Welbeck And Walcott Demonstration Of Finishing Breaks Saints
Jan 28th, 2017 by 'holic
Arsene Wenger gave Steve Bould a much-changed team to oversee at St Mary’s. Skhodran Mustafi was the only player to keep his place from last week. There were not even places on the bench for Petr Cech, Laurent Koscielny, Francis Coquelin, Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil, or Olivier Giroud. Martin Keown mentioned that he had heard that Coquelin, Ozil, and Ramsey were injured. If that is true all our senior midfielders are out at the same time. Southampton too made ten changes from the team that beat Liverpool to reach the EFL Cup Final.
We had the first meaningful attempt in the third minute when Jeff Reine-Adelaide’s attempt was deflected for a corner. Just a minute later the same player played in Lucas who side footed just wide of the far post. There was a look of 4-3-3 to us in this opening phase with Reine-Adelaide working alongside Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the engine room.
The front three was a very flexible trio of Theo Walcott, Lucas, and Danny Welbeck. They pulled the Saints defence out of shape and Oxlade-Chamberlain found space for a shot just wide of the target in the eighth minute. The Gunners were starting the match very much on the front foot. Lucas just failed to connect with Hector Bellerin’s ball across the face of goal, but Saints reprieve was temporary.
In the fifteenth minute Maitland-Niles and Lucas combined to send Welbeck clear and the returning striker impudently chipped the ball over the falling goalkeeper, Lewis. The air at St Mary’s filled with the chants of the travelling Gooners, ‘by far the greatest’.
Southampton 0-1 Arsenal
Six minutes later Oxlade-Chamberlain hit a sixty yards cross field ball into the path of Welbeck and another classy finish under Lewis put us firmly in control. London voices filled the night sky again.
Southampton 0-2 Arsenal
Finally the Saints got their first chance when David Ospina went walkabout but Hojbjerg hit is effort wildly over. Arsenal were grateful to their goalkeeper a minute later however when he threw himself spectacularly to deny Long’s volley. The early pattern of the match returned with the Saints apparently happy to defend their final third and not put any real pressure on an inexperienced Gunners midfield.
Mustafi, scorer of his first goal last weekend, attempted to repeat from a corner but his glancing effort went the wrong side of the far post. At the other end Long tumbled theatrically under a challenge from Gibbs and Hojbjerg went much closer than his first effort. Back came the Gunners to put a stranglehold on the tie. Welbeck and Lucas opened up the Saints defence again and Theo Walcott nipped in to apply the finishing touch.
Southampton 0-3 Arsenal
It’s been a while since an Arsenal side have played as well as this in the opening half. The joyless would doubtless observe the lack of quality in the Southampton team, and they would not be wrong, but let’s enjoy the sort of football we produced before the break. The only scare came in the shape of an injury to Ospina after he claimed a cross under challenge from Long. Thankfully he recovered to see out the half.
In the last meaningful action of the half Walcott saved Gibbs’ blushes when he cleared a cross the left-back had allowed by being dispossessed on the edge of his own box. Indeed he and Welbeck had been unstinting in getting back to support the defence when necessary.
We came out of the blocks quicker after the break too but in our opening attack Lewis was able to catch Oxlade-Chamberlain’s over-hit free-kick with ease. Welbeck, wriggling free on the left edge of the box, saw his drive deflected for a corner which ended with Maitland-Niles smashing a rising drive over the crossbar. Southampton too won a corner that was comfortably dealt with by Ospina.
Welbeck’s break ended with Lucas pulling the ball back for Bellerin to force a smart save from Lewis. The Ox sent Walcott scampering into space but he dallied rather than shoot from a tight angle and the chance was gone. We survived a scare of our own making when Ospina and Mustafi dawdled over a ball on the edge of the box but the German finally took control and cleared the danger.
Welbeck combined once again with Lucas and was denied a hat-trick when he ran straight into a pair of Southampton defenders. The hour passed, it was time for changes. Claude Puel, once a player under Arsene at Monaco, decided to withdraw Isgrow and the experienced Long and sent on Tadic and Redmond. Arsene had also sent the message to Neil Banfield on the bench to unleash Alexis for Welbeck. What a performance from Danny on his return.
