Match review

Ramsey could have had three, Everton should have had one and we go 3rd……

Posted on by rico

On Sunday 26th February, at approx 2.09pm, Tottenham Hotspur leading by 2 goals to nil at Ashburton Grove and the prospect of taking a 13 point lead over the Gunners, thoughts of Arsenal finishing in 3rd spot in the EPL, might have had you scanning the Yellow Pages looking under the heading for a psychiatrist…

Well we all know what happened in the remaining 51 minutes that day!

Just 24 days later, the come-back has been completed, but the overall job is far from finished yet.

Last night was a tough fixture on paper, one that we needed to win to keep our momentum going.

Arsene stood by ten of the team that had taken care of Newcastle, replacing only Chamberlain with the industrious Aaron Ramsey to sure up the midfield. Everton have a hard-working group of artisans in their midfield, plus the dangerous Maroune Fellani, so Wenger knew we were in for a competitive evening.

Oxlade-Chamberlain joined an increasingly strong-looking Arsenal bench, with Gervinho, Santos and Djourou as company.

The game kicked-off and one of Aaron Ramsey’s lung-bursting runs saw him with the first real chance of the game. Tomas Rosicky skillfully set Aaron up but he wastefully sliced his shot high and wide. Aaron’s head didn’t drop though and minute’s later he was a key part of the opening goal.

Theo Walcott’s incisive run opened up the Everton defence, but Theo’s pass somehow missed out Van Persie, running across the face of the penalty area to where Ramsey was lurking. Aaron’s low shot was goal-bound but Tim Howard made a low agile save to push it around the post. From Van Persie’s accurately driven corner, Thomas Vermaelen got up and deflected it home whilst surrounded by four static Everton defenders.

Shortly afterwards and a bit of slick approach play, in which Arteta was involved, resulted in Van Persie almost extending Arsenal’s lead but Howard again saved.

By then, Everton had begun to respond to an infuriated and animated David Moyes, who was ranting and raving on the touch-line.
Moyes’ mood didn’t improve when Everton had a good goal chalked off for off-side.

Arsenal were beginning to do what Arsenal do better than anyone else, that is get complacent and sloppy.

Alex Song gave away a sloppy pass, like only he can, and it led to a combination of quick passing that set up Drenthe who fired home.

Fortunately, we had a wonderful linesman on that side of the pitch and he raised his flag. Cue a David Moyes ‘war-dance’ in his technical area.

The game was growing in intensity, with a few tasty tackles flying in, but Robin Van Persie’s Arsenal are developing a welcome resilience and met Everton’s aggression with a stoic resolve not to buckle in the face of ‘In Your Face’ tactics.

Tomas Rosicky had the last good chance of the first half, with a great goal-bound shot that Howard parried to safety…

Two things struck me from the 1st 45 – Fellani is a great player and a constant threat and Jelavic is a diver….

The Arsenal back-five were playing their 5th game in succession, unchanged, they are building an understanding and solidity that has the look of a Title challenging team. That solidness was sorely tested in the 2nd 45 as Everton fought for an equaliser.

Even so, the clear-cut chances were carved out by Arsenal, the best coming via a tantalizing chip from Song, which floated over the heads of the massed ‘Blue ranks’ and onto the head of Gibbs who had slipped un-noticed to the edge of the Everton box. Gibbs’ header was cushioned perfectly back into the box and into the path of Van Persie, but his shot, whilst beating Howard, cannoned off the post  to safety.

Ramsey had not stopped running, working and supporting his team mates for the entire game, he had another low sharp shot saved by Howard. On another day and with some luck, composure and confidence, he could have had a hat-trick.

It will come for him, I’m sure!

Fellani and Drenthe had Everton’s best chances of the 2nd half, one wide the other too high.

In the closing minutes Gervinho broke clear and set up Van Persie for the ‘coup de grace’ but as Robin twisted to fire in his shot from Gervinho’s low cross, his standing foot slipped and the shot flew over the bar.

The final whistle went and job done.

We leapfrogged Tottenham into 3rd place and  now we need to stay there.

One game at a time and our next is Aston Villa at The Emirates  this coming Saturday…

This team can do it you know…….

Written by Allezkev

rico

152 thoughts on “Ramsey could have had three, Everton should have had one and we go 3rd……”

  1. Matt J says:

    Great post… Dunno but for me Ramsey no where near to playing to his potential, very frustrated with him atm.

  2. rico says:

    Morning all, mighty fine write up AK, thanks big time 🙂

    Only saw the highlights on MOTD but we should have had 5/6 had RvP and Ramsey had their shooting boots on…

    Everton were unlucky to have their goal disallowed….

  3. eggbert says:

    Bloody linesman!

    Denied us the opportunity to win from a losing position for the 5th game in a row.

  7. Scott From Oz says:

    Great wrap up AK.
    Jelavic….I can think of a few,harsher words to describe him,in fact I used them during the game.
    I love Fellaini,and he went up in my estimation when extending his contract at Everton,though I’d take him at Arsenal anyday.
    Ramsey is 21 years old everyone.
    Ramsey is a totally different player to Fabregas,and everybody,especially Aaron,should accept that fact.
    He deserves a lot of credit for being in position to score so often as a midfielder,especially one that runs a marathon each game.
    He’s not afraid to shoot which is great,and I’m sure the goals will come.
    Moyes had his point,but seriously,we could’ve won by five.
    I loved the way our back 4 absorbed so much pressure.
    I thought Arteta was very quiet.
    It was another in an ever growing list of games we toughed out,and came through.
    We should be very proud of this squad.

