Let’s Loan Cesc To Barca
Jul 6th, 2011 by 'holic
I had a dream.
Not that original an opening I know, but bear with me.
Why not loan the skipper to Barca for a year? That was essentially the nature of my nocturnal meandering. Now in the cold hard light of day that may look plainly absurd, but I assure you as it danced through my comatose grey cells last night it was perfect.
Cesc, only available to us for barely half of each of the last three seasons, gets to discover at first hand just how he would fit into the set-up at the Camp Nou. Understudy to Xavi, or adapted utility midfielder? The answer may turn him back to the club that made him.
Barca get to discover just why the proviso attached to the deal is that it’s Β£10m down andΒ if you want to keep him at the end of the loan period, then you pay the balance of theΒ Β£45m you know he is worth in today’s market. If not, you can tell him again why for the third summer running you won’t pay the fair market value to bring him back home.
Arsenal get a six figure weekly salary released to pay his replacement for a year, and avoid the humiliating acceptance of a below-market price for one of the world’s great players in this window, and all of the resulting furore. Chances are we’ll get him back next summer I suspect, and he will be less than gruntled with his hometown club.
I woke up before we knocked them out of the Champions League though, after a misplaced Cesc backheel put Robin clean through to strike the winner. Damn the alarm clock.
435 Responses to “Let’s Loan Cesc To Barca”
Cheers!
Looks like David gave Darren that slippering after all!
I thought about the same thing today, Barca only have 8mil and thats a decent amount for cesc for a year.
Cesc has part time DNA, heh, like it.
You need to avoid the cheese near bedtime though ‘Holic π
It’s a solution yes, but to honest Holic I think the situation would still be the same for US next year too, Cos they would have the whole year to blow smoke up his ass, as opposed to just the prolonged summer engagements they have access to him now.
But if it gets us the right deal (either way) then so be it……
Cos I for one have had enough of all this shit year on year!!!
Heh. Ivan needs to give you a job, Holic! The think tank supremo….
Sky Sports sources understand Chelsea have made an enquiry for unsettled Arsenal ace Samir Nasri.
Well @ least we will get a decent price war going on now, he could end-up going for more than Cesc, as we seem to co-tailing to Cese’s needs & just listening to Barca’s (non) offers…………..
Lee – for Sky Sports sources, read, Nasri’s agent. It’s what they do…..
Fantastic idea holic, I bloody love it, not so keen on the bidding war for Nassy though π
zico, in answer to your question in the last drinking session – no, I don’t have any spare blondes I’m afraid!
Lee: just listening to Barca’s non-offers? To me it seems the club isn’t interested at all in their offers.
Brilliant ‘Holic.
Makes perfect sense to me but I have been hovering around the CMC this morning π
We need to get a summary of this off to IG’s team now….
zicoinexile:
Yep really I knew but it’s just wishful thinking on my part, as I have kicked into the:
“If they don’t want to play for us then FUCK-UM mode.
I knew it would come for ME, I just was not sure it would come this early in the proceedings, I’m sick of these ungrateful money grabbing wankers every year…………
Nice to see Mr Wenger working so hard on our transfers today, Yes I know everybody deserves a holiday and especially when they only do the job they love for an obscene amount of money and afterall he is making as big splash somewhere I suppose π
So the Guv’nor dips into the CMC … … It was only a matter of time π
Well, we all know who has the keys…..
Oh,
I don’t think this would work at all. We would have to pay a huge amount of money to acquire a replacement for a year and we would lose one of our best players.
Barca might not play him much at the start of the season but they would play him at the end and let him pick up his winners medals so this would be fresh in his mind when returning to Arsenal.
He would then have a year less on his contract and then Barca might rather just wait for his contract to expire.
Or he may be sitting there injured half of the season then they will know his injury record better and therefore lower the value of their offer.
agreed the best way to show Cesc that he doesnt need Barca is to loan him there yet this could also raise the value of him and we can make a better deal in this.
Boys, stop dishing out the medicine now.
It’s the Catalan Old Bill – quick, run!
*pours water down sink*
Hold on – did Cesc not get a taste of Barca life at the World Cup??
I say loan barca denilson as well because hes a winner. Mybe nicky bednar also could join them because hes also a winner. And eboue too. Hes a poor’s man dani alves. Then they got 2 winners and 2 dani alves. Nothing can beat that.
Just a pint of milk for me holic. I feel like a pussy
How many of our players progressed with them?t14 cl winner,after that??shower of c….!fuc um we are arsenal!!
Hello Officer
*hiding under sink trying to get last drops*
π
Mr Wenger should not agree on letting Cesc go at Camp Nou cos he surely knows that hes one of the key players in the team… And Clichy has already left so we need to buy players not to let them go….
girlygirl – Your post’s the winner :D.
Cesc practiced on sitting on benches at the WC, he doesn’t need more practice at that…
Nice one ‘holic.
Here’s some music, to compliment your post;
Lager please.
It’s not a bad idea,but the problem is that i believe if Mr Wenger really decided to make a statement of intent this summer,we could actually benefit from the absence of Cesc and Samir.With the Cesc fee I think we could get a far better deal of cash plus player,that player i believe should be Affellay(quick and technically v.good).He could replace the outgoing Samir and we’ll still have a large sum of funds left to strengthen the other areas.I think we could replace Cesc with Either Mata or Hazard,although they are more attacking players this could be balanced by reverting back to 4.4.2(our best formation in my opinion)and playing a very disiplined DM (Matuidi,Banega?)I agree with many of the stories calling for some English players to add steel to the team and what better pair to target than Cahill and Baines.That would strengthen up our defence and in Baines we’ll actually have a FK specialist.Obviously we hope Mr Wenger will shed the team of the dross(i won’t name names,you all know them)and even if we only recieved Β£25m between them we MUST SIGN A WORLD CLASS STRIKER! one that will strike fear into opposing defenders. K.Benzema,Hulk,Rossi,Falcao even E’too. Mr Wenger has on many occasions asked for our patience and faith,now is it to much to ask that Arsene gets us to believe again with a summer of ‘true class signings’ Lets hope so. AJ
When I was a lad, I used to trade football cards.
“Got, got, got, not got, got…..”
I don’t see why Arsene can’t just get together with Mourinho, Mancini et al and do the same…..
AJ @28. Nice post…. some good thoughts in there.
… or even better Dr Z , play flicksies up against the wall with Bubblegum cards. The Manager who knocks down the last card standing , gets to keep them all . This could solve our financial problems into the bargain – Football Bubblegum cards 1d last time I looked .
I like your self sustainable model tabs (but then, I would) π
zico and tabs have got some good ideas, But I say we play top trumps to see which players we get π
Gervinho having medical..if we are to believe sky π & for Β£10.7m
We can loan them some of our esteemed bloggers too..that way we have whole year of peace. ( until we meet and beat them in C.L Final). In fairness where does cesc see himself with Barca. Going from Captain to a sqaud player must not be that tempting not matter how much Barca DNA he has. ( I always picture the ribena berries jumping into the bottle when I hear that one)
noel73 – what if I don’t want to go on loan?
(I have Madrid NAD by the way)
Never Admit Defeat π
Z, I was talking about some of the other parasitic blog sites out there who would fancy the challenge of complaining all year about supporting Barca…afterall whining is in their DNA. You sir must stay where you are as we are not a selling blog…oh no..
π
I’ll unpack me case….
I have Arsenal NDA
(Never Doubt Arsene, except when he suggests we have our strongest ever squad and TV is only 2 weeks away from fitness, and we have mental strength and we were lacking a little bit of sharpness, and …..)
no I have Arsenal DAN…. (Doubts about Nasri)
Hell I don’t know what I’ve got- close season fever I expect.
TBH the thing that worries me the most about Nasri moving is what would bt8bbnn’s name be?!?!
Good Stuff Dr Z π
Snir , bt8bbnn a little quiet so is probably pondering his new moniker as we speak . Let’s hope it’s not quite such a torturous process as finding a new name for Stingy proved yesterday . π
Now that’s thinking outside the box ‘holic. I, myself, am a bigtime dream lover.
G’day all. Any news? Good or bad? But hopefully good.
Had to face some hostile police questioning about our water supply , and Dr Z has signed a new contract .
Other than that none .
Sounds from above that the signing of Fivehead is imminent. Keep us posted please.
Liver, Citeh, and Sund all active today from what I can see while it seems we weren’t given invitations to the party.
Where is 8ball btw? Is he on a special mission from zico regarding the deployment of this state-of-the-art HT?
don’t know about DNA/NDA?, but currently I have 70% vodka running through my veins, with all this shit going down again this summer!!!
Tabs – I don’t know where you came from but you are the signing of the year among bars.
Absolutely brilliant. Too bad you weren’t here for the fun (up until February) during the season.
SV – Special1TV is the 2nd funniest show on TV (after the Israeli version of Special1TV). AW’s collapse in the last few episodes was the funniest thing I’ve seen on that show.
Mr. G,
Agreed. tabs was a shrewd off season signing by ‘holic. Did he come in on a free?
There’s an Israeli Special1TV? Did not know that. The puppets have got to be different due to copyright I’d imagine.
My all time favourite episode was the winter transfer window when we got Arshavin, “You have a Brasilian and Arse-shavin? Pretty smooth Voyeur!” I always used to get a good chuckle when a certain Frenchman would call in and end up getting agitated ending up with an implosion sound and a ring tone. Brilliant! Hey, if we can’t laugh at ourselves … all is lost, I say.
I’ve had to re-jig my moniker for PC reasons and give it a Kanadian flavour. What do you think of the latest derivation? It might stick or I might have to hit the drawing board once again.
You’re in Israel again? I thought you came back State side. Tough to track your whereabouts. Must work in Intelligence …
SV – I’m in the States again… NC to be exact.
The Israeli version is funnier since it’s a 30 minute show and it’s not only muppets… It’s kind of like PTI, Around the Horn, Special1TV all mixed into one. You have comedians acting out as owners and stuff like that. It is truly the funniest thing ever.
I would certainly root for Special1TV being the funniest show had it been more than 5 minutes per episode!
I once heard that the only real laughter is when you laugh alone. I find myself literally laughing my ass off next to my laptop when watching Special1TV.
Re your moniker, it would do for now, until we buy Higuain and AW won’t be Stingy anymore π
Genius ‘holic – that way no one has to put all their eggs in to one basque kit … Apologies all round, couldn’t help meself but happy to help meself to a cider i think. Still reckon it’s a fine idea though. Whoever’s in do have a drink on me
Dr. Z, erm – Arsenal AND, Arsenal AND, Arsenal AND, Arsenal AND – Obsessive/compulsive/Goonery/thingamywatsit? i might be wrong but i believe that’s what you medical types call it.
Up the Arse!
Snir – I know you love this stuff, so just for you I will break my summer rule and indulge in a piece of pure speculation.
Apparantly Liverpool are about to sign Doni, the Roma goalkeeper. I cannot see any way that he would be coming to keep the bench warm – so what then for Pepe Reina ?
The great and extremely well informed Bob Wilson said on radio some weeks ago that, although it was not known at all last summer, AW put in a very big bid to sign Reina but Liverpool were not willing to sell.
Chelsea, ManUre, Citeh, Liverpool (see above), the two Milans, Barcaloaner and Real Madrid would appear to be well stocked in the keeper department. Reina would definitely be wanting Champions League football, so where is left to go other than London N5 ?
It would also provide the bitterest-sweetest irony that the man whose head he forced through a Barcaloaner shirt last summer, would be just in time to wave him “Adios” as he arrives through the door. Doh!
Laugh or cry ?
Anyway, that’s one bit of conjecture I don’t mind pondering.
Cheers. Don’t forget the CMC if that news gets you all stressed out again.
And Lester – one “basque kit” – heh!
You’re posting too often. I can’t keep up at the moment.
Guess I’ll read at the weekend.
Glass of your finest malt please.
And Lester,
If I had any prizes you would just have won one π
Hello Ollie.
Thinking about it AL, we would be in real trouble if we had all of our basques in one exit.
Sorry. I’ll get me coat…
Just been off to arsenal.com – still no confirmation of Gervinho’s signing. Is this the longest medical in history ?
Apparantly they can’t get his head through the medical room door, so expect some further delay.
Arsenal.com home page would suggest that AW has been busy after all. A school child seems to have been kidnapped and given a pair of large hand-weights to train with.
Unfortunately he seems to be finding the task of lifting them far easier than our Theo. Must still be recovering from all that shoulder surgery – after all, it was only 2 or 3 years ago.
Olliski – TS, tabs, and zico must all be at the same BBQ at the moment. Thus, the significant decrease in traffic π
Trev – That speculation would sound somewhat plausible. However, from Liverfool’s POV, is Doni an upgrade on Reina? I’m not sure he is and certainly not a significant one. Considering that Reina is the Spanish #2 after the current best in the world, I’d say, from LFC’s POV, it would be a downgrade.
Heh, And Lester, medical types.
Got my “doctorate” in chemistry at this very bar, graduating with tabs, Prof T. Ed Storey, Pires is King, Dr C when he’s not masquerading as a Spanish cop, and assorted other shifty characters.
Trev, what is the medical term for “large forehead”? (We all know that the medical term for large dickhead is Tony Pulis).
‘holic – Is it true that you got tabs in on a free? The official word is the that the terms are undisclosed.
Trev – Your speculation over the delay in signing Fivehead is very plausible. Difficulty getting through the door due to physical dimensions might necessitate coining him Sixheads.
Trev, word is you can expect announcement on Friday, just before we jet out to Asia at the weekend. Anyone would think we were hoping to sell a shirt or two over there π
Stingy, I really deeply resent that: it’s been pissing down all day, and I considered looking for a boat rather than drive the car back to the hotel.
Definitely not weather barbecue here π
Cheers.
zico – not sure – but “big-head” is “manubarndooritis”.
Lester – it might be a downgrade for Liverpool, but maybe it is Reina who is demanding to go. It can happen you know.
‘Holic – thought maybe we should utilise your punning ability and go tell a few on the streets for money.
You could do the puns and I’ll take a collection in my old jock-strap.
That way we’d get all our begs in one ass kit.
Get my coat while you’re at it.
π
Yuze guys are in rare form today.
Guinness, please. Shaping up to be a late night in the office…
Alright Lonestar,
Thank goodness for an island of sanity in an ocean of lunacy π
i think barca are forgetting cesc still has some time on his contract and we have absolutely no obligation whatsoever to sell cesc. plus i know for sure that cesc loves arsenal, and he may be a little bummed out for not going back to barca (or not) but hes a professional and he does have a passion for the club and will play with all his power
Amen, ‘Hols, amen…
‘Holic and Trev ‘too kind guys, too kind’ – Bugsy Malone circa 197something? And possibly the finest British gangster film with tap- dancing, showstopping songs and flan flinging?
Dr.Z ‘medical types’ was not meant to be in any way derogatory.How could i possibly doubt your expert credentials following my heavy reliance on the MC these past few days. Do let me know how one should properly refer to a group of what you do, if ‘medical types’ won’t do. Cheers.
