Daily Bits and Bobs

One grubby thug! The memories may have gone by The Emirates won't forget…

Posted on by rico

Morning all.

Today’s fixture is against Stoke City, a side which includes that grubby thug Shawcross but our man is over it all:

The memories have gone – It took a long time to get the effects of the injury out of my system.

Mikel Arteta is back in the squad as we all know but we still have a few who are not so lucky.

Santi Cazorla, Tomas Rosicky, Lukas Podolski, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Abou Diaby  all remain sidelined.

That leaves us with:

Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Flamini, Wilshere, Ozil, Ramsey, Walcott, Giroud, Fabianski, Akpom, Vermaelen, Jenkinson, Monreal, Frimpong, Gnabry, Arteta.

Here’s a few stats from Opta – I know you all love those:

We have won all five Premier League matches against Stoke City at the Emirates Stadium.

Peter Crouch has been the only real thorn in our side by scoring seven Premier League goals against us.

Stoke will be the fifth team Mark Hughes has coached in an away game against us in the League and he’s lost all six.

Mathieu Flamini has been booked in both of his appearances for Arsenal in the Premier League this season.

We have scored all eight of our 2013-14 Premier League goals from open play, whereas two of Stoke’s three goals have come from set-plays.

Stoke have completed 79% of their passes in the Premier League this season; more than in any of the five Premier League seasons under Tony Pulis. They have also averaged more passes per game this season (397) than in any of the previous five Premier League seasons under Pulis.

Olivier Giroud is one of only nine players to score in our team’s opening four games of a Premier League season and the second Arsenal player after Jose Reyes in 2004-05. All four of his goals this season have come before half-time and all before the 24th minute.

And don’t I love hate them….

One thing those little snippets reveal though is Stoke under Hughes are a very different proposition to the last few seasons when they’d roll up, try and kick us off the pitch in attempt to snatch a point or more and after the game we’d have to listen to that vile man witter on about how we don’t like the physical game…

Well I don’t think we’ll see any of that style of play today and having watched them play against Manchester City, Mark Hughes will try and get his side to beat us by playing football the right way.

Even Ramsey agrees his fellow countryman is trying to do the right things:

As for facing Stoke:

It’s different. It’s at home and under Mark Hughes they have changed style.

I am sure they will be quite physical and press us and close us down. But we are at home and hopefully we’ll get the result.

Whether he changes that philosophy just because it’s us remains to be seen and all the time players like Shawcross and Adam are on the pitch, there is no reason to think he wouldn’t. Let’s hope he doesn’t.

The fans won’t ever forget Shawcross and what he did to Aaron Ramsey and no doubt they will make their feelings quite clear today but there’s another reason that our fans will be loud and proud. New signing Mesut Ozil will make his home debut, the stadium will be packed to the rafters with fans who are desperate to see the new boy strut his stuff in the flesh instead on television.

Mesut Ozil will lift the fans, the fans will lift the players and that should make for a great game of football, a wonderful, silky performance from the men in red and white – and of course, three points to the good guys!

COYG’s….

rico

0 thoughts on “One grubby thug! The memories may have gone by The Emirates won't forget…”

  2. Scott from Ozil says:

    Good morning guys.
    Shawcross…he is a non event and best left ignored by all and sundry…especially Aaron.
    A man with no talent whose most notable achievement people will rmember after he retires is breaking a kids leg like a bloody hero.
    Let us move on and destroy these grubs.

  3. Wavy says:

    We will surely have enough to beat an ordinary side like Stoke. Man for man we a re far superior, but we must not be complacent as we were against Villa.
    Top at the end of the day?

    COYG’s

  4. Jay says:

    Ramsey respected by Arsenal fans,and our opponents.Shawcross viewed as a crude thug by all fans except his own ,nuff said

  5. Canadian Gooner says:

    Good Morning to the Lady of the House and all fellow Gooners in residence.

    Scott – I have to agree with you regarding Shawcross and Stoke RFC.

    The best thing Aaron can do is to stick the ball in the back of their net. What better team for him to score a hat-trick against than Stoke?

