Morning all.
Panto arrived early yesterday afternoon and didn’t we all love it?
Is there a player more deserving of his two goals than Olivier Giroud right now?
Since the beginning of the season he’s held the front line on his own, yet sometimes it’s others who chip in with the goals but yesterday, the day was his. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t care who scores our goals but at the end of the season, strikers can often be judged on how many goals they score. The work he puts in each week is incredible, not only up front either as he’s often found at the back helping our defenders out. Giroud is a top class professional and he’s on the way to being a world class player. Yes, I really like him.
His first was a bit of a gift after Boruc decided to try some fancy footwork instead of simply clearing the ball but credit has to go to our big Frenchman for being there, pressurising the keeper and slotting the ball home. Many strikers would have been tempted to turn away believing that the ball would be cleared but not our man…..
Prior to that, both Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere saw efforts saved by the woodwork. Aaron Ramsey won the ball on the edge of the penalty area and his pass fell into the path of Wilshere on the right. His little chip over Boruc from an impossible angle, hit the far post and rebounded straight into the hands of the keeper.
Five minutes later, Mesut Ozil played one of his perfect crosses to Ramsey, his crafty little flick backwards looked like it was heading for goal but again, woodwork saved the away side from going behind.
Both attempts were cheeky and very clever, both attempts were very nearly perfect and had they found the back of the net, the footballing world would be purring this morning.
Then came that Giroud goal……
Southampton were far from fazed by us scoring, in fact soon after, Szczesny tipped a fierce volley from Lallana over the bar and our Pole, who yesterday was far better than their Pole, made another fine save soon after, this time the shot was from Rodriguez.
The break came and went….
Lallana had another chance very early in the second half but thankfully, he fired straight at Szczesny. We weren’t having things all our own way by far and at 1-0, the game was far from won.
Both Ozil and Wilshere had a chance on goal, the German shot straight at Boruc and Wilshere couldn’t get enough on his header to beat him either…
Fifteen minutes before the end, Arteta went off, for what reason I don’t know but if he’s injured, it’s a good job we have Flamini available for Tuesday. Tomas Rosicky came on in his place and just prior to that, Theo Walcott came on for Santi Cazorla.
Southampton tried desperately for an equaliser but our defence stood strong. Very strong.
Theo Walcott had a chance with about ten minutes left, but his shot went wide of the post. He’s been out for a couple of months so hopefully he won’t get too much of a battering for that miss. ( Yes, I mean you Sp! 😉 )
The game was drawing to a close and my nerves were being tested but then Jose Fonte did us all a favour by pulling the shirt of Per Mertesacker who was up for our corner. Clattenburg had no doubt in his mind as he pointed to the penalty spot.
Mesut Ozil, who is our 2nd choice penalty taker stood aside as Olivier Giroud made sure that all 3 points were staying in the capital…
I said yesterday that Southampton were sitting in 3rd place for a reason and during that game it was clear to see why. They aren’t the Southampton of years gone by, a side who turn up to be rolled over with ease.
They are organised, determined, physical and they have a squad full of players who may not be the most known, but boy do they give their all for the club. Within the team they have players with flair and that desire/passion which we all so often hear our own manager talk about.
Southampton aren’t a side who have had a lucky start either, they are 3rd because they utterly deserve to be.
Were we poor? I think sometimes it’s all to simple to suggest when we have been given a tough afternoon. My own view is that we faced a very good side, one who in my opinion will still be somewhere near the top in May.
Three points yesterday were earned, hard earned so credit where it’s due I say. We lost our last game at Old Trafford and we then had everyone away on International duty during the break, so to come back, regroup and secure three points to stay top of the league, was a very good afternoons work in my opinion.
As for Southampton, I hope they go on and continue to beat a few more of the so called better sides this season…..
They certainly deserve to.
I’ll leave you to pick the bones out of the game…
If you really want to or feel the need to……
That’s it for another day, have a good one.
Top post, Rico.
I truly hope Southampton can keep this squad together…unless thry sell one or two players to us…because they have built a damn fine team.
It is funny how we…yes, all of us to some extent…just think “oh, Soton, should be 3 points”, and that is knowing full well they are 3rd and for good reason.
Even as they sit 3rd, they are still under rated.
In sayng that, we must give credit to our lads who beat the team sitting 3rd, and whether or not is it Utd or Soton, it is a gat achievement and 3 points earned.
A great result, from a very, very good side who beat a very, very good side.
