Blood, Sweat, And Thankfully No Tears
Apr 28th, 2012 by 'holic
I thought I would wait just a little longer than usual in order to gauge the reaction online. Of course there are a few grumbles before people have had time to take stock of what happened this afternoon, but generally supporters have been appreciative of the effort put in by Arsenal at Stoke.
That was the minimum requirement. Stand up to them, match them knock for knock, earn the right to play. We did that, but when the time came to play we couldn’t quite raise ourselves sufficiently. Had Wigan not convincingly demolished Newcastle, then we might have considered our draw two points dropped. Instead, it is definitely one point gained at a difficult venue, and we are still in control of our own destiny. Beat Norwich and West Brom, and we are guaranteed third place.
The game had a spiky start with Whitehead carded for a nasty studs up challenge on Alex Song inside three minutes. Thankfully it was to be the only really bad challenge of the day, although it wasn’t the end of the physical battle. When Crouch struck six minutes later, following a rare Bacary Sagna error, there was a feeling of ‘we have been this way before’.
Rather than withdraw into a shell, however, the Arsenal rallied. With the experienced players to the fore, notably Tomas Rosicky and Yossi Benayoun, both of whom covered a lot of ground for the cause. We weren’t behind for long. Aaron Ramsey, incredibly jeered by the care-in-the-community cases packing the Britannia, shot just wide. We were lifted by the example. Benayoun won the ball on the left flank and fed Rosicky who crossed superbly to present the skipper with a simple tap-in.
“Robin van Persie, he scores when he wants” rang around a suddenly much quieter stadium. The travelling Gooners were making all the noise. “Where’s your famous atmosphere?” Great stuff. On the pitch the affair was still being determined by effort rather than artistry. Gervinho, always lively, currently lacks the finishing touch. Twice he spurned opportunities to put us ahead. Much laughter greeted the whistle for half-time as Stoke were fannying around with a towel having won a throw in deep in Arsenal territory.
I was about to say the second-half brought with it more of the same. That isn’t quite right. Similar, yes, but the goals were lacking. The skipper had one of the better chances just after the break, but his header from Sagna’s cross wasn’t good enough to beat Begovic. At the other end Wojciech Szczesny’s most nervous moments came from tamely hit backpasses. When he wasn’t being blocked off at set pieces the Pole was dealing with everything lobbed into his vicinity.
The fact we were still competing physically was exemplified by the second booking of the match. If I hadn’t seen it I wouldn’t have believed it. Benayoun brought down Pennant. Yes, him. Wouldn’t say boo to a goose Yossi. Inevitably Song followed him into Mr Foy’s book after a series of minor indiscretions. Interestingly the referee was rather quicker to award free kicks outside the box than he was in. I will look forward to seeing a replay of Yossi’s ‘coming together’ with Whelan with a quarter of an hour to go. While people argued whether or not there had been a push, I thought Whelan had clipped Yossi’s left leg when watching from a couple of angles.
By that time Abou Diaby had already come on to replace the hard-working Ramsey. In the final ten minutes Chamakh and Santos came on for Gervinho and Benayoun. The changes seemed designed to give us additional presence at both ends of the pitch when required. The stats at the whistle painted a picture of a match that didn’t quite hit the heights suggested. The Beeb had us down for seventeen shots, of which ten were on target, to Stoke’s six, with four directed accurately. Surprisingly for a match between these two there were only eighteen fouls. That prompts the observation that we have never minded the physical side of the game as long as it is hard but fair. By and large that was.
Let’s now anticipate those two final games. It is a busy week for our challengers for the guaranteed Champions League place. By the time we take to the field against Norwich next Saturday lunchtime our task may be easier than it is tonight. I’m quite looking forward to another surprise or two in the coming days.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend, ‘holics.
400 Responses to “Blood, Sweat, And Thankfully No Tears”
I don’t understand? No traffic on here??
When it comes to penalty appeals, I always have a simple rule. Would I be satisfied if a that same penalty was given AGAINST us? The answer is no. I think the penalty might’ve been given on a different day but it was always gonna be a soft one.
Proud of the boys today. Especially Ramsey. He was great today. Quick on the ball, not afraid to shoot and stood up to the ridiculous boos of the Stoke c*nts. Gervinho looked great in the first half. But after the break he came back the same old Gerv we’ve see since AFCON.
Would love Benny to stay with us. It was his pressure that got the ball to Rosicky to cross and get us the goal. Good point.
6 points are up for grabs and 6 points means third regardless of anything else. Let’s get those 6 points.
Oh there’s a new blog
Holic; you have missed the stonewall penalty which was denied, when vermaelen’s shot hit both of shawcross’s(i think) hands.
Don’t know how foy didn’t give that.
They showed the reply once and than started focusing on the other incident,cunts.
guage? ๐
9
I think it was outside the box?
A good point away to Stoke & atleast our destiny is in our hands rather than having to rely on other teams to slip up.
May I add that, stoke fans booing ramsey was pathetic. Did he break shawcunts leg?
Don’t know why no one raises this question, mind boggling.
Whitehead should still have been sent off, mind.
thanks for the read, ‘holic, now where’s the beer? ๐
@9
yeah it should’ve been a free kick. nevertheless, a free kick in a great position =/
Good write-up Gov’nor. I didn’t see the match and can’t comment on the facts. From the reports on here of those watching and from what Auntie Beeb said, or more particularly what they didn’t say, I’d guess you’ve got it pretty much spot on.
A drink on the bar for the next half-dozen to turn up, and have one yourself.
COYG CCMUED
Shawcross has hooves no?
I’m 99% sure, it was in the box.
Vermaelen went mad.
Yes, sub-ed.
guage.
That is what I typed ๐ฎ
Well played ‘holic!
Still thired!!! FACT!
I too, have dyslexia when I am tried. Sorry. Tired. ๐
9, they didn’t just boo him, they chanted ‘wanker’. Lower than low scum of the earth.
What do you expect from the low-life scum who inhabit the place. We are sending the homeless unemployed from Tower Hamlets to live there to raise the IQ level of the area. That should improve things…
You really don’t want to edit today, ‘holic ๐
@ Ollie…they’re a disgrace…..what’s with that town/crowd/mentality? I’ve no issue with baiting the opposition, former players etc – but apart from that brutal injury received by Aaron what history does he have with them?
I can’t in a million years – imagine the opposite/reverse scenario play out at our home ground?
I’m satisfied with the result, partially because a draw at Stoke is always decent, and partially because bipolar Wigan decimated in form Newcastle. At the beginning of the day we could win three games and still not get third (incredibly unlikely, but possible), whereas now if we win two games we’re guaranteed. Hard to complain, although Spur and Chav wins tomorrow will make things a bit tighter.
Would love to keep Yossi- hope he starts the next two games.
Well, Tim, he had the temerity of not apologising after putting his leg in the way of Shawcross.
I mean, you know, how dare he? Poor Shawcross was crying all the way to his mum’s…
‘Holic: “care-in-the-community crowd”. Priceless. and @18. Wicked.
9@4: definitely handball, but just outside the area.
As mentioned in the previous drinks, the Barcodes’ defeat makes it a point gained rather than two lost, but with sharper finishing we could have had all three. Also to repeat, the last two Prem hat tricks have been against Norwich. Perfect for the skipper to make it a hat trick of hat tricks next Saturday.
The dictionary is as stupid as the twat who first spelt it gauge.
That is gorj.
To get the age sound it should be guage.
Must have been some prick from Stoke ๐
The Pol Potters…Bunch of turds and retards.
heh, it’s funny ‘holic. It’s one of those words that was mentioned to me as being impossible to guess the pronounciation of a few years ago.
I’ve never forgotten. ๐
Not too bad, all things considered, especially if Norwich are as ‘can’t be arsed’ next weekend as they seemed to be today. Hopefully Chelsea and Newcastle can draw on Wednesday and/or Bolton can trip up the Spuds then to help us along.
highlights on at half-time of the Roma Napoli game here.
Have to say Begovic’s save on Robin’s first header was brilliant, and Vermaelen forgot to check where Crouch was for their goal.
And I never tire or seeing Rosicky’s artistry.
And now having seen the ‘penalty’ shout, it looks clearer in real time than on replay, which I think is quite normal for shoves. Replays can be deceiving.
I am now more convinced that it was a penalty though.
To sum up Stoke FC and there manager in one word SCUM
a great draw, 6 points out of 6, and 3rd is ours….. come on u gooners….
Retard inbreds that play for and support stoke fuck those scum wankercuntsheads. Well played from our lads!!! COYG
fucking hates stoke bunch of retard inbreds scum cunts. Fuck they’re wanker manager. COYG
Diaby injured again.
Bah.
Very nice review Holic. Pretty much how I saw the game as well. I had the best stream that I have had all season – all the better to see how fucking ugly Stoke players & fans are! When Pubis is among the better looking then you know how dreadfully ugly they all are….I will admit that I might be biased but still…
I thought that we never looked like we’d lose this match even after we went behind – in fact, for most of the game we looked the likely winners. All things considered though I will agree with you that this was a point gained.
Evening all.
No time to back drink. Just wanted to say, having been a critic, that I thought Chamakh did well when he came on. Holding up the ball and little lay offs to RVP.
Shades of what might have been. The little tease.
Also, no problems with the Stoke team today. Their fans though…
Must dash. Hungry Catalan management awaits..
Indeed Dr C. Not much of a goal threat (but then nobody was at that stage), but good hold-up play.
Well, it was a hard-fought point in the end, though I think we could have nicked it. If Shawcunt blocking a shot with both arms isn’t a freekick, then I struggle to see what qualifies.
Also, that other cunt took Benny out in the box, and fucking Foy gave us a corner, then some minutes later, someone touched that same cunt on the arm, and he went over like he’d just received a .45 in the back, and fucking Foy gave him a freekick. Wenger just about lost it on the touchline at that one.
I know when we play the “smaller” teams, the refs will allow them foul us routinely to “even the odds” or some other shite, but seriously, at some point, the fucking cunt refs have to call the games fair, don’t they?
Sorry for all the swearing today ‘holic. Something about playing against a team whose supporters think it is ok to boo a player who got his leg broken by one of their own for doing nothing other than “being a little too quick” for him just gets me all riled up.
Anyways, Norwich just took a royal pasting at home to Liverpool and allowed that racist diving scumbag score a hat-trick. I think we can take them at our place, but the lads have to go into that match fully focused and ready to do battle like they did today.
So, in the immortal words of Delia, let’s be aaaavin em!
8ball, CoR – My mind games seem to be working eh?
I’m going for top spot with a pure team.
Back home, quite drunk again. Have not yet back-drunk (will do that tomorrow when I am sober enough to understand what people say!) but just wanted to say that I have had a smashing day and if we can just do the job v Norwich next Saturday then we’ll most likely finish third. It’s still in our own hands, let’s make that advantage count.
The Stoke fans can just go f**k themselves. Wankers, the lot of them. No class whatsoever.
Just watching MOTD now, weren’t the two first goals by the Liverpool racist gifts from the goalie? Still, nevermind – who gives a shit about that mid-table team anyway?
Beer and Arsenal, that is all I need to be happy! ๐
Hmmm. Just watched MoTD. If Gary Lineker had ever been on my Christmas Card list, he’d be off it now. Anyone would think that Wenger’s the only manager who has ever disputed a decision. Who did Lineker play for between Barcelona and Grampus8? Oh yes, I remember.
Just seen brief highlights on MOTD so can’t judge the performance, however, a point from the game is fine.
Props to MOTD for calling out the cretinous Stoke crowd for the booing of Ramsay, however, Lineker’s pathetic attempt to get a laugh at Wenger’s expense at the end of the programme completely failed and was pathetic.
I’m sure we will slaughter Norwich next Saturday, they are in free fall. WBA will be trickier but is definitely one we should win.
By the way very good article in the Telegraph about RVP.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/9232194/Robin-van-Persies-journey-from-boy-to-Arsenal-legend.html
RVP’s dad said โThe question is, โIs he going to stay?โ I think he will. Heโs a real Gunner.โ
point at the potters ill take that,two to go great to see Rossicky back and i am eating my hat.how long will Diaby be out sweepstake anyone?
