Laca Brace And Dream Finish Put One Gunners Foot In Baku
May 2nd, 2019 by 'holic
My preview team was two faces out as Shkodran Mustafi and Matteo Guendouzi started ahead of Nacho Monreal and Lucas Torreira. We’re not privy to the fitness stats but they are surely the reason that particularly the little Uruguayan was left out.
There was a controversial start when Guendouzi freed Alexandre Lacazette who was blatantly manhandled by Roncaglia in the box. He went down right in front of the fifth official but the referee was unmoved. Interesting, to say the least. Similar leniency was shown to Sokratis Papastathopoulos when he appeared to catch little of the ball and a chunk of Diakhaby. We were caught napping at the ensuing free-kick and mercifully Garay cleared the bar from point-blank range.
A corner again caused panic in defence. Rodrigo headed it back across from the far post and Diakhaby jumped whilst Mustafi, Granit Xhaka, and Lacazette didn’t. The early away goal a potential disaster. Parejo drew a smart save from Cech but Ainsley Maitland-Niles headed the parry into the path of Guedes who missed a great chance to double the lead. We were looking a bundle of nerves.
Out of nowhere we fashioned a break when Mesut Ozil and Lacazette fed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at pace. He cut inside and put it on a plate for Lacazette. 1-1, and hope returned. The big three had delivered in the big match. Aubameyang, with the bit between his teeth, set off on a mazy run before cutting in and firing over the bar. This was better, but more was needed.
It arrived when Xhaka crossed to the far post and Lacazette’s perfect header down was too powerful for Neto. 2-1 to the good guys and the crowd, relatively subdued early doors, came to life. We had 65 minutes to add to it which felt necessary at this point.
Diakhaby saw the first yellow card when he caught Lacazette in the chest challenging for a bouncing ball. The Valencia midfielder was having mixed fortunes in the opening half. Aubameyang’s attempt at a bouncing ‘Ozil’ volley from another Xhaka cross hopped over the bar but people were out of their seats again. This was more like it.
Mustafi’s reckless challenge presented Parejo with a free-kick in ‘Messi’ territory. Luckily for us he put his set piece firmly into the North Bank crowd. The half finished far more calmly for the Gunners than it had started.
Valencia were seemingly attempting to kill the match at the restart but more worrying than our inability to break them down was the sight of Koscielny limping heavily, although he still managed to make a vital headed clearance when we were unhinged on the break again. Just before the hour Unai Emery sent on Torreira for his replacement, Guendouzi, who was afforded a good reception from the crowd.
Aubameyang twisted and turned on the left flank and produced what looked a perfect cross to his strike partner but it passed Lacazette’s chin as he attempted to head home what would have been a hat-trick finish. Gabriel’s challenge from behind on Lacazette was another yellow card that was kept in the pocket. Lacazette had a double chance to complete his trio but Neto somehow got something in front of both. That was a big opportunity missed.
Parejo’s swinging arm felled Lacazette and was adjudged to be just a yellow card. The referee was showing the patience of a saint but had been consistent all night to this point so no complaints. Gameiro, with the Atletico team last season, came on for Guedes, whilst Wass replaced Soler. Gameiro immediately drew a vital save from Cech, bidding to end his playing career in style.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan was sent on for Mesut Ozil, somewhat surprisingly for this old fella, but it was to prove to be a masterstroke. The crowd gave the World Cup winner a warm round of applause. Presumably Emery was looking for something different that Valencia had not prepared for? Perhaps Ozil was just cream-crackered? With ten minutes to go Nacho Monreal stripped off. The skipper’s race was run. Let’s pray he can be patched up for Sunday, and next Thursday.
European semi-finals are, does it need to be said, incredibly difficult tests. Shrewd and experienced Valencia were releasing the ‘handbrake’ and looking for what would surely be a killer second away goal. We had that with Atletico last season. However desirable a third goal would be for us had to be balanced by the alternative possibility.
An explosive finish arrived bang on 90 minutes. Mkhitaryan’s driving run unhinged Valencia, his shot was blocked and fell to Lacazette. His deflected effort drew a last gasp save from Neto but the attack was not over. Kolasinac crossed to the far post where Aubameyang volleyed home from the tightest of angles and the Grove erupted. With respect to Freddie Ljungberg and Arseblog, and apologies to my younger readers, it was fucking excellent!
Now let’s get that away goal next Thursday, you free-scoring, rip-roaring Gunners!
96 Responses to “Laca Brace And Dream Finish Put One Gunners Foot In Baku”
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Shoots from Nepal!
