Time To Set Off In Pursuit Of The Leaders
Aug 23rd, 2013 by 'holic
Alight at Putney Bridge station, stroll across said bridge and take up position in the Boathouse for pre-match liveners. Back across the bridge and a leisurely stroll alongside the Thames and through Bishop’s Park to the Putney End at Craven Cottage. I don’t think there are any more relaxing starts to a day out at the football. It’s old school, and as I sit here typing it up I am so envious of those making the trip in the morning.
Strange then that this was the place where a song was born that may or may not resonate loud tomorrow. “Spend some flipping money” I think it went. Come to think of it I heard it last Saturday again. Football being what it is, Arsenal find themselves going into the second Premiership game of the new season off the back of a very impressive victory in the away leg of the Champions League qualifier with all and sundry questioning their summer of inactivity.
For me I see no reason to push that agenda immediately ahead of the match. My concern tomorrow is that the side we put out performs as they most certainly can. Having missed the opening of the gate it is essential we exit the stalls at pace and set off in pursuit of the horses that already we can only view from the most unflattering of angles.
The suspension for Laurent Koscielny means we have only one fit recognised central defender, but Bacary Sagna is one of the best headers of a ball in the Premiership which is why he will partner the rather large European, Per Mertesacker, this weekend. The corporal and Kieran Gibbs will be tasked with preventing a supply from the flanks I would imagine, with Nacho Monreal providing cover on the bench.
Arsene provided some coded messages in the pre-match presser about seeing who is fit to start but his options are severely limited. The talk of a move, albeit on loan, for Lukas Podolski is baffling to this observer. If we have a doubt about anybody then bringing the German goalscorer in and shuffling the pack seems the obvious solution. Again, further discussion about what may happen can wait for a more sensible time.
What of Fulham? We may scoff at the arrival of Scott Parker and Darren Bent but they represent excellent business for a club with a fraction of our resources but one that has delighted in giving us a bloody nose on occasion. Would you really be surprised if both didn’t cause us problems? Not Arsenal standard, for sure, but they have both had their moments against us before.
I’m going to go back to an old favourite, doubtless to the chagrin of Bergkamp the Man, and punt on 2-1 to the Arsenal with the ‘holic pound. It is hard to see us keeping a clean sheet with a reorganised back four, but offensively we were superb in Istanbul and I hope the confidence that flows through the side from that performance will carry us to our first three points in the top flight.
So there we are. To those making the trip tomorrow, I offer my jealous wishes for a cracking day out, and particularly those embarking on an early morning Thames cruise to the game. I will be getting my first BT Sport matchday experience. I’m not hopeful of an enjoyable show from them, but we shall see.
To the England middle order and the Gunners may I wish an impressive performance tomorrow.
Have a good one, ‘holics.
318 Responses to “Time To Set Off In Pursuit Of The Leaders”
Cheers!
Bmbd
D’Urso!
Hello ‘Holic,
Take a draw tomorrow.
I miss London
3-1 Arsenal
Pip, when you come back I so want to buy you a pint.
Evening all. 3 points is all I ask.
Enjoy.
Neighbour, at least it wasn’t “D’urso, you ****” π
And width and to be the best we can be, or are we dropping our standards, Steve? π
I’ll be at work, but I’ll be expecting a positive result when I check how things are going/have gone on the Blackberry π
I shall be attending one of the very few away games I attend during the season and I agree with Holic’s view of the ambience at Fulham and the walk through Bishop’s Park is a lovely approach to a ground. I am pessimistic about tomorrow fearing we are very likely to feel the effects of the extra game in Turkey while they didn’t play following a decent win at Sunderland.
I suspect we may see a draw tomorrow but a win would be an excellent tonic . We really do need a League win after last week and hopefully next week will bring a straight forward qualification ,a host of exciting new signings and a glorious win in the NLD.Don’t ask for much do I?
must say, ‘holic, that sounds much better and nicer than my pregame ritual. it starts with grabbing the phone to shut off the crickets so i don’t wake my lovely wife sleeping next to me at 4:30 am, shuffling in to the kitchen to put on the kettle for coffee, then putting on the tv after making sure my arsenal mug is clean. then coffee, pillows propping me up to watch on the couch, and, if the morning is cold, a blanket. i hope for many goals by the lads in red (or will it be yellow?), even though it forces me to practice the silent scream/fist pumping i’ve perfected after all these early morning games the last decade…
i’ll say a 1-0 to the arsenal, with the goal coming rather late as fulham tire.
Top man, Scruz π
Pardon me, but isn’t Sagna himself a “rather large European”?
Never mind. I’ll have a cranberry juice, it’s my time of the month.
I’ll be listening for that silent scream up here at the top if the valley, Scruz.
I do think maybe we should try this year to get together for a game. Maybe in SF with some of the other west coast Gooners?
Congratulations on an excellent preview Guv’nor. Here’s hoping your prediction is correct as to result.