Arsene shows real class in the face of vile abuse of Aaron Ramsey at Stoke.
Gary Lineker thinks it is suitable to take the piss.
Those who can manage.
Those who can’t take the easy dollar of punditry.
Jug-eared cunt.
Thanks to Virgin Media I still have not managed to see as much of the game as I would have liked. They really are crap.
The one thing I have picked up from above is that this was a good point because of results elsewhere. I really do not subscribe to that at all. Stoke is never an easy place to go and get result I accept. But I do not like judging our result on what others have done.
I thought we were sloppy for their goal. I agree with many in that we fought and battled well. But we did not seem to create a huge amount for me.
I am not going to start blaming officials either. The Benny pen? Yes there was contact, yes it was probably a pen. But having read numerous contributors on here moan about over reacting I am sure we can all see why it wasn’t given.
Holic, you are right again. This may well turn out to be an important point, but I do feel this was 2 dropped I must say. Hopefully by the time Norwich come to town we will be a tad more cemented into third.
Last word on the Stoke fans. Now I accept certain things are said or sung at games. We have all been part of conveying out best wishes on the liked of Nasri and dear old Cashley over the years. Like it or not, that happens. But for me, Stoke fans sunk to new depths today. How you can Target a player who through no fault of his own had his leg smashed into two on their very ground is totally beyond comprehension. I have nothing but total and utter disgust for those involved. I can’t wait to hear what Pulis has to say about it.
Onwards and upwards. Keep the faith.
Holic, Sums up what I saw today. A very gutsy shift put in by our lads, indeed. Benny is so easy to appreciate. The ref should have taken into account Ben’s slight build and awarded him a penalty. All in all, terrific team effort. Felt a bit wistful seeing Chamakh perform so well(sigh). Your title suggests your day went as good as could be expected, I sincerely hope so.
Great write up ‘Holic and heh! @ #45
Due to a busy evening here I only managed to see a small section of the game and the MOTD highlights so am no position to make any real comment except that the Stoke fans are a bunch of disgraceful, sorry excuses for human beings (if they actually have evolved that far up in the Potteries) Disgusting behaviour, in fact so bad that even notourious anti Arsenal pundit Alan Hansen felt the need to call them out on it, shame on them.
ps Lineker is a crisp munching, overlobed ubermong.
Great match report, ‘holic, and very welcome because family duties, i.e., selecting and adopting a new dog, prevented me from watching the second half. Hopefully the new dog will be a talisman for a successful final two games of the season. It’s been 26 days since the death of my old dog, and we didn’t do particularly well in the interim, so hopefully it’s a good move for Arsenal too. ๐
Just stick to doing your job Linker!!!
8ball, You make me proud. Here’s to many happy years with your new companion. Finally saw Wigan’s Franco Di Santo’s goal, indeed a beauty.
abb, Thank you for the kind words. ๐ We can all certainly use a faithful companion to nurse us back to health at times. ๐
God write up, as usual, ‘holic. It would have been a hard fought, but the solitary point doesn’t take anything away from the ‘hard foughtness’. Everyone put in an admirable shift, particularly Rosicky, who was a bundle of energy and movement, Benayoun, and Ramsey didn’t shy away from tackles either, given what happened to him there. I think some of the tackles left the stripey cunts (as Arsebloger says) surprised. Excellent. The back four, the skipper, the Ivorian, all of them played their hearts out. Well earned point. Round of the dark lord for everybody.
Hey Fellas. Dennis, agree with every observation you had. Watching Tomas gives me goosebumps, he just makes my soul soar.
8ball – Are you scared of AFCMTA? ๐
@39: Snir, pure teams may go to FFL heaven but impure teams go everywhere else ๐
Btw, Gary Lineker has never missed a trick to lay into Arsene and Arsenal. He’s such a Linekunt…hate him and his banal comments
Snir, I googled AFCMTA but that left me still in the dark. Arsenal Football Club Metropolitan Transit Association???
8ball, that’s the name of his FFL team mate!
He’s in third place but giving it large Redknapp style ๐
The handball was outside the box…it was a free kick plain and simple. Benny was tripped more than he was pushed..must have been “incidental” contact….well that is what Stoke will claim anyway. I laughed my ass off when the half time whistle blew when the ball was in the towel….those twats.
I do feel lucky we got a point as there was a few hairy situations in the last ten minutes. Its all in our hands…no excuses. COYR.
Aha on the AFCMTA. Thanks for the explanation, CoR ….
Having checked the table, it looks like I have every reason to be shaking in my boots and it’s time to call on some of ze mental strengts.
๐
I think we need to hold a relegation watch and interview Lars, TS and Dr Feelgood…make sure they don’t throw their remaining matches and bring the HT league into disrepute ๐
Btw holics, just visited the Tuesday Club FB page. Apparently someone on there played against Pulis’ son in a game in the States and got booked for getting stuck into him, lol
I love alcohol.
I love (!!!) women.
But neither are as good as The Arsenal.
CoR – Don’t you be too comfortable. I’m gunning for the title.
My pure team will prevail.
Thought we played very well. Yes, we ended up drawing, but on another day could have had three or four (plus a penalty). What I liked most was the way we competed. If we played liked that in every game we would be there or thereabouts.
Come on Blackburn!! All will be forgiven. For one day at least
PS QPR…. You know you can expose those geriatrics for what they are…
Morning Holics
My Setanta stream held up well and I agree with most of the above views.
It was good to see Rambo and Song having better games. I have been quite critical of late but Ramsey really showed us what he is made of, standing up to a barrage of abuse from the cretins who inhabit the stands at the Britannia.
In fact I thought the team performance was better than the Wolves game but we still look weak in front of goal. RVP looked sharper than in recent games and his chances were all on target but who else can we rely on for the goals which will take us over the line?
Gervinho showed good pace and got himself into 3 good goal scoring positions but his lack of composure and confidence in front of goal resulted in none of his efforts bothering the keeper. Had TV5 had the heading opportunity, the ball would have finished up in the back of the net. I question whether the Ivorian is up to PL football? Whether we like it or not, skill is not the only quality required to hack it in England, (no pun intended).
As far as the penalty claims are concerned, the Shawcross hand-ball should have been a certain free-kick and the Benayoun push/trip was, in my view ,a soft penalty, just.
Having watched the Canaries game ,they looked vulnerable under pressure and got caught in possession for all 3 goals. If we turn up with the right attitude next week we will be fine but the trip to the Hawthorns is giving me nightmares. See you at the Ems on Saturday.
As always COYRs
It’s a brand new day, Gary Lineker is still a closit xenophobe fuckstick and Stoke fans roam the earth foaming at the mouth, dragging their knuckles behind them.
Other then that, good morning.
@63
Too good to go down……
Morning all,
It is grey and miserable here.
No, the weather, not me ๐
Heh. Funny you mention that, ‘holic, some blue sky and sunshine appeared here just a few minutes ago.
In the process of disappearing already, mind.
The weather is better around these parts ‘Holic, but I can’t go out and enjoy it since I’ve promised the missus to fix the pipes in the bathroom. Sadly, that might end in catastrophe since what lies in the pipes is not nice to look or smell at, and I am hung over as fuck. I believe that might be a bad combo.
Re: booing of Rambo by the wankers.
I’ve read on a couple of other forums, claims by the wankers that “the leg was broken before the tackle”?
WTF??
Still trying to work that one out.
2 to go. Might not matter by wednesday night, st totts day is in sight ๐
Bloody hell, the pitch at Stamford Bridge looks absolutely soaked.
Crap, 1-0 Chelsea after less than a minute.
So, what’s up for today?
Just turned on the box to watch John cunTerry and Cashley Hole v Joey Bartscum and Mark Spunkcatcher Hughes.
Yuck.
‘holic@72: Funny you should say that, describes me to a T. Nothing to do with yesterday’s result, mind. Good performance, fair result I read everywhere that’s all a fan could ask for.
Personally, having grown up under Wright, Mee, Neill and Howe and being able to remember Graham rather well, I’ve always had a soft spot for a lousy game won by a hotly disputed penalty in the 85th minute. Each to their own, I guess.
Just so that there’s no mistake, whilst I hold fond memories of games such as the above, I much prefer the football served up by the Arsenal over the past 15 years. Great football, played by great players in front of great crowds in two great stadiums. Great memories, and the legitimate prospect of a great future.
COYG CCMUED
Oxon, I need you to return the favour as I must of been asleep (or more likely inebriated) when the term CCMUED was explained.
re H2H @ 77 – i shall be making the necessary adjustments to my MENTAL matchday programme forthwith!!!
H2H. It’s never been explained. It’s derived from my remark what a shame was that LG didn’t go for “the original” CCBED rather than BMBD.
I’ve said that I’m a frustrated Barcelona ignorer rather than a hater.
As a final piece of the jigsaw, Google translate didn’t give me a good Latin translation for Manchester United.
QPR are utter pants today. 2-0 now by the racist cunt.
Chelsea have a dodgy goal going in their favour.
Wow, Chelsea have come out to play football at last.
QPR getting their arse handed to them.
I must say the thought of Joey and Mark getting relegated gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.
Cheers Oxon.
Oh dear, oh dear.
QPR are so bad they’re making Torres look like a striker.
This is ridiculous. Now QPR are even trying to score goals for Chelsea. 4-0 and not even 25 minutes played.
Time for a Wolves like comeback.
Re: NBN. Let’s hope so because at this rate Chelsea could be a danger to us even if they don’t win the CL final. They are only two behind us on goal difference, and if they win their game in hand they will only be two points behind us as well.
I reaally hope QPR go down and Bolton stay up. What is the point of them throwing points to Cunt$ki like that?
So, 6-1 at the Bus Stop so no help from QPR then. I am not expecting any help from Blackburn either, to be honest.
Great post ‘Holic.
I hope QPR get relegated, have Swansea or Norwich let 6 past them on 2 occasions this season? Nope, and so they aren’t fit to play in this League, simple as. Helped Chelsea bump up their GD as well, although Cisse has knocked it back down to +23.
And I hate Stoke, the place, the football club, their fans, the rugby club etc. Bunch of dirty incestuous cunts in my eyes, only such human beings would do Ramsey for having his leg broken by their player. Obviously lacking in Chromosomes, or maybe they all have too many. And I wish that woman behind Wenger yesterday who was giving it large could of fallen on her ugly mug, would of made my day.
Regardless, we put in a good shift yesterday, and earned a good point, not a great one especially as we could of won all 3 if Gervinho had applied himself more in front of goal, that header he missed still mystifies me till today.
Chamakh had a great game, haven’t seen him like that since we went to Ewood Park toward the beginning of the season.
Rosicky really is playing like a 29 year old, a revelation, Benayoun as well, I’m going to miss him if he goes, more reason to enjoy our last 2 games that he’ll feature in all the more ๐
Let’s face it, QPR were never likely to get anything today, and neither are Blackburn. I’ve got much more hope of some points dropped on Wednesday (at least one or both of Chelsea and Newcastle will drop points then) and that we can get to the verge of the finishing line with a win against Norwich. Still very much in our hands, and the other sides don’t have easy games left by any means.
I’m of the opinion that there’s no such thing as an easy game (especially in the run in) Sp**s have been pretty shit lately, but it all depends on which B’burn team turns up, the one who’s prepared to fight or the other bunch of anklegrabbers.
Draw on Wednesday between Chel$ki and the Barcodes is indeed the perfect result, means the Bus Stop lot can’t finish above us and limits the Geordies to 71 points ๐
A point for Blackburn today. And I will be rooting for Newcastle on wednesday. The russian cunts are far more dangerous than the Barcodes, beleive me.
Fuck ’em all.
Two wins for our glorious lads and it’s all academic.
I’m telling you Lurky, if you believe that the Russian Cunts are more dangerous than the Barcodes then a 1-1/2-2 draw is the best result for the Arsenal. Still rooting for Blackburn for a Sunday St Totteringham’s Day ๐
Rolls it in…
*Nutmegs the keeper.
Hear Hear H2H
oh yes, and I agree with your 98
Well said H2H, and get in my son! ๐
Thank you gents.