The returning ex-Saints combined to destroy their former employers in the sixty-ninth minute when Oxlade Chamberlain invited Walcott to bring up a brace with a cool side footed finish. The ‘holic pound was gone with over twenty minutes to play.
Southampton 0-4 Arsenal
Reine-Adelaide, steady if unspectacular, made way for Alex Iwobi to a fine ovation from the travelling Gooners. He and Reine -Adelaide may have been risky selections, but the manager’s judgement was once again validated. I had already tweeted about my chomping on some humble pie at half-time.
Gibbs and Ospina had to be on their toes to deny a rare break from the Saints most dangerous player on the evening, Hojbjerg. The home team, all too late, abandoned defending the final third in favour of a rather tired looking attempt to press the ball in the Arsenal half. Arsenal played keep-ball very well to frustrate a battered team even further.
On the break Alexis held the ball up for what seemed like an age as Walcott came thundering forward to complete his hat-trick with another coolly placed finish.
Southampton 0-5 Arsenal
Oxlade-Chamberlain again found the perfect long pass to give Lucas a chance of a deserved goal but Lewis spread himself well to effect the save. It was the last chance of a very, very good performance by the team facing two big league matches in the coming week.
Some had feared the outcome with a much-changed side, but we answered any question marks about the depth of the squad. On a day when Liverpool’s second-string had fallen at home to Championship opposition, and the neighbours needed an own goal in the seventh of six added minutes to beat a League Two side, we showed we have a great deal in the locker. Southampton were poor, it’s true, but we absolutely put them to the sword. We could do no more.
70 Responses to “Welbeck And Walcott Demonstration Of Finishing Breaks Saints”
First? now to read…
Well in Ambydex
Just like our boys tonight, Pangloss.
Great observation like usual Holic and I think today OX played really good in the central midfield, considering our midfield problem right now, I think it’s worth the shot. But hey, I’ll leave it to the Boss.
Feel sorry for Lucas for not getting that late goal, but he also played really well tonight.
If I can add one (minor) thing from our performance tonight, quicker pass and build up would definitely improve our attacking play and make us more dangerous.
Sleep well to all gunners all over the world…
The seventh of six added minutes.
How does that work?
Eye-catching performance today by the Arsenal. Long may it continue.
Sounds to have been a good game, to judge by your excellent report, ‘H. I listened to the match while watching the telly and pretending to listen to Oxonne, but at 2-0 decided I could afford to relax and leave the boys to it.
I look forward to the highlights on MoTD. I anticipate they will explain exactly what Arsène has been doing wrong for the past few weeks and what Bouldie got right. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear them complain that Wenger hadn’t secreted himself in a laundry basket in an attempt to circumvent his touchline ban.
When’s the draw then? I don’t care who we get. Bring ’em on.
COYG
Yes Ambydex, the Ox was indeed outstanding in a 4-3-3, but hard to see him fitting in our 4-2-3-1.
Yes, absolutely agree ‘H, it would be a big ask just after one game. But I don’t mind seeing us in this 4-3-3 more often in league games.
Watford next…Bring ’em on…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNA6b66bILk
A potentially tricky tie turned out in the end to be a walk in the park.
I agree with a lot of the above. Some fast flowing football and some great movement. 5 well taken goals. The real bonus was the game the me that Danny and Theo got. Both looked sharp and eager. A lot tougher tests will await both but this will surely be of benefit.
Southampton were poor. The euphoria of midweek along side a weak side. But the old adage that you can only beat what’s in front of you is very true. Some fun, a walk in the park and safely in the hat for the next round. I’ve had worse days.
Nice stuff H.
One final point. I’ve always loved the FA Cup. Growing up I always remember the magic of the FA Cup. Cup Final day especially was something to behold. The rounds leading up to the final were also big occasions. That is why, despite the result and performance today, I feel saddened at the way the Cup is now treated. It’s not that long ago that 2 full strength sides would have gone toe to toe hoping to make the next round. The fact that both teams made 10 changes today, and the starting line ups looked more like a bingo card than a team sheet, I think is a shame. I understand why teams do it and you know it will be replicated all over the country, but for someone who still believes in the good old fashioned values of the FA Cup, I think it is a real shame.
Another part of the continuing evolution of the money driven game that I’m really not that keen about.
Oh well. Bangers and beer it is then.
