Arsenal started the game with the following line up:
Szczesny, Jenkinson, Gibbs, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Arteta, Coquelin, Cazorla, Chamberlain, Podolski, Gervinho.
Subs were Mannone (very unfair I must say), Koscielny, Santos, Walcott, Ramsey, Arshavin and Giroud.
The Saints rode into town in a happy mood. They had narrowly lost to both the Manchester sides with the same score of 2-3 and in between there was a 0-2 defeat against Wigan. However they were in a good upbeat mood as they arrived at the Emirates and were confident that they would steal a point against the meanest defence in the EPL. The question was….would they park the bus in the penalty area or look to attack.
Well, in the first half they did neither as they seemed to be in confusion between two stools and the Arsenal players took advantage of their uncertainty from the start as Podolski, Arteta, Cazorla and Gibbs had already lined up to take shots on the Saints goal.
Looking at the early possession statistics, one wondered if Southampton were playing just a shadow game since Arsenal were passing the ball around at will. Kieran Gibbs must have thought that had been given the freedom of the park since he was allowed to roam up and down the by line.
The first goal came after a good pass Podolski sent him down the left and his low cross found the back of the net courtesy of a deflection off Saints defender Hooiveld. The latter who was having a shocker suffered the ignominy of a first half tactical substitution.
Arsenal were not to be denied a goal of ‘their own’ and around the half hour mark Podolski doubled the score with a fine free kick from 25 yards.
The Saints were still reeling and before they realised what was hitting them they conceded a third and fourth goals in quick succession.
First Gervinho fired an unstoppable shot from the right after being set off by Arteta and then Gibbs again crossed from the left and Clyne had a sense of deja-vu as he did what Hooiveld did and that was ….. score an own goal.
Arsenal were in rampant mood and the sense among supporters was maybe by how many we would win by.
That may have affected the players who took their foot off the pedal for a bit and suddenly the home fans themselves suffered a sense of deja-vu, as Szczesny and Jenkinson collided to gift Danny Fox an easy goal.
The goal seemed to galvanise the Saints who began the second half better than they were in the first 40 minutes of the game but just as they were threatening to do what Newcastle did a few months ago the Arsenal players woke up from their slumber and responded in a true professional way.
Ramsey, who a few minutes earlier had replaced Coquelin (who had a good game) was the architect after he made Clyne look like a prized mug, his shot came back off the far post and there was Gervinho to fire home.
Both Podolski and Gervinho were replaced by Giroud and Walcott respectively with a quarter of an hour left. Clearly Arsene Wenger was thinking about the Champions league game against Montpellier. I guess that Giroud will be starting the game against his former employees.
Arsenal continued to play the ball around with Southampton players trying their best to make things work and get a morale boosting second. However, barring some insecurity from Szczesny’s clearances and distribution, all the Arsenal players were intent of making their presence felt and with Sagna, Wilshere and Koscielny still to play this season, no one is taking his position for granted.
Three minutes before the end Arsenal claimed their sixth goal. Vermaelen was sent on his way by Cazorla and he bombed forward towards goal. Davis saved his thunderous shot but the ball fell to Cazorla who squared to Theo and the former Saints player finished well with his left foot.
Theo didn’t celebrate his goal, in fact he clapped all the supporters who were happily dancing after a good victory and remembered those who used to rejoice when he was plying his trade in the red and white striped Saints shirt. The same can be said of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as he too showed his respect and appreciation to his old clubs fans. That was pure class from our two players.
A great game, a good score and now with eight points Arsenal lie third just two points behind Chelsea.
Next up are Montpellier where I have a hunch Giroud would net his first for the club.
By the way, that was Southampton’s heaviest Premier League defeat in nine years, any idea of the last?
Yep, you may have guessed it……..6-1 against Arsenal in 2003.
There was of course a couple of blips, Theo could easily crossed to Giroud who would surely got off the mark from close range and of course the goal conceded. Not that we are above conceding but in the manner we did is something we don’t want to see again.
Other than that, we played as a team, united throughout and worked hard for each other.
Man Men of the match?
Arsenal FC…..
Written by DevilGuner.
Morning all
Told ya we would win! 😛 Very good performance from the whole team bar the pole in goal. He needs a kick up the hole his distribution is terrible and he cost us a clean sheet :/
I was pleasantly surprised by forehead and man Podolsky and Santi where awesome again:)
Morning all…
Good post devil, but i thought Ches just fluffed his catch and dropped the ball rather than a collision with Jenks?
Or am i just being pedantic 😉
TT – won well too.
Gibbs and Jenks had good games too which is really good. A few players who have been under some fans microscope proved their worth and some…
I didn’t realise that about the Saints and 6-1…
Well done to the Ox and Theo too, showed many how to be respectful to the club which put their name on the map…
Naa seen it many times again Rico and no way can you blame a collision for him dropping the ball. He simply was not concentrating thats all.
I agree TT, sloppy but hopefully we won’t see that again this season. I won’t hold my breath though….
Top Top Report Devil, reminicent of Olivers old reports, detailed and acurate , i felt that Saints did deserve something from this match as their second half performance put us in the shade once or twice, but not a gifted goal, Team performance was what i expected against this newly promoted team, and they never let us down Cazorla and Podolski were eccelent their ball flair and ingenuity mixed with plenty of talent lifted the team and with stalwarts like Arteta BFG and virmin we ar coming on nicely.
Nice nice performance…..gervinho shined in his ‘new’ role…..muct give credit to wenger for his tactics…seems he is changing tactics often nowadays
Difficult to pick ‘one’ Steve, so many played so well and the interchanging and speed up front was just like the good old days at times…
Is there another international break early October?
