Morning Gooners,
The headline must have caught your eye and I hope you don’t think I have hoodwinked you into reading but I have to put my views over to you as I find this very important.
A British pensioner who has worked 50 years and paid their taxes and National insurance retires with a pension of £120 a week.
An foreign person who has not worked here and has been in England less than 6 months receives £250 benefit.
Now that must raise eyebrows?
A packet of cigarettes cost £1 to the manufacture but are sold in the shops for over £6 a packet and fuel, well that’s now at an all time high, Unleaded petrol is up to £1.40 a litre, that’s £7 a gallon, one of the dearest countries in the world and it’s outrageous.
I’m not going to go about that though, we all know it’s unfair and Highbury House is an Arsenal blog, not a political one.
However, football seems to have its own way to rip not only the English game off, but all the fans who pay good money each season to support their club as Manchester United seem to be gifted the Premier League title each season by the FA and their little cronies who wear black and carry a whistle or a flag.
Manchester United was Sunday’s first game of the day and QPR were the team they hosted at Old Trafford.
QPR had a well-earned win against us; they are a hardworking side and were good value on the day.
After 15 minutes of play at Old Trafford, Ashley Young, who was clearly offside received a through ball from Rooney only for the defender to lightly touch Young on the back and he threw himself to the ground in spectacular fashion. The linesman, who was in perfect position at the time the ball was played through, kept his flag down and the referee within seconds was brandishing a red card and awarding a penalty.
The whole of the football world was lost for words and even Dermot Gallagher said the offside decision should have been given as did Fergie after the game.
QPR were down to 10 men against the leaders of the Premier League and a bigger fiddle you couldn’t believe.
In other words the fix was in, Manchester United got another decision in favour of them and poor old QPR were cheated out of ever winning this game.
Now this wasn’t the only fixed game we saw this weekend, Chelsea also had favourable decisions given, two goals, both which were offside, gifted them a 2-1 victory against Wigan.
Again, anybody viewing and commenting on this game, which I hasten to add was millions, couldn’t believe their eyes.
I could go on about all of the games that were played this weekend but I think you have the picture by now!
However, I can’t let our own game against Manchester City go by without a mention, this was a high-profile game, live on Sky Sports and played just half an hour after the Manchester United game had finished.
There was a massive build up because of players they bought from us, the fight for the PL title and of course, it was us!
Luckily for us it was at The Emirates and this was a much fairer officiated game apart from Mario Balotelli’s outrageous knee-high, studs up tackle on Alex Song which commentators and pundits alike agreed that the challenge could easily have been a leg breaker and deserved a straight red card.
Somehow though the referee waved play on, allowing Balotelli to get away scot-free.
A further two bad challenges from Balotelli and the referee couldn’t protect him anymore, but he left it to the dying minutes before he made the decision which alone meant another diabolical refereeing display.
You all know that I think the Premier League is rigged and this weekend has added more weight to my suggestion. My thought is that referee’s are being instructed by the FA to ensure certain teams get to the higher positions and this will be another year of praise for Alex Ferguson and Manchester United.
However, football fans from all over will know the truth; they witness it for themselves week in, week out.
Our football federations have the use of all the television footage and can review all the ‘dodgy’ decisions that the officials make all too often but it appears that nothing is being done to rectify these diabolical performances by the referees!
They can and will use this technology to fine and ban players and managers alike after the event, so why are referees and their assistants getting away with the same old mistakes each week, why are they not being ‘struck off’?
Dave Bryan, the referee’s assistant who gifted Chelsea their win against Wigan has been ‘stood down’ from the game he was due to run the line for tonight, but I suspect he’ll be back at the weekend.
British football is being stage-managed and it will not be getting any better in the near future which a sad state of affairs.
Are we seeing magnificent performances by Manchester United?
I don’t think so, it’s more like a Guardian Angel at the FA is looking over them, and a few select others too.
Written by Steve Palmer
it’s the same here re the pensioner
Refs have come under the microscope haveb’t they?
Morning all,
fine post Steve and totally agree, if the pensioners pip us to CL by 3 points come the end of the season, that Wigan result will be the reason why….
Same would have been the case yesterday but for the late Norwich goal, how many penalties were they denied against the Swampies??
They do alan, but imho the only way things will change is if technology is bought in, it’s out there and Football needs to catch up.
It works in cricket and even the stiffs at Wimbledon allow it – the standard of umpiring in cricket has improved since the introduction of the review system…
I’m glad Balotelli wasn’t sent off until the end ( notwithstanding the extra bruising that Bacary’s shins endured) and that the ref didn’t give a yellow card for the assault on Song. City’s performance was as limp as a eunuch in a brothel and maybe going down to 10 men might have galvanised them. Also, had we still won the game, the media would have put it down to City having to play with only 10 and we would have got no credit at all. As the ref didn’t give a yellow card for the offence on Song, he can now be retrospectively punished, some are suggesting a 9-match ban, which is in line with what he deserves.
alan, i thought you were referring to the chavs, just realised you meant the pensioners in your country are hard done by 😉
Good point there AJ, at least the ref ‘didn’t see it’ and the thug will get a hefty ban when the incident gets reviewed…
As will Ivanovic 🙂
Morning all, good post SSP! Quite a few of the PL referees think they’re superstars and act accordingly….the inconsistency of the decisions is embarrassing. One of the chav goals you could of picked from three of them offside! WTF was the linesman up to????
Rico, futbol wont b futbol if ‘technology’ is brought in. Futbol, xpecially EF is a fast flowing game unlike cricket, no offence meant to Cricket as a sport, Cricketers or fans of Crickets alike. Like Steve said, the refs shud b punishd as much as players n coaches who complain abt such refereeing-atrocities. Frankly, if such atrocities to our beautiful game isn’t committed players,coaches n fans wont complain abt being treatd fairly n impartially, wud they?
