Time To Treat The Self-Inflicted Wounds
Mar 1st, 2016 by 'holic
Three days after falling off the bike we have to clamber back on despite the resulting self-inflicted wounds. Whilst it will be good to put the past behind us the memory of Sunday’s non-performance must stay fresh, a clear reference point for how not to go about winning a title. I wrote at the end of Sunday’s hastily assembled report that “Five points adrift of Leicester with eleven matches to play isn’t fatal, but collectively lacking in form and confidence at this stage of the season probably is. A huge week looms into view.”
Swansea provide us with an opportunity to start to heal the wounds suffered on Sunday, although a full recovery will take take far longer than a cold night in N7. We can make a start though by emulating our 0-3 win in South Wales in October, a month in which Manchester United and Bayern Munich were also beaten. That may just be the last time we played with pace and precision, and we need to at very least look as though that is our intention for the remainder of the season.
There is also a warning to be found in last season’s loss in this fixture, when Gomis grabbed the only goal as we limped home in the League. Indeed they are undefeated on their last three trips to The Arsenal. Gomis was on the bench on Sunday as the Swans lost 2-1 to our neighbours and opponents at the weekend. The margin of victory would have been larger but for a sensational display by one Lukasz Fabianski, a former FA Cup winner from our parish. It would not be a surprise for him to join the lengthening list of ‘keepers who have produced an outstanding performance at the Grove.
Rather though that he will face an Arsenal determined to grab the three points, the first win in what will hopefully turn into an eleven match unbeaten run in the League. That probably requires changes from the starting line-up on Sunday rather than entrusting the shell-shocked to right their wrongs. A recall for Per Mertesacker alongside Laurent Koscielny is surely likely?
Then there is the issue of who to start in midfield. I thought the vicious abuse dished out to Aaron Ramsey in the wake of Sunday both cowardly and ill thought through. He is being tasked with a role that requires more discipline than he would prefer, and the answer may be to allow him to fill the box to box role and trust Francis Coquelin to assume more responsibility alongside and behind him. It would be harsh for Mohamed Elneny to be allowed the same freedom as Rambo’s potential replacement. The inclusion of Mesut Ozil remains the only given.
Ahead of them we have to rely on Alexis recovering the spark that has been missing as he has struggled for full match-fitness and confidence in the wake of his injury. That means that rather than have two players suffering similarly, Theo Walcott should be returned to the bench allowing Olivier Giroud to reclaim the job up top. He may be struggling for goals, but the Frenchman brings with him an ability to play with his back to goal, bringing others into play.
All of which leaves the right flank which has become a hot potato of late. Joel Campbell was perhaps unfortunate to lose his place and it looks as though the pick will be between him and Danny Welbeck. They bring different things to the team but both have shown they have goals in them. We just have to trust Arsene Wenger to make the right call on the night.
That leads to the somewhat poisoned comments he too has been subjected to, and for a lot longer than just Sunday. I understand completely that a lot of people have reached the end of the line. There is nothing wrong with voicing that rationally and with reason. However it is pretty clear that he is going nowhere, so all anyone can achieve with excessive and vile criticism is to deepen the divide in the support in what could be a vital and surprisingly rewarding three months. The atmosphere that creates must transmit to those on the pitch who really need all the encouragement they can get right now. I’m not saying ‘he knows best’ or that anyone should change their mind. It is what it is and the recriminations should be put at least on hold.
The ‘holic pound
I entered a competition on Saturday. It required me to predict the score on Wednesday night ahead of Sunday’s debacle. I went for a 3-1 home win. The one good thing about being that positive is that the odds have improved somewhat on that outcome. I have taken 12/1 in the hope that the changes we make will result in an improved, gutsy performance full of pace and technique. How likely is that? I don’t know any more than you do, but I would sooner cling to that belief than upset myself and others railing against something that won’t change.
Have a good one, ‘holics, or as my mates over at A Bergkamp Wonderland are quick to sign off, KEEP IT ARSENAL.
253 Responses to “Time To Treat The Self-Inflicted Wounds”
1st?
Get in West Brom 😀 now to read the post 🙂
Great and down to the point preview Holic
Let’s get behind the boys and show our support starting tomorrow evening!
Damn they just scored! 🙁
Well said, Holic. Hopefully the healing starts here.
COYG
Well In @ATG!
Commentator’s curse.. time to try and reverse it…
Look’s like Leicester’s going to win it..
😀
West Brom with a stunner!
Depending on Baggies and Hammers.
Strange days indeed.
Brilliant post Dave! Agree with every single word.
Pu – bloody – lis.
Nice one son.
That will do 2 points back if we win tomorrow so begins a good week 😉
Hey ‘holic. The worm starting to turn?
Clattenburg plays an additional minute of extra time for no apparent reason other than to give Leicester a chance to score. But they don’t. 😀
Thanks all, and there is the first piece in the jigsaw. Leicester held at home by West Brom.
Keep the faith.