Poldi looks like a legend in the making….u can see it…he wants and is playing for the shirt…..class act by the former saints duo
He can play lb,lm,lw,cf and he can take free kicks…he is a german,,,he is a beast…his passion and determination is joyful to watch…who is he????????????
Good morning groovers,
Good post DG
southweng by arsenalist
Kc, that’s what happens when you get fresh blood in, not only players but the coaching staff…
And finally AW must be listening, either that or he’s finally got the right players to play his way, instead of making players play his way regardless….
I noticed on MOTD this morning that England play an international soon but never noticed the date RIco
Rico
think is mid october….but i fucking hate the international break
Thanks Steve – Just noticed the two week gap in the fixtures, must be the second week in Oct, bloomin annoying…
Rico 10:10am
well said….win win situation for us
So do I Kc, with passion…
Steve, what did you make of Shearers comments on us, i thought he was a pillock….
Great game and I’m happy to be a gooner. Santi was awsome and he remind me of Zidane
Rico 10:10am
well said….win win situation for us
reckon we (naija) will play our AFCON qualifier on 22 october….that’s the internationl period
Can’t comment Rico, Missed our game, but watched the Mancs get another gifted penalty.
We are now looking foward to see arsenal lifting three trophy this seasson thank u wenger.
Kc, Mertesacker 😉 😉
Hi emma….
That’s two days after we play Norwich Kc…
Martinez is really slating Wellbeck today Steve, diving and bad tackle…
Off for hours……that hazard must be having his diving lessons under the tutelage of dat looserpool kunt
Chesnee beware! Remember, remember the mistakes of big Lens? A couple of goals conceded by the big man in the first 2 or 3 games of the season – 2008? DROPPED never really to reappear for…………..Almunia!!! Man on one may et get a protracted run if the present No. 1 doesn’t buck himself up!
Matches for international break is on the 11th (thur) and 15th of Oct(mon).
rico – I call them the 3 musketeers(shearer, hansen & lineker). They don’t know what a pundit is. I prefer MNF( monday night football) with Ed chamberlain & Neville on sky sports
Rico
re BFG…. I was among the fans that preferred Cahill to him…..thank fuck im not the manager
Scez fucked up big time…but that may give him the kick arse up he need and go 10 consecutive clean sheets
I realise what your saying KC but i still would have brought Cahill and Samba a couple of christmasses ago
So did I Kc 😉
Have a good day…
Wavy, it must have been a tough decision for AW to put Ches straight back in with Mannone having kept three clean sheets..
Hindsight is a wonderful thing 😉
Steve, so would I have done, I really like both those defenders..
Thanks re the internationals emma, I’d call those three something a little less pleasant than that, BBC could do a lot better… No wonder Dixon left them…
Pundits are the scum of the earth not worth listening to, you would do much better listening to the defenders who we have played against
I try not to take pundits to heart if i have seen the game you form your own impressions and from what i saw yesterday we have nothing to worry about at the moment.
Arteta outstanding again. Wins the ball without even tackling. Such a clever player who was badly missed at the end of last season. How the f does Busquets get in the Spain team in front of him?
Gary Neville is one of the better ones Steve..
BJ, because he plays for the Catalan minnows, that can be the only reason…
Morning Rico and all. Arsene looked very relaxed in that press conference I thought. Luis Suarez’ face makes me feel quite ill. I cam imagine him and Ballague building a dam in some fetid river somewhere.
Morning all, first time commenting on here I like the article but off the point match of the day are getting on my nerves, they never fully give Arsenal credit or do a proper analysis on our game, instead a few words on us and the rest of the time they concentrate on Southampton.
I love the way we up the tempo in the second half. Looks like Coq was fading out and le professeur made a change bringing in Ramsey to step it up a bit. We ve never had such luxury for a while having quality in the bench and in the next 3 wks frimpong, wilshere, sagna, rosicky will be back. I wouldn’t want to be in Wenger’s shoes when that happens. Good to have competitions in the team.
The way Wenger speaks of Vito in the last week, I see him displacing Chesney soon. Chesney lacks concentration, his ball distribution is poor and passes to defenders under pressure. He hasn’t improve his ball distribution from previous season and wonder if he is working on it since he feels he is Numero uno
Good Morning my Esteemed Fellow Gunners.
Thanks for all your comments.
TT you are right. I saw the Saints goal again and he did not collide with Jenks. Rather he was unbalanced by Lambert who was well covered by Jenks himself. The mistake that Chezzer made was in coming out when he should have stayed on the line.
A crap goal to be conceded.
Morning Adam, I think it’s his new haircut, makes him look much younger…
TBH with you all I do my reports directly with the game itself. That explains the reason for thinking that Chezzer collided with Jenks.
Re Ches, not only is Mannone after his spot, but Fabianski is too, healthy competition…
Morning devil, I left the bit about Ches/Jenks in the post as I didn’t want to interfere with your view…
Dreadful way to surrender our clean sheet tally, Ches certainly needs to go away and think long and hard about how to improve. Maybe its all been a bit too easy for him, if he is as good as most think he is, he’ll learn from that yesterday….
Crazy Thiery Henry Corner kick goal
TH is something else isn’t he 🙂
American commentary just doesn’t sound right does it….
Welcome Dan, glad you found us and dropped a comment in..