Big late goal!
Just when we looked knackered
too. The team did well tonight.
Great result and only PL
winners too – showed some
fight and heart
Phew!!
Get in you Gunners!!
Good game , good goals . I think we will win in spain . #emeryknowsbest
Cheers H.
Get in.
Time for bed. It’s 3am here.
Totally worth staying up though!
COYG
Auba and Laca did both miss
chances tonight but they got
three against a defence that
has been fairly miserly all
season. Great stuff from them.
Vamos!
Super quick report Maestro!
This was a nervy affair to start with so we did the Arsenal thing but thank f…. we managed to pick ourselves up!
Laca and Auba worked hard everyone did and it was a change we all wanted to see! We made an effort and this brought us back into the game which we wont in the end!
Indeed it was fucking excellent!
wont? what on earth is that all about….we bloody WON! 😀
Excellent summary of a very tense game H.
Given Valencia early goal,cue fretting Arse supporters all across the Globe,it was a sterling comeback by a clearly nervous team early doors.
Those 3 league defeats really cut deep.
Kudos to Unai for choosing the more proactive Guendozi in midfield to play the more forward role as replacement for Rambo.
The difference those 2 first half goals did for team confidence cannot be underestimated.
Valencia clearly set out to protect their lead in the 2nd half,and hardly threatened apart from the one chance which Petr snuffed out with a good block.
It did look like missed chances were going to cost us,but the boys persevered,and put a dagger in the Spanish heart with the 3rd and possibly decisive goal.
Half the job done on the long and winding road to Baku.
Going to be a very tense night in Spain next week.
Good report H !
Just coming back amid happy Gooners wondering what to expect next from this team. Is a two goal lead enough? We had them on toast when we attacked but needed Torreira to anchor midfield aa Guendouzi wasn’t consistent. The two strikers ran their legs off and Mesut had a very intelligent game . He came off early because it’s his girlfriends birthday. ? Loved Koscielny but we are playing Brighton on Sunday and they will park the bus. Take the day off Kos
Great report Guvnor. Valencia orange withe a hefty pour of Azerbaijani vodka if you will Sir.
Taking a cue from GSD, shoots from deep in the Caribbean, applauds the barman’s excellent post and sends condolences on yet another Holic Pound floating down the gurgler thanks to some woeful defending. Dives back into the waves.
I wonder if 3-1 is going to be enough? Bath will know, he was at the game.
Just got in from the game with mixed feelings. We genuinely are poor at the back. The one important factor was to keep a clean sheet. Then we gift them a goal.
I thought we looked nervous to start with. Passes were not finding red shirts and it was a little fractious. Then we settled and started to look a lot stronger. 2 goals before half time were just reward.
The second half could have yielded a far greater harvest than the stoppage time 3rd actually brought. We had glorious chances for a 4th and even a 5th.
From 1 down, the final result has to be a positive one. We are in the driving seat. They will have to come at us over there which may well open up gaps. I do hope so because I think we will need to score st least once to go through.
Some big performances this evening, none more so than from Lacazette. Apart from his goals, his work rate and all round effort were fantastic.
Final word for the crowd. Loud, vocal, supportive and positive. They did the job asked of them by the manager. Hopefully the manager will play our best side available in the return leg? Surely that’s only fair???
Phew!
Fine report Guvna.
Steve T pretty much sums it up for me. Despite a jittery period we didn’t have the now customary melt-down after conceding the first goal and worked hard to quickly turn the scoreline around. This defence simply doesn’t inspire confidence but our three forwards worked their socks off and were unlucky not to increase our advantage before BamBam got that vital third goal at 90. Nonetheless the visitors could well have equalised on a couple of occasions and are nippy on the break.
I really wouldn’t have been confident that this team could go to Valencia with a mere 2-1 advantage and come away with the result necessary to win the tie. 3-1 gives us a fair chance but like Steve and the Guvna, I think we will need an away goal.
Recipe for the next two weeks:
Look for Palace to get a result vs. Cardiff. Even a draw virtually ensures safety for Brighton which means they can get ready for their nearby beach on Sunday, and let the Arsenal run up a reasonable four or five goal victory margin at home, helping out the GD.
Win professionally at Valencia, a la the Napoli performance.
Look for Brenda at Leicester to exact revenge for his (and Stevie G’s) Liverpool stumble with a result on Sunday next vs. the Chavs.