Perfect preview `Holic, with Pulis giving us a helping hand, midweek games are off to a good start. Fabianski has matured into a top keeper, the team’s best player according to their boards so we better find our shooting boots (looking at you Alexis 😉
Vicious abuse of players is nothing new unfortunately. The twitter twat culture has infested the web, Twitter will go under at some point, not sure the toxicity will abate.
So there two points dropped by the foxes, this is one roller coaster of a season of you ask me!
Don’t worry Gooners there is plenty of football to be played still!
The thing is if we don’t take these opportunities then I don’t know what will make us show more effort and heart, that body language on Sunday was the hardest part to take.
Leicester facing a tricky trip to Watford for the late game on Saturday, which gives them all day to think about Arsenal and/or Spurs having picked up points on them earlier in the day. IF we can pick up three points against Swansea we can be piling up the pressure and be level with them on points when they kick off. Doesn’t fit the favorite media narratives but them’s the facts. Come on you reloading gunners.
We’ve had to depend on West Ham before, now where is that lasagne recipe…?
Great summary. You fall off the horse. You climb back on. Swansea gives us a big chance. Thank you ‘Holic for your balance and focus on the way forward. The players will be smarting from the press they received. Inspiring for Saturday if we win and win well. @arsenalcircular
Pip 🙂
good chance to Arsenal
I kind of wish Leicester had won because I’d rather them win it than those other tossers. And if we lose Saturday…
Superb preview, Maestro! There are still a few bends in the road ahead.
So, Cynic, we’d better not lose on Saturday. Simple pimple.
Cynic, I have to say I think Saturday is the title decider. It is us or them. And we will not lose. As long as we get a minimum of one point we will win it. And we will… ?
Evening H
I think on our current form you are a tad optimistic with your scoreline.
Then again,as Steve T is wont to say prior to every game recently,which Arsenal team will turn up.??
I know i keep banging on about it,but even the Ramblers knew the value of the early goal against an opposition determined to park the Bus.
The Colindale Comets,and the Edgware Eagles were notorious for those tactics,so we used to go at them 100 mph,like the Vikings going into battle,kick the crap out of them,get the early goal and take them out of their comfort zone.
Worked every time.
So the Arse just need to follow the template.
No pussy footing around playing tippy tappy football,go for the throat get that early goal,and the confidence will come flooding back.
The longer it goes without scoring,the bolder the opposition get,and we start snatching at chances instead of remaining calm in the moments that matter.
Beat the Swans,and with confidence restored, regardless of the Spuds result at Upton Park,it will set up a blockbuster at the Lane on Saturday lunchtime.
I have a dream.
I have a dream that we beat the Swans by 3 and so equal the Foxes GD.
I have a dream that the neighbours lose by 2 tomorrow to bring our GD to within 6 of theirs.
I have a dream that once again we thrash the LWCs 5-2 on Saturday and so level our GDs and points.
And just before I wake my dream is complete as I hear that Leicester are beaten and we are once again top.
And so to church on Sunday to Praise the Lord.
Oskar
Bother. We’ll be 3 points clear of the spuds by Sunday (not equal on points) in above dream. Even better.
Oskar
Dream on Oskar 🙂
Nice one Guvna.
“An improved, gutsy performance full of pace and technique” will do nicely, thank you.
I hope you are the seventh son of a seventh son, Oskar.
Come on you reds!
Our lads need to eat grass tomorrow simple pimple 😀
Holic you ring common sense and rationality into the most emotional and heated debate. Leicester will e worried tonight. Two home games ( against teams we have to face as well) and a scrappy win and a draw. The heat builds up. We hope it starts to affect the LWCsunused as they are to this situation. We must win the next two games and then regroup for the run – in. I don’t know how a side with such a lot of talent and a very big chance of the title could produce a performance like they did on Sunday.
I would play Elneny, Mertesacker and Giroud. If Welbeck
Is able to play physically I would start him over Campbell. Theo and Ramsey have not been on form for weeks but starting from the bench may suit them both.
We will win 2-0. It will be excruciating, nerve- racking and awfully tense but it’s that time of the season.
COYG!!!!
Less we get too positive Santi is out for the season with an Achilles problem and Jack has had another setback. With Ox and Rosicky we are really stretched in the creative department. Santi is incredibly important to our team.
Meanwhile you can bet Delle Ali will be fit for Saturday with Dembele
I have what is known as “Unbelievable unbelief” about Saturday H.
I just don’t see how the team that played on Sunday can possibly win, and I don’t see that many changes happening either.
In the days when we had a proper team of men, the fact we “couldn’t win” would normally guarantee victory.
Meanwhile you can bet Delle Ali will be fit for Saturday
How can a man who sounds like a chain of middle eastern sandwich shops cause such angst?
That template sounds like the ticket to me, Sweeper. We have to hope that Arsene’s reading you. Keep your pecker up.
Evening BTM
Must admit i was banking on Santi to come back for run in,but if what TTG says is correct,then it will be next season before we sight him again
Great shame.
Great Shame indeed. Time for players to stand up. Opportunity to cut the lead tomorrow. Win at the lane and we’re on track again..!