I read of the Poldi rumours on the previous posting. Is there a known source for them? Was it one of those places that we none of us believe if they advertise something we’d like to be true, such as signing that Turkish geezer from Real Madrid last year. The guy who eventually went to Liverpoo on loan because “Maureen wouldn’t sell to us”, did nothing for six months before going somewhere else on loan, and whose name I can’t even remember now? Remember the mantra “Believe nothing until it’s on the .con” and apply it to those rumours you don’t like.
COYG
Number 17 in honour of one E. Petit. Time for someone in that mould.
COYRs.
baff knows π
Good evening maestro. A glass of something nice in your hand?
norcal@15, no doubt. let’s do it this year. i think the only other ‘holic in the realm is pik, for him it would be a lark. let’s look at the schedule, find the latest starting game we can, and do it.
Nice positive preview.
2 – 1 will do very nicely and, please, no more injuries.
Liking Petit @17 – looks like I got Fabianski. :wrysmileyface:
Scruz,
Latest start? 930am if we’re lucky. Ha.
CL games start at 1145 but they are week days. A little tough but we should look into it.
Holic, can you send Scruz my email address please and thank you.
Pangloss #16
His name is Nuri Sahin, and I watched him put in a stellar performance tonight for Borussia Dortmund against Werder Bremen. It’s a shame that Maureen stuck his nose in, he would have been a real hit here I’m sure. But onwards and upwards…
A glass of something very nice in the hand, ta π
Holic, what an idyllic picture you paint … googled pictures after I saw yours. Lovely way to start the big day. And I commend you on your restraint. π Must say, after reading Martin Jol’s generous comments about our lads, my heart is ready to burst with pride. Scotty Parker will indeed be a pain in the arse, and he’ll manage it with every hair in place. π
I’ll take 3-0 to the good guys.
We may be missing Kos but ive full faith in Sagna. Remember – hes constructed of pure titanium. Like wolverine – just with better hair. He outjumped that tall forward for Fener – twice.
OG on target. Feo. And gimme some poldi!!
Good stuff ‘Holic.
I actually remember the walk through the park from the station. Never had the chance for the aforementioned river experience. Something to add to the AFC Bucket List!
Regards to this part;
“For me I see no reason to push that agenda immediately ahead of the match.”
I 100% agree and more. I actually think that all the necessary words have been spoken and all the points of view aired. Now is the time to get behind the boys and hope that Arsene’s magic hat has a rabbit or two still left in it. Nothing we say or do will make any difference between now and the deadline apart from screaming FOR the team and not AT them.
Aside from all this, hearing a REALLY left-field rumour (that has been around the block this summer for sure, so not anything new, just from a usually more reliable and good friend type of source) that one of our old favourites may actually be returning in ADDITION to Flamini. Betting has been shortening for the past 2 days but that could just be a result of the rumour driving the betting and the betting driving the odds.
Sure it is so ’nuff said!
Anyway, will be watching at the crack of dawn…Just hope she gets out of the way and lets me watch the footie!!!
COME ON YOU GOOOOOOONNNNEERRRRSSSSS!!!
From the previous drinks (my response). Delia, you have a charming way of putting things, imho. Dr Faustus, yes Arsenal are in a good position but the footbal world is on a collision course with the real world. Too great a divide between the haves and have nots π Zico, you are a rebel π Think you were the inspiration for Pink Floyd’s ‘Another Brick in the Wall’ π
Cheers for the post ‘holic. Agree it’s hard to see us getting clean sheet, but hoping we have at this stage of the season enough in the tank to get us over the line.
Late to the party tonight on account of having spent the evening with a bunch of hoxtonhipstercunts. Actually a better evening than that sounds, but it’s a VERY LONG WAY HOME from there.
Still, at Fulham I get once again to go to my nearest away game of the season. Not always been our happiest of hunting grounds in recent years, and I do expect to hear a few of those ‘flipping’ chants. Hopefully within the next few days they will be answered with something we can all cheer about.
I’d love to see flippin’ chants returned with “he spends when he wants to”, just for laughs. right, cynic π ?
I’m as puzzled by Poldi’s bench-sitting as I have been in recent years by where TR7’s posterior spent most of its time. I know I’m far from alone in this and would suggest that we have been proven right and AW wrong since our Czech mate finally became a regular again.
Poldi can’t prove anything superglued to his CitroΓ«n car seat in the dugout, and I hope sincerely that he gets a better chance sooner rather than later. It’s reached a level of absurdity when a guy of 28 with 111 caps (and counting) for Germany cannot get a start at the Ems.
Oskar
No wonder we’re struggling in the transfer market when it takes this long to sign Flamini for free… π
Oskar
Oskar – have some of my Jameson sir.
Brilliant post.
Hope all is well in yer world.
I think flamini is done but they are waiting for a big signing or 2 to make it official as there would be more backlash. At least that’s the theory. Wasn’t going to play today or Tuesday anyway.
