Morning all.
Bearing in mind we hadn’t beaten Southampton in the Premier League away from home since 2003, I really didn’t expect us to get much from last nights game. A draw at best I thought but I was wrong. Having watched only the highlights, it didn’t appear to be the best Arsenal have played but at this stage of the season, when three points are a must, I guess Arsene Wenger and his players won’t be overly concerned.
Southampton had the better chances, certainly in the first half but Petr Cech was there when called upon to spare our blushes. Then in the second half, a wonderful goal by Alexis Sanchez broke the deadlock. Que celebrations, Que badge slapping which I hope means he’s planning to stay. His goal was a great solo effort but the second goal was a team goal. Alexis to Ramsey, a nod across the box and there was the big fella to head past Frazer Forster. Giroud did what he does best, off the bench to secure all three points. That’s what he can do if the ball is plonked on his head.
So here we are again then. If we can beat Stoke City on Saturday evening then it’s all eyes on The London Stadium the following day.
Back in 2006 we were in a similar situation but that season, our Champions League hopes went to the wire. On the final day we needed West Ham to beat Tottenham so we could nick fourth place off our bitter rivals. This season, it’s Liverpool we are hunting down and this Sunday they face The Hammers and if the home side can repeat the result they achieved last weekend over the Totts, we really are in with a shout of overtaking the northern club.
In 2006 and with the help of a dose of food poisoning down the road we did it but here in 2017 I’m not so sure we will. I guess it all depends on who is the bravest and who wants it most. Stoke City away will not be easy but get the job done and put pressure on the Scousers, another club I seriously dislike.
I know, I know. It’s not great, in fact it’s wrong in so many ways as there’s been plenty of fixtures which we really shouldn’t have lost during this season. Petr Cech says the loss to Spurs cost us but I think we should look further back. Much further back. Not being prepared for the opening matches of the season was negligence, dropping points at home against Boro was frustrating, being hammered by Crystal Palace was embarrassing, as was losing 3-1 to West Brom and being beaten at The Emirates by Watford. All these points add up and that’s what’s cost us, not just losing at WHL. Lack of preparation together with lack of motivation and odd team selections has also had a major impact on our season and not only this one.
Now it’s a scramble for that fourth spot and for the sake of the club, the higher up the table we finish the better, regardless of who the manager is next season which is looking highly likely to be Arsene Wenger. My bet is that the club won’t announce it though until the season is over so that the Frenchman will not have to face the fans until the new season begins. I seriously hope I’m wrong and all this silliness and embarrassing stuff about a DoF during his press conference is him trying to be funny whilst he has the chance as he knows he’s leaving very soon.
Anyway, four games to go including a trip to Wembley and then’t it’ll all be over for a couple of months…
Morning Rico, finishing above the Scousers would indeed be hilarious and although Stoke are a hard nut to crack, if Wenger can beat Mourinho then anything is possible.
Morning All, question?
Petr Cech or David Ospina in goal in the cup final?
And who do you think Wenger will pick?
Morning Kev.
Cech surely? Plus he might want to not risk Ospina if he’s heading off in the summer…
Good morning rico & kev,
First of all, who was the the F wit who set up auto correct text, a baboon? Anyway, I’ll get this post out soon I hope…………………..
Morning Rico and all..
Barring injury to Cech between now and the final, i’d expect Cech between the sticks..
Morning Gg. I don’t know but it’s darn annoying..
Morning Bt. Ditto. Ospina v Costa? No thanks…
Don’t even go there Rico….
Or Cahill on set-pieces Bt… 😉
Stop it Rico…
David Luiz Bt? 🙂
The Brazilian Sideshow Bob, who could forget him..Rico
Afternoon and thanks Rico.
It`s bloody hard wanting your team to lose when you know a year or so out of the CL ……….and EL………..will possibly be a blessing in disguise for our club, but as much as my head tells me we need to be mid table, I cant bring myself to want to lose come match day, so I`ll just have to hope Wenger fcuks it up badly on his own so that we will be rid of him !…………………………never been good at head ruling the heart where The Arsenal is concerned !.
Head speaking here !………..we need Bindippers and Mansour City to win all their remaining games !
Heart here !…….fcuk off head !……..go support Spuds you bastard ! hahaha
Actually Rico, if the results go the right way there could be an extra game !……….well according to this link !
http://www.101greatgoals.com/news/liverpool-arsenal-play-top-four-play-off-season/
Afternoon Rico and All
What about a bit further back Rico..
First game of the season:Arsenal 3 v Liverpool 4.
“Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits his side lacked experience and stability
Liverpool 3 v Arsenal 1
Liverpool powered their way to a home win over Arsenal.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger couldn’t count on Mesut Ozil, who was out through illness, and he shocked everyone by dropping Alexis Sanchez to the bench.
He said that in leaving out Sanchez he wanted his team to be more direct, and take advantage, in his own words, of Liverpool being “vulnerable at corners”. Asked whether he had made a mistake, especially with Mesut Ozil absent through illness, Wenger was his old self, unapologetic and unyielding. “I have no special regrets,” he said, “the only regret is to have lost the game.”
So for me we lost 4th Spot against the team which may get 4th spot.Twice.
Mind you if we did nick it……….
You can’t pin point one game there have been too many . Personally I am not bothered about 4th per se. But as I said on the previous post if we can’t take the piss out of Spurs lets get Liverpool instead.
Afternoon Fred. I covered the dipper loss in the ‘opening games’.. lol
A playoff Lc, now that would be a first…
Utd 1-0 up, darn!
Catch up tomorrow guys..
Nighty.
Morning Rico and all.
Morning Adam and all. Lovely sunny morning after a lot of rain. Nice..
It’s dreary here Rico.
That’s because you are too near The Emirates Adam.. 😉
New post up now.
It’s dreary here too. Still, back home later today. Will it be sunny or will it be dull?
Wenger has become dull, repetitive and boring. He sounds like what he is…..OLD!
Oh, was reminded earlier this week that my Red Membership is imminent! More cash for Kronke. Not my best ever investment!
Oh to be in England now that the cricket season’s here!
Wrote this 3 hours ago but forgot to send it!