Nice preview H.
I’m very much with Clive. Which one will it be Sir?
I have fond memories of the Colindale Cornets. Very strong up top if I remember rightly but wafer thin at the back. That said there was never a problem getting a tune out of their midfield????
I’ll get me coat…….
In other news it’s being reported that Santi has had a set back and is unlikely to play again this season. Sad news but I guess that will be a surprise to no one?
I know people here go on about how many injuries we have but on the same thread, how many set backs do we seem to get to injured players? It seems that there is almost always a set back somewhere along the way?
Thanks Holic, a sensible & reasoning report – just what the doctor ordered.
The abuse given out to the manager & players recently currently is plain ridiculous, however underperforming they have been. Plain & simple we need them all to stand up & be counted – not run around looking feeble and lost. They need to act with the fabled leadership much vaunted by the boss, they are all seasoned professionals – not kids – and should act and play accordingly. The skill levels are already there -they just play to their ability with a strong conviction and we will be back in the race with good prospects for the title.
The Swans will probably park the bus, so an early goal will be bin their plan which should give us further opportunities to improve our GD. My money is on a 2-0.
Cynic 162
from previous drinks – excellent stuff.
Like Pursey back in the day.
Waaaaay back.
You and Pulis made my day.
Oh…
What constitutes momentum? 2 good games in a row. After the first two each game is easier because the momentum is rolling.
I don’t understand the absolute vile abuse Ramsey is getting – he does tend to get it worse than most others in our squad.
And those who are saying he’s been off form for weeks now…he was our MoTM for Bourenmouth, didn’t play the dire 0-0 against Hull and I thought was one of the better ones against Barcelona – his finishing is the only thing I’d criticize him for. This narrative that he doesn’t do defense and thereby is selfish seems to have been taken in as reality for a majority of the Arsenal fan base if Twitter is to be taken at face value.
But if you follow the excellent 7am by the numbers reports on arseblog they paint a different picture. Tim Stillman’s piece on the same website also encompassed the scope and scale of what Ramsey has been tasked with in a dysfunctionally operating team and in my mind makes it even more admirable what he’s been able to do with such a challenging task at hand. And yet he gets hurled abuse and calls to be benched.
He’s not absolved of guilt for some bad play and he is far from his best, but I think he has been given a herculean task (probably the overall hardest on the team) and is coping with it as a top CM, in my mind many other lesser characters and/or players might have crumbled at this point.
Constructive criticism is one thing, but he doesn’t deserve the vitriol he is receiving.
Hear hear Sarah J
Oskar
Pragmatic preview ‘holic.
Biggest game tonight – Hammers vs LWCs @ the Boleyn!
Three points against the Swans I’m already taking as being in the bag; that is if Arsene and his underperforming charges are still to be taken in any way seriously as title contenders.
Up the Arse all day and all night!
COYBG!
Sarah J,
Ramsey’s exhausted. He should be rested tonight against the Swans, in preparation for the massive LWCs game on Saturday, and Elneny played in the box-to-box CM role. Elneny can more than adequately play that position alongside Le Coq against the Swans.
Thanks Sarah. You are spot on.
I have to admit I have been on Ramsey’s case during Sunday’s game and after.
I know we are down to bare bones in the midfield and if he is exhausted then Elneny should get the nod but I doubt Arsene will let him start in such important fixture.
Ramsey has been here before as far as I can remember and then he transformed into a goal scoring machine so perhaps it’s just a bad patch he’s going through. It didn’t help him one bit when he brought to ball forward on Sunday looked for a pass and absolutely no one was making themselves available he then did couple of circles then misplaced his passes or passed it backwards. However we know he works hard and gives everything he has each game. I really like Ramsey and he is the only player in my eyes that has taken that step forward unlike the OX or Theo.
Sarah that’s a great post. Certainly I want him to be benched simply because he needs a rest. But your point about the nature of criticism is very well made
I never read people like Stillman. The modern football writer who appears to be more interested in showing off their writing skills than doing it with real passion about the subject just leaves me cold.
All this tactical analysis, fake nine chatter of the likes of Wilson feels so very fake to me.
There’s no great analysis required of Ramsey’s play.
People get onto him because our football is so sterile and he slows the game down, is always looking to play Hollywood football and the wrong kind of pass. Plus people always need a scapegoat and if you’re going to complain about our midfield, Ozil won’t get any great examination of his true contributon, Alexis is untouchable and Coquelin is not a creative player.
So that leaves Ramsey*, who is an incredibly frustrating player to watch most of the time.
You don’t need five pages of Wildean prose to sum him up and try to explain how good he is.
*Unless Flamini is playing them Flamini gets the internet version of Derek and Clive Come Again track one
*then
If we have a resident statto, I’d be most interested to learn how many of Ozil’s assists are from open play and how many are free kicks and corners.
And if it is possible to give some extra info, I’d like to know how many chances, proper clear chances from open play, he has created that have been wasted. Such as the Monreal chance on Sunday.