Trev again – i have never knowingly, or otherwise, expressed an opinion about Pepe Reina – is there someone in the bar impersonating me? If there is please hold your hands up now and buy me a drink and we’ll – that’s me and you impersonator – say no more about it.
Up The Arse!
And Lester,
Wasn’t taken as derogatory mate – just amused, as confusion reigns in this madhouse.
Suffice to say there are more patients than Doctors π
Ps Ts and ‘holic hadn’t fully appreciated that the bar had gone puntastic since my last visit – nice work gents. Barman 3 pints please and whatever anybody else is drinking.
So anyway, Sir Slur is apparently trying to get Rooney the silver back’s suspension, hanging from last season, reduced due the nature of the aforementioned dismissal – “Come On!” Sir Slur apparently implored the review board “Temper sent off!”.
Fear not gentlemen there’s perlenty more where that came from, but first i better make some headway with these 3 pints.
Up The Arse!
“Hanging over from last season”
Did I read that right? Lend Cesc to Barca and if he’s crap or injury prone we get him back?
No ta.
AL – I have a strong ‘belief’ (*spoken in a French accent*) that Trev had you mistaken with meeeee.
Both Trev and yourself are welcome to pints OLTOC.
SV @47 imho it’s not re pc it’s re r.e.s.p.e.c.t. – AW has earned it
Well he must have had a few too many tonight then old son – ta for the pint and your more than welcome to one of these 3 in front of me yourself – cheers
Based on ‘holic’s prior article regarding the unique Bob Marley it has inspired me to run out and purchase a 24 of one of Jamaica’s finest exports, Red Stripe. It will keep me company whilst I enjoy watching our next goal wunderkind Messi slotting them home tonight against Colombia. I have it from a very good source that we are doing a straight up swap, Cesc for Messi. Write it down.
Messi, Red Stripe, Colombians … it all makes for an interesting night.
Disagree with you AL. I am pro Wenger. I think too many in the Western world are too easily offended these days. That offends me. Yep. Too many with thin skins, easily offended, saturated with PC, and take themselves too seriously. This site should largely be about letting off steam, sharing insight, and having a laugh. I love Arsenal, Special1TV, and am pro Wenger. To me, ‘Stingy Voyeur’ encapsulates all of the above. But due to some disagreeing I’ve compromised and it is now ‘Stingy Voyageur’.
Can’t we just all get along?
Snir @46 , You asked me where i came from . Details are sketchy but I understand I was the result of a coupling between a man wearing Speedoes , and a young female who couldn’t resist the size of his pipe . I was then abandoned at an early age , and I was brought up by a kindly Horse , who lived under the foundations of the old North Bank at Highbury .
Stingy@47 – I can confirm that I ran down my contract at Speedoes Monthly and that there was therefore no transfer fee required . I was impressed by the depth of ‘Holic’s squad and the chance of glory – nothing to do with all the beer and herbs on offer – no sir .
Stingy @ 76..Talking Blues an apt album for this time of year…Sit back relax and dont forget to inhale..
I’m not, not getting along with you – stingy, but the whole voyeur thing coined by that self-involved weasel (he’s other things too) Mourinho-boy, was way below the belt. Maybe you don’t know the background – and I’m not going to do the details here – but it was a sly dig at Arsene meant to rake up some deeply dodgy bullshit allegations that went round the arsehole end of the British press re wenger when he first arrived. It was beneath contempt and it’s encouraged the noisy, numpty minority to pillory Wenger re this shite ever since. Being personal and vindicative is not taboo busting and brave – anyone can call anyone nasty names – it’s piss easy. If you don’t appreciate that such a personal and groundless attack from a fellow manager shouldn’t have occurred on the grounds of respect fair enough – so then let me appeal to you on the grounds of looking after your own. AW is ours – we shouldn’t be sticking the boot in – especially at a time when so many others are queuing up to do it. And anyway as you’ve changed your name i can’t complain and neither can anyone else.
This has gotten a little heavy, I do apologise – i only popped in for a pint or two and a pun. I’m at the bar, what can i get you guv’nor. And how does a fellow from over your way have the good fortune/taste to end up at The Arse?
Cheers.
Dr Z@57 heh π – Graduates of the real School of Science
Trev@50 – i would be flabbergasted if Arsenal go back for Reina now .
tabs – Kindly horse, eh? How about them apples? What can Kindly do the quarter in?
Barman, a round for noel, AL, and tabs please.
I’ll stick with my Red Stripe mon. It’s goin’ down nicely, thank you.
Err Stingy I think i need considerably more Drugs before I understand your question π
tabs & Trev – Although Reina is plausible I find it highly unlikely. AW is not going to spend that kind of cabbage on a keeper. And Cheezer has shown enough potential to stick with him and give him a go. He’s a bit indecisive and doesn’t yet command his area as he should but he’s 20, has shown real promise, and will learn (quickly, I hope). He could turn out to be a solid long term GK solution. We should spend our limited resources this window in other areas.
Busy night.
Dinner booked for surprise visit from ‘holicsis and ‘holicBiL tomorrow night.
Golf day for local Gooners on Friday, and dinner with old friends Friday night.
The next post may be Saturday, so just as well rumours of Gervinho announcement being delayed to Friday…
Be good you nutters π
Ta for the pint SV
trev@50 just clocked the ‘Barceloaner’ ref. Ties in v nicely with ‘holics fine solution to the Cesc issue. There’s a puntastic headline in there some where amongst Barceloner, basque kit, exit etc.
Fab to exit in one Basque kit in Barceloaner deal
Methinks it could be refined further but the cider’s becoming an impediment more than an aid now. More drinks please barman for myself and these gentlemen at large.
AL,
Why AL and not just Lester btw?
I’m familiar with the whole voyeur background. I severely dislike that Madrid manager with a passion. He’s dragging his current club into the mud with him. However, the moniker was taken from Special1TV entirely with humourous intentions and not to slight our manager in the least. To laugh with him & with us as supporters. Not to laugh at him or us.
Now that the moniker contains Voyageur, a French Canadian (Kanadian) fur trader travelling around the Canadian North West, there is no ambiguity. The Voyageurs’ Cup is also the name of the trophy handed out to the Canadian footy champs annually. Toronto FC recently won it against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
I come to love The Arsenal due to the most attractive footy played on the British Islands. So, if it wasn’t for AW I may never have come to love the Gunners. That’s the short answer.
However, for whatever the real reason(s), whether it is his choice or whether his hands are tied due to fiscal constraints, Le Boss is very a frugal fellow. Of that there can be no objective doubt. So, Stingy shall remain in the moniker.
Please Mr. W, spend some fucking money (SSFM)!!!!
tabs – You were raised by a kindly horse (Kindly), no? What can he run the quarter mile in? Let’s enter him in the Kentucky Derby if his times are good.
Cheers for the Beers fellas .
Stingy just got your question . Kindly was not a sprinter , being a more genteel sort of nag . She did however pass on her great love of grass π
And Lester , i’m guessing your moniker comes from the song ” we hate … ”
Struggling with coming up with a puntastic headline – no inspiration at this end .
tabs – He, Kindly, was a she. A Philly. And an affectionate nuturing type. Hence Kindly. I see.
I hope that due to her lack of pace she is leisurely grazing in a pasture and hasn’t met the wrong end of a factory and eventually in some child’s Elmer bottle. Fingers crossed.
Perish the thought Stingy .
No sticky end for old Kindly – I still pop round when I feel the need for a long face . We chew the cud , have some grass , and study the racing form .
And on that happy note , I shall bid you Goodnight .
Aye gentlemen – the name comes from a lyric in an ancient Arse song – apparently inspired by a sign on the M1 which reads/read ‘The Midlands and Leicester’
Stingy @ 90 – I hope these “Canadian footy chaps” you refer to are not some group of odd sexual deviants. We have a HT MkII camping trip planned for that part of the world and we are already having trouble convincing the tent using ladies to seal their flaps at night. The last thing we need is a bunch of toe-sucking wierdos trying to enter in the middle of the night.
zico, are you aware of this development ?
Or may be it was “The North and Leicester” but you get the gist. Arse fans, always among the wittiest (not ‘ukkin’ scousers – errrrrrm! – citeh maybe have done good work – before the oil dollars started twisting their melons man) in the league adopted it and immortalised it in song.
Up The Arse!
Trev – Ya missed the m there sir. Champs, not chaps.
Adieu gentleman – Bedfordshire swings in to view
And I believe you’re referring to a fetish of some sort that I’ve only read about …
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3681853/Cesc-Fabregas-has-told-his-Arsenal-team-mates-hell-never-play-for-the-club-again.html
This is a disgrace.
No chance in hell this is true, especially as he won’t go to the far east anyways because of his hamstring injury.
I know he’s got a column in the sun and they’re supposed to know more about him than others but this is plain BS.
And just to put it out there before everybody says I believe everyone π
It’s obvious it’s BS, I posted it just because I’m amazed as to what lengths reports would go… I thought there was a red line that you don’t cross in term of BSing…
No such line Snir. The media wants to stir things up. Shock value sells papers. Especially in the silly season. Basic economics again in a capitalist system. They stir stuff up all over the footy globe, Italy, Catalunya, and especially England. Those English journos are the worst IMHO.
Check totalbarca.com on a daily basis. I find it quite entertaining how they cover the Cesc saga. He is on the front cover of both Sport and Mundo el Deportivo on a daily basis.
ARG 0-0 COL HT
Red Stripes going irie mon. Those Colombians are putting in a good show and proving rather pesky. We may have CB problems but I recommend that we do not pursue Gaby Molito under any circumstances. Even if they through in a dozen llamas as sweetners.
SV – I’m used to espnboston.com and that is pure news, not gossip. I’ve found them right on 85% of all transfer related pieces (if not more).
Oh and Re Copa America.
(Before everyone goes crazy)
I think Messi is the best player on the planet but in no way is he close to being Maradona. I know the British don’t like Maradona but the guy took a shit team and promoted them to the Serie A when it was a worthy league and then won it too with shit players around him. He also took a WC with shit players around him.
Messi is playing with arguably the best generation Argentina’s ever had and is doing absolutely nothing.
Maybe it has do with the fact that the CBs in Spain are absolutely horrible?
Ronald Raldes of Bolivia totally closed him down and this is a player who played his football during the 09-10 season for Maccabi Tel-Aviv in Israel!!! They’re just tougher, more dogged, unlike those chocolate Spanish CB.
I am absolutely sure that Messi wouldn’t be as successful in a South American league or maybe even the EPL as English CB are very similar to South American ones.
I hate Dani Alves, but maybe he’s right by saying that Messi isn’t as good when he is playing for Argentina as opposed to his ability for Barca because the Barca players (particularly Xavi, Iniesta) make him better.
With as much as I hate Xavi, he is truly the most important player in the world. IMO Xavi to Barca is much more imperative than Messi to Barca.
ARG 0-0 COL FT
The natives are restless. Good thing they did not lose or else there would have been riots. The fans were singing for Maradona to come back. As manager, I presume.
Our natives are restless too. But no matter how bad it will ever get, we will never riot. Different culture, different expectations, and the British stiff upper lip.
Never riot?!?! Did you already forget the 15th of June when the might Bruins won the cup in Kanada??!!
British Columbia never looked “better”…
Snir,
I’d say this ARG team is pretty weak. I’ve watched their two Copa matches. One goal in 180′. Germany pumped them 4-1 at the WC QF last year. I’ve come to realize that that loss to GER has more to do with things than just Maradona being a shit manager.
If you look at ARG’s team today, they are strong in the forward positions and GK and that is it. Romero, the GK, was their MOTM. Their two CBs, Milito and Burdiso, played like a couple of Keystone Cops today. Burdiso was lucky to not have a PK and possible red card levied against him. Milito is an absolute liability and has no pace whatsoever. There is a good reason why he is about the fifth choice CB at BarΓ§a. He is horrible. Zanetti was a fine player, once. He played LB today and I don’t think his 37 year old legs got him past the halfway line. He would need to hire a cab to make a charge forward. Total non factor. Zabaleta played RB and he was the best of the back four. Overall, the back four is weak and has a severe lack of pace.
ARG plays a 4-3-3 but all of their MFs play holding roles at club level (Mascherano, Banega, and Cambiasso). Not one of these guys is an AMF who can open a defense with a pass, run, or dribble. Their MF is short on creativity and long on defensive ability.
They have Messi playing as a false 9, Tevez LF, and Levezzi as RF. I’d start Aguero out wide right instead of Levezzi. This group is their only truly strong line. The back and middle are questionable.
They played best when they brought on Aguero at RF, Higuian as CF, and dropped Messi into the AMF role. Batista would be smart to stick with this lineup. Using three DMF in all three of hold MF spots is just not going to cut the mustard.
By us, I meant AFC Snir. Not North America who riot in places like LA and Detroit when they win π
SV – I agree re 3 DMF, it’s something like City had and they just couldn’t generate shit at first with Barry, Toure and De Jong.
What I was trying to say is that although he’s the best player in the world by a mile, he’s no Maradona as Diego won the WC with 10 fishermen.
It also support my theory that the CB in La Liga are absolutely chocolate (I see them every week, their football intelligence is close to none).
And of course, it’s much easier getting passes from Xavi than getting them from Banega/Cambiasso/the most overrated player in PL history – Mascherano.
SG,
And I wouldn’t attribute Messi’s lack of success with ARG v success with FCB down to poor Spanish CB that he would be playing against in the league. ARG is no where as strong a team as FCB. ARG is weak in defense and the midfields cannot compare. All three of FCB’s MFs are much better passers and ball retention types than what ARG has. They don’t pressure the ball and retain it as a team as well either. Add to this that club sides are much more familiar with each other than NT because they spend so much more time together. The biggest and easiest answer is that ARG does not have Xavi and Iniesta. But it’s more than just that, as mentioned above.
I wouldn’t say Spanish CBs are crap. No more crap than the English CBs of Terry and Upson. Did you see the WC match v GER? I’ve never really rated Terry very highly and always thought he has been protected be playing on a very strong team and thereby has not been exposed as much for his lack of pace. His decision making and positional sense was woeful v GER.
Bolivia played a very tight compact team defense that clogged the middle and gave away the flanks. Much like a lot of the weaker teams try to do against FCB in Spain. Sometimes they get a result that way in Spain. And ARG cannot unlock a packed defense like FCB can (due to Xavi, Iniesta, and Alves v what ARG has).
SV – I know all that and what I’m saying is that Diego played all by himself with no good passers and still won the WC.
I meant CB playing in La Liga, not necessarily Spanish as in Spaniard CB.
You should see the CB playing La Liga, it’s an absolute joke.
I am not attributing his lack of success v his success with Barca just to the CB in La Liga, but I know for a fact two things. 1) Diego played and won by himself (obviously not by himself, but you can’t compare their abilities to today’s squad). 2) CB playing in La Liga are crap :D.