    Come on Aaron, show the thugs from Oop North what you and your Arsenal teammates are made of.

    Catch you all after the game. Here’s hoping that the Manchester teams hammer hell out of each other for a point apiece.

  8. rico says:

    Team news:

    Ches
    Sagna Merts Kos Gibbs
    Flamini Ramsey
    Walcott Ozil Wilshere
    Giroud..

    Bench

    Vivano
    Jenks
    Vermaelen
    Monreal
    Arteta
    Gnabry
    Bendtner

  9. DutchGooner10 says:

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    Early stream test. Find stream here:

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    Close/hide chat (button underneath stream player) for better streaming if your connection is slow.

    Cheers and enjoy!! Let me know if any trouble occurs. Alternatives will be provided.

    Match previews and player interviews running now on the stream.

  11. stevepalmer1 says:

    Afternoon all, goodpost Rico,
    I have to say i have seen Shawcross quite a few times and have found him to be a sound defender. Deep down i believe he regrets the tackle that downed our Aaron but many defenders make rash challenges which results in accidents that they regret afterwards. Stoke have started to play football under Hughe’s But i’m sure they will still be tough in the tackle. Our men will have to dig in there and give as good as they get. Shawcross and Adam will get lots of stick but that will only make them rise in the game. Today is about bottle and a few of ours are woefully short of that so teamwork and accurate passing, quick and fast forward play, and take our chances when they come, that should get the home fans cheering. Hughes is a nomad one minute he’s here the next somewhere else, hughes has usually a war chest where he can spend willy nilly and a season later someone else has to sort his mess out. If all goes to plan another nail will be sunk in his coffin. This time next year Shawcross may still be there but i wonder whether Hughes will.

  12. rico says:

    Gary Neville:

    ‘This is the kind of game that Arsenal of old would lose’.

    Err, Stoke haven’t beaten us at The Ems have they?

    Get your facts right Mr Neville… doh!

  13. rico says:

    Good to hear Dg, morning to you..

    Thanks Sp, So he should be sorry for what he did, nearly deprived us from seeing the player we do today..

    Ref needs to be at the top of his game today and players like Kos and Flamini can’t afford to give him an easy decision.

  17. DutchGooner10 says:

    Good read Madam. Hope the gigantic “Only One Aaron Ramsey” support banner is washed, steam pressed and will be unfolded again. No better way to deal with that situation. For fans and player alike.

    SP1
    Love the nomad comment. How Hughes has fallen down the gaffer fraternity order. Its a long way tumbling from Man$hitty to StokeFC.

    Hiya JM, CanadianG, Jay, Wavy, Scott and others that joined while I was typing……

  18. tsgh says:

    Good morning all,

    Opta stats from Lady Rico? 🙂

    B-52/23 in squad today according Rico’s buddies at goal.com….

    Mg, who told you I went the bed? 😛

    C’mon gooners… 3-1 to the good guys.

  25. DutchGooner10 says:

    Arsenal take on Stoke City today at the Emirates and will be wearing a special shirt to commemorate 100 years in Islington. Arsenal’s former stadium, Highbury, was opened in September of 1913, and the North London club are doing several special things around the match to celebrate their history.

    While the players will be wearing the special kit below, the fans will be able to bring home a small piece of memorabilia in their matchday program. Check out the surprise fans are finding in their match magazine below.

    Read more at http://swol.co/the-special-shirt-arsenal-will-wear-against-stoke-city-to-celebrate-100-years-in-islington/30261#haDOxJfOTrdvZ7St.99

  28. DutchGooner10 says:

    Love the gesture of the memorabilia match day program. Woolwich Arsenal FC!!!!

    Must be like yesterday for some HH regulars. LOL

  33. DutchGooner10 says:

    Ginge may I suggest a bucket of coffee before you start hammering your keyboard. HAhaha.

    BTW Do you know where this Sanago fella is hiding?