Great finish, H2H!
H2H nails the century in style!
Blackburn seem to want to compete with QPR in the “play as shit as possible” category. Ten minutes in and they have hardly been over the half-way line. 0-0, but Sp*rs have missed one empty net and had a shot off the crossbar.
@96. A draw against Chelski and the Geordies can only get 69 points.
Even better.
1-0 Sp*rs, that was just waiting to happen. Blackburn are crap so far.
Hello Holics. I am watching the spurts – they just scored…its making me ill. Blackburn are useless..
Holloway Boys we are here whao….well in H2H…
NorCalArsrenal @ 107, thanks, that, is what I mean to say heh heh. Would you believe me if I said that I only had 60 seconds to consult the table on BBC Sport and do frenzied calculations in my head? ๐
Stoke fan here… went to the game and whilst I understand the complaints about booing Ramsey I’d argue that the boos were not about him but rather the furore around the incident and our animosity towards Arsenal (and Wenger in particular).
I’d say the vast majority of Stoke fans felt sorry for Ramsey but would say the foul was late and not deliberately malicious.
It was more the venom around the incident, Wneger’s complaints linking to the Birmingham incident and saying Shawcross should be banned for eternity.. dropped form the Eng;land game… rugby football… etc…
Its worth remembeirng that as Shawcross was in tears afte the foul and Whelan was trying to comfort Ramsey, the Arsenal players were far too busy calling for a red card.
Essentially, Wenger’s whinging and whining abotu Stoke (and most things) does not endear him to anyone outside of the Emirates – even though Arsenal play great football at times.
As for the abuse to Wenger – even you must have laughed at the biggest ever Arsene impersonation…
Anyhow, glad Ramsey is back and just wanted to give you a different take.
Good luck for the rest of the season…
Pour Ollie
http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/121764/1/watch-fc-sochaux-vs-girondins-bordeaux.html
Wind,
I did the math twice and still thought I must be missing something. Let’s just win our last 2 and then I won’t care what the math is. Third is all I will care about.
Have to compliment Isoza for coming on here to express a contrary view. Wasn’t at the match so can’t comment on that. I wasn’t amused by the “mass Wenger impression”. Maybe when other managers have been pilloried for as long, and for no good reason. There again, I’ve never been complimented for my sense of humour.
Nguemo on for Jussie, scorer of the only goal of the first half in Sochaux.
Hi holics, The way I see it, not only must we win our final 2 games, we have to score plenty of goals. For example, Novara 0- Juve 4. Only good news for me today thus far. That and listening to Diaby on Twitter takeover. When asked who was the best goalkeeper he ever faced, he replied, Buffon ! Of course, our Woj will make history and surpass all the greats, in time.
Isoza @ 112, thanks for your take, nice to have a perspective from a fan of the opposing club every now and then in the bar. But still, Ramsey was booed every touch he took, it was like he was an ex-Stoke player who left under acrimonous circumstances, not somebody who did nothing but get his leg broken.
And the incident was similar to the Eduardo/Taylor/Birmingham
incident (may they get tonked by Blackpool in the play-offs), you could argue that the Arsenal players are like Wenger’s kids, and who in their right mind would want to see 2 leg breaks on two of their kids in over 3 seasons? Tears are tears, if only they also worked as a magicial salve that healed all wounds eh? I’m sure Ramsey would of been more willing to accept Shawcross’ apology then, and maybe Wenger would of been less brutal in his criticism of him.
And I might of smirked at the Wenger impression for 1/2 or a full second in disbelief, but then I started wishing terrible things upon all those doing it when it continued to happen for a sustained period of time ๐
Thanks for your Concern for Ramsey, and good luck with your last 2 games, although I doubt Stoke will need it with their league position.
PS – Your take on Delap’s towel, if you would?
NorCalArsenal @ 114, I can only agree ๐ I also care about Chelsea losing the Champions League Final, don’t you? ๐
Cheers ‘holic 113.
Only catching it now, so I’ll watch the last 30 minutes!
abb. I’ll take two 1-0 wins.
Great save by….the Sochaux defender.
Pelanty and red card.
2-0.
heh Sochaux down to 9 now.
I see I’ve picked up the stream at the right time.
..and 2 sent off ๐
They could be down to 8 soon if they carry on….
They are a tad temperamental, aren’t they?
With the emphasis on the mental ๐
They have some problems pronouncing French names on that stream, ‘holic. ๐
It’s never a good sign when this blog starts talking about furrin’ football when the Totts are playing. Come on Blackburn – it sticks in the throat slightly but I know what I mean.
Similarly, forget this “hope for a draw at the Bus Stop” bollocks. A good win for the Toon, the bigger the better; a win for Bolton on Wednesday and who gives a shit about the Manchester derby? Back us to beat Norwich and West Brom and bugger the rest of them. Up the Arsenal!
CCMUED
And at 3-0 I think it is time to return to the Lane to see if Blackburn are still playing 9-0-1…
Why Oxon? I don’t give a fuck about Spuds, I’m not watching their games.
Although I suppose your point is nobody else, who’s actually watching the Spuds is posting cheers, fair enough ๐
Wouldn’t hold my breath on Blackburn scoring, ‘holic.
Wind…
My view is that Ramsey may have accepted Shawcross’ apology if it had not been for Wenger’s brutal comments. How could he accept it and go against his manager as a young player coming into the team (and one that needed the manager on board to help with his recovery).
The booing did start as well after Shawcross styarted getting the treatment… in fact it was only the last 30 mins (post-Shawcross booing) that our crowd got going.
Wenger’s treatment – as another Arsenal fan elsewhere said – if you call another team a rugby team (and I can see the humour in Wenger’s comment) then you are going to get some attention. Wenger has spoken very badly about us every time we have played – you might agree but if Redknapp spoke about you lot in the same way you’d be going crazy…
As for the towel….. the Delap throws aren’t rewally working anymore and his replacement – Shotton – is awful… They helped get us established but when our two wingers are flying we don’t need them as much – though they’ve not been great this season. We probably would use them more against a team like Arsenal as we know it will rattle them more than most.
Ironic that De Matteo is a master tactician when he plays like Stoke… when we do it we’re pilloried. It is getting better football-wise here – though in a trough at the moment – and now we are a bit more established we might be able to build a team of flowing kids like Arsenal… Woudl like that… but would still want our grit to stay…
Spineless. They’ve taken the Yak off and the LWC’s have scored a second.
Back to Sochaux.
Ah well that’s it then..game over )0;
Well Oxon, Spurs 2 up. Now can we go back to foreign futbol (sighing).
Dunne ducked that free kick. Put his head right under his arm to stop the ball hitting him. FFS!
Ollie@131, they could probably play until next Friday and Blackburn would still not score.
From the comments I’ve read, I’m not too surprised, Lars.
Cunts.
Holic @ 129 Funny.
Isoza @ 132: Accepting the reasons for Wenger’s abuse…why would you say are the reasons for Ramsey’s?
To be honest though Ollie, the results today were only to be expected. It’s still up to us to win our two games so we won’t have to give two hoots about what other teams do.
Ollie, whilst I generally agree that the best way to deal with that shower is to try to ignore them, for reasons that we all know and deplore what happens to them actually affects us and I’d rather we focussed on stuff that matters. I fear for some here who appear to have forgotten that by dint of huge effort from the team we’ve got it in our own hands, we don’t need favours from other teams but should should accept any that come our way.
I see that Blackburn have shipped another which is a shame. I want to see the Shower’s season disintegrate completely. I want to see them out of Europe altogether, ‘Arry move on to another job – preferrably not England about whom I still care vaguely – and all their decent players leave.
COYG CCMUED
Fair points Isoza, thanks for your honest answers. I can assure you that the majority of people on this site don’t regard Di Matteo as a master tactician, regardless of the London Rivalry between Arsenal & Chelsea. In fact, I’m certain that everyone on here would believe it to be a travesty for Chelsea to beat Bayern Munich & win the Champions League with such negative football, having put out Barcelona (generally a team of cunts, but they still play flowing Beautiful Football) with the same brand of all behind the ball and attack on the break.
Don’t think that Ramsey would of accepted Shawcross’ apology or referenced it in his statement regardless of Wenger’s comments, even if there was no malice, it was still a very poorly executed tackle. I personally wouldn’t of accepted it, don’t think you would of if you was in Ramsey’s shoes a second before impact, but to each his own opinion I guess.
* what would you say…(caught between two thoughts,,)
http://anotherarsenalblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/bbc-and-lineker-sink-to-new-lows.html/
Make your own minds up I guess…
Screw this, I’m switching to the Swedish football that’s also on tv. It’s crap, but at least I don’t have to care who scores against who.
Wind @118
My thought in Chelski are this: if they get up to 4th then I hope they lose the FA and CL finals. If the mighty toons make it to 4th then I still hope they lose both cups. If the tiny tater-tots end in 4th then I hope they win the CL.
I think if the tots don’t get CL again then they may lose a fair amount of their players. And they dont have the financial resources to just spend to offset it.
Chelski can still spend without CL money and people will give them the benefit of the doubt that it was just a one year miss. Their core is getting old and they will need to rebuild anyway. I am not too impressed with most of their recent purchases, except for Mata. Luiz, Torres and Cahill don’t impress me all that much. Sturridge has potential but seems to only care every 3-4 games.
That said Torres looked lively today and Sturridge scored too. They will be dangerous no matter what.
And I hate to praise a tot but that was a nice free kick by Walker.
Bordeaux down to 10…..through injury.
(In full pedantry mode. Something to behold, I assure you.)
Wind’s link above should be http://anotherarsenalblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/bbc-and-lineker-sink-to-new-lows.html. Note lack of trailing “/”. Makes all the differemce…
Chelsea could still end up 3rd.. Especially now that their goal difference has caught up.
Battle for relegation, with most teams at the bottom except from the one last losing is going to be massive in France.
Auxerre who looked dead and buried are now only 3 points behind the team in 17th.
There’s 8 teams still in that, although mathematically you can say there are even more and Marseille themselves aren’t safe yet.
Goal difference, schmoal difference.
Win the last two and they can score another hundred goals. We’ll still be third.
What was the final score, Ollie? I just had dinner. :-p
Hear hear ‘holic. No team from Fulham will make 3rd this season. They won’t get sufficient points. End of.
COYG CCMUED
3-0 ‘holic
Brest lost, Nice lost, Dijon lost, Ajaccio lost, Sochaux lost and Auxerre won. Caen drew.
Apology???
This the same player who tackled Adebayor when the ball was already out of play.
How is that not being a dirty cunt?
Ollie at 150. Chelski have 61 points with 3 to play. Max total 70. Our max total is 72. Need to win next 2 but I have faith.
Norwich is just going through the motions right now. An early goal ( for us this time) and we will roll them at the emirates.
WBA is safe and thinking about the summer off. It’s a little trickier but I think our focus will see us past them.
Anyway……. AR-SEN-AL.
And it was malicious if Pulis sends his team to get stuck in and kick Arsenal around as Fuller would say.
I’ve no problem with getting stuck in and I loved Kos doing the same yesterday but “kicking around” is a total disregard to the rule book by Pulis, his players, and the referees.
Basically Snir, everything considered, I think Foy’s first decision was the most crucial of the day, and thankfully he got it right by booking Whitehead.
Ollie, Don’t follow Ligue 1. But what you raise @ 150 and Holic @ 152, leaves me bemuddled. Yes I’ve done the math.
Ollie@160: good point.
The Spuds will find things a lot tougher on Wednesday I’m sure, as will a certain other London team. And if not, I’m confident we can take that giant stride forward on Saturday anyway!
Isoza: You will always get a fair hearing in this bar. What connects us is that we are all supporters who love our teams and we are all biased! So we can understand your point of view as being biased.We really don’t like Stoke nor your manager – and from all indications, you lot don’t like us! That’s how its going to be forever. So see you at the Grove next season for your annual football lesson eh…we look forward to hearing from you then (0;
Wind… loved the Barcelona reference… “generally a team of cunts, but they still play flowing Beautiful Football”… your words but I would say what they are what a lot of people would say about Arsenal.