Not saying English CB are better, but CB playing in the EPL are better.
SG,
I know you’re high on Xavi and he is great but it’s still about Messi at FCB. There’s no one that could do what Messi does there. But Iniesta could do what Xavi does and I’ve always thought Iniesta was slighty better and definitely more versatile. We hate to say this, but one day Cesc could play the Xavi role or, more likely, that Thiago from the U21s will play the Xavi role while Cesc is more suited to play the more forward Iniesta role. Once Messi loses some of his pace, he could drop into either the Iniesta or Xavi spot.
Xavi is a key man but he was never as good as Iniesta or Thiago at the same age.
But ‘holics don’t want to hear about BarΓ§a and we might be reaching a quota by now.
I’ll just say this.
Barca can win without Messi. Barca can not win without Xavi, and it’s proven by stats…
I’m off to see the Israeli version of Special1TV ;)…
Oh, congrats again on the Bruins. I live closer to Beantown than Birkenstock Canuck town so if I had a rooting interest I would have been cheering for Boston. I’ve got more in common, closer geographically to Boston, loved the Tea Party, too many dope smokin’ hippies (no offence anyone in ‘holicland) singing Koombiya whilst wearing their Birkenstocks anti war crowd types for me π
Oh, and I ain’t high on Xavi, I’m high on his playing abilities. Other than that, I hate him more than any player in Barca.
And regarding Messi, I believe he’s a bit intimated by the South American CB who kick him non-stop for 90 minutes, and you know the South American, they know how to kick π
SG – It’s been many moons since 1986, so it is not fresh in my mind, but I was always of the opinion that that ARG team was much better than made out by many … certainly not ten fishermen. That’s a stretch.
If this ARG team, 2011, had Riquelme (who turned down the invite), they would be much better off. I think Pastore could play the AMF spot too but Batista is not using him at all.
SV – Well, just like you said, it’s too much non AFC posts π
Let’s go back to talking about AFC…
Hypothetically speaking,
Benzema or Higuain, which would you prefer?
Baines or Enrique?
SG,
I’d say that your theory re Diego & 10 fishermen is exagerated to the extent of hyperbole but it is a valid point … to a point.
I don’t buy your CB theory at all. Messi did quite well v MU in two UCL Finals. And most would say that ManUre’s CBs were the best in the EPL. So that theory is shot out of the water mate.
The 1986 ARG back four had to be better than today’s. Their 2011 back four is shit.
Messi probably won’t win a WC. Not because he is not up to it. I don’t think his NT will ever be good enough to do it during his time. And I’d say that there are more top NTs capable of winning the WC today than there was back in 1986. More competition makes it more difficult to win the big prize once every four years.
They’ll win in the future without Xavi (after he retires) while Messi is still around. Xavi is great but without Messi they would not be beating the likes of ManUre by comfortable margins. ESP won the WC with Xavi by a number of 1-0 victories. Same score as The Arsenal back in the day.
You watch ISL Special1TV online? I imagine you don’t get in on cable in NC π
SV – I really wanna comment on what you said but I swore to shift the subject back to AFC. I’ll just say that although Messi did well against Utd in 2 finals, I’m sure he would not do as well over the course of 38 matches in the EPL as opposed to La Liga.
I can keep on debating with you on this as I still have a lot to say that I haven’t even written yet but I’d rather we shift it back to our summer targets :D. Just writing the word Barca makes me sick…
SG,
I believe Higuain is a beast and is still big in Mou’s plans. When healthy, Higuain is their starting CF. So he’s not going anywhere.
Benzema is not rated highly by Mou and is marginalized by him. Therefore, I believe he is on the market. He’s French and a CF we could use so he would be Le Boss’ radar. Especially if we lose Cesc and/or Sami. Higuain could play CF and have RvP in the AMF spot if Cesc goes. We could use him and he could use a change if scenery. Question is, will AW splash? I’d say only if we get Cesc cash.
Baines and Enrique would both be an upgrade to Clichy, Gibbs, andhaving TV play LB. Baines looks dynamic going forward and has a wicked left peg. But we already have a lefty FK specialist in RvP. I’d like to have him.
Enrique has a nasty streak in him and we could use some more balls on this club. I’ve seen him make strong forward runs … like a locomotive. He looks taller and stronger in the air than Baines. I’d like to have either of them
I’m trying to catch up to your posts. My device is a little slow today. I hate it when the ladies say the same thing to me π
You know what, I’m off…
The English will soon be up and will be able to converse with you π
In the meantime you can either email me snir_geuli@hotmail.com or fb me and we’ll continue our little debate… I’m sure you’ll come around and agree with me π
SG – Do you ever check totalbarca.com re the Cesc saga? It will raise your blood pressure so maybe it’s not advisable as it looks like it’s one of your buttons. Some of the headlines would make you pull your hair out. If you can contain yourself from throwing objects it can actually be entertaining reading the dailies’ headlines. They are as bonkers as the English tabloids regarding wild speculations. The Cesc situation is their (tabloids) daily soap opera while many of their fans don’t want him. It’s totally bipolar.
SV – That’s why it’s so hard for me not to believe the media, cause espnboston.com is as I said correct 85% of the time.
As opposed to the media in England, the media in the US (ESPN especially) is being treated by the club with respect and dignity, releasing everything needed to the Sportscenter reporters before they actually happen.
OK – Now I’m truly off, I gotta get some sleep before tomorrow, I got a big day ahead of me.
SG – Cheers. Have a night cap for the chat and to help you sleep.
The English are coming? Didn’t Paul Revere say that? You Boston blokes know better than most on that subject. If they’re coming it’s about time for me to sign off for the night. Lars and zico will pick up the early morning drive time.
Surprised you give out the email addy. You’ll get deluged now by unsavoury types.
fb? Facebook I’m guessing.
Time for a few more Red Stripes and a nice rest.
Yeah, FB is Facebook.
Giving out the mail? I ain’t the kind of guy to conceal his info.
Lars and zico will pick it up? You mean, Zico will do the talking and Lars will do the buying since it’s LIAB? π
I’d say ESPN does not speculate before the fact but only reports on done deals therefore the high hit rate.
As for Arsenal’s ghastly treatment by the English media I would pin it down to xenophobia. We have a French manager, French/African/non British players almost exclusively, so the reason for the contemptible discrimination of the club is as plain as the nose on your face.
Off I go. Into the night …
SV – I’ve seen ESPN reporters (Mortensen, John Clayton and Sal Palantonio in particular) report deals that weren’t done or signed or whatever but would be released 3 days later hundred of times. As soon as it’s on Sportscenter, you know it’s true, as opposed to SSN which is complete bullshit most of the time (sometimes I even doubt them when they’re releasing an official announcement of a signing).
I should have a sign off. I got one.
“And don’t forget, there’s only one Stingy π “
You got that right π
Arsene us getting old. Did anyone have a look at his hair?
/Bored at work
Morning All,
Just back from mucking-out Kindly’s stable. Fresh straw all round. What’s new ‘Holics?
British press bad. ESPN (mostly) good.
The end.
Morning zico,
Alwys appreciate your brevity, a true sign of genius. No real news then, I guess we’ll have to make up our won as usual.
Too early for ph0 water (or has the supply been cut-off?), golden pipework or perhaps something from Sainsbury’s? π
TS, You’re welcome to yesterday’s half finished sandwich (from Sainsbury’s).
Would offer you a cool glass of “sparkling” water as well, but we are under close scrutiny from whatever the Catalonian branch of the CID call themselves (El Cid, heh).
SV,
This might test your thick skin:
So, after all the efforts that tabs, I and others here put in to help you find a new moniker you simply added 3 letters???
If you’re not willing to make big changes why should Arsenal?…tsk π
PS: I think Voyageur (or Voyager?) is the name that Chrysler gives to a MPV that they sell in these shores. Possibly not the best image (it’s a bit crap) but who am I to judge? π
Catch you later no doubt….
Heh zico! Dr.C is a fed??? Fffuuuu****k!!!
Notice:
It has been brought to the attention of this bar that we are under investigation by several Barcelona divisions of the Catalan Undercover Narcotics Teams.
For the record, I would like to state that, for Health & Safety reasons and to comply with the various public and personal liability insurances that are mandatory for any buildings licensed to sell alcohol in the UK, we do posses a small medicine cabinet solely to provide basic first-aid support should the need arise.
*unscrews CMC from the wall, runs for the hills*
To the hills, boys…..
Ooops – pardon i thought you said ‘pills’ so i grabbed a couple of hand fulls. Oh well, they may come in handy later should things get any grimmer.
SV – this is for you when you shake off the the Red Stripe. It’s not the best, but it’s the best i could find …
http://youtu.be/7FOYwpyltAs
TS
I believe we may have a secret informer in the bar…..run TS run…..
Further Update from the Secure Unit.
Only been able to access Laptop today, for first time today.
The GST has been like a rabid dog all week,
She has been hunting high and low for illegal electronic appliances.
So everyone has had to keep a low profile.
But she has gone off on 2 days leave,so everyone is breathing a little easier.
Only dampener on proceedings is that the lovely Cecilia has informed me that Ms Schlossberg has hired a new Offsider.
Which means that when she is off duty her new Deputy will be on duty.
It’s going to be hellishly difficult to post any updates.
But their is a glimmer of light,the new deputy is called Sebastian,and has already been nicknamed ‘ Mincing Mary ‘,and given that the last time the GST did a room search she turned up 4 strap on Dildo’s,3 Humungous Vibrators,2 pairs of Hand cuffs,A pair of Night Vision Goggles and a bloodstained whip,Cecilia is pretty confident that
MM can be sidetracked by some of the other Male guests of the same persuasion.
Talking of Cecilia,i found out last Saturday night,just what she meant by ‘ Oral Attention ‘.
Suffice to say C has the lips and tongue of an Angel.!!
Afterwards we lay on her bed,and in an implicit act of Faith,Cecilia unbuttoned the top of her Nurse’s uniform and allowed me to gaze at her magnificent unfettered breasts.
I could feel her trembling as she allowed me to lower my head and caress one of her breasts with my lips,and to brush her swollen nipple with my cheek,and although only fleeting, the moment was absolutely intoxicating, and my whole body was trembling at the thought of what may transpire in the near future.
As we lay together C told me she was now convinced that Julian the Asst Cook was definitley Schlossey’s snitch and was also convinced and i quote, that Julian ‘ swam both sides of the river ‘.
Not wanting to appear ignorant I nodded in agreement even though i had not the foggiest idea what she meant.!!
I am assuming one of the other Guests might be able to enlighten me.
C also told me that a new Head Gardener had been appointed,and is going to be responsible for all the exterior grounds and the large Incinerator at the back of the Building.
His name is Klaus,but C said he had already been nicknamed ” Adolf ‘,
The reason for which i am sure i will find out eventually.
Anyway must close now as it is Morning Tea time and a chance to catch up with some of my fellow guests.
There are a few Rum ones here that’s for sure and i look forward to sharing some more revelations next time i post.
Cheers
Clive
A suitable case for treatment, Clive?
I think so.
Mincing Mary, heh!
Genius !
I think it would be a great idea, Cesc would indeed find out what it means to get into the best footballing team in the world. Sadly I dont think he would have the appiffany that Hleb and co have had.
Huge players have gone to Barca and failed. Being from catalan dosent give you the right to suceed. This continuing sarga is starting to bug me as badly as the Viera one did. The im leaving every season is just annoying and unfair to the supporters.
The answer is simple tell Barca and who ever is intrested dont even talk to us until your bid matches are valuation then sit down and in no uncertain terms explain the same thing to Cesc end of.
Man shitty seem to be willing to do the same to the good looking Tevez who is a hard working player but just trouble. Why cant club power return and tell these geedy players rot you ungratefull bastards.
Ok, give me whatever Clive had in his tea this morning π
*By secure link from the hills*
Is the coast clear yet?
If so I can start dishing out various requests for minor ailments and injuries sustained at the bar.
Clive – marvellous. Medication and a pot of handcream beckons π
ATG
Good to see you back in the bar. Keep your eyes about you.
Stupid is as stupid does, my mama used to say….
TS, being the resident HT MkII cunning linguist I gave the Catalan Undercover Narcotics Unit (who were all female, as it turned out) a satisfying oral address so they have now left.
Too much information Lars…..
*Still by secure link form the hills*
Heh Lars! Beam me back then please…er… Larsy.
*Makes mental note to procure mouthwash on next CMC re-stocking mission*
zico: what? I don’t understand, I just talked to them and that’s what I said. You seem to imply that I said something inappropriate, where on earth did your perverted mind find something unsuitable in what I wrote? Oh, you Scots, you can find filthy subtexts in the most innocent of words…
TS, TABS, Zico
The C.U.N.T.s have got their “ojos” on you boys!
The good news; they can easily be bought off if you just provide the keys to the Noah Carriage. For a friend of mine. Obviously.
Dr.z, two simple requests por favor:
1) Get those keys to Dr.C, sorry, Dr.C’s ‘friend’ ASAP please. B-a-a-a-h.
2) Where do you find filfthy subtexts? I’ve been looking for years…
TS:
1 – Keys? What keys? (Its every man for himself…..)
2 – In the most innocent of words apparently
Have to admit that my “cunning linguist” joke was heavily influenced by a movie. Anyone recognize which one? The first correct answer wins a pint.
Austin Powers?
Even if its wrong, as its you, its still a free pint, right?
It’s quite wrong, but of course it’s a free pint nonetheless.
TS
Happy to be back… I could smell that medicine cabinet from miles away, was Lars in there again?
Free Pints on Lars then Zico?
I can’t bear to look at News Now anymore, TS another fix is required here…
Arthur, the answer lies in the next post……
It started off as just a gentle vibration, barely perceptible as it slowly emerged from darkness into view. That it was a sleek piece of machinery was beyond debate. So magnificent did it look, in its silver streamlined body, that there were audible gasps from passers by as it sped toward its destination, as yet unclear. That sound, though, what was that sound?
The splendour of its interior, had only been described in rumour and hearsay, but now as it hove into view, was there for all to see. First up, a cabin with red and white leather seats, several state of the art 3D televisions mounted around a fully stocked bar, where the patrons all sat eagerly awaiting their moment to be served. The bar staff were all of a likeness β female, blonde, curvaceous, on the cusp of their twenties. βSwedishβ, someone said.
At the end of the bar were two men, speaking secretively, and trying to hide from view what looked like an ornate cabinet. One of the two would periodically unveil a set of keys, themselves intricate and numerous, and bend over and unlock the cabinet. A furtive transaction would then take place, where the two men would quickly exchange words in an incomprehensible language, made up of what appeared to be random capital letters, and then the locksmith would send the other into the throng, like a modern Baptist, to save as many souls as he encountered.