Pochettino is getting the maximum out of an inexperienced but committed group of players . Their supporters however seemed pragmatic about their chances as we left the ground. One said see where we are at New Year, their next 5 games are not easy , they have Chelsea ( a ), Villa(h) , Citeh(h) , Newcastle( a) and Spurs (h). for their sake lets hope they can get a fair few points from those matches as it will help our cause as well.
Morning rico, good fair summing up, Southampton deserve a lot of credit for quietly assembling a useful squad with great organisation.
Szczesny’s handling was good and he did everything when called for. Theo, if he can stay fit, will give us that width that is so lacking. We did miss Flamini in the times when Soton started dictating, for a home team it was strange when we couldn’t get the ball for long periods. Like you say though, we could have had another two goal of the season contenders, how unlucky for them both in five minutes to hit woodwork. Overall, job done, lets hope not too many injuries before Tuesday. Especially OG who is turning into a star.
hi rico,hi everyone, a very hard earned 3 points,I think we played well throughout the match, they pressed us hard but we took advantage of their mistakes, overall defensively and offensively we were solid,am glad theo is back,bring on marseille.. hey guys did u know that Luis Suarez has played eight premier league games but he has scored as many goals as the entire spurs team who hav played 11 games?
There is an old saying, and it was never more fitting then if said about Giroud.
The harder he works, the luckier he gets.
I know it is too late, but if only Bendtner could watch and learn.
Tim, who are this Spurs of which you speak 🙂
Morning Scott, Ah, Potter and all..
Thanks re the post, good 3 points imho….
I ca understand Southampton fans taking one game at a time because they are not used to watching their side be so organised. It’s been a long time coming for them imho, they always seems to bring players through and finally they are keeping them, adding to them and they have a manager who is able to get more from them than any before…
Good luck to them I say.
Hi Tim, that’s funny. Can’t see them getting many, if any against City either.
I asked a group on FB why Palace went to Pulis??
What does he offer them, or any PL club?
Soton proved, and beyond what most predicted, what could be achieved by looking outside the box for a manager.
I would suggest Ramsey has scored more than their $100 million worth of players, at a guess 🙂
scott,our north london neighbours who should mind the gap.
Rico can’t see them either and next they meet manure.
Oh that mob 🙂
Nice article. I’m in full agreement regarding Giroud – he really is so important to us at the moment and I can only see him improving….as long as he stays fit. I fancy Southampton to finish in the top third – they thoroughly merit that on current performances.
Here’s hoping Citeh and Spuds cancel each other out in an epically poor 0-0 draw.
Boo!! Hello, all! Is there anthing sweeter than reading match reports after a win? 😛 Hiya, rico, Scott, Tim, AH. 🙂
Hello Agag.
I hope the result put a smile on a few faces in tour part of the world…god knows you deserve it.
Lots of smiles, Scott. 🙂
Two draws would be good Tim..
Hi agag…
Guys I’m off, got a stinker of a headache, be back later once it’s hopefully gone….
Have a fab day all…
Welcome and thanks OiDave…
Talking about that mob Scott :- remember this ?
http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/arsenal-fans-will-love-cesc-fabregas-answer-to-one-football-moment-you-can-never-forget/
Always makes me smile.
Agag, plenty of our Aussie soldiers are headed over to lend a hand.
Word has it they have bags of designer shoes just for you 🙂
Potter, i shall check it out…..
I could watch that over and over, Potter.
Top of the morning, Rico.
I always like your Posts but after a good win they are even sweeter to read. Thank you.
Arsene Wenger says that Giro is different to the other players, but did not say in what way. Is it his size or that his ball skills are not quite as silky as Ozil, Cazzor, Santi etc etc?
Whatever he meant there is nothing wrong with his huge heart and commitment to the cause and his never say die attitude. Wonderful!
rico, take a nap and a headache pill!
Scott, I don’t think those would qualify as relief goods. 😛 So many foreign governments have sent manpower. Such a relief. I honestly don’t trust most Filipino politicians. 🙂 Australia rocks!
potter, despite his dodgy Barca DNA, Cesc still has his moments. 🙂
Over and over and over again ?
Try this for size , I think you might find versions on You tube, It’s a traditional Arsenal song that was sung around the Irish pubs of North London in the seventies. It also started the stand up sit down craze of football chants in the East stand at Highbury. It was accompanied by a slow hand clapping to the metre of the song. You might all know it but some of the contributors worldwide may not so here it is :-
When Paddy came over from Ireland
In praise of the AFC
We hadn’t won an awful lot since 1953
Well he’d stand at the back of the Clock End
In the sun and the rain
Week after week for many a year
But never a trophy came
Second leg of The Fairs Cup Final
We’d already lost away
We needed to pull something out the bag
In order to save the day
Then Paddy remembered a ditty .