Thank you.
Hi Cynic
A bit harsh on Tim Stillman I think who has been an ST holder since he was 8 and who has been at virtually every Arsenal game for God knows how many years. I get that you don’t like his writing style (though personally I like it very much) but I don’t think his huge commitment to the Arsenal can be doubted.
I’m with you on virtually every other point though.
I just don’t get any sense of it mattering beyond the opportunity to chin stroke and show off knowledge of a dictionary with far too many bloggers and “journalists” thesedays.
If that’s unfair and I’ve misjudged Stillman, fair enough.
But I much prefer heat of the moment stuff which is why the drinks work so well on a matchday. Ebb and flow, passionate moaning or joy. That’s football.
To me.
I get what you’re saying. Totally agree about the drinks in here. Think there’s probably also a place for the more reflective stuff (some of his pieces about the fan experience are really good) but all a matter of personal taste. Like what newspaper you read, or not.
A long arranged business dinner means I can’t be on the North Bank tonight – will be sneaking anxious glances at my phone through the evening.
Up The Arsenal!
Good stuff SarahJ @41 and Countryman100 @51.
I also agree with much of what you say @48 Cynic, (though not at all about Tim Stillman whose analyses I find thoughtful and constructive) that Ramsey can be frustrating and that he does seem to slow us down when compared to the quick fire passing of Santi or the former incumbent of his role, Fabregas. However he is a different kind of midfielder, a box to box player, always available for a pass though less forceful in a defensive role than we need currently.
Arsenal fans, as long as I’ve known them, have always needed a lightning rod for their angst. As you observe, Ramsey as a previous incumbent of that position is a natural ‘go to man’ when the most recent focus, Flamini, is unavailable.
To slightly answer my own Ozil query, there’s a video available of all assists up to number 16, in December, and I have to say I was surprised to find only three set piece assists up to that point.
I would also discount three assists as although they are the final pass, on two occasions they rely entirely on the player scoring the goal to make them into an assist and the third was more of a tackle on him that the ball broke inside the area for a goal, rather than a proper assist.
I discount the assist for Giroud, where a rotten ball behind him was turned into an assist by the ability of the Frenchman, and I don’t count the assist for Walcott against Manchester City, as Theo made his own space and shot from long range.
In the same vein, I wouldn’t give Theo an assist for the Alexis goal against Man U, as he had to provide a great finish after getting the pass.
So I’m surprised his set piece tally is so low, although the video is not up to date
Hello all,
No ticket and no TV coverage, live updates it will be, followed by highlights for a more in depth analysis.
As ATG mentioned @46 there was a complete lack of movement at times, I don’t understand how we can go from some of the most fluid football in Europe to being completely stagnant.
It will be nice to see the HFB back up top which will hopefully inspire a bit more movement, as he is able to hold it up so well.
2-0 Arsenal, Giroud and Welbeck
Good stuff, Holic.
Especially like your @22 too.
Post match Sunday was a grim feeling indeed. However, tonight is a different game and I’ll always be positive behind the team in the stadium.
Hope the atmosphere is loud and helpful.
Everyone I know named Tim is a good guy.
http://imgur.com/gallery/EiRBQuV
😀
Santi says he has not suffered any injury setback and will be ready to play in April so I wonder where the contrary reports come from. 🙁
I’m very much with Sarah and Countryman. I don’t remember a season in the last 10 years where at least one player was vilified and frankly it’s really sad to see it happen to Rambo. It also exemplifies the power of money: while many players have been underperforming lately, the only one to escape the vileness are the most expensive ones.
There’s another sign today of the endless race to more football commercialization from this bbc article: http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/35707372
Basically the 5 “big” english clubs have met to discuss a superleague with, you guessed it, no risk of missing out on the champion’s league, similarly to what is done in american sports.
Back to today’s game, a big one if there’s any which we must win if we want to call Saturday’s game a title decider. We’re entering the tricky part of the season where the relegation battlers have their back to the wall. With our team bereft of form and confidence I anticipate it will be much tougher than the relative positions in the table would predict.
Now with some luck West Ham will do us a favor too 😉
I had a fight at (primary) school with a cunt called Tim. Then his Dad turned up round our house after school. In a woodentop’s uniform. Got no change out of our Mum. At all.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NC0IJQ_s7No
Time for a glass of Shiraz to calm the nerves down a bit ??
Come on you Arsenal bloody Arsenal.
Swansea’s manager has been admitted to hospital with a chest infection.
There is always the hope he spread it to the players first …
Swansea are crowding the midfield, not sure our 2-man midfield will have an easy job tonight…
Where is Yossi when we need him?
Time for a mesutozilspectacularifevertherewasone, Matt 🙂
Cech, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Monreal, Coquelin, Ramsey, Ozil, Alexis, Campbell, Giroud
Subs: Ospina, Chambers, Gibbs, Elneny, Flamini, Walcott, Welbeck
I feel a Danny Wellbeck sub spectacular approaching.