Good morning Rico and all. Interesting post Steve especially re the pensioners. Remember! We will all be there someday. If you have the idea that the PL is rigged and that Mike Riley, who runs the refs and allocates the games to them, is Fergie’s lapdog, then this weekend will have done little to convince you otherwise. If you believe that Chelsea and Tottenham are the darlings of the media or that Abramovich’s money is doing some talking of its own, then this weekend will go some way toward affirming that view. From what I can see Chelsea were the beneficiaries to the tune of 4 and possibly 6 points this weekend. United didn’t need the leg-up but Mason, doing a great impersonation of Webb at OT, decided to give them one anyway. And old Twitchy, after a week of wheeling out his players on a daily basis to affirm that the corner had been turned, that Arsenal were toast, that Bendtner was rubbish, that Bale The Simian doesn’t dive, got away with murder yesterday and should have lost that game 4-1 and been down to 10 men. Or perhaps all refs are just incompetent? No, not really. If Atkinson didn’t see Balotelli’s assault then what about the linesman? And that thug Ivanovich’s slimy punch to the kidneys? If that hadn’t been highlighted by TV, would anyone in authority care? It reminded me of Van Horseface punching Freddie after the goal had gone in at OT when we won the league there. An assault unpunished and ignored by the authorities completely because it would have rubbed a bit of salt into Fergie’s wound. I believe that there is corruption in the PL. I am not sure if it is based in financial terms but it is absolutely moral corruption and is a blight on our game. Still, we were great on Sunday and there was a certain, slightly perverse pleasure in seeing Man City implode and Nasri further exposed as the portly, spineless creep he has become. Here endeth the lesson.
Morning Lee –
i listened to Dermott Gallagher yesterday, he said that Bryan was in the perfect position to make both calls but he must have just switched off – he was less than impressed.
He wasn’t impressed by the QPR decision either….
Add 3 penalties Norwitch didnt get against Totts..At the beginning of the season I really thought that some officials had put money on Totts to finish above us and that’s why we got rough deal.
The linesman who awarded Chelsea two offside goals against Wigan has been stood down from his next Premier League appointment.
Dodgy decisions in London
Dave Bryan has been removed from running the line in Tuesday’s game between Blackburn and Liverpool following a decision by the Professional Game Match Officials, who agree appointments with the Premier League.
Bryan neglected to flag for offside for Chelsea’s opening goal despite Branislav Ivanovic standing well offside, and the assistant referee compounded his mistake when he failed to spot Juan Mata marginally offside for the Blues’ stoppage-time winner.
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez described the decisions as “horrific” and “disgusting”.
Martinez is now waiting to learn whether he will face a Football Association charge for his outspoken attack.
The withdrawal of officials for matches is not necessarily a punishment for poor performances.
It is understood referees’ chief Mike Riley treats each case on its merits, with the decision partly based on whether it is best for an official to been given another match quickly or to be taken out of the limelight for a short period.
Elsewhere in the Premier League QPR boss Mark Hughes has confirmed the club will appeal against Shaun Derry’s red card during Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United.
Derry was sent off for denying Ashley Young a clear goalscoring opportunity, but TV replays showed the decision was debatable and the United winger had been offside anyway.
The midfielder is set to miss Wednesday’s encounter with Swansea at Loftus Road, but Hughes will challenge the dismissal.
“Yes. We will appeal the red card,” said Hughes.
“We need all hands on deck on Wednesday, plus Shaun has had a rest. He only played for 15 minutes.”
What an utter and total rubbish! Whining on the forums about referees fixing games? Have you any prove of this? The penalty decision against QPR was a bad one and not the only bad decision this weekend.Lets look at our selfs and see where we can improve2 instead of blaming everything on the FA and referees and please if you are going to accuse them of fixing games at least show us the proof. We, in the past, have had our fair share of “positive” decisions. Anyone remember Pires dive against Portsmouth which earned us a draw and saved the unbeaten season? The only reason that UTD are in the driving seat is that they are head and shoulders over everyone else, even though this is the worst UTD team I have seen since Ferguson took over. What does that say about the rest of the teams? our energy would be better used in pressuring the manager and the board to spend the money they extort out of the fans and sign some quality players instead of finding fault where there is none and championing conspiracy theory’s of which there is no proof.
Morning Adam
Add another penalty not given to us to the points you raise too…..
The more we see such outragous decisions given and not given as the case may be, the more i’m convinced there is nautiness going on somewhere.
Thankfully, it’s now making headlines in the newspapers etc and that could force things to change…
Welcome David and Devil
David, imho, i think there is a way of introducing technology so that the game isnt stop/started all the time. Most incidents that need reviewing result in a free kick, re-start after goal etc so the ball is dead anyway. It wouldn’t disrupt the game too much i think….
madgunner, Steve’s post is a view shared by many but it may not be yours, that’s fine, but it’s not utter bollox as you suggest……
I’m not so sure Manure are head and shoulders above us, not now….
Morning All,
Many thanks Rico we’ll call this a Rico Steve production, great points made there AJ as it turned out we got no recognition for a great display, just a blow by blow account of Baloteli, mind you i don’t mind that at all 3 pts says it all and the teams behind and in front took notice, Supporters although stick up for their own teams but they all appreciate a good display and at the end of the day pundits and media are told what to say but the supporter knows his football.
Where is the proof of this match fixing?
Morning Steve, i only added a couple of full stops 😉
Unfortunate reference to immigrants on there Steve, thought that Alf garnett was guesting on HH.
Mad Gunner you ask for proof what do your eyes tell you when you see a shoplifter put an item in his pocket this is the same, refs and linesman beeing stood down suggests to me that many have shown their anger but at the end of the day the shoplifter if cought gives his item back but the football club never get the points back
MadGunner. The only proof I have is my eyes.
Mad Gunner. I would also add that just before the Italian match-fixing scandal was uncovered the Italian football blogs were full of posts like yours. And now people are in prison over it.
Welcom IB, sorry you have been offended by some of the wording, there was certainly no intention to do that. It’s been changed…
TT, some of the decisions are so so bad and usually in favour of a select few… Once or twice is a mishap, but when it’s over and over again, it must raise some doubts….
Wigan and QPR could lose millions if they get relegated….
Morning all, Great weekend all in all, still suffering now though! Personally I feel that it is more to do with the level of match officiating in the game rather than out and out corruption. The officials have been proving their incompetence for many years now and the only way to stop this would be the use of video technology and in a way the stance of the powers that be to not bring this in is corrupt. I can’t understand why there should be any opposition to it, why don’t they want the game refereed as fairly as it can be???