A couple of medical students, (they may have been Doctors, for nothing was quite as it seemed to the outsider looking in) were seated at a table in a heated argument. The gist of it appeared to be that they were trying to ascertain who was responsible for the extra leg they found on their treatment table after an operation that neither of them could remember performing. And something about βthis ruining the camping trip…..β
There was an earnest looking chap conversing excitedly with the bar staff in what appeared to be their native tongue. A debate about his bill was on the verge of getting violent when one of the girls at the bar gently removed his Viking helmet and advised him βdonβt worry – no one pays for drinks here, itβs all courtesy of the Larslord. Whatβs your name honey?β
The countryside sped by. Outside, a quick flash from a speculative photographer captured the all important signature β emblazoned inside a cannon and crest were etched in gold β HT MKII.
And the sound?
The Doobie Brothers of course, Long Train Running.
Nice one Zico Bravo Bravo….
Dr Z. Genius.
Put yourself up there on a pedastal with TABS. I presume that there will be weekly chapters of the HT MKII too?
Talking of which, have I missed a recent chapter of Behind The Arse. Perhaps the screenwriter himself could direct me to it?
Drinks all round
OK, CMC restored to usual habitat. Is open pending further investigations.
Dr.C, it appears there are no keys for the Noah Carriage. Enjoy but please clean-up after yourself, sorry, ask your friend to do the same.
Dr.z, do we need to have a quick re-think about HT MkII security? We have a whole carriage dedicated to it. I’m all for an open-doors policy but some of the other compartments which provide a service of a more senstive nature might benefit from restricted access in exchange for more filthy lucre.
ATG, best to treat such websites with a very light touch unless you want to run-up a large medical bill π
PS – surely a reasonable ides is to sell Nasri for 20mill + and then spend all of that on either Mata or Hazard?
Get rid of anyone not wanting to be here, and get in someone who does. As long as someone of that calibre is brought in quickly to replace then I have no problems at all.
Bravo zico @ #167. Sometimes brevity is not the only form of genius π
ATG, welcome back! And the pint’s on me.
zico, so the HT MkII is now ready for a proper test drive? Sweet!
…and since no-one else seems too bothered to guess I’ll tell you that the movie in question was the James Bond movie “Tomorrow Never Dies”. The line is delivered by Moneypenny in a very sarcastic way towards Bond, he has been with his language tutor learning Danish which of course ends with them doing something not very related to languages at all:
Bond: “I was just brushing up on my Danish”
Moneypenny: “Yes, you were always such a cunning linguist”
Agent Larsh, thanksh for the exshplanation.
Maybe your Walther PPK could come in handy to avoid the inevitable rush of interlopers now that HT MK II is officially up and running.
*searches for HT Mk II PR on Pravda.com*
Thanks for the kind words people, you will have gathered, a slow day at “work” π
DR C @ 169 – there will be more slow days at “work” I’m sure
TS @ 170 – this type of thinking (out of your box) is why you were recruited in the first place.
Send your idea to my secretary, at Ivory Towers, D Lusions of Grandeur
Lars @ 173 – it’s hard to say what a proper test drive could possibly consist of – if there is such a thing as a lunatic shephed and he/she has the skills to get all the passsengers on board at the same time, then we’re in business.
Drinks all round please, Agnetha….
Dr C @ 171 – I’m with you all the way on that one – think Nasri’s bridges are well and truly burnt whatever happens.
Drs z & C
A quick counterpoint.
Manure fans forgave Rooney. His digressions were of a similar magnitude. If Sami signs and his PR people issue a well worded statement which he publicly stands by, can we find it in our hearts to forgive if he then goes on to deliver the goods on the pitch?
Just puttin’ it out there as I’m not convinced that he’ll leave this summer.
But we are not like them, TS, at least I hope not.
2 reasons why I think he’s gone:
(a) we reward people based on consistent outperformance (e.g. Cesc, TH14) and SN has only delivered consistently in one half of a season out of 3 therefore is not entitled to demand an increase that puts him on a par with, say, Cesc
(b) others will pay Nasri what they can afford whether he is worth it or not e.g City and Chavs, and possibly even Utd. As he can get what he wants by bitching about it and dress it up as “ambition” then we have no option other than to sell to the highest bidder and live with the consequences.
If it were me, and because I am a vindictive fecker, (unfortunately not with limitless funds), I would say – you won’t play for us again and you won’t play again until your contract ends – how do you like them apples? How many ballon d’ors are awarded to non playing reserves Samir you Judas C***?
As a footnote, I am not convinced that Utd fans have forgiven Rooney, not really.
Zico – I agree re Rooney; all is rosy when the goals are going in, but how much patience will they have this time if they dry up?
Mata looks as good if not better then Nasri, but haven’t seen Hazard other than Youtube….
Thanks Dr.z.
I’m also a vindictive fecker so I particularly like your paragraph which effectively puts him out of action for a year. That would be a hell of a warning shot to any player who’s thinking about behaving in a similar way.
The pragmatist in me says, let’s get the best out of him for as long as we can and I still believe that many of the emotive issues have been stirred-up by the media.
No doubt though, he’s taken some sh*t advice and it’s deservedly back-fired.
You can probably tell that, on balance, I’d still prefer that he stayed even if only for another season. Not least, because I’ve got a Β£5 bet on it with a mate. Did I mention that I was a tight fecker too?
TS, re your last paragraph – you need to scrutinise that family tree π
Unfortunately, as a club, we presumably can’t afford to cut off our nose to spite our face, or whatever that daft expression is…..
zico,
Investgating the gene pool as I type this π
… and yes, we (Arsenal) cannot afford to cut of our schnozzes – that point is unarguable, I think.
*opens browser, types in McStorey, waits for results*
TS, the other thing is “let’s get the best out of him for as long as we can” won’t really work as he will not be given the benefit of the doubt when he is “injured”, or suffering from a lapse in form, who’s going to get behind him?
The bond has been broken and there is no evidence that he can perform consistently well enough to allow Arsenal fans to do what Utd fans have done and “turn a blind eye”.
Dr C is right – Rooney is tolerated because he returned to form – if he went through another goal drought and poor run of form like his last one they would be quick to turn on him.
btw, where’s tabs – is he in a self-induced coma again?
Well, the concensus of opinion so far looks to be cash in, get rid, and tell him to mind his vagina on the way out.
Any other ‘Holics out there with opinions on this?
dRz
TheRe May have bEen aN accident inVolVing Trying on A new paIr of Speedos for SiZe
In hiding Dr Z – I ran for them there hills – have the Mountain Filth gone yet ? Is it safe to come back ?
As safe as it normally is tabs π
Good afternoon BTW
Afternoon TS , busy day today eh , still ploughing through the back drinks .
@ tabs
π π π
A master of camoflague and concealment.
Bloody hell, what if this had happened during a game?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jul/07/fc-twente-stadium
That puts life into perspective, Lars
My brother lives near Enschede – zicoSiL has posted something on FB about it – in Dutch, so that’s me scuppered.
zicoBrother not driving a crane for a living the last I heard!
Seriously, though, condolences to the bereaved family and the injured. Football stadiums still a common death trap it seems, even in the close season.
TS: indeed it does. I mean, looking at the pictures we would have been talking about hundreds if not thousands of people getting crushed.
Horrible, just horrible.
Blimey the creative juices have really been flowing today , anyone would think there’s something in the water … what? …. Oh .
TS *138 -Thanks for the mucking out . Did you give the Old Girl a bit of carrot to chew on ?
Clive@148 – Another fine update Sir , very Mills and Boonish , I had to go and change my Speedoes π By the way , Julian definitely an uphill gardener , so watch out for him , especially if you get sent to the isolation Unit . Us poor fellows are rich pickings for him . He’s asked me to polish his spatula on more than one occasion .
Dr Z@167 – I tip my hat Sir , Brilliant π
Dr C @169 – running late for which i apologise , hopefully tomorrow .
Sorry Chaps didn’t mean to interrupt a conversation of a serious nature there .
tabs,
I’m not sure which we’re anticipating the most:
The official news of The Fivehead joining us or BTA Episode 5 π
Cant get excited about this Gervinho chappy – he’s a bit too much of a Trekky for my liking
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2961414144/ch0001474
Afternoon all.
Sad events today here in the Lowlands, just glad there was no game on.
Heh! Worf it is π
199 tabs.
Why the hell are you posting pictures of Joleon Lescott?
H2H
Afternoon. Apologies, just trying to lift the atmosphere a notch. No disrespect intended.
Ahh…. atmos lifted?
Ofcourse mate, I never saw anything disrespectfull in any of your posts.
Drinks lads?
Cheers H2H, pint o’ Carlsberg please.
Polish his spatula ……
another classic burst out moment leaving zico’s fellow commuters looking either warily or downright contemptuously.
tabs, you the man !
Good bye News of the World..I still have the back pages from 1989 and 1998 stuffed somewhere in the attic….Maybe a watershed in reporting and please god the start of the demise of red top tabloids although am sure human nature will create another immoral flagship .
Just noticed this little nugget on the beebs gossip page;
Barcelona are prepared to wait until the end of the transfer window to force Arsenal’s hand over the sale of Fabregas and have dismissed Real Madrid’s interest in the Spanish international as “trouble-making”.
Full story: the Independent
===
I’ve got three words for them – Pot, Kettle, Black.
H2H @ #209
All of them are members of the Catalan Undercover Narcotics Teams
Heh, π
Evening Gents,
Re: Nasri:
I believe you all are being too myopic in the analysis (similar to Cesc-analysis as well). Since football is a business, tell Nasri to get his boots on and be ready to playy out the final year of his contract. What is all this worry of the Bosman-rule? We paid 13mil to get him for four years and we got him for four years. If he re-signs, fine. If we get 25-30mil for him this summer, sell him on. If not, he leaves after next year, and we would have gotten the benefit of our bargain.
Same thing re: Cesc-Barca. He’s under contract until 2015, get out there and play. Barca, pay us 50mil or fuck-off. If Cesc left on a Bosman, well we still got the benefit of our bargain.
I just want us to get focused for the CL qualifiers. It’s not a given that we will make the tourney… to miss out would be catastrophic.
Up the Arse.
Lonestar,
Thanks. Actually, I think our views are not so far apart.
UTA to you too π
G’day all.
TS @142 – It’s just a two letter addition π Therefore the change is even more stingy than you imagine π
A simple two letter addition and it changes the meaning. I’m a frugal French Canadian fur trader now. I think it is quite right now. My legal dept has told me as much also.
I do appreciate your efforts along with tabs, zico, H2H, et al. You are all fine gentlemen. Everyone who participated please have the drink of your choice.
Good evening Stingy and cheers! My post @ #142 was, as usual, ‘tongue-in-cheek’ as specified by The Barman but I think you know that really π
AL – Thanks for the clip at 146. I understand a wee bit better now. Cheers.
LG @ #212 (again)
Actually, I’m pretty much aligned wiht you as you’ve presented a reasonable way to keep him on-board for another year, assuming that remains an option and I believe that it does.
Allegedly, he’s expected to travel with the squad to Asia at the weekend. With his mate Worf too??? π
Found this via Young Guns…. http://www.est1892.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=73770
Informative piece about the truth behind “buy out clauses”, eg Mata.
Get a cup of coffee ready first….
Excellent Dr.C @ #218. Good find.
Would prefer something ‘stronger’ to accompany it though π
Catalan, a good read, cheers for that.
TS @ 185 – I’ve got one. I’ve been told many times that I don’t express my opinion enough.
We can’t let SN go for a free this time next year. The opportunity cost is too great. If he doesn’t sign (and he missed the deadline we subjectively set already) then it is clear that he does not want to stay as he is in the final year of his contract. Cash in. Use the resources on Mata, Hazard, or someone else that is a reasonable alternative. I love Sami’s game and would want him to stay but if he refused to sign in this critical off season for him then he’s gotta be dealt. Anywhere but ManUre.
TS. True. Not sure what came over me. Must have had a dizzy spell. Sun is glowing here…. would an ex-pat G&T do the trick?
Stingy.
Those people that suggested you didn’t express your opinions enough…. Just point them out to us, and we’ll see them safely back into the secure unit.
Saddened to hear about the Enschede incident today. Construction work is a relatively dangerous job.
CG – π it’s a tongue in cheek column if I’m not mistaken. And as someone once said, opinions are like arseholes, everyone’s gottem’. Some, smellier than others.
tabs @ 199 – that settles it for me, Fivehead should henceforth be coined Worf. It’s crossed my mind before, mind you, but this has put it over the edge …
Stingy @ 221 – how is that different from what Catalan and I were suggesting earlier?
Lonestar @ 212 – the problem with that argument is that it assumes keeping him for the next year you are going to get maximum commitment – he’s not like Cesc, so don’t assume that if Nasri is disgruntled he will show the same passion for Arsenal as Fabregas has, even whilst his heart is elsewhere.
Fabregas has proved all along that he recognises that it is about more than just him. Nasri and his Ballon D’or comments etc demonstrates the opposite.
So if we are offered 20M plus for a player who cost us significantly less than that and who doesn’t want to be here, who is in the last year of his contract – take the money and buy a replacement.
We should continue to reward excellence and not be pressurised by players who have an over-inflated opinion of their worth and contribution. Had Nasri given us 3 years of constant brillance I would say, pay him the dosh, but I don’t think he deserves any more than he has been offered.
zico,
It might not be different, initially, but I thought TS’s call was for anyone’s opinion (so, I struggled within immensely before blurting one out) and not just for a diiferent opinion.
I differ from you now after you’ve elaborated however. I believe Nasri deserves a pay raise and he is now out of our salary structure. Market forces are dictating such. We will not give him the salary he is asking. But others will. In a free market, he is worth 120K – 150K per week. We will not pay it, but we could. But others in the EPL can and will pay it. Don’t both Rooney, Tevez, and Yaya make about 225-250K per week? I’d say what Sami is asking is reasonable in the marketplace but we won’t fork it over. We are, to an extent, victims of our rigid salary structure.
Zico,
I think it is that kind of blind adulation for Cesc that pollutes what should be upfront business. I already said that if we get 25 to 30 mil for Nasri, then sell him.
However, to just allege that Nasri is any less a professional than Cesc is not warranted. Let’s not forget, it’s been three seasons since Cesc started more than 30 league games for us, and, more than a few of us observed that our captain was less than zealous the last six weeks or so of this season’s (and last season’s) campaign. Was it a gimpy hamstring or something more – no one can know for sure.
Sure Nasri’s agent and (by proxy) Nasri himself have played the fool in this contract nonsense, but (again), this is business. I hate to say it, but the agent’s job is to get his client the best deal possible – unless the player says otherwise. Nasri’s camp is playing negotiating hardball, so should our Board. I kinda think that’s what the board is doing.
I don’t think we are saying anything very different, but i do wish everyone’s cult worship of Cesc would fall back a bit. Just how many titles has he brought us? (I know that was a cheap shot, but still)
And Cesc is not in his final year of his contract. He’s contractually obligated until 2015. If he was in his last 12-16 months of his contract he might not seem so ‘loyal’.