So we bought a guy who can’t get in the team after THE WORST PERFORMANCE EVAH?
nervous for this one. i’d certainly like to see it played sans handbrake, “an improved, gutsy performance full of pace and technique” as one sage bard has written (nearby), and with gabriel pocketing gomis. no iwobi, so my hopes of an oziwobi partnership are dashed.
COME ON YOU BLOODY (but unbowed) GUNNERS!
Let’s go boys, three points.
Come on Arsenal!
Go Hammers! 1-0 up!
Come on you Irons!
oh, my. that should have been 1.
Ohhh my word Sanchez
Campbell looking good so far
afternoon, arthur. some zubrowska on the bar for you.
JC baby!!!!
JOELLLLLIIIIOOOOOOO!
what a great, acrobatic, beautiful strike that was.
Cheers Scruz I fancy some fine red this evening if you don’t mind help yourself to a glass ?
Get in Joel!!! Come on!
Superb finish, well deserved Joel!
great positioning by le coq to cut that out in the box.
why, thank you arthur. i always fancy a fine red. some 1998 chave hermitage, perhaps?
If anybody needs one
http://soccerembed.com/watch-arsenal-live-stream/
Scruz
Sounds bloody marvellous ??
na zdrowie…
Na zdrowie no i za nasz Arsenal!
zdrowie i zwycięstwo!
Thanks Cynic
That was sweet as a nut, now it’s lagging like a bastard.
how was that not a foul on mesut? and…offside?
Switched off again fuck
No offside Scruz
ok, not offside, but definitely a foul on mesut.
And another goal against us gifted by the referee…
We have become to static again
hector is making some poor crosses.
Come on lads let’s see some bloody movement
Shoot 24 shoot
Hector shoot ffs
2 posts darn it
second one off the fucking woodwork.
How did that not go in
the holic pound should be on right now.
We went to sleep again on their goal even if that was a foul
Scruz
A large glass of that red please ?
Switched it off when the stream went laggy. Have we been shit?
Pretty good first half. Giroud should score from BFGs knock back though. Other results ok so far.
Cynic we have played well hit the post twice but we switched off on the goal
arthur, opening a second bottle. might be a 3-bottle game! cheers!
agreed, btm. and hector needs to shoot when open, especially if he pings it of flappy’s handskis, into the boots of our three in the middle.
Strong second half we need the three points.
Liverpool 2 up. With West Ham in amazing form it could well be that United, Chelsea and City all miss on the CL next season… How unbelievable is that?
We only need to apply ourselves, we’re really unlucky not to be 2 up. Come on lads!
Scruz
Halftime bottle it is then are you right Hector should have blasted it at the keeper, he had two defenders covering for the cut back
Its just not happening
oh, mesut. ugly.
at least we’re controlling the ball better. some composure around the box wouldn’t do us amiss.
Getting closer!
Alexis is not at his best
Tension building….
what we need right now is one of those two goals in two minutes things for us, not for the swans.
nearly by alexis, again.
There’s only one team winning this game at the moment.
Come on Arsenal
It’s Danny time I’d say
What the fuck is that all about?
And there’s another example of us being childish. He’s hardly broken his fucking leg, play on. Don;t stop so the ref blows his whistle, keep fucking going.
Water break?
There goes two minutes we may not get back.
Speaking of playing by the book we should not have stopped the game…
Arsene letting time wasting tactics wind him up. Not good.
C’mon why JC?
Boos for the sub!
Oh dear.
Terrible sub.
Alexis should be off for Danny not Campbell.
That was too close
What is Gabby doing?
We couldn’t pass a fucking homeless person at the moment.
Jesus what a roller coaster
OFF THE CROSSBAR!
Woodwork again ?
off the bar again? holy crap.
great defending there by gabriel at the last.
how woeful is our final third passing?
I know he’s playing like a cunt at the moment but a game this stretched is made for Walcott
You think, Cynic?
Absolutely. The tempo is high, there a ton of space. He won’t get on though
Bollocks
Don’t matter now.
Fuck off, Arsenal
Dejected !!!!
oh. my. god.
What is Giroud doing there?
Goodbye title
here he comes, cynic. alexis off. let’s hope he gets a hattrick.
COME ON YOU REDS!
Only FA cup left now. We have been better than we were against Manure but not good enough.
Amy other season we wouldn’t even be in the top 5..
Come on lads!
10 minutes to save our season.
COME ON ARSENAL!
Shit shit shit
KEEP UP THE PRESSURE!
One season wonders to replace no season wonders, Bm3?
Here come the cunts smelling blood…
Six minutes stoppage time. Minimum. Please.
COME ON!!!
Is it too hard to do the football basics?
1. Trap the ball.
2. Pass the ball to the nearest/freest man.
3. Look before you pass.
4. Mark a man not the space.(F*ck zone marking)
5. Take s shot in front of goal.
6. Let the better players stay in the game and forget sentiments.
7. Run / go for the ball.
8. Support the man on the ball.
If Wenger can do these and drop the c*nty Ramsey on the bench, Arsenal won’t win the league, but would be a better team.
