While The Brass Band Played
Sep 23rd, 2010 by 'holic
With apologies to any stray Baggies who must be weary of the next line in a song with which they were regularly serenaded a few years back.
Actually, I always felt a bit guilty joining in. Memories of the Albion are generally happy ones. The Hawthorns was the first place I ever ventured to alone outside of London. As the ’71 double season drew to a close I was a particularly sulky fourteen year old on the morning of the game, hoping the ‘holicdad would relent and drive me up there.
I must have got on his nerves just enough. He drove me to Wycombe station, gave me a tenner, and said “you’re on your own, don’t get beaten up.” A train to New Street, a walk from there to the ground (yes, it is miles, but I don’t want to drag the tale out further!), and as I arrived I walked into a huge mob of Arsenal fans. An absorbing contest ended 2-2, and the title dream remained just about alive.
I had the good fortune to be pretty close to the action when Albion last played in the Premiership at the Grove on the opening day of the season before last. Samir Nasri will also remember the day with pleasure, as he scored the only goal on his league debut for the Gunners. The visitors remained in the memory for contributing to the afternoon some very tidy passing and moving of their own, but thankfully lacked any punch up front.
They have been a mixed baggy (sorry about that!) this time around, but look to have a bit more firepower, and a little more strength in depth, as Moneybags Citeh can attest to after tumbling out of the Beer Cup in the week. Citeh, along with Tottenham and Liverpool really should not have fielded weakened sides in their position this week. I’ll wager that one of the three will not qualify for next season’s Europa League, and will look back on this week with some regret. Bad management by all three, I thought.
Samir Nasri strikes at the Lane (image courtesy of Arsenal Football Club)
It is a different West Brom who will turn out on Saturday. Comfortably mid-table after a good start they are unbeaten in September, following a draw against Tottenham with victories over Birmingham, and of course Citeh. However, although the goals have flowed at home they have yet to get off the mark on their travels.
Arsenal start, not surprisingly, with a growing injury list. This is getting to be a familiar tale. If Eboue and Rosicky fail late tests they will join Vermaelen, Gibbs and Fabregas with longer term victims Ramsey, Walcott, van Persie and Bendtner, as non-starters.
That would still leave a likely starting eleven of Almunia; Sagna, Koscielny, Squillaci, Clichy; Song, Denilson, Wilshere: Nasri, Chamakh, Arshavin. Not bad, eh? The ‘holic pound usually seeks out some value, but has thus far drawn a blank, so if you want to know what to avoid, I suggest you steer clear of 3-0 to Arsenal. Sevens are available on that score at William Hill and sportingbet, and I cannot resist planting my nugget in that direction.
Once again can I close with some brazen begging. The Amazon ad for Peter Storey’s book remains in the sidebar, but if you want anything else from Amazon and click through the same link, I will hopefully get some benefit. The same applies with the Arsenal shopping banners on the site. If you are buying anything from the online store and do not get a discount elsewhere, it would be appreciated if you clicked through the banner ads here, and again I will get a small kickback towards the running costs of the site. Thanks.
Have a great weekend, ‘holics.
77 Responses to “While The Brass Band Played”
1st?
Indeed you are, usama.
Well done.
Before anyone pulls me up I didn’t forget Diaby is back. I don’t think he will start ahead of Denilson this weekend, but will probably return to the line-up for the Champions League match in Belgrade.
Quite the team we have left after all those injuries. We seem to have some real depth this season (and we sure need it).
Wenger used to get a lot of criticism for fielding the kids in the Carling Cup. At least we still win!
I’ll have whatever you recommend ‘Holic.
Awesome im first. holic i have a question if im a non member and in london anyway i can get tickets?
boing boing, think you might find us a bit tougher to break down this year, and if tchoyi gets a game it realy is game on, he was fantastic against man shittie sorry citeh,
all being well a good game is on, see you there
boing boing and good luck for the season
Not very easily, usama, depending on the game.
It really is best to join as a red member, or through your local supporters club if you have one.