In addition, it’s quite clear Cesc wants to go and has been this way for a couple of years. The last three years he hasn’t been so productive due to injuries. And when we needed him the most, down the stretch, he seemed to be on the injury table a lot longer than his injury would suggest. Some would say that his heart was already in Barcelona and he was acting a million miles away from how a captain should be acting. He may not have the potting mouth that Sami has but Sami is in his final year and is negotiating for the best deal he can get. Cesc is not in the final year of his contract but has gone through his agent and the back channels to do everything possible to go to FCB other than submit a written transfer request.
I always find it interesting how people treat different players quite differently when they leave, or about to, leave the club. You have valid points to your opinion.
I still find it rather interesting that so many are so lenient with Cesc while slamming others. And this is coming from a big fan of CF’s game.
To be succinct, it is as plain the forehead on Worf’s noggin that Cesc wants to jump ship.
I agree, SV.
Please join me as I take a dose of MacAllan to wash down the bitter taste of intellectual honesty π
I actually thought Worf was a pretty stand-up guy or Klingon. Maybe he will scare opposing goalkeepers into whiffing at some shots on goal?
Cheers LG. Don’t mind if I do. Enjoying the Kanadian summer whilst quenching my thirst with Red Stripe.
How was your trip to Baja?
LG – There is no doubting Star Trek’s (ST) Worf’s loyalty to the Federation or his bravery as a Klingon. Had our current captain conducted himself in such a fashion since he received the armband then he surely would have nearly no detractors.
And what is taking so long with the Worf signing anyways? Is he away on some dangerous away mission with the Enterprise? Warding off hostile Romulans?
Stingy @230
Whilst not believing that Cesc is more olive than olive, I do take exception to the suggestion that he draws out injuries or ever gives less than he can (form permitting).
For examlple; coming on injured to turn around the game against Villa, and getting injured in the process. Driving Arsenal on against Barca and scoring a penalty with a broken leg. Certainly no problem of divided loyelties there.
He wants to go to Barca. He has been away from home since he was 16. Everyone knows it. But he has never shown anything but love and respect to Arsenal. He may well have had a sulk in private occassionally. But he will know that this year it is down to Barca not meeting, yet, our reasonable demands.
Anyway; a drink?
Delays, delays, delays. Haggling as long as the day is long. It always come down to gold pressed latinum and we are seen stingier than all others.
These Star Trek analogies are actually quite appropriate π
Isn’t there a case for Gervinho being the “Predator” to TV’s “Verminator” ??
Arsene Wenger as the Stingy Captain Jean Luc Picard aboard the Stingy Starship Enterprise AFC.
Listen guys, (LG and SV)
you’re entitled to your opinion. The fact that I think it is a crock of shit won’t stop me toasting your health. π
I think that the Cesc and Nasri situations are different, and it’s not down to “blind adulation”.
I would like to see a future in which we had some blind adulation for Nasri in an Arsenal shirt, but I don’t think it will happen. Even if he signs a new contract, which I think unlikely, by letting his agent fuck around in the press to up the ante, he has alienated a lot of people.
For me it would be Adebayor kissing the badge all over again.
And Lonestar, that was a VERY cheap shot re Fabregas – in case you hadn’t noticed in between not winning with Arsenal he managed to pick up both a European Championship and World Cup winners medal.
Hey cheers CG. Tough day in the wards at work today? I missed your post whilst speaking to myself.
Recommend a fine Catalan or Spanish red? I’ve heard of Spanish vineyards but what of Catalunya?
SV @ 233,
Baja was most excellent. Thanks for asking! I need to get back soon.
I think we can all drink to Cesc’s improved health and his contributions to the Arsenal.
I with the Board would tell Barca that there are no negotiations. Either pay what we want (which should be nearer to 50mil) or get the hell on.
That’s the dream, anyway.
CG,
Thanks for the offer. I’d share a drink with those who disagree any time. Intelligent and esteemed ‘holics even more so.
I would never question CF’s effort while on the field. However, he is a very chocolate player, as is RvP, and is only on the field about half of the time. There is little subjectivity there. It is a plain fact.
And I am firmly in the camp that his latest hamstring injury at the end of last season was certainly stretched far more than warranted. He packed it in and did not want to at and could have IMHO. If only he could stretch his loyalty as much as his hammy …
And no matter what the club policy, the optics of a club captain not being at the ground on the final day of the season, opting instead to be present for an F1 race in the city of the club that he wants to go to is not professional, not acting like a captain, it is totally bush league.
Go watch that F1 race another year under better circumstance. Very poor judgement from a ‘captain’.
Zico, Zico, Zico, mate, I can tell I ruffled some feathers… for that I apologize.
Sure Cesc picked up some hardware along the way, but I am hard pressed to remember his more direct contributions to those medals. I think he played about 30 minutes total in the World Cup.
All I am saying is [sorry, not give peace a chance] there is not one character on the current squad whose performance or attitude should be seen as leagues above anyone else’s. Sure there are some scalawags in the bunch, but as regarding Cesc and the squad’s players of [close to] his ilk, from whom much is given, much is required.
I think I be needing some offerings from the medicine cabinet so I can settle back into my dark corner of the bar… where are the keys TaBS?
SV
Plenty of vineyards in Catalunya… try a Penedes white when you have the chance. Or an Allela red, amongst thousands of others.
My opinion is that 8 years of excellence buys him more kudos than Sami’s 3 mostly ok ones. We’ll agree to disagree about Cesc. That’s cool. `
CG @238,
I can see the resemblance there. Fivehead certainly has a lot of Predator in him.
I still prefer the Worf and Star Trek analogy. So much more material to work with there.
zico,
I agree that Nasri will not extend his contract at this point. But, as I believe TS point out earlier, his situation is very similar to Rooney’s. Rooney extended. Nasri will not. ManUre was willing and able to pay him. We are able but not willing to pay Sami.
What Rooney said about a lack of ambition is pretty much what Nasri said IMHO.
Lonestar,
last word on the subject – Fabregas and medals – who set up the winning goal in the WC final π
Now you’re in luck, I have a spare set of keys to that ornate cabinet.
I, with Catalan, am prepared to disagree. It’ll all sort itself out for better or worse soon enough (well maybe not soon enough for some, eh Stingy) π
So have we signed anyone yet? Nope we haven’t …. π
CG,
Thanks for the wine info. To be honest, I never have heard of Catalunya as being a big wine growing area. How is the quality v the rest of Spain or France? Are they better at reds or whites?
I’ll give kudos for CF’s service. We just disagree on some fine lines it seems.
Would you not extend Nasri? What if we could break out of the self imposed straight jacket that is our current salary structure (part of the famous self sustaining model I suppose)?
Cesc could be seen as Data on the Stingy Starship Enterprise (a tin man of an android longing for something which he currently cannot have).
Isn’t ‘holicville just grand? We can disagree with civility whilst enjoying each other’s company and the finest of virtual drinks (and real ones too).
Ah, touche…Zico…touche.
I guess I would rather clear out some of the chaff, get in some decent signings, and qualify for CL. I think way too many folks are taking our qualification for granted.
Cheers CG and Zico, and thanks for access to the apothecary (I thought you had a spare set, but I wasn’t sure).
Anyways, it’s back to the shadows for me (got some llama calves to check on)… and baby llamas are called cria by the way π
Keep the faith, everyone!
Stingy
Your question about Catalan wines got me thinking –
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalan_wine
and now I have some interesting stuff to read rather than the dross on TV!
Cava would be the most famous one. Penedes whites are also famous. Plenty of reds too. The equal of any in Spain or France. As always, depends what you are after. Strong, chocolatey reds abound…..
Working up a thirst now. Have a Penedes Chardonnay open if you’d like a sample?
Are you seriously comparing Cesc to Nasri?
How many times do I need to give this example till people would agree and drop it:)?
Cesc is a Barca FAN, just like we’re AFC fans.
Suppose you were club captain for a certain club in Europe and you really fall in love with the club, but then AFC (which happens to be the best team in Europe) come calling and you wanna fulfill your dream of playing at the Grove with the cannon on your chest.
You don’t want to leave your club as you love it but you SUPPORT AFC.
This means that you would stay loyal to your club and stay unless it is for AFC.
Now do you see the difference:)?
Lonestar, I for one am not taking the CL league qualifier lightly – it scares the hell out of me, with things the way they are at the moment.
I am hoping and praying that men more qualified than me are also having their minds focused with this self same fear…..
PS – you are a star man for looking after the Cria π
(I suspect the Cesc chat is going to go on a bit now that SV and SG are both here…. )
Thanks CG. Before I check that Wiki site, is Cava a red? Grape type?
Stingy, why can’t you understand that Cesc not being at Craven Cottage was not down to him, it is Arsene Wenger who does not want players at away games unless they are part of the squad? It doesn’t matter what you think about it, it’s still the policy set by Arsene Wenger. And what is it that you think he should have done there? What difference would it have made? And what’s so wrong about going to an event in Barcelona? That’s where his family live, he was at the event with his grandfather. It’s not like he was at Nou Camp watching Barca play or anything.
Lonestar, Cesc played far, far more than 30 minutes in the World Cup. In fact, he played more than 30 in the final alone and set up the winning goal. And as for the Euros, he played quite a lot there as well, for example he scored the winning penalty in the quarter-final and started the final.
I am also getting increasingly perplexed by the constant repetition of the myth that he hasn’t won anything with Arsenal – he might not have won anything as a captain, but he did win the FA Cup in 2005. Yeah, not a lot, but still a win. Moreover, I can not for the life of me understand this fixation of having to win things for a player to be considered great. It is a TEAM game, put Lionel Messi in a team with ten players recruited from this bar and see how far that gets him π
Cesc Fabregas has behaved impeccably from start to current point, imo. Not one bad word about the club, no shenanigans or nothing. Always doing his best on the pitch, never hiding from responsibility. No bullcrap about the Ballon d’Or despite being the only one on our team being even remotely close to being good enough for winning it. Eight years of consistently dedicated performances and very few poor games compared to almost any other player anywhere in the world – can you really not see the difference between that and a very, very inconsistent player with half a good season out of three demanding top wages and going on about winning the Ballon d’Or?
Anyway, that’s my 2p. Have a pint on my tab!
Stingy
You need to come for a little tasting! Cava is basically Catalan sparkling wine. In France they call it Champagne, after the region it is made in. Here they call it cava (no idea why). Many find it lighter and more drinkable than champagne. Everyone finds it cheaper!
zico,
No such luck with wanting to extend the discussion. I’ve heard SG’s anecdote before and I am not giving CF the free pass so many others here are. Great player, no doubt. To me, the simple difference is the length remaining on their respective contracts. We can force Cesc to stay but would be fiscally foolish to force Nasri to stay. And one thing we most certainly are not is fiscally foolish. We are stingy π
Not me – I dont want to extend the discussion – I’m with Lars above.
End of.
In fact this is all getting a bit too much like the football season – where’s tabs and that damn script…?
Oh dear, Zico, what have we wraught?
Lars – I said that I know AW’s policy. But he could have been supporting the club he is captain of in the stands. Most objective neutrals said as much at the time also. And the optics were horrible.
A real captain with his full heart behind the club he is captain of does not act that way. It’s public knowledge by everyone that he wants to play in Barcelona. Going to that F1 event shows poor judgement at the very least. We are making too many excuses for him. He should have been watching in the stands. I know the policy. A convenient excuse that is. Jack goes to watch his old team on his day off on his own volition.
Poor optics, poor decision making, go find another activity instead (not such a public one as the F1 event in the city of your potential suitor) … like fishing.
Ah. Cava = sparkling wine. It’s all clear now.
Bigger red region or white region?
Just tieing the two threads together, it would seem that Alella is the local wine region for Cesc’s home town.
Now, whether he is deserving of a glass, or not, is a matter of some dispute…. π
SV
I truly believe Cesc has done more than Nasri has ever done, I don’t want to go on here for hours, however when Cesc came Viera went and no one in the team at the time believed he could do it, no one apart from one man and I’m sure you know who that man is.
Nasri has been here for three season now his second season was cut short due to his injury fair play, but he will never be bale to put those Cesc shoes on as we all saw season just gone, never for me he had the strength to carry the team on his shoulders….always faded which was rather odd. To this he is a different player then Cesc therefore it’s impossible to compare the two together.
Finally Cesc was always honest from start to finish, Nasri on the other hand did a BBC show last season and stated himself he loves this club and everything that came with it!
TS an aftershock please still waking up ….
Probably 60:40 white, Stingy. But that is a guess from a very uninformed expat.
Lars,
Agreed regarding your rant about footy being a team game. Cesc needs more on this squad to get silverware (other than the CC due to the nature of that competition) and cannot do it by himself.
The point about ten of us & Messi is a little less valid. I don’t think Messi will ever win the WC but by the time his career is over he should still be viewed as the best ever. Not today perhaps. But certainly once he hangs’em up.
Thanks for the drink Lars. We always drink on your tab, as you know, btw π
What I’m saying is that both deserve to be paid more. Cesc desrves more than Nasri, no doubt. But when someone’s contract is up and you want to keep him then it throws the club salary relative rankings out of whack. It would mean Nasri would be paid more than Cesc for the moment. And when Cesc’s contract is nearing its end, he would be paid more than Sami.
We don’t need to worry about such matters anyway. Nasri will get transferred this offseason and Cesc eventually.
And let’s remember that Nasri was recently voted as the French Footballer of the Year. That’s nothing to sneeze at. Sure, him talking about the Ballon d’Or is tripe. Based on the salaries within the league he plays in, his salary demands are totally within reason.
Gooners raising the spectre of only one decent half season out of three years are only using it as justification for being stingy and are sounding like the legal team of the club negiotiating a contract.
If he was so unproductive why was he awarded FFY? Can you win such an award for just one half season of decent work? He was on some post season EPL awards’ lists, was he not? Our top competitors are all willing to pay the transfer fee and his wages. Certainly they would not if they thought he could only produce one decent half season out of three full ones? Where’s the disconnect here? It’s simple. We are cheap. End of.
*sip, sip, sip* π
Zico – Did I just sense you saying I go on about Cesc too much? That can’t be, I’m what you call “long time reader, first time poster” ;).
SV – He won the French Footballer of the year cause he was the only decent player not at the WC π
ATG,
Fair points you make. I’m not saying Nasri could fill CF’s shoes. I believe CF should be the highest paid player on the club but unless he has a clause in his contract that might not always be the case (that is, if we did not have the salary ceilings at the club that we currently have). Cesc is tied relatively long term. Nasri has 1 year left on his deal so it is prime negotiating time for him. Two totally different situations. Apples and oranges from a negotiations perspective.
No Snir – not what I meant at all.
Just that with you and SV around it would be an all night North American debate π
Thanks again for all the vino info CG. I’ll look out for some of the region’s red next time I go for a run as I’m a bigger fan of red than white or bubbly.
Where’s the HT? The arguments are hopefully over within the family it seems.