And the final (and most difficult) ingredient: Arsenal win at Burnley
i’ve never been on a foreign holiday
but my unrelenting magnanimous spirit
requires me to wish you all joy
Bayonne Jean @ 16 – we can dream but Brighton will be tough. We will be running on fumes, will have one eye on Europa league tie and with their manager wanting to do Spurs a favor, I will take a 1-0.
We came so close to going down 0-2 yesterday – their miss from two yards with an open goal was unbelievable- and I am not sure we would have recovered if that had gone in. We stabilized after we got our first goal and should have finished at least with a three goal advantage. Valencia are draw specialists this season and based on yesterday’s display we will hold them off and if Frankfurt get a result against Chelsea……
I thought you’d holidayed joyfully in London, cba?
GSD, are you in Nepal to climb Mt Everest?
GSD,
and if yes to KSN’s question,
will you be going full dino?
If so, please be careful, I’m
not an expert but I don’t
believe our reptilian cousins
do well above 20,000ft 🙂
Nice to see some happy
customers in the bar 🙂
Much better than reading
how our club / manager /
players / supporters (delete
as appropriate to infuriated
Gooner) are rubbish
ksn. No, I’m not here for that.
OM. Well, now you have well and truly put that idea in my head. Maybe one day… ???
That was a very tough game physically. Valencia’s defence were on their knees at one point and our two strikers in particular ran themselves into the ground. I would rest one on Sunday and bring in Nketiah. ( Emery will bring in Iwobi) We are clearly nursing Koscielny and Torreira and this tempted us to bring in Guendouzi. This young man has lost his form ( but not his confidence ) and I would be tempted to play Lichsteiner or Jenko on Sunday and play Willock in midfield .
Thursday is a real chance to make a final. Brighton will Park tge bus and we will have a very different game from last night.
Talking of AMN he is a real talent but tends to showboat. I would consider selling Xhaka and replacing him with AMN next season if we can’t find a good replacement. Last night Ozil worked his socks off and his work was so intelligent. Xhaka put in a great ball for Laca’s second but he is so undynamic and we miss Ramsey so much in this position. With Ramsey we would have won 5-1 last night.
One final point was my enjoyment was spoilt by an idiot behind me who abused Mustafi every time he touched the ball ( or even when he didn’t ) . I’m not Mustafi’s biggest fan but you don’t destroy a man with the cannon on his chest when he’s out on the field representing Arsenal in a major semi- final. A lot of football fans nowadays are trailer trash who get their ideas from socisl media ( if they can read). Our club has had worse players than Mustafi even though I’d like to see him replaced and we should not barrack our own
i resided there joyfully btm
one does not pay leccy bills on one’s holibobs
or have a bin day
.
well at least
not on the plush holidays
i imagine
i’ve deprived my offspring of
but
say what ye like
they always had shoes in their mouths
and food on their feet
.
.
.
cheerio now
UP THE ARSENAL
Knowing GSD, he is likely to climb Mt Everest then jump off it.
2-0 would be enough for Valencia in the second leg so an away goal of our own is vital. Given our first half performance last night, it will be a nervous evening.
Much to agree with TTG@24.
There’s no substitute for the foot and mouth treatment you prescribe, cba, no matter where you are joyfully in the world.
Maitland-Niles is a real talent, TTG and the only ‘positive’ from Hector’s injury has been the opportunity for him to benefit from the experience of an extended run in the first team. There have been a few ‘junior’ errors but his calm, ability to move forward quickly, cross well and then get back quickly for critical tackles has been good. I agree with you that he will be an excellent addition to our midfield pool next season. He has box-to-box capability potential. He doesn’t suffer Xhaka’s proclivity for brain farts. (P.S. he wouldn’t be at Arsenal if there wasn’t some element of showboating).
We’ll need a new right back to deputise for Hector. Lichtie and Jenkinson should go in the summer fire sale. Is there anyone in U-23 pool who can play there?
Ibtm
Osei- Tutu is the most likely choice but he hasn’t featured much in squads or in the bench . I think the replacement of Xhaka is one way we will improve and release some funds.
Going back to AMN he must be looking at the England midfield and realising it is the weakest area of the team ( Dier gets a game) . If he did start for Arsenal he might make the Euro squad . But I guess England is the last thing on your mind!
I’m not sure if I think Emery is good at developing young players in terms of a coherent plan . AMN has developed more as a result of Hector’s injury
xactly big man
my lumps have
shot out lumps of their own
large big several
indeed
unintelligible weegies
grand etc s
hoops who
far as i can piece together
through every third word deciphered
know more about things than me
which
i’ll admit isn’t really an achievement
but
as the person puts them up
feeds them
you’d think more respect would be forthcoming
(Its LIKE A TROPHY)
.