I agree that Poldi deserves more time. He is the one player that we have that can really strike a sweet shot.
Enjoy the game everyone. See in the maΓ±ana. Dark and way early!
Ok guys, I want to moan and complain so badly but I’m going try something new. I’m embracing the fact that our squad is paper thin. So what we have the groundsman as our last sub!!!! We’re the Arsenal!!! Now goodnight cause I have to get up at 4:30 am here in California to watch this match.
If I was chelski, city, or manU…
I’d be worried ’bout what Arsenal can do.
First things first.
Last things last.
Fulham to fall.
Our squad is Strong.
(Soon to be Stronger)
Fear not, ye of little faith.
If I was chelski, city, manU, or fulham…
I’d be worried ’bout what Arsenal can do.
Fulham to fall.
BTW,
Greetings from the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains of New York State.
Utica Club Pilsner and Wisniowka all around.
Fill fulham with Fear.
“You’ve certainly tried to go out with a girl and find she has chosen someone else. You don’t commit suicide.”
Wenger’s comments on the presumably now totally and utterly dead Suarez deal. Sounds like Suarez has decided he only wants to move to RM and isn’t interested any longer in Arsenal.
My guess? He’s been privately told Liverpool will sell him to RM if they bid say, Β£45-50m. If Arsenal can agree to pay for this by buying Benzema then I think RM will swoop.
What if we refuse to play ball, say no to Benzema, leaving Real without the money to buy Suarez and Pool still desperate to sell cos they need the money? Would they sell him to us then?
Oskar
Β£45-50m for Benzema, Nick? Can I have some of what you’re on please? We could have Rooney and a quality CD for that!
Oskar
Just want to say great post and good afternoon everyone. It’s going to be a tough away fixture today so I’m thinking a score draw, 2-2.
Looking forward to getting my yellow away shirt from the postman before kickoff though!
@16: Pangloss, I think I might have been the first one to mention the Poldi activity yesterday. I saw John Cross mention it on twitter so I figured it might be true. My guess is that he wants to play center forward instead of on the wing but then again it could all be made up nonsense. I would be disappointed if he goes as I think he’s class.
Morning Holic and Holics. I’m with you on that 2-1 prediction Holic. Let’s get behind the boys.
COME ON YOU REDZZZZZZZZZZ
Don’t think you need to worry about the England middle order, Holic. I can just about see the Oval from my window through the rain. It’s chucking it down in South London.
COYG
Cheers ‘holic! Up the Arse!
Morning to every one. The rain has passed through here overnight and the sun is coming through. Hope it’s on it’s way up to London Town.
Lovely photo ‘Holic. Memories of more than 50 yrs ago of jumping on the no 14 bus – direct from Hornsey Road to Putney Bridge.
Tough game today but join you on your 2-1 win – noMark Schwarzer to play heroics for them today.
Morning all,
I have come up with a brilliant tactic for Arsenal today:
Score more goals than Fulham do.
And after the exhausting work of coming up with that it is now time for breakfast.
*now loading cannons with eggs, bacon, and silverware*
Fulham Must Fall!
Serotonin – have only seen the Adirondacks in National Geographic but would happily pay a king’s ransom to go trekking there. Must be awesome to have them on your doorstep!
So here it is fellas. Matchday 2. We’ve got our backs to the wall, the soldiers are dropping like flies and hostile territory awaits us. The squad is microns thin and up against a dangerous frontline.
I’d take a 1-1 under those circs. Fulham to batter the hell out of our defence, score first then concede on the counter after losing it in our half.
Come on you REDS
Leescratchperrygroves. Brilliant username, made me laugh out loud.
Re: today – expecting a tough match, we usually seem to get one at Fulham these days and fatigue will presumably play a big part.
Calling it 3-2 to the Arsenal. Theo, Giroud, Santi. Some hairy moments along the way.
COYG
Lars,
Fucking genius sir!!! Send a mail to Arsene without delay!!! HAHAHA!
So, can’t sleep…
I think I will just stay up until the game now!
4-0 to the boys…Berbatov in the pocketses of Jenks and Sagna all day long!!!
Wait and see……!
Of course, could just be delirium due to lack of sleep!!!!!
Morning all.
Nice restrained piece guv’.
Once again the gods of faith have taken a collective whizz in my tea cup by conspiring to make sure I miss today’s game.
It’s not all bad though, as I type here from a chalet in the heart of a woodland area in the picturesque provance of Brabant, courtesy of a junket from my previous brewery which also includes a fully stocked fridge of beery goodness, a semina (booo), a meet and greet (Meh), a bar-b-q (getting better) and a taste of new products (Hooray!)
I’ve got me some wifi, but won’t be able to watch the game so I’ll keep a brest of proceedings via the ol’ telephone.
Enjoy the game all, catch up later.
======
From previous drinks.
Nice one Rev, it would be an honour and a pleasure. Welcome back.
Thanks N7, paying homage to a couple of mad geniuses!
