Speaking of Snir, will he be here for TDD?
COYG
If anyone hasn’t seen it, The Arsenal Gentleman’s Weekly Review is bang on form.
Had a whale of a time reading it …..
#freewilly
Hmm – as recently as April 2012; how quickly time passes. It was Catalan gunner who asked the question, shortly before Gooner Terry made his never-to-be-forgetten (by me, at least) request for some six-inch nails for his eyes.
Sigh, memories, memories.
Trev,
You can do better and we all know it. That last effort wasn’t fit for porpoise… wink
GSD@90, interesting. Hadn’t heard that about Puma. Is there an particular article or statement you could point me to?
You know us academics. Always want to see documentation. 😀
Floats in a sumptuous cross…
Go on then…
Pangloss @ 96 ♥♥♥
Lineup today:
Sczcesny, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Chambers, Monreal, Flamini, Ramsey, Wilshere, Ozil, Chamberlain, Sanchez
Bench: Giroud, Cazorla, Campbell, Rosicky, Koscielny, Bellerin, Martinez
Wow. Sanchez to lead the line. Ozil and Mertesacker to start. Podolski doesn’t make the bench.
Everton:
Howard, Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Barry, McCarthy, Mirallas, Naismith, Pienaar, Lukaku
Bench: Robles, McGeady, Besic, Atsu, Osman, Stones, Alcaraz
Thanks, abb.
Brilliant Alexis!
Hope he scores a few, forward is his ideal position in my opinion. Can’t wait for Theo to come back. Let’s hope he comes good and put this lack of strikers business to bed!
Comprehensive win …Come On!
😀
Interesting to see how we line up today. Could be a 4-2-3-1, or could conceivably be a 4-3-3, with Ozil playing between the Ox and Sanchez as wide forwards?
Cheers all,
Loving this line up. Come on you Reds.
No Pangloss, thank you. Missing him so much. And The Sweeper and Snir, too xx
GL@98.
Short Answer- No there is not.
I read the ‘history of Puma’ article on .com a few months ago and was impressed by their history and tradition (first studded boots, black gold-medal winning athletes sporting their boots at 1936 Olympics and other notable achievements assuming my notoriously awful memory isn’t making a liar of me.)
Reading reports of the kit launch I again got the impression that Puma were going all out for us. They made a video with Ian Poulter who is sponsored by them and a gooner. It seemed like some creative cross-pollination of markets and was obviously a bit of fun too.
I get the impression they are aligning themselves with us rather than trying to shoehorn us into their existing branding and framework a la Nike.
We shall see but all of the non-empirical, can’t base a paper on that sort of hearsay, evidence is leaving me with a positive impression of our relationship with Puma.
Lastly, but most importantly, I really like the kits and will probably buy the third one as it is as close as I can remember to the away JVC lightning bolt kit which is a personal favourite.
Fair enough, GSD. I hope you’re right. They certainly do seem really thrilled to have the Arsenal account. They’ve certainly arrived at (and contributed to in some part) a really exciting time for us. Let’s hope we can win something big in these Puma shirts.
I like the design of the shirts just fine – my taste are always simple and minimalistic. Don’t love the way they fit though. A little tight for my taste, though I’m sure I won’t even notice it after a few games.
I probably won’t notice much either after a few games in those shirts. You know, what with all blood circulation have slowed to a turgid and unwilling trickle…
‘Turgid and unwilling trickle’
I am suddenly reminded of the truly excellent advice offered us by Mister Connelly via Baff- ‘Never pass up the opportunity to take a piss…’
Podolski’s absence today (he didn’t even travel with the squad) strongly suggests he’s on his way. As far as we know he is fit.
I can see the sense in cashing in on him now, but only if we replace him and replace him well.
Those end of the window nerves are starting to wear on me a little bit.
Methinks Poldi is on his way out.. shame he couldn’t get a regular start. Real prolific with his left foot, going to be missed!
Hope i am wrong though.
Come on, let’s win this one!!!!
😀
göönsterham,
We be thinking on similar lines on Poldi.
Hopefully he will be replaced although, we don’t seem to lack too many midfielders!
GSD@111, have = having.
Pangloss@69, I feel your pain- my proof reader is a grade A cretin.
academics ?
scared to leave school ?
before there was
quoting others
recycling others
citing others
what was the yard stick for erudition ages ago
what would professional students
have to talk about
living on a wee isolated island
before their bookcases learnedly groaned
with stuff they haven’t got round to stealing yet
.
anyhoo
.
balls to this
important stuff
COME ON YOU RIP ROARING!!!!!!
Goonsterham
Poldi isn’t on the bench because he didn’t travel to Liverpool.
I believe he may even be in Turin. If so I wish him well.
I like the set up of today’s side but we must win enough ball to feed Alexis upfront. Nice to see Ozil back.Santi and Giroud deserve to be axed on their form so far
I guess Kos is resting his Achilles
Getting close.
CBA spot on.
Come on you Rip Roaring!
ttg. Yes, saw that about Poldi. We may have seen the last of him in red and white.
