Morning all.
Talk about being gracious in defeat – not a chance of that coming out of Madrid from staunch Atletico fan and city mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida. He claims premeditated corruption against UEFA. The Daily Mail have quoted him as saying:
Well look, what I’m saying is that when I saw the draw I thought we’d get Arsenal and I was wrong. We got to play against UEFA. And UEFA has made it clear that they didn’t want Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final. It’s incomprehensible that they appointed a German referee when Spain and Germany are playing for the fifth Champions League spot. Who, other than UEFA, would think of appointing a German referee as both the main referee and the VAR referee? And yesterday there were plays that weren’t due to the referee being more or less bad, but in my opinion, due to a predetermined decision aimed at harming Atletico Madrid.
Martinez-Almeida Claimed three penalty appeals were rejected during the game. Riccardo Calafiori pushing Giuliano Simeone in the box, (one similar to the shove on Leandro Trossard in Madrid which was deemed to be ok) but the linesman had already flagged for offside.
It’s incomprehensible that there isn’t a single replay of Giuliano offside when it was a clear penalty. We later saw on social media that it wasn’t offside and that he left his own half. In a match broadcast by so many television cameras, why didn’t the production team show a replay to determine whether it was offside or not? Because it wasn’t offside, and they refused to admit it.
Gabriel made the slightest of contact with Simeone jnr which VAR, if they checked it, they didn’t think it warranted any further action and the third penalty shout came when Riccardo Calafiori stepped on Antoine Griezmann’s foot after the striker had a shot saved by Raya. Instead, Arsenal were awarded a free kick after Marc Pubill fouled Gabriel beforehand.
It’s blatant, the referee blows his whistle once Griezmann falls, Pubill’s foul doesn’t exist. And then the added time is clear proof that the referee wanted the match to end as quickly as possible and for Arsenal to go to Budapest instead of Atletico Madrid. It’s inexplicable that they would appoint a German referee, that they wouldn’t show replays of such important plays as Giuliano’s offside, and that at the same time we all know that VAR doesn’t call the referee when he blows his whistle… when Griezmann goes down, but not when he says there’s a foul by Pubill.
Martinez-Almeida added:
That’s why I think we Atletico fans are proud of our team because they competed not against Arsenal, but against UEFA. You can beat Arsenal over 180 minutes, but you can’t beat UEFA. And UEFA set in motion the entire machinery to prevent Atletico Madrid from advancing in yesterday’s match, and the referee was the one who carried out that will.
It’s funny isn’t it, we didn’t hear or read anything from Martinez-Almeida when Simeone was jumping up and down on the sidelines demanding the officials review the penalty awarded to Arsenal when Ebe Eze was tripped in the box during the first leg. VAR decided to go against the rules that night when despite no evidence of a “clear and obvious error” made by the referee, he decided to overturn his original decision. Did Arsenal any Arsenal fan in high places publicly claim corruption, no, and right now we have one in a very high place. Not sure for how much longer though. Lol
Arsenal football club and all who support it had to simply accept it, suck it up and move on. Just as we’ve had to on many occasions before now and had to on Tuesday night when numerous fouls on Viktor Gyokeres went unpunished.
At least Simeone and Oblak were gracious in defeat with both saying the better team went through.
As for appointing German officials, so what? It’s not their fault or Arsenal’s that La Liga and the Bundesliga are fighting it out for an extra Champions League spot. In any case, with Atletico sat ten points clear in 4th place, I’m pretty sure they’ve already qualified so why is the Madrid mayor getting his knickers in a knot anyway?
Arsenal will face PSG in the final later this month after they narrowly defeated Bayern last night. By all accounts, the French club were in scintillating form and look back to their best. The time to worry about that game will come but before then, Arsenal have 3 more cup finals to win, the ones which in my opinion, matter most.
Manchester City host Brentford on Saturday before we travel to the London Stadium to face a side fighting for Premier League survival. Yes, it’s another big weekend for Arsenal.
Catch up in the comments.
Good Morning Rico and all
Pathetic from the Mayor imo. As you said, he threw his toys out of the pram. The more the opposition talk the more I am convinced that deep down they know what they faced. They just cannot admit their failings. At least he gave out enough fodder for a good article above.