  9. rico says:

    Hi Scott – I can understand Arteta being quiet, first game back to his old club etc

    Rosicky was good again wasn’t he and I’m not jumping on the Ramsey bandwagon, next year some will be eating their words about the young Welshman….

  10. Mattyboy says:

    well his shooting for one!! He is always firing blanks and thats a concern for his gf deal with not AFC!!

  11. rico says:

    That’ll change Matty, i don’t suppose fans were moaning earlier in the season when he came off the bench to get our winner…

    Let’s see what he’s like next season, his second after his comeback…

  12. Mattyboy says:

    Im only having a giggle… na i hope so just would of perferred the ox on. Anyone got any new transfer goss for today?

  13. Billboy says:

    Morning all.
    OK, Ramsey did not look great last night but give him a chance. Iwould sooner have him thanmany others who have had a lot longer to come good than he has, eg. Denilson.

    Did anybody else notice Koscielny see the flag and stop for Everton’s disallowed “goal”. Would he have got a challenge in if the flag had stayed down? I think maybe. Why no mention of yet another clear cut penalty denied to Arsenal when Rosicky was brought down?

  14. stargun says:

    Ramsey is still a budding player, nowhere a finished product yet. HE WILL STILL MAKE MISTAKES! You just hope they wont be costly ones. His shooting is atrocious at the moment.

  15. Scott From Oz says:

    Rico,too many idiots don’t realise how young he is.
    He’s a baby.
    I do think he had it in his head to take over from Cesc though.
    I love him.
    Though I love ANY PLAYER,no matter how talented or limited,that gives 100% every time they pull on the shirt.
    Two months ago,I’d have pissed Rosicky off before anyone else.
    Well,almost anyone else.
    At the time,if he lost the ball,he’d just keep running,slowly coming to a stop whilst looking to the sky.
    I often wondered if he thought the man upstairs was the one who tackled him.
    It frustrated me no end.
    Now,his biggest change,in my eyes,is workrate.
    It’s the old story…..the harder the boys work,the luckier they get,and he’s our number on example.
    Join my group…..LRA…….

  16. AndyT says:

    I know Everton were unlucky with the goal but they had 1 shot on target. For the home team that is shocking if they have any ambition at all.
    Am loving the Kos/Verm partnership!

  19. Scott From Oz says:

    Andy,its amazing what some stability and playing time can do.
    It’s what we lacked earlier in the season.

  20. rico says:

    welcome stargun..

    his injury put him back big time, we are lucky he’s even back playing after such a horrid injury – imho next season we will see a much better player..

    he’s still young, he’ll get there i’m sure

  24. rico says:

    AndyT – just why i moaned when TV had to play LB, he’s best in the middle and playing with a regular partner at the back is working well…

    With Sagna and Gibbs back, the back five are certainly looking a lot more organised, and really pleased that Gibbs is staying fit…

  25. rico says:

    Thanks Matty

    I have the game recorded on Sky+ Scott so will watch it later, another penalty turned away then… Good job it didn’t cost us..

    Unlike Citehs 🙂

  27. Billboy says:

    Rico,

    Why am I not surprised that MOTD did not show that? How many times did they show the disallowed “goal”? Like I said to a sky jounalist earlier, it should be unbelievable but unfortunately it isn’t. Bet they didn’t show 2 Everton tackles in the second half that were bookable but not even given or ask why Cahill was allowed to stay on the pitch.

  29. rico says:

    I not being caught out by all the rumours though Matty, burned too many times, let’s see them on afc.com and then we can all celebrate…

    imho – i reckon we will get any players in early this window…

    GK
    Vertonghen
    M’Vila
    Podolski

    That would do me 😉

  30. Scott From Oz says:

    Matty,I’m in the minority who think Gibbs is a terrific player,and will be a star with more playing time and experience.
    Not that I mind Santos at all,mind you.
    With Gibbs history,best we have both in the squad.

  31. rico says:

    No Matty, not at the moment, Gibbs is doing well…

    No Billboy, they didn’t show any of them, they hate us….

  36. allezkev says:

    Scott, 10.00;
    As with RVP and TR7 who have been injury free and had a run of games. I also agree with you over Gibbs.
    I think he will only improve the longer he stays fit.
    Experience, confidence and, as TR7 says, the rhythm of the game will see him grow.
    Staying fit is the key…

  37. allezkev says:

    Morning Gooners.
    Morning Rico.

    Thanks Lee.
    Didn’t have much to go on, not having Sky.

    Evening Scott.
    Cannot understand all the negativity surrounding Ramsey. Some fans aren’t happy unless they’re hating someone?!

  42. allezkev says:

    Strange how MotD didn’t show the penalty shout.
    Looked nailed on to me.

    But are we really suprised it wasn’t given and the BBC didn’t show it?

  47. Scott From Oz says:

    Rosicky copped three or four dead set fouls,with none given…..I was starting to wonder if he was invisible to the ref.

  48. devilgunner says:

    Good Morning Guys and Chicks of the ever increasing Proud Gunners’ Faith.

    Welcome ye all who did not believe that third place is a possibility. We should all kneel down and pray for forgiveness for our constant doubts and clouded eyes resulting from a lack of knowledge that we have on our esteemed team’s resilience.

    Right Sermon over.

    A great job Sir AK. Well done for the article, but the introduction had me in fits of laughter in the last part. My mouth was smiling from ear to ear. Amazing stuff you came up with. Pity you did not add something about the feelings of the scum from the slum. Yesterday I was on some of their blogs and believe me some of their supporters are already calling for Redknapp’s head. If they do that he will ‘reluctantly’ step down WILLINGLY due to a large payday.