I like the setup of the side too. The impetus is very much on our midfielders to improve on their past couple of performances. Much too sloppy with the ball against Palace, and again in Turkey.
I think Ozil will help with that. Even if he’s isn’t quite up to his visionary best, he is generally very good as taking the easy pass when nothing is on, and just keeping the ball. He could have a big calming influence in that regard today. And hopefully with Sanchez, Chambo and Ramsey making runs off him he’ll be able to create a few good chances as well. But it will be tough stuff against the Toffees. It always is.
Agreed re: Cazorla and Giroud. Both have been very poor, and anyway it makes sense to rotate the squad a bit ahead of the big CL game in a few days.
An assortment of cash and free bets will see me quite happy with 0-3, 1-3, 2-3, 0-4, and 1-4.
That’s bullish, no? 😉
All your bases covered eh ‘holic. Best of luck.
Ok that’s it for me for a while. Might check in at halftime, but these games require my complete attention.
Come on you rip-roaring, never boring, goal scoring!
Am liking Chambers a lil more every time….
COme On!!!!!!!!!!
Morning all
Aaaaah Sanchez up top finallllllly
And being fed by by ozil111111
Now we have a football team
Alexis brilliantly chasing everything down!
Ox is hungry and direct!
Come oN!!!
What gorgeous build up play, that was!
Oooh jack
What a ball by ozil
Go on OX!
Chambers a beast!
Chezza
Not sure to come or go as usual
Fuckity fuck
Looking shaky.
fuckkkkkk!!!
this sucks!
Szcezney started to come for a slow standard chip in his box
Then he stops and goes back and leaves a free header
Sanchez a beast
Ozil ramsey and jack need to be more dominant in the midfield
Too much tippy tap.
Wilshere’s got to release it sooner! But he’s getting sharper every match!
Come ON!!!!!!!!!
Our speed is much better
If alexis gets a sniff he will score many
Debuchy having a strong game again
Flamini very quiet so far
Alexis is being left to press up high by himself
Everton being allowed to bring the ball over the half way line with ease
Ball movement is slow.
Too slow.
We’re not pressing hard enough.. fitness level’s suspect.. Could be the qualifers we played.
Come On!!!!!!!
What a ball by sanchez
Alexis only one chasing like the Squirrel he is! We can only get better…
😀
Sanchez calling players forward to press
Good on him
Too slow to feed sanchez on our breaks
Not even a foul.
Let alone. Yellow.
Absolute joke… oh dear.
Way too fucking easy
Where is the defence
FFS
Straight through schezney legs
2 nil ffs
Well if we are equipped !??????????
Then this should have been different !
FUKICKG SHAMBLES!
Well well.. offside.. but these things happen!
Simply not good enough
Off side goal.
We look crappy tho.
we are to scared and that is why we will loose this game again………
Well there we fucking go
Not good enugh!
Same old.
Slow ponderous attack. Crap defending.
A few bad breaks. But we look pretty poor.
It’s looks like it’s going to be another mauling. Offside goal, but damn here we go again
Let’s see if we have any character now 🙂
Credit to Everton they took their chances, but don’t think we’re out of it yet! Our passing’s not crisp, and we should press quicker!
Guess it’s all down to fitness or injuries. No excuses though.
Let’s get a response!!!!!!!
Just arrived from daytrip to czech mountains only to find out that we are not exactly covering ourselves in glory at Goodison again. Second goal should not stand but fuck that, we need to be much better in second half if we are to salvage something from this game.
For me first half is complete surrender! Overpaid twats!
Every 50:50 going Everton’s way.
Mert is yellow carded for sweet FA but doesn’t even get a foul when Lukaku knocks his leg causing him to lose balance and the ball. Then Naismith is given onside. That’s a goal is it?
They have had the luck this half.
The next half is ours.
COYG
No passion, no desire. Well I guess it’s the second game, not.
seamus ya wee shite!!!!!
Joke…..
I wish I could make you laugh!
Think we can do better. Think we could have had better luck.
Do not think our players are overpaid twats.
Can’t blame the pitch now, can we? This guys needs to show more desire and passion.
“When Lukaku plays the pass, Naismith is offside. I think the linesman has got that completely wrong. He has to put his flag up.”
… When Robbie Savage is on your side, you know you’re in trouble!
Still all’s not lost! 2nd half to go!
Come On!!
Awful first half.
This Arsenal reminds me of the 2008 Arsenal 4-5 years ago. Trying to play trough the middle, with to much passing, playing triangles, one-twos and then the opponent kills us from a counter or a set-piece.
Wilshere- Ramsey axis is not functioning, to many misplaced passes, unnecessary dribbles, no pace, and no ideas.
Ox really needs to step up, he comes into decent positions, but lacks the final product.
And finally, Per on the left vs Lukaku?!?! Who’s idea was that?
ATG,
We could all do with a laugh,
But better would be a sore throat after screaming at all the second half Arsenal goals…
COYRRG
(that was an ill-timed fart of a first half)
Our attack aint the problem today
Every time everton get the ball near our third they have too much space
Not sure where flamini is
Per being made to look very slow by naismith
So a foul and offside – must be a goal then.