His father used to sing
And quickly jumped up on to his feet and started to sing it again.
So Paddy got up and he sung it again .
Over and over and over again
B’ Jesus said Paddy I sang it so well
I think I’ll get up and I’ll sing it again.
So Paddy got up and he sung it again.
Now The Gunners they all played like heroes
To the song that Paddy had sung
And Kelly and Radford and Sammels
Made sure that the Fairs Cup was won.
The next year things got even better
The Arsenal the best in the land
We marched up the Seven Sisters Road
And invaded every stand
We covered the whole of the High Road
And all the streets around
We knew that we would win the league
When we heard a familiar sound
Ray Kennedy’s header was priceless
And as Paddy sang out aloud
The Gunners were once again Champions
And The Boys had done us proud
And Paddy got up and he sang it again
Over and over and over again
B’ Jesus said Paddy I sang it so well
I think I’ll get up and I’ll sing it again.
So Paddy got up and he sung it again
Just a few days later that we found out
As we marched along Wembley Way
That Paddy just hadn’t stopped singing
Since the match on the previous Monday
Now he sung for the full 90 minutes
And he sung right through extra time
And for all Paddy’s trouble
The boys done The Double
So Paddy got up and he sang it again
Over and over and over again
B’ Jesus said Paddy I sang it so well
I think I’ll get up and I’ll sing it again.
So Paddy got up and he sung it again
Now we’ve won the League up at Old Trafford
We’ve won it at Anfield too
When Paddy was singing on Merseyside
And we had to beat them by two
We’d already won it at Tottenham
When we lifted the pot at The Lane
We liked it so much
It was such a nice touch
To go back there and win it again
So The Arsenal went back there and won it again
Over and over and over again
B’ Jesus said Paddy I sang it so well
I think I’ll get up and I’ll sing it again.
So Paddy got up and he sung it again
Now he’s travelling all around Europe
Over land and sea (and Leicester)
He’s been drunk in Madrid
He’s been nicked in Kiev
And he got stoned at PSV
Now wherever The Arsenal may wander
Be it Munich or Paris or Rome
They all c**k an ear
And they know that we’re there
When they listen to Paddy’s sweet tones
And Paddy got up and he sang it again
Over and over and over again
B’ Jesus said Paddy I sang it so well
I think I’ll get up and I’ll sing it again.
So Paddy got up and he sung it again
_________________
LOYALTY TO CLUB, ALWAYS. LOYALTY TO THOSE THAT RUN IT, WHEN THEY DESERVE IT.
Morning Rico and HHers,
A very concise write-up.
Very pleased with the performance after re-watching it. Our FBs were immense last night.
I think Potter commented on our recent clean sheets. It’s no coincidence that we keep clean sheets when Arteta starts. He may not be an all action figure but he gets the job done very well as a matter of fact. Its not just this season but last season too; his record speaks for himself.
Dev- don’t forget your buddy Yennaris is an option for RB. I think the only reason he is not getting games is his height and injury record.
And you jinxed my other team Dev… 🙂
Has anyone seen the Ozil rant on NN.
When we signed Ozil, I suspected a minute section of our fans will start complaining about his contribution by December.
Talkshite are also saying AW destroy world class players already because they think Ozil has only played 2 good games since the joined us. 😡
Just shows how little the understand , teams are looking after Ozil and giving space for Cazorla , Rosicky , Ramsey and Wilshere. It’s all part of the team ethic.
Very true Potter
I did not jinx your other team Gingy. 😉 Anyone could see that they would loose on the day. Guardiola is a superior manager than Klopp and if BM play the way he wants they will be unstoppable.
Good Afternoon Lady and everyone.
Top match report Rico
What I find difficult to comprehend is that some fans expect us to win by 10-0 every game and simply outplay everyone on a day to day basis. Hell its the EPL we are talking about. The other team plays as well. And tbh Southampton put up a good display and fight. We took two chances which were offered on the day.
Afternoon All…
Afternoon Rico. Headache? Try Peroni boss? 😉
Potter, I don’t know that song, but I luv the lyrics…
Didn’t see MotD, but it seems that Kevin Miralles was ‘at it’ again?!