Still the misty rain falls. RE Wenger’s comments about not killing yourself because your girlfriend chooses somebody else. Fair enough, but surely you go out and get yourself another girl?
And why was he the only person not to know that Suarez was all the while angling to go to Madrid?
Morning all,
Hope we all have a good one.
Hellloooo from Bangkok!!
Seeing as I’m the only Arsenal supporter in this city I thought I’d have a go at the drinks.
One round of whiskeys and beers for everyone on my tab, just got paid and ‘Holic’s establishment has the best prices, management, and clientele in London!!
Cheers as always for the post governor, I’d like to buy you a single malt as well.
2-1 will do quite nicely, Holic but I’m fancying 2-0 to boost the team on its journey to the double. I can report that the Cottage Pie is warm and moist and looking quite tasty. Wet walk down here this morning, but washed away mostofthe jet lag cobwebs and red wine haze. π
Mondo, Google Bangkok Arsenal. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.
I googled Bangkok Arse…..and then the keyboard slipped.
I was surprised, pleasant not so much…. π
Starting Line-Up apparently via Twitter: Szczesny Jenkinson Sagna Mertesacker Gibbs Ramsey Rosicky Walcott Cazorla Podolski Giroud.
Zelalem on the Bench I hear, Jack not at all…
BTM cheers for the head’s up! I exaggerate I know…I have run into a few gooners here, but coming from San Francisco which has a fantastic, fanatic crew (shot to Danny Coyles and Maggie’s) it’s a bit of an adjustment. I’m just trying to find my footing here and I’m terrible at networking buying just may have to start another supporters club here.
Let me buy you a drink my erudite American brother! π
You are American yeah? Guess I should’ve done some archive back drinking but I’m going from memory here heh.
Hehe @Zico my first name I used at ‘holic’s bar when I moved here was BangkokYank. Don’t google that, I doubt anything good could come of it
Hello holics..
Tough game today, any win would do great.. Berbatov will be a real threat, caused havoc last year.. Keep him quiet and we should see it through.. 3-1 to the arsenal sounds about right!
π @ Mondo
And no, he’s not a yank. Though some Cockney Rhymers may disagree π
#Arsenal team to play Fulham: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker (c), Sagna, Gibbs, Ramsey, Rosicky, Cazorla, Walcott, Podolski, Giroud
#Arsenal substitutes: Fabianski, Monreal, Frimpong, Zelalem, Wilshere, Gnabry, Sanogo
Jack’s a substitute, Rambo anchorman hmm…
Zico I have no idea why I thought that. So much auxiliary information crammed into such a small space. This is my relationship with the interweb.
Also, I’ve been eavesdropping on this bar for too long it seems.
Couldn’t pick that bench in an evening game. Past their bedtime…
Welcome Mondo π
Good to see you back BtM. π
Heh at zico π
One thing to add…I have been reading BTM’s poetic, phantasmagorical almost (with the deepest respect) musings for some time now, and if I’m honest I’m not sure what’s real and what’s illusion at this point.
Oh, and Zico I think I get your cockney reference, something about a septic container? Heh I heard that once or twice during my time in Hackney
Morning all, a six nil win will take us to second spot which is about all we can ask given the transfer saga, or lack of it.
It’s only Fulham, and we are The Arsenal π
Cheers ‘H, lovely preview.
Having looked at the weather, I must admit I was a wee bit pleased we weren’t all on that boat this morning.
Ttg, Snowy Ollie and BtM and anybody else who’s made the trip – Have a good one all. Make sure you bring home the bacon.
Off to the away juicer. Good job it’s not called the Lord Nelson eh, might not get in π
Come on Arsenal. Just win.
Welcome Mondo.
Tbs thank you. I think you’re in time for a round on me.
Welcome Mondo. I guess if we do not manage a win, the next best thing will be a Thai π
3-0 will be the score line because the players won’t be dealing with the bile and vitriol that they have contend with at the Ems. Will allow the players to play how they can.
Come on Arsenal
This one is winnable. Let’s do it!
COYR !!!
morning, all. looks a tad wet for a walk to the game, eh?
Big hello to Serotonin and Mundo ! Hi everyone. Let’s watch our lads dance π
Good morning. Heads up lads. Make it count
welcome, Mondo, and Serotonin, and leescratch.
abb, norcal. mimosa and coffee for you on the bar!!
This could get tricky with the rain.
Sounds good scruz π NorCal, very!
@uplympian the puns have started already eh?
…I have nothing. Oh wait, our boss has certainly been Thai-t with the purse strings hasn’t he?
I would hang head in shame if I had a working definition of shame
oooh, that was purdy.
mark halsey providing color on NBC sports. glad GIROUD!!!
Beeeeeeeeefffffffcake
Hot Dog!!!! OG 0-1 Yahooo π π π
Get in!!!
Keep it boys. Keep it up
all RIGHTY, then.
Oh yes
Chezza x2!!