Definitely agree that Whitehead’s booking was fair – though late more than anything else. Think it worked out 2 booking to 1 for Arsenal – the Stoke chat of “He didn’t see that…” sums up why Stoke fans get on Wenger’s back.
Thought Song looked really good yesterday – got booked but looked tough and with far more skill than our central pair.
Enjoyed the game – especially 2nd half – but disagree over Chelsea. Though they played well to beat Barca, showed Barca had one plan – a bit like playing Arsenal. Remember once Wenger complaining that Koeman’s Ajax defended to deep against Arsenal, and Koeman replying along the lines of Wenger’s right – we should have opened up against one of the best counter-attacking teams in the world and get stuffed 5-0.
Takes all sorts and good to see the ‘unbeatables’ beaten… and how can anyone not be happy seeing them get to the final and Terry miss out… there is a God…
Isoza – your last sentence really hit the spot. You can be assured of a warmish welcome here whenever you choose to return.
Fellow gunners, please try to avoid maths for the rest of the season. The task is simple: win two remaining games. Do we play against top sides. No. Do we play against teams who need something from those games. No. Do we play against teams who can hurt us. Yes.
If we do not win against Norwich and WBA, then we do not reserve to be 3rd. And shit like that happened in the past.
We had 3 beautifull chances to finish the season already against Wigan, QPR, and Chelsea B-side, we did not take them. Why? I do not know. But please God, tell me that wasn’t because of Arteta absence, because if it was we are doomed.
About the run-in, we cannot really have any excuse for not winning two games against two mid-table teams. Let us assume that we are fighting for the Championship next year, and find ourselves in the same position target wise, there cannot be any question of any lapse or depending on others to draw blank. We must learn to come to grips with these types of tense must-win targets, which is a an aspect of our performances over the last few years that we have faltered in. I think the last two matches would show how much of the improvement in mental fortitude and desire and discipline that we have been congratulating ourselves lately will stand true test of pressure. I am cautiously optimistic and I think if we stay disciplined — not the kind of naivetรฉ displayed against Wigan early on — and commit to the pressing game we will find enough quality to win.
About the Stoke fans presenting the perspective of the other side, Arsene really has never denigrated Stoke for playing long-ball defensive tactics. Just listen to his post-match interviews. His previous comments about the ‘rugby style’ was to do with the violent and often illegal physicality of Stoke’s efforts. Of course players do not break opposition players’ legs with intent or malice. But it is the overall attitude about dangerous tackles and trying to play purely through physical domination is what surely must be considered anti-football. And as Swansea, Norwich, Wigan and to some extent Blackpool last season demonstrated, a team can stay up and be moderately successful without having to rely on an approach that not only takes all the joys of watching football but makes it decidedly more dangerous for the opposition players.
Excellent post, Faustus.
lurky: we had those chances, but then again so can other teams say. There’s not much point right now in looking back, all we can do is focus on what we can affect, i.e. the games we have yet to play beginning with Norwich at home on Saturday.
Oh, and I forgot to add pretty much what zico said@169 – excellent post, Doctor Faustus.
Good report ‘Holic – leaves little to add, as usual, and unfortunately no time to back-drink.
However, from the Sky highlights I have seen I thought Aaron Ramsey looked sharper and more positive yesterday. Well done him.
Hopefully, the pathetic booing and whistling directed at him had the opposite effect to that hoped for by the massed morons of surely the most detestable club in the Premier League.
How dare a young man get his own leg smashed in half by an unapologetic repeat offender and then have the temerity not to apologise to him for being so careless.
The pictures of the Stoke “fans” on television really render any further description of them redundant.
At least Hansen of all people had the decency to condemn their abuse, while Lineker giggled at their hilarious attempt to mock a manager who at least found the good grace to credit their neanderthal team for their performance.
MoTD is becoming a poor excuse for a football program indeed.
Btw, credit to Diaby for more good touches when he came on, and to the whole team for plenty of fight at a wholly depressing venue.
Faustus, on Doctor’s orders, I am restricted to 2 “Hear hear”‘s per day. That’s the only reason you don’t get one. I agree with every word of yours @168.
COYG CCMUED
Lonestart, H2H. I’m really getting into this Latin stuff. CCMUED, but CCVSE. (Confido Calcaria voluntatem sui exstinguo – I am confident Spurs will self destruct. Enough elitist crap. Sorry. I’ll knock it on the head now.)
Hell, that’s Lonestar. Must proof-read before I submit.
Another “Hear,hear” for Faustus.
To a large extent, our ability to win these last two games this season, and the effect that would have on us signing and retaining players in the summer, could determine the likelihood of us winning the title next season.
Two wins against mid-table opposition to guarantee Champions League football. We have to be able to do that.
I remember Tony Adams saying that if you beat the bottom ten teams home and away (60 points), you are almost certain to pick up enough points against the rest to win the title.
So even as practice for next season, Norwich and West Brom are must wins.
Congrats to Norwich, by the way, for what they have achieved this season, and the way they have done it.
Random thought – Dean “Whitehead” . . .
Isn’t a Whitehead a pimple which is struggling to contain the pus that is trying to burst through it’s surface ?
Just thought . . . . .
Woy for England? Why not?
Woy not? Anything to keep Redknapp with the Spuds, I’d say ๐
The Spuds fans will be totally delighted I’m sure, Trev.
We want you to stay, we want you to stay, Harry Redknapp, we want you to stay.
both Man City and Man U chief scouts sitting side by side in Lille tonight apparently.
NorCalArsenal @ 147, I agree about the Mata Point, haven’t seen the Walker free kick but I wonder if Bale’s bricking it as of late ๐ and I don’t want Chelsea to win the CL even if it means the Lilly White Cunts get back into it, Arsenal will be the first team from London to win it, righting 2006’s wrongs ๐
@ 158, well said mate ๐
Oxon @ 149, thanks mate. Most times I don’t use the / and then the link doesn’t become red and hardly anyone goes on it, didn’t consider the use of a dot ๐ณ
GT @ 164, heh ๐
Isoza @ 165, to each his own I say ๐
And heh at the last line, I’d love to see him try to make a grab for the trophy when Bayern are going up the stairs to lift it after their celebrations at the Allanz Arena but get knocked back and fall on his arse down the stairs ๐
Oxon @ 166, agreed.
Lurky @ 167, I’ll try to avoid it, although its nice to know when the rabble below us can’t finish above us, especially in the case of a team from down in N17… ๐
Doctor Faustus @ 168, very well said I have to concur.
Trev @ 176, thanks for that Tony Adams quote, never heard it before to be honest ๐
We can beat Norwich at Home and West Bromich Albion Away.
We’re the Arsenal ๐
Trev: โTwo wins against mid-table opposition to guarantee Champions League football. We have to be able to do that.โ
I really hope your right my friend. I think many people have been working out the differing mathematical permutations but I canโt help but feel that we should have long been out of sight for some time now.
Faustus raises the point about having the right mental fortitude โ and while, for example, I could agree with that sentiment when I watched the game against QPR (where I thought we approached the game with the wrong attitude), I couldnโt agree with that sentiment looking at the Wigan game, where apart from being naรฏve in conceding 2 goals โ we were just not good enough to break down their defense.
And Faustus touches upon a point which has been the story of the season for me โ when he talks about making the pressing game count in the last two games. We have gone from playing possession football โ to a more defensive style of putting pressure on the ball. That is not to be critical of the midfield per se, we have done as well as we could โ but it has resulted in a lack of possession football which has always been a hallmark of our game and this has also caused a shortfall in creativity. Without RVP, we would not be where we find ourselves today. And given recent results, the reason weโre still in the top four has more to do with how other teams have slipped than any sense of stellar mental fortitude on our behalf.
However Faustus, I hope you donโt mind me saying that I think itโs a pretty big assumption to think that we will compete for the championship next season when we have lost 10 games this season. We have two games left to qualify for the CL (and maybe Iโm alone in my thinking) but I would be taking nothing for granted given what weโve seen in recent games.
Thanks GT, zico, Wind, Trev, Oxon Gooner. ๐
Joe @ 184, I don’t think there is any contradiction between possession football and pressing game. If anything, they complement each other. You cannot surely have 100% possession, the key is when the team loses the possession a pressing game far up the pitch is the perfect way to take back the control of the game. We still have out-possessed the opposition in most matches, home or away, and even when we were second best in terms of that we found ways to get results. The Dortmund away game comes to mind, or for that matter the win against Liverpool. I think those types of performances and results are ineluctable part of any title winning team.
I actually think without proper pressing when we don’t have the ball, a pure possession based game is ineffective in the long run, and always vulnerable against teams that have perfected the counter-attacking styles, as we had found out to our detriment in the last few seasons.
About the Championship next year, it is actually not that far fetched a target. If you look at our performance after the debacle of the first couple of months, and once the team had started to gel, we are not that far behind Man U. and City.
But I absolutely agree with you though that we need some creative reinforcements. And that includes another creative midfielder who can also play down the wings, especially given that we don’t really know at all where we will stand with Jack and Diaby next year. This in addition to Podolski (assuming it is all confirmed) and M’villa/Vertonghen, preferably Vertonghen because of his versatility, and one more striker who can too play on the wings (Chamakh and Park might both be leaving).
However, I don’t at all buy into this ‘where will we be without RVP?’ type of brooding introspection. Does Barca think ‘where would we be without Messi?’. Did we in our title-winning seasons think ‘where would we be without Dennis or Henri?’? RVP’s spectacular season for us is not an accident. RVP’s success for Arsenal is not an accident, not a result of some lucky acquisition of big money luxury purchase. It is a culmination of long years of mutual trust and respect and Arsene’s judgment, guidance and encouragement. RVP’s success is also Arsenal’s success, and the success of the team.
I donn’t understand it. I turn my back for a few minutes and Dr Faustus is back spouting more good sense.
Keep it up good Sir, and congratulations for not suggesting that one of the reasons for RVP’s spectacular season in a pact with the devil.
(Sorry, couldn’t resist it myself.)
God man, learn to type!
I donโt understand it. I turn my back for a few minutes and Dr Faustus is back spouting more good sense.
Keep it up good Sir, and congratulations for not suggesting that one of the reasons for RVPโs spectacular season is a pact with the devil.
(Sorry, couldnโt resist it myself.)
Dr Faustus @ 185. Totally agree.
Where would any team be without…
Always an interesting argument that I don’t get. It is always one of those: ” but if blah blah didn’t happen then so and so would have.”
As for RVP, he has been in form for the better part of 18 months. This obviously benefits us. No sh.t.
Also, in our system we rely on a single striker. It is his job to score and the teams job to set him up. I would argue that if in the past we were set up and playing because we were built around a certain Spanish chap, this year we are built around and play to the strengths of Robin.
I think that may explain our drop off when someone else plays up top.
Next year we need someone to play a similar style as Robin or need to maybe switch tactics when Robin is not up top.
Just my thoughts.
Doctor Faustus – Did you hack my computer and write exactly what I think?
Ollie @160 – In my @159 I meant in general and that’s why AW criticizes that baseball cap wearing cunt.
This is HILARIOUS!!!!
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/tottenham-harry-redknapp-overlooked-for-england-811840
LOL!!!!!!!!!!
Doctor Faustus @ 185, do you have the Philosopher’s Stonne by any chance? All you write turns to Gold ๐
Snir @ 189, That’s the same cunt that’s on Match of the Day tonight ๐ First the Lineker debacle, now this, no words.
Dr F is right that the point of pressing is to recover the ball as quickly as possible after losing it so another phase of possession can begin. To criticise a team for having a 30-goal striker is just nuts, as if we’d be a better team if RvP was only scoring 20 a season.
Harry not for St. George? He’s dodged a bullet. Think what the red tops would do to him once England fail yet again in a major championship. I just don’t know why anyone would manage a national team if they didn’t have to.
We’ve only been a few percentage points off having a title-wining team for several seasons now. One or two signings, assuming they are more Arteta and less Park, would be enough to make us contenders. The current team has shown it can beat the best, not just in the Premiership, but in Europe, too. Its weakness is that it can’t do it consistently and it loses far too many games against so-called weaker teams.