A nasty piece of work methinks…
Afternoon all, You bring a smile to my face Rico, 3pts no matter how we get them and you are bubbling, i must say you are intoxicating. I know we don’t always agree but we never get nasty thats why i like this blog.. pts yesterday and now i have had a chance to digest it and watch the full game again and the replays i have to say that Southampton didn’t impress me that much. having said that i take nothing away from our win. Szezesney has been one of my moans for a couple of seasons and its my opinion that i have been right, but after his last error i believe he has had the riot book thrown at him and now finally he has listened Yesterday i don’t think he made a mistake in fact he has very fast reactions he is an out and out shotstopper and with his height he gets about very well his agile for a big guy. I feel that when we have the edge in a game he flows along like a fast flowing river, but i worry that he has that mad Jens Leyman in him that comes out every now and again, that hasn’t gone but he is getting better. Theo i wont say too much about as he only played a short while and his match fitness is not quite there so not fair to give him stick, but i will say he doesn’t float my boat when he is fit. I will just mention Jack Wilshere whether its just my opinion but he does spend a lot of time on the deck i know players are on him all the time but i have to say that every time he goes down it looks exactly the same Jack has this off to a tee but i don’t like it. Many will not have a bad word said of him but he goes down like swan lake for me. I watched Chelsea this weekend and they attack in numbers and are very direct but at the back they look shaky on a counter we can get a result if we drive forward and cut out all the passbacks but we need players driving forward. I believe Chelsea will get one over us but lets wait and see.
Coach/Ginge, criticism of Ozil beggars belief.
It doesn’t matter how expensive a player is. They still have to adapt to a new country/team/league/culture/referee’s and their interpretation, and that adaptation doesn’t happen in six months…
What Talkrubbish say is totally worthless.
Another good post and another good result I totally agree rico that many underestimate Soton and they got a win and at Anfield and Old Trafford so they were well on form. Before us they only conceded 5 league goals a mark of their organisation.
I really think that Wanyama and Shenderline are quality palyers they really add to their stability and wouldn’t mind if one or both join us.
Like I said in my blog the Ozil criticism is getting boring and fans that can’t see what he has brought us are really not Arsenal fans the midfield still needs to find its feet we will be much much better once everyone has settled in and really get to know their positions properly, I mean Santi doesn’t look truly comfortable yet playing wide and not in his more comfortable free role, but i’m sure they will all settle given time and once players return we will be even harder to beat.
Giroud had an outstanding game, he gives hardworking a new meaning he was ready to battle for everything yesterday and played fantastic his 1st goal although it was a gift still required him to close down the keeper and he got his reward how many other strikers wouldn’t have pressed with the same intensity and as much a Boruc was stupid, Giroud almost forced him into the error.
All in all a very satisfying result and another game another three points and we each game brings us closer to the end of the year with a nice gap building up. Next up Mariselle lets hope its another win and we can wrap up the CL group of death and push on in the league.
UP THE GUNNERS!!!!!!!
Afternoon GoonerFamilia,
Man$hitty vs tiny Totts
LIVE STREAM SERVICE. Wait 30 sec to close ads. Look for small x-squares to remove ads. No cyber bulling in the chat section, enjoy responsible, thank you. Close chat for better streaming.
http://cricfree.tv/live/watch/manchester_city_vs_tottenham_hotspur/16970
Dev- you definitely jinx BVB; you and C2H of curse. 😛
On a serious note, it was only going to be damaged limitation yesterday; but saying that BB had 2 chances earlier on that if they had been buried could have changed proceedings.
Hi Kev- I am sure the ‘rag-top’ sales have dropped since we started performing this season.
Phil Thomson’s nose went bigger when Boruc gifted us the goal, 😀 he was not pleased at all. Its not like a dippers keeper never makes a mistake but hey…
of course* even
Not much of a talker today. Out of steam from laboring long hours. It’s been groundhog day all month for me.
Missed my LIVE STREAM duty yesterday as a consequence. Sorry Gunner-peeps. Things are a bit hectic at the moment.
Hiya Dg; how are you?
The folks were awaiting a string of links from you yesterday….