I don’t usually watch MOTD, I did yesterday just to see what they would make of the match, same old let’s blame the oppo defence. Shall not be hurrying back for next weekends programme…
Morning all… Great post Devil! On our Ches, I think he’s not as good as he thinks he is….woeful error robbing us of a fourth clean sheet and at least two clearances straight to Southampton players!
Let’s hope all his fuck ups are out of the way for a while!
Boo!! Great match summary, Dev. Detailed and insightful as ever. Like you, I thought Ches collided with Jenks for that goal. Ihope everyone keeps fit; it’s been ages since I rather than hoped that those coming from the bench were quality.
Hiya, rico, howdy?? Adam, I nodded off while chatting last night. Ack! 🙂 Hello, emma and TT, kc, and SSP! 🙂
Quick Feet Cazorla
Morning Lee – they better had be or he’ll be on the bench…
Hi agag, all good thanks, you?
Bouldy become the manager on Tuesday then…
“they seemed to be in confusion between two stools”. Not a nice place to be, but I guess sh*t happens!
rico, I was thinking the exact same thing about the American commentary for Henry’s goal. 😀
emma, ayou’re positively oozing Cazorlove, it makes me smile. 🙂
Hiya, Lee! Good match to be watching live, eh?
Good morning rico and all the Housers.
DevilG — Great game report. I too thought it was a bit unfair that Mannone was on the bench, but on further reflection realised that Arsene may have played Szczesny to make certain he was fully fit and ready to play Montpellier mid-week. Yesterday gave him a chance to shake the cobwebs out.
I saw one quote from Arsene that it was a close call not to play Mannone. It is great that a player most fans had written off now offers serious competition for Szczesny.
Hi Lee. Chesney just needed to clear the ball or catch it. When the ball is there he has to make it his. Regardless of who is in the way. Goalkeeping position still not really sorted is it? Could come back to bite us methinks.
Hi Agag. I thought you faded away last night. I wondered if if it was you swooning when Gooster arrived. 🙂
Goonster actually but I like Gooster too.
AGAG — “…oozing Cazorlove…” — good one! Will that become a new standard phrase in the Gooner lexicon?
Detailed and accurate assessment devil.
Arteta was awesome yesterday. In fact the whole team look very focused yesterday expect one.
I feel sorry for Arteta because he can’t even get a call up to the national team but our national team has players like Scott Parker getting 10’s of caps for no other ability but giving the ball away and running around to win it back.
Rumour has it that Pique is on the look out to get MA8’s DNA samples to run a test in the lab to find out how much of the elite Barca DNA he has. According to sources if MA8’s agent can’t be convinced to supply the samples, Pique will wait until we play them in the champions league to swap shirts after the game.
Bring on $hitty.
CG. Let’s hope Stan doesn’t see that expression. 🙂
If Chezzer learns from it than by all means its a good thing. Yesterday many on HH pointed out that his kicking, distribution and communication are not up to standard. And sometimes even when he came out he was a bit undecisive. Maybe as has been said, AW wanted him to shake off the rustiness. I hope we do not see any more errors like that. I had a sense of deja-vu when that clanger happened. luckily they did not get a second.
Adam — I agree, whenever the goalie leaves his line like that he has to collect or clear the ball, regardless of who is in his way.
Adam — Yes, I am afraid AGAG may have given him a new phrase to replace ‘creaming myself’ or an alternate. He and AGAG are a ‘bad’ mix when they get going.
CG. Agreed. A big fist often helps and if it should happen to catch Luis Suarez on the side of the head then that is very unfortunate for Suarez but probably a good thing for mankind.
CG. No fault of Agag though. Stan is an Internet Lothario and is, I believe, irresistible to women.
agag – yes 🙂
So in essence Adam that would be a small punch for a man but a great fist for mankind!!!
Goonie irresistible to women????? 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆
Devil. You got it. 🙂
Adam — Would cuffing the likes of Saurez while playing the ball be considered bonus points? My younger son plays goal and when going for high balls he has his eyes on the ball but his peripheral vision focused on the nearest opposition player. If he’s too close he’ll be getting a raised knee under his chin. After getting his jaw and teeth rattled he allows the goalie his spa
Morning CG
Wonder how Fabianski feels about AW;s comments on Mannone…
I guess Gooster won’t be looking forward to Christmas Adam….
Adam — “…irresistable to women.”? Stan is going to be insufferable if he reads that.
CG. I doubt any goalie would want Suarez’ teeth anywhere near his knee. They could leave a nasty semi-circular indentation as they are usually used to cut through logs. 🙂
Canadian Gooner says:
September 16, 2012 at 11:42 am
Adam — Would cuffing the likes of Saurez while playing the ball be considered bonus points? My younger son plays goal and when going for high balls he has his eyes on the ball but his peripheral vision focused on the nearest opposition player. If he’s too close he’ll be getting a raised knee under his chin. After getting his jaw and teeth rattled he allows the goalie his spa……
CG….that is exactly what I always tell my Keepers to do. Word for word.
Rico. Gooster works for me. But, being a woman I imagine you can attest, along with Emma and Agag as to Stan’s irresistability? 🙂
I’ll be back in a bit. Wouldn’t want to seem rude two days in a row. 😀
rico — It’s great that we have three viable options for goallie, but I think one of Fabianski or Mannone will be out on loan by January. A lot will depend on how many competitions we’re still active in.
Funny enough Adam, I find it quite easy to resist the charms of a man who love is to only ruffle my feathers…
Morning all you happy AKB’s.