The number of tickets available on Ticket Exchange seems to be growing for each game, but you do need to be a member to participate.
Evening. I had heard that Vermaelen was fit again????? Have I got that wrong???
Cheers daz, hope you have a good day, result apart 😉
Arsene ruled him out at the presser today, Steve.
Oh well. Bit behind I guess. Sure I read somewhere that he was back. Do we have any indication when he will be available again???
Hoping he is back for Chelsea with Cesc…
Hi de Hi Holic!
I want us to win the Carling Cup! I will not except any excuses!
That’s a nice bunch of grapes you have left there Mr Wenger after losing a few down at WHL on Tuesday night! I’m expecting 4-0 to thee Ars-en-al this weekend! No doubt! Arshavin to score at anytime!
Good news about Gibbs and it would be good if Lansbury could start this weekend!
I’ll take a light beer for now pls gov’nor!
ith the assumption of the following being unavailable on Saturday; Fabregas, van Persie, Walcott, Bendtner, Ramsey, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Diaby, Rosicky, Eboue, who should start tomorrow?
Almunia
Sagna, Squillaci,Koscielny, Clichy
Song, Denilson
Lansbury, Nasri, Arshavin
Chamakh
Subs: Mannone/Szczesny, Nordtveit/Miquel, Djourou, Eastmond, Wilshere, Vela, Afobe/JET
The reason not to start Wilshere is that he has played a lot of games within a short period and I’d prefer to have him fresh for the game Tuesday. Lansbury played well against Spurs and deserves another game. It also seems Vela has a bigger impact when coming off the bench. Sub Chamakh after 60 min or so. JET is an alternative to start in place for Chamakh and have Chamakh as an impact much as on Tuesday.
Think we need not to take this game too lightly as it could trip us up. Can’t wait too – one of my rare forays back to my southern roots (living in Yorkshire now) to enjoy the Emirates hospitality so hoping for a bit of Chamakhattacking to brighten the day.
Apparently we played Spurs this week – anyone know the score??…
Morning all (well, it is here in the Antipodes),
It’s important to start with as strong a side as possible to keep the momentum going, so no starts for Vela or JET please. Don’t underestimate anyone in the Premiership, but of course we should win 4-0. A hat trick from Sagna would be grand.
What is the point of Fabianski? Really, why is he still here?
Ho hum. Time for a coffee.
Fabianski is employed to make Almunia look good – didn’t you know?
That one made me laugh: http://twitpic.com/2qydmf
With Walcott, RvP and Bendy not match fit until November we cannot rely on Chamakh alone to lead the line otherwise he’ll die of exhaustion. So I hope we’ll se more of Vela who needs to play more to progress anyway.
And I’m impatient to see Song and Denilson play together in midfield, much less chance to be as soft as we were against Sunderland if those 2 start.
Nasri should be rested.
I’d wnt to see JET play since he didn’t get a chance at White hart lane . Rest for wilshere or nasri
‘holic, you tell ’em (Hodgson, Hoggish Harry) about bad management but I have a feeling they’ll never learn. The ‘holic pound is bound for an uptick any moment now!
Matt, I agree totally with your points about Chamakh, Song and Denilson. Vela can do a job, and combining Song and Denilson in the team could give us an added dimension of defensive strength. Lord knows we don’t lack goalscorers.
@bt8bbnn: actually Wasim has a good point too. WBA at home is the ideal game to introduce JET. I know we should not take any game for granted but still there won’t be many better opportunities to play him.
Arsene Wenger in the press conference last night said that Squillaci would be rested for some odd reason!
So probably Song will start with Koscielny in the Back, with Denilson playing the holding midfielder and Diaby in the midfield to support him, Nasri will be playing in Cesc’s position, Wilshere will be in the midfield too.
Arshavin and Chamakh upfront!
and if we get a 2 goal lead in the first half, i would expect Arshavin, Chamakh and Nasri to be taken off and replaced by Lansbury, JET and Eastmond!