  49. Osi says:

    morning, evening, afternoon all, very happy todady. can’t believe we won all those tough fixtures and leapfrogged Spurs. I always believed we had quality to compete better for 4th and even 3rd, but at some, precisely a month ago, I started to doubt that quality and I thought we were playing with no confidence at all, and our players couldn’t even pass and conceded the possession to lesser teams. Now the confidence is back and you could see our players are not afraid of taking risks forward, and dribbling past opponents at will.

    Do we need additions in the summer? well, apart from a very good striker or even 2 we have quality and capable squad. I don’t see any young players, from those mentioned in the media, being better than Wilshere and Diaby. For me, once we have those 2 back our squad is going to be top class.

  50. Scott From Oz says:

    All is forgiven Devil!!!!
    3rd is sounding pretty bloody good.
    Off to bed guys,enjoy the conversation,and have a great day.
    Til next time….

  51. Nicko says:

    Love the way you play, wish moyes could get us to play similar football… Just a point about last night, yeh you could of scored more, but if the goal had stood then Everton may of won 2-1 or you may of won 5-1, we’ll never know because of that linesman… Good luck in finishing above the yids.. Nicko

  52. devilgunner says:

    Evening Scott. And Good night.

    Osi, I still cannot believe the league table. It shows us third but this morning I checked it around 6 times. I keep trying to pinch myself. But it is real and its not a dream.

    The team has found a new resilience and long may it continue. And for once a major decision went our way. And for once we scored from a set piece not conceded one through it. And we also kept a clean sheet.

    A few weeks ago I made a statement……..Everything begins with Bolton. The INVINCIBLES run started with the 2-2 Bolton draw. And this year our amazing run has started with a Bolton draw. Hopefully they will stay up since I would very much like Owen Coyle to take one or two players on loan for us.

  53. devilgunner says:

    Regarding Ramsey, I have always stated that his best role is as a lateral midfielder a la Razor. This time it was on the left and he protected Gibbs quite well especially when the latter went up safe in the knowledge that Aaron was covering for him. I do not understand why people have a go at him. He plays for the club, unlike some of the mercenaries we are used to have. And in the last few years we did have them.

  54. Osi says:

    haha devilgunner I checked it only once, but I always recheck to see goal difference. But in November, me remember, Wenger once was very happy and relieved to see a positive goal difference for the first time in the season, we were 7th in table. But now we have a huge 19 plus goal difference.

    I hope we continue this newly found INVINCIBILTY until the end of the season, and then carry it to the next season.

  55. Osi says:

    Devil, Ramsey is not good enough at the moment, he;s not ready. Hes too slow, physically and mentally. I never supported a player and believed like I did with Ramsey. I always thought he had good technique, ball skills, and especially good passing ability and good shot. But, it seems noone of those is evidenced at the moment. He’s young and needs to learn but I don’t think he’s great quality anymore.

  56. Osi says:

    I’m happy that Diaby had completed 60mins of football without adverse consequences. He’s the one I think, along Wilshere of course, will make a big difference to this spirited Arsenal team.

  57. devilgunner says:

    Yesterday Aaron bought balance to the team. He did a lot of dirty work for the team which may have been unnoticed. he worked for the team, which in itself merits a starting berth. I am sorry, but those who do not like Ramsey are in for a big shock when he blossoms, because he is a team player who plays for those around him. He wears the club badge with pride.

  58. Osi says:

    devil I personally liked the guy but the only problem I have with him is that he’s too slow and looks to take the wrong decisions most of the time especially when the team is attacking. He also make sloppy and costly passes. Otherwise he’s a quality young player with a room for improvements. Anyway, now we have fully fit squad and the competition is going be high and tough. In the middle of the park I think we have 3 established players in Song, Art and Little M and in attack we have our enigmatic ones, Walcott and Gerv + the Prospect Ox, even when one of those are not in form we always have a great Brazilian capable to winger, remember the name Santos.

  59. tissiam says:

    hi gunners!watched the game last nite ok ramsey missed a few chances but his workrate pressing was very good and a good call fromAW.you need to cut ramsey some slack hes not playing badly and people forget that hes still very and will improve a lot under wenger to become a top player.we need to keep it up till the end of season 3rd cant believe it !UP THE GUNNERS:):)

  60. alanbstardmp says:

    I wouldn’t take too much from this. The Everton goal disallowed was luck

    It is still disturbing we have so much possession and get nothing for it. OK, we are above Spurs, but only as that goal was not allowed for Toffees

    Given the huge possession, not a good effort really

  61. terry says:

    ok lets just make things clear here we had a lot of position but it was useless we just kept shuffeling the ball back with our defenders i was very dissapointed with our stupid passing at the back this was mainly after 15 minutes into the game.
    ramsay did not make any sloppy passes he is afraid to loose possesion by playing a through ball this will go once he is full of confidence.
    i love the way he reads the game and makes timely runs into the oppositions box. our wingers should not onli look at RVP but also at ramsay…
    i remember this one incedent where we took a corner and everton hit us on the counter… the way ramsay sprinted back was just a example of his commitment… something denielson lacked or even gibbs for that matter.

    jus one more point: i think what this team needs is eden hazard we have a lot of good players but very few world class players.
    i rate him more than gotze or any other player at the moment he robin and walcott could form a deadly 433 trio.

  64. allezkev says:

    AlanMP, i cannot agree mate.
    You never get an easy 3 points at Goodison Park.

    RVP hit a post. TR7 should have got a penalty.