Morning Rico. Again… 😉
That was a mighty fine post Coach…
A UEFA A License must surely be in the mail…
Rico. You are giving me some great lines this morning but, in the interest of taste and decorum I will resist a come-back to that one. 🙂
the problem with schesny is that he thinks he his a world class keeper! he is not and his arrogancy is going to kill us this season if wenger persist with him.fabianski is a better choice,and manone with his clean sheets is still learning.
Hi Kev. Been ranking this morning?
Morning all,
Chezzer was too nonchalant, on another day it might have cost us but not yesterday, I expect he will be giving an extra 10 % Monday morning in training, still prefer him over our flakey Italian any day of the week.
It’s Girouds time to shine on Tuesday.
For me, the best part of yesterday’s game is that after the team put in a good performance, there was no clear man of the match. It was an ensemble performance with everyone, bar a few minor errors, playing their part well. However, I was surprised Le Coq got to start after his ill advised public statements. Maybe Arsene was giving him the opportunity to put up or shut up. He played well enough, but did not set the game afire and tired before being taken off.
Micko — Having some viable competition for his position maybe the wake-up call that Szczesny needs. All too often last season he took his selection for granted.
Or sold CG?
Can’t see Fabianski sticking around being 3rd choice…
As I will re your ranking Adam 😉
Morning Ak & Micko…
Hiya habib.
How are you all???
Agree CA, I’d love to think he woke up this morning and thought ” shit, hope that ain’t cost me my place Tuesday”
Given Gervinho a lot of stick but he took his first goal brilliantly, if he carries on like that you won’t hear a peep outta me.
rico — Yes, one of them may well be sold. It all depends how patient, hopefilly not complacent, they are willing to be. It was speculated that Fabianski was going to leave during the summer.
Stan is a man of incomparable talents.
A blond Adonis , who women find irresistable…
I really don’t know what more I can add… 😉
Going back to Chesnee, what I was suggesting was if he made any more unforced errors in the next couple of games he will find himself dropped and playing with the ‘stiffs’.
Wenger is a hard taskmaster and hence my reference to Big Lens, to mistakes and you’re out.
Chesnee beware! – He did the same with Seaman if I remember rightly?
How did we get onto Stan and his pea-shooter.
Nor me Micko, I too have been critical of Gerv, yesterday was one of his best performances in an arsenal shirt.
CG – I think he would have gone but for his injury
Micko — It would be great if Gervinho fulfilled his capabilities. With the new team ethos, we may even see Arshavin play to the full level of his abilities. Though I doubt we will see much of him until the Capital One Cup commences.
Wavy – i have to disagree there, AW in the past has been far too soft on players and persisted with them regardless of their poor performances.
rico — I had forgotten about the injury.
rico — I think the Lying Dutchman was the last straw for Arsene. He doesn’t seem to have the same blind patience with his prodigies that he used to. Maybe Steve Bould has played a part in that?
I think Fabianski would have played more in the pre-season had he recovered and Mannone would be in no-mans land – but credit to the Italian, he’s taken his chance quite well.
In fact, i wouldn’t be surprised to see him improve more than Ches, he seems to have a very different attitude…
Bit of both I suspect DG and let’s not forget Banfield..
Losing Cesc and RvP hurt him though….
Isn’t it amazing? We have conceded one goal this season, think about it! Four games one goal conceded and the ‘keeper is getting slaughtered.
Yesterday was Szczesny’s first game of the season, up until the moment Soton scored he had been a virtual spectator, almost nothing to do, A momentary lapse in concentration? An unlucky collision with Jenkinson? A genuine fumble? The outcome? we gave away a goal. One goal! We were 4 – 0 up at the time and waltzing through Southampton’s defence almost at will. Did anyone really expect we would not concede a single goal in our first four games? OK he’s maybe not as good as he thinks he is, but he’s the best we have and the best we will have until at least January. Give the guy a break.
rico — Mannone’s attitude is a distinct contrast to Szczesny’s nonchalance. If Szczesny is not careful he could find himself behind Mannone. Mannone is out to prove a point and is gong to grab the brass ring tightly with both hands if it is offered. In the meantime, I’m sure he work his socks of on the practice field.
JW – it’s not the fact we conceded it’s the manner in which we did. He’s a pro, our number one keeper, concentration in his role is paramount – and he let himself down.
But, we conceded because of an individual error, far better than if we had conceded from a collective defensive error.
Ches won’t be happy, and as we have all said, hopefully that kind of mistake won’t happen again…
Will be an interesting battle Cg, that’s for sure and they ‘fight it out’ – both will only improve. They are young, they could be 1&2 for a good few years ahead..
CG,
I don’t think Szczesny is “nonchalant” I think he is trying to project an air of calm confidence, nothing is better for an opposing teams morale than a ‘keeper running around his box like a headless chicken, shouting and screaming at his defenders and having tantrums when he makes an error. I suspect that Bould is trying to instill that aura of calm confidence in the entire back six, and that would be no bad thing.
A great game yesterday.
Arteta was perfection and Podolski – an extremely intelligent player.
A couple of lapses but nothing that could overshadow the result.
I liked Mertesacker, Podolski, Jenkinson and Szcesny walking around all four sides of the stadium clapping the fans after both teams had more or less left the field… Very nice
JW — Szczesny is not getting slaughtered. He is a talented player, but as with many young talented players, his attitude is not as good as it could or should be. He has definite weaknesses in his game. Lack of concentration being one of them, as well as poor kicking and distribution. So, he leaves himself open to criticism.
Contrast that to Mannone who seems to have a great attitude and has come on leaps and bounds this past year. He knows he is currently second in line, but is working hard to change that. As such, his efforts should be recognised.