Clears up field!
Someone wins the header?
Assssissst
Chased his own clearance, boots it into the penalty atea
like our style today.
We look so positive out there !
Away fans sound great
It’s in!!!!!!!!! Unbelievable!!!!!
And a typo to boot π
Naa-na-na-nanana! Giroooooiooooo
don’t like this freekick
Woj, my hero!
Pull it together. Fulham coming into it. Putting more pressure
better from fulham. come on, arsenal!!!
theo is still on the pitch? oh.
Brazil 1 – Germany 0 at the moment thanks to Giroud π
Come on you yellows!
Fulham is easy to fall over
Midfield three need to get hold of this again. Tommy needs to tuck in.
So he books Ramsey but not not Brbatov?
WTF?
How is Berbatov not on a card here?!
late challange to the shins and it’s ok
Commentary team are unreal. Sagna takes an elbow, gets blamed for “going into his elbow”.
Fuck me! under the kosh a little ………….fuck!
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh, we could have scored there!
Yet again we are not Man u paid for!
We’re inviting them on here. Sort it out lads
great break nearly a goal, a bit worrisome at the back, tho.
What the fuck is wrong with Howard Webb?
offensive foul he gives nothing!
We’re grafters now! I like that but add to it and most of us will be happy!
FUKC ME!
COME ON!
Get in!!!!
poldi!!!
FUCKING HOWARD WEBB!
Get the fuck in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes!!
Oh Poldi, don’t leave us! 0-2 π Howard Webb, take that, you son of a gun!
Ohhhhh little Poldi is going to be a happy boy! Lululu
Poldi!!
COME ON! FOR THE SYMPATHY!
ooooh, fucking quality.
Yes!!Lu Lu Lu Lukas podolski!
abb too fucking right! EWEbb like taylor fucking CUNT!
Rambo is having another cracker. Baller.
guys what the fuck is wrong with these refs?
Two games. Two inconsistent refs. Come on FA. Sort the bias out.
ATG, Blatantly bad !
This is wrong they should do the same thing like Poland bring foreign refs
Fucking corrupted mothers! Sorry HOLIC!
Poldi too generous, should have taken the shot!
Shoot Poldi. You have a cannon
we are breaking beautifully, poor ending. next time, wookas.
Webb’s performance here has been bizarre. Cannot believe BT think there’s nothing wrong with an elbow to the head.
I’ll take 2-0 at halftime. every day.
Good half. Well done lads. Grab another couple and let’s bring the kids on.
BFG doing a great job marshalling the back line.
Theo causing huge problems on the break, even if he’s not always choosing the right option. Even on his off days he’s a big threat.
fuckign Monday to Friday cunts i was on the phone now this is too much!
Really, between the media and the refs … what’s up with all this bias. Why do they feel such disregard for Arsenal.
He needs to bring Jack on for Rambo shortly.
Can’t risk another card and losing him for the NLD.
n7, the commentator was just taking the Mickey there π
British FA is fuckign corrupted!
I have never seen seen a game like that Berbatov should have been booked
I must say. I like Poldi on the left and Santi in the middle. Gives us 3 true scoring options. And Poldi and giroud are really finishing their opportunities. With Theo’s speed, we can counter and put pressure on teams.
Sorry guys fuming with the refs!
Great game but twice in a row from fucking web fucking Arsenal hater too!
Heh @ scruz
Who on earth thought Owen would make a decent commentator?
Apologies Holic I will shut the fuck up now at least about the ref!
N7, agree about bringing Wilshere on at 60 minutes but he needs to be disciplined and play deep.
Keep it zen ATG.
Best response is to win the game – and we’re doing just that.
N7 all good here but boils m blood do you know what I’m saying?
Wish we would have gotten the third there at the end but I think we get a third on the counter.
He books Ramsey and lets Berbatov walk away!
NC I know that would have been great! π
Frimpong to get Berbatov in the nads, you heard it here π
Anyway I was going to comment on the first of all we let them in a little half way thorough but Wojtus was great checking he stats they only had two shots against Sunderland we need to close em down better.
COME ON ARSENAL!
I’ll relax with 4, make that 5
Other words “Co za Ciule” Sorry Holic!
π π @zico 59
Good half…could have been more, but could also have lost one.
Same work rate again, gents.
n7, certainly not me. he has been decent, if a bit vacuous at times.
Webb has been a taylor-made cunt! Come on boys, let’s end it well.
Atg, the shots thus far don’t bother me. They are mostly from distance. Other than that double save Szczceny has not been bothered that much.
Seems like BT Sport has employed the whole of Liverpool on the comnentary / punditry(?) team.
Michael Owen has such a lovely voice – i’m going to try rattling the cutlery draw in preference. π
COYRRRS
Berbatov looks more and more like a lizard man the older he gets. Or I get. Or something
@171, you will here it there, abb. π
Morning Trev, morning Bath. Hope today finds you well.