I also read what Luis Enrique said about himself and his team not fearing anyone in the Champions league. He actually said that no team is better than his PSG team. Now while I agree that cat owners and/or dog owners think their cat/dog is the most handsome and beautiful in the world (and all are right), when it comes to football squads one begs to differ. Because you are depending on a collection of individuals performing together. Or not.
Let them talk. Whatever they want to say.
Imo the less Arteta and the players talk the better. Silence is golden.
Morning Devil, all.
I agree, keep our powder dry.
People outside of Arsenal hate that we are in the final which I find amusing. The more they bleat, the more we fight I hope.
There are rumours going around (I don’t know if they are true) that CP are set to bank between 7M-10M from the Eze sale if Arsenal win the EPL.
We play CP on the last day of the league. Make of that what you will.
Good morning Rico and all. I enjoyed the post, I guess it’s just a case of sour grapes. A shame really because Spain produce some excellent wine from their home grown fruit. 😉
Let’s hope it’s true Devil.
Morning Cicero, you are on form. The sun must be shining your way. 😝
Catalonia , La Rioja yes but Madrid not so much although they do like a bit of Bull’s blood .
As I said the other day , they are quite easy to wind up and Simeone is the perfect outlet for them .
Interesting conspiracy theory about Eze , Palace and money , keeps us entertained.
The Madrid mayor is a joke,they were beaten fair and square. Just take it.
From yesterday’s post quoting Mourinho,I just can’t trust anything that man says,he is probably buttering up Arsenal fans for when we look for a new manager,we are one of the only major clubs who seem to give the manager power.
The Mayor of Madrid, I wonder, what is plonker in Spanish? (Imbecil btw)
What he says makes really good copy for a lazy journos looking for a low grade angle to fill some inches but in truth his opinion is irrelevant and slightly bonkers.
We have three major games coming up and that is what everyone connected to Arsenal will be focused on.
PSG can cruise and maybe lose the edge from their game, you can’t just switch it on and off. Simeone made some comments about Arsenal looking tired after the 1st leg but you could’ve fooled me because having a week off didn’t do Atletico any good, so I hope that PSG put their feet up.
I’d imagine that Timber is doing some light work now Rico, I did read that he’s expected to return for the Burnley game and if so maybe some minutes off of the subs bench.
Merino is expected back for Palace.
Palace have a European cup final to think about too, assuming they don’t lose tonight.
Mourinho is finished as a manager I think, Arsenal certainly wouldn’t let him near the place imo.
Kev, Lee probably knows the word you’re looking for. 😂
Sun shining Rico? No overcast and bloody cold!
Hungary is the place for Bulls Blood Potter, a strong deep red wine. Madrilenos have never been strong on the Corrida, Barcelona’s Plaza DeToros Monumentale hosted some of he most famous matadors back in the day.
Really Cicero, bright sunshine and warm in the south..
Torres wine from Vilafranca de Penedes ” Sangre de toro ” Nice full bloodied red. They also do a nice tempranillo called “Coronas ” and the region makes the best Cava “Anna de Codornui my favourite.
I wonder, what is plonker in Spanish?
I know a few words Kev but they are not as polite as plonker. Gillipollas probably comes closest.
Nothing compares to Italian wine Potter and Cicero, a mix of quality, aging potential, regional character and how well they pair with food. Certainly not up to the level of Barolo (the King of wines), Brunello di Montalcino, Amarone di Valpolicella, Barbaresco, Chianti classico, Vermentino, Vardicchia and Marsala.
Good way to look at the CP rumours as an entertainment. Certainly brings a smile
How about idiota Potter, but a-hole will suffice…
Valpolicella is lovely Coach, I also enjoy Sicilian wines.
Sicilian wines are Italian wines Kev. Although some of them dont admit it.
I tasted Spanish and Portuguese wines. Even Mexican. They are good. But not as good as Italian ones. The normal wines have 10-13 % alcohol. Marsala and the ones I mentioned here have 15-18% alcohol level. Very strong and “suave” (smooth, pleasant) character
Just a small question to ask, maybe it might be a title for a future post Rico.
If Arsenal manage to win both EPL and CL, will Arteta be considered equal or superior in legendary status to AW, HC, GG as Arsenal manager?
If he wins his legacy will only be beginning because if he doesnt get swayed by other clubs he might well do an AW/SAF and manage Arsenal for longer then them.