Rico,
I’m not entirely sure that Szczesny’s error can be put down to a lack of concentration, there is no doubt that he did collide with Jenkinson, maybe we are guilty of being a bit too critical.
SYG — It is good to hear from you. I was begiining to wonder if you had fallen down one of your holes/tunnels.
Hi Syg –
certainly was a great game, add to that the Ox and Theo showing respect to their boyhood teams… Good spirit all round…
It’s just debate JW, at the end of all of it, we all love Ches, just don’t want him doing that again 😉
I didn’t see him collide with jenks, he went to catch the ball but just dropped it instead…
skool boy error by our keeper. How many times av i said that bout him. he needs to be consistent if he must be regarded as a great.
Hiya CG – silly season (transfer window) is over – It’s the only real time I go into the blogosphere on a large scale….. I’m like any other Arsenal supporter – I crave for positive information..
CG,
I think you are being a bit unfair on Szczesny, He’s in only his second season as a first choice ‘keeper, he had a somewhat traumatic start, as did we all, last season but he showed a remarkable level of determination in overcoming that start, I agree that he is not yet the finished article and I would have liked to have seen us sign a more experienced ‘keeper, I was hoping that we would get Julio Cesar but he went to QPR. So we have to stick to what we have and I don’t think Mannone is a serious contender for the jersey….yet!
Rico,
I watched it half a dozen times on the box and there was definitely contact between Szczesny and Jenkinson, I still have the recording and will look again later today.
Too true Rico. Very nice.
Chamberlain is a cracking little player. He got to the byline a few times in the first half and had no centre forward to play it to and had to hang up the play until players got into position ..
..I think once the team get to know each other a little better, I think we’ll be on fire…
If we can get out from the Man City and Chelsea games, we’ll KNOW out how good we are ….
These are exciting times – We have a great first 18 all playing for each other.
JW — As the site banner says “Where it’s ok to disagree”. This is a forum for discussion. Time will tell who is better — maybe. In the meantime your opinion is as valid as anyone else’s.
You won’t convince me JW 😉
Szczesny’s a young lad. All young lads are erratic and are bound to make mistakes. Sometimes, trying to hard to impress can lead to a mistake – take his sole performance in the Euro’s.
The thing is with goalkeepers is that they are the last line of defence…
Syg – spot on there.
Our bench looks the strongest it’s been for a few seasons, that’s all we have ever asked for.
I’m really looking forward to the next two PL games, we shouldn’t fear either of them….
Sorry Adam.
Day off today.
Lunch in a nice pub in Dulwich with my cousin.
Very civilised mate… 😉
In the gym at the moment with Rado 5 live on…. There’s a good discussion re: the rivalry between Man Utd and Liverpool … and the Hillsborough “slurs” at Old Trafford yesterday …. It is intertesting
OK Rico, we’ll agree to differ on that one. What else can we argue opps! sorry, can we have a discussion about 🙂
Good morning hh, afc looking dangerous.
This is the best team ever. Boys keep up the spirit and the sky will be the limit.
JW — Pick your topic. If it is interesting, I’m sure someone will bite. Just don’t take it all at face value. Some of the regulars, who know each other fairly well, are in the habit of being humorous and very tongue in cheek. Hence, the emoticons/smiley faces you see regularly.
SYG — Hillsborough has only gotten cursory mention in the media over here. Have you got a link to a good article on the recent revelations?
hey fellas…….how’s it going? CG what are doing awake this early? where in canada are you buddy? DNA good to see you in good spirits i told you we ll be alright….adam, kev you know me.a blonde adonis with a hard rock body. just ask AGAG she’s had a few flings with me in her dreams……..ahhhhh that’s the life. COYGS, am still basking in the euphoric win. what a team performance.
goonster — I’m in Victoria on the west coast. I believe your on the eastern seaboard of the US of A as they say. That puts me three hours and three time zones behind you. I’m not up early – I’m up very very late.
radio 5 live & Interesting Syg, do they go together 😉
JW – I’ll have a think… 🙂
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/9538649/Hillsborough-report-41-of-the-96-dead-had-potential-to-survive.html
whoa meaning your time should be 5.49 now right? dude how do you do it? i need to get up early to catch rico in her acts you know. help me buddy. any tips?
Afternoon gooners!
Arteta – Magnificent
Cazorla – Magician
Poldoski – My hero now, what a performance the man is a beast, runs, passes, defends, shoots, free kicks, scores and looks so proud to wear the Arsenal shirt!
PRINCE POLDI I SALUTE YOU!
hey mama bear, are still mad at me? hehehe
CG,
Try http://www.guardian.co.uk/footbal/2012/sep/12/hillsborough
sorry I think I have a semi-clon after the http instead of a colon.
Hi Goonie, you are always in my bad books, just the depth changes daily 😉
CG,
I was in Victoria in June, but only for about six hours on a wet evening, I visited the Buschart Gardens and then re-boarded the cruise ship to return to Seattle. I must say both my wife and I were pretty impressed with Victoria, even if it was p*****g down the whole time.
Hi all, good report devil,apart from Hooiveld was taken of due to an injury,if u call that tactical then all good,I found it so annoying when I saw in like 5/6 different match reports including BBC saying that the ball just fell in front of Theo,journalists are absolute rubbish in England(certain group for sure,and some idiot commentators)…it was clear that Cazorla worked his magic and laid the assist for Theo…anyway I wasn’t happy or satisfied with his goal really as he is starting to seriously piss me off this is not the first time he makes wrong decision and runs into a blind alley instead off passing ball to Giroud(in this case) for a guaranteed goal…and that is the same guy that doesn’t want to extend his contract with us…I would show him the door…
…when arsenal signed him he was 16 yr old with imense potential,now he is 23 years old with imense potential,like I said yesterday,grow some balls or leave…we have Ox but Theo must be blind to realise that kid has surpassed him in less than one season…
Oh and btw the chanting of ‘he scores when he wants’ for Poldoski was immense, god its good to be an Arsenal fan at the moment!