More shit decisions but some rash defending from us too.
Hope you’re right GSD @160.
We did look sharper with our passing for much of that first half than we have yet this season. Ozil has had a real impact. But I’m afraid we’re missing Giroud up front to focus our attack. I’ll be surprised if he isn’t introduced sooner rather than later.
Unlucky for the second goal that Naismith wasn’t given offside. But we were caught out on the break nonetheless.
There are teams I’d much rather be 2-0 down to, away from home. If we nick a point it’ll be a real moral victory.
The Ox with all five of Arsenal’s attempts in the first half. He’s certainly looked the most at the races for us. If we can score relatively early it’ll put the pressure back on them.
COYG. White knuckle time.
So we don’t need a defensive minded midfielder who can both anchor and press, and cover distances, and organize???
It is not Flamini’s fault, he is quite off from the physical and technical abilities to dominate PL games the way a base of the of the midfield must do.
GL/Pangloss/CBA: Not an academic. Was in the process of becoming one –a Theoretical Physicist to be exact — but gave it up to join the Software ho-hum.
Pangloss: the tradition I mentioned was my parents’ tradition of helping others directly or indirectly. CBA repeated an well-worn opinion that ‘who can’t do teach’…was just pointing out that lot of teachers ‘do’ a lot as well.
GL: The shirt is slowly growing on me. Unlike this match. That was suicidal high line from Per and Chambers. There was no need to panic at 1-0. Also, we do miss Giroud in the final third in many ways, most notably in holding up and linking up movements, and as others have pointed out we probably need a striker who can play his role in his absence.
Get TR7 in for Jack (improving but still slow to release the ball), get Giroud in (for Ozil, a bit rusty) and maybe give Campbell a chance later for Ox if things don’t change at 60 minutes for the better.
I just want to see improvement each season/game by game, to learn from our mistakes which we don’t seem to do. That’s what disappoints me.
Agree lurky
Per v naismith or lukaku is nowhere near right
Per looks like a big dinosaur v leopards
Arsenal tactics not working.
Not even sure we have tactics right now.
This is a pretty disgusting display so far.
#grasstoogreen?????????
So strange though, am not even mad. I guess i was expecting this kind of display. Let’s see what the next half will bring us.
I have been dreading this match.
We have a lot more to do with thus side. Need more support for Sanchez and much more power in midfield. Chambers is being thrown in the deep end with little protection in front if him and Ches could have done better with both goals
Huge work rate from Alexis but too tippy tappy around him in and around their box.
Oh, and this half proves once again that our best defender is Kos and that our defence is unrecognizable without him.
Monreal seems a little out of depth at times, can Bellerin play there? we need someone quicker!
COme On! Let’s win this 3-2 in the next half!
Eck that was uncomfortable viewing – Second was a travesty mind. This squad is still so unbalanced, Won’t get to worried till the window shuts.
Early goal pleaseeeee 🙂
Dr f – a big fast strong DM such as toure
Flamini is simply being monstered and he is being mauled in the speed department
Everton are scoring from 2 – 3 quick slick passes on the break
Sorry to be repeating myself, but unless TR7 is injured or is being nursed back to fitness from some pre-season issues he really must play these games where we look rudderless. His involvement always speeds us up and makes many aspects of the game more focused. Maybe being kept safe for the Besiktas match.
Sanchez off
Giroud on
Giroud for Sanchez. Straight up
I’m not suggesting we should be playing for the draw but:
– we lost here 3-0 last year
– haven’t played well in our first two matches
– are without our first choice LB, DM & a CB
– the CB pairing have never played together before
– it’s Özil and BFGs first games back
– conceded silly goals in big away games last year
Why the bloody hell didn’t we go into this game with a mindset of keeping compact and difficult to beat?
So much to improve on in that half.
I do just feel that one spark, one moment of inspiration from one of our guys could set us off…
Why take it Sanchez, it should have been Wilshire, oh well.
Out best player from the first half, Alexis is off?
Alexis can’t do it on his own, he’ll run out of steam around 70mins and will have to come off if he’s asked to defend and press as well…..
Somehow the fitness level of the team seems out of place… !
Hope we don’t finish 4th anymore, could do without playing those @$#$@ CL qualifiers!!!!! Grr!!!!
Can we bring Big Ivan on?????
Lurky @ 181: Exactly! Best defender in our team and without his protection Per’s slowness gets exposed easily.
Arsenal kingdom for genuine physical and technical quality at the base of the midfield. Really!
I meant Sanchez out.
Steve t 🙂
Ah well, he needs a break if he’s going to be used against Besiktas….
Giroud better get a few!
FFS OG HIT THE TARGET ONCE!
Take Wilshere off, Rosicky in and we are going to win this.
We’re going to need Flamini and Arteta’s replacement pretty soon.. just hope it’s not a panic buy!
Our defence is being split apart with ease
This wont end well
Im sorry deserve to lose this one!
Take Wilshere off!!!!