Great report Holic thanks exactly what I saw on the scheduled recording as I was out with the family. I feared before kick off but there was one thing on my mind that Saints have everything in their game against Pool the other night so they had to make changes. Great to see Wellbeck and Theo on the score sheet so quickly. OX and Perez worked their socks off so did Adelaide and Niles.
All in all a job well done!
We love you Arsenal we do!
Not that this matters now but Bellerin looked abbot rusty and Gibbo had a bit of mare so he needs to start making better decisions.
When I saw the line -up I feared the worst but the guys put on a really great performance. I liked the variations of play from the neat quick one twos to the long balls over the top for our speed merchants to run on to.
The Ox was a great success in the CMF and Maitland-Niles impressed me.
It was terrific to see Danny and Feo back and taking their chances albeit against a poor Southampton defence.
If Rambo and Le Coq are doubtful for Tuesday I see no reason why the Ox and AM-N shouldn’t get another outing against Watford.
For once we could sit back and enjoy the play instead of sitting on the edge of our seats and biting our nails. My nerves have been stretched to the limit of late and with Roger playing Nadal at breakfast time they are likely to remain that way.
Well done Arsenal, same again on Tuesday please.
I had to suffer the jeering of Saints fans in North London a few weeks ago when our second string wasn’t strong enough to deal with Saints. Nice to see their second string outclassed by a very good performance from us.
I’m a big Welbeck fan and thought he looked like a mobile Giroud. His movement was brilliant and the excellent Lucas who provided a sublime assist for the first goal was also very effective. Walcott showed a killer touch in front of goal and has now got five hat- tricks for us. Ox looked very good revelling in the lack of pressing and the other stand- out for us was Maitland- Niles. I’ve mentioned this boy before and he can play a holding role in midfield. If those injuries are true ( and Ramsey never heals quickly) he may need to!
Very nice report, Guvna and very good performance Arsenal. I was a tad surprised at our midfield selection but boy did they step up to the mark. The Ox really looked the business. Another fine performance from Holding too. Accepting that the opposition were somewhat poor, it does still rather look as if we may have strength in depth.
Excellent use of the squad. Great win. Delight to see Danny back.
Greetings to the entire Gunnerverse.
Thank yoh’ Guv’nor.
Thank goodness the Ox was given that chance in midfield. Like I mentioned in the bar yesterday, he looks like he belongs there. His partners in ‘crime’, Ade’ and Niles were dogged. Ade’ reminds me of a fully fit Diaby and Niles did a very fantastic cover-up for Belle who was the only weak link in today’s game.
More of this please.
Lest I forget, the away fans were wonderful. They took over St. Mary’s from the go. I wish I was there. With the flamboyance and temerity on the field of play, your fans can only put the icing with their voices. They didn’t disappoint.
Why Sanchez and Iwobi were introduced is the part am yet to fathom.
All in all, a really good one. When people say ‘a poor opponent’, I really look for f**k to give, but don’t find any. The point is it was 11 vs 11 and they knew the value of this game.
I’d hardly call it joyless to point out the Saints’ shortcomings, ‘holic. Both sides made ten changes for the match but the quality of our second-stringers compared to theirs was wonderful to see. Not to mention the joy of having a practically fully fit squad as we go into the hard grind of the season. When did we last do that?
Lovely stuff from the goal-scorers. Danny hit the ground running and if he can maintain this kind of touch in front of goal against better opposition (which has been the weakness in his Arsenal career so far) he will be a huge bonus. And while Theo looked rusty his hat-trick was professional if not spectacular. Okay, the virgin keeper and third-rate defence made it look easy, but 5 goals still takes some scoring.
And even the Ox looked good today, which says it all for me!
And that clearance of Theo’s from near the 6-yard box must have surprised a few people… 😀
Jeff renne-adelaide is something special, absolutely loved him. He is à fine midfielder this frenchman. Maitland-niles was tidy. Ox was on a rampage in that midfield.
Every time Lucas is on the field he gets a goal or an assist. Sweeet one to put welbeck through. The depth we have is enviable. I dont even mind there is no business looming in this transfer window
Not quite accurate, Kenya.
5 of Lucas’s 6 goals and 3 of his 4 assists were against weak teams, FC Basel, Notts Forest, Ludogorets and Preston North End. Up against much stronger Premiership competition he has managed just one goal and one assist in 9 games (including today).