Thanks editor. 🙂
bad books????? am i that bad?? jeez i just cant catch a break. first my mum now you.
This is a true story re: Hillsborough, CG.
A legal agent who I know (he has represented my brother and a few lads I know) works for my brief’s office in Rotherham. He is a good mate of one of my best mates, and he used to be a policeman out of Ecclesfield Road Police Station in Sheffield at the time of Hillsborough – His name is Trev.
A former mate of mine who used to be a policeman was a sergeant at the same station – His name is Col
Col told me that Trev and a few colleagues – for a prank – got balaclava’d up and got a young officer as part of some inituation, at “gun point” and slung him into the boot of a car and drove him into the peak district – sort of a five or six mile drive and took him out of the car … the young officer thought it was going to be murdered…
The officers took off their masks thinking the young officer would take it in jest. He didn’t. He reported all four officers.
The Chief Superintendent who should have been handling the Hillsborough semi-final that day was away at the tribunal that day handling the disciplinary hearing.
The Hilsborough semi-final was therefore delegated to someone who was allegedly incapable of handling such a task – this IS IN the report.
The four officers – Trev included, got finished in a “hush-hush” episode, rather than be charged with kidnap and thus bringing it to light in the media.
Like I said – this is a true story…
goonster — I’m just an inveterate night owl.
U r right RICO there was no contact,for that instance it was mostly wojzs fault as he did not communicate,he should have screamed the ball is his so jenko doesn’t try to clear…
what a cool life you lead CG….cant wait to get me one of those…wife that is.
SYG
south yorkshire police on match day in Sheffield NOW, are the best in the country, back then definetly not but they learned a harsh lesson on that day.
SYG you sick bastard where have you been? i missed your wise cracks. how are you my man?
Morning Rico and All.
Who let the Gunners out yesterday???
Credit to you DG, good commentary.
If we’re talking about the team Gelling, it’s gelling.
But what really caught my eye was MA8, most of the ball goes through him. His distributions were up the mark. The guy is focus, he takes his role seriously and he played as if his life depends on it.
Arteta is a true footballer, he is totally focused on his place in the team, accurate passes constantly, the chip to forehead was superb for third goal, the guy is MAGNIFICENT!
I think everyone learnt something that day Ben – It’s a pity, people had top lose their lives for it….A guy up the street from me was at the match and had his face shoved up against one of the periphery fences and ended up with a face you could play chess on..
The Taylor report DID a lot of good….
I was at a sheffield united game vs wolves and a wolves fan swore at policeman he was shifted so quick into a meatwagon he was crying. that is how matches should be run, No Tolerance, makes games family friendly!
Pleasure JW …
Hi Tlail, BB and NG
goonie, do you really have to call fellow bloggers ‘sick bastards’? you maybe kidding but you may offend too…. be nice, we are winning 😉
Ben – compared to football matches in the eighties … It’s one thousand percent better…
Syg – I too read that the guy in charge was a true novice for such an event…
This will rumble on for many months/years – but none of the families will ever feel closure, there will always be a ‘what if’ in their minds….
rico, JW, and SYG — Thank you for the links and the information. I get tired of reading the same retreaded articles until you find a proper in depth report.
SYG
I remember going to the Goldstone in brighton in the late 80’s (ye i not that old) was horrific.
Hi Rico, SYG, Goonie and all. Just back from lunch. Hillsborough will remain an open sore forever I imagine.
Whatever is made of Hillsborough now will never bring the people back … Football has had its other tragedies … I think more died at Ibrox in the early1970’s, though I can’t be sure ….
And yes sounds like i watch every team but Arsenal 😉 never lived in the capitol but i’ll take live footy anyway i can, i live in france now and go watch my local team (Aulnay, english coach and 2 promotions in 2 seasons) when ever i can.
No wonder my gf hates football!!!!
Hiya Adam…. I was looking for a mild mannered lady shaking her fist yesterday…
Hi SYG. She was a happy lady yesterday. We’re you near us in the east stand upper?
Those fans had to gave their lives so that the authorities could learn.
You al can be proud your country always has passionate football fans… They will never walk alone..
112… Adam – about 19 up…
They got me right at the top of the North Bank for Chelsea … I’ll need a flipping pair of Binoculars
Hi Adam, nice lunch??
CG – I know exactly what you mean…
What gate SYG? We enter through H.
Me too Early comments suggets that some fist fight happened yesterday. I checked all comments.. What attracted me though is that bit abouht how a small fisting on Saurez do good for entire ankind.. 😉
That must be a long old day for Syg…
Yes Rico. We went to a Belgian patisserie that have started to do more hot meals. The cakes are already sensational but the North sea salad was really excellent.
Have a nice idea for a post…..Arsenal squad vs manu, chelsea, man city, spuds, who would get in above our current team, I sure someone here could write it better than me!
rico 1.49, the more you read on it the murkier it gets doesn’t it, it must leave the families thinking what if…………..
Same one, Adam.
Rico – back home for 9.30pm… If you go by train it’s not so bad … only 1 hour 40mins from KingsX to Doncaster… The only pain in the neck is queuing for the Gillespie Road tube to KingsX …
Hi Stv not sure i’m going to comment on the Suarez fisting…. 😳
Finsbury Park everytime SYG.