MO11, I think as Kev mentioned earlier Ozil needs time to settle no matter the fee we paid for him…
I do not agree with his criticism from certain sections of the media or fans but saying that, that is Ozil game at club level… he appears lethargical during most games but his positional awareness alone is more than enough to warrant his inclusion most times imho… it’s up to the likes of JW and SC19 to exploit his pros…; unfortunately it is only TR07, Serge and Ramsey who are maybe tactically fluid to vary their game around Ozil in the final 3rd. I left out OG12 because he is the focal point if you like…
Let us not forget to give an honorary mention to Clattenberg who plumbed new depths of ineptitude yesterday, particularly in the first half when the Southampton defenders got away with foul after foul. I imagine that an official must have had a word with him at half time. I was astonished that a penalty was actually given for shirt pulling in the area as that happens a dozen times in every match without punishment.
Bad, bad, bad result in the Ashes though. Just saw the press conference from after the match. Unpleasant vibe around I think.
KEV :-
http://redaction.org.uk/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=4&id=247&limit=6&limitstart=12&Itemid=58
scroll down to the video clip ” anthem ” that is the chorus bit that gets sung most often.
Ginge
I’d set a marker on my smartphone to provide the stream service.
Hushed the reminder when I woke up and forgot all about it. Caught the last bit of the game feeling dreadful missing whatever enjoyable downtime I permit myself to have. Happy with the result though.
Been missing you guys and gals like crazy. Cheers HH
Whatever happened to the transfer window?? We’re getting linked with a plethora of shock moves daily since the beginning of the season. (After having done the biggest swoop in EPL history.)
Not enough drama around to milk dry now we’re performing like title contenders??
Clattenburg indeed had a ‘mare but at least we won so…
SP1- ‘I will just mention Jack Wilshere whether its just my opinion but he does spend a lot of time on the deck i know players are on him all the time but i have to say that every time he goes down it looks exactly the same Jack has this off to a tee but i don’t like it.’ 😀
Scroll up if you want to see Man$hitty vs Tiny Totts. LIVE STREAM already posted. Enjoy.
I prefer Aguero to Suarez…
Joaquim
Congratulations on Portugal going to Brazil. I’m happy for you.
Hi Rico, Agag, Scott, Adam, SP, WATH and Kev and everyone at HH.
A good result yesterday, one to probably look back on at the end of the season to see its true value, Southampton are much improved as a club and a team and will take points off a lot of the top teams, as they have against Utd etc. I was pleased for Giroud, works very hard, and got his reward yesterday.
I agree with SP about Jack, I know that he has a low centre of gravity being small, but he does go over a bit too easy.
Still, bring on Marseille, and let’s get a result there too.
Anyone any news on whether Diaby will ever return…? Is he in his last year of contract?
tsgh I totally agree he needs time to settle, the EPL is a demanding league and at Real he wasn’t the main man everything used to revolve around CR07 and now he is at Arsenal he prob not used to having two guys on him everytime he gets the ball. The good thing about that is it free space for other, i.e Ramsey, JW10, SC19, TW14 and the likes to do things, once he has got used to that I have no doubt his performances will only get better hence why I said we will get better as the season goes and once players return. I am really looking forward to the link up between Ozil and LP09.
probably going to upset a few of you, but is Mesut Osil worth 42 million on what you have seen of him so far, Ozil is a reasonable midfielder but 42 mill i expected a lot more. Many will say give him time and he will be fantastic, personally i think he is as good as he is going to be but i might just end up with egg on my face. So far this season he has not had me jumping out of my chair. Oxlaid Chamberlain i am looking forward to fitting back in i also like Gnabrys work effort both forward and back Diaby i have written off he i doubt will ever come back as more than half a dozen games he to me is deadwood and should have gone before he got injured. Eisfield if he ever gets to play could be a good un Akpom we may as well off load him as Wenger will never play him, after all if you cannot get on before Bendtner you don’t figure in Wengers plans. Oliver Giroud is a workhorse he will try up front and at the back but lets face it he couldn’t outpace Mertsacker we need a quality centre forward and we need him soon.
Dutch, congratulate C. Ronaldo…
5-0 ,-)
SSP, you’re a hard one to please. 😛 Not impressed with Ozil?? He scores, sets up goals, opens up the game, provides us another outlet, so yes, I have been impressed. 😉 How are you?
Dutch, good to have you back. Don’t be a stranger.
Hello, Marinello. Been a while, how have you been?
Hiya, JM and MO.