IB, sorry you saw it like that but its true.
And you are prepared to accuse a professional referee of criminal act because you don’t agree with his decision or he makes a mistake? There are many reasons that a referee gives a bad penalty decision or does not punish a obvious red card foul but accusing them of criminal act because you ” saw” them make that bad decision is simply naive and counter productive. Accuse the players first that dive, the players that roll around the ground like they are mortally wounded, the managers that harass and abuse the referees from the dugout before you start to accuse them of game fixing. And Adam “The only proof I have is my eyes.” is no proof at all in this case, others have eyes also and see things differently.
Morning UTA
Def a great weekend of results all round, shame the Chavs had some assistance though, now we need to focus on tomorrow, no complacency…
Hope JD is ready for this one….
TT, you raise some good points there but if a referee is not sure of a decision he should not give a penalty, we all know that mistakes are made but when you have four officials and you can’t decide you play on but when you brandish a red in seconds before consulting you must smell a rat
Alan,pensioners here are better off than ever before in Australia……by far.
TT – trouble is, match fixing is in sport and its been proved, maybe it is present in the PL too?
It happened in Italy as Adam pointed out
It’s been proved in cricket at the top level with Pakistan and an English player recently.
And so so many dreadful decisions are happening in the PL at the moment, the question was always bound to be raised…
good morning HH,
I have to say the number of mistakes the refs have made this seasons is really embarrassing. some of the decisions were shocking to say the least. Manu would always get decisions in their favour, whether that FA conspiracy or the refs just bottle it when it comes to the intimidating red nose, with his massive influnce in the world of football and media, is hard to call, but I would rather go with the latter theory!
Anyways so called big clubs usually get decisions when they play at home, that of course doesn’t apply to Arsenal, I belame Ramsey!!
steve in some cases I would favor the same approach as rugby has IE go to the camera replay. For offside or penalty decisions and other thing that will help is retrospective punishment. If a panel finds a player dived to earn a penalty ban him for a fixed amount of games.
Morning Scott and Rokabox
Poor old Ramsey 😉
And rico because it has happened in the past in Italy and in other sports also we should shout match fixing each time we don’t agree with a referee decision? IMO it would make much more sense to give the referees some help on the pitch by using technology and start to punish the real culprits…the players them self’s.
Agreed TT, but as I said before I feel it is corrupt that FIFA refuse to use video technology. What is their argument for not implementing fairer officiating?
Morning all,
Rico,video refs will kill the game as a spectacle.
It slows down already slow sports.
Be careful what you wish for,believe me.
Video review for Bale and the like,absolutely.
TT referee’s bring a lot of comtempt on themselves, we saw a slight touch on the back in the Utd game but for corners we have seen players wrestled to the ground and have we ever had a penalty for that. a brave ref would give a penalty and that would stop players wrestling. You point out good points on players diveing we have had a few remember the Eduardo one they hounded him for weeks and weeks but any you see now are forgotten in minutes
And rico I agree that the “big” teams get their fair share of good decisions that must mean that when it happens to Arsenal that referee is bent….who is paying him? Is it there where our transfer fund disappears to each year?
Arsene Wenger wanted to use goal line technology for the Emirates cup this season but the authorities said no, i wonder why
I agree with the views here that it would seem the Referees appear to favour the BIG clubs whilst the smaller clubs calls for good/proper decisions go unrewarded. I also subscribe to the view that bad fouls should be dealt with according to their degree of severity, vis Bollocktelly on Song. Will there be a refs review – or not??) However, I do believe that one of the most important functions of all Referees is to try and keep 22 players on the field for 90+ minutes, and not leap to their pockets for Red cards. as per QPR Manure game. You could almost see the smile of delight on Ref Masons face as he raised the Red and Derry had an early wash! Referees seem to forget that the fans have paid a heap of money to see their team play ALL their team not 9 or 10 of them. We all want to see a ‘fair’ contest and not the Ref being the talking point/stat of the day. The best games are those where the Ref is hardly ever noticed, not the centre of attention!
There does seem to be a bias against the smaller clubs certainly in terms of sendings off etc- anyone got any stats?
Perhaps the use of technology would sort some of these problems out and perhaps the 4th official could be rather more influential/proactive? At the moment it would appear they are on the touchline only to moderate the behaviour of insouscient managers and coaches plus of course the most impotant role of holding up a board with numbers on for subs or over time!
Come on officials get a grip. There is no shame in admitting you have missed something or have got a decision wrong, what is wrong is to ignore a mistake or try to cover it up. Or to stand someone down – for God’s sake!!
TT
i totally agree with you 10.50…. and until technology does come in and all these shocking decisions are stopped, there will always be questions raised…
Don’t know if you have been reading some of the articles written by Untold Arsenal, but they have produced a lot of evidence on how certain referees favour certain clubs…
Scott –
I know that is your view, i think we both discussed this before, but for me it’s a must, the only way to make the game more fair….
I will ask this once,and once only in video refs.
How many times have you had a discussion with someone debating whether or not a penalty was a penalty,or an offside was an offside???
Two of you disagree,because it still comes down to an opinion.
Now,you guys are asking us to sit and wait,whilst a person watches replays from various angles,to give us his OPINION on a certain decision.
The next day,when you’re at work,half will agree with him and half won’t,yet the game was stopped for a questionable decision.
This happens in EVERY SINGLE game of Rugby League in Australia,pisses fans off,and still,the decision isn’t decisive at,all.
Please,anyone who’s a fan of good,freeflowing football,explain exactly how this will be a good thing!!!!
Hi Wavy
earlier in the season, reading lost to Blackpool 1-0 away from home, a goal that should not have been allowed. The following day, after which the referee had seen the game and spotted his mistake, he telephoned Brian McDermott, Reading manager and appolgised…..
Some refs will admit they got it wrong but by then, it’s often too little too late, the points have gone…..
As I said earlier Scott, the review would only usually take place in a dead ball situation, why would it stop the game flowing…
Wavy, I agree with a lot of what you say, but in baloteli’s case he will be judged on video evidence the same as diaby and gervinho was and of course Songs stamp but where they will or have recieved their bans the points that determins a clubs position is never changed, now if after a game a panel sat and reviewed the refs decisions the points was subtracted i believe the decisions would improve refereeing decisions
Rico,the refs will look from different camera angles,and in slow motion.