But I agree about the Jeff. With experience and a bit more muscle he could well be our No 10 in due course.
Wow
Thanks, Holic. Another solid review.
The lads generally did what was expected of top quality professionals and saw off a side who really were not at the races.
Ospina showed why he’ll never be number one for the Arse. His decision making still leaves a lot to be desired.
I’m absolutely thrilled for Danny Welbeck but two others held my attention; Holding and Maitland-Niles.
Holding, for me, is the best natural defender we have. He also seems to be very mature for his age. Just might be a future captain. I just wonder if he’d be better served going out on loan. He needs to play consistently.
Maitland-Niles has impressed on each occasion he’s been given an opportunity. Does the gaffer trust him enough to throw him in at the deep end? Time will tell and he may just surprise more than a few.
A good run out that should build confidence. More of the same please.
UTA
Cheers H!
I rate Lucas very highly indeed.
Excellent report, ‘Holic; to match the performance.
Playing three double-barreled midfielders may have confused Southampton into thinking we had six across the middle. Also, we have ‘the Ox’ and ‘the Jeff’ but no similar short form for Lt. General Sir Arthur Maitland-Niles.
Good to see Welbeck making such an effective return and Lucas demonstrating his value to the side. Like Esso, I like him. I suspect he will have a big part to play when the games come thick and fast at the pointy end of the season.
After having a second look at the game, I think Holding did “hold” it well. And Lucas, just give the lad more games. His combination of fluidity, mobility, excellent first time touch, eagerness to be involved will make him an invaluable asset to the team. Wish we could have 15 players on the pitch. Sad we’re out of the League cup, where this team would have shone more. Nice headache for the manager.
I would have loved to see JW10 in this team. Hope he remains healthy & in form throughout the season. We’ll likely need him next season.
From Arseblog today;
“The football proved an enjoyable and welcome distraction, and with a front three of Danny Welbeck, Lucas Perez and Theo Walcott we had pace, movement and, thanks to the Spaniard, no small amount of guile. He created the first by flicking a Maitland-Niles pass behind the defence for Welbeck to run onto. The pass was brilliant, Bergkamp-esque almost: the finish – for a man so long out of the game – was superb, flicking it over the keeper and in off the underside of the bar.”
“Perez was involved in the third, again with a clever pass finding space for Welbeck to run into, and when he cut the ball back Walcott showed the desire to ……..”
Sorry, but I really don’t get the Lucas is shit stuff. Unless its part of the predictable – when Wenger spends money, he buys rubbish in a panic – agenda.
Not from where I’m sitting.
I’m with Esso on Lucas Perez.
I want to see more of this fella. Lovely passing. Eye for a killer pass. Eye for goal.
Loving the fact that the BT commentary team kept saying Pires instead of Perez. A good omen for the future.
What a lovely day out! Another FA Cup away day, another large allocation, another chance for folk like me with a modest amount of away credits to snag a ticket. So down the M3 we went.
After the rather grim industrial Northern towns visited recently Southampton was different. Prosperous (we parked up (legally) in a very classy development ten minutes from the ground), with maritime history obvious from Victorian buildings. However St Mary’s is on a rather odd very industrial estate. Their main entrance has the entrancing view of a cement works opposite.
Into the concourse, time for a pie after a 150 mile drive and the entertainment of Spurs losing on Soccer Saturday. Unfortunately that didn’t last so out into the ground. Yet again our seats were on the very back row, testing my ageing legs and also my eyesight as it did seem a long way from the pitch. But the 5700 Gooners packed into 2/3 of the away end were fantastic. They/we sang from first minute to last and created a great atmosphere – I hope it came across on TV. Constant chanting of “Stevie Bould’s red and white army!”
Danny got loads of love right from the start and boy did he deliver. Both of this goals were so good, delivered with huge skill. Du Du Du Dah, Danny Welbeck was roared out time and time again – they must have heard it on the Isle of Wight. I know he’s a born and bred Manc, but did they ever appreciate him?