Hiya Agag glad your safe and chirpy, Some players give you a good feeling Agag he obviously floats your boat, not mine though we all have our own opinions and mine is usually different from others . I like players who seem to want to play The ox i hope will improve and excite me i also like the fight in Gnabry but i am not a great judge because i expected Theo to excell and he has been a big disappointment to me,I thought i had seen Henry in him years ago but sadly i found that his pace would never produce the player i had hoped for. But thats alright Rico still holds the faith. 🙂
I think Ozil’s price was influenced by the ridiculous chase of Bale by Real Madrid. Probably had they not had that brainstorm Ozil’s price would have been nearer £ 30 million. However at that price I still feel some including you might feel shortchanged. Just bear in mind that our midfield is probably one of the best in Europe probably just behind that of Barcelona. In such company I feel that he is becoming an important cog in the wheel. He is a good asset , the price is not his fault.
Hi Marinello, our neighbours from N17 are finally finding their true level…. 😀
I wonder if Talkrubbish will discuss, in detail, their predictable demise?!
Answers on a postcard to The Institute of Canadian Brainwashing, 77 Percy Circus, London WC1
SP your a funny guy where talking about a market where Bale has been sold for 100M euros and you think Ozil not worth 42M come on you got to be kidding.
If you ask me I don’t think any player is worth any of the sums being paid but then its all about supply and demand and market value. I don’t think a loaf of bread is worth £1.50 but thats market value at the moment so I have to put up with it or go hungry or it that value stuff thats like cardboard.
Taking that into consideration with the prices of players these days Ozil defo worth every penny. I have a strong feeling you said the same about Henry, Bergkamp, etc and look how that turned out. Give the guy time he’s only been here for a couple of months way to early to judge, and so far I am impressed even yesterday, i’m not saying he was brilliant but he adds a touch of class and his arrival has added another 20% to all the players belief and confidence and you only have to hear what the players say about him to know that.
He will be the one that when we enter transfer negotiations other new comers will want to play with and thus make bring big players in easier. We as fans have criticised the club for not buying marque players now we have we still not happy.
I agree with what you say about OG12 but what he doesn’t have in pace he makes up for in strength. He is one of the best hold up strikers in the world without doubt and he fights for everything and brings others into the game now we have the pace of Theo back and when LP09 returns or another proper winger on the left we will see that even more. He is similar to Lewandoski in that sense but I agree that he is useless when trying to take defenders on.
Good post rico. Ozil is a world class player…..
However in the meantime just when you feel totally happy there is always Tottnum to make you feel euphoric.
and sorry hi agirlagunner
SSP! The differences in opinion make this blog work.
My favorites are actually Koz and and OG12, now. 🙂 I always liked Ramsey even when he wasn’t playing well. I think Theo still runs like a headless chicken a lot of the time; but he does score in the big games, so I try not too be too hard on him. rico is hopelessly hopeful about him. 😀
city 6-0! …
Hello, shopping buddy, Kev. Howdy? What has your latest purchase been? 🙂
The Totts have been completely demolished. Now for United to lose, I hear van Mercenary is injured. Good.
You make a good point Potter and i wouldn’t disagree with that. In my mind we had a great midfield before Ozil came they just needed belief, I felt we were desperate for a centre forward and our chase for Suarez confirmed my belief but instead he buys Ozil for 42 mill and plays Bendtner the mind boggles. Midfielders coming out of our ears and we buy another. The sale may have given the team a bit of a boost but for me it was a midfielder we didn’t need. Now Gnabry Eisfield Chamberlain Podolski may be limited but Giroud will be flogged to death and lets face it he is not the centre forward we realy need is he
Agreed S.P. I too would have liked to see players in other positions come in but if we did that , The Ox , Eisfeld, Gnabry would slip even further out of contention. It’s a balancing act and currently I think that Mertesacker / Sczcesney are the injuries we can’t afford.
Hey Agag, how’s things in your neighbourhood?
We are all happily happy today. 😛
Well all except Sir Stevo, who is busily trying to usurp Wath’s position as Mr Grumpy… 😀
Lighten up SSP… 😉
Actually the burning question for me, is, what has happened to Micko???
Mo, lets face it mate Bales sale was a gimmic Real had the best player in the world they buy Bale for Ridiculous money then give Ronaldo a pay rise higher than Bales. Anyway who gives a shit about Real, My concern is Arsenal its in our genes to be tight we have worked on a shoestring for years and yet we spend the highest amount in our transfer window and thats on a midfielder that we never needed. a Centre forward was what we needed and we still do. Players are worth whatever you are prepared to pay no matter what the market dictates we have never worried about what the market says anyway. When we spend i like to understand the reasoning behind it this sale has left me bewildered. Now i know its not Ozils fault that his price was that high but just because he wears an Arsenal shirt maybe enough for many supporters to sing his praises but all i’m saying is that he is not the centre forward we needed
Been a bit busy, AK. 🙂 For a change. Haha. 😛
SSP will give WATH a run for his money grumpiness-wise. 😀 😀
Alright AK point taken I’m off to watch the team that kicked our arses nte all
SSP, don’t be cross. 🙁 Good night!