Then go back over them to be sure.
Steve,
but if that happened after a 1-0 victory, goal scored in the 80th minute, that club would be saying that their tactics would have been different had they still been a 0-0…
Can’t ever see points being deducted after a game….
Another thing Rico,is that refs be one very conservative in their decision making,and just use the video ref more and more and more again.
If it gets the right and fair result in the end Scott, i am all for it, but that’s just my own view….
Steve,you can’t deduct points afterwards.
Good post but you’ll get all these Man U muppets bleating on about the odd decision that goes against them. What actually bothers me is the way some refs let some teams get away with a level of thuggery whilst we seem to get booked for invading someone’s personal space. This happened on Sunday and also against man U at the Emirates. Man U players persistently kicked Arsenal players and were allowed to get away with it whilst when they fell over they got free kicks on a regular basis. This gives Man U players the confidence to know they can do what they want, hence teams go to OT knowing they will be treated badly and lack the confidence to feel they can get anything out of the game. It’s the general bias as much as the key decisions that gifts Man U titles.
Mark Hughs will be trying to get the ban on his player resinded after he saw the video this will be an interesting case as if the panel decide in his favour it sends out the message that the ref made a huge mistake if this proves to be the case surely this game aught to be replayed.
Sorry Rico just noticed your comment, there are always things that can be said after a game has been played, we all disect all of Arsenals games over and over till the next game comes but the result stays the same. Now a rwf or lineo may be benched for a couple of games after making mistakes but the result stays the same if football is like i think it is fixed then it wouldnt bother them to put diferent refs and lineo’s in as its about results not punnishments.
Rico,I keep saying it.
It only ends up with the correct decision half the time.
The other half,its debatable.
It’s not worth waiting for.
Scott morning mate, I know its not going to happen but if after 15 minutes a wrong decision reduces a team to 10men and they are made to play the game out surely fairness would suggest a replay wouldn’t you say, after all it wouldn’t make a great deal of diference to utd but it could mean millions to rangers
Catch you guys later things to do 🙂
Hi Steve.
I don’t know what the answer is,I just don’t believe its the video ref.
Maybe,only maybe,there should be a protest situation,where each side can ask,for example,one decision is reviewed each half,or along those lines.
It can’t be left up to the on field officials.
It could be up to the captain,and the protest must be made within ten seconds of the decision being made.
Scott, i’m not sure, i think it would do the opposite and we’d see less mistakes made, refs would improve imho…
B8, i hate seeing teams surround the ref, i’d start sending a few off it i had the whistle…
Laters Steve, have a good day…
Rico,AFL(Aussie Rules) is one of the most intelligently run sports around,without question.
Putting aside the fact they refuse video refs,why I bring them up is everything they do is thoroughly tested before being brought in.
Any time change is tested during pre season games,though over for a while,then discarded or brought in.
Maybe video refs could be tested in League cup ties,just to satisfy everyone one way or the other.
They’d have to test them Scott, for sure, look how long they have been testing the goal-line technology and it’s still not definately coming in next season, but definately will be for the 2013/14 season..
Even if the full technology was agreed, it would take another five years for it to be implemented….
If it looks like s**t and it smells like s**t, I have found that it usually is. Are we supposed to assume that what is happening in the PL is merely down to institutionalised incompetence? Corruption isn’t always characterised by the exchange of money. Perhaps complete impartiality is an impossible thing to hope for. The debate will go on and on and on I suppose.
I agree in part Adam,but I don’t think impartial refs ate the majority….more like a small minority.
I dont like it Rico,but at least when people see It tested,they can make an informed decision.
Could be something as simple as each ref has their own favourite team, i bet most of them were born in the Manchester area 😉
I just think of how many times many of us here have suggested we lost/drew a game because of a bad decision or a penaty not given for us….
It makes sense IF it’s done right…
Just look at the opening game of the season, had that been reivewed, we would have poss had a penalty and Barton would have been shown a red…. we may have won the game and gone on a good run, rather that the shocking one we had…
All if’s and but i know, but 😉
Rico. Do you still like Ramsay on the left?
Errrrrrr – No Adam 😉
technology should be used in big decisions only, ie Red cards, goals, penalties, may be yellow cards for agressive behaviour or tackle. not for persistant fouling or wasting time.
will leave the offsides unless a goal has resulted then it should be reviewed if questioned. the fans still have plenty to discuss and debate at the pubs or blogs.
These are mainly the decisions that can influnce the match, and could be millions worth for a club. I don’t think that would disrupt the game imo. in fact players will be more wary of cheating or dive for instance, that actually what ruins the game imo!
Ok. I’ve got it now. I know you eat fish, but no meat. What about crab? Because I have a great recipe for you that could be adapted into a full veggie if not.
That’s pretty much how i see it too Rokabox, i keep meaning to ask if you follow Reading FC?
Not keen on Crab Adam, haven’t eaten it for years, would love the veggie recipe please…
Rico. I will send it to you later.
Adam,how about one for Spud soup??????
No rico,only soft spot and nostalgia re Reading FC, I followed them for few years when I was at uni there, hope they get automatic promotion though. I just hate Allardyce and don’t like the hamsters! .
Afternoon people.
Tiny Totts 1 Norwich 2
FUlham 1 CHelski 1
Let’s not cock-up at Wolves like we did at QPR.
We had been handed another life-line to open the gap; and we must go all-out for a win.
FUll focus, full concentration and no arrogance and complacency of tkaing WOlves for granted; and it is Wenger’s job to make sure the team he fielded will be in the right frame of mind.
If we flopped again, please don’t blame the referee, the pitch, the players and lame excuse like 2 games within a week will exhaust his youngsters.
If we flop, oen person to blame – Arsene Wenger for not learning his lessons in 2011, and latest lesson against QPR.
Koscielny on 2 games ban and should return for Chelski game.
We will be seeing Djourou-Vermaelen as CB; perhaps a blessing in disguise as both WOlves and WIgan are physical teams with plenty of high balls and players charging at our defence.
