A Fun Afternoon As Gunners And Milan Legends Delight
Sep 4th, 2016 by 'holic
If one has to endure an international break after just three matches of the Premier League season then the insertion of a legends match proved to be an inspired idea yesterday. A very mixed crowd with lots of families in attendance enjoyed the opportunity to take in the match between some of Arsenal and Milan’s biggest names of the last thirty or so years. Take a bow, the Arsenal Foundation.
The match itself provided a breath of fresh air from the tensions present in recent fixtures. The tone was set early by Marc Overmars who hit a fierce drive over the bar and brought a save out of Christian Abbiati. Those efforts bookended a Christian Vieri effort blocked away for a corner by Kolo Toure. The pace of play may have been a yard or two slower than we are used to seeing, but the quality of the passing by both sides was warmly appreciated by a near sell-out crowd.
The feel good factor around the stands was replicated on the pitch, bar one challenge from behind by Pascal Cyan on a disgruntled Vieri. Arsenal had the better of the opening half hour and produced the move of the match, a succession of passes to set up Robert Pires who just missed the target. He was also narrowly wide with a headed effort. At the other end Vieri was again denied by the Gunners captain in the first-half, David Seaman.
The reward the hosts deserved came as the half hour neared when Manu Petit’s deflected cross found the head of the ageless Kanu and he diverted the ball back into the corner of the net. There was a moment of pure comedy as Nigel Winterburn and Paolo di Canio recreated the coming together when the Italian had pushed the referee to the ground on a heated afternoon at Hillsborough in 1998.
There was a degree of inevitability about the ever-willing Vieri scoring an equaliser, and he bundled the ball home after Seaman had made a fine reaction save from Massimo Ambrosini. The Arsenal goalkeeper was relieved to see a volley clear his crossbar as the half drew to a close.
After the break both sides continued to rotate at will which kept the game flowing and enabled these warriors of yesteryear to catch their breath. Gilberto Silva (how good was it to see him in an Arsenal shirt again?) Angled a drive just past the far post as the Gunners set about regaining control. They achieved just that when Kanu went bravely in for a diving header from a Luis Boa Morte free-kick.
The Nigerian completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after Robert Pires took a tumble in the box. Six minutes from time three became four. Freddie Ljungberg and Pires rolled back the years when the former broke down the right and crossed for the French genius to score at the far post.
Milan were not finished and gained a measure of consolation when Daniele Massaro threw himself to the floor in front of a bemused Cygan. Jens Lehmann saved Vieri’s spot-kick superbly but the striker was first to the rebound and the German was unable to deny him a second time.
The match raised a million pounds for the Arsenal Foundation to provide football pitches for youngsters in areas of conflict, and locally. It gave generations of Gooners a chance to see, either again or for the first time, some of the best players in Europe in recent decades. It was a day to savour and enjoy to the full.
120 Responses to “A Fun Afternoon As Gunners And Milan Legends Delight”
Woosh
In like Flynn, ex-neighbour!:-)
Nice review Guvna. A much more entertaining match than I expected.
Well in Jackster. Long time no see.
Did you get there on time ‘h?
Would you believe early J. They were showing all morning trains as cancelled but I got one that was so late it left before my scheduled one and was almost empty.
At least I didn’t think it was a 3pm kick-off, eh Steve? 😉
Hello Charles, sorry I missed you yesterday. I went to the Pins post match and it started raining so I went home from Finsbury Park.
A certain player looked a bit chubby, as if he’d been eating too many chocolate bars.
Marc OverMarsed.
There was certainly some timber on display, Cynic, but as the occupant of a glass house I cannot comment further. 😉
Sounds like a great day, Holic,
and Bath from yesterday.
I decided against going yesterday, partly in protest at our lack of transfer activity at the time (oops!) and partly because I have already forked out an extra £65 to take Erin vs Southamptin next weekend.
I did watch on Player and Gilberto, Freddie, Sir Bob and Kanuuuuuuu, in particular, looked excellent. The fourth goal was a proper lumpy throat moment – rivalled only by Mrs Trev’s custard ?