Some random thoughts (not about math, praise god). Dr Faustus @ 185, re possession v pressing game, brilliant. Now about our lads attitude. They showed conviction and gumption against Stoke, no doubt how much they wanted that win. It is our finishing that needs some tweaking, imho. And be wary of conceding very early goals. As for Chelsea, they must not raise the Champion’s League Cup, as I have always wanted Arsenal to do the honours.
Hopefully all this Hodgson business leads to West Brom being somewhat distracted two weeks from now!
Thank you Doctor Faustus and Joe for adding to some superb drinks today. It has been a pleasure to take in your views.
Faustus,
You are of course right in what you say with respect to possession and pressure games not being mutually exclusive of each other. Of course they compliment each other. The point (that I wished I hade made more clearly) was that I believe that this mix has changed this season in a very obvious way from where I sit.
Iโm very happy with the pressing game. Its something we should have employed more forcefully and frequently this season and indeed past ones. But as a creative unit, I believe our midfield are not as effective as previous seasons. I donโt think we retain possession with the same degree of comfort or efficiency. I believe we waste a lot of possession and miss a lot of passes. Nor has midfield contributed in the same way on the goal scoring front. Of course, we have reconstructed midfield and not necessarily by choice either, given the absences of both Cesc and JW. So in this context, a little patience & understanding is required.
I fully concur with the point you make on Counter attacking and how we have suffered in the past, but I still find myself disagreeing with you on the contention that we can realistically count ourselves as potential championship material next season based on what weโve seen this season. While I am largely happy with our defensive performance this season, (considering that weโve added PM, TV (who was injured all of last season), Gibbs/Santos, Chesney & Arteta at DCM) we are still a long way short of being a honed and slick operation.
Over the past few weeks weโve been beaten by teams at the bottom half of the league, when we really needed results. Here we are with two games to go and we still need results. We have lost 10 games this season, 5 of those losses have come in 2012 and that tells its own story. I donโt rate Man Citeh and I think it could well be the worst Man Utd side that I have ever seen win the league (if they get a result tomorrow).
My point about RVP is not in any way intended to be interpreted as โbrooding introspectionโ. I just think itโs a fair and pretty factual statement to say RVP has largely carried the goal scoring responsibility for us this season. There has been little or no contribution from the wings or midfield. Isnโt TV our second highest scorer?
And, for the record, I say these things as someone who has long been a supporter of Wengers management and judgement.
Doctor Faustus @185 – great post.
abb @194 –
good grief, you could be onto something here. You know, if we could just stop conceding goals and convert all our chances . . . . have you spoken to Arsene ?
Sorry abb, but I missed FFF and . . . well, you know ๐
Joe –
good stuff from you too. I think I agree with you and Faustus – rather partial to a splinter or two.
I do think the signs for next season are good, but clearly we must strengthen the squad.
We have lost far too many games this season, but that was due to the chaotic start to the season and latterly, I think, the inability to rotate due to injury and lack of quality among too many of the back up players.
All rumours would suggest that these matters have not gone unnoticed, and a couple of shrewd signings and a little better luck with injuries – it must happen one season, surely – could see us right up there.
I totally accept what you say about mental fortitude, but I do think fatigue has played it’s part in the last few weeks.
And he tickles it…
Trev, You do have that certain ‘something’, touche!
NBN @ 192/193, good points. I don’t know if we need a playmaker in the middle of the park considering that we haven’t had Jack all season, but he’ll quite possibly be playing like Ramsey after 10 months out… ๐
What I’m sure of is that we need versatile players like Vertonghen who can cover multiple positions (DM/LB) for next season for sure.
Toby @ 200, well ticked mate ๐
Hi Trev,
I’d agree with that assessment. We have been over reliant on some core players – and hopefully we can rectify that.
Y’know what really impresses me is that we have some great quality coming through the ranks as well. I really think Coq is going to be a great player. And for all my comments on midfield, I think Ramsey is going to be special too.
I am also buoyed by the link to M’Vila. I really hope we sign this player. While I havn’t seen him play very much, but what I have seen of him is impressive. He is a highly technical one-touch defensive midfield player. His positioning, passing, distribution and ball retention are impressive. When you consider his age – he has all the marks of a typical Wenger signing and a really great player. I hope we get him.
And of course we need a back up striker to RVP. But equally, we need the wingers and midfield to step up and take responsibility to score.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2136870/Gary-Lineker-does-Arsene-Wenger-impression-Video.html
He is supposed to be impartial in his job and not pick on one particular manager. I don’t think he would attempt to do a fergie or a Rednapp, Wenger is french so its OK to mock him on a national TV. It was not funny and tasteless. Will the BBC finally stop throwing the licence fee’s money at these idiots. Someone need to put him in his place
The problem with pressing is that it does not always work. Neither does fouling, which causes the referee to give the ball back to the other team. Song wins the ball most of the time but we need more pressers, and not the Chinese laundry kind. ๐
Wenger’s Coat @ 205, care to make a complaint to the BBC? See Oxon Gooner’s 149 and note that the time that the incident occurs is probably around 23:54 as the complaint form asks about it.
Fuck this Barcelona side show. What we really need to focus on is the complete, utter and near total (CUNT, for those who are keeping track) destruction of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.
CUNTDOTHFC.
Joe, I agree with you about the quality of Man City and Man U. being not that great. Absolutely. I think the overall quality — real quality, and I know many wouldn’t agree with me, but quality of the top teams when compared to say the top teams in the early 2000s — of PL has decreased in recent years and based on the recent trend may not be improving back that rapidly.
As Trev mentioned, and as I mentioned previously, I agree with you that we need a few high quality signings in the key positions. But once they are added, I do not see why we can’t target and achieve the Championship. Our key problems now are the squad strength and hence inability to rotate key positions, and also to find additional creative outlets when the few regular variations do not work. With smart acquisitions, combined with promoting from within whenever necessary these problems can be addressed, I don’t see what we would lack to become the PL champions.
About RVP and goal scoring, it is not TV5 but Theo is the next highest goal scorer this season. He has 11 goals and 13 assists, I believe. A good statistics for wingers in PL, but not exceptional. I think TV5 has 6, Arteta 6 and Gervinho 4. Would it be too optimistic to expect Gervinho — who was I believe Lille’s top goal scorer in their double winning season — to find his scoring boots next year? Or Arteta to find more goals now that he will be more comfortable and familiar? Or Ramsey who has been getting into good positions but missing chances to fulfill the promises he always had? TR7 is getting back to the player he used to be, who can say he will not eventually found that goal-scoring streak as well?
I know these are optimistic thinking, but doesn’t football as a performance sport depend a lot on optimistic thinking — coupled with pragmatism and planning, of course — about the potential of your team? All these may happen, but may not. Strange catastrophe may befall our beloved team, hopefully not. However, if we add support in key positions to inspire, encourage, provide competition as well as necessary respite to the existing core of talents, what would we lack in terms of potential to win?
BTW, I fully agree with your comments on Coquelin. An excellent versatile, technical player with poise and skills.
Faustus – I think I’ve finally found my alter ego in this bar.
It’s you.
We think exactly the same.
Just like Tabs and Wolfie think the same ๐
Poldi’s goal at the weekend was sublime.
Absolutely beautiful.
A wonderful set of drinks from Dr Faustus, Joe & Trev. I enjoyed the possession v pressing discussion and I believe that we can all agree that they are complementary to each other. But the pressing game is very energy consuming and is not always necessary so we will have to learn to use it judiciously next season. With regards to our possession game, I believe that it only works well when we move the ball quickly coupled with good movement in and around the box when we get there. On too many occasions this season (Wigan comes to mind) we dilly-dally far too much and allow the opposition to regroup or we seem content (or lack ideas) to pass the ball side-ways in front of two lines of defenders. We need to use the diagonal pass better (Pat Rice was a past master of this type of cross into the far post where big Frank Stapleton would always be available)…what I am saying is that we don’t have to always be trying to beat the wing/fullbacks to the byline! We can hit a diagonal and have almost the same effect. When teams park the bus we need to attack them by hitting shots hard into their box – we have to have players in there anticipating rebounds. If our wingers do not have the beating of their defense then we need to lob balls into the heart of their back-line and have players prepared to feed off their mistakes..
All things considered though I believe that this team has shown that it has more variety to its game over the last two incarnations of the team. We have seen a more direct style of play at times; we have seen the pressing game; we have also seen the return of the swift counter. Our problem has been consistency. This I am sure will improve next season as the new players will have had a season under their belt.
I am confident that Le Boss will buy a few decent players in the summer. The problem though will be getting rid of our deadwood. I also anticipate that we will see an improvement in our injures as the recent investment in our state-of-art medical facilities come into its own. I am looking forward to next season already..
Morning All!
Fine posts Dr.Faustus.
I expected the cr*p results yesterday as it’s unrealistic to hope for fits of uncontrollable laughter every time our neighbours and rivals play. We’re still firmly in the driving seat for third and at this stage, I think that’s all that really matters.
Brilliant news re: the ‘Engerland Managa’. Woy is a fine weplacement for Fabio and way supewior to Awwy Wedknapp.
The reaction from many LWCs has supplemented the need laugh at them in the absence of them dropping points this weekend.
Have a great day ‘Holics, the rain has stopped ๐
“Have a great day ‘Holics, the rain has stopped”
See?
Right there.
All you need to know about how delusional some on this site can be.
It’s pissing down.
Moggies and Hounds.
And its Monday. ๐
limbering up for Naaaaarrrrrrricch already – too soon!?!
Trev, Faustus, Joe and others – very interesting posts all round. One point about the goal-scoring is that while RvP has of course done the most work and that no other player has come near him, it is well worth noting that no other team in the league has more scorers than we have. Almost all our players with fairly regular playing-time has chipped in with at least one goal each. It is pretty much only Mertesacker who has not scored at least once. You might count Jenkinson and Djourou as well but that would be stretching it, they haven’t played that much.
As far as Roy Hodgson goes, I don’t think it will affect WBA in any negative way for the last two games. If anything it will probably make the team play better because they will want to finish well for him. Expect them to incredibly up for it in the last game.
Wenger’s coat: Can’t say I am too bothered by what Gary Linker did. I actually took it as just as much a comment on the Stoke fans (it did look rather ridiculous when thousands of neanderthals were waving their arms about and showing their complete lack of class and understanding of the world outside their caves) and contrary to what many say, Lineker has done similar things to other managers before like, for example, when he did a Martin Jol impersonation that took the mickey out of Jol’s rather peculiarly hoarse voice just a few weeks ago. Funny? Not very, I think they would be better off not feeling that they must be funny every time and instead make a joke when the opportunity arises but I honestly can’t say I was very offended by what happened on Saturday. My reaction was basically “well, that joke fell rather flat, didn’t it?” and that was it for me.
On the subject of Gary Lineker, I’m all ears.
howdy ‘holic
howzabout this for your summer ‘hols
.
you get to birth your own batch
then
like a proud father
take the little barrel of joy home to mature
.
http://www.lochewedistillery.co.uk/distillery.htm
Got the Arse email this morning to renew and that – think i might be more inclined to do it that bit quicker if they stopped referring to me as a “red member” – just a thought…
Lars @ 216
Cheers for, great perspective on Lineker/Wenger ‘incident’. I remember feeling miffed when I watched it on Sat night but your view above is spot on. Something to laugh-off and forget. We have bigger fish to fry for sure.
I think you’re right re: WBA too. They will want to give him a big send-off and every team wants to win their last match of the season.
Dr.z @ #214
May the cats and dogs in your kingdom light up your life ๐
Edwin,
If it’s raining in Londinium on Saturday, expect a vote of No-Confidence. ๐
Heh! 3 points is all that matters Dr.F and Edwin will give you a great big kiss in person if we win (you read it here first ‘Holics).
Oops pardon – re-read email, they actually say ‘red level member’…how comes dey knows sooo much, dem crazzzy marketing catz!!!
Afterthought: maybe we should all do Stephen Fry and Delia impersonations on Saturday?
Boilk.
Back drinking just beginning. Looks like good stuff.