    A bit more luck and 1-0 could have been 3-0.

    I’m off now. COYG.

  67. rico says:

    Just one or two AK, they went in the bin, just seen your email, safe journey and catch up when you can, go steady 🙂

  70. allezkev says:

    Jamie Sanderson‏@YoungGunsBlogReply
    Retweet

    Favorite
    · Open

    Benik Afobe joins Reading, with Royals poised to extend loan if he can fire them to promotion. My story: http://bit.ly/GMoepH. #AFC.

    Gone now… 😉

  73. Rokabox says:

    afternoon gooners,
    great post Ak, just the Aaron 1st chance was headed back by RVP not Rosicky, but who cares anyway.

    everybody knows that was a penalty on Rosicky except the BBC and sky sport, coudln’t believe the exageration sky pundits were saying about the linesman denying everton THREE goals by rulling them offside.

    anywho great win no matter, and we 3rd.
    on other note the QPR faithfuls booing Joey Farton during the game and cheering when he was taken off, that brought more satisfaction to my very sick and twisted mind.
    happy days!!!!

  74. Merlin96 says:

    Time for moi to rain on this parade…

    #1 – We defintiely need a real LB rather than depend on Gibbs and Santos…..with both of ’em do not have the Engine to track-back like Clichy or Flamini.

    For 3 consecutive matches (which we won), Gibbs is the weak-line, leaving the left flank exposed to quick counter-attack, struggling to track back (no Engine, no pace) as he played more like a left-winger than a LB (of FLamini and Clichy calibre) with no Engine to track-back once caught high up on the pitch.

    And yes, Andre Santos is no better.

    We were fortunate that Drenthe’s goal did not stand as I suspect it was Javevic that was flagged off-side for “interfering with play” and not Drenthe.

    And I counted at elast 2 occasions that whenever Drenthe ran with pace at left flank, Gibbs was nowhere in sight.

    #2 – Ramsey is not ready to fill the ACM role. Perhpas when he matures in 3 to 4 years……Can’t create, can’t shot, can’t tackle….wtf he is doing on the pitch?
    Ramsey is the primary reason for our dreadful performances in 2011…and we started to turn the corner when Rosicky recovered his form??

    We really need a creative play-maker like Gotze or Juan Mata to complement ROsicky. Is WIlshere the answer???

    #3 – We need a more dependable DCM with steel and does not give away silly passes in a danger area. A DCM that can focus and conctnrate for 90-minutes and more.

    What is the point of Song giving one assist per game, but gave away the ball – or made a silly tackle or gave away a silly foul – in a danger area, resulting in the opponent scoring a goal or two?

    Zero sum game isn’t it with one assist minus giving away a silly goal = ZERO???

    #4 – Oh boy, Szczesny really needs to hcnage his hat to a bigger size as without competition, he got a swollen head and every game, he will make a silly pass – nearly intercepted by a lurking forward – and maybe one or two flashes of teh head (remember Mad Jens?) resulting in giving away a penalty or a goal…….so far..luckis with him and by the Law of Average, he is overdued for a hard lesson giving away a silly goal that will cost us the match.

    There you are….we need 3 or 4 marquee players (incluidng an experienced striekr to complement or back-up to Van Persie) plus a new No. 2 goalie..more steady and reliable than Fabianski….

    That is my shopping list for summer 2012 people…as if Arsene Wenger will buy in AUgust 2012…after being proven right “by perserving with this bunch of losers” and snapping 3rd spot from Tiny Totts, Chelski and Liverpool.

    AFter all, why buy Gotze when we have WIlshere, Ramsey, OX, Ryo and Rosicky..plus Lansbury,,,,plus Conor Henderson..plus up-and-coming Aneke, Eisfield, Ozakhup…..

    WHy buy Poldolski when we have Walcott, CHamakh, Benik Afobe, Joel Campbell…..

    WHy buy Vertonghen when we have SOng, Frimpong, COquelin…plus up-and-coming Jon Toral……Lansbury….Yennaris…

    That is my fear people as Wenger may not buy new players in AUgust 2012…….perhaps only buy new players to replace Van Persie, Song and Walcott if this Trio decides to leave by refusing to sign a new contract extension in June/July 2012..

  75. rico says:

    Hi Rokabox, i still haven’t watched the game in total 😉

    Shall do tomorrow now though ….

    Sky and BBC = biased twits!!

  76. rico says:

    Hi Merlin, you certainly have bought us all back down to earth 😉

    ‘Why buy Podolski when we have Chamakh??

    Having Chamakh shows exactly why we need Podolski, and the Moroccon can naff off 😉

  79. alanbstardmp says:

    allezkev says:
    March 22, 2012 at 1:21 pm

    AlanMP, i cannot agree mate.
    You never get an easy 3 points at Goodison Park.

    RVP hit a post. TR7 should have got a penalty.

    A bit more luck and 1-0 could have been 3-0.

    I’m off now. COYG.

    yes fair statement. I find it annoying all the possession we get and often bugger all to show kfor it

  80. Gary says:

    Nice article.

    I get so irritated with the Arsenal fans who must always hate one of the players. Ramsey is a fantastic talent. Any other club in the EPL will have him tomorrow, including United who tried to sign him. So you haters – just f.o.

    Ramsey is a future captain of The Arsenal.

    Great result last night gooners. Goodbye doomers.

  81. rico says:

    Hi alan, the way i look at it is different, we hit the post, could have had a penalty and spurned a good few chances BUT, we got three points.