The whole team bar one were brilliant. Just a few comments – the nitpicking criticism of Lucas above is quite ridiculous. Yesterday he was involved with goals 1 (assist to Welbeck), 3 (through ball to Welbeck) and 5 (brilliant 60 yard pass to Sanchez). The last time I saw AMN he was showing in front of my horrified eyes at Preston that he hadn’t a scooby about playing right back. Yesterday at DM he was really good, tackled well, got his head up and passed it on. There were moments when (the hair apart) he looked like Miquel Arteta. A career revived I think. On Theo I said to my son before the game that Theo is either brilliant or rubbish, there’s no consistent “8” performances. Yesterday he was excellent, clinical finishing with good tracking back. Ox looked like Glen Hoddle the way he was spraying the ball about (and how nice to see us using our pace with the ball over the top – more please). Delighted to see Sanchez so pleased to hear his song as he waited to come on – he acknowledged it with what looked like real pleasure. A curate’s egg from him, two exquisite assists but he lost the ball time after time after time. As my neighbour said (in jest) “he’s good, but he’s no Danny Welbeck”
So who didn’t perform? Our goalkeeper that’s who. Considering he really had sweet FA to do, he managed to look very poor indeed. I think it was just after our second goal when a ball ricocheted into his area. Ospina strolled out as though he hadn’t seen the Southampton player clearly being first to the ball (here’s a clue, he was wearing red and white stripes). At the point, he could have just reversed back to his goal. Instead he went full on Alumunia and looked to chase the Southampton player towards the corner flag (and probably half way to Portsmouth). We were very forunate not to concede. There was a similar, if less dramatic event in the second half. He makes our defence nervous, he makes the fans nervous, fuck it, he makes me nervous in a way that Cech doesn’t. I know he’s a good shot stopper (probably better at stopping pens than Cech) but that isn’t 100% of a goalie’s job.
There were some really funny moments. The Southampton defender drilled his mate with his clearance right in the orchestras leading to our third goal – you could hear the “ooooff” as the wind was knocked out of him from row 00 as the football rebounded to Lucas. Five minutes from time they made a strange announcement that “There will be no access to Car Park A after the game”. The Gooners took ten seconds to absorb this and then sang (to the tune of one nil to The Arsenal)
“Five nil, and you’re walking home!”
A truly lovely away day, the best for me since another Danny night at Old Trafford in the Cup two years ago. Having sampled the cultural delights of a motorway KFC recently and found them somewhat wanting, we diverted to Winchester for a delightful Ruby in the shadow of the cathedral. Took a bit longer (we didn’t get home ’till 1am) but much more enjoyable.
Right, back to the North Bank on Tuesday against Watford!
crackin stuff c100
C100 @ 32, I salute you.
@countryman100
Brilliant account!
😀
Sutton United would make for a nice trip in the fifth round. with the exceptions of pretend turf and not many tickets.
Esso and Kenya
You’re absolutely right on Lucas. The reason he hasn’t got good stats against ‘ big’ teams is that he hasn’t played against many for us! If he has made the pitch it was for a few minutes at best.
He is a very good buy indeed and both scores and assists regularly. We’ve got an array of options upfront. Welbeck is extremely talented and had he stayed fit could have achieved a lot more. I’ve seen him play outstandingly in the Bernabeu for United and he did get the winner against last year’s champions and at Old Trafford for us in the Cup.
Glad to see Theo come back and look at his predatory best and yes I did notice his clearance in his own box .
Countryman
Lovely account and I saw a very similar game to you.
Ospina had a curate’s egg of a game . Good save from Long and a great take when he got a bang on his head but he went walkabout very oddly. But he hasn’t failed us this season .
Thanks TTG. I do agree with you about Ospina. But we all turned to each other in amazement when he caught that cross (which would have been routine for Cech) and he turns my bowels to water at least twice a game (which is disturbing when you’re 32 vertiginous rows from the exit to the toilets and not as quick as you were 30 years ago ….). Bring back Chezzer for me and sell Ospina.
Fulham away for me in round 5 please! I love that quirky little ground by the river.
To add to all the positive words about Lucas Perez in drinks 27-29 I would point out his equanimity. He just goes about his business in a very professional way, not drawing attention to himself, not complaining to the officials, basically just focusing on his task and getting on with the game. While players who display less equanimity on the other team allow him to accomplish what he wants to do.
countryman, superb description of what no doubt was a great day.