Mudding NorCal and all. π
Woj’s a keeper π !
Hey Trev! 8ball, Bath π and Cent!
8ball. Good to see you. Half the country is one fire the other is flooding. What finds you? Rain?
Indeed, NorCal. And yourself.
Arteta seems to have rubbed off a little on Ramsey. Getting better at recycling the ball. Great to see.
morning trev, bt, bath. another goal or two for the lads in yellow?
Still a bit early here Trev, still deciding but with this score line it’s looking good.
very nearly!!
Rosicky, Santi and Aaron are working well! Lets keep going
Come on Arsenal!!!’
Just pray the rain lets up soon, don’t want the game called! Really magical stuff by us, btw.
Back line needs to be alert. Bent is on.
Ramsey’s engine is ridiculous
Stay organized lads. Counter quickly with theo
glad taraabt is off.
Asssisst
boom
COME FUCKING ON!
cheers, POLDI,,,
Poldi!!!!!!
OMG POLDI !!!!! 0-3 !
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Easy!
Game is over now!
Just like I said. Stay organized and counter for the third. Easy
What a response to that Villa result
FUCK YOU HOWARD WEBB!
Fabulous layoff from Ollie G!
Massive CUNT!
As soon as Fulham stream forward in numbers you know what is coming.
that was cheers, norcal, but POLDI! took it.
jack on for rozza.
clean sheet now, lads.
Come on Jack will make those Fulham players look like twats!
Giroud off for nacho man.
Just one more goal…. π
Where is the yellow on Parker ffs!
TW score it yourself! π
Sagna keeps it cool!
I would ATG, but Arsene just doesn’t see my potential!!!
That Greek guy is coming on!
fuck!
fuck. that was coming. sloppy mess of a defense.
Bollocks
not a clean sheet anymore
Took Giroud off too early here.
come on let’s keep it tight!
Webb has woken up again!
Ouch too close!
WEBB IS fucking sick!
Sanogo!!!
sanogo for poldi. agreed, n7.
And with 5 defenders o the park too!
Well, wouldn’t be a real Arsenal performance without something stupid!
3-1 isn’t soooo bad π
Three yellow cards for Fulham players in the first half!
Goal aside, mertesacker has had an excellent game
Oh Dennis,
Suicide passes now…
STOP IT!
N7 too right!
That’s the real Jack. Good to see.
jacky boy, whatta player!
Riveting, absolutely mind blowing performances by all our lads. This is indeed something special.
I’m sick by the level of refereeing in the UK in needs to fucking change!
FA need to pull a finger out of their own arses!
FUCKING SHAMBLES!
LJW IS Arsenal!
Great play son.
Sorry but watching this game and Chelski made my mind up!
Ok I will shut up now! FUCKIGN REFS!
Did they just say TACTICALLY Arsene had it spot on? Praise where praise is due.
again a lovely strike, theo, deserved a goal.
Just as impressed with the response to the first Fulham goal as their 3-0 lead before that. Cool, calm and collected.
game ovah!! way to go, lads.
No Cabaye for Toon today again.
Can’t remember the last time we as a team, were so ‘on’. Scoreline doesn’t fully reflect, just how well we played today. Full props to AW and the lads.
the boys did us proud!
and AW!
See drink # 5. Even a broken clock is right twice a day. π
Cheers all. Glad to be back into the season and the bar.
Drinks on Lars
Norcal it’s been a beautiful summer, not too hot and not too much rain. The place to get ready for global warming. π
The Arsenal getting back on track, and the naysayers in abeyance for now. Thank heavens for little things. π
Sooooo,
Had to keep away until the 3rd goal went in because the stream I was watching was about 5 minutes behind you guys!
Fantastic performance from ALL involved. Sagna deserves a special mention for not really doing anything wrong all afternoon.
Giroud is looking like he might have found his pair of clinical boots lying around at the back of the wardrobe. Why does he only score in London though?!
BFG, Walcott, Santi and Rosicky all excellent. TR7 really is like a new signing these days, eh?!?!
As for iPod…Why anybody is even talking of him leaving is beyond me and not just based on today’s performance. He truly is a classy player with a ton of passion and energy to burn. JUST the sort of thing that we are going to need over the next 9 months.
Now we just need about 3 more like him.
Can anybody deny that the league is ours for the taking π
Seriously though, great all round performance. Pretty solid defensively, great work from midfield and Giroud looking pretty handsome out there.
Job done, three points on the board and a great confidence boost for all. Yes, there will be much stiffer tests than this one, but, as they say, you can only beat what is put in front of you and I feel that we did that with gas in the tank today.
Just what the doctor ordered.
COME ON YOU GOOOOONNNNEERRRRSSSS!
Hey scruz – sorry been away for a bit.
Really good performance today.
Sagna makes a damn fine centre back.
Loaning out Podolski would be bonkers.
Well played lads.