Zico @71. Is that what Roxette tells you?? ๐
And of course i paid up pronto just to stop a potentially endless flow of emails that others who know me could clock…Aaaahhhhh!!!!! i get it – hats orf the Bs & Gs in marketing. Well, if my promptly paid pound notes go straight into the Poldi fund i’m game.
Up The Arse!
Heh Dr C.
Roxette tells me lots of things.
But do I listen?
Doctor Faustus @ 209, from your very first drinks, there was something special about you ๐ Top Quality mate *thumbs up*
@ 223
I shall travel incognito ๐
@230
With cognito’s permission?
heh AL
We need 6 points out of 6? Yes but we’ve only just managed 2 points out of 9! The situation is still fairly critical..
Heh TS ๐
ARSENAL PREMIER LEAGUE GOALSCORERS THIS SEASON
Robin van Persie โ 28
Theo Walcott โ 8
Mikel Arteta โ 6
Thomas Vermaelen โ 6
Gervinho โ 4
Aaron Ramsey โ 2
Alex Oxlade-Chamblerlain โ 2
Thierry Henry โ 2
Yossi Benayoun โ 2
Alex Song โ 1
Andre Arshavin โ 1
Andre Santos โ 1
Bacary Sagna โ 1
Kieran Gibbs โ 1
Laurent Koscielny โ 1
Marouane Chamakh โ 1
Tomas Rosicky โ 1
This… is quite worrying. Podolski & M.Suarez/Oliver Giroud for the 2012/2013 season needed up front. Other than the King of Highbury, 1 League Goal between our other 2 Strikers is very poor, the Captain can’t do it alone, especially with a lack of support from a depleted midfield.
The situation only becomes critical if it’s no longer in our hands.
I don’t like the word “critical”
I think we are in need of music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oig8z4HvBL8
Wind @ #235.
But what a goal by Mrs. Chamakh ๐
Arsene has been talking of the very same thing re: us being an over-Reliant Robin (thanks Bloggs) this morning.
Then we’re critically close to a critical situation!
@ #237
T*ttenham – I positively loathe that word.
Heh again True Storey ๐
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpnkokAJG60 = Stoke.
And TONY PULIS = I SLUT PONY probably fucks horses an’ all ๐
Gary Linker = Leaky Ringer
Alan Shearer = A Leaner Rash
Alan Hansen = Scottish Twat
heh
You about on Saturday, zico?
Certainly am Ollie – you spotted the ticket on Xchange for me, remember?
OK boys,
Which one of you provoked this?
Pedro April 30, 2012 09:30:20
Hitman, you can fuck off to another site if that bores you.
Twatโฆ
Obviously Hitman cannot have an opinion ๐
Make of this what you will ‘Holics. Tranquilizers for His Snirness may be required? ๐
https://www.facebook.com/LukasPodolski/posts/435798846431437
The HT MkII rumbles on….
That is tonight’s post sorted.
Welcome Poldi.
Cue renewed van Persie speculation by the lazy.
That bit of business early enough for the BBB?
‘Holic
If you also believe it then that’s as good as a Pravda announcement for me ๐
Cheeky quarter millenium by the way…. ๐
….albeit self assisted.
“Make of it what you will….”
German, mostly.
Panic buy by Wenger is clear admission that RVPs contract expires after next season.
Arsenal manager provoked into buying early rather than waiting to see who looks good in a four game summer tournament. He also misses the opportunity to buy the same player for twice the price when a bidding war starts. So denying us more headlines.
Doubts persist over the pedigree of the 26 year old capped 95 times for international minnows Germany
Jah! Ausgezeichnet!
Another player we’ll lose to the African Cup of Nat…
…Pardon?
Oh, he’s not.
Sorry.
Good point at 246, Dr Z! ;$
Heh MT
Guten Tag Gooners ! So looking forward to next season, when our lads win the CL. But we must win the next 2 games gloriously (plenty of goalasos)! And to do that we must tweak our finishing and be very wary of conceding those EARLY goals. Ha, Ha!
Confirmed on the Cologne web site. Looks a great bit of business to me.
‘The Football Association have taken the astonishing decision to approach Roy Hodgson to become the next England manager, ignoring widespread calls for Harry Redknapp to succeed Fabio Capello,’ write Charles Sale and Matt Lawton, presumably pooling their collective fury and typing alternate words.
Good start on Mediawatch today. That made me laugh.
A Ski Skul Loopd?
Wow. Tim Payton really is a glass half full kind of guy! Already asking on twitter about why Podolski didn’t work out at Bayern and whether he can perform away from his home club.
….and, Unfollow!
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh – i go to sleep at night with MY EVERYFINK CROSSED hoping that I’ll dream about PEDO calling me a TWAT. Sadly him/some of his more moronic minions – SOMEWHAT INSULTING – said I was one of those nasty-mean “piss-taking *intelligentectual types” who only came over to their happy nest of fervent, heartfelt, thought-threw (up!?! hey, hey – gettit!!!) Arse debate – to have a pop at them – the bunch o’ cuntz/innocent wee souls. That was before they started blocking me and putting up other stuff in my name – the even BIGGER bunch o’ cuntz/innocent wee souls!!!
Now, I’m not telling this mini-tale, ‘holics, in an attempt to give meself some sort o’ saddo self-aggrandizing side – oh no – that’s only part of it!!! As anyone on HEAR who’s MET ME in the TOLLIE will gladly tell yous (for the price of a pint that i’ll happily buy them at a later date), that LeGrim’s deafintion of moi was indeed bang on the money – I am an “intelligentectual” … It’s true i tell yer – go on ask me almost anythink. AND i drink keeping-it-real ale, and i only flick through The Sun when i think no-one’s looking (for the sports related gossip – perlease!!!) AND i have been known to smoke a pipe…when it’s offered – AND i was brought up on a large sprawling estate with grounds and all of that – so there!
*a spot of poetic licence was indeed indulged in at that particuuulaaaar point
Off now for a long stroll and some deep thunking…
Hahaha LeG Rash, you intelligentectual you ๐
The key to not unfollowing people, Dr C, is to not follow this sort of people ๐
heh LegR
LU-LU-LU-LUKAS PODOLSKI!
Great news, and, I hope, a so-called “statement of intent”. A very good start to the transfer business. The fact that he signs without being assured of CL football probably also shows that he is ready to work for his rewards. Just the kind of player I want us to get, in other words.
Ollie.
Profound. ๐
It’s a wonderful day here in Stockholm and my apartment is hot as fuck. I’m just about to make some sauces for this nights BBQ, got loads of vino and beer ready, and then Podi signs. Perfect.
Lars, and I really do agree with the CL point, but at the same time, Kรถln is at the moment in a play off spot to be relegated so I guess a move to a bigger club even if he is to miss out on CL for a year or two is still a good move for him. But then again, he might well have held out for a move to another club, so still a very good sign.
Another good thing about Podi is that I think he is quite well liked as a person. Apparently he had a bit of hubris a few years back but his experiences with Bayern and the recent troubles of Kรถln might well have made him into the player we need, skilled, humble yet with an edge and a belief in himself. Above all, he is a goal scorer and hopefully he will find his feet quickly in the team. No pressure, lad! Do your best, play with your heart on the sleeve and we’ll give you enough chances for you to succeed!
Great news on the Podolski signing…… let’s things keep moving and get all of the business done early before deadline day…
MT @ 255 great post..
Leg Rash don’t dumb the posts down, some of the boys in the bar still need educating..
Catalan – why were you still following him after I told you what he’s like?!?
I have a theory why Poldi found it hard at Bayern but I’ll wait till I get home to post it.
great news on Podolski
@ meedja tosspot
ha ha ha
Podolski!
Am I just reading too much or would the timing of this signing actually help energize — if anything, the team needs a bit more push and inspiration for the last two matches — the tired legs and minds a little bit more for two crucial games?
Expecting a late burst of goals from RVP.
Dr.C, Ollie
You may enjoy this article. This blog is as close to the attitiude/humour of ‘the bar’ without being ‘the bar’ that I have read…
http://heblogswhenhewantsto.wordpress.com/
Scroll down to ‘The Cast of the Summer of Weasels’. There’s a bit at the end re: Mr.Payton. Actually, it’s all a good read IMO but judge for yourself.
Snir – Feeling happy? ๐
I think it could, Dr Faustus at 276.
Too many Doctors in here.
Whatever happend to us lunatics running the asylum?
Happy? Why should I be happy?
Good stuff, TS, thanks for the link.
*likes*
Welcome Ollie.
Snir – Ask D Loopi Skul?
Heh
Loopy Skull – that’s more like it.
@276 dr Faustus I hope so! Hopefully this is a massive statement of intent by management to rvp etc
Meedja Tosspot@225: exactly. Podolski has just 43 goals in his 95 international appearances, mainly in second-tier competitions like Euros and World Cup. Hasn’t scored even once in the Premiership. Manages a goal barely every other game. No wonder he is a lowly joint-sixth in Germany’s all-time scorers list. Why would van Persie want to stay if that is the sort of so-called quality Wenger is buying?
Blimey Snir. We all club together to raise the money to buy Podolski for you and you ain’t happy!
Tough crowd ๐
Woo-hoo, Podolski signs! Fifa 13 is going to be a cakewalk online… 8) Feeling good for next season as well, better crack on with renewing my Red Membership… ๐
Ollie@262: Glen Hoddle and Kevin Keegan were the people’s choice, too. And we all know how well they turned out as England managers. The only astonishing thing about the FA going for Woy, is that is seems the FA has had an outbreak of common sense. I can’t believe it will last, though.
NBN
Thank you! Your stats back up my point exactly.
When will Wenger learn and buy ENGLiSH talent like Carrol??
And we know that all Arsenal fans (Tim Payton) are doubtful too. Mr Payton wasn’t available for comment as he was otherwise engaged on a date with his navel.
TS – why would I be happy if he didn’t succeed in Bayern?
Even Tim Payton is doubting him and he is always positive!
While i would hate to think that anyone thought i was trying to BIG MYSELF up on ‘ere – it seems the club were paying v close attention indeed to what i said @ 227 re new-boy Poldi. AND so in return i would like to put a big fat thank you for listening type thing, to the club, out there on public record “THANK YOU, The Club”
Up The Arse!
In=at
Too right Meedja.
Podolski did not even cost ยฃ20m. Wenger in bargain basement.
Just another cheap foriner……like Koschelnee and the danish bloke Jenkinsonn.
Podolski signs before the window has even opened??
You heard it here fir….oh.
Could it be that Wenger cares more about keeping RVP than he did about hanging on to Cesc? Hence the ridiculously early wrapping-up of the deal?
Psed that pretty tedious, rambling old cobblers i rattled out @ 265 was a response to what one of the many so-called Andy Goram’s writed @ 247. It wasn’t just an act of random mememememeness – unlike this.
So it looks like we might end up with a German leading the attack, does it?!?i do hope he gets on with our keeper, as i hear THEY don’t like Poles. FACT! IMHO!!!
That last paragraph was just classic, LeG. Just classic.
Snir
Think you may have misunderstood TS – he was just assuming you were happy with the signing, as you have been predicting it for ages.
I think.
On me head son
And BOOM! —> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H39HerSVuaI
Sod it.
Catalan – I was being sarcastic! I know what TS meant!! ๐
And that’s a brace, ladies and gents
Obviously they didn’t treat my complaint like it should have been treated as I never said a word about xenophobia, but it was worth a shot ๐
Dear Mr. Geuli
Thank you for contacting us about the edition of โMatch of the Dayโ broadcast on Saturday 28 April.
Gary Lineker’s closing line was a light-hearted reference to shots of Stoke fans behind the dugouts imitating Arsene Wenger’s mannerisms. A clear differentiation was made between this and the booing of Aaron Ramsey which Gary Lineker and Alan Hansen strongly condemned.
In addition, Gary was not being xenophobic nor was he unfairly singling out a manager who has the admiration and respect of the whole โMatch of the Dayโ team and who has been the subject of praise on the show on many occasions.
Shots of football managers and their behaviour on the touchline have long been a source of good-natured humour across our output and elsewhere. However, we are sorry if we have inadvertently offended you.