Get him out, ffs
SHAMBLES!
Jack very lucky not to be red carded
sub Jack now or he is going to get himself sent off
They are in control we are far away from it!
This is a joke! Sorry I would say more but kids read this blog!
We are chasing shadows in the midfield
Too easy for everton to make all their passes stick
Macarthy and barry very effective
Can we take Wilshere off please. Far too pedestrian, been booked. Hook him.
we are chasing shadows !
They are dominance we are not!
Arsenal shots on goal ??????????
Cant remember any to be honest
One thing I can not believe is Arsene seeing the same game?
Get TR on
When did Naismith become so fucking dangerous
Bring Campbell in, how bad can he be?
BringPoldi on at least he will take a shot from distance!
Still can’t believe he took Alexis off and let Wilshere on
I am with you lurky
Cannot for the life of me understand taking off your most gifted attacking weapon when 2 nil down
Is ox still playing ???
Its official arsenal no shots on target
What a fucking stat that one is….
Haven’t looked at drinks since half-time.
Screw Everton. Screw the Everton-loving referee. Screw the commentators (standing order).
Come on Arsenal. There is time. Believe.
Arsenal players can ask for nothing more than our backing. We haven’t scored but my throat is still getting sore…
COYG
Did giroud really miss that
Per having a mare ….. A big mare
Still no changes? Unfreaking believable
Does Leicester got more desire than us?? FUCK sake sorry kids!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Come on!
Typical Arsene no changes!
We have been severely exposed on the break out wide.
With monreal pushed up lukaku is completely free and one v one with per.
Holic pound has gone down to the dogs!
Campbell and cazorla
Come on boys
Wilshire off
Ox off
Why didn’t we make this changes 10 mins ago?
what did TR did to Arsene to not get a game?
Martinez a very smart and shrewd coach with a good balanced side
We are not playing besiktas or palace now
I know we e still playing but attitude will get us nowhere!
Flaminis lack of speed and size is being severely shown up
Everton attacking again
Now per needs to mark mcgeady
God help us against Besikitas, this is not encouraging at all.
This is a JOKE AND MOST OF THEM ARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NO RESURGENCE NOTHING!
OVERPAY DIVAS!
Santi a beautiful ball
Aaron on the end of it
COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let’s Grab this by the BALLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RAMSEYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!
Aaron get in!
why so late!????????????`
Atsu’s fast…. keep an eye on him!
Was about to ask what our plan of attack is ?
Still don’t know despite the goal. As Ozil got the ball on the edge of the box, Giroud and everyone else ran out of it !!!
Spot on trev
Aaron looked like our striker ?
Should be 1-1 don’t forget.
Yessssssssss
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don’t effing believe it !!!
Amazing ! 🙂
Yea
FUCK YEAH. GIROUD!!!
Finally a decent cross from monreal
Now win it 3-2!!!!!!!!!!!!!
COME ON ARSENAL!
OOOG!
2-3 is on Holic !!! 😉
What a ball from campbell
Trev,
Winning (or draw anyways) while playing badly… sign of good things to come!
Now WIN IT 3-2 Boys!!!!!!!!!!
COME ON!
ok we drew and that is nit good enough!
much much better. great subs by the boss.
I’m sorry but………………….
Great mental strenks ….. What happened there ? *bemused face*
ATG if you cannot find anything positive on drawing 2-2 when being 2-0 down then I dont know, it is not ideal result but we dug deep and got at least a point (when their second goal really should not stand).
Nice little cameo from Campbell too. Needed Giroud from the Kick Off.
Thank fuck to get out of there with a point
Team cohesion and fitness needs some major work
Let’s just go back to 4-4-2 already.
Got away with it big time there. Good point, pretty miserable performance.
darw at Goodison is not a bad point…..at one stage we were losing 2 – 0 so for me a good result….
we got lucky, trev, but Everton played like game won and paid for it. once the first goal was in they were at sea.
Campbell held the ball and used it well, esp for a cameo under pressure.
Sometimes we just have to be direct, not all tippy-flappy all the time. And pls Wilshire needs to sit on the bench next game.
Ref loved them. Make no mistake. All game he was their bitch.
And we lost to a goal that should have been disallowed twice.
In that context the drinks for the last hour do read negatively at best.
Hashtag Just Sayin’
Tappy, my bad.
Got away with it, Cynic ?
Escape from Alcatraz !
sag agreed about jack. he was poor among the poor today.
Would have happily settled for that pre match – and at half time would have done cartwheels !! Get the DM and The Forward in and have a right go at it 😉
chippy i’d’a pulled a Suarez on your hand for a draw from the first half.
Decent end, eh?
Happy about the come back. Can live with a draw. Unbeaten season still on.
Having that said, I must say I am a bit nervous about playing our next game without Aaron on the pitch.
Great comeback! But it would be very foolish to ignore the warning signs!
I will take a point at Goodison all day long. Especially having been two down with 10 to play. The stats on Sky suggest that we had the better of the game. In total, 5 shots on target resulted in 4 goals. That is either a tight game or two dodgy keepers.