    Hopefully we got the misses out the way, next game they will all go in 😛

  86. rico says:

    Hi Osi – Santos was on the bench…

    Gary, i don’t care what you think of others opinion, debate why you think they are wrong, but FO doesn’t work on here, it may do elsewhere, but not here…..

    Yes, just because we are all Gooners, doesn’t mean we have to love every member of the squad/management….

  88. Micko says:

    Afternoon all,
    Blimey Merlin, I’m glad we won, I’d hate to see you have a moan.

    Scott, Ramsey ain’t no baby, he’s captain of his country, like you I think he’s gonna go on to play a big role for us, thought him and Gibbs were fantastic last night.

    Kev, ‘coup de grace’ that’s all greek to me, I’m off to look it up.

  89. devilgunner says:

    Of course we do not have to love every Gunner and every member of the squad/management.

    But we all DO LOVE Rico. 😉

  90. Osi says:

    Rico, Gary may have a bit of case though, they’re are some fans who go beyond criticizing players by resorting to some pure hate filled diatribes. There are lot of Arsenal players I don’t like but I hate none. I hate the fact that some guys don’t put in the necessary effort most of days, I hate the fact that they don’t fight most of the time. But, I still support them.

    I am glad Santos is back because I think he’s better than Ramsey defense wise and very entertaining with ball on his feet. He can even start ahead of Gerv or Ox when they’re not in form

  92. Lee says:

    ahhhhhh Devil, you smoothy! I’m in small trouble as I forgot it was my 10yr wedding anniversary today…… 🙁

  97. rico says:

    Evening Micko…

    Osi, but we don’t tend to do that on here, people have a right to have a bit of moan about players, apart from Chamakh, most are liked 😉

  98. Gary says:

    Rico, frankly I think your reaction is pathetic. If I had attacked any individual I might have understood your response, but a general comment aimed at the many people who have turned on Ramsey, please. Arsenal fans have a tendency to turn against our players – for example Denilson, Arshavin, Theo. It is something which has to stop. So in stead of lecturing me for saying the haters should fo, perhaps you should join me in convincing our fans to support and encourage anyone wearing the shirt. The majority of people who commented on this blog were reasonable and positive and obviously my comments were not aimed at them. So now I will fo not to return.

  99. rico says:

    Gary – forgive me for assuming that your comment was directed at bloggers on HH – after all, it was here that you left your comment….

  100. devilgunner says:

    You had good comments Gary and we do appreciate them. However we try to be nice to others and be polite to them at first. We usually use that type of language when someone turns against one of our members of the HH family. Then we usually round him up. However we would really like you to stay and be a good part of this ever increasing family.

    With you Rico did what usually is done with everyone else. Point out that certain words should not be used. We do have our shouting matches here….but we do tolerate other views as long as they are done in a polite way. The majority of us agree with what you said. But there is a way and another way of saying it.

    Do not take it against Rico. She is the Lady of HH and her wise words are usually respected throughout all our comments. As I said…..we turn up in arms only against those who abuse or ridicule us.

  101. devilgunner says:

    Gary, if we had this team out…….Buffon, Piquet, Busquets, Kozzer, Vermaelen, Xavi, Essien, Fabregas, Messi, RVP, Rooney you can be sure that some of the supporters would pick on someone for sure.

    The best thing to do is not to tell them to fo but to ignore them like we usually do. And they will fo by themselves when they notice that no one is taking notice of what they say.

  102. rico says:

    The trouble is devil, some come here and use this as a place to slate so many others but sometimes its too late to realise that the comment is directed elsewhere ….

    I don’t know of any gooner on here who hates Ramsey, so why the need to tell them to ‘FO’ on here ?

  103. devilgunner says:

    There are some who do Rico. But as I told Gary……there are people who even if they have the most beautiful woman in the world will find something to grumble about.

  105. rico says:

    I know devil, hopefully Gary will have read and come back, and we can move on….

    I was thinking of Rooney Micko, fat lardy 😉

  106. Lee says:

    Micko….you’re the garage expert, point me in the right direction for a peace offering!
    That RVP ain’t all that either… 😉

  107. rico says:

    The promise of a couple of chickens and a run would keep the peace Lee, just say you having been looking on the Omlet website today 😉

    And Omlet is real by the way 😉

  108. Micko says:

    That’s a tricky one lee, how about a box of Matchmakers ! wouldn’t be too inconvenient to carry either, everyone’s a winner.

  111. rico says:

    See you Micko, hope we batter the Villa, don’t forget to wave the Highbury House flag 😉

    safe journey and have a fab time in Engerland 🙂

  112. devilgunner says:

    My Dad asked for this to be posted. He reads HH everyday. He Macdonald was his favourite ever player.

    Enjoy this PA…………

    How much would we enjoy his presence today? And how much would he be worth?

  114. devilgunner says:

    He played 84 games and scored 42 goals. That is a record of 1 goal every two games. Pity he retired at 29 years.

    What achievements would he reach today with the present Arsenal team????

  115. rico says:

    devil, your father has great taste, MM is one of my favs too, old ‘bandy legs’ – you could get a bus through his knees 😉

    Hello Papa Devil 🙂

  116. rico says:

    Hi Adam, seems i have 🙁

    Popping off to eat, won’t be long as i want to view that vid again 🙂

  117. devilgunner says:

    And these are my two ever all time favourites…….

    ….the Divine Pony tail….

    and the Invisible Wall……

  118. devilgunner says:

    I was never manager of AFC….and will never be. But in my Fantasy the spine of the AFC team would be……Campbell and Adams as centrebacks with Petit and Gilberto as defensive midfielders in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Bergkamp would be in front of them with MM and TH14/12 up top alternating between them. Call me crazy but goalkeeper for me would be Chesney. Full backs would be Sagna and Winterburn while Pires and Limpar would be my wingers.