Iโd like to assure you I’ve registered your complaint on our audience log. This is an internal report of audience feedback which we compile daily and is available for viewing by all our staff. This includes all programme makers and presenters, along with our senior management. It ensures that your points, along with all other comments we receive, are considered across the BBC.
Thanks again for taking the time to contact us.
Kind Regards
BBC Complaints
http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints
NB This is sent from an outgoing account only which is not monitored. You cannot reply to this email address but if necessary please contact us via our webform quoting any case number we provided.
ย
lu lu lu Lukas Podolski..
Wenger certainly learnt something from the last transfer window.
Goldi Poldi hallelujah.
๐
Snir. … oh! ๐
It often gets looked over that Flipper and Ox were both signed early on last Summer. Everyone tends to focus on the dramatic, and ulitmately successful, last day of trading. We took a hit on Park, obviously.
So… RVP, over to you. ๐
Sarcy Snir …… oh! ๐
It often gets looked over that Flipper and Ox were both signed early on last Summer. Everyone tends to focus on the dramatic, and ulitmately successful, last day of trading. We took a hit on Park, obviously.
So… RVP, over to you. ๐
Nice triple century, Toby!
Faustus@276: I do hope that it does inspire the players for the last two games. Having a positive air around the club can at least not do any harm.
TS – nice link, and good work on Twitter re Big Ears
8ball@208 CUNTDOTHFC I like it, but surely we should want the club to continue for the comedy value; personaly, it’s only the team I wish to see near totally destroyed.
Holic@249, fair enough. However “Sun rises in East” is sufficient to cue RVP speculation from the lazy.
Welcome Lucas. Of course this means we will have to ship out Fabianski. There’s a little-known UEFA by-law stating that you can’t have a Lukasz and a Lucas at the same club. Still, worse things happen at sea.
COYG CCMUED
Snir
How come you’re head hasn’t exploded??
Apologies, Ollie, for the above.
*shuffles off to the corner with his dunce hat on*
Catalan – explode? Because of the Beeb’s response??
No, because of today’s signing. You are remarkably composed
1) It was rather obvious. Just a matter of time.
2) I’m extremely preoccupied with school as it is finals week.
Afternoon All ,
Nice report Holic .
Haven’t had time to do all the back-drinking yet , but after a quick speed read I couldn’t help noticing that we had a visitor from Stoke .
I know that this Bar thrives on a welcoming attitude to all , but I have to say that I really do think we are taking things too far when we extend the hand of comradeship to Stoke fans who wish to defend the actions of their players , manager and fans . In fairness , the Chap seemed a reasonable sort , (or as reasonable as they get up there) , but come on , he was an apologist for Pulis , Shawcross and Stoke fans. There is no Defence even if said Defence is couched in the politest of terms . He should have been sent on his merry way with a few facts ringing in his ears .
1. “Iโd say the vast majority of Stoke fans felt sorry for Ramsey”.
Really ???? Transparent bollocks I’m afraid . Is booing/abuse the new way to show sympathy ? A significant and voluble part of their crowd decided that it was , both last year and this year . Cunts . Remind me to boo next time I’m at a funeral .
2.”It was more the venom around the incident, Wnegerโs complaints linking to the Birmingham incident and saying Shawcross should be banned for eternity.. dropped form the Eng;land gameโฆ rugby footballโฆ etcโฆ”
Of course you’re right , it’s not as if Shawcross had any history of UTTERLY reckless challenges prior to the “incident” , or “assault” as I prefer to call it . What’s that ? He did ! Oh . Yeh , but at least he’s learned his lesson , never goes in recklessly now does he . What’s that ? he does ? Oh . Still it’s all ok , he cried afterwards . He’s just not that kind of boy . Twaddle . Shawcunt did what all bullies do . When his behaviour had consequence , he felt sorry for himself . His tears were those of a self absorbed cunt , and not because of any semblance of humanity for the sufferings of another . All his comments subsequent to the incident bear out the instinctive feeling that he is far more concerned for his own public image than any altruistic concern for Ramsey .
Yeh , but Wenger went right over the top (unlike your golden boy!!!!) , saying he should be banned for eternity . Err , no actually . He didn’t say that . He said that he wasn’t interested in hearing what a nice boy Shawcross is (he clearly isn’t) , and he said that the tackle was unacceptable (it was) . Self evidently his comments were fairly controlled given that they were made in the immediate aftermath of seeing one of his players almost broken in two by a vacuous neanderthal .
As for the Rugby comment , you may have a point . There is a degree of skill to Rugby which is sorely lacking in anything Stoke attempt on the pitch and AW may have misjudged the skill level of Rugby when making his assessment . If AW had restricted his comparison to good old-fashioned to mindless thuggery , then his point would have been well made .
5 through balls all season tells you all you need to know about the “football” served up in Stoke .
3.”Essentially, Wengerโs whinging and whining abotu Stoke (and most things) does not endear him to anyone outside of the Emirates”
Unlike Pulis of course , who everybody outside of The Potteries fuckin’ loves . How we all warm to the sight of his stupid fucking Baseball cap , his utterly hypocritical rants against referees , his touchline histrionics , his perpetual excuse of limited funds for his brand of anti-football when others have shown the way forward with far less of a budget than his . How we just love his self-justifying defences of his players/tactics whilst paying only cursory lip-service to their victims . How we all chortled at his ability to avoid a driving ban .
There is not a word in the English language to describe Pulis . “Cunt” just doesn’t cut the mustard . He can never be trusted , ever , just to say the right thing . Instead , all we get is the usual self- justification , the abdication of responsibilty , and the empty-headed mindlessness .
On the whole , I think it’s probably a good thing that we’ve done away with all forms of medieval torture (watching Stoke play football aside) , but all things considered , if it were announced that up on Highbury Hill , Tony Pulis was to be subjected to a bit of racking , finger breaking , eye-gouging and finally quarterisation , I’d be racing up there with my ginger beer and sandwiches to enjoy the spectacle .
4.”My view is that Ramsey may have accepted Shawcrossโ apology if it had not been for Wengerโs brutal comments.”
Utter utter tosh .
Find me the brutal comments .
Why on earth should Ramsey accept an apology from someone who at best was reckless about a fellow professional’s career ?
Hey , but let’s rewrite the facts . It’s all Wenger’s fault Stoke are a bunch of cunts right ? He is french after all , not like your honest-to-goodness English (and Welsh) boys up in Stoke .
5.”The booing did start as well after Shawcross styarted getting the treatmentโฆ in fact it was only the last 30 mins (post-Shawcross booing) that our crowd got going.”
So you’re comparing the booing of a player who assaulted a fellow pro , (and who has previous) , with the booing of the player who got broken in two and who did NOTHING wrong . Right you are . Tells you all you need to know about the mindset of a group of fans who have no concept of responsibility , and clearly no concept for the revulsion that their Club (manager, players and fans) provoke throughout the football world , outside of the “Stoke bubble”.
Stoke are rotten to the core . My only consolation is that they are slowly being found out . They won’t change , not with old Penis head at the helm . With Delap getting older , they are less and less effective given their over reliance on his throw . With Norwich and Swansea both showing that the game has moved on , and with Reading and Soton set to do the same , I’m confident that we’ll only have to make one more visit to that stinking cesspit of inbreds .
For go down they will , sooner rather than later . And when Wenger is being lauded as a visionary genius , Pulis will, with only faint recall, be remembered as that stupid little man , in his stupid little cap , spouting stupid little inanities in his stupid little inbred world .
I, for one , cannot wait .
@ 316 takeabowson
Take A Bow, Son.
*stands up to applaud*
Now THAT is a proper fucking rant. And every word of it so true.
tabs on the money, as always.
Oh, tabs, grumpy old man.
Picking on that ever-so-nice-cuddly Stokie.
Misunderstood, they is.
So Tabs. Having read that twice can I deduce that you are neither a fan of Pulis or those nice Stokey chappies?
Just saying like.
Bam! Zap! Kapow!
I knew we had Robin.
Now i know where the well-known spelling mistake, Tabman is ๐
The dynamic duo are back in tandem…
@316 very well said indeed, tabs. Being competitive is never an excuse for mindless, career-ending tackles just as defending your player and team is a poor excuse for booing aaron ramsey. Only immoral cunts will ever justify such things. Not that I expect much more from anyone supporting the cap-wearing Piss of a manager who would not even condemn nor apologize for his fans’ behavior.
Great news elsewhere about the Poldi signing. I think he has really grown and flourished in his role at Cologne as a key player the past couple seasons, much like our very own Captain. Hopefully soon our “he scores when he wants” chants for RVP can be followed by hillarious “Goldi Poldi Hallelujah” and “Lu Lu Lu Lukas Podolski” chants, not just for next season but for many more seasons to come.
By the way. Watching the game between Manchester City and Manchester M6.
Poldi post will be well late…
Barman,
Don’t you think he likes dressing up enough?
Snir @ 304, nice complaint, mine was more of the same, maybe less condoning to my regret ๐
Toby @ 305, well played @ 300, but I’ve got the conventional True Triple 100/200/300 Century Hat-Trick under my belt 8)
Catalan @ 306/307, I agree, burned our bridges with Lille for no good reason I guess in regards to the friendly we were supposed to play.
Snir @ 315, agreed. I’m on the way home from the library, can’t even be asked to watch the title decider. Maybe I’ll pop on MOTD 3 on my phone if I can be fucked.
tabs @ 316, I could only read, and read, and read… ๐ฎ I am still the student, you the master *nods honorfully on the bus*
Ta muchly Fun , Lars and Ollie , got a bit carried away , but they really are the most awful bunch ๐
And Dr Z , not so much of the “old” ! ๐
Some good stuff above , still haven’t got through all the drinks , but top work from Faustus , Joe , Trev and the inimitable Leg Rash amongst others .
And Snir @various :-
1. I don’t agree with Wolfie on everything you know ๐
2. Your fantasy football team has at various points in the season , been about as pure as Dirty Denise , the dirtiest dame in Dirtington . Alex , Sturridge , Suarez (!!!!!) , Ramires , Coates , Luis Enrique . Need I go on ?? I congratulate you on your surge up the table , but I’m afraid The Speedo Massive remain the top ranking pure team , and Wolfie just aint gonna relinquish that crown . (Every Queen needs a crown ) ๐
3. Hats off to you for taking the trouble to write to the BBC . Lineker well out of order .
Steve T , nothing wrong with your powers of deduction ๐
Heh Holic ๐
Cheers Wind . And Derrick , I agree with you Sir ๐
Tabs – I have taken out all those players as soon as it was established it was disallowed to have players from Spurs, Stoke, City, United, Chelsea, and Liverpool.
I am pure and sober for more than 10 Gameweeks (at least!)!
I turn the telly on is see Rooney being a cunt.
Definitely support Man City tonight.
I may hate everything City stands for now, but I don’t really hate their players on the other hand (Nasri, again, is a nobody to me)
Fair enough Snir ๐
I believe you ๐ , though ignorance of the Law is no Defence you know ๐
Mind you , it seemed to work for ‘Arry “Not the next England Manager” Rednapp . LOL .
How do you like them apples ‘Arry ?
tabs @ 316 – i reckon that pretty much plops the behaviour, re Rambo, of tony piss-poor and the pratts at the potteries (it’s not all of them i know, just a massively overriding majority – by the looks/sounds of it) in its proper place – c*ntz. Hats orf sir – thems guilty as charged, take ’em down!
psed – i genuinely, absolutely and utterly refuse to want either of these sides to win. It’s why i’m on ‘ere catching up with the drinks instead of properly watching the thing.
USREDS!
Ollie, I’m with you re: Nasri. I’m not going to waste any energy on him, he’s a nobody.
Putting off trying to find a stream AL . Will watch last 10 and concentrate on, and revel in, the despair of the losers .
Tabs – Just read yours @316. Could you clear something up for me please? What do you think of Stoke and Pulis?
Thanks in advance
Do you think that Stoke fans want to become Spuds when they evolve?
Wankers1, scumbags 0 @ HT
1-0 City just before half time. Kompany scores from a header, ManU defended it in a way that if it had been us there would have been three blogs on the Guardian, five columns by Martin Samuel in the Daily Heil or whatever rag he’s currently writing for and two by John Cross in the Mirror about our defensive frailties.