From what I’m reading we got out of jail a bit. However, a point is a lot better than it looked like ending up. Some of the drinks clearly demonstrate the work that is still needed.
Campbell made an appearance and I missed it???? I hope the sky box has been working okay???
Good comeback. Liked the self-beliefe until the end, may have just nicked it even, there was a decent cross from Campbell which escaped Giroud but someone should have attacked the far post.
Giroud’s value to this team becomes evident when he is not playing. Rambo, Ozil, Jack look much better when they have a focal point to pass and move around. We really need to have another player who can play the Giroud role.
Tidy cameo from Campbell. Good control, good positional sense and impressive defensive discipline. Didn’t look out of place.
As I said, get Wilshere off and we should win it. And he got him off, but 20 minutes to late to win it. And if I am to be brutally honest, don’t start with him and we should be OK this season. Use him as a sub, on the wings if we are three up, in the Cup, I don’t care. just don’t start him on important matches, he slows our game to much and is such a liability in defense.
Anyway, decent result away from home, there are many things to improve as we need to be better than this on Wednesday. Cant wait for Kos to return.
Can’t agree that we got away with it.
We were not good.
The first goal is organisational- if you leave Ozil to mark Lukaku and Coleman don’t be surprised when they score.
Second goal= no goal.
Time and time again they were given questionable decisions.
We missed chances.
Then showed character. Kept on going. Quality was not where we would all like it to be but I felt the circumstances of today’s game were tough.
We got a draw and if the match had been played according to the laws of football we would have won.
Not to mention that if Everton play like that (not great but easily repeatable) and get the same sort of ref performance then there is no-one they’ll lose to at home.
Take ’em as they come- and today we deserved at least a point even if we all know that at full strength we are so much better than what we showed.
It wasn’t as bad as it seems on hindsight, Everton ran out of gas in the 2nd half and stopped running, we got fresh players on and managed to press them.
Team still has to work on fitness levels and Alexis still needs games. Good appearance from Campbell, Mert and Ozil also back so encouraging!
I’d wager that Arsene would have picked another squad if we did not have to play Besiktas. As it stands, let’s win that and continue with our fitness and conditioning!
😀
Charlier @ 278: Yes. More power and pace in the midfield, one more capably body in the defense is minimum. Another established forward who can rotate with Giroud as well as they can play together (unless Sanogo suddenly makes the leap) would be excellent as well.
Keep Campbell.
People closer to the club: any idea if anything is wrong with TR7 in terms of injury or fitness? Guess he will have to start against Besiktas with Rambo and Arteta both out.
agreed BB, I suppose some players were rested for Besiktas and I know I am getting annoying with my love in for TR7 but we _have_ to play him instead of Jack against Turks.
Lurky @ 281: Accurate assessment, but I think Arsene would keep playing him to get him back to form. Which worked excellently for Rambo, and I am sure will work for Jack as well. I think we will drop a few points in the process, but it would be less impacting if only Jack smartens up a bit quickly about releasing the ball early and show some defensive discipline.
In key matches in the first half of the season, best not to start him.
For the second weekend in a row, Arsenal can be grateful that they’re walking away with more than their performance merited. Many of us would have taken a point if we were offered one before the first whistle blew today, and despite a largely dispirited and straggling display that’s just what we’ve got.
I was heartened by the Ox’s performance. He’s showing what a dangerous player he can be, and his positivity and desire were excellent in the first half. He was without question the most likely Arsenal player in the first half. Also a good word for Debuchy. He was lucky not to give away a penalty for a shove on Baines at one point (and if Baines had gone down he probably would’ve had one), but the Frenchman’s attitude and running are wonderful to see, as is the quality of his crossing. A word too for Ramsey, who was busting a gut to be in the right spot on the off chance Monreal’s cross came through. He’s a gambler that one, and that’s twice already this year he’s come up aces for Arsenal when we badly needed it.
Meanwhile Chambers, in spite of some nice moments, showed his inexperience on a couple of occasions. Sczcesny could’ve done better with both Everton goals. Wilshere’s passing was still a little haphazard (and he wasn’t the only one). And even though he partially redeemed himself with the equalizer late on, Giroud could’ve changed the narrative dramatically if he’d taken advantage of the Ox’s lovely lofted cross in the opening minutes of the second half.
Naismith was offside for his goal but you won’t hear me complaining. The writeups and player interviews after this one will be all about the character Arsenal showed to come from behind, but honestly I thought that character was missing for long periods of the second half. We looked beaten. Fortunately for us a couple of players did show the character late on when Everton were starting to tire.
Ramsey MOTM for me, for that character. He’s a good one. We’re going to miss him on Wednesday.
GSD,
Agree with you on the officiating.. but what’s new? We have come to accept that, we almost always get the short end of the stick when it comes to refs!
Get Vermy’s replacement and maybe a left back and we’re good! Of course a DM too would be even better. 😀
Eandy@285: I think TR7 must have to play the box-to-box role against the Turks in the mid-week in Rambo’s absence. We should probably start with Per-Kos, Chambers in DM, TR7-Ozil in center of the MF, then Santi-Giroud-Alexis. Get Ox and Campbell in as subs if goals need to be scored. Santi and Ozil to switch around as they do.