…and great shout NorCal π
Ramsey’s new power is derived from his facial hair.
no worries, trev. agreed on all points! does that make me your fluffer? π
Controlled, precise, inventive team play. That was some impressive fast passing in such wet conditions. This could have been a proper dismantling if the conditions were less slippery.
Ramsey was very dominant and even though betrayed a bit of tiredness — no one can blame him — in some tackles still was very composed. Giroud had a very good game (the control and pass for Poldi’s second goal was top class), as did Poldi (could have had a hattrick), but my MOM was Santi. He was just sublime with ball on his feet today and relentlessly creative.
Excellent job by defenders and Szczesny with some fantastic saves.
Theo’s beard looking good too. Same barber, perhaps?
“You won’t win anything with kids”
I called it last week when we lost 3-1 to Villa on the opening day of the season…
Just like ManUre did!
Yeah, but, you know, SSFM!!!;)
well in, norcal, hopefully you put some $ down!
Oi….
Scruz…
Enuff Fluff already!
Right. Early goal on Tuesday then send the kids on and rest key players.
Make two to three quality additions during the week.
Head into the NLD with a heap of momentum and show the value of a settled side against a team full of new blood still trying to gel.
I really, really like this Arsenal side. Lots of players showing signs of taking the next step. Now we need to build on that.
Ohhh Santi Cazorla. Jugador puta madre.
was any one chanting a flippin’ chant today? I couldn’t tell on the TV.
Come on guys, we all know Fulham are a shit team and they didn’t put in the effort because of erm…erm…yea I’ve got it, they didn’t want to offend Martin Jol’s wife whose sister’s husband is a Spur’s fan.
2 more points than we had at this point last year. I know it men’s nothing. Just a positive spin. π
Well it might men’s nothing. But maybe it MEANS something. π
Not sure it really man’s anything NorCal!!!!!
π
Great win!
Now, tasks for our club the next week, in this order.
-Take a rest tomorrow,
-Give Sagna new 3 year deal
-Sign Flamini for free
-Sign a DM, big and tall, preferably Fellaini
-Sign RB or CB
-Sign creative and fast central forward who can make chances by himself and who can dribble past opponents, not the lazy fat Benzema.
-If there is more money sign LW, if not it is ok .
-Beat Fener with mixed squad, keeping in mind the Sp*rs game
-Unsettle Dembele and Vertonghen by putting nonsense bids of 25 mil. for them, knowing that Sp*rs will never accept them
-Beat Sp*rs.
-Enjoy yourselves
Tasks for me for this weekend
-Get drunk
Not seen any of the game and grateful for the updates. Glad for Poldi. As I have said before, I will be really pissed off if he is not here after the transfer window.
I looked at the bench today and I must say it scared the living daylights out of me. I just hope we have not left it too late to do what is needed.
Btw – doesn’t mean he gets everything right, but worth pointing out that the manager has continued to show faith in Rambo against the wishes of some of the support.
I recall the player being booed at home earlier in the year. I hope the section of the fans responsible feel suitably ashamed of themselves right now, but I doubt they will.
Wenger’s errors get pointed out quickly enough. Important to reflect when he seems to have got things right. You can file Laurent “too slight for English football” Koscielny and Per “too slow for English football” Mertesacker in the same category.
Lurky,
I would take:
– 2 year extension for Sagna
– Sign Flamini
– Sign Cabaye
– Sign Fabregas
– Sign Rooney
– Sign a keeper, preferably Begovic
– Let the kids tear Fener a new one
– Buy the Spuds and burn the whole fucking lot to the ground
– Build a Lidl where Shite Hart Lane once stood
Something like that!
8ball @261 & 264. That is something I have been promoting for a long time now!
Bearded. You are indeed ahead of the trend. π
I am trying to follow, but please don’t tell anybody. π
N7,
Well said sir. I also think that Wenger get a rough deal regarding his faith in his players. The problems aren’t really those that get a regular starting spot like those you have mentioned but more the players who get bit-part roles like Gervinho, Chamakh and Arshavin.
It seems that forming a first XI is no great problem for him but man-managing the understudies is wherre he struggles. Good players leave whilst the bad smells seem to linger!
Oh…And he pays the bit-part players farrrrrrr to much dough too.
8 Ball,
Glory-hunter! :p
Soaked to the skin watching The Arsenal. Worth every single rain drop. Fabulous young squad. Sorry we didn’t see Serge today but we will on Tuesday. Brilliant recruitment strategy (the ONLY way to do it) leave it late and gave the ace poker player holding four aces by September 1. My hand on the double looking like a great investment.
Tolly on Tuesday circa 6.30? Only one Arsene Wenger.
TW @281
As much as I love the manager, my number one criticism of him would be that he has never learned to properly rotate a squad. Instead, our better players tend to be run into the ground.
The major change which occurred in the title race after the arrival of Mourinho was that it began to require deeper squads and lots of rotation. I think at roughly that time an extra spot was also added to the bench, which only served to further reward large squads. Whether through lack of resource or otherwise, we never mastered the art of rotation. We will need to do so if we want to challenge again.