    So here goes……

    Chesney
    Sagna, Adams, Campbell, Winterburn
    Petit, Gilberto
    Pires, Bergkamp, Limpar
    Macdonald.

    I would start with MM simply to tire the opposition then on the 46 minutes put on VA VA VOOOOOOOOOOOOOM to make mincemeat out of tiring legs.

  119. Scott From Oz says:

    Morning all.
    Micko,Ramsey is Welsh captain,but that doesn’t means he’s no baby.
    Alan,can’t believe you’re an Aussie mate……we are a happy lot lol.
    You reckon you’re upset we have so much possession for so little result?
    6 results in a row and counting champ. If we have the ball,the opposition hasn’t and can’t score.
    Merlin,with all due respect,I’d you don’t believe Rosicky earned a foul,you either never,ever played the game or at least need to refer to the rule book…
    Cut Gary some slack.
    Gary,I used to use the news aggregators,picking out comments and responding.
    Unfortunately,I did the same thing you did…….read a hundred comments from various sites,then jump on one and let loose.
    The trouble is you take all your frustration out on one group of people.
    HH absorbed my testy beginnings,I stuck with it and now this is my only choice of sites to chat about Arsenal.
    Give it a chance.
    By.the way,I only started about a month ago,but there’s not a better group of Gooners around.

  121. rico says:

    Devil –

    so many fans thought Gilberto was slow and clumsy – i never understood that, i loved him and to this day i wish we had kept him but we got lumbered with Flamoney – who totally pooped on Wenger

  122. rico says:

    Hi Scott, and don’t forget, we stuck with you too 😆

    Of course i am kidding but you are totally right and thank you…

    Hopefully Gary will come back….

  123. rico says:

    And as for petit, well I need not comment, a super super player who left our club too early in his career…..

  124. stevepalmer1 says:

    Another top post Sir AK blinding report i thought Oliver had come back 🙂
    Was driveing home tonight listning to two mugs on Talk Sport Durham and Gough, what a prize pair of wankers they are. They were saying that if chelsea takes the 3rd spot who deserves to take 4th spuds or us, and them wankers said they thought spuds deserved it. I thought to myself why the Fcuk am i listening to this crap and changed over to Capital Gold. What was i thinking 🙂

  126. Adam says:

    Steve. I sincerely hope that Durham gets what he “deserves”. I, for one, would be more than happy to give it to him. As for Gough? Now let’s not mock the afflicted.

  130. stevepalmer1 says:

    evening Adam & Rico i should know better shouldnt i. Just how i felt Adam, but when i thought about it its easier to change channel

  131. Adam says:

    Rather like all fascists Durham appeals to the lowest common denominator and basest of people Steve. Just like Ken Livingstone actually. Gough is merely his over-excited lap dog and to be pitied. Rather like Ken Livingstone actually.

  134. devilgunner says:

    I put the above team together through the eyes of a coaching mentality. If I had to put together my favourite ever team it would be a hell lot different. But I wanted steel and silent assasins, which for me is the perfect combination for a ruthless team. That is why usually I go for defensive midfielders as my favourite players. Razor Parlour is another who I like and he would have made the subs bench. If I had to put out the second 11 to make up the full squad it would go like this….

    Seaman
    Dixon, Keown, Bould, Sansom
    Vieira, Storey
    Parlour, Cesc,Lyungberg
    Henry.

    The second team is good as much as the first. But I just had to split them.

    As I said those two are done through a coach’s eyes. If it had been solely my favourites there would have been Charlie Nicholas, Rocastle, Toure and Wright besides countless others.

  136. devilgunner says:

    I am off too………to dream that Mcleish has metamorphosed into a Halloween’s pumpkin after seeing his side give away 5 sloppy goals against us without AFC players breaking sweat.

    cu all.

    It has been a great day here.

  137. rico says:

    Sorry Adam, I didn’t see that, how the heck can a cricketer be allowed to chat about footie…. joke!

    And i loved him playing cricket…

  140. Scott From Oz says:

    It’s the truth Devil.
    I get a great debate on here,but I found on other sites it was either you loved Wenger or hated him.
    Le Grove was the absolute worst……never seen anything like it,and wondered if its actually one bloke posting under a thousand names.
    Rico,yes you did,and hopefully I add something every now and again….maybe,just a wee bit haha.

  142. Joaquim Moreira says:

    devil, MM? Come on…
    Piquet?? Put Skakira! it’s better
    rico, wasn’t penalty and wasn’t offside…

  143. Merlin96 says:

    That is why I preferred not to post at Arsenal Times where whenever you disagreed with “mainstream”, hatred-filled messages like FO and “plastic muppet”, ‘Johnny FOreigner’, etc are directed at you as if only those who had attended a “live” match at Emirates are “trune Arsenal fans” and only they have the right to criticise Wenger, Arsenal, Arsenal players and no anything on Arsenal…and nobody else….

    As if I must toe the line, follow “mainstream” thought and baa-ed like a flock of sheep whenever IWWT and “There is only one Wenger” brigade are led by Squealer.

    For troll like Gary….read my message again on Ramsey……..he is “potential” only and not ready to take main-stage like a 19 year old Cesc in 2005/06…..