  36. tsgh says:

    🙂 DG- Yaya is in the gym I heard…

    Martinez the young goalie is the one who has disappeared from the face of the earth

  45. agirlagunner says:

    The trouble with scoring early is that it affords Mike Dean more time to think about ways to make us lose. Ack…

    These thugs are kicking LJ to bits.

  59. Wavy says:

    There is no doubt we are missing Theo, his pace. And unpredictability, whether to defend or attack, I mean he never knows what he’s going to do next, but then again neither do the opposition!

    However, Gnarbry does not look out of his depth, does he? He is playing very well, careful not to give the ball away and when needed showing his strength and determination. Really good start in red and white.

  60. tsgh says:

    They players seem to be nervous at home… hmmm
    You can’t have said it any better…

    Jamie cheesing me off big time… I pay my sky subscription and get offered that…. 😡

  62. tsgh says:

    I think Serge is doing marvelously well. He looks nervy and is playing within himself but we can’t fault his footballing intelligence coming from the famous stuggart academy imho…

  65. Wavy says:

    I really like Theo, we are much better with him on the pitch than off it. He is one of the Arsenal players who can change a game for us. I wasn’t really criticising him. Honest.

  67. tsgh says:

    That was a cowardly challenge…

    why didn’t the ref bring the ball back like against AV… advantage and all… 😉

  68. malaga gooner says:

    its a pity charlie adams mum did not wiggle her arse when she was giving birth to him she may have choked him.

  82. DutchGooner10 says:

    I told my ex girlfriend that I felt like killing her, and she said I needed professional help.

    So I hired a hitman to do it.

  85. DutchGooner10 says:

    I agree Rico, if B52/23 is to be of any use this season he needs a chance to smell the pitch first. Just to refresh his memory what he supposed to do on it. LOL

  92. agirlagunner says:

    I won’t be surprised if Giroud gets injured soon. Too many games. Not that I wanna jinx him. 😉

    Top of the pilefor the time being. 😉

  97. DutchGooner10 says:

    Just a thought I’ve been chewing for a while.

    Would RVP have signed for ManU if he been told Moyes would come in???

  102. Canadian Gooner says:

    Good Afternoon all.

    Another good game, not the smoothest of passing or highest pass completion rates, but we did what was needed. Great to see Aaron score against Stoke.

    Stoke reverted to type in the second half and we missed Theo’s speed down that right wing. I’m sure we would have had another goal or two if he had played.

  104. agirlagunner says:

    Yes. Louboutins, Dutch. 😀 😀

    Ha ha ha, Ginge. 😆

    Özil will be a scary proposition once he has adapted. Oh my.

  105. DutchGooner10 says:

    I can already envision it in my mind’s eye.

    Agag wearing a checkered blouse knotted together just above her belly button, a rough torn hot pants from an old Levi’s and needle pins to match.

  106. stevepalmer1 says:

    Shame to hear that Theo has a gastric problem, probably shit himself at the thought of physical contact. Its at times like this when players get their chances and Serg Gnambry has stepped up taken his fair share of crunching tackles picked himself up and chased like a dog with a ball. Gnarbry has endeared himself to me in this game a youngster with heart and he showed that even with brickwall checking he wont shy away, blinding performance, and a blinding performance from the team even without Walcott and Bendy.

  107. Canadian Gooner says:

    I’m off to watch the Manchester teams knock the stuffing out of each other. Judas isn’t on ManUre’s teamlist. Pity?

  108. tsgh says:

    Exactly SP1.lol

    I said early and on a few types previously, Theo struggles to motivate himself facing the average to poor sides.

    Serge was excellent imho… Stoke caused $hitty’s RB a lot of problems last week.

    Serge offered Sagna a lot of defensive support earlier today.

  111. BrainwashedKev says:

    Hiya Agag…

    Giroud is as tough as nails.
    No need for you fret young lass… 😀

    Plenty of jobs, 3 points for those Glorious Gunners…
    My day is full to the brim.