Again, the team will select itself as in:
………………………………Szczesny
…Sagna……….DJourou………..Vermaelen………Santos
………………….Song………………..Arteta
…………………………….Rosicky
…Walcott……………..Van Persie…………….Benayoun
Perhaps too early for DIaby to start, but hopefully he can start for the home game against Wigan.
Ramsey?
DOn’t start moi on him…..he can alwasy start playing next season and deserve a well-earned rest on the bench till season end.
Ramsey should start on the bench ..behind Diaby, Coquelin and WIlshere…
If we want a hard-working runner box-to-box, I will take Coquelin and Frimpong anytime over Ramsey.
WHy don’t Wenger loans Ramsey out to Bolton say for at least 2 seasons?
Thanks Adam…..
Ah, I did wonder Rokabox, we all dislike Big Sam 😉
Hi Merlin
Agree re the life-line and we cannot afford to mess this chance up as i doubt we’ll get another, and they are not enough games left to recover from another blip..
I don’t think we will see another lacklustre performance again this season..
Hey fellas…aside all the goal line technologies…in my opinion rules regarding players attempts to trick refs need be more strict,diving punished severly so that after half a season we would not see any of youngs/bales and co trying to compete with Tom Daley,and even this on side…TT/madgunner,u guys are like virus,stubborn,ignorant and hard to rid of,fair enough if u guys like man u,but I know at some point an outside body will be allowed and brought in to investigate PL and Championship and all dodgy happenings in FA,that’s when the myth of glorious Man U will collapse and Sir red nose won’t be that much of a sir…I bet half a profit Orbit makes is of man u continuously buying a chewing gum for him….
About sunday game…I couldn’t watch it as I was @ work but following on live text comm,great game I guess,didn’t c extndd highlights either,but knowing all that happened this weekend I was so disgusted,decisions like 2 Chelsea offside goals and man u red card/pen should not happen in a million years and just putting a ref out of limelight for a game or two is not a solution,it’s a joke,I can only think how much QPR going to lose were they to get relegated…
Nay, no sympathy from me for QPR.
For the singular reason that Mark Hughes is the manager, I prefer WIgan to stay up as I kinda like Martinez…
ANyway, I prefer one less London Derby..
If QPR stays up and West Ham got promoted…….
Local derby is harder to play when our London opponents are fired up against Arsenal.
Anyway, I am plugging for the Saints and Reading and West Ham for promotion.
It is unlikely we will catch Man C but if we win our remaining games and they drop a couple, it will be something for the papers to write about ” Oh what if they won the QPR game ” etc
I wish all our players will shut-up their big fat mouth on “gunning for 2nd spot” as it will only fire-up Abu Dhabi CIty to lift theri game..plus generating a certain complacency within the squad against lower-ranking opponents.
The danger is that our players will start to show-boat and toy with their opponents afetr scoring an early goal…which we all had seen it before..drawing or losing late in the game with opponents scoring the winner in the 92nd or 93rd minute.
Wenger should shut ’em and downplay our chances in public and start praising Chelski and Tiny Totts as “hot-favorite” for 3rd spot and we are still underdog…
You know like what Cassius siad: “I came to paise Ceasar, not to bury him…”
Let’s be humble and do not appear cocksure and arrogance in public as it wil only fire-up our next opponent to play out of their skins to prove a point that they are no push-over to our group of over-paid youngsters who have yet to arrive on the big scene, and are in 3rd spot thanks to Van Persie having his best season in Artsenal color, Rosicky rediscovered his form in February, Kos-TV5 clicking and Arteta settled down beautifully to run our Engine Room.
Bets of all, Arteta re-discovering his sharp-shooting form..and praying he will earn a call-up to SPain Euro2012 squad.
ROsicky?
Time for him to rediscover his sharp-shooting form outside the box.
Isn’t it time we start to see one of those TV5 thunderbolt from outside the box?
Next:
When will RvP start scoring?
Hi Tlailaxu, thats a bit harsh, it’s only a different view 🙁
Depends on whether Citeh implode alan, all is not well there…
Merlin, they should be aiming for 2nd, not looking back on 4th…
What a sight when our fans taunted those SHeikh’s rent-boys from Manchester by doing a ‘Poznan”.
The most detested sight I ever seen in football is that kind of ‘Mancurian Rent-Boy’s celebration” offerring their butt-ends to all those sheikhs.
Pssst..anyone cna explain to me why it is “Poznan”?
WHat a priceless sight to see all those stony faces from Abu DHabi watching that 1-0 defeat at Emirates.
WOnder what were in their collective minds?
“Who was that investment manager that “promise” to sell us a title-winning Manchester team with us thinking we were buying Manchester United..and ended up buying Manchester CIty???
WHich color-blind idiots bought us a blue-colored team when I clearly instructed them to buy me a red-colored team!!!!”
Hi rico,I understand but it feels to me as if tt and madgunner are defending manure,it is unacceptable to me,as is the fact that English FA is doing everything to make sure nance win titles,I mean seriously,what a fun it is knowing who’s gona win the league b4 the season kicked off,and maybe it’s just me but in last three seasons I saw such consistency in decisions being made that favour man u,it’s just eye watering…I mean really,are they that bad that they can’t win without some dirty tricks…their game against Blackpool last season springs into mind,Blackpool were 2-0 up and should have gone 3-0 after a clear penalty but ref just waved play on,man u won that game 3-2
I don’t think they were Tlailaxu, just questioning where the proof is in the suggestion that there is match fixing going on….
Many refs seem to favour Man Utd, but is that the fault of the ref or ManU, i’d say the ref….
I’m not sure what a Poznan is either Merlin 😉
Rico, everytime we said “we can win the title…”……”we can be 2nd or 3rd or 4th…” we invariably ended up with eggs on our collective faces.
Let’s not tempt Fate and that fickle wench Lady Luck again.
Let’s just stay humble and said “we only focus one game at a time and our only focus is to win the enxt game….and let’s see how it will all unfold on May 13.”
It sounds like gloating to me when after ONE WIN..all and sudnry start declaring “we cna be 2nd..”…almost akin to our deprived neighbour bragging not-so-long-ago that “we cna win the title..”
Remember last season we were on a sicntillatign run and just defeated BArca at home….with Wenger gloating as “we can win the Quadruple…” or after a fine run in the League, declaring “we can win the League..”