Morning ‘holic. Walked from New St station to The Hawthorns?? Are you mad?
You must have only just got back!?
2-0 Arsenal. I shall, for now, continue my cautious optimism (WBA are growing in confidence).
Early morning Orange juice for me pls barman.
Holic – nice timing; on my list of to do’s today is to place my next bumper order with Amazon (can’t get English books out here at a good price). Hope you get some kickback!
Don’t care who plays – love them all – but hope Lansbury is involved to keep him progressing. Main thing is to keep the momentum, and please no more injuries!
Coffee, strong. Please
‘Hols, a little while ago you were requesting Mac feeds/ sites for live games. What do you recommend? And for that matter, does anyone have any Mac recommendations? Cheers in advance holics!
Yes, it seems like christmas came early with regards to the Carling Cup. Biggest threat could be Manure and Pukeliss. We’ve now the depth to go for this, so I hope we (Arsene) are serious!
Just read my post – can’t believe I’m getting excited by the the prospect of the Carling Cup!!
Camomile tea please boss – something to ground my lofty expectations 🙂
AFC1974 – what do you mean Mac recommendations? Do you mean for streams or just on a whether to buy front?
If it is links you want, the only downside to a Mac is that it doesn’t take sopcast. You can get this via a reasonably complex process of installing other software first, but it’s not necessary. I have a Mac and have managed good streams for a while now (just go via the MyP2P site and there will be plenty of links). Veetle ones are usually good.
If you mean are Macs good, then I guess it is a question of whatever suits. They are pricey, but my last one lasted 5 years and the only time it ever crashed was using MS Office products. Macs don’t get viruses etc which is also good. The one thing I like about it the most though is that the Mac is well set up for IT numpties in that it is easy to use and stuff just seems to be well integrated and work. I am a proper numpty so it is perfect for me!
Sorry if this didn’t answer any of your questions!
Also AFC – I too am getting excited by the Carling Cup. I’ve always liked it since we started playing the kids. I live too far away to go to reserve games, and Mrs Essex would probs not let me anyway… Great chance to see the future of our club and also to see a few more of our English contingent that we don’t always see in the first eleven.
I think it also holds a special place in my heart as the Littlewoods Cup win in 1987 was just as I was really getting into football as a 12 year old and I had hardly ever seen Arsenal on the telly before. I’ll always love the League Cup on that basis alone.
Something to shit you up – by the Business Editor Robert Preston (BBC). All I can say is I wouldn’t want to be in Liverpool’s shoes….
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/robertpeston/2010/09/why_rbs_looks_set_to_own_liver.html
Essex – can’t believe you left Essex for Yorkshire! I’m a Sarfend boy since 68!
Anyhow, thanks. I’ve been using Macs since 91. They are quite simply the dogs! I’ve tried MyP2P on my kids PC, but it got a bug via a dodgy Chinese stream! Bit like my local heh!
What I want is a Mac stream that doesn’t need any software.
Can’t not think about Gus when I think of the Littlewoods Cup!
Mrs Essex is a Yorkshire lass – what chance did I stand. The worst thing is all the Northerners telling me that I don’t belong cos I’m from the south and all my Essex mates who just think I now have a sill accent!!
I’ve never had any problems with MyP2P, but I can imagine there will be some dodgy links in there. Best ones I have found on the Mac were Veetle streams (good picture / less freezing). It did need a download, but I got it direct from the Veetle site and it has been fine, so that may be a goer.
Southend eh? Was it Tots 2000 where I used to try my luck? Growing up in Essex in the late 80s surrounded by allegedly easy Essex girls and being unable to get anywhere is actually quite damaging for the self esteem!!!
As for Littlewoods Cup – that whole era always makes me think of Rocky, still maybe my favourite ever footballer.
Heh! Nothing alleged about it!!!
And yes Tots is still there! Can’t say too much – the management might look in! Cheers pal.
Thanks for the reminder Holic just brought the Storey book through the link – Hope i did it correctly !!