Feo played ok for Ingerland.
H, you’re not a former trained athlete, so chuck away.
ah now , cynic
come on
who among us
hasn’t tended towards the gut
truth be told
not me
i retain the look of a greek god
(one of the thin ones )
but will defend to the death
people’s right to run open mouthed
down lidl’s biscuit aisle
we can’t all be kanu
practically identical to the callow 61 yr old
we signed all those years ago
Running down Lidl’s biscuit aisle …..
If you’re big enough, you’re aldi nuff ….
When Fat Sam was appointed I vowed not to watch England while he was their manager. I kept go the vow tonight. Did I miss anything?
No
The Legends would have beaten that England team tonight, ttg.
strange policy m’lud
like a girlfriend who dumps a boyfriend
but shows up wherever he goes
ostentatiously standing with her back to him
asking everyone close if he’s looking at her
obviously in no way suggesting you are a girl
–
( ‘holic is it ok if i stop digging , i’m tired )
please remember me fondly , fellas
actually
don’t bother
ya fuckin shower o tolerant so and so s
?
Strange old day at The Grove yesterday. I was informed that youngsters were allowed back in the Tollie garden so made every effort to try and make a pre match pint. All was going so well, even the trains were almost empty. I couldn’t work out why? Had they sold so few tickets? It was then that I checked and discovered to my hotter that the game kicked off at 2, and not 3 as I had believed.
Any thoughts of a pre match gathering were swiftly dismissed. We got to the ground only 10 mins late so not so bad in the end. It was great to see some old faces. It was nice to discover that I’m not the only retired pro that has added a few inches since back in the day.
The game was fun. Manu dominating the midfield, Freddie everywhere, clinical Kanu and Bobby P almost broke into a trot when he was attempting to chase back. Koko the warrior put in a shift, as did returning Gunners legend, Justin Hoyte?????
I must give a special mention to the mad German’s penalty save. It was awesome and it deserved the rebound going wide rather than in.
Like Trev, the real champagne moment was the 4th. Freddie to Bobby and in.
Disappointing not to get the chance to see TH or DB. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who bought tickets expecting their return.
All in all a relaxed fun packed day. Great to see some old faces and great to see so much raised for a worthy cause.
Mike Bassett gets a lucky win at the start of his England career.
You will always be welcome to come and go as you please cba. It’s the nature of the place. 😉
CBA
I’m not a girlie but I am precious.
There is little precious about Allardyce.
This must be the lowest point in England’s international history. No good players and a fat lump as manager
ah jeez ‘hol
just genuinely didn’t want to offend thunder T
or anybody
well that’s a lie
there’s a few need a slap but thanks
beginning ? to even aggravate myself
so i think i’ll turn it down
UP THE ARSENAL
like someone who’s resolutely made his point
and strides confidently out the room
only to realise he’s forgotten his front door keys
howdy m’lud
sorry m’lud
??
.
.
.
.
.
bye for a wee while
( verticality for clive )
?
Hello everyone. Enjoyed myself.
Missed Pires’ hair.
Am I the only one?
Your hotter what, SteveT?
arsenicDaemon,
Was enjoying the Pires close-shave look myself. V
It’s what’s happenin’ now, ya know.
I thought this piece caught the mood from Saturday wonderfully well.
http://www.islingtongazette.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal/glorious_trip_down_memory_lane_as_kanu_s_treble_and_robert_pires_help_arsenal_legends_beat_milan_glorie_4_2_at_emirates_sellout_1_4683878
thanks, countryman, for the lump in my throat…
I was ( genuinely) in a prison today talking to a ‘ Lifer’ ( in for twenty years) about his lot.
As I left he had the one question
‘ Have Spurs won the league yet?’
Actually that was a lie but I couldn’t resist it.
A 95 year old Cuban who took to the highlands during the Cuban missile crisis of 1962 has recently been discovered living in a cave in the hinterland.