Let all the players focussed on the next game only as now, there are four teasm fighting for 3rd and 4th spot where a mini-blip or slip-up now in our last 6 games can mean “out of Top-4”.
Van Persie is on in a mini-slump, hopefully, and we still do not know when he will start scoring to pull this team into 3rd spot.
Let’s hope he score against WOlves.
Yes, Van Persie’s luck is bad that a certain goal was stopped by TV5 on the line and Ramsey refusing to pass to him when he was in the clear….and perhaps Lady Luck still has more cruel games to undermine Van Persie’s confidence in front of goal…….
We don’t need Lady Luck to play one of her cruel joke on us against Wolves…….with us hitting the posts 4 or more times, goals wrongly disallowed for off-side…..and WOlves scoring a winner during 93rd minute…
ISn’t that what happen away against Blackburn, Swansea, FUlham and QPR?…when Lady Luck deserted us?
Watching Soccernet Presspass tonight,the gooses are talking about who will run 4th.
I don’t like it at all.
It’s not as if we are home in 3rd,but you would think so the way they’re talking.
For the first time all season,CL qualification is in our own hands,so I hope everyone stops the public rants about Spuds and Chelski falling behind……we will only be setting ourselves up to look as silly as Spuds do now.
Let’s start by putting 3 past Wolves.
Night all,off to bed.
I wish they wouldn’t talk to the press at all Merlin but they get asked if second place is poss, no doubt somone says, yes if citeh lose all their games and the next thing, its printed with a twist….
But yes, they should be focussing on one game at a time, one team at a time…..
Off for a bit, catch up later….
Night Scott
Carlos Vela?
Sadly, it is goodbye as Wenger will never keep an unhappy player at Emirates.
Vela had never settled down properly in London with his inability to learn English (like Jose Reyes) plus his frequent “to-ing and fro-ing” to Mexico for internationals..
And he also joined us at a bad time, unable to develop an understanding with the team and Nasri preferred on the left-flank.
It is best for both parties to let Vela develops his career in Spain where he got no language problem.
Bye bye Vela and all the best in your SPanish career.
Night Scott.
Yes, Rico.
The dumb Polack is sure one arrogant prick, albeit our prick.
One fien day, Lady Luck will desert him and one of his awry goal or attempted dribble will result in a goal scored by a quick-thinking opponent.
It is apparent that our No.1 Goalie is averaging at least one misplaced pass or one throwing directly at an opponent from our goalie…..meaning every manager had noticed that and warning their players to be on the lookout for one or two “Mad Jens” incident where they can have a direct run at goal from a poorly thrown ball or a mispalced pass directly at them.
hello
Merlin, the line up will not be the same tomoorow.
Wow Merlin, thats harsh on Ches…. He’s just confident….
I was never one for the conspiracy theory with the premiership… but when you see what went down this weekend, when does it stop being a coincident that the same teams get the big decisions… And I’m sure people who support smaller clubs would count us in with that. But United… As long as I can remember they have been getting every decision going. And I’m sure financially its better for the FA to have United the top dogs in England.
Its just gone a bit obvious at the moment.. they’re not even hiding it anymore!
I can’t help but feel officials are anti Arsenal, because I’m bias! But I have YET to see a player sent off for kicking a ball after a whistle is blown! I can remember the week after RVP was sent off. Mr. Pea for united was guilty of said offense not once but twice in the same match (Champs League) and saw no card!
Afternoon JM and all…
Esp, and Balotelli kicked the ball away and got nothing, had that been one of ours, i bet a card would have been produced….
You know it would have rico! I wonder are we just paranoid?!
Shock, Horror! Not…
QPR fail in Derry appeal
The Football Association has rejected Queens Park Rangers’ appeal against the red card of Shaun Derry.
Never Esp, too many incidents and too much evidence to suggest otherwise…
Just heard that no action will be taken against Balotelli. Apparently the linesman did see it but either didn’t realise how serious it was or didn’t give a toss anyway. Under these circumstances Balotelli gets off Scott-free. So, does this mean that, if Song’s leg was snapped in half, under the same conditions, then Balotelli would still essentially walk away? Where is the duty of care to players in this debacle. I find it staggering.
Oyyyyy. who the hell has stolen my name??? That is my copyright on this forum.
Good Evening Guys and Chicks of the Near Exploding Gunners’ Faith.
Hope you are ok.
After reading the first two lines I simply did not need to scroll down to confirm that this post was written by Sir SP.
Well done mate. A top article. You know that on this topic I agree with you.
Merlin96 says: Rico, everytime we said “we can win the title…”……”we can be 2nd or 3rd or 4th…” we invariably ended up with eggs on our collective faces.
AW once said that the team lead by Vieira could finish the season unbeaten. Many laughed at him. But what did happen????
I think that had players like Arteta etc been bought before the season began we would have around 10 to 15 points more.
You are kidding Adam?
Evening devil
‘I think that had players like Arteta etc been bought before the season began we would have around 10 to 15 points more.’
Totally agree…..
Check it out Rico. It’s on SSN now.
I hate fergusnose and that little prick scholes. Its so glaring those punks are being favored. Anyone remember the “stupid” penalty that ended our unbeaten run? God I hate manure! Grrrr.
Oops, evening fine folks.
Goonster. That was Mike Riley, the very same twat who allocates referees now. The FA had 3 decisions to make today and got 2 of them very, very wrong.
That is shocking then Adam, that ref should be sacked… When Jamie Redknapp says it was a leg breaker, it says it all….
Hi Goonster, and that idiot Riley should never be in charge of the current refs!
¥φυ ve got to be kidding ♏ε̲̣̣̣̥ adam. Balotelli what?
Goonie…I have just read that instead of a nine match ban Balotelli is going to be given a 1 month community service. 🙂
How are you mate???
Where is the sense in it Rico? How can you claim to have “seen” an incident but not really have seen it? This seem to be the linesman’s position. Did you get my mail?
Here it is:
Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli will not face any retrospective action over his tackle on Arsenal midfielder Alex Song, the Football Association has confirmed.
The 21-year-old Italian committed the studs-up challenge during the opening half of City’s 1-0 defeat at Emirates Stadium on Sunday but went unpunished by referee Martin Atkinson.