Bloody hell that was stressful. This time we have to learn from how we went 2 behind in a big away game – got to get the tactics right and draw the sting before imposing ourselves.
Anyway, onwards and hopefully upwards. Should give us a lift ahead of Besiktas which we need.
Dr F @289
That would be my team to play.
Lurky,
I think Wilshere will be good.
I have spent years banging on about how Ramsey would be world class. He is.
I also thought Bendtner would prove an excellent player if not world class. Not yet…
So, a mixed track record.
Given the injury troubles of Wilshere (and Sanogo) I think they both deserve love and support from us.
I understand if you feel the first team is no environment to develop them further but would remind you of the dividends that education has paid with Rambo.
Two sides to every coin? Undoubtedly.
But I do back Little Jacky to be a bit special and if we have to carry him for a while then I can live with that.
I agree that if we HAVE to carry him because of no other options being available then that puts too much pressure on us and him. And it shows.
What price a fit and carefree Wilshere in the team?
I’d pay to watch…
BB @ 288: Do you find Nacho that bad? Yes he can be a bit slow against fast attacking wingers but he is our second choice LB, and I find him technically and positionally good enough for the second choice LB. He is quite good going forward, good range of passing.
Or are your afraid Gibbo will have an injury-interrupted season?
Eandy,
Methinks Arsene is resting Rosicky for Besiktas, either that or he’s injured/not completely fit (Please not this!!!)
For the life of me, I wanted him on too and can’t see a reason apart from the above why he wasn’t used.
JACK has been most disappointing over these few games, BUT he’s getting better after every game, so i guess he’s been played so that he can get his sharpness back, having said that… RELEASE THE D#MN BALL quicker Wilshere, pretty please! He’s a good one but he nearly cost us the last 2 games. He will come good am sure of it! (Sooner please!)
😀
Dodge a bullet there, but we still rubbish most of the game. We take out Sanchez, I thought ozil needed someone like him to thread passes to.
Toby @ 291: Yes…towards the end of last season both Arteta and Flamini were showing signs that time has caught up with them. They don’t really have the legs anymore. Towards the end of the match there were a few occasions Flamini interrupted the move nicely but simply didn’t have the surge to move forward a few steps escaping a challenge or two and release the fullbacks or the wingers who had already begin their runs. This has been a theme with Arteta as well.
BB@294 : We all love super Tomáš Rosický, we do. 🙂 No one in the current Arsenal team positively influences the tempo and directness of our game the way he does. I guess he will be used sparingly as a starting player, probably 15-20 odd starts all throughout the season across all competitions, getting used more in the cup and key matches as the season progresses.
GSD @ 223.
Props for staying positive and keeping the faith.
I am embarrassed for myself that i did not do likewise.
A drink on my tab.
Cheers.
And a point at Goodison – will take that all day long.
Well that[1] was fun.
I set off at 5 o’clock to do the ironing as is my matchday wont. I’m sure I heard somewhere that it would be on BBC 5Live, but no, so I had to listen to the TalkShite radio. My first time doing that and my, my, don’t they deserve the name?!
I must admit to a loss of faith at halftime and was anticipating dropping in around now only to say that you wouldn’t be seeing me in the drinks before the Besiktas match, but on checking the score discovered that it would be worth my while backdrinking.
It’s a good thing that the team are better players than some of us are supporters. Isn’t it?
I’m of to Do Other Stuff(tm) for the next couple of hours, back for more of the same later.
COYG
[1] I refer, of course to the knurding (gniknurd?)
@293 DocFaust
Monreal is more than competent going forward when we’re attacking as he’s shown clearly with his assist in the 2nd half. However, without Kos to cover, it does seem like a liability when we don’t have pace (like Gibbs).
So yes it may be the perfect storm, we were lucky Everton eased off in the 2nd half otherwise it could have been much worse for us!
Anyway, don’t see us replacing him like you said he’s a competent backup to gibbs. I would like to see a quick LB though at least as fast as Debuchy.
BTW- Can Bellerin play on both sides??!
Dr F @296:
It is a good observation and one that I share (so, of course I will say it’s a good observation!). Only half the job is done when you’ve intercepted the ball. If you can’t get a move started safely, and preferably quickly, then you are back at square one.
Dr. Faustus, I hope you are right. I had my doubts about Ramsey two years ago and it turn out that I was wrong. And I will happily admit it wherever I have a chance.
On other hand, I had my doubts over Denilson and Arshavin in the past and it turn out that I was right.
What will happen with Wilshere depends only on him. He needs to learn the basic first, then the rest. The basic basics, first grade. The talent is there, natural one, the technique is there, motivation and desire almost there.
He needs to become sharper and brighter to succeed, more clever if you like, both on the ball and without it. He lacks speed so why trying to dribble pass opponents, put the simple pass on, the run horizontally to receive the stupid ball, try to open space for others- it is that simple.