SV
I believe it’s fair to say that Nasri is definitely long term and I’m very intrigued that this was not sorted out before the end of last season.
So far on pravda.com we have not seen Robin, Nasri and Cesc….to me that is very odd to say the least. Perhaps all three of them spoke to Catalan or TS, who knows maybe they read Zico’s post today those Swedish blondes sound rather tasty to me.
Enjoy your evening Holics!A round for the road for everyone in the bar I’m glad that clock is still ticking π
For all those fans of chemicals and/or llamas, Bolivia is about to kick off v Costa Rica in the Copa America.
Cup of tea please barman.
A cuppa for the Copa, if you will π
SV – Question.
Would you let go of Nasri if Mata comes? Would you let go of Cesc if Diego/Kaka/Sneider comes?
I know my answer. I just can’t stand that little two faced bastard. Either say nothing or confess and say it’s about money, don’t try to insult our intelligence. It was only in June when you said we were the best team in the EPL.
And again, this is all hypothetically speaking (don’t tell me Inter won’t sell and stuff like that lol).
Zico – I don’t know what you’re talking about. I never hang around at the bar at times like that. Last call for Alcohol here in the States is too soon, nothing to do in the bar but hit on the bartender and I ain’t in to that. π
No chance getting involved in this debate am currently delving back in to the recent past thanks to ATV dream team….Nigel burying the ball to beat chelsea 3-2…try that gael…Bobby Pires as arseblogger says is fucking dreamy….I could go on ….come on arsene..bring me the head of lionel messi..
SG – Diego? Diego who?
If you mean Maradona, he’s too old and we couldn’t afford him or his chemical requirements. If you mean Forlan, he’s too old for us and South Americans are generally averse to the EPL due to the relative leg breaking nature of the league.
SG,
I think Nasri is better than Mata. But Mata would be a very good alternative under the circumstances and due to Valencia’s situation they would be an ideal party to deal with.
As for Kaka and Sneijder, I don’t think we could afford them and neither would be excited to come to The Arsenal if you want ruthless honesty. Their wages are way too big for us and their status in the game does not mesh well with our current shopping list. We shop for younger less expensive types.
Mata is a realistic target.
Not enough cocaine in the world to lure Diego to us π
I meant Diego, the guy who once played for Werder Bremen, Juve and now Wolfsburg. I heard he’s available.
It doesn’t matter, I wouldn’t want anyone to replace Cesc, not even Kaka, any player in the world (that we can actually acquire) would be a downgrade and force us to change a formation.
I seriously believe Cesc will be regarded as the number 2 player in the world after Messi in about 4 years.
SV – You’re too hard. π
I meant playing wise, not who we can actually bring in cause we can’t bring in any of these players (Kaka/Sneider).
Anyhow, it was just an introduction to my thought about Cesc being number 2 in the world in 4 years.
Just popped in before lights out at the SU.
Zico @196,Superb.
Tabs at 196,if Asst Chef Julian fancies you enough to want to polish your spatula,then i might need you to distract ” Mincing Mary “when he is on Nights covering for the German Stormtrooper.
Julian still being young,is a ‘ Receiver ‘ rather than a ‘ Giver ‘ so if you can procure one of the Strap On Dildos that were confiscated in the last room search you can tease him with that,while the Vuluptuous Cecilia continues to minister to my needs.
Tabs i might also respectfully suggest a scenario for one of the future episodes of your serial,
Venue, a very private and discreet Boutique hotel somewhere in Mayfair/Park Lane,
In attendance,The Russian billionaire,
His Russian female Interpreter, Magda Vilswallow,
David and Darren Dein,Lady N,
Ivan G, with his PA, both incognito,AW and Pat Rice, both incognito.
Subject,Boardroom Coup,and reinstatement of DD senior.
Cheers
Clive
SG – Hitting on the bartender is a lost art IMHO. I’m all for it. Unless she is a he. Not that there is anything wrong with that. It’s just not my cuppa.
Dani Alves says Arsenal should not stop Cesc FΓ‘bregas making the step up to “business class” by rejoining Barcelona this summer.
The Barça defender has compared his own situation to that of the 24-year-old Spain international, remembering how he wanted to leave Sevilla for Camp Nou three years ago.
“I understand that he doesn’t want to leave Arsenal on bad terms but I can understand why he would force a move to BarΓ§a,” he told Spanish media. “Players always end up playing where they want to play and a club shouldn’t keep an unhappy player.”
“I forced my exit from Sevilla; I saw the train passing by and I wanted to be in business class,” he said.
Apparently they’re in no rush to get Cesc in one basque kit. And why would they be, he’s gonna be twelfth man to begin with should he go and become part of their squad ‘retouching’ – is he not?
GUARDIAN ARTICLE
Barcelona, meanwhile, insist they are in no hurry to sign the Catalan midfielder. “We have the whole summer to sign players,” said the club’s vice-president Josep Bartomeu. “Right up until the last moment, things can be blocked or unblocked, so we have time. All of the deals that are being worked on by the technical secretary require patience β we are working without hurry but without delay.”
Bartomeu said improvements were necessary despite the success of last season, when Barcelona won a third successive Primera DivisiΓ³n title and claimed the Champions League for the second time in three seasons.
“We have a great team with great players and great coaches β the best in Europe,” he said. “But the squad will need some retouching.”
Apparently theyβre in no rush to get Cesc in one basque kit. And why would they be, heβs gonna be twelfth man to begin with should he go and become part of their squad βretouchingβ β is he not?Please see article above – if you can be asked of course. Could you ‘retouch’ my drink please barman
SG – Ah, Brasilian Diego. If Denilson departs as expected and we can acquire Brasilian Diego we could still use the line, “A Brasilian and Arse-shavin! Pretty smooth Stingy!”
BZ Diego would be the type of creative AMF we need and could be a possibility. I like him and without researching I’d say he is a realistic target within our financial parameters. Any thought of Kaka and Sneijder is simply not realistic.
SG,
Ah, playing wise. I see.
Well, CF is an AMF that scores goals and has an eye for incisive passes. I’d say Iniesta & Sneijder. I don’t think Kaka is there at the moment ever since his injury and now his confidence has been Mourinhoed.
Have you seen FCB & ESP U21 Thiago? He’s a 20 year old version of Cesc and FCB won’t let this one go.
Great stuff Clive. Tip of the hat to you sir. Never lose that ‘drive’ mate.
Have seen Thiago a bit, but I have to say it takes me a while to surrender and say a Barca player is a good one since the first time I see a Barca player it’s filled with hatred and only after he does something truly extraordinary I surrender :D.
Don’t think Thiago is a 20 year old Cesc, after all Cesc played 303 games at top level. Thiago might be a prospect, but we have plenty of that.
Wow, just came to me.
What would the Arsenal fanbase have to say about AW if he would have bought a player in the last season of his contract for 25Mil??
I suspect people would’ve been slaughtering him for “bad business”, and then when we ain’t winning they’ll criticize him for being a club manager and not a team manager.
I doubt SAF will get any flak if he signs Nasri, granted, he’s deserves the right not to be questioned, but I think AW does too.
SG – Player of the tourny at the U21s and BarΓ§a will not let him go, unlike Cesc. I think that says about all you need to know to be succinctly brutually honest.
We won’t get him. They won’t ever let him go.
He’s got a younger brother who’s supposedly better, two years younger. They produce players like it’s a factory. Scary.
G’evening And Lester. What’s up?
SV – Don’t let the facts mistake you.
I know about Rafinha, but I also know how Giovanni Dos Santos was talked about.
I also know that Denilson was the Brazilian captain (!!!) at the U-21 level.
I’m not saying they (Alcantara brothers) won’t fulfill their potential, but that’s what they are as of now, potential, at least as long as they don’t play, and I don’t see them playing regularly at the moment.
Produce players like a factory? Maybe, but it will end sometime. They always produce players but they also didn’t win a trophy from 1999-2006.
It takes enormous amount of luck to have Xavi, Messi and Iniesta on the same team.
SG,
Depending on the player, getting a player for 25m in the final year of his contract would be good business as they wouldn’t pay that much unless part of the agreement was to lock him up for another 4 or 5 years. ManUre wouldn’t pay that transfer fee without contractually obliging him to the club long term.
Whoever gets Nasri is going to extend him years on his contract — see Clichy.
SV – Even if they tie him up for 5 years after paying 25 Mil this offseason, don’t you think they can tie him up for 5 years once the season ends and get him for free?
Either way, they tie him up for a long term contract, might as well get him on the free, it’s not as if they can’t do without him.
evening SV and all – popping in for quick one – seems i can’t stay away from the bar these days – it’s in my blood (along with plenty of alcohol of course ) – another slow news day – the waiting’s taking it’s toll all round i see … any chance of a sneaky late one to help settle the nerves barman?
These dolts on Kanadian tele are daft. The problem with Argentina is not their formation, it’s their players. Going from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2 with the exact same players is not going to solve Argentina’s problems (it’s oddly similar to many Gooner arguments regarding AFC). Why is it that so many English (both these commentators tonight are English) are so in love with 4-4-2? It’s a failed system. Most of the continent and South America play 4-3-3 of some sort. And exactly how successful has England been playing that dinosaur of a formation?
Argentina needs to tweek their player selections not their formation.
300 baby!!! Yeah!!!
Well it appears to have been the Ryder Cup in here tonight , with the subject , Dear old Captain Fab .
Allow Old Tabs to step up onto the 18th and sink the winning Putt for Europe . Head still , short stroke , remember the brilliance of your European compadres earlier , Dr Z’s belligerent hitting , Lars’ pin-point accuracy from tee to green , and Dr C’s nerveless short game . Solid contact … it’s on its way …
Fab is great and Nasri is being a little bit cunty .
It’s in the hole and Tabs is engulfed by his overjoyed team , and sprayed by Dr C’s catalan Cava .
Clive@285 – Right onto more serious matters and the perplexing subject of the troubling Julian . Just wanted to clear up one matter – as detailed in my last missive it is Julian’s spatula that he wants polishing , he has never asked to see my spatula – in any event he knows i take off my Speedoes for no-one ( apart from for blonde willowy tennis players ) . Thus far i have been able to distract him with my recipe for Sauerkraut , as I think he still has designs on The German Stormtrooper and her ” manly ” looks . However I am at my wits end and don’t know how much longer I can hold him off . I will of course continue to try and distract him so that your burgeoning relationship with the lovely Cecelia can continue to flourish . I would merely ask in return that the Isolation Unit is kept fully appraised of any plans of a mass breakout . Channels of communication can be established via the Icelandic Dinner Lady Iben Dover . She is one of us and often gives me extra peas .
Thank you for the excellent scenario for Behind The Arse . A boardroom coup is certainly on the Agenda in the coming weeks π
SG,
You keep getting their drought wrong. They won their league in 04/05 and 05/06. Their dry spell was five years (1999 – 2004). Not longer. Unlike ours, and counting, sadly.
Thiago was on the bench for the UCL Final and got a taste of action this past year.
Being captain of under age sides alone does not impress me. Many English under age captains haven’t done much later on. Performance and titles, like winning the UEFA U21 title and being best player do π
Score Update:
BOL 0-1 CRC 60′
The llamas are not amused.
SG,
No luck involved in their factory mate. They’re all homegrown. Something both tabs and PiK would be proud of π And look at how many of their homegrowns were in their starting XI. That my friend, is the best definition of a self-sustaining model.
SG – True. But there’s no guarantee that ManUre will get him next year on a free due to competition for his services, hence the motivation to get him this year and the price is the transfer fee. Personally, I think 25m is steep with one year left.
Score Update:
BOL 0-1 CRC 72′
Bolivia down to ten men. BOL GK, playing in Israel (hey, Snir) just got his team out of jail with a double save from the resultant penalty.
OK 1999 to 2005 it is then.
No luck? What are the odds that one of the best players of all time would play in the same generation of one of the best passers of all time?
About homegrown, it is a wrong assumption as many of their starting XI actually transferred to Barca at ages such as 17, 18 etc.
I could look up who it actually is, but it ain’t that important to me.
My point, is that they always had that model but not always won until they hit the jackpot with the combination of Messi, Xavi, Iniesta.
That combo is so deadly, Real can’t do anything about it, not even buying all of the players in the world.
Playing his club footy in Israel that is. A save from Israel would be extremely impressive.
Llamas are extremely upset now. Bolivia down to nine men now.
He was actually released but, yeah, he’s a decent keeper.
1999-2004 Snir. C’mon, get it right mate. They won La Liga in 04/05 season.
The Llamas are about to go apoplectic now:
BOL 0-2 CRC 80′ Against a largely U23 Costa Rica side. The end of this one could get ugly.
I don’t know about you, but in my book winning the 04-05 season is winning the 05 season.
They won the 1998-1999 season and then the 2004-2005 season – Therefore they were trophyless from 1999-2005.
Another very late one – been a bit busy in here, struggling to keep up.
TS – you have (late,sorry) mail.
zico – great stuff @ 167.
That’s it for me another very busy day tomorrow. A Spud on whom to inflict some pain first thing, and a Russian tennis player are among tomorrowa lucky recipients – I’ll try and recruit her for the HT.
Will try and be earlier tomorrow – work getting in the way of all this fun.
Valdes HG, Alves is Brazilian, Pique HG, Puyol (joined while he was 17 years old), Abidal is French, Busquets (17), Xavi HG, Iniesta joined when he was 12 so that’s HG, Messi HG (everyone knows his story), Villa is from Gijon, Valencia etc., Pedro (17)
Out of 11 players, people would have you believed that Barca has 8 HG players barring Abidal, Villa and Alves when in fact they have 5.
They have 7 Non-Eu’s playing for La Masia’s Barca A and 9 at Barca B (the team where they have all the Wilsheres).
Don’t believe everything that’s being told about that classless club.
Mes que un club? Mes que un cunt.
Trev – Last season, we were trying to seek a solution to our injury problems and you tried to help with your professional opinion.
This season we collapsed again, but this time, do you have a psychologist colleague ;)?
SG – I don’t know how early you want to go before you start considering them homegrown. The point is they develop players better than us and better than anyone in the world. And by a long shot.
I’d only consider, from their best XI, Alves, Abidal, and Villa as non homegrown players. That’s 8/11 that ran through their academy or cantera. It’s the model and envy of clubs the world over my stubborn friend.
Have a chaser of some fine malt of your own choosing.
SV – 17 is HG? O.K, then everything Cesc knows is due to him being a HG at Arsenal.
C’mon now. You and I both know he ain’t a HG even though he’s considered HG in that stupid EPL rule. He learned his football at Barca, he mastered his football at Arsenal.
There is a difference.
He could master his football at a club like us cause our way of playing is similar to the football he learned from day 1.
SG @ 312,
They won in 1998/1999 (or 1999) and in 2004/2005 (or 2005). Therefore, you cannot include the years 1999 and 2005 as trophyless. They had a trophy drought of five seasons only (2000-2004: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004).