Why Rooney wasn’t sent off?
yes, I know, he is a MU player.
1-1 now 🙂
Kev- I can’t keep track of your P.O Box addresses; even the FSB will struggle with that. 😛
You and I know Talkshite do not discuss Sperds performances unless they are telling the listeners how ‘arry is better than AW and AVB is a failure. They make it seem like 50 years ago was 5 years ago when they are counting our 8 years ‘drought’.
I like ‘arry but to be honest his best buy was Sandro and even he admitted he only bought him because he was told Sandro could be as good as Denilson was in Denilson’s first season for us…
Micko is Wanyama in disguise… lol
Afternoon all…
Rooney has Riley and his boys in his pocket still then…
What was the Man City result? 😉
Hi Rico…
6-0 it was
90 million well spent in TIME but still marking time behind us… lmfao
Hi Ts.
6-0? Gosh. 😉
I have not heard any expert pundit saying that Soldano is shite yet though… lol
22 million spent on him but only 1 goal has come from him from open play. When OG12 went 7 games without scoring in his open season they were calling for his head…
You know things have completely gone ‘south’ when a 60 million pound attacking force can’t score and so they call on the services on none other than Ade da-hore… lol
I’m saying nothing about our players Ts, I wrote a post last night about my own thoughts but they have been touched on today, not too much though so hopefully, that won’t put you all off the post tomorrow 😉
I am looking forward to it then… 😉
Hi all,
AGAG how are you baring up what with the disaster in your country.
My Studio, where I work designed the Adverts that are doing the rounds for DEC. Loads of money has been raised through this fund.
I agree with MO11 with regards Ozil, he’s only been over here for 2 months, but with him signing, it will help to attract other great players, if and when Arsene decides to go for one….
You might change your mind Ts 😉
This is a good read………..
http://blog.emiratesstadium.info/archives/32691?
They have sure spent a lot of money for that battering devil….
I’m off for the day guys, giving my eyes a break from the screen…
Catch up tomorrow, Night all…
What a weekend of footie remember manure where back of they beat us lol.
Why is it so good to see a guy that had so much to say about arsenal fluff his chance to win the game for the team he wanted to leave in the summer
Night Rico..
Dev- its a well written post… very relevant and factual imho too…
Interesting results this weekend…
The league positions are taking shape and form…
Well, 2-2 in Cardiff….
Not a bad weekend for us Gooners…
Walcott should get more of a run against Marseilles and be up to speed for our visit to the Welsh capital…
That’ll be interesting….
Spuds home to Mancs next weekend.
Shitty away, Chavs home with another Riley appointee to help them…
So far, so good….
Agag, no purchases, but some Christmas shopping in a couple of weeks… 🙂
Hi to the House.
Kev i think its been a great weekend and i am hoping for a good double for the next generation and the Champions League.
Rico can you check your in box.
🙂
Welcome Rick, thanks for the mail.
100 million=negative goal difference, I thought they had the meanest defense in the premiership,Arsenal hav 6 reasons to smile spurs have 0,Boooooom cardiff score in furgie time.
SP….very, very harsh on Ozil AND Giroud.
Top of the league so imo humble opinion you are searching for a reason to criticise….why?
Ozil adds class to an already classy midfield.
He has just come from a league where the intensity and physical aspect are way down on the PL, and has done damn well already, soi do not get it.
Giroud has picked p his speed from last season, is a workhorse and is belting in goals for fun.
Szczesny…well, he was always going to improve with experience, and experience comes with the making of and learning from mistakes.
Spuds lose 6-0.
Utd draw against a 10 man Cardiff side.
We beat the team running 3rd and are defending our players?
I do not get it.
Yes, we can improve, but the money is there to do so, and the players we have are doing the job……the proof lies in the position on the table.
Sorry mate, you got that wrong.