    And there is no guarantee that he wil make it in 2 to 3 seasons or when he is 22-year old as too many English and foreign youngsters with “vast potential” as teenagers flopped at Arsenal – RYan SMith, Ryan Garry, RIchard Wright, Jeffers, David Bentley, Pennant, Justin Hoyte, JET (anybody remember him?), Muamba, Larsson, Sidwell, Aliadiere, Nacer Barazite, Fran Merida, Carlos Vela, Senderos, Armand Traore, et al.

    Now there is 23-YEAR OLD WALCOTT….had he fulfilled his potential like a 22-year old Fabregas?

    Djourou?
    Gibbs?
    Kyle Bartley?
    Henri Lansbury?
    Miquel?

    WIll COnor Henderson, Aneke, Benik Afobe, Ozakhup, Yennaris, Gavin Hoyte go the way of the last batch of Wenger Wunderkind?

    Care to name, since 1997/98 season, how many of those hand-picked youngsters that Wenger bought as a teenager – and later Hale End Academy graduate – nurutred by him and made it into senior team, playing regular 1st team football?
    I can name only this one or two handful and I will like you all to name any other teenagers with “vast potential” that made it into 2011/12 senior squad, playing on a regular basis:

    1 – Anelka – sold to Real Madrid;
    2 – Cashley COle – sold to Chelski (but he was inherited from George Graham era);
    3 – 17 year old Fabregas – sold to Barca;
    4 – Gael CLichy – sold to ABu DHabi;
    5 – Kolo Toure – sold to Abu DHabi;
    6 – Senderos – can’t nailed down a starter place;
    7 – Carlos Vela – can’t make it;
    7 – DJourou – bit-part player or just a squad member;
    8 – Miquel – not ready yet?
    9 – Kyle BArtley – when will he be in the squad?
    10- Henri Lansbury – will he be sold?
    11- COnor Henderson – when will he be ready?
    12- Nico Yennaris – cna he make it?
    13- Ozakhup – when will he be ready?

    Those that are considered as 2011/12 and 2012/13 1st team regular:
    1 – 23 year old Walcott –
    do we need Poldoski with Theo in the squad?
    2 – Kerran Gibbs – you sure we don’t need another LB?
    3 – Ramsey, WIlshere – do we need another ACM and/or DCM?
    4 – Coquelin, Frimpong – do we need another DCM?
    5 – DJourou, Kyle Bartley, Miquel – do we need Vertonghen?

    Meaning….like the “EMperor’s New CLothe”…I am that little boy that screamed “The EMperor is butt-naked!” and trolls likeGary can see only the EMperor’s finest finery and applaudingthe EMperor’s “new clothe”.

    And Wenger knew only too well what happened in 2011 and you all should lsiten to him when he siad “..the hardest battles are yet to come as we had just finished the easy part..”

    As Tiny Totts and CHelski had proved it….it only took a mere 6 weeks for any team to slip from the peak to the pit with just a mini-blip of 4 to 6 games…

    Imagine….Tiny Totts elading 0-2 and on the verge of opening a 13 points gap..

    Imagine Arsenal at BRUM in Feb 2008, on the verge of opening an 8-point gap – with a game in hand – leading 2-3…and on the last minute………

  144. Scott From Oz says:

    Szczesney????
    Merlin,I too have been questioned on my knowledge and passion for Arsenal,because I’m an Aussie.
    Fair enough,but I’m still entitled to an opinion,and at Le Grove,you aren’t…..unless it coincides with the incestuous lot running it.
    Here,we can all agree to disagree,but with respect.

  145. Merlin96 says:

    Yes Scott, that is why I am at HH.
    Here is a friendly and matured bunch that agrees to disagree, and everybody has a say..I would say..ANARCHISM at its best.. 😆

    We don’t have to agree on “mainstream thought or opinion”, but to retain our individuality, our rights ot have an opinion..be it devil advocacy, be it agent provocateur…but an honest opinion without fear nor without supressing opinion of others…..everybody opinions counts, everybody has a right to opine…

    That is the beauty of HH with the “Lady of the House”..and why I am here more frequent…..

    cheers mate……

  146. Merlin96 says:

    Ramsey completes Gunners switch

    ‘He is still only 17, but has already shown that he is a very intelligent and mature player’

    Share

    guardian.co.uk, Friday 13 June 2008 17.43 BST
    Article history

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/jun/13/cardiffcity.arsenal

    The Welsh teenager Aaron Ramsey has finally completed his move to Arsenal after a protracted transfer saga during which he also was linked with Manchester United, Everton and Liverpool. The Gunners confirmed today that they had won the race for the 17-year-old and that he has signed from Cardiff City on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.

    The Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger highlighted Ramsey’s versatility and maturity. “He is a young player who has shown huge potential with his performances for both Cardiff City and Wales at Under-17 and Under-21 levels,” Wenger said. “He is still only 17, but has already shown that he is a very intelligent and mature player with great quality.

    “Although he mainly plays in midfield, Aaron is a versatile player and can also play across the defence. We are all looking forward to welcoming Aaron to the club for our pre-season preparations.”

    Ramsey admitted that Wenger had been a major influence in his decision to choose the London club ahead of the Champions League winners and Premier League champions.

    “I recently met with Arsène Wenger and he was a big factor in my decision to join Arsenal,” Ramsey said. “He talked to me for a long time about the club and the plans for the future, which really excites me.”

    Cardiff had agreed a fee for Ramsey with both United and Everton, in addition to Arsenal, and the player would have been loaned back to the Bluebirds next season as part of the proposed deal with United. Ramsey preferred the chance to play first-team football with Arsenal as Wenger puts his faith in youth for the coming season.

    “Arsenal is a club which always gives young players an opportunity at the highest level of the game and I am going to work my hardest to be part of future successes here,” Ramsey said.