SYG. Then we must have been close to each other. Better for you to walk to Highbury and Islington and catch the Victoria Line to Kings Cross perhaps. A nice stroll across Highbury Fields.
Sounds lovely Adam..
BB – you have just talked yourself into writing that one, I look forward to it 🙂
That’s nearly quicker than it is for me Syg….
Micko – did you by chance watch the documentary on television the other night??
The one thing that horrifies me is the cut-off time for medical treatment, how can a time be put on someone’s life….
Just watching the game again, nice 😛
I once finished a 6pm-2am night shift – I was on some tunnel job in Selby and drove down to my mates at Guildford – I copped a couple of hours sleep – drove and parked up in Putney – had some breakfast and coming through the tunnels at Gillespie Road heard via Tannoy that the Arsenal v Norwich match had been postponed due to fog.. It was just before Christmas ’91 or ’92…
Well dawn has broken. It’s time I toddled of to bed. I don’t want to do an AGAG and nod off at the keyboard.
Thank you all for the banter and the spirited discussions. Have a good afternoon and evening everyone. Until tomorrow.
Wenger knows best. Just watch the Rennes 1 v Lorient 2, M’vila booed when replaced in the 2nd half. Very poor all round performance 🙁
I didn’t rico, don’t think it was on over here, that’s almost half of the victims.
I got knocked out sparko by a police horse in Birmingham back in 1983 for our FA Cup semi final against Man United at Villa Park, ended up in hospital that evening, my Dad went mental and grounded me from going to any more games that season, I was back at Highbury the following week.
The police were mad back then, thought nothing of charging into the crowds on horse back.
Laters CG, get some shut-eye mate.
Not so good Syg..
Night Cg, rest well…
I’m not convinced they would be any different these days Micko, not if there was a major incident at a football match…
Good to see you got the better of your Dad 😉
How many ‘sudden’ Reading supporters are on here this afternoon?? 🙂
I missed Mikel’s few ‘strong’ words at the Ox yesterday….
Hey rico.. bt You had fair share of fists on Goonie 😉
You savor the win till tuesday..I’d like to see OG scoring first Arsenal goal against Montpellier. bit of a special.
Agree re Mvilla.. what if he signed.. We ight not ever see full potential of Diaby and Ramsey.. plus Mvill would got away with simple simple big mistakes like Song did.. AW knew.
Spuds not to be bothered in this season me thinks 😉 am gonna watch those AVB antics whistling, jumping so so
😛 Stv – me…..?
Giroud v Montpellier – would be perfect but just hope he doesn’t try too hard….
Just watching that pass that Theo should have played, I’m not sure a first time cross would have got through, the defender could easily have blocked it….
And Giroud wasn’t far enough forward
😉
Mind you, his pass to Ox shortly after was really dire 😉
Two great saves by the Reading keeper…. phew
Seeing as you miserable lot have gone for Sunday tea and stickies, I’m off to watch Reading….
hey everyone, Check out this creep photo with arteta and xabi alonso when they were kids. Look at the back of picture and you would be surprised to see who is watching them.
http://t.co/RertiflE
Hi vida – Arsene 🙂
Webb just missed a clear penalty for Reading 🙄
hello everyone!
I’m watching Rading v Totts
M’Villa…hummmm!
Yor’re theo’s no.1 fan 😉
for me Diaby is a very distinguishable player.. He either plays good or plays flop or injured.. I mean not like song who while seemingly having good game but still give away many balls n free kicks losing posseesion at key momnts/ areas
If he has a good start he can build on it and influence the game.. looking fwd to his performances agaist city and chelsy.
With Ramsey returnig to form after a long while AW can creatively use either of them along with the sturdy Spaniard.
Any one else notice Manutd plays better without RVP just a thought..
Hi JM, me too – did you see the handball by totts?
Bollox 1-0 totts….
Diaby is class act but to be honest sometimes he slow the pace of the game. Look at the tempo and the flow of the ball on Saturday, it was smooth sailing.
I am his only fan Stv 😉
Not only Man Utd – we play better without him too…..
Could prove decisive you know.. for relegation battle.
lol thanks for adding that.
I’m impressed by Diaby so far NG, but yet to be convinced…
yes, but was a fault before.
Totts are very strong
The game on Saturday was the best so far Rico. Not just because of the goals but the flow of the ball going forward. We’re causing them all sort of problems in every position. I know Diaby can do it if stayed fit but he’s to release the ball more quickly.
I must have missed that JM…
I’m not disagreeing with you Ng – the way we played yesterday was very very good….
Replays show that was a definite penalty JM 😉
Definitely off for a bit now…..
1-3… brrr!
Good Evening my Esteemed Fellow Gunners.
Per Mertesacker has told talkSPORT that Arsenal’s players are all behind Wojciech Szczesny despite his error…….
………er no mate. You should be in front of him not behind him. 😆
hey rico dont take “arnhem” out of me!! am just being a good sport. if it offends you and fellow bloggers i ll be mild but i warn ya……..you re not gonna like it.
hey DG, so you re just gonna breeze in and out of HH without bringing back any souvenirs huh? well guess again wise guy am getting it or i ll make live miserable for you. you tool!