Scotty, I have hurt your feelings i can tell that but be realistic Spuds outplayed us and we got lucky Villa kicked our arse much the same as Utd and were out of the Capital one cup. sure were heading the table but we have had an easy start compared to some of the others. Sure Giroud has done well but he won’t last and all we got to replace him with is someone who doesn’t want to be here he’s made that perfectly clear. You know as well as anybody that we had enough midfielders and we get Flamoney and Ozil in my mind Flamoney was a good cheap signing he gave us the bite that we lack when Arteta’s out. I am not knocking Giroud as he works his socks off but although he has scored a few he is not the answer to our shortcomings. Just because Ozil wears an Arsenal shirt doesn;t mean i have to worship him he;s ok but for 42 mill i expect fireworks Suarez was that man, he was what we needed, to be honest who would you drop to field Gnabry Podolski or Chamberlain Eisfield cause someones going to have to go
Players who cost 42 mill are not supposed to get better with time they should be shit hot from the start I personally see Ozil as being about as good as he is, i have seen him quite a few times now and he does possess the touch but given the choice, Fabregas beats him hands down in my book, and Henry was the striker that all clubs swooned over, when your a top club like Arsenal you dont wait for players to come good you buy shit hot players from the start, thats why we haven’t won anything for years.( sorry Rant over)
Nah mate, you didn’t hurt or offend me, i just reckon you were harsh 🙂
We were better than Spuds until we scored and they went for broke.
We outplayed Villa…two shocking penalties and a break away goal when a player down and chasing the game.
Of our current players, i worship one….Ramsey…and that is more due to what he has been through and where he has come from than anything else.
Ozil, i think he will continue to get better and better for us…..a big money signing, but still needs time to settle, and has had a great start, i reckon.
Giroud is a workhorse, but even they need a break.
Again, no dramas at all mate.
I always respect your opinions.
Say it quietly but I find myself agreeing with Scott.
What are things coming to?
At the end of the day and of it all we lost to Manure 0-1/Villa 1-3 and that is 3 points per game. The spuddies lost to shitty 0-6 and it is still 3 points lost as well. you loose 0-1 or 0-10 its always 3 points.
yes we can poke fun at the spuddies for loosing 6-0 and rightly so, because a if people expect a 42 million man to hit the ground running than I have every right to expect a 100million plus team not to run but to sprint away with the league not score a meagre 9 goals in 12 games and concede an average of a goal per game.
but we have to see the bigger picture here. Is it the players or is it the system they play in? Is Ozil a bad player or has he fitted in seamlessly in our system and is just obeying instructions? How come that Ozil springs to life when there is TR07 around him yet his level comes a bit down when TR07 is on the bench?
At the end of the day Ozil is the player that those around him make him to be.
rant over.
Good Morning Lady, Sir, Gentlemen and Ladies.
Morning Adam, Scott, Sp, Devil and all…
I’ll shout it loudly, I agree with Scott.
Who’d have ever thought that would happen 😉
Morning Devil. Ozil is still looking for his role in the team. Playing him, Jack and Santi is always going to present Arsene with certain challenges. Personally I think he has done ok. Yes, he didn’t have a great game against Southampton but the way he controls the ball and moves with it is lovely to watch. Once the team learns how best to accommodate him I am sure he will be great. I think it is harsh to compare him to Cesc who essentially grew up within an Arsenal culture.
Morning Rico. It’s worrying isn’t it, agreeing with Scott? 🙂
It is Adam, it is… 😉
I’m going to put the new post up as we are talking about Ozil…
See you on the new post guys, after I have fed my chickens…
Morning Dev,Adam, Rico and all
Dev- I have to agree with ‘How come that Ozil springs to life when there is TR07 around him yet his level comes a bit down when TR07 is on the bench?’ again.
I guess we see football very similar. 😉
On the other hand, will Ozil ever dominate 3 or 4 games continuously? I doubt it imho… on that point I agree with SP1 but does the fault lay with the player or AW.
I love AW and defend him but I blame him for Ozil’s performances. Since Ozil has joined us he has played in the no.10 role only 3 times; One was against Napoli and the other was against OM, in the EPL he has played as a number 10 only at WBA when Serge started because Theo was taken ill suddenly.
In my view and I have been saying this since last season; JW and SC19 should never start together against most teams. I LOVE JW but he should earn his place in the team! AW needs to grow a pair and drop JW and play Serge or even Yennaris sometimes..
At the moment JW is the Owusu-Abeyie of the squad; AW needs to find a role to suit him or make JW adapt to the team. Imho, JW has been put in no mans land, he does not know if the team is built around him or he is just an important part of the squad which to me he is because he is probably the 2nd/3rd most skilful player we have.
I have lost all respect for Adam and Rico hahahaha
Morning guys.