Manuel Delgado had survived on rabbits, rodents, snakes and worms supplemented by fruit that he had stolen from the nearest farms. Delgado had had no contact with the outside world since October 1962 when he took to the mountains at the age of 42.
On being discovered by a local policeman investigating banana thefts Delgado’s first question was, “How many times have Spurs won the league title again?”
The 4th goal, pat Rice and Arsene again together, a sight to behold. A lot of glorious moments and in the end a great cause for. A beautiful day, great game and Milan played their part in making it memorable. Lucky were the ones who watched it live but tv wasnt bad either. Afterall, Freddie to bobby and goal was a week in week out sight.
Bentdner ponders turning Robin Hood as Nottingham Forest offer hangs in the air. Has he had enough of taking from the rich and giving to himself? Nah, it couldn’t be.
Cuban cigar for bathgooner @30.
The Por Larranaga Petit Corona is a much underrated smoke…
Here’s one to bath @30!
😀
Hard to believe it is ten years hence since TGSTEL made his debut for the Danish senior side, bt8b. What a waste.
Por Larranaga Petit Corona
Wasn’t that a minor hit for Los Lobos?
Mid-September approaches and I have not seen my first Arsenal game this season due to having been traveling in remote places during most of August. It feels very strange, and that added to the descriptions of our first three games make everything seem incredibly inconclusive at the moment. Not too different from what September 6 should feel like, on the other hand. I suppose. On the other hand if we can get great performances out of some of our newbies this Saturday and thump Southampton as they deserve to be thump considering how rudely they thumped Arsenal last December, this feeling might soar upward fairly swiftly. [Inserts emoji of eagle soaring high above the forest.]
Belatedly realizes no such emoji exists but finds an appropriate eagle image albeit of a Philippine one and not an American bald one despite the recent insult by the apparently demented Philippine president toward the American one.
Whoops. Got too excited there. Picture arrives, even more belatedly …
http://www.eaglenews.ph/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Figure-3-A-Philippine-Eagle-flying-over-the-forest-of-the-Mingan-Mountains..
Sorry, must have messed up yet again. But like a boy scout (or something) I seldom give up.
http://www.eaglenews.ph/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Figure-3-A-Philippine-Eagle-flying-over-the-forest-of-the-Mingan-Mountains.jpg
Last try.
http://www.eaglenews.ph/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Figure-3-A-Philippine-Eagle-flying-over-the-forest-of-the-Mingan-Mountains..jpg
Shite.
It actually was a beautiful picture of an eagle flying over a rain forest.
Something like this, bt8? http://img.youtube.com/vi/yiteBTQDq6w/hqdefault.jpg
About right, Chris. Technowizard of the evening. 🙂
previous was your Philippine eagle. Or if you prefer a bald eagle … http://www.infiniteunknown.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/bald-eagle.jpg
This could be good news. Could also explain Jack’s choice of loan club. https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/1738449/eddie-howe-being-lined-up-by-arsenal-to-replace-manager-arsene-wenger-with-frenchmans-contract-set-to-expire-in-summer/
Final (as opposed to last) attempt to display the originally intended image of a beautiful Philippine eagle flying high over the forest, but this time you must scroll down to the third image within the story.
http://www.eaglenews.ph/the-search-for-philippine-eagles-of-the-mingan-mountains/
Chris. Indeed, it could be good news. Or, if not, the Sun has been wrong before now.
Should have said, nice bald eagle shot. 🙂
Whew, the link in 46 seems to have worked, a relief as i was starting to be slightly afraid the Philippine nationals might get upset with me, misinterpreting my technical ineptitude for an insult to their president.
Lest anyone accuse me of going off-topic, may I reassert an element of Britishness to the visual Eagle images.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9rFfd0Ck0k
Casual half ton.
Plus One. Which is different from Plos One, which is a scientific journal.
Chris, I think that’s two plus what equals a change in manager. Easy to do the calculation, no way of knowing if what is a rational number.