Ive gone 3-1 with Chamakh or Arshavin first scorer 🙂 Just hope the lads dont take it easy as WBA are no mugs but i do sense a little more urgency and spirit this season which was lacking last year in my view, Also the fans are still well up after whacking the LWCs midweek so we should have more than enough to see us get the 3 points, Then all roads lead to Belgrade and the Bridge
Up The Arse !!
Matt & bt8bbnn –
I agree about JET. He has championship experience and considering WBA are 5 games shy of being in the Championship themselves, I do not see any reason why a confident Arsenal cannot take on a confident WBA at home.
Wenger has said JET has to prove himself more and I suspect that could be why Lansbury got the nod over him at WHL.
I have no problem starting with JET and Lansbury on Saturday if we defend and press as a team. That way we can save the likes of Chamakh fresh.
I want us to beat Chelsea next weekend (after collecting all 3 points against WBA of course).
Holic, that WBA game where Nasri scored was my first game at the Grove and I fully expected a cricket score after taking an early lead but it never materialised. We can put that right tomorrow 😉
Was such a weird expereince walking round the Highbury area afterward remembering days and nights gone by and looking at the creation of those apartments looking out on to what was once hallowed turf.
Whilst I love the new stadium and all that it brings to us, I still have a pang of sadness when I venture down to the “old ground”, which I make a point of dong the 4 or 5 times a season that I can make it to the game.
I am going to say 4 nil to the Gunners with Andrei Arshavin to open the scoring.
Pints all round barman, its Friday!
’74, Can’t stop now. Drop me an email I can respond to.
Cheers.
Afternoon Holic and Holics….
Arsecast was good and funny today if you still have not listened then I suggest you do.
Perhaps Nasri or Wilshere should be rested but we all know too well that we need to beat WBA by at least by three cushty goal advantage. It’s a real blow that Verminator is still out what is going on there I say?
Hopefully we can throw in Diaby in the mix tomorrow, Song is back so that gives me a lot more confidence.
I say 5:0 to the Almighty Gooners if we score early…if not a4:1 beating would also apeal to me.
A Desperado for everyone in the house please Barman! 🙂
ArthurTheGooner –
I like your optimistic score prediction
Here’s to tomorrow
The next round is on me Guv!
Ahoy Gooners.
I expect nothing less then a comfortable victory this weekend, Nasri to get on the scoresheet.
Come on you Reds.
Cider please ‘holic.
Amazing blog you have here holic. I predict a comfortable victory for the Gunners tomorrow, 4-0, I think. Wilshere should probably get a rest tomorrow as he has played a lot of games on the trot including 120 minutes on Tuesday.
Cranberry and Voka please!! Gunners4Life.!!
Cranberry and Vodka that is! lol
I’m not unlike Matt and the others who suggested it. I’d love to see the JET man in action against WBA when he would GSG (grab some goals) and GCSR (give Chamakh some rest). Who said 4-1? I’ll have some of that but I’d also take a cheeky punt on Rosicky to score now he’s out of the penalty taking business.
Thank you Impeccable1, you are a welcome visitor here.
Boy am I late to this.
Song’s not suspended for this match? I can’t keep track of which suspensions go with which card combinations.
Essexpieboy@14: apparently we did. I’ll loan you my souvenir DVD and commemorative wall-mounted platter for proof
I’ll have whatever Goonertown@12 is having barkeep. Actually maybe not
We broke a new record! 11 players injured… There’s a great post about it on Untold Arsenal: http://blog.emiratesstadium.info/archives/8030
It’s comforting to see we have so much depth since we’re still able to field a competitive team including the subs but at the same time it doesn’t inspire too much confidence for the winter months.
Before anybody asks, no, it was not me!
eboueboue –
I’m enjoying life at the moment!
If Rosicky is injured as he apparently is I’ll withdraw my cheeky punt on him to score then, thank you very much! Who’s refereeing tomorrow? If it’s Phil Dowd, I’ll withdraw my 4-1 and change it to 2-1!