Well, I might have exaggerated a little bit there. But it wasn’t very good defending and now their game plan of playing for a 0-0 with perhaps nicking a goal on the counter-attack has been blown right out of the water.
BlueCunts1 RedScums 0
That sounds like a plan tabs – now where did i leave the fridge???
TABs my boy if you were near right now I’d have to kiss you right on the smacker for that post…a manly kiss mind (nod, nod, wink, wink)
Haha GT, manly indeed ๐
I should just like to put on record that I am only watching the game this evening in the hope I can see a 22 man punch up in Fergie time, with both sides subsequently being docked 20 points and fined ยฃ500m apiece.
There. That feels better.
God forbid, the chinless lessie goes on to win the league. Pffffffffffft
snowy, that would indeed be a fitting finale to this game ๐
Bring it on GT !!! ๐
Heh Snowy ๐
Very hard to watch the game as one of the two will etch a bit closer to winning the league by the end of the day. Not a pretty sight indeed. I didn’t know who I will support before the game started, but now I figured it might just be less painful to watch 1 chinless lesbian win than over 20 cheating snobs try to get even more smug. Still going to be painful to watch, though.
Snowy knows
Lars, Ollie – sorry but I don’t want Nasri to feel like his move was vindicated.
He disrespected Arsenal and shouldn’t be rewarded. Ever.
Nasri on close up and I’m just about ready to puke. Maybe a nasri own goal or redcard to lose City the title could be enough to justify another title for Sir Alex Faggotry. It has to be a real moral sapping mistake from nasri though.
Along with the football world of course. Surely the rest of the football world will feel as if Nasri made the right decision by signing with City.
I know most are cunts, but it would annoy me for sure.
Snir, the football world mostly don’t give a crap about Nasri. He’s just a peripheral figure at Man City, nothing more.
Tevez off, De Jong on – Mancini are aiming trying to shut up shop. Big mistake, I think. This will hand the initative to Man U.
Citeh bring on their hardman – Sir Nigel of Jong…
I rate Fergie as a manager, but how is Valencia still on the bench?
Don’t leave it, he’s worth it!!!
Fergie is never going to risk playing Marriner again at this rate.
I wonder if Fergie would get the same stick Arsene got for squaring up to Pardew.
Would he be branded a “sore loser” like Arsene is?
I hardly think so.
Young on… Manu penalty on the cards? That would be just like Man Utd..
was anyone else shouting “don’t score – you cock!!!” or summat similar – at their computer screen just then??? just asking…
I was laughing too much AL ๐
#EpicFail…
Arsenal at home 98.
Arsenal at home 02.
Chelsea at home 10.
City away 12.
Four title deciders lost by Ferguson who is supposed to be considered the best motivator in the game.
Perhaps he isn’t as good as people would have you believe, just always had enough resources from his board.
Kompany head nicks title for city firm?!?
wonder if that result plus lack of euro plunder means mancU’ll go big in the tranny market this summer – if the double-dealing glazers have left ’em owt
For once, I think Alex Ferguson got his tactics wrong. He played for the 0-0 draw, but once they went behind there was no coming back. It’s very, very dangerous to play for one point from the start – it’s a lot easier to change from attacking to defending during a game than the other way around.
Now watch City choke v Newcastle…
Ugh that scoreline makes me feel somewhat ill.
Oops! I have a feeling old red nose’s nose is going to be a lot redder quite soon. ๐
I’m big in the tranny market ๐
Lars – he always plays like that against the big teams.
He gets his tactics wrong a lot, it just isn’t as showcased as it is when others get it wrong.
Four title deciders lost is atrocious for a top manager who is considered by many as the master of mind games, and the best motivator.
Perhaps he’s only as good as his resources allow him to be…
I really am intrigued to know where he would have gotten us with the financial restrictions put on AW after the move to the Ems.
*…..puffs on pipe contentedly, Nurse Wolfie attentively taps out and refills bowl. ….*
*Reflects on child like excitement in, err.. 4 year old’s eyes, as he takes in the excitement of his first ever signing for Arsenal (the first goal he can remember is RVP rounding Cech as JT prays to Mecca).
Lucas Podolski youtube videos downloaded and ready for his viewing in the morning.
His old man only slightly less bouyed up. Aahhh, signings – like a LANS, but better. *
NB – note to barman. Please copy and paste and post this as drink number one in the new bar! ๐
Snir,
Think you may be playing a bit of a revisionist card there.
Fergie is an old goat, but his record speaks for itself – he builds teams and he is a winner. Money helps but his ability to continually rebuild title winning teams is far from an accident.
Wolfie
You blowing your own trumpet again?
Only saw second half but :-
1. The right result for us . City go to Newcastle on a high , and that’s the only important thing .
2. What a player Yaya Toure is .
3. Fergie got it badly badly wrong tonight . Utd crying out for Valencia way before he was brought on .
4. Fergie shows his true colours (hot tempered puce with a touch of deep vein blue) on the touchline .
5. Kompany scores . Wait a minute . Doesn’t he play for the Speedo Massive . .It’s all getting tight at the top ๐
And what a tune I play Dr C !
Shit tactics from Fergie, a midfield of Park, Carrick, and 2 oldies Giggs and Scholes. What was he thinking? I do not care who wins the title, I can’t stand City pinching our players and put us out of the market with their ridculous wages, at the same time I cannot stand United.
I have to confess to really liking Kompany. Fucking magnificent player.
I read “He Blogs When He Wants To” as advertised by TS@277 and I feel strangely as Snir did @189. HeBlogs makes most of the points that I had intended to in my end-of-term paper. He makes them rather better than I would too. I suspect that my paper will still see daylight, but more than ever, I recommend that no-one hold their breath.
As to the Manc derby, I’m conflicted. It’s as good as ever to see the RedScum lose and although it stinks that Na$ri should be in with a chance of winning the title, the prospect of old Red nose going ballistic is mighty amusing. Assuming they have any, will the Glazers actually give him bucketsful of cash to play with this summer?
I’m with Lars@352 w.r.t. the chinless one, anyway he won’t be smiling after the Arse win the title in 2012/3 and 2013/4.
That said, SG makes an intersting point @362 – I look forward to reading wall-to-wall articles in the Meedja on the subject (not).
‘Arry for MU? That ought to do it ๐
COYG CCMUED
Wait! Park was playing for ManU??
So that’s where he’s been.
I agree that Ferguson completely got his team wrong tonight.
Show pony Nani hid for most of the game and Valencia who has been playing out of his skin for months sat on the bench.
Plus, how Howard Webb wasn’t even stripped I’ll never know.
Snir, are you really sure he’s that bad? Really? Four title deciders lost versus:
Premier League (12): 1992โ93, 1993โ94, 1995โ96, 1996โ97, 1998โ99, 1999โ2000, 2000โ01, 2002โ03, 2006โ07, 2007โ08, 2008โ09, 2010โ11
FA Cup (5): 1989โ90, 1993โ94, 1995โ96, 1998โ99, 2003โ04
League Cup (4): 1991โ92, 2005โ06, 2008โ09, 2009โ10
FA Charity/Community Shield (10): 1990 (shared), 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011
UEFA Champions League (2): 1998โ99, 2007โ08
UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup (1): 1990โ91
UEFA Super Cup (1): 1991
Intercontinental Cup (1): 1999
FIFA Club World Cup (1): 2008
LMA Manager of the Decade (1): 1990s
LMA Manager of the Year (3): 1998โ99, 2007โ08, 2010โ11
LMA Special Merit Award (2): 2009, 2011
Premier League Manager of the Season (10): 1993โ94, 1995โ96, 1996โ97, 1998โ99, 1999โ2000, 2002โ03, 2006โ07, 2007โ08, 2008โ09, 2010โ11
Premier League Manager of the Month (26): August 1993, October 1994, February 1996, March 1996, February 1997, October 1997, January 1999, April 1999, August 1999, March 2000, April 2000, February 2001, April 2003, December 2003, February 2005, March 2006, August 2006, October 2006, February 2007, January 2008, March 2008, January 2009, April 2009, September 2009, January 2011, August 2011
UEFA Manager of the Year (1): 1998โ99
UEFA Team of the Year (2): 2007, 2008
Onze d’Or Coach of the Year (3): 1999, 2007, 2008
IFFHS World’s Best Club Coach of the Year (2): 1999, 2008
IFFHS World’s Best Coach of the 21st Century (1): 2012
World Soccer Magazine World Manager of the Year (4): 1993, 1999, 2007, 2008
Laureus World Sports Award for Team of the Year (1): 2000
BBC Sports Personality of the Year Coach Award (1): 1999
BBC Sports Personality Team of the Year Award (1): 1999
BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award (1): 2001
English Football Hall of Fame (Manager) : 2002
European Hall of Fame (Manager): 2008
FIFA Presidential Award: 2011
Premier League 10 Seasons Awards (1992โ93 โ 2001โ02)
Manager of the Decade
Most Coaching Appearances (392 games)
FWA Tribute Award : 1996
PFA Merit Award: 2007
Mussabini Medal : 1999
(With grateful thanks to Wikepedia coz I sure as hell wasn’t gonna type that lot….)
Not to mention timekeeper of the Year award, 1994-2012 consecutively, Snowy.
Wolfie
.. so Carlos leads me to believe. A man has to have a hobby.
The crowd are getting restless… time to move on to a new bar.
Security getting nervous.
snowy – no doubt Fergie is a good manager. But from the world’s best manager, I would expect a lot more in these situations.
Most of those titles were won over a period of time where his know how prevailed and not by one deciding game.
But when the title was on the line, for one game, he got it wrong.
In fact, you can agree with me that he plays for the draw against the big teams on most occasions if not all of them.
zico @ 381 – heh, forgive me, how could I have missed that one? ๐
Way too many drinks to comment on BUT Zico @ 371 spot on. Now for us to win our last 2 fixtures (went so fast this season !). I would gladly sacrifice a toe (highly overrated) for us to go out winning. Btw, saw Santos and Sao Paulo game. Nemar a hat trick. He is now Santos third highest scorer since the great Pele retired from their club in ’74. Nemar now has 100 goals to his name. He is twenty years old. Guten Tach and sweet dreams.
Nurse Abb,
Which toe?
Are some more over-rated than others, for example?
Speaking of lost toes, Fred Titmus Middlesex and England All rounder. (Down, Wolfie.)
I reckon the 4th toe on the left could be sacrificed relatively easily.
Hammer ans chisel on standby
Snir @ 384 – Fergie has been almost uniformly on the money season in, season out. A season is a feckin’ long haul. Like him or not, he crafts sides, consistently, that deliver. So what if the tactics don’t work sometimes. It’s not very often that that is the case, as his enviable record demonstrates.
I’m not sure I could honestly say I could expect more in that situation. He’s already done more than I think pretty much any other manager could even dream about. And he gets it right too often for it to be down to just luck or money.
Just sayin’ and all…
Playing defensively against other top sides seems increasingly in fashion for top sides. Man City, Inter, Chelsea, even RM all do it.
snowy – that is exactly my point. When the season was a long haul, he excelled.
When the season came down to a one game title decider, he failed.
I am not saying he isn’t a good manager, don’t get me wrong, I think he’s the best manager in the world, on par with AW, but I would expect more in a situation where one game would win him the title.
Just like you say that he won so much for it to be called luck or based on money, he also lost four title deciders, which surely are no longer a one-off, no?
I wonder where his career would have been had he faced the same restrictions during his time at OT that other managers faced.
Snir,
Do some research.
Ferguson was winning European trophies before he moved to England, on limited resources.
Poldi special >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
And for the record,
Fuck Fergie, fuck Utd.
@316 – TaBS. Masterful.
Haven’t seen the Shitty game.
In Carlisle Pennsylvania. Funny thing is, although I’m here, I haven’t a clue where the hell I am. Carlisle PA? Never heard of it, but I’ve been there.
Zico, I know about the Aberdeen success but weren’t they a big team then?
I just hate to see a good century go to waste…
After all its so unprofessional to leave unfinished business..
There that’s better!