What are your thoughts fellow housers?
Twenty years ago, exactly at this moment, many of us had tears in our eyes…….Last match at Highbury. Arsenal 4-2 Wigan Athletic
Thierry Henry scored a hat-trick against Wigan in Arsenal’s final game at Highbury.
The Frenchman scored 114 league goals at Highbury, the most by a player at a single stadium in Premier League history.
I’m not counting any chickens Devil.
Marsala is nice in Ice cream and also with cream and a few herbs makes a lovely sauce with loin of pork.
Potter, With Ice cream I prefer Amaretto. Tastier.
Thanks Rico. Maybe it’s election time in Madrid. A bit of populous vote winning.
Lovely pic of Big Frank. What a legend. A photo of him from “Shoot” mag adorned my bedroom wall all through the early ’70’s.
Great stat re: Thierry and Highbury, Dev. He certainly loved Highbury. Kissing the hallowed turf after securing his hattrick v Wigan is almost as famous an image as that of our Charlie circa Wembley ’71 and our Michael circa Anfield ’89.
It’s a no brainer to keep Mikel at the helm. Whatever the outcome of this season, the man is immense. I wouldn’t call for a statue yet, but I can see a time coming for one.
Our Central Otago Pinot Noir might turn your palate southwards. If you can get a bottle, the 2024 Terra Sancta Mysterious Diggings is a wee bit special. Our Marlborough Sav Blanc’s have been making their presence felt for some time now.
I like the old photos Stuart, plenty of Arsenal greats to look back on. Frank being one of them.
On this day, in 2019, during the game Lille vs St. Etienne, two opposing CBs rose to head the ball during a corner. The Lille CB won the ball cleanly. He was built bigger, more robust and had more experience. Little did they know……..
Fast forward to today and that rivalry has transformed into the most elite partnership in football. Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba. Built in France, perfected in North London.
I never knew that..
Dev, Ligue Un is always a market worth investigating.
Interesting question posed by Devil about Arteta’s standing in the pantheon of Arsenal managerial greats.
Herbert Chapman was quite a visionary, leading Huddersfield Town to three successive titles, which is incredible for a club who have hardly played top-tier football since WWII.
Like Arteta, Chapman was given plenty of money to build his side, but he won the club their very first trophy in 1930, and followed it up with their first title.
Sadly died of pneumonia, which he caught watching an Arsenal reserve game, midway through Arsenal’s three in a row (and the last time Arsenal successfully defended a title). His team won five titles and two FA cups during their dominant pre-war decade, and of course it was quite a while before club competition in Europe. And long before our time too!
‘Stroller’ George Graham had already banked plenty of affection with the Arsenal faithful for playing a massive part in Arsenal’s double in ’70-71, although plucking him from Millwall was still quite a gamble. Within three years of his appointment he gave Arsenal fans their most memorable night to date, at Anfield ’89. He also won Arsenal only their second European trophy, which now seems so long ago. He gave us Wrighty.
But after his second title in ’91, he never came close to winning another, and towards the mid ’90’s many fans became disillusioned with the turgid football his team played. In the end he gave the club a reason to sack him and they acted upon it. It felt like the right choice at the time, but he holds a place in our hearts.
The work that Arsene Wenger did during his Highbury years is phenomenal, culminating in going a whole league campaign unbeaten. His nadir of course was the CL final twenty years ago.
It was after this final that we moved stadium; allied with what he witnessed in Paris, and having bigger dimensions in terms of pitch size at the Emirates, Wenger ripped up what had brought him success and completely changed tactics. He sold Vieira in 2005, Bergkamp retired and Pires left in the summer of 2006, and Henry went to Barca in 2007 after barely contributing in our first season at the Emirates.
Big players to lose in such a short time frame, but under-investment meant they were never adequately replaced, and despite looking title contenders in 2008, it was merely the beginning of a tired script that played out every season (with the exception of a couple of FA cups) until he finally left ten years later.
He sometimes seemed aloof, like he didn’t seem it was important to win another PL title, and that every Arsenal fan should feel eternally grateful for the trophies he delivered.
History will remember him kindly, but he seriously outstayed his welcome.
As for Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have sacrificed yet another period of winning trophies – not something any big club tolerates – to whole-heartedly support a project manager in his first job.