When you use 1999-2005 you embellish and mislead (are you an English jorno by chance?).
We currently are on a run of six trophyless seasons and counting, correct?
tabs – You must be a fan of Shirapova. You got good taste π
We are on a trophyless from 2005 and counting…
If you say we’re on 6 trophyless years then it’s from 2005-2011.
So, 1999-2005 is their trophyless record. It’s obviously not 2000-2004, it’s longer.
Just like if we had won the league this season it wouldn’t have been from 2006-2010.
Anyway, it doesn’t matter, point is, they didn’t win, despite producing the best players on the planet.
SV – Can we please stop talking about them? It fills me with hatred.
Let’s talk about Hockey, or even better AFC π
Snir – I did indeed offer, after I read a piece by Fab himself saying that all avenues were being explored.
Interesting that I recently treated a national level junior tennis player (18yrs) who had suffered prolonged hamstring problems while based in Nottingham. During that time he had visited the Derby County physios who had completely missed the fact that he had a twisted pelvis (my theory on Cesc, although having played since age 16 it could just be overuse in his case).
Having adjusted the pelvis, the hamstring problem quickly cleared up with a minimum of treatment.
Hard to believe that after a clear summer break, Cesc still has a hamstring problem that will, apparantly, stop him travelling with the squad at the weekend. Convenience injury ?
The only psychologist – psychiatrist may be more appropriate, I know is Prof. Mark Mywords, but he is currently unavailable. He is away treating a very unfortunate manic depressive patient of his, who was attacked by a bi-polar bear.
SG,
When I say homegrown, I mean going through their system, not what UEFA considers or the EPL considers as homegrown in their rules.
Coming in at 17 years old, and playing somewhere in their system (reserve team – BarΓ§a B, Juveniles and down the road) is homegrown to me. The club has developed them into their system. Players like Alves, Abidal, and Villa came to them and played only for the first team straight away. They were bought finished products.
That’s what I mean when I say 8/11 were homegrown. The EPL rule has co-opted the term.
And I consider Cesc to be Barca homegrown. He is our player right now, no doubt, especially contractually. He came through the BarΓ§a system. He left cause he didn’t see enough playing time in his future. We know the story. We did contribute to his development, no doubt about it, and he would not be the player he is today without Arsenal. However, in my mind and definition of the term (not the English FA’s arbitrary one) he is a BarΓ§a homegrown. That being said, I consider him to be an Arsenal homegrown also since he came to us at a reasonably early age.
16 or 17 is still homegrown to me. The stuff Real Madrid, Chelsea, ManC, and ManU do is not producing players in my book. When was the last time ManUre developed their own ayers through their system like FCB? It’s been a long time since Scholes, Giggs, and Beckham.
SG,
You’re making a mistake by counting the endpoints as trophyless. It’s a common accounting problem. I’m an accountant:
We last won the FA Cup in 2005, therefore our trophyless drought cannot include the year 2005 by definition. Our trophyless drought is from 2006-2011 and counting. We all know it as six seasons (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 – that’s painful to write out). True, 2011 minus 2006 equals 5 but you have to include the endpoint +1 since both are included in that category.
Simple example. Let say we won in 2009 & 2011 and were trophyless in 2010. That would be just one trophyless season. But you cannot write it as 2009-2011, which is what you are doing in your examples. It would be 2010 only.
Therefore, our trophyless seasons are 2006-2011 & +? (6 seasons).
Theirs was 2000-2004 (5 seasons).
Anyway, I need a drink and something to eat.
I don’t think I’ve ever met someone that has the hatred for that club as much as you do. No offence, some would call it a complex.
SV – Are you serious?
By your definition Cesc is Arsenal HG, since HG is going through the systems (youth, or reserves), so Clichy, Djorou, Alex Song, NB, Cesc etc. are all HG according to you.
They aren’t in my book. To me, it’s where you learn how to touch the ball, dribble, shoot, cross etc.
Cesc learned that at Barcelona.
Puyol learned that at Pobla de Segur.
Trev – Seriously, have you offered that diagnosis to anyone at AFC? It shouldn’t be that hard to forward it to people at the club.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP7wnQVtVTw&feature=related
Enjoy………. remonder of those good old days!
Snir – i offered – no reply. Have to go now.
Trev @121,
Very fine and humourous post.
Convenience hamstring injury is my opinion also. Was late last season IMHO and almost certainly is now. All this time off and still with a hammy injury? C’mon Cesc don’t insult our intelligence.
Pelvis injury Trev. How do you re-align the athlete’s pelvis. Seriouly. I’m curious and it worked for this young tennis player. Elaborate when you get the chance. Thanks.
SV – A complex? Might be. I feel that way towards them since there is a growing trend in Israel to support Barca, and I come across people (mostly men but women as well) that I know for a fact that they didn’t like football before and are now “die hard” Barca fans.
Israel has become El Mundo Deportivo (thanks to the Israeli media) and anyone who dare say anything against Messi and co. is considered an enemy of the state.
I have to endure people who didn’t even like football write Vamos Blaugrana on their Facebook status.
It gets worse when I have to endure people coming down on Arsenal after we play them even though if Barca lose they take it lightly as they are “trend” supporters.
Add that to what they’re doing with Cesc, the fact they broke my heart by buying TH14 and that horrible 2006 night in Paris and you got yourself a hated team. Now you see why I’m trying to add years to their trophyless record ;)?
SG,
I said I considered Cesc homegrown to both FCB and AFC. Puyol and all those others going to FCB as 17 year olds are definitely FCB HG to me. Puyol learned his footy at FCB not his childhood team. You’re stretching things to suit your argument (weak as it is).
The same trend took place in the middle of the nineties with UTD, something like from 95 to 05 and therefore I hate them too, but not as much as Barca.
That night in Paris….
But that’s what I’m saying, how could you say Cesc learned his footy at Barca (age 10-16) and Puyol learned his at Barca (coming in at age 17)?
Formative years as a youngster Snir.
Playing for a tiny team at an unknown club is not formative.
And I would consider all those Arsenal players you cited above as AFC HG as well.
If you go through the system (academy, cantera, reserve team, B team) they are homegrown to me.
FCB had 8/11. ManUre had ??/11. They didn’t develop any of their XI through their system. Even a guy like Rooney, who came at a very early age, I do not consider HG. He played at the top level straight away and was a big name at Everton. They bought their success, to me. It’s just not as obvious and egregious as Chel$ki and Citeh. That’s one of the big reasons I’ve hated ManUre for as long as I can remember.
Well, he wouldn’t have been bought by Barca if they didn’t teach him well :D.
Anyway, let’s agree to disagree re HG (we tend to disagree a lot in the last couple of days :D).
I agree that I’m not the most objective person when talking about them, I hate them almost (just a wee bit less) as much as Spurs, but I genuinely believe that while they’re the best playing team in the world, they are not a classy club, not an example of how to operate as a club (they are though as a football team), and that what goes around comes around and I’m sure they’ll have their barren run sometime in the future, maybe even closer that we believe.
*wouldn’t have taught.
You see what talking of Puyol makes me write? π
Q) If a Spud farts in the woods does any Gooner hear it?
A) Depends. If it was before 1961 it was heard. Ever since, there’s nothing to be heard from the dirty side of the street.
Good answer Snir.
The Guardian says that Inter is monitoring the Nasri situation. Make a deal with Inter if they are Inter-ested I say.
He’s a Gunner for now and I support him. But if he ends up at ManUre then he will be the most despised ex-Gunner of all time in my book. Hands down.
That’s interesting SV – I’m not sure I’ll wish him well even if he moves to Inter, just like I didn’t wish Adebayor well when he moved (as opposed to Kolo).
This whole game he played this summer was an insult to AFC therefore I take it as a personal insult.
I actually wouldn’t have made such a fuss if he would’ve confessed to wanting a huge raise. The fact is he said he’s doing all this because of trophies but then again, he forgot he was quoted saying we were the best team this season and should have won the league in June.
Please don’t be that hypocritical. It’s an insult to AFC fans.
But after six years and counting without silver he has every right in the world to say he wants to move for both cabbage and titles in my book.
The longer we go without silver this problem will just keep resurfacing with others. That’s why I say it is a slippery slope and the slide has already begun. That’s just the cold hard truth that I’m famous for because, “Im fantastic!”
SV – You know what? He wants titles? Where the FUCK was he from after the game against Fulham and till the end of the season?!
His magnificent first third of the season made it borderline impossible to criticize him for the remainder of the season.
For me, he was absolutely horrible for the last two thirds of the season when the spotlight was on him.
You wanna be a 120K a week player? You should thrive when the spotlight’s on you, not the other way around.
I’m so offended on behalf of AFC that I benched him on FIFA 11 π
SG – You are a ruthless footy gamer for doing that FIFA XI bit. You’ve got a future in real footy mgmt perhaps.
Continuing on the replacements for Cesc if cabbage were no object theme. How’s this for blasphemy, Modric. Luka is highly coveted these days and there’s a famous song about him way before he became a high profile footy phenom. Something about being on 2nd floor.
Chew on that fat for a while.
SG – All that travelling between Israel, NC, London, and Boston … you’re part of the IDF or Mossad. Fess up.
SV – I’m actually studying Sports Management here in NC :D.
Modric? Hmmm, wouldn’t so overrated cause I do rate him highly but compared to Cesc, that would be a serious downgrade.
If I was AW I would NOT get a direct replacement for Cesc, but get a good winger and revert to 4-4-2 (I disagree it’s an extinct formation, every formation can be a successful one, it just depends which players you have and if they play to the formation’s strength).
Song, Jack, Mata, Theo/Gervinho, Gervinho/Chamakh,RvP with Jacky taking charge in offensive possession sounds better in my opinion than Song, Jack, Modric, Gervinho, RvP, Theo.
The reason is that after a season under his belt I’d have no problem with Jack taking charge. The way he plays is exactly what we need.
We are usually accused of trying to walk the ball into the net, Jacky plays a game which is very good for our “standing” game since he tries to drive the ball every time he gets it. His direct play can lead to a LOT of goals.
I was part of the IDF, but then again, every Israeli is required to go to the army at the age of 18, so that doesn’t say much.
I can’t tell you what I did there though ;).
I’d prefer to avoid that 4-4-2 dinosaur formation. You tend to get over run in central midfield by the best teams in Europe. The continent has evolved but most of England hasn’t. They’re still preoccupied with target men thinking, playing long direct balls, etc. You’re getting width from your outside midfielders and giving up the central MF. Wingbacks in a 4-3-3 can give you your width.
If there’s something the last WC and recent UCLs have shown, it’s that 4-3-3 and it’s derivation rules the current day. There’s always a time and place and situations for the 4-4-2, I’ll give you that. But I don’t want Le Boss to revert to using the 4-4-2 as his main formation. That would be regressive and we should learn from the dinosaurs … they’re extinct these days π
Even Old Red Nose, for the most part, realized this, over the years in UCL competitions by going with 4-5-1.
So, are you dual citizenship? I’d thank you for your service but it’s not my military although I back them and the necessity for it.
And I hear that Lars buys for all that served in the military. So have a couple of pints for your service.
Hell, nobody’s behind the bar now. Who am I kidding. Time to pull the taps when nobody’s lookin’ π
Signing off: There’s only one Stingy because I’m fantastic π
Lars @ 173 That’s one of Bond’s best lines but I can never help thinking that Moneypenny’s retort is a little too…OTT. My personal Bond favourite is in The World Is Not Enough, when at the end of the film after he finishes dealing with Dr Christmas Jones (played by Denise Richards), he puts on a suave grin and says, “I thought Christmas only comes once a year.”
Genius!
The real shame is that they took those awesomely corny lines out of the new Bonds. But it’s got me thinking. Which Bond characters would footballing personalities be played by? (OK, we’ll include ‘Arry even though he’s not a personality…)
How about Arshavin as Odd Job? Short, squat, powerfully built, doesn’t speak much English, occasionally deadly. A man of few words who gets the job done (when the mood takes him).
Morning All,
350 posts? Did I miss a home defeat to Stoke last night?
Some really good exchanges on differecnes of opinion up there and not one personal insult. Credit to all for proving that the er, keyboard is mightier than the er, flame.
A few pieces of comedy gold up there too. Clive and tabs I’m looking at you π
Stingy & Snir, you’re like Clive and The VC (allegedly) – at it all night.
CMC open chaps. Dr.z please initiate pH0 injectors into the cooling systems. We’re expecting the imminent arrival of an important Klingon / Predator (thanks Dr.C) visitor and we need to be prepared.
HT MkII on course for Asia? We could call it The Lorient Express for that journey in defernece to one of Arsene’s favourite feeder clubs.
* tumbleweed drifts slowly by……….*
“It’s quiet in here”, said the dark stranger
“Too quiet” said the other…..
“What do you think happened to those 2 doctors who were arguing last night about their spare leg?”
“Last I heard, one was threatening to sue the other and moving to Spain and join the Business Class”
“That’s funny, because I thought I heard the other guy saying he would sit tight for the next 12 months and then move to Manchester, where the sun always shines and you get bright shiny things in your cornflakes….”
“Doctors, eh?” they both shrugged and had a sip of their water….
Camberwell: hmm, well, that “Christmas only comes once a year” is even more explicit in my opinion π
I liked Casino Royale just because it was different and to a certain extent explained why Bond became the person he did. But they could have skipped about 90% of that boring and neverending poker game. The last one, however, I absolutely hated. Shit film, no plot and no finesse, just a million fight scenes stacked on top of each other.
And footballers as Bond characters is a great idea! I agree about Arshavin as Oddjob. And Sepp Blatter is quite obviously Ernst Stavro Blofeld.
‘Appy ‘Arry? He’d be one of Blofeld’s top henchmen. All talk about killing you but then swiftly swatted away when cruch time comes.
“cruch time”? “Crunch time”, of course π
Tabs @ 302
My apologies for confusing your Spatula with Julian’s.
I must confess that when i was reading your blog,the lovely C had her hand down my undies and it was making my eyes water.!!
Hence my mistake.
On another matter,i was deeply offended that you called my update @ 148 and i quote, ‘ very Mills and Boonish ‘
I thought it was very Joan Collins myself.
I also asked myself how you could possibly compare my postings to Mills and Boon unless you had read them,and then i came up with the answer.
My fellow Guests and I in the Secure Unit, had long heard rumors of
‘ M & B’ books hidden in the Gents toilets in the Isolation Unit.
We of course assumed the initials stood for Masturbation and Bondage books, designed to relieve the sexual frustration among the inmates.
But now i have seen the light,M & B stands for Mills and Boon.!!
You Old softie you,nothing better than sitting on the loo with a good Mills and Boon romance.
cheers
Clive
time for your medicine Clive…..
give my regards to the lovely C π
@ Lars, Blatter as Blofeld, definitely! They look alike, their names sound alike and they’re both despotic a~seh0les.