I really feel for Ozil. The frustration is really getting the better part of him.
It’s so disheartening.
Wake up ffs
I wish somebody would cure Ramsey of his Wiltorditis
Is Theo on yet?
CORNER! USE IT!
AGAIN, BETTER THIS TIME! COME ON GUNNERS!
We are not winning this one
Low confidence team at the moment
That is a pelanty
That was a penalty denied for a foul on Ramsey.
only 5 minutes to get the draw, or the win. SAVE THE SEASON!
@175 someone forgot to teach #4 and #8
Deflated here
i’m so frustrated with this team. such promise turning to such shit.
Three time the woodwork, a denied penalty, lady luck doesn’t want anything to do with us 🙁
Come one, get one back!
This season is over, Scruzgunner, we must start thinking of the next season. We need to worry about our finishing in the top four, now.
Flatline
Absolutely useless.
damn, damn, damn. and again, damn.
Safe to say that he is gone. If he as any pride he will resign. Losing to Swansea second team at home is unacceptable. Long time supporter and admirer, but time to live as soon as tomorrow. And take Ramsey and Walcott with you.
Another title melt down. We have never been this shit in recent years. Cazorla’s absence robbed us of our creative core, Ozil alone could not do it.
How undeserved is that?
Totally gutted
Oh dear, looks like the cleaners can hold the silvo order for another season
I hope we finish in the top four…..
🙁
So what are we going for today? Was it the ref’s fault? Injuries? Is that it? Ball too round? Grass too green?
One form four. It can’t possibly be that we just aren’t that good????
All those with their heads still firmly in the sand raise your right arm now.
At this rate we might actually consider 4th as an achievement.
At least Spurs lost.
I know that’s like finding biscuit crumbs in your belly button when you’re expecting to eat a three course meal but fuck it. Them crumbs is tasty to a hungry man.
Ok we played well but it wasn’t our day simple pimple! 🙂
Their first goal was shocking! BFG and Gabby caught in no mans land!
Now, Holic, what was that you were saying about self inflicted wounds and getting back on the bike?
Never mind, three FA Cups in a row is a rare treat.
ksn, i’m still going to hope for this season, and the fa cup. who knows, maybe we’ll stage a miracle at the camp nou. i’m not giving up, just banging my head against the wall until this weekend…then it all starts again.
Don’t understand the substitutions Wenger made.
Campbell was the best player tonight. He looked gutted.
Alexis lost his scoring boots, but still miles better than Walcott.
Guys: we’re only 6 points off top spot (how though – I have no fucking idea!) Let’s save the conclusive post mortems till the end of the season. This season could still go any which way – 1st to 5th. A win against Spurs on Saturday (unlikely as it may seem) and we’re right back in it. We are playing sh*t, but lady luck must turn for us at some point – too many good players out of form for it not to turn….Believe!
steve t, put down the rod. don’t you think we all have one for our own backs? goodness sake.
yep, gregoire. we’re playing like shit, but COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
Hit the post 3 times… *sigh*
Well..at least the spuds lost.. hope Leicester can finish ahead of them.
ARGHHHHHHHH!
🙁 🙁 🙁
We are shit there’s no two ways about it.
Thankfully Spurs and City lost too so there’s still a glimmer of hopeless hope.
3 times hitting the woodwork and one clear penalty not given – not to mention their goal coming off a clear foul!! Just ain’t meant to be…
Crochet players? You knit, Pierre. 🙂
same kind of attitude was sensed after the break yet again we had no urgency and it became more difficult or did we make it too difficult four ourselves?
Hammers and West Brom doing us a favour and and we get this pile of shyte again exact repeat of Sunday
Gotham has just restarted I think I will leave it for now!
You ask how Gregoire. Simple really. Quality wise it’s the worst premier league that I can remember.
I wish no one buys the f*ckin season’s ticket for next season. In the past I sometimes thought that we lacked quality players, but it is clear that we lack mental strength and basic qualities of a proper football team. Wenger used loan repayment as excuse for years, bought two world class players and won two FA cups, and that’s all. I mean……
It’s shit all over the place.
@Steve T: oh come on now, we hit the woodwork 3 times, any one of them in and the game would have been over. Not to mention the penalty and the clear foul on their first goal. Did you miss all that?
One of the tightest PLs in memory. Great stuff. Far from over yet.
We need quality players throughout the team, it is unrealistic to expect to win the EPL with just two or three great players.
Walcott has been the disappointment of the season and the Alexis we knew from last season has not returned after his injury.
Now there are only Spuds and Leicester in the hunt. Us and City are out. Lousy end to a season that promised so much.
Steve was sitting beside Arsene, Matt. He’ll need to look at it again 🙂
For the first time ever I’m genuinely glad that I gave my ticket away. If I had actually made the effort to get to that I would be so mad right now.
To all of those that braved the freezing cold night air, hats off. Any drink of your choosing on me.
We could finish Spurs title challenge on Saturday, folks. A sort of St Totteringham’s Day in itself.