    Come on the sheep shaggers… 😉

  113. ozgunner says:

    hello stevep1 – agree with you on the youngster, has all the ingredients – wouldn’t have called that a blinding performance by any means. Professional, workman like would have been my call. Thought Flam was very good again i must say

  117. stevepalmer1 says:

    Hi Ginge and Oz G, Perhaps your right Oz but sometimes you have to win ugly, not pretty as you say but a fine fighting result. 🙂

  119. agirlagunner says:

    Dutch, I don’t know much of Jenny from the block. 😉 ginge, the outfit would be more like a potato sack. I’m not fashionable at all. Just a shoes person.

    CG, Giroud needs to be rested to get his mojo back. 😉 Just a groin injury for Judas. Was hoping for one that has him sidelined until next year.

    Oz, the next two games would be wins, too. 😉

  122. ozgunner says:

    stevep1 – I truly believe previous years teams would have blown that game – very pleased with the spirit and the way we sat back and countered – not sure i have seen that before. Maybe Bouldy influence here, we had our lines perfect and cover was always at hand – good job chez as well, he did well today

  125. Wavy says:

    Thigh strain for the grey badger. Shame. Six months? I wish. We all wish! End of career? Probably not, but we can dream! Or am I being just a little callous?

    But who are top of the league? Not the little boy’s dream team!,

    Ha, ha, ha!

  128. agirlagunner says:

    Haha, SSP. 🙂 🙂 Nothing like an Arsenal win, eh? I would love it if Cardiff were to beat the Spuds. 😉

  130. BrainwashedKev says:

    Miyaichi and Arteta came on, which is positive.

    And

    Flamini didn’t get a yellow card, even more positive…

  134. agirlagunner says:

    Oz, 😳

    Wavy, it’s only a matter of time for Judas. I hope they play him on their next match and that his injury gets worse.:D

    Kev, eewww sheep shaggers. But then again the Totts are eewww.

  137. ozgunner says:

    well… off to bed happy sitting atop the premier league. Don’t get much better than that – night all have a good night

  139. agirlagunner says:

    Have your meds on hand, SSP. You never know, your ticker might not be able to handle all that excitement. 😉 😛 Kidding!!

    Nightnight, Ozzy!

  140. BrainwashedKev says:

    Flamini, an unsung hero Oz, night mate…

    Yes Agag, those Welsh luv a furry sheep alright…

    Hey Dutch, you buzzing amigo?

  143. BrainwashedKev says:

    I didn’t see any of the game, but it’s great to hear that Gnabry had a good run-out…

    Another option on the flanks…

    Really looking forward to West Brom on Wednesday…
    I expect a totally changed XI, with a few Kidz on the bench…

  147. BrainwashedKev says:

    The future is bright Dutch.

    I’m not totally convinced by this squad yet, but the early signs are good…
    To me Dutch, it isn’t just about new signings, although of course they help.
    To me it’s improved attitude, resolve and winning mentality this squad is developing…

    Uncle Bouldy perhaps???

    Lata

  153. DutchGooner10 says:

    Rico

    I wonder if she fell asleep at a tender age clutching shoe-boxes instead of cuddly stuffed animals. 😉

  159. tsgh says:

    Flamster was immense today. And as Kev, said no yellow card especially with that ref in charge.

    I thought JW did well too…

    I think fans underestimate the importance of having a team playing together for more than 1 season.

    The current BM team have been together since 2010 at least and results are now showing…

  163. tsgh says:

    Dear oh dear… if you can’t make it at Arsenal, why not try Arsenal-pretenders down 7 sisters road.

    Ciprian Marica is set to sign for the sperds…

  167. tsgh says:

    I was also right with my 3-1 prediction before the match.
    … and one of our CBs scoring too…. it seems some of us can predict the future. lol

  168. tsgh says:

    Another of my predictions to SYG last year…

    Gianluca Di Marzio ‏@dimarzio 24m
    Tomorrow @SAFCofficial will decide Di Canio’s future: he could be sacked, Di Matteo is one of the considered names.

  170. tsgh says:

    Let this game be another reminder to those who wanted Fellaini as a defensive midfielder. He was shocking but what do i know. 😉

    Cardiff fans signing “You’re just a bus stop in Arsenal” to Spurs fans.