??
.
.
honestly if i was any smarterer
booom !
baaaaaammmm!!!!!
.
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There’s a rumour going around that his real name is Ainsley Maitland-MacNiles, TTG but they can’t get all of that on his shirt so it’s abbreviated. We may yet see him playing in dark blue 🙂 🙂 🙂
nope
didn’t get a word o that
enunciate hen
ENUNCIATE
A 3-1 scorline gives us a fighting chance, but I’m a little concerned that Emery has stated the tie is only 50/50. If that means he is going to try to hold what we have, we could be well beaten. With our dysfunctional defence, we have to play on the front foot, selecting a team able to take the game to them and to be a real goal threat.
and
in many ways
exiting Ramones gigs
i thought if only
they’d a stronger midfield
.
.
fuck
.
.
i played for my school
not your ENGLISH BASTARD soccer
.
.
fuckin racist sectarian faggots
.
.
.
.
.
BADMINTON ………..BABY !!!!!!!!!
.
this is obviously
just sport related hilarity
(please tell me i don’t have to be nice to english people all the time)
they talk funny
“ooh Gladys , i don aff fancy a Manze’s”
“oooh Maisie ”
.
.
.
“Let’s go up chap”
.
i should say
in the interest
of full disclosure
i am drunker than you
and
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rAagY0bxQyI
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vGGieKxqGSw
my favourite buzzcocks song
.
.
i was at the London gig
(i hate saying gig – CONCERT)
.
if you don’t think
that song is worthy of genuflection
.
good luck in hell
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8jetpwghTiU
none of this feels uncomfortable
it’s you
YOU
all you
.
.
you are an uncomfortable cunt
Ibtm
AMeN to that !
.
i like Germany
a century and a bit ago
eins zwei drei vier
.
.
.
.
i’ve just sat beside
this evening
people from the north of Ireland
with an amazing collection of racism/sectarianism
i was just overhearing
if i’d a opened my face
they’d a shit
.
.
.bizarre
.
.
the shootin fellas here
are arrogant wee cunts
.
.
in my mind
and
most like me
the war is over
.
in theirs
it’s pictures of british soldiers
stencilled on their psyche
.
.
fire at land rovers
.
.
stupid wee twats
.
.
it’s ridiculous
but has the potential
to not be
silly people everywhere
?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vLKRQbnvLmk
for btm
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok0I1mZg1wk
Love it, cba. First heard the Great Fife Road Show sing it in 1968 (RIP John Watt) when I was more a Pinball Wizard than a folkie. To this very day, every time I lace up my boots “it’s time to be pittin’ yer pit bates oan” runs through my mind.
Looked for their version for you without success. Give this one a listen though and then come over to the East Neuk and gie’s a visit……..Bath may well be here uncovering all things Pictish.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUFhVGKZzI0
To think we used to sing the Parting Glass before Auld Lang Syne. We should have stuck with it.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok0I1mZg1wk
*does slosh*
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hU4bwT8v_sQ
btm
joey ramone
shaaazooooooooomed me 76
but
Luke Kelly is in my pointless opinion
one of the greatest singers of all time
hehttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WMGvQ2v-ZRM
wasn’t a healthy man there
but
FUCK
he fuckin horsed it
not long before he died
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WMGvQ2v-ZRM
to be able to carry a tune
like Luke
i can’t
nor could i
organise everyday life
.
.
dave
yer support mechanism
for ding dongs is lacking
buck up
Final concert. Brilliant.
“On the day of his funeral, one mourner observed that if Luke had any idea of how much he was loved, he would never have died.” 🙂
You?
yes ?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
(nosey cunt )
one day
i will meet all you fellas
and
after the underwhelming
i’ll write another book
about the fear nearby
Is dealt with
.
.
.
.
That tooo
And it ain’t all tartan and heather big guy. Aberdeen lassies are hot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUfmW6KKj1M
Congrats to Laca on the Player
of the Season award – seemed
a fair choice to me.
CBA
I’m in Belfast from Thursday and will try to sort everything out there.
But the last time I went to Stormont it was shut for business.
Maybe we could do the same at Westminster? Would anyone notice?
I’m told it is very likely we will sign Ryan Fraser but no final decision will be taken until we know if we make the CL next season. That might mean the end of May .
Watching Fraser playing just now
as it happens.
Son just made an ass of himself
and got sent off.
I know I’m biased but to me
Bournemouth have have 2 good
penalties turned down by the
ref, who also should have had
Dier sent off. Funnily enough I
thought the straight red for Son
a bit harsh.