Blimey – goal for Chamakh-attack.
To be fair, N7, it’s been a good few seasons since he’s had any genuine options to rotate with.
In those seasons when we may have had the numbers, most of them have been injured.
N7,
Spot on sir. I remember a few years back some quotes about how Wenger had his first 11, 12 or 13 and after that you were basically left in the cold.
Man-managment probably isn’t his strongest point.
As for Chamakh…Got him in one of my fantasy league teams! Knew that piece of junk would start banging them in for Palace! Opportunist goal too!
Heh 8ball. Fear the beard!
Away support brilliant as always BtM!
Morning Merkan Gooners. Hope all is well with y’all.
A fine performance all round.
Now we just need to add depth and quality at CB, DMF and CF and/or winger. The we will have a competitive squad.
Well Done You Yellowzz.
A magnum of Moet on the bar for all Holics.
Heh TW @278
Trev @286
I think that’s fair. There have been injuries and the lack of available finances has meant that the squad options have not always been as strong as they might have been.
I do think it’s something he should look to improve though, once the money starts to flow and the squad gets deeper. Because it’s one of the differences between challenging for top 4 and for the title.
By way of example, I’m thinking of Andre Santos playing a dead rubber champs league game two years back and cracking himself, leaving us without an available left back. Should never have been playing that game.
Gustavo’s just been sent off for Wolfsburg.
He’s no Aaron Ramsey.
N7,
π
Heh @ 292.
Hey bath π I love these early games (sorry west coast holics!) Tierry, delighted Chamakh scored. Hope his life turns around for him …
Abbs,
Him AND Gervais!
That would be like getting fourth place for you!!!
Oh, TW, you read my mind. Gervais never complained, either. Wish him the best.
Agreed abb @295 – leaves a sunny Saturday afternoon whatever the weather. Pleased also for Chamakh. Deserves a break. Still wonder what happened to that promising striker who kept us afloat 2-3 years ago when RvP was crocked.
Flick
BANG
Easy one
Now, if you follow Holic on twitter … he has loosened up a bit on the Poldi rumours. And we pray they are just that. Because if this has anything to do with our business in the transfer market, it’s not worth it.
Dedicated to Poldi’s hammer. Truly a Mjolnir.
Great stuff tonight. Dispatch Fener, a few signings and we’re laughing.
I love theseearlymatches, still have a full night to drink!
Mata ne minasan π
Well in bath!
Thanks for the flick N7 – Zen-like coolness.
Oh bath, confidence is so hard won and too easily lost.
And Chamakh apparently left Shawcross looking a complete mug when he scored too. π
It sadly is, abb. Must be nurtured carefully.
Chamster doing nothing again then Trev @ 308?
True that, Trev.
Well in, Bath!
Cheers all, nice to have a little love from the deity(s)
π bath.
Most impressive part of the performance for me was that they never looked like a team under pressure. Either from the opponents or from the bad result last week.
Nothing for me to argue with here, you fellas are all in top form. Sign em up Arsene π off to for a nappy poo. zzzzzz
Trev, you typed a magic word in your missing drinks that activates the spam filter π
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
What was particularly pleasing about today’s performance, and a little surprising considering that we played on Wednesday night, was the urgency and consistency of our pressing.
This has happened before at the beginning of a season (the 6 – 0 win away at Everton a particular example), only to resort to dropping off again after three or four very impressive performances.
Just keep it going this season please lads – it is a far more effective form of defence for our squad, and gets us into attacking positions much more quickly than our sometimes laboured possession plays.
Good to see a lot more determination to get men in the area when we attacked today, too.
A really good team performance today with no weak links.
Have to marvel at The Jenks though who rediscovers his level incredibly quickly whenever he’s called into the team.
Amazing progression for a lad who played non league football for Eastleigh, and 7 games for Charlton, if memory serves, before moving to The Arsenal.
Very satisfying win today. First points on the boards and encouraging performance against a tricky side (sort of a good QPR much better managed). Well called on the score, NorCal. A shame we couldn’t keep a clean sheet, if only to turn the goal difference positive. But some top saves from Woj. Defence looked composed for a makeshift back four, though I suspect they have been playing a lot in that formation in training. With his experience and heading ability, Sagna isn’t a half way bad centre half. Ramsey was outstanding again β a reminder, though, that it can take a season or more for young players who are out injured for a long time to catch up to where they should be. We should be prepared for Jack to have the sort of inconsistent season that Ramsey did last term, and not to be firing on all cylinders until 2014-15. Santi’s control was a delight and Giroud’s first touch has come on by leaps and bounds. But they are not going to be able to keep that up through four competitions, so more squad depth is essential plus a couple of top, top, quality additions. We need to sign a top flight proven striker, say a 28-year-old German international with 111 caps and 46 international goals and more than 100 goals in 275 league appearances. Oh, we already have oneβ¦