    Medel doing the deeds for cardiff.

  177. tsgh says:

    Arsenal line-up for wednesday

    Viviano – Jenko, Sagna, Verm, Monreal – Flamini, Arteta – Gnabry, Eisfield, Ryo – Bendtner.

    Subs: Scez,Kosser, Frimps, Bellein, Akpom, Ozil, Ramsey

  180. tsgh says:

    SPI- for you.loo

    AW: on Theo Walcott’s late omission…
    He had an abdominal muscle problem, I don’t really know what it is. Is it a question of days? I hope so, because he had a test before the game and I decided to play him. I hope it’s nothing.

  181. tsgh says:

    Was that a slip of tongue… intriguing I would say.

    on Mathieu Flamini’s performance…
    [He did] pretty well, and the two [of them] together [Flamini and Ozil] cost £21 million!

  185. rico says:

    Abdominal pain doesn’t sound good, hope he goes to see his GP and stay out of the way of AW – fancy even thinking of playing him if he’s in pain! Stupid.

  200. tsgh says:

    Ah… so where is the moniker from…

    I try to be consistent in my views… I was pleased with the idea of him over Gustavo. I still maintain we lose the fluency with him in the side as compared to TR07 or Arteta…

  203. Micko says:

    tsgh, just read your 5.12 and nearly fell over, didn’t think you’d come round till at least Christmas !
    Dutch, most of them monkeys up North still live in shoe boxes.

  209. Micko says:

    You know, it’s been a fantastic day here rico, probably the last we’ll see for a very long time, the beer garden was amazing, good day all round.
    Stoke may of got beat but a day out at the Emirates for their supporters would of been like two week holiday in Bognor for them, everyone goes home happy.

  212. rico says:

    Ha ha re Stoke Micko.

    we had ‘light drizzle’ here this morning but the sun shone just as we kicked off… Only thing missing was the pub, yours sounds rather nice…..

    Forecast is good until Friday, then Autumn strikes I think…

  221. tsgh says:

    Laudrup’s manegerial career…

    2002–2006 Brøndby
    2007–2008 Getafe
    2008–2009 Spartak Moscow
    2010–2011 Mallorca
    2012– Swansea City

  223. rico says:

    Evening Kev, do you think Manu Utd would do that so early? I hope Moyes stays, if he’s going to muck things up for them…

    Haven’t seen Wath, or Lee – both must be busy…

  224. BrainwashedKev says:

    Like you Rico, I think Moyes will remain in charge, and oversee the gradual decline of ManUre, a la Liverpool….

  225. BrainwashedKev says:

    I have to take issue with the team that Ginge suggested for the League Cup…

    With games coming think and fast, I see no reason in including any of the currant starting XI in the squad, be they among the subs or XI that start…

  226. rico says:

    I truly hope that’s what unfolds Kev, I actually believe Man utd started their decline last season and Fergie saw it coming and jumped at the right time…

    Maybe all the debt is catching up on them, they certainly struggled to attract players in the summer and Moyes can’t be totally responsible surely…

  227. rico says:

    I see a strong starting 11 on Wednesday, like last season..

    A few rested, but not many is my own thought….

    But many of our first team need a break…

  228. tsgh says:

    Kev- I am with you on the CoC team but will the fans forgive us if we lose to WBA. You know I love the youth in the CoC but on this occasion, the u-21’s and u-19’s are also stretched…

    Fingers crossed we win with whatever line-up AW sets up…

  229. BrainwashedKev says:

    Wenger would have more than enough talent in the following squad, to be able to accomplish the task of progressing:-

    Fabianski, Viviano, Iliev, Jenkinson, Vermaelen, Hayden, Monreal, Gnabry, Arteta, Frimpong (if fit), Miyaichi, Bendtner, Eisfeld, Akpom, Bellerin, Olsson, Park, Ormonde-Ottewill, Sanogo (if fit), Rosicky (if fit), Ajayi…

    I’m sure that Wenger could pick 18 players with the requisite experience and youthful talent to do the job….