Whatever. 😉
Does anyone else get the impression Liverpool is Stoke’s feeder club. There may be others but there’s now at least Charlie Adam and Crouch, as well as Joe Allen.
Eddie Howe? – More like Eddie Why. Has April 1st come late this year or early next or is there just an interlull to fill?
Proper football at the weekend – thankfully.
UTA.
Hey Noosa, I echo your thanks that proper football will be returning, win lose or draw. As if another diversion were needed, housing prices in New Zealand, anyone?
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/07/why-auckland-is-leading-the-worlds-housing-market-boom
“Nottingham Forest have signed former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner.”
The battle for tomorrow has begun…
The next match cannot come soon enough…..
http://i.imgur.com/VXDinbm.gifv
😀
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-37298803
😀 😀 😀
So Silly.
58 is so silly, I mean. 59 is bad.
Evening all. Saints preview will have to be tomorrow night since I will be swinging in the rain on Friday. *FORE*
I wouldn’t live in Auckland for quids, bt8 – the place is sitting on a field of 53 volcanoes and no one knows when they could blow. Not to mention NZ’s major danger, earthquakes (there was a severe 7.1 just down the road from Auckland last week, followed by hundreds of aftershocks ranging up to 5.5).
Then again it’s probably safer than where I live in Wellington which is overdue for a major quake … anything up to a cataclysmic 10 has been expected for some time now.
And if that’s not reason enough to leave on the next plane there’s a super volcano roughly half way between Auckland and Wellington that’s erupted twice since Yellowstone last went off.
Let’s see, when is that next plane…
…probably explains why the All Blacks play rugger like there’s no tomorrow.
hello chris
soccer word has permeated here for a while
never used to be said
other than what it should be
elderly players american graveyard
so
i always say i will call football soccer
if you call rugby rugger
my plastic compatriots
anyhoo
here’s a tune
a brilliant tune
she’s not a youngster
*chris harumphs*
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTCbFQ046LM
the gaa fraternity
bunch o culchies that they are
?
not you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA7z-rSYxjQ
Morning,
The legends game on the weekend, rolled back the years for me.
The way the team used to cut through the midfield like a hot knife through butter and then take their chances, was a pleasure to re-live. Over the years we just seemed to make more of a meal of finishing. Trying to walk the ball into the back of the net. What happened with just getting one on one with the keeper and just saying ‘goodnight sweetheart’
Anyway, nostalgia over!
I’m looking forward to Saturday’s game. It’s a home game and I hope the home supporters feel gee’d up too. To think, the best English midfielder can’t even get into our squad now. The barr has been raised somewhat in regard to competition.
But it’s these new faces I’m excited about. For years we’ve been three players short of competing. Usually, it’s the spine of the team where we have been short. Now this issue appears to have been addressed during one window. I’m optimistic now. From hereon, I want to see us turning teams over. I don’t want struggling to get over the line. I want to see the simple basics being covered. Not over complicating things. I want that feel good factor to return. I want to see a good run of games. I want derby days to be exciting again. Teams to fear us. Afraid to come to the Emirates!
I guess what I’m saying is, let’s build from here, you lot. Let’s go!
Forget the same ole same ole. It’s a new day. So let’s go and get the job done!
Vitcoria Concordia Creset!
🙂 🙂 🙂
Rousing speech, King GT. Fully agree, but gat the motto right mate, it’s,
[b]Victoria Concordia Crescit[/b]
and I should get the emboldening right:
Victoria Concordia Crescit
Fascinating article in the Guardian by Daniel Taylor today.
It’s about the relationship or lack thereof,between Ibrahimovic and Guardiola when they were at Barcelona.
interesting what goes on behind the scenes at a football club.
If what Ibra says is true,it doesn’t reflect well on another famous player at the Club.
Well worth a read.
Got it Bath! 😉
[b] I learnt two new things today [b]
oh, oh!
Maybe not!
😆
75 ?
76 😆
King GT, use ” instead of ‘[‘ and ‘]’ and you are sorted! Or even, using ‘i’ and ‘/i’ instead of ‘b’ and ‘/b’, you are sorted!