Pick your vertical runs more clever, reduce them, don’t insist on them, don’t rush into challenges, don’t be so predictable, learn to protect the ball,and many other things that are called… basics.
Great show of resilience and character.This result will surely build belief in the squad.
For the people slagging Jack, he did a pretty good job out there today. I daresay he was our best midfielder for a great part of the game. A point really is a fair result though we can do much better. Two or three weeks from now, with top fitness and better understanding, this side will rule all. Watch this space.
COYG
Happy with the point and spirit it would of been easy to throw the towel in,early days and it is easy to see we’re not up to speed yet once we get a bit fitter we will be fine.dont like singling players out even thou he gave a great ball for our equaliser nacho doesn’t fill me with confidence at all,in his defence he’s proberbly playing against the best full back in the prem today.
Lurky,
I like Arshavin … 🙁
4 goals against Pool and The winner against Barca!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uv2mxzmVvdg
On another note,
Can’t wait for Alexis to understand the team better, and for him to settle either as a winger or centre forward! He’s one to watch for! He’s clearly been doing overmuch defensive duties currently, hopefully that’ll change! Ozil –> Alexis –> GOAL! 😀
When it comes to the defensive side of things:
Second choice left back.
One center half playing his first game since vacation.
One center half 19 years old having played just a few games with his new club.
Right back having just played a few games with his new club
New center half partnership.
Second choice DM in front of them.
Away at Goodison.
There is room for improvement over a season there. Not too worried.
Oh yes. And to alll the OG haters – i say BOOM!!!!!!
THe extra “l” is for emphasis.
Giroud has today, shown his importance in this team and the way they are set up to play. This display has hopefully put to bed the notion that Sanchez can play as the lone striker. While I’m in no way qualified to tell AW how to run a team, we really do need another option up front. Someone that combines the skill sets of Giroud, Sanchez and Walcott.
Solid Gooner,
After a single competitive EPL game which Alexis starts for 45mins as a forward without the full strength team and he’s not able to play as a lone striker?!?!
Like you said, I’ll leave it to Arsene to decide how he wants to set the team up. But as it currently stands, if the decision was mine, a Striker would be the last position I buy, after a centre half and defensive midfielder. Mainly replacements for Vermy, Arteta and Flamini.
My 2 cents.
lurky on jack: bullseye.
Good old Arsenal.
Forget about the health of the faithfuls.
Just leave it the fuck late.
And it’s just the beginning…Lord, have mercy.
BB,
Plying the lone furrow up front in La Liga or on any other stage for that matter is a different kettle of fish from doing so in ANY league in England. Sanchez is one heck of a player, but lacks the physical attributes required to play in that position for a team that plays the way Arsenal do.
I agree with you that the midfield and defence need more urgent attention, but that doesn’t in any way mean we don’t need an attacker that can lead the line solo. Ask yourself, what happens if we lose Giroud long term?
Waiting for the team to get fit and gel, reminder of how we can play: http://i.imgur.com/5p1AYkL.gif
😀
Solid Gooner,
I agree that we need another mould of Giroud if we are to play the same way, since Sanogo is not there yet while Mandzukic, Dzeko and Mueller are all taken.
We do have 4 players who could potentially play the striker’s role, do you honestly see us getting another ‘top class’ striker to sit on the bench to come on when Giroud gets injured?!
Am thinking Arsene did not get Alexis to be a winger which we have a abundance of talent. (Although he’s not too bad there himself!) Am waiting for Theo to come back too.
So yes would get defensive players instead of offensive (no pun intended!) ones!
😀
*ploughing* @ 312
I must say that at this moment in time I don’t see Sanchez as able to play in that lone striker role. I think he is far more effective playing out wide, off the striker.
Re transfer targets. What we need is really simple. We need an Adams, a Vieira and an Henry. Alright, I fully accept that we have no chance of matching that but for me that is the spine and balance this side needs. So, in my opinion we need to get as close to that as is physically possible. No more make weights, let’s just do it. Add that to what we already have and who knows what is possible??
Today? Today was a decent point. There are many that will fall at Goodison.
BB,
Having an abundance of ‘Top Class’ players isn’t too bad. The onus would be on the manager to ‘manage’ the talent available. I know squad harmony and balance come into play, but what I referred to is a player that combines the qualities of the attackers we have presently.
Marco Reus is an example of a player that is suited to the league. He has the technical and physical qualities needed while having the ability to play in any position up front. Heck, even Bonny could do the job.
Look, we can make do with what we have now and I will never complain about who AW buys or doesn’t. It just feels like we are just a little away from something truly special.
Anyhoo, roll on Besiktas and the end of the transfer window so we can get some perspective.
COYG
Big point.
We played vs 12 men today. Ref was shocking.
Bigger psychological point.
Work in progress.
Steve T,
Wonder what would have happened if we had Giroud on the 1st half and Alexis coming on in the 2nd half when they were tired, to play as the lone striker, mayhap the result would have been the same.
Still all this is conjecture and speculation and of course I respect your opinion (and Solid Gooners’ too) about Alexis’ inability to play currently as the lone striker.