Matt @ 196: Highly deserved. We got the result we exactly deserved. Especially the manager, who let his blind faith in some players obscure exactly what is going on in the game and substituted a forward who looked most dangerous in the final third and scored a brilliant goal.
Since December we have been playing poorly, but hiccuping along at the top of the pile as the competition has been so fierce across the table. Today’s game needed full commitment and needed players who are not this exhausted.
We played with fear and nerve. And no willingness to impose ourselves in tackles and challenges. We got what we deserve.
BtM
I hear you my friend I hear you! 🙂
There is still a lot of footy to be played this season with some twists and turns!
COME ON ARSENAL!!!!!
YOU BLOODY ARSENAL!!!!!
Well was having a good week up till that – No midfield, No Idea, No Tactics No fucking hope – Shambolic on all levels just hope to god we get a touch of luck Saturday and finish their title hopes too – Didn’t think we could get that bad, Seems the end of the journey is nigh 🙁
Didn’t know hitting the woodwork was a goal in Arsenal world.
What a crock of shit argument that is
Time to deal with the facts and not the spin people
Matt. I’ve not watched any of it. The facts are that we scored one and relegation threatened Swansea scored 2.
Or were we just really unlucky? Don’t tell me it was another one of those games? Another one off?
BtM: 😀
@Cynic: that’s the spirit but with our luck at the moment…
Now you’re an optimist @221 Cynic!
😀
Chavs and ManU better not make top 4….!
Yes we were terribly unlucky this time. The result is totally undeserved.
Bm3: Which team are you supporting? Never seen you here before.
It’s the most even Premier League ever, Steve T, not the worst. No gimmes anymore I’m afraid. Doesn’t excuse our recent poor form, and we all know we can play better, but let’s not forget we must have done something right in this tough old season to still be ahead of City, United, Chelsea and Liverpool – and yet we get more shit from our own supporters and the media for the unpredictability of the league by mere cause that we’re the only one of the ‘big’ clubs still in it. Some supporters here who almost seem to be itching to drag out their weary cynicism whenever we lose – let’s judge at the end of the season eh? You were all sucking each other’s dick when we beat Leicester with a last gasp goal, but is there really any different between an iffy game like that and this one? Bitch every time something doesn’t go your way and you’ve less reason to celebrate any success at the end of the season.
Bm3
Take it easy son! I live in Reading do you know what locals do here? They support their club through thick and thin for that matter!
This season aint over yet!
We got to worry about top 4 finish now. What a turnaround!
No Cazorla, no creativity from the middle.
Alexis lost his scoring boots, our forwards line shitter than ever.
Giroud and Walcott will never bring any trophies (maybe FA cup is possible.)
We need to invest to compete in europe. But will Arsenal do that?
Seriously doubt it. They are just happy with money saved in the market.
If I were Ozil, I would want to leave this club. Because we will never win the league or Champions league. This club doesn’t have ambitions to win big trophies.
I’ve admired Wenger, but I think it’s time for him to go.
Gregoire. It’s even because the supposed top 4 have all been very much below par.
Matt. We had 62% possession and only 5 shots on target. That and we let Swansea score twice. As I said, I have not watched any of it but none of that suggests that we were hard done by.
@Sammy: everyone will invest big time given the premier league jackpot coming. The league will be even tougher than this season for everyone.
The 4th place trophy battle is on again. $iteh just 4pts behind us with a game in hand, Manure also just 4pts back and the Hammers 5. Still 30 points up for grabs.
As for today I gave up when the foot came off the pedal after scoring … the rest was inevitable. No guts, no game, no gumption, no fuck all.
Oskar
Still waiting for my old friend “Second Half of the Season Serge”! He’s leaving it a bit later than usual this time….
Get real Gooners. We’re closer to 6th than 1st. Wenger you are presiding over an absolute shit show. You and your teams are a bunch of bottlers and each year you infect 2 or 3 new players with the same stinking virus. You are the carrier and there is no antidote.
Oh well,the usual run-in cock up..13 Years and counting. This title had our name written all over it…much the same as 2004 UCL or even the 2006 one….and many more. Major rivals fall off but we just cannot master the balls to beat a team fighting to stay up…so tired of this. We were running around in diagonal passes like a team that forgot how to play. No intensity. From many of the throw ins we got no one was rushing to get the ball and put them immediately under pressure. Pressure on the man on the ball was zero…no purpose. I never write things here because there are people who can articulate my thoughts in English better than I can,but today I have speak up as a protest to this most disgusting performance.
End of rant.
Need some cheering up.. have a happy haggis : http://i.imgur.com/QDSiMfG.webm
Time to focus on mashing some spuds!
😀
@Steve T: It’s because the minnows have now enough cash to build good teams. Look at the Liverpool messiah, half a season in and Liverpool are about where Rodgers left them.
As for today’s game, as I said woodowrk 3 times, Swansea first goal resulting from hesitation after a clear foul in the build up and a penalty denied. What more do you need to accept the result was fully undeserved?