The symbols that were inside the apostrophes to be used instead of brackets were the ‘less than’ and ‘greater than’ symbols.
New Day you say, GT. Well now, that IS something I hadn’t seen coming. 😉
GS54. Fascinating article about Ibramovich and Guardiola. Ibra sounds like a ticking time bomb. All his anger is apparently focused on Guardiola, for the time being at least. But we know Mourinho is also a ticking time bomb, and while at this point in time Ibra says Mourinho is a great coach for him it doesn’t seem far fetched to see either Mourinho or Ibra making a mistake in their delicately balanced relationship sooner or later, and everything going sour as it did between Ibra and Guardiola. I would give it at least four months but would not be surprised to see Ibra score one or two this weekend. Then let’s see if Mourinho backs Ibra to the hilt or decides some rotation may be in order here and there, and whether Ibra puts up with it.
Yeah tryin to stay positive bt8 😉
‘b’ trying ‘b’
hmmm? 🙁
I’ll get back to it later!
Howdy holic’s.
Just came across an interesting piece and thought to share, this being the interlull and all (hope you don’t mind ‘H) …http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/the-deal-arsene-wengers-moneyball-works-but-next-arsenal-boss-needs-super-agents-like-manchester-a3339776.html
Arsene’s tendency to vacillate is somewhat explained.
It seems we could do with an ex player or someone really knowledgable about present day transfer dealings in a director of football role or something when a new man is installed at the helm. It sticks in the craw having to deal with ‘Super Agents’. They have become increasingly despicable and unduly influential on the game.
Just hope we get it right when AW steps down.
Here’s looking forward to Saturday and hopefully the proper start of a title chasing season.
King GT @ 69, on point man.
COYG.
A belated congratulations to Xhaka for getting that late red card against Portugal, thereby avoiding playing and possibly injuring himself in the next international.
Speaking of red cards, Flamini signs with Palace on a free.
Unfortunately it doesn’t do us much good seeing that present day internationals are weekly affairs comprising of a couple or more games.
bath
could you boldify the three characters
less than b then more than
or would it freak out
gonna give it a go
clearly
nope is the answer
‘holic’s autobot just said
“aren’t you clever”
with all the sincerity of an alistair stewart smile
who’s a clever boy now
mr machine
shoulda saved 91 for best
.
drat
and double drat
ah well it’s done now
?
or
shoulda been
drat
and drat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXKJolS9Atg
ooooooooooooooohhhhh
the ton approacheth
sniffing distance
*sniffs*
Do bold or italics indicate more feistiness?
dunno
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AA7Ub1c2cI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyfaJXHQCIc
‘holic
sack yer security
back gate open again
now ye’ve all sorts in an out of yer tradesmans
having said that
could be a tradesman
the quality of my stout
should open a microbrewery
as shortbackandsidesbigbeardbrigade call em
had a porter in wetherspoons last week
shites in the shadows compared to mine
was only one 65 so made up for it being a big soulless barn of a place
although did see a big roomy woman
and her round child
coming out the bog
the short one eating a burger
so
i’d’ve gone to two quid for the pint
no argument
oops
UP THE ARSENAL !
*’hol’s autobot stops tapping it’s cloven hoof*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toxIiMWQgKA
107
+1
Can’t believe nobody has said hello to you, cba. So I will.
Good evening my friend.
Now, off to scribble some drivel 😉
an you can fuck off an all
ingrates
nothin but a shower !
a bath biglettersmallletter educated SHOWER
anyway
i’ve just been to tesco !
.
JEALOUS MUCH ?
I like my new name
nope
“ommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm”
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>/b>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
sho nuff
mos def
can ye do coloured text
post pictures
add sound
.
HOLIC
–
No !
‘Fraid not cba 🙂 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
even el bosso can’t get the hang of the <> business
walk ………. nay …stride ..kGT
you are in the company of angles
not going next door
sufficient arsehole been made already
cheerio