  232. BrainwashedKev says:

    Well in that case Ginge, maybe a couple of experienced heads on the bench…

    On your point of the fans’, I think they would be more pissed of if Sagna and/or Flamini started, and then got injured…

    This season, for me, the EPL is the priority and Swansea away is far more important than the League Cup… Just saying!

  233. BrainwashedKev says:

    Yes, he and Crowley got crocked by the ManUre U21’s…

    Both out for around 5 more weeks i believe..

    No suprise it was the Mancs eh?

  234. rico says:

    I think I remember someone saying now Kev, what a bummer.

    Where does AW see the CO Cup fitting into our seasons aims is the biggest question, personally, I’d rather we took this cup more seriously than the CL as we haven’t got the squad for the latter..

    Just my own view of course…

  235. BrainwashedKev says:

    I would give Eisfeld a run as a striker, maybe behind a centre-forward…

    Not sure that he’s physical enough to cut it in England (or Germany, for that matter) as a midfielder, but he has an eye for a goal, that’s for sure…

  236. BrainwashedKev says:

    Yeah, good point on the CL Rico, but we’re talking about Dear Old Arsene here (or ear)…

    We know that the CL is a priority for him, so something has to give…

    I actually think that our young players are top top quality.
    This group have outstanding potential, as Serge proved today…
    There’s 4 or 5 more of a similar quality to him, just coming along, under the radar, waiting for their chance to emerge…

  237. tsgh says:

    Last season, a full strength side lost to Bradford… the rest is history…

    I think CJ, TV, Arteta and a fit Theo may feature…

    Eisfield won’t let us down…

  238. BrainwashedKev says:

    If Frimpong is fit, then he and Arteta can control the midfield, I recall Coquelin and Frimpong dominating ManCity at The Grove a couple of years ago…

    Aguerro got the only goal, as we had jack-shit up front, but Arsenal should have beaten City 3-0 that night… As Lee will testify..

  240. goonster says:

    lord i havent creamed like this for a while….what a complete performance. flamster is a beast. only wish he smacked that welsh mug on the gob. what a tool…..off topic…can we all take a minute and laugh at manure? hahahaahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha…..what a birthday am having. next stop sex with the missus. afternoon HH!

  241. BrainwashedKev says:

    Jenks, Monreal, Verm, Fab or Viviano looks well strong enough at the back IMHO…

    Yeah Ginge, that’s right, Bradford, what a disgrace…

  242. rico says:

    Eisfeld could well outshine Nik Kev 😉

    I haven’t a clue what dear old Uncle Arsene plans for the season, the CL will no doubt take precedence because of the money it brings in but we aren’t likely to win it so what’s the point I say…

    But, fielding a strong squad didn’t exactly work last season in the domestic cups so as long as the mix is right, I hope it’s enough…

  244. BrainwashedKev says:

    Miyaichi and Gnabry on the flanks looks quite useful to support the world’s greatest striker…

    OMG, it’s Stanley…

    WTF have you been. Micko has been beside himself with worry…

  250. Scott from Ozil says:

    Morning all.
    Am i happy…..i am ALWAYS happey 🙂 🙂 🙂
    You all keep raving about Ramsey…until he bags me a hat trick he is still to fulfil his potential.
    He needs to get greedy 🙂
    Very pleased for the young man.
    Very pleased.
    Off to work with a smile now.
    Later guys.

  256. goonster says:

    get back here kev you prissy old twit….i just got here and you re signing off?? hey mama bear you bet your ass am happy….its my birthday. what’s cracking ginge? having a good time?

  266. Lee says:

    Moaning all…..best bit of the weekend was Rvp’s face when the camera panned to him during manure’s drubbing! Priceless! Could of been playing in front of our midfield and not that pile of shit he is now!! Boyhood team and all that…..ha fucking ha!

  269. rico says:

    I was surprised to see so many, thought Ozil’s home debut would bring the fans out..

    Guess many are still really fed up with AW and what has gone by, or going on…

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