@223 Dr.Faustus
I am damn sure he planed the substitution of Campbell before the game. He is going to be subbed around 63-65 minute, no more no less.
No matter what Campbell actually does on the pitch, he would have still been subbed. Even on a hattrick he would have been subbed.
Even if he died in the 26 minute from heart-attack he still would have been subbed in the 63-65 minute.
Come on Cynic. Why so blase? Dont you want to see the team show more pride on their home pitch. They are representing the Arsenal Football Club. Doesn’t mean anything to you?
IF we win the league (big if, I know – but I think there’s still a chance), there are a lot of vitriolic idiots on this forum tonight who are going to look like absolute pricks in 2 and a bit months time….You heard it here first!
Arsene Wenger also confirms that Petr Cech pulled his hamstring running back after going up for a stoppage-time corner.
Incredible luckless day!
@Pierre: and what does Arsenal mean to you if the only time we see you here is when you need to rant and whine?
@BB: you’re joking? if true that really sums up the day…
We can still put the knife into the spuds title hopes though. But ‘help’ them on Saturday with another performance like this one and I’ll have to put myself on suicide watch…
Good luck writing your report, ‘holic, rather you than me.
Oskar
Another weak, predictable and complacent performance.
Cech looks to have aggravated his groin injury running back from the last second corner! Now we’ll have Ospina away at the LWCs???
Your tenure’s now genuinely hanging by a thread Arsene, judging by the chorus of boos at the final whistle. What a shame for a man that’s done so much for our club.
@ 241 Matt
Cech is definitely out against the spuds…. hope it’s not long term!
We need to beat the spuds! Can we not get a break(and i don’t mean a foot now…!)
ARGH!
Arsene’s words:
“I believe we were really unlucky with our finishing and some decisions today. They had two shots on target and two goals.
“We stopped playing before the first goal because there was a foul on Mesut Ozil. There were hands around his neck and it should have been a free-kick for us.
“We need to bounce-back very quickly now.
“Petr Cech is injured. I think it will keep him out of the game against Tottenham at the weekend. But I have full-confidence in David Ospina.”
Kos out from Saturday too. Just great. Can someone take responsibility on all those injuries. Different players over the years, yet the same amount of injuries.
Great, all we need now is another player lacking confidence…
More from Arsene, I think he is really on point:
“The performance was okay, but we were unlucky on the night. We were on top and hit the bar a number of times. We were unlucky on the first goal. There was a foul on Ozil; we stopped playing and they took advantage of that.
“I still don’t understand why it was not given a foul. We were really unlucky.
“What we want is to win the next game.”
On substituting Joel Campbell: “I knew that Joel had not played for a while and I knew that he would start to tire. I thought Welbeck would come on and fit in well.”
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Joel really impressed today he kept running at the defenders which Theo for time he has been in football doesn’t have a clue about using your pace to your advantage in the same way.
We did look out of options when things got tough and that is a worry for Saturday it has to be said! Ramsey yet again doing his circles in the middle of the park, Sanchez is dead for form but then again no one offers anything better in front of him so perhaps that is why he’s so ineffective.
Not sure what will happen between now and the end of the season…fingers crossed lady luck will be on our side on come the weekend!
The season is far from over.
Citeh lost, and we’ll remain at least one point ahead of them, whatever happens to their game in hand. That lot down the road lost today – hence we can draw level at second place, if this weekend we do what we’ve done to that shower of shite for the last 20 years.
Leicester? I’m going to be frank and say that I have been supporting them throughout the season – and will continue to do so. However, if we somehow manage to play to our full potential and go on a proper run, I’m positive that they can be caught.
One thing is for sure, the boys are in serious trouble. For months now I have noticed a tendency to impatience in building up our attacks from the back. Somewhat inevitably then we struggle to create clear-cut chances – at anything resembling a satisfactory rate – for our forwards, leading to a shortage of goals, and ultimately a loss of confidence.
I certainly don’t expect the manager to perform miracles in this regard, in the short term at least. We should note that, excluding Cazorla, this is more or less our first eleven – these players are more than good enough to sort this out by themselves.
Its the time of reckoning Mr Holic, I think you will be for the first time in many years really worried that come Monday morning there will be egg on every goons face.
I truly believe we are going to win o Saturday even when we played the Spam they ended up having to endure pressure, you are going to be visiting the pressure cooker and it will be steaming hot and the welcome your fans and team will get will be at a level you have not encountered form many years.
Excitement, is not a an adequate discription of how we Spurs fans feel, we know that you guys are wounded and we know your psychologically in dark place we know your team is letting you down, where as we are looking forward not just to this season but future seasons. Our investment in our academy has finally began to pay off.
Deli Ali versus Ozil.. 5 million versus how much did you pay, Eriksen versus Sanchez 10 million versus how much did you pay.
And Mr Harry Kan who will remember your fans early jokes about him.
Mr Rose who just loves to run you guys ragged, Mr Dier how much did he cost and who do you have to compete with him.
We are excited very excited indeed.
C