I simply have an opposing view and would like to see him in action in that role after a few weeks. In any case i believe, the chances of us getting any more strikers while maintaining our current complement of players almost next to nil.
So while I sympathize with those who clamour for a Cavani or Falcao, instead I’ll begin to emphasize on acquiring a CH, preferably one as quick as Koscielny too!
😀
What news on HFB?
I think the biggest thing I take from the game today is that I really, really, want to watch more football. I want to see us play more. I want another game NOW. I want us to click. I want to show what we would have done had we had five more minutes to play. It might well be that the players feel that hunger as well.
I really hope they do.
Even if I do admit it is easier to beg for another game right away not having been bruised and not having spent my last ninety minutes running around.
@317 Solid Gooner
Agree with you fully that we should get the best for the warranted position.
Just don’t see us getting anyone up front while we still have Sanogo and Campbell with us.
Would gladly be proven wrong though!
And I know the feeling of being inches away from something special(don’t we all) but on the bright side we have Ozil and then Alexis.. who knows what next season will bring!
Bring on Besiktas!
We should be warmed up enough for them already!
😀
Solid Gooner,
Absolutely superb posts.
*doffs cap*
BB. It’s valid point. I just think Alexis is best suited in the Pires type position. It should not be down to him to have to back fill in areas where we do not have sufficient quality. Imagine Alexis wide on one side, Theo wide on the other and sufficient quality down the middle to enable changes to be made??? It would cause chaos???
Interesting reading the drinks relating to the first half today. Lack of dominant midfield player????????? Well there’s a first.
🙂
Arsene said he wasn’t looking to good after the game bath in his interview.
This just out :
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140823/wenger-on-the-comeback-and-giroud
on Giroud…
I have more strikers than before so sometimes I can give them a little rest. Giroud has just played one game since the World Cup so I gave him a little breather today but I knew we were dominating the game in the second half and we needed some physical presence up front and he did that very well in the second half.
on looking more threatening with Giroud…
We looked much more dangerous because we were not in a counter-attacking situation. We were in a dominating situation where of course you play 10 against 10 in one half and his presence is very important.
on Alexis’ performance…
I wouldn’t like to go into any individual assessment. At the moment he is not completely ready physically but I don’t worry about him.
on what Alexis is missing…
At the moment he knows that he’s not at his best physically and once he’s at his best physically, the confidence will come back. It’s all linked together. It’s always difficult to know why the confidence is not at his best. I believe it’s mainly physical.
BB @ 322 – Glad we agree. This season will surely surprise many. haven’t felt this confident in a long while.
Joe @ 323 – Why, thank you (blushes)
Steve T @ 324 – It would be real hard to find anyone who disagrees with your perception of what our attack should look like, spot on.
Steve T,
Am in full agreement with you there, once theo comes back we have too many wingers, don’t forget about Ozil and Cazorla, should we persist in playing the lone striker then Giroud or Sanogo type would be ideal. (May be the reason we kept Bendtner that long…)
Have been saying for many a post that i too would like to see theo and alexis on either wings to see if it produces the desired effect.
But now with an abundance of strikers, we can even change formations should that be needed, do hope we try a few of these out as I suspect we won’t have Giroud for most of our games. (Or maybe we will if we give him a break every now and then!)
😀
I played my get out of jail card with twenty minutes to go and that saved us. Either that or Holic decided to go down to the pub and missed the equaliser! Pre-match I commented that I liked the shape of the team attacking wise as long as we got enough of the ball in midfield. We didn’t and won’t with this midfield. sadly there are huge question marks over the value of Wilshere to this team. He is a shadow of the lad that looked Xavi and Iniesta in the eye and faced them down. everton are a decent team with an intelligent manager but they aren’t brilliant.
There were a lot of minuses in this game. Ches did virtually nothing of positive note. He had little to do and failed to do most of it. Young chambers is quite admirablke but his inexperience was bound to be exposed. sanchez must wonder what he has come into. I thought he was our most positive player in the first half and he gets hauled off.and there was Wilshere.
the plusses were the fighting spirit, the impact of OG who also missed four other chances. Nobody else threatened the goal! Ozil was playing very intelligently but the quality of movement was not what he has recently been used to and Ramsey can stink the place out with an awful performance and still poach vital goals.
We will have mant post-mortems looking at who we need to sign. I think we still need the three we’ve always needed-a dynamic midfielder, a solid centre back and a mobile striker . Sanchez is a wonderful player but too small to play in the centre in the Premier League. Let’s just enjoy a most unexpected point tonight.
PS-the referee and his staff were appalling and far too influenced by the crowd
there w
Steve T – Genuine question.
Agreed, we aren’t going to get Henry, Adams and Vieira. Who is about, an upgrade on what we currently have, and likely to be available for a total of, say £40M? Or £70M if you like.
Same question to ttg, with whom I crossed.
Before anyone asks, I have no idea myself.
“Mr Friend was actually very good”
Mr Lecter, after the delicious meal.
Liver anyone?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>