So what souvenir would you like??? a smack up your hair filled arse???
you make my life miserable?????? that has got to be the most over rated statement mate. Go on mate. try it.
hahahahah good to have you back mate…..i missed ya.
how’s the little prince? hope he’s still kicking the shit outta you during training…..you old wind bag.
the little prince will always be the little prince mate. he was very good in skiing and even rowing he got the hang of it immediately. Skiing was more easier for him than for us. I was better in rowing, especially the light canoe. Trekking was great, especially going around the lakes and along the mountains. We go there practically every year but each year brings new experiences and feelings. One day we aim to go and live there, but that is a long way off.
how old is he DG? gosh cant wait to have me one of those. i need a daughter first though but the problem is AGAG dont wanna have them with me! bummer.
Evening guys and gals…..
😆 re Merts devil…
hi rico….miss me?
Hi goonster – not in the slightest 😉
Hi Rico. Quiet Sunday evening. A bit of music and a bowl of penne seems appealing. Hi Goonster. When are you going back to Arnhem? Or are you a permanent resident in the US now?
hey adam, hopefully i ll be home for christmas. how are you fella?
Hi Adam, sure is quiet – bowl of penne sounds lovely but devil will tell you off….
i hear the spuddies won today…..grrrr.
Why is that Rico? Not enough adjectives?
Relaxed Stan. Relaxed. Back for Christmas eh? For good or a visit? I will be in Haaften soon and Hilversulm. At this rate I’ll need some Dutch lessons from you. 🙂
Yaaay but i wont come cheap though….what’s the ocassion adam? why the sudden interest to learn dutch?
No Adam, too late to be eating so many carbs….
He is nearly nine mate. and quite tall for his age.
Hi Rico. glad you enjoyed the BFG comment.
Adam, Penne in the evening???? that is equal to translating carbs into fat mate.
Goonie. Because I go there often and everyone speaks such good English, I would like to be able to get by in Dutch. Seems rude not to.
Rico. I like carbs and I ate them at 6.45. We always seem to have pasta on a Sunday evening. Is Devil one of the carb police then? He would have loved our curry evening then. It was a carnivores feast. Stan is coming over next time. 🙂
I’ll live with it Devil. Sophie Loren eats pasta every day of her life and often in the evening as a first course and she doesn’t look bad does she?
😆 Adam…
I love carbs too and I’m guilty of eating too may, too late…. But what can you do when your day is busy, eating takes second place….
I am only careful what I eat mate. but I do indulge myself now and then Adam.
I am no Sophie Loren though 😆 😆
That must be why you look a bit like a very young Sophia Loren Rico. 🙂
Devil. That’s right. I hear you are a very fit coach. When you are 86 like me, you relax your rules a bit.
Are you sultry Rico???? SLLLUUUUURRRRRRPPPPPP
Very sultry Devil. 🙂
Ok folks, off for the night. Speak tomorrow. Sleep well.
Not me devil 😉
Night Adam, don’t forget Downton tonight 😉
I too am heading off – great night of TV for me, thanks again for todays match report devil…
Til tomorrow all, night night and stay safe….
Good night Lady.
Good night all.
I am off too.
Calm down Stan
Is everybody happy out there?
This has to be one of the best starts to a season that Arsenal have done in many years.
Morning all.
Still a bit crook,so left the Ipad alone last night…caught up on a little sleep.
Great to hear everyone is bubbling with enthusiasm.
I saw the replay last night,and it is always better viewing second time around…..no anxiety,just sit back and enjoy.
I thought straight after the game that some were a little harsh on Ox,suggesting he had a “fair” game,as i thought he was electric,and the replay confirmed it.
He was awesome,but didn’t stand out so much as the entire side played so well.
That is just one little point.
Cazorla and Podolski have already won every Gooner over,but we shouldn’t be surprised.
Real Madrid just missed out on Cazorla a few years back,so that says it all,and Podolski has always been a great player,just slipped a little under the radar for we Arsenal fans….well,most of us 🙂 🙂 🙂
Giroud keeps finding goal scoring positions….goals will come,without a doubt in the world,as strikers who don’t score often are seldom in position to do so.
He is class,and will only improve.
Jenks and Gibbs went sbout their work very well.
As i said after the game,Arteta is brilliant and we all know that,but i think he is even better than most give him credit for……what was he doing at Everton for so long,and i mean no disrespect to Everton,but he is just too good for them.
Merts is using that massive size he has to advantage.Last season,if a buttefly landed on his solder,he’d have tipped over,but he is manhandling attackers now.
As a few of us said last season,you do not play regular internationals for Germany and not be able to play!
Gervinho a striker…who’d have thunk it??
That finish was superb….the first one,i mean.
Our supreme captain was sensational.
Vermaelen probably flew a little under the radar,but some of his tackles and interceptions cut attacks off before they began to look dangerous,so his input can’t be underestimated.
Szczesny will learn from his error…….a mere two weeks ago,people couldn’t wait to get him back as Vito was shit,now they want Vito as a starter??
Short memories lol.
Anyway,i can’t wait to watch the relay again,as like a good movie,you always pick things up in later viewings!!
Morning Scott and all…
Being honest here Scott –
I started writing a post just after the Ivory Coast game and the heading was ‘Is Gervinho wasted on the wings’ – I never did finish it and never posted it as you know, but I wish now that I had…..
When Gerv first arrived and played in the Ems Cup he played CF, he scored two goals, very good goals but after that he got pushed out wide…
Is he the reason AW didn’t sign another striker, we already have one in Gerv and even Theo…
We keep doubting him…some more than others….but Arsene keeps proving himself right.
Morning Rico…..just watching the Liverpool v Sunderland higlights show..
Aaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnndddddd,it’s over 🙂 🙂 🙂
Oh,and i do believe you Rico.
😆 Scott…
New post up….