‘Holic, I’ll try some of that Glenmorangie I sense in the air, if you will.
Ok thanks ‘Hols, but I’ve looked high and low for your email and nada. Is this a wood for trees scenario or am I just a plank. Ok don’t answer that! You have my email – any chance you can just send me a blank to reply to?
Thanks again in advance.
lol guys check this goal out female maradonna!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqBvNYnAXBw&feature=player_embedded#!
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Arsenal FC, footballURLs Arsenal. footballURLs Arsenal said: Goonerholic | While The Brass Band Played http://bit.ly/bU0fnt […]
Here’s an interesting quote from Cesc about Andrey’s performance v Sp*rs taken from today’s match day programme!
On Arshavin, Fabregas said:
“I think Andrey Arshavin made the big difference for us.
I believe he won us the game when he came on. He played the two passes that led to the two penalties in extra-time, then he scored the last goal himself. He can win a game.”
I thought this would interest those amongst us who have doubts about Andrey’s contribution in games, in particular away.
My own personal stand point is that I believe Andrey is a presence within the team which gives the oppostition something extra to think about.
This season he has improved his work ethic and gets more involved with passing and defending.
With Andrey you always feel that he can produce something special during games, in particular big ones.
a twitch…and a big mouth
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=826615&sec=england&cc=5901
Redknapp: Wenger has become one of the ‘nutters’
Morning ‘holic/’hols 🙂
@ Goonertown…about AA. You know, I believe Cesc to be so right. I have been surprised at some of the more negattive remarks being made about Arshavin, despite his goals and assists since the start of the season. Sure, he does not always track back and defend. Also he could probably do more to overlap with the wing backs. BUT I believe the positive aspects to his game more than outweigh the perceived drawbacks.
I think he has been great for Arsenal and has definitely made a great difference.
So true don.
Morning all,
Not surprised to see the chat turn to Arshavin. I should start calling myself Spartacus.
Can I make it abundantly clear that whoever emailed ATVo about Andrey last night calling themselves Goonerholic may well have been a goonerholic, but it was not me.
Oh, and ’74, I have sent you an email to the email address you use on the drinks form. Let me know if you don’t receive it.
@Tim
mate its best to ignore him….lets just hope he twitches into oblivion.
Morning ‘holics.
Quick update on the pound. William Hill now offer 15/2 on
3-0, happy days.
Many thanks ‘Hols. Will try out your suggestions. Let’s hope we put a shift in because today is commonly referred to as a ‘home banker’!
Good morning Holics, got up and saw that Chelsea lost.Yay..not for a cup of hot coffee and to watch the game..
Sucks when you’re games start at like 8 -10 am,but they make it worth it. 🙂
Clichy has been poor yet again! But then , thank God no goal has been conceded.
Shyte start we look very ordinary, no one wants to take responsibility. we’re are lucky to be still level at half time.
Fuck it ‘hols. Your link is perfect – Mac friendly, no probs. The game however is shit. We are shit. Why the fuck didnt we start with Jack and Rosicky? It’s not rocket science?
Shocking…..
Arthur, you are too kind…it could have been 3 had that penalty gone in!
Fuck that it’s 3-0. We have been crap. WBA wanted this game. We have been asleep. Correct my earlier post about home bankers… There is no such thing. I’m very sad and fucked off.
At least Nasri is awake.
And this will be one of those game that will make a big difference come the end of the season 🙁
Oh Bollocks
Sublime. Ridiculous. From. To.
Bull shit. we are screwed.
I can’t even fathom how complete that meltdown was….WBA wanted it more and deserved it more….everyone will launch into Almunia but all of our defending was just invisible for 30 minutes in the 2nd half.
Only good news was Chelsea didn’t make the gap bigger….
It’s GREAT that Arsenal showed such great financial results yesterday. It’s a pity we still can’t defend for shit though. Atrocious. Hopefully we’re still in contention when the window re-opens in January. Get a FUCKING Goalkeeper for chrissakes!!!!