He was later handed his marching orders after receiving two unrelated yellow cards and is facing a three-match ban for the dismissal.
However, that suspension will not be extended by the FA, which says it cannot take retrospective action because the incident was seen by at least one of the four match officials.
The governing body said a statement: “Retrospective action in relation to the incident involving Mario Balotelli of Manchester City and Alex Song of Arsenal, which occurred in the 20th minute of Sunday’s game, will not be taken.
“Where at least one of the officials has seen the coming together of players retrospective action is not taken, regardless of whether they have seen the full extent of the challenge.
No action
“Retrospective action can only be taken in scenarios where none of the Match Officials saw the players coming together. The normal scenarios in which retrospective action is taken are for ‘off the ball’ incidents.
“Retrospective action was introduced for off the ball incidents where there was no contest for possession and could not be deemed to be re-refereeing an incident.
“In agreement with FIFA, this is how ‘not seen’ incidents are dealt with retrospectively in England. It is a policy that is agreed with all football stakeholders.”
City boss Roberto Mancini has already said he is unlikely to play Balotelli again this season, regardless of whether the FA decides to take retrospective action.
Tell ♏ε̲̣̣̣̥ about adam. Mike riley should be investigated. That twat ruined my life. I don’t wanna talk about it so don’t ask!
Hey dg what’s popping big guy? Still grim reaping are ya?
Goonster. But who could investigate Riley? Perhaps Webb? You really couldn’t make it up.
Late Afternoon Gooners.
Great post Steve…..
Hiya Rico.
Now, who on here is in the slightest way suprised by the FA’s decisions on Derry and Balotelli.
Because i am not…
In fact, i’m a bit shocked that they did Ivanovic….
FA = Fcuking Arseholes!
There is no sense Adam, it’s shocking – love to know who saw the incident…
No email 🙁
Did you send it to the yahoo address?
No, the Highburyhouse14@gmail. Is that ok?
i’ll find it, no probs, thanks Adam…
Rico. I could send it to another address if you can’t access that one.
Hi ya kev, am mad as an ox right now. How the hell did balotelli get off that one. That ll only encourage more thuggery. God help us. Carl henry ll be rubbing his hands in glee,
The Balotelli decision only serves to show how stupid the FA are.
Now if the Linesman saw it, and didn’t flag, then he should be sacked.
The Linsman should have stayed, or be made to stay, stum.
I wonder if The Oilers financial muscle had an effect on the FA’s decision?
How ya doing Stan?
Don’t be mad mate, and don’t be suprised.
Football associations around the world are full of either corrupt or self-serving idiots, who just fcuk the game and fcuk the fans.
We just subsidise their jollies. And all the free tickets they get to the big games.
I hate the fcuking lot of them.
Those are the cnuts that cost us Brian Clough, sacked Alf Ramsey, gave us managers who are yes men, are in the pockets of TV, wankers all…
Other than thayt, i’m quite chilled.. 😀
I blame fergie Γφυ the moral decay. Right up till that scottish piece of shit came everything was alright, right guys? Am looking @ ¥φυ kev! Was the league this bias back then mate?
Have WordPress been fannying around again?
My comments box has shrunk…
I have found it Adam, thank you 🙂
Be right back guys…
Evening AK, I guess the Chavs are out of favour these days….. 😉
AK, its the cold weather, everything shrinks 😉
TV coverage wasn’t as all-intrusive as it is now Stan, way back when…
Also it wasn’t as life and death as it is now…
TV have hyped the game up to a level i never imagined that it could be.
Also, relegation wasn’t a reason to commit suicide.
In fact it used to be a common comment that when teams went down, pundits would say that they can rebuild in Division 2 as it was then.
Now clubs go out of business.
I suppose with less depending on results, that unfair decisions were quickly forgotten.
We didn’t have Sky Sports repeating them ad nuseum.
Yes, my Mrs has often reminded me of that Rico… 😉
But today it’s been warm and sunny down here on the South Coast.
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Arsenal will play a Malaysia XI on July 24 as part of Asia pre-season tour. News was confirmed at presser this morning.
Jamie Sanderson@YoungGunsBlog
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On top of Asia Tour, Arsenal also set to play Southampton in 3-team tournament as part of Chamberlain deal. Details to be confirmed.
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Per Mertesacker set to re-join Arsenal training next week. He’s been having Iso med sessions after ankle surgery – http://twitpic.com/984tnx
AFC_93@AFC_93
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@YoungGunsBlog Gavin Hoyte’s playing for Stevenage Reserves now against Southend Reserves, could be on trial their? Via @SavageGooner
Jamie Sanderson@YoungGunsBlog
@AFC_93 @SavageGooner – Yep. He’s been told he can leave the club.
Even my box Sir AK. I think that it has gone on a diet after eating so many Easter eggs,
What do you mean Goonie..BRB??? You stay on here or I will tie you up that not even Harry Houdini in his grave can be able to untie you.
Three match ban for Balotelli??? Incredible. However our FA are quite hard mate. A player was recently given a three year sentence for pushing the ref to the ground. And another player was given a one year sentence and banned from the football grounds for trampling over an opponent.
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#AFC v #NUFC: Shea; Bellerín, Angha, Boateng, Miquel; Ebecilio, Henderson; Rees, Özyakup, Meade; Eisfeld.
Good to see Eisfeld playing…
Devil, it happened to me yesterday….
I thought i’d got some kinda shrinking virus…
The kind you get in cold weather…
Ain’t that right Rico.. 🙂
Great to also see Henderson starting..
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No Park or Squillaci for Arsenal Reserves tonight: they go into first-team squad, with Gervinho (ankle) and Gibbs (fatigue) out.
Hiya Sir AK. Correct me if I am wrong. But isnt Eisfeld a midfielder?? How come he is playing as the lone striker? Is AW transforming him into a centreforward??
Yes, he is a midfielder, but Dortmund have also used him as a striker, so it’s a position that he’s familiar with…
You have been busy pasting AK 😉
No comment re the shrinking 😉
Off to have dinner, back in a short while….
Evening All, thank you for your comments.