    “It was a really difficult decision to leave Cardiff City, they are my local club with great supporters and I would just like thank everyone at Cardiff City for their support and help in my early career,” he continued. “I will still look out for their results and there will always be a place in my heart for the Bluebirds.”

    Ramsey will link up with his new team-mates when the Gunners head to a pre-season camp in Austria at the end of July. Wenger is expected to add more players to his squad before then, with a £13m deal for the Marseille midfielder Samir Nasri expected to go ahead. Ivory Coast international Gervinho has claimed that Arsenal have approached Le Mans about his availability.

    _____________________________________________

    That was June 2008….and 4 years later….Ramsey has yet to fulfil his “vast potential” albeit he lost 18-months due to a leg-break.

    Contrast that to Samir Nasri. Give an honest answer if you have to choose only one of ’em based on playing ability – who will you rather have in the team in 2012/13 – Ramsey or Nasri?

    And lookee on that tad tid-bit on Gervinho..Wenger sure moves slooooooooooowly to get his man.. 😆

  147. Merlin96 says:

    The Welsh midfielder’s talent is undeniable. That was, after all, what convinced Arsene Wenger to dispense £5 million to secure the Cardiff City maestro’s services back in 2008.

    Since that move, however, Ramsey has seen his stock as one of the brightest young lights in European football dim somewhat.

    Now, when the future stars in midfield are named, his name is rarely among them.

    To say his career has stagnated at 21 would be harsh indeed.

    It is fair to say that his future prospects have been reevaluated. What had once been lofty heights has been lowered somewhat.

    That is not all his fault. Ramsey missed almost eight months from February to October 2010 of what would have been a crucial stage in his development after suffering that horrifying double leg break against Stoke City.

    It would have been enough of a set-back to knock most of us down for good. But by the end of that year, Ramsey was back training, and eventually playing on loan deals with Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City.

    He wasn’t at the top of his game during the 2010-11 season—after all, how could he have been?—but he did have some highlights.

    Ramsey was named team captain of the Wales national team, and after returning to the club, he scored the game winner for Arsenal against Manchester United at the Emirates in April.

    Big things were expected ahead of this season.

    Ramsey was going to be healthy, and he was going to be needed to alleviate the blow of the losses of midfield mainstays Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

    The season started off well enough, but his performances never served to fully captivate. In many ways, he still looked somewhat off the pace, as if he were still reintegrating himself into the pace and furor of EPL football.

    There were passes that didn’t come off right, and there were bits of footwork that fell flat.

    Essentially, when Arsenal needed a fulcrum in the middle of the park, Ramsey floundered instead.

    That’s not to say he hasn’t had his highlights—the winner against Olympique de Marseille was essential for securing qualification for Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League, but they have been too infrequent.

    And that has been insufficient. In 21 league matches this season, Ramsey has two goals and four assists, and about 50 failed attempts at intricate trickery that would make Cristiano Ronaldo blush.

    Somewhere along the line, the starlet who supplied bountiful efficiency and little wasted movement was lost. The Ramsey we see today, who scuffs half-volleys (like we saw against Everton), fails to finish passing movements, and can’t complete dribbles surfaced.

    He was a step slow into challenges. A stark contrast to the image of Tomas Rosicky sliding in with that sweeping motion he displays so uncannily to win the ball back with impressive frequency.

    Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

    If Ramsey wants to keep getting starts for Arsenal, he will have to do much better.

    Rosicky, who started on the left wing against Everton (but drifted into a more comfortable central position whenever he got the chance), will likely reassume that attacking midfield role next time when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain starts.

    Rosicky has simply been better than Ramsey. His passing has been more precise, his movement more calculated, his drive more complete. There’s a reason Wenger rewarded him with a new contract at 31. He deserved it.

    There are nine games left in the season for Ramsey to reassert himself. Can he do it?

    The ball’s in his proverbial court.

    http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1114991-arsenal-aaron-ramsey-is-in-danger-of-losing-his-first-team-place-for-good

    __________________________________________

    It is not necessarily I agreed fully with this article…but it does said a lot on teh future of Ramsey, who like many of those yougnsters before him – most notable Jeffers, Richard Wright, Bentley, ALiadiere, Merida, Vela and Pennant – simply failed to fulfil their “vast potential”.

    I would say 2012/13 season (he will be 22 year old) is a “make or break” season for him….especially with OX, Ryo, WIlshere plus if we buy Gitze or some other playmaker….and Ramsey becomes just a bit-player in 2012/13 season adn can’t nailed down a regular starter slot….

  148. dy says:

    If Ramsey was a striker from South America, I bet he won’t miss all those chances in front of the goal. I don’t know when he’ll mature or what, but he needs to learn to put his foot down and not play like a jumping bean.

  149. Scott From Oz says:

    Merlin,we lost Nasri,Cesc and Jack in a very short period of time.
    Name me another 21 y.o. in the history of football that has been asked or expected to fill the shoes of three players such as these?
    Too much too soon…especially after his injury.
    Give the kid a break,I say.
    He was everywhere on Wednesday,and at least puts himself in a position to score goals.
    Picture him alongside Jack,Song,Rosicky and Gotze……..let him do his job,and take the weight of expectation of his back.
    He’s still a kid.

  150. Scott From Oz says:

    Oh,and Merlin,anything written on the Bleacher Report site is just crud.
    I wonder if they ever,ever see a game.

  152. rico says:

    I didn’t see all the Ramsey stuff on here overnight, quite spooky really as i’d already written todays post 🙂

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