Damn my haves in the previous
post.
Anyway, I think Fraser is the sort
of player UE will like. Workmanlike.
Another red for Spuds, down to
9 men. Stupid by Foyth who had
to go. 3 yellows, 2 reds in a little
over 45 minutes. Disgraceful
spuds.
sweet merciful mother o fuck btm
was in Aberdeen once
possibly more
i dunno
baffs oul neighbours probably could tell ye
“Strikingly handsome man arrested for effin and blindin at airborne residents. Police suspect after calling in linguists he may be Irish. Still unconfirmed ”
size o the
divebombing
feathered
ocean going
shiting machines
fuckin nearly took
my love for our animal friends
outta my heart
and did a half pound
slimey greasy shite on it
thunder T
belfast?
distribute yer cash money
over yer pockets
and secrete
yer plastic in yer shoe
they’re a fuckin thievin shower of unintelligible dingdongs
or
as they would say
“squawk squawk squawk ….. hi “
Spuds trying their best to finish below us..
😀 😀 😀
Never watched a spuds game so closely!!!!!
How many do you have to send off before they call off the game?
🙂
If we’re lucky Bournemouth can work on that goal difference.. but I suppose that’s too much to ask..!
With all the advantage Bournemouth have they are not showing any of it
Bournemouth hardly look bothered
at all. Though they’re putting a bit
of pressure on now finally.
It would be more than a little amusing if Spurs, nailed on for third, ended up fifth.
Or even sixth.
hahaha 1-0
I suppose losing in injury
time is fairly sickening for
the spuddies
oooh aggro at the end
but no more reds 🙂
How many more chances do we need to finish in the top four? I hope Cardiff lose today and Brighton will be relieved enough to not turn up. Spurs 0- Bournemouth 1.
Heart, soul, and mind-wrenching defeat for Tottenham Lukewarmspur. ??????
This supersub Foyth fellow who was red-carded 2 minutes after coming on to shore up his 10 man side, may be destined to be the answer to an obscure trivia question.
i lived in tottenham
bruce grove
for a not inconsiderable time
80s
.
so
i would appreciate
finger pointing
arsehole calling
be kept to a minimum
outta respect for the shitheads
.
.
.
pull together
we can do this
It’s all going a bit Spursy. After being drubbed by Ajax and without Son or Kane they may find Everton a tough prospect especially if they are going for seventh. We must win tomorrow. Watford will do something at Chelsea
litre of apple juice
litre of apple and raspberry juice
mug of 3bag tea
good sugar to happiness
in the demi john
sprinkle of wee yeasty buggers
.
13% wine
like a rosé
for 60p a bottle
age it for a month or two
.
.
.
then you
YOU
my friend
can talk shite here
you can
.
.
go for it
you delicate little ‘holics
.
.
maybe
one day
in the future
you’ll be a cheap drunk like me
.
.
.
.
.
(without the looks obviously – i’m VERY HANDSOME)
Well done Sol Campbell keeping Macclesfield in the League.
Congratulations for a super job Sol Campbell, one of our own making good. Very well done, and the Macclesfield faithful must be singing his praises.
Great job by Sol Campbell who took over as manger when Macclesfield was sitting bottom of league two in Nov 18 and ensured they stayed up. Real achievement considering it was his first managerial job. Congratulations.
“Watford will do something at Chelsea.”
Mighty bold prediction, but what are the odds? 😉
In the same sort of vein though I have a feeling Wolves could do something at Anfield to spoil the luverly day.
Chelsea have two tough games- Watford home and Leicester away. Both sides have a sniff of the Europa.
The Totts have Everton at home. Very iffy
Sadly ManUre has two very easy games against Huddersfield and Cardiff who will both be relegated when they play .
I’m pretty confident that if we win our two games we may finish as high as third. It’s just that I’m not confident we will win our two games !
Burnley are tough on their own ground .
In another genius round of spursing it up, Ericksen tells the media “We made them look a lot better.” As if Ajax needed greater motivation.
Cardiff lose and hopefully Brighton will not have the motivation to really fight; but that doesn’t happen in the EPL. We can win our next two games but will we turn up?
Newcastle to beat Wolves to the punch of ruining Liverpool’s luverly?
Exhausted, and now utterly broken. An embarrassment of a preview. Thank goodness for ABW. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Pool back in front, Bt8. Wolves may do it or Citeh may win without help, they are quite capable.
Only the relegation teams are known, champions and top four spots will probably be decided on the last day of the season.