Lots of money has been spent and it has been a slow burner.
I think it’s legitimate to have doubts and ask questions about where the project is going and what time-frame has been set to deliver real tangible success, but if he wins the PL and CL, all those questions disappear.
I think he becomes a great manager if he repeats that achievement, or his team deliver multiple PL titles to cement his legacy.
He’s being given the opportunity to become Arsenal’s greatest manager ever if he wants it.
You know, BBD, I never saw it as a “tired script”. Arsene won seven FA Cups, three PL titles, including two doubles during his tenure. Despite all the disappointments during the second phase of his career, Arsenal played some truly beautiful football. The plethora of number 10’s he brought to the club: Ramsey, Asharvin, Rosicky, Hleb, Fabregas, Wilshere, Santi, made for a spectacle I adored. The stadium debt, David Dein’s departure, a couple of horrific broken legs, and the Abramovich investment in Chelsea are very valid reasons why the silverware was beyond us. I, for one would have allowed him the dignity of seeing out the last year of his contract and using that year to mentor someone like Mikel as a number two to take over. I have a framed letter on my wall dictated and signed by Arsene on Arsenal letterhead, sent to me when I requested a signed photograph of the 2004 team to display at the new clubrooms we built for my local club, Kerikeri FC. It is a treasure, and it reminds me that the great man is also generous and humble enough to regard such a request. It is the second letter I have from Arsenal, the first being one I received as an 11 year old in 1972. I had written to the club from NZ explaining that I wanted to play for Arsenal when I was older. The return letter came with a little book called “Heading for Arsenal”, and tho’ I never realised my dream, it inspired a devotion to the club that is now in its 55th year.
I met George in the ’80’s. I lived in St Albans for a few years, our marriage home is a few doors up from Sopwell House where the squad used to gather, and a short drive down the Roman Road to London Colney, the old training facility. Quite a few of the players lived in the area, Big Tone used to frequent the local Chinese. My heritage is Scottish, so George looked kindly upon me, and won my heart, much as Bertie Mee did and Arsene did later. Much as Mikel is doing now.
Hi Stuart.
I agree about the style of football under Arsene Wenger, it was breath-taking, fast counter-attacking football, we were the envy of the PL during those Highbury years.
Some of those players weren’t really 10’s, or di55dn’t operate as 10’s on the pitch.
Ramsey only played 10 for Wales, he was 555 8 at Arsenal, Fabregas played deeper than a 10, Arshavin didn’t stick around too long, Rosicky was made of glass and was almost always injured.
Cazorla was a great signing, but Jack wasn’t a 10 either.
You can’t just blame Chelsea, plenty of other clubs won trophies, and yes, he did win seven FA cups, but the last three (’14, ’15 and ’17) were papering over serious squad deficiencies, and the cup itself had already become a lot lower in value and prestige.
Arsenal are a seriously wealthy club and wouldn’t have sanctioned a £400m stadium build if they couldn’t afford it. We’ll never know how it affected the club’s ability to buy players, because Arsenal were still buying and selling during that period.
We didn’t lose Ashley Cole because of the cost of the Emirates, nor Vieira, Pires or Henry.
The players you mention were good, some exceptional, but none of them took Arsenal to the levels we witnessed at Highbury.
We took quite a few embarrassing hammerings under Wenger too because we were too soft and too easy to play against. That isn’t about cost, it’s about character, we had no big units, no scrappers to dig us out of a hole or fight in the trenches because of Wenger’s obsession with light-weight technicians.
He wanted to replicate the Barca tiki-taka style on a budget, Barca-lite, and it failed. Chamakh and Yaya Sanogo just don’t cut it. Even poster-boy for the Emirates, Theo was meh.
Arsene Wenger did an amazing job at Arsenal, Stuart, and yes, David Dein leaving had a huge impact, but ultimately it didn’t affect his position at the club, he was happy to accept having more power and responsibility.
Part of the problem, Stuart, is during the Highbury years he raised the fans expectation levels, and those expectations didn’t lower just because Arsenal moved stadium. The club didn’t communicate to the fans that they should lower their expectations, maybe if this was done in a mutually respectful manner fans would have accepted it and not put him under so much pressure.
But the narrative was that we were still title contenders, and falling short every year after the Emirates move was met with a lot of anger and resentment from quite a number of the Arsenal faithful.