You could have PHW as M (gruff, strict, uncompromising…well that’s how I imagine him anyway) and AW as Q (produces loads of clever little gadgets and not a lot else)
Lars @ #352: ‘crutch’ or ‘crunch’ works equally well in the Secure Unit
Clive @ #354: More Robbins than Collins IMO, no offence. Regards to VC and her expert skills with a spatula.
zico @ #351: Spare leg? π
CG @ #356
PHW as M? I suppose a spot of lippy, some comedy breasts and a plunging neck line and he might pass for Judy Dench.
Does does e have ze intelligence?
Camberwell, this is a bit uncanny – I had the exact samt thoughts re: PHW as M and Arsene as Q!
Storey, before Judy Dench M was a man, remember? π
Ivan Gazidis as Felix Leiter, perhaps?
Gee thanks Lars, how could I forget? π
Lady N in leather catsuit as P.Galore?
Lady N as P Galore – of course!
And Kroenke is… Jaws. Never says anything, was originally one of the bad guys but in the end joined the good guys.
Zico @ 355
Holics Blog is my medicine,along with all the Nutters that inhabit it.
Some you wouldn’t kiss with a Leper’s Lips,but you have to take the Bad with the Good.!!
cheers
clive
TS @ 357
I thought Harold was a bit more graphic than me,
But let’s settle for a cross between them both.
Clive, great compromise! Time for my medicine too I think….
*beckons Naughty Nurse Nina*
Right, four weeks off from work starts… now!
Afternoon chaps, a few things I’d like to add my tuppence to;
The difference between Cesc and Samir, imho, is something called “class”, one has shown bagfulls and the other, well, as much as a chav pikey.
If they both decide to stay, one will continue to enjoy a warm relationship with the fans while the other will not. I see an Adebayor love/hate relationship in his future and he only has himself and his representatives to thank for that.
I’d be happy for one to stay and to take the money and run for the other.
If some among you can’t see the difference in the two situations then there’s nothing I or anyone of us can say or do to change that, but please, don’t compare the two, because that tarnishes what our captain has done with his time at our club.
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SV & SG. If you really want to know what’s Home Grown, then pay a visit to the Lowlands, I can direct you to establishments with all the best HG, no worries.
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Camberwell Gooner. Not so sure about footballers and Bond characters, although I would liken the Spurs fanbase with Pussy Galore. And when Barca once again come back to us with a bad offer for our captain we should tell them Dr No. (and to fuck off)
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A drink for Lars to get his hol’s up and running, one for anyone at the bar and I’ll have a nice cold lager with a TS size vodkachaser.
Cheers.
*drifting in and out of consciousness*. Boredom too much. Read hallucinatory drinks…. that doesn’t help. Bond. Hearing voices. Flashes of scary jungle alien in my mind. S America. Will it ever end? Oh look, a duck.
A duck?
We’re not talking about cricket again are we?
Give that man a drink sharpish and bring him back to the real footy world.
H2H – Thank you. Maybe they’ll listen to you, ’cause I sure can’t seem to get people to notice the difference.
Nasri is Adebayor, end of.
I say we all bench him on FIFA 11 (I already put Gervinho in instead lol ;)).
In the meantime, pravda.com released tons of pictures of Ryo and it seems as though they’re trying to create a hype around him. I do understand he’s Asian and needed for the trip, but surely, they wouldn’t create a hype around a player who won’t be able to be a part of the squad next season?
Perhaps they’re pushing hard for a work permit…
Snir, if others chose not to see it the way we do, that’s their porogative, they can’t help it if they’re wrong π
I saw Ryo play a number of times last year for Feyenoord, he made quite an impact. Not convinced he’s PL ready yet, but the (dreaded word) potential is definitely there. The work permit issue is not in the hands of the club and I for one wouldn’t be too agrieved if we had to loan him out for another season. He’d get plenty of playing time in Rotterdam, which can only be good for his development.
G’day all,
Any news? Any signings? Is Worf aboard our starship yet?
H2H – But don’t you think there is a reason behind pravda.com creating such a hype around him?
It looks fishy…
Snir – I reckon you were right first time: Asia Tour
Snir, pravda.com do not issue work permits my friend, so they can get as hyped as they want, it matters not a jot.
ps. can you give me a link, because I can’t seem to find it, cheers
Indeed Dr C.
It’s all about bums on seats and shirts on backs.
I saw this headline and thought that we were finally announcing his signing…. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14061347
Beer? PLease.
Dr C, with a mouth as big as that, he’d be much more suited to the Chavs or Citeh.
A lesson to the wantaways;
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3683919/Manu-fury-as-City-freeze-him-out.html
Hope Samir gets to read it.
Heh, H2H, on both counts!
H2H – http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/ryo-miyaichi-picture-special
I just don’t see a reason to make such a hype around a player that can’t even play for AFC, that’s why I think they’re (AFC) trying to push for a work permit (special talent?).
But yeah, he’d be better for the tour than Cesc.
Snir.
But he CAN play for AFC. On the Asia tour. Where thousands of screaming girls (and a few boys) will flock to the shops to buy Arsenal shirts with “RYO” printed on the back.
So repaying the minimal effort of putting a few photos on the website…..
If he gets a permit then that’s a bonus.
Exciting talent though.
Spot on Dr C.
Can’t see the work permit happening, but as I said before, I don’t neccasarily think that’s a bad thing, he really is still a kid. Those pics of him (thanks Snir)make Jack Wilshere look old.
Beers all round please.
Well, I guess you’re right.
Our “successful” marketing team got that one right, do what you gotta do for Ryo shirts everywhere π
CG,
Did you see the cover of Sport today? They’ve got Cesc saying (in quotes allegedly), “Im not Playing at Arsenal Anymore”.
Thoughts on this latest bit of xxxx?
SV, come on. That’s the infamous “quote” from The Sun, that was actually never said. It’s been doing the rounds the last few days.
Don’t believe the hype (or more fittingly, tripe)
H2H,
It’s on the cover of El Mundo Depirtivo (EMD) too. In quotes. Part of their ‘evidence’ to support it boils down to not travelling with the team to Asia.
But we can assume it’s because of his injury. Much like Gerrard not travelling with his club to Asia, I’d say.
But both of those Catalan sports dailies have a different story …
As was said in the Matrix film.
“you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe……….”
Nothing at all to do with the whole Cesc saga, I know, just a quote from a movie I liked (2 & 3 were shit though) But, people react to things in different ways, me personally, I choose to ignore the bullshit and this one has a strong oddour of cow feises to it. It’s not “evidence”, it’s conjecture and speculation at best. We’ve heard it all before, and once again it’s Barca just using dirty tactics to stir things up.
The bottom line is that until they come in with an offer that is acceptable to our club, then there’s nothing doing, it’s as simple as that and no amount of Poo hole and Prique DNA and cuntbuckets Alves’ Business class trains (I say we head the abandoned HT MkI on a collision course with it) will change that simple fact.
I’d advise you to steer clear of all the nonsense and try to enjoy the summer a bit, I assure you, you willl feel a lot better for it.
Now, grab yourself a drink.
I think I need a drink H2H.
I’ll go for a Bitburger please barman.
Clive @354 ,
Thank you for your update and apologies for the delay in replying . Communication via Dinner Ladies is not always efficient and it took me some time to realise that when sweet Iben Dover kept bending over , whilst I was eating my Dinner , she was asking me to pluck your missive from her sweet cheeks , rather than merely offering , as is usual , her sweet cheeks .
I apologise deeply that you found my ” mills and Boonish ” description of your work deeply offensive . On the contrary it was meant as a compliment . I am a huge fan of these works , they make me moist .
Repeated visits to the loo in order to enjoy these works is the only thing that has kept me going between visits from Iben Dover . She was in a bit of a bad mood today and didn’t give me extra peas .
I hope I have not ruined any chance I had in being included in your mass break-out plans .
Yours with Apologies
Tabs
Evening all, anybody else hear that Gervinho has apparently changed his mind about joining us?
It was on Yahoo earlier but buggered if I can find it now :p
A cool can of Dr Pepper Zero please barkeep π
390!!! Yeah baby! Yeah!
What are the chances we get Worf, Cahill, and Mata? All three. Keep Cesc and Sami. Get rid of the unnamed excess baggage … we all know who.
We’d have a pretty promising squad, no?
*sip*
Could I have a Stiegl please barman?
Hating waiting …
http://youtu.be/NmxStduxbo4
Guinness cordon broken – off to casualty.
It will be all right in the morning, right?
Barce Loan Deal: Fab Exit In One Basque Kit!
Ah Dr. Z tie one on top of the other – a punnet of pride please barman and one for the good Dr.
AL – cheers…
Have to b quick – Managemnt on the prowl…..
@ Clive
” some you wouldn’t kiss with lepers lips”
π you poet, you
Evening All
And Lester @ #391,
….they smelt of pubs & Wormwood Scrubs….
tabs @ #388,
Iben used to have an up-for-it friend I seem to recall. Her name was Kate Itappily. Yup, whenever those two were in town together you knew it was going to be a fun night π
SV @ #390,
For all of those things to happen? Fat and none to answer your question.
Draped @ #389,
Tsk… you can’t trust those Klingons, can you?
Bottoms up – I’ve nothing new to say, what with the unending waiting and that – wish i had a sense that The Arse management was on the prowl or even the prowlish – s’pose they must be a bit – i want to believe they are but … *stares hopefully but half-heartedly into the middle-distance*
oh and another thing
Played Ts – and too many right-wing meetings…
the Weller right up there, BUT always wondered what right-wing breath smelt like
So, Cesc is off the Happy Plane to Asia. Tight hammies, eh?
Sami is travelling buisness class, however. No doubt with AW constantly in his ear.
Let’s see what happens when the tour is over. Maybe the Cesc situation is now in IG’s hands? Let’s hope he get the right support from IPA and co.
A Cesc The Situation: He Wants To reign in Spain – Fools No-One On The Plane …
Can ‘think’ only in dodgy puns. Hating waiting, Naz, Cesc et al – am becoming a basque kit case.
Need the MC now!
And Lester,
That’s quite enough from the CMC for you tonight sunshine π
PS: I hear the Secure Unit might be open for further medication. Room for one or two more basque kit cases if you hurry. Entrance is free provided you bring your own spatula polish.
@ 402 & 403,
Excuse me gents, because I find your English a little confusing. Simple Q: Is Cesc on the plane or off the plane to Asia?
SV @ 405,
Off. It must be true it’s on Pravda.com.
Start speking proper Kanadian, eh π
damn incorrect auto spell s/b speaking
If they remove the bit that makes me give a shit – just for coupla of hand ringing free weeks i’ll bring enough polish for all the inmates – but first one more crack at the CMC *gropes around like Headley Lamarr in the dark in Blazing Saddles*
So:
Pulls up lame with a cane
He cause he wants to reign in Spain
Missed the plane
Despite a little friend saying Le Boss
The plane, the plane
Pardon – *wringing* – i was thinking of campanology – ding,ding – round 1 – come out drinking!
How about:
The reign from Spain did not get on the plane π
This is Special1TV stuff. Snared π
For 410 that s/b “Because” in second line. This damn phone is on the blink folks. I’m about to toss it.
sung by Mr. Tea of the A team
‘He wants to reign in Spain – fools – he ain’t gettin’ on the plane’
Silly season is loooooooooong and arduous …
AL – For better emphasis I’d suggest using “phool” and “no plane”.
*sip, sip*
And I believe Mr. Tea must have been some English tea time sippin’ bloke whilst Mr. T was on the A Team.
Signed,
Kanadian Spelling Bee Champ, 1981
Stingy – r u ever wrong?
Yes. We are all wrong from time to time. Some more than others. We are all human.
Have some fine suds from the taps. It looks like no one is minding the shop. Cheers.
Well, I stand corrected. We are all humans except for that simian fellow over at SHL that’s beyond the pale π
420?
You’re bleeding mad. The lot of you π
Thanks all. Had a great day on the golf course, and then the pop. Off to check the news now. Will try and post some more nonsense tomorrow.
You are good people.
You’re not so bad either ‘holic. Cheers.
This new Citeh stadium sponsorship deal (Β£400m over ten years) is also beyond the pale wrt FFP, fair market value, and arm’s length transactions. This is just taking money from one pocket in your pants to the other pocket in your pants.
If only my mate John read this. Just heard of his superb performance against Villa and their porky fans. I’m gonna buy him a beer or two π
Stingy @ 327 – Fab’s hammy.
It’s a different process depending on whether the pelvis is rotated, as a unit, due normally to some lumbar mis-alignment, or twisted, which results more often from mis-alignment of the symphysis pubis (joint) at the front of the pelvis.
In both cases it results in the pelvis and, therefore, the hamstring attachments sitting higher on one side than the other, which induces more stretch/strain into the higher side.
The adjustments are quite different and impossible to describe on here – much to the relief of everybody else reading this, no doubt.
Sorry folks, but he did ask!
Trev – Thanks for the short explanation. Are you a chiropractor or some other specialist?
Trev – We do have two resident pelvis experts named Clive and tabs π
@426 – Ha! Trev, I’ll let you get into that one!
Actually Stingy. here on the Happy Train we prefer the term “quack”. A little professional respect, please! π
What’s Denilson going to Asia for? What a complete waste of space. After 153 appearances in 5 years, Wenger still see’s something no one else does. A player no other club wanted this summer. A player we can’t move on. Reminds me of the highly touted reserve Mark Randall, who just joined Chesterfield.
Diability injured as well, that’s a surprise.
1 “new” signing going on the trip, the teenager from Charlton. Where’s Gervinho?
Eboue has been at Arsenal 6 years, longer than Petit, Overmars, Gilberto, Campbell & Edu.
Stingy – I am a combination of sports physio and osteopath; Catalan is a chiropractor,I believe, with a lot of sports experience. As he says, “quack” will do nicely. We have reputations to protect on here, you know. They’ll be taking us seriously next!
G’day all,
To those English ‘holics, congrats on being 1-0 up at 69′ v France in the ladies’ WC QF. I hope I haven’t jinxed you now.
CG & Trev,
If you two aren’t pulling my leg, then I have no problem with the two of you being chiropractors and quasi-chiropractors. Even if your fellow professionals may not afford you respect by snikering at you and calling you quacks and quasi-quacks, we in ‘holicville will not disrespect the two of you. There’s not enough quacks in the world IMHO.
I had always envisioned CG as a GP. I don’t know why. The two of you can pull my leg just don’t go around pulling my pelvis area, thank you.
Otherwise we’ll take the two of you most seriously indeed.
Hey, there’s Arsenal ladies playing today! You can tell I don’t watch much ladies footy …
The problem with the idea of loaning him is that La Liga is so weak that I suspect he will indeed get to play most games. perhaps not the big ones though…
‘holic,
One very key thing you forget about your interrupted dream, belated as it is, if we loaned him out to BarΓ§a he would not be given the chance for a backheel winner to RvP as we would not allow him to participate in the competition, as a loanee, against us π
Well, I didn’t drink a single shot of vodka.