Baloteli’s decision has probably helped us more as he is a liability for them on the field. but lets face it, we saw the incident and we know what we think, The FA have shown us again that they cannot deal with incidents like this unless it involves banning our players.
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Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle: Rees picks out Eisfeld, who spins brilliantly and fires home. His first for the club.
Evening Stevo
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Arsenal 1-0 up and comfortable via Eisfeld’s tidy turn and finish. Miquel almost made it 2-0 with header off the bar.
Imo I feel that since the 2004 and the unbeaten season, many in the FA have grown a certain amount of animosity against Arsenal since they felt that such an accolade should have been reached only by Manure. Hence that is why many decisions go literally against us.
This inbred animosity has been there since 1918 when Arsenal were awarded a place in the elite division at the expense of the swampies. It has been festering and simmering throughout the years and it culminated in the above mentioned season. Since that day we have always bore the brunt of decisions and will continue to do so until we have a good enough team which does not let such decisions affect us.
Even the fact that we are such a well run club financially has a bearing on certain decisions. So it is simple. The FA do not want us to compete in the CL so that we will find it difficult financially.
So you are right Sir SP.
Hi Kev, our new man doing good by the sounds of it
Goody for Thomas. Hope we have found another great man for the attack.
in a portuguese sport daily newspaper
Ronaldo and Nani could have headed to London
So says the agent Jorge Mendes that the “Daily Mail” says that the problem was it took the Arsenal others to decide, ultimately losing the race to Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani to Manchester United.
“I remember what happened in the case of Ronaldo to Arsenal. They looked at him and saw him nine or ten games, and when all seemed determined to play in Manchester Alvalade and he ended up going to United,” he said Jorge Mendes it also deals with Nani. “He was being watched by Arsenal and Tottenham. But as I say, the sleeper ends up losing business,” said the “super” Portuguese businessman
Benik Afobe on the bench for Reading.
Devil, have a read of this;
The “fixed” promotion, the corruption and the match fixing. How the Football League does business
There was a rather strange comment on our sister site Untold Arsenal this week in which an Aston Villa fan said that Arsenal supporters have no right to comment on Villa when in fact Arsenal had bribed their way into the first division in 1919.
I must admit I thought that the old Tiny Totts propaganda on that topic had been put to bed a long time ago and that supporters didn’t just repeat the old line. But it seems not.
So although the prime business of this site is Arsenal 100 years ago I’ll deviate a little and give some background into Arsenal’s last ever promotion to the First Division, in 1919.
In the final pre-war season, the First and Second Divisions of the Football League were made up of 20 clubs each, as they had been since the last upgrade at the end of the 1904/5 season.
Everyone wanted more games so it was agreed to increase each division by two clubs, thus creating four more games per club. (There was no third division at this time – that came quite a bit later).
The first thing the League did was look back to the summer of 1905 – the last upgrade. At the AGM in that year the bottom two teams of the first division (Bury and Notts County) did not go down, and the top two of the second division (Liverpool and Bolton) went up.
That left Division II with 16 clubs so four more were needed. However Doncaster Rovers who came bottom of Division II were not re-elected by the other clubs, and so five new clubs were elected – including Chelsea who were given a place even though they had no club, no team, no supporters and had never even played a match in the Southern League – the normal feeder league.
This approach of manipulating promotions was well established and went on most years with teams being de-selected, and others being brought in, not because of outstanding playing merit (there was no Chelsea and they had never played a game) but because of football politics.
The five new clubs were Chelsea, Hull, Leeds, the Orient, and Stockport. Two London and three from the north – with the London clubs refusing to allow anything less than two of their number through.
This regional argument was always there, because the League had been formed exclusively as a northern and midlands activity. Arsenal were the first southern team into the League in 1893.
Because new admissions to the League were voted on by the clubs, and because the clubs from the north and midlands had a continual majority, they constantly tried to keep the southern clubs out, claiming that London teams should play in the Southern League.
They had voted Woolwich Arsenal in because of the earlier notion of making the league a National League, but quickly went off the idea, and named their annual trip to Kent as “the weekend in Hell”.
In fact the only other southern teams to get into the League was Luton Town in 1897 and Bristol City in 1901. And this despite the fact that London was the biggest city in the world at the time.
To show how biased this was, consider Tottenham. Tottenham actually won the FA Cup in the Southern League – but still couldn’t get into the Football League, and while as Arsenal fans we might enjoy that fact, when we set our feelings aside we must admit that it was outrageous block voting by the north and midlands at work as usual.
So at the time of the 1905 expansion the clubs in London made it clear they had had enough, and two more London teams joined the ranks to avoid a split. But bad feeling remained, and by the time of the 1919 AGM and the proposal to increase the number of teams per league to 22, everyone knew there was going to be another dog fight.
In the last pre-war season, Tottenham and Chelsea were in the bottom two relegation spots in Division I. Derby and Preston were first and second (the promotion spots) in Division II.
Tottenham and Chelsea were ready to argue that as in 1905 they should stay up, despite ending in the relegation zone, but the northern clubs didn’t want to help London’s clubs, and would have been much happier without any London clubs in the First Division (which would have been the case if those two had gone down).
But this time there was another factor: match fixing, primarily involving Manchester United and Liverpool. They fixed an end of season match so Man U won and so ended up with one more point that Chelsea and so avoided relegation.
So Chelsea put up a new argument which said Manchester United and Liverpool should be thrown out of the League.
This caused panic, not just because they were big clubs, but because it would mean that the League would have to admit in public that matches had been fixed. (Everyone knew this – match fixing was wholesale, but until then had been swept under the carpet).
When the feeling of the meeting was clearly “no” to this step Henry Norris moved in, as chairman of Arsenal. He reminded the meeting of how the London teams had done their bit for professional sport, and how Woolwich Arsenal had defied the FA in becoming the first professional team in the south.
When this approach brought snears from Manchester United and Liverpool, the southern clubs, and those in the rest of the league who had suffered at the hands of the match fixing cartel started to build a bloc and it began to look as if instead of building into an even stronger league of 44 clubs, the league would split in two – with the midlands clubs looking to join forces with the London teams to make a league of their own.
If the League as a whole would not hear of the match fixing clubs being punished then it had only one compromise to offer – a “rearrangement” of the promotion and relegation issues for