For me, his work at Highbury makes him an Arsenal legend, and someone we should hold in the highest esteem.
** didn’t operate as 10’s
** Ramsey was an 8 at Arsenal (not a 555 8!)
Apologies for the typo’s.
Good morning all, not much happening in the Arsenal Universe today.
Warm and sunny here in Norfolk. Another hour and I’ll be off to the Buxton Fish and Chip shop to collect our Friday lunch extravaganza. Plaice and chips, just a ten minute drive each way.
Any manager who wins a domestic double and the clubs’ first european trophy is a legend in my eyes, remember in 1971 the double had only been achieved once before in the 20th century so it was an enormous achievement 55 years ago, less so now.
So yes, to me Bertie Mee, who rebuilt a club in crisis, and with the help of Don Howe has actually done enough in my eyes to earn legend status.
George Allison became an Arsenal manager after moving from the directors box and with the help of the coaching staff put in place by Herbert Chapman maintained the clubs’ success after the great man died in 1934. A steady hand on the tiller and another legend even if slightly overshadowed by Chapman himself. He won titles outright in 1935/36 and 1937/38, won the FACup in 1936, also completing Chapman’s title success in 1934/35.
Finally the great Tom Whittaker, the epitome of a one-club man, player/trainer/physiotherapist/manager, he died in office and to my mind deserves a statue outside the club.
Like Bertie Mee he took over a club in crisis, a club heading for relegation but saved us in 1946/47 by signing two veterans, Ronnie Rooke and Joe Mercer and allied to some other smart transfer business and young players coming through he won the league in 1947/48 and 1952/53 and well as the FACup in 1950.
It’s also forgotten how close Whittaker came to winning the double in 1951/52, narrowly losing out to Man Utd in the league and the cup final to Newcastle after an injury nightmare that had the Gunners playing with 7 fit players in the end and only losing 1-0 to a George Robeldo goal that hit the post and trickled, just, over the line.
Cicero , one day come to Potter , sit by the river enjoy the sunshine and visit the Nippy Chippy by the bridge.
Funny to read the Madrid Mayor say “Arsenal can be beaten over 180 minutes…” (Which we can, of course), just not by Athletico in 270+, or Real for that matter 🤔😀
Ronnie Rooke my dad’s favourite , we used to argue about Joe Baker and Rooke as we walked back to Gospel Oak and he left me by the ice cream hut while he and my uncles nipped into the pub.
That was the life , for a 10 year old.
Marine Ices a lemon sorbet and vanilla ice combo..
Potter some years ago, certainly pre covid, we had taken a circular walk starting and finishing in the car park at The Fallgate. The pub had only just reopened after being flooded but they provided one of the best fish and chips lunches, for about ten of us, I’ve ever had.
Afternoon all. Nigel is doing rather well. Or shouldn’t I mention that.. 😜
“Some people have criticised how Arsenal celebrated at the end of the game…”
Mikel Arteta: “I think you have to respect every opinion & place them where they belong.”
“Where do you place them?”
Mikel Arteta: “Where they belong!”
Where they belong??? Make of that what you will
On this day in 1971…………Our Gunners fought back from behind in extra-time to win the FA Cup
I was still three years old so don’t remember anything from that day. But I still remember my Pa, who was only 28 years old back then jumping up and down on the couch when George’s winner went in. Years later, when I mentioned it to him he told me that he was celebrating CG’s winner in front of the black and white TV.
Incidentally, that BW tv was still working 10 years ago until its CRO blew up.
I did not know what Pa was celebrating, but seeing my Pa happy was surely HAPPY DAYS for me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyvVbw_3RJM
My all time hero??? DR07
I was behind the goal where Charlie George scored. D G.
I was a bit to the left , I had a perfect view of Heighway’s goal , I remember screaming at Wilson to cover his post . He didn’t hear me though.
I was a bit to the south, 11,423 miles away and had to wait seven hours for the result to be relayed via Radio…
Chris Cavanagh has been appointed ref. Darren England is VAR
New post up.
Hey Potter, did you manage to get in White Hart Lane on the previous Monday? Myself, my Spurs supporting wife, my eldest brother and a mate from work got in just before the gates were closed, no tickets cash at the turnstiles. What a great night!