I saw the first half of the game at Brits Pub in Minneapolis, watching with a bunch of Liverpool fans who were hanging around after having watched Liverpool crash out of the cup. Full fry-up of a breakfast with two Guinni made for a lovely morning but I had to leave at halftime with us up by three goals. Just this morning I watched the second half, recorded by my TV at home. I heard you away fans singing in that second half like there was no tomorrow. 😀
I could be wrong but it sounded like you were singing
A-de-laide whoa whoa
to the tune of Volare??
cba, solidgooner, BB, TTG and bt8. Thank you (doffs cap, blushes).
bt8 I think what you heard was the usual nostalgia trip when we are winning a game comfortably. There was certainly a chorus of
Viera oh oh
Viera oh woah woah woah
He comes from Senegal
he plays for Arsenal
which sounds like what you describe.
We also had the Thierry Henry song (full version) and my personal favourite, “Walking in a Bergkamp wonderland”, before returning to the present day. Notable absentees were “so Paddy got up” and “We’ll be running round Tottenham with our willies hanging out”. Maybe next time.
Countryman @31, I absolutely love these ‘in the flesh descriptions so thanks a lot.
Agree with the praise in the bar for Lucas – he seems a very effective player and as pointed out by bt8, he goes about his business without any fuss at all. Maitland-Niles was really good in the holding role and Arsene has always maintained that he has the talent for that position. Reine Adelaide was very good too and his potential is huge. Danny Welbeck showed once again what a magnificent player he can be for us if he stays fit and has a consistent run of games. Walcott had one of his lethal days and one hopes he will have more of them in the coming crunch period of the season. After having seen Giroud play upfront for the past few weeks, it was indeed refreshing to see the front three play with so much movement pace and rhythm. I would love to see a front three of Welbeck, Alexis and Lucas/Theo, in the league games…
Thanks countryman for a great account. ?
‘holic. Many thanks – and thank you for allowing me space for my burblings. It is much appreciated.
Countryman
No need for me to wait for the newspaper reports on the Arse away fixtures anymore.
I just read your account in the bar.
Save myself some dosh. !
The reporters just cover the match,whereas with you we get a colorful account from door to door,and everything in between.
Fabulous.
Cannot add much to those excellent posts above re the team performance,except to single out the Cinema sized television in NZ,who in posts 18 & 21,managed to damn Danny with faint praise and shaft Lucas as a flat track bully.
Could this be because they are both a direct threat to his favored duo of Ollie & Wally. ??
Anyway a Bar needs as least 1 curmudgeon among it’s drinkers
otherwise it would all be a bit boring.
A bit of trivia re the FA Cup,
This is the first time in it’s history that 2 non league teams have reached the 5th round,either one at home in the next round would do nicely.
There are four teams I would rather not play ( maybe they could play each other!) but Arsenal bias aside I’d love us to draw either non- league team because it would give them a wonderful pay day and they deserve it. I’ve seen Sutton on and off since the sixties (I saw them lose the Amateur Cup Final in 1963 to Wimbledon) and I’m delighted for them and Lincoln is a favourite city of ours and they have done incredibly well to come through against two Championship sides.
My main concern is how accurate Martin Keown’s info is on the three injuries and how serious they are. Although young Maitland- Niles did very well I would prefer us to go with a more experienced midfield on Tuesday. Let’s hope the injuries are minor because Elneny has picked up a calf injury in Gabon.
‘Holic.
There are only two Arsenal blogs I read 100% faithfully. One is Arseblog and the other is this one. I love this community for its tolerance to different points of view; the odd eccentric (hi cba!); a number of former North London faithful who have moved away; years of experience in following the Arsenal and a lack of keyboard warrior bollocks. My heartfelt congratulations for its longevity, long may you reign.
I am privileged in having a season ticket for home games and for getting tickets to the occasional away games which, like Delia, I love. You are generous in allowing my prolix contributions, and in your kind words.
It would be a privilege to buy some of you a pint one day.
My passion for this club only grows as I get older, despite having followed them since I was about seven, approx 53 years ago. From recent discussions I appreciate I am only just getting my knees brown.
Come on you Gunners!
amen brother clive
fuckin love here
people’s stories
we’re all gooners
red white blue or yellow
ah fuck off 100cc
?
can’t resist
half ton
YEEEEE HAAAAAAA
TTG
Must admit a soft spot for Sutton myself.
Bought my first house there in the mid/late 70’s, in Gauntlett Road not far from the High Street.
It was a new development right down the end of the street,where some little 2 up 2 down terraces were put up.
Cost me the princely sum of 12,500 quid.
Lovely suburb at the time,adjacent to Epsom,where i managed to fit in plenty of visits to the Racecourse,as i didn’t mind a bet in those days.
And for those interested,
There is a great interview in the Guardian by Sid Lowe,with Lauren.
Great read.
and for Esso and others,guess which current player he really rates. ??
You guessed it,Lucas Perez.
C100@31: Top read. Much enjoyed.
The Lauren interview Clive refers to:
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jan/29/lauren-arsenal-invincible-cameroon-spain-maradona
The best line in the interview comes when Lauren his discussing his Invincible team mates:
Lehmann could look in the mirror and have an argument.
I seem to be outnumbered. Ah well, nothing new then.
If Danny can maintain his form I will be delighted, Clive, it’s not something he’s been able to do in his Arsenal career so far. Prior to injury he was as notable for failing in front of goal as he was for his enthusiasm and energy elsewhere on the field. Since returning he’s shown a better scoring touch, but it’s still early days yet. Let’s hope he finally delivers, long-term.
And I have never said Lucas was poor, let alone shite, just average and we could have, should have, done better in the market. He was bought as a striker alternate to OG, ‘another Vardy’ was the hype, and so far he’s scored just once in 8 Prem appearances. If he ends up half as good as Vardy (was last season) I shall be pleasantly surprised. I wonder if his right position might not be as a Mesut alternative?
Yours sincerely
A. Curmudgeon
…that’s A for Arsenal Curmudgeon of course.
No wonder Chelsea want rid of Begovic if it is true as reported that he gets wasted on the bench.
Great read Countryman, love your tales on the road. I gave up Gooner Malcolm’s offer of a ticket for the game as we would probably not have made the last train home from Kings X. I will catch up on his and Gooner David’s adventures on the 15.54 tomorrow afternoon.
Roger turned the clock back and won in Melbourne so I enjoyed the most fab weekend imaginable.
Another must win tomorrow, do hope Danny plays. The atmosphere should be really good after the big win on the South Coast. Let’s hope we get a decent draw tonight.
COYRs
Most have spoken about Perez and Danny and my two cents is, they are hard working and professional. Agreed, they may not be as skilled as expected but frankly i rather have hard working and direct players than fancy showboats.
Ox had his best game in a long long time. Jeff looks the part and yes the real test will be in far more testing circumstances but the signs are promising.
Draw tonight is it? some news online had us drawn against blackburn, not even sure if they are still in the tournament, but if it is so, fine with the draw.
Watford should be a stroll if we turn up with the intensity and pace like we did against the saints. I would start with danny, alexis and theo upfront to beat them bad. Giroud will be useful against the chavs and should start that one.
Talking of chavs, here is to pool and the returning mane beating them at anfield tomorrow.
lastly, yesssssss Roger federer, quite a brilliant performance, specially to come back and win in the fifth set.
This could possibly be the worst of all possible scenarios for Elneny. He is injured badly enough to miss the semifinal but not necessarily badly enough to risk further injury in the final (or in a meaningless third place game, if there is such a game played at AFCON).
Egypt coach quoted by the BBC:
“Elneny has a bad calf strain. We will send a medical report to his club,” said coach Hector Cuper.
“He will have tests and we hope that if we manage to reach the final he will be able to return.”
Vinay@60: Blackburn Rovers are still in the draw. However, we have a one in three chance of being drawn against one of the big boys.
I would be very happy to see the draw throw up a Manchester derby and the neighbours at the bus stop. Chances of that, though, are somewhat large; well, one in 225.
Or at least one in 195.
got maths a-level
this long an manys a year ago
what’s the probability o that ?
ned me lad
.
slim to firm ?
none to soft ?
Easiest possible draw we could have had, but a fucking 3G pitch = injuries galore.
By my careful calculation you will need 3,000,000 credits to get a ticket from Sutton.
No away reports from me for that game!
Reckon we’ll get 750 tickets (15% of 6000). There’s 1100 on the away scheme!
Can’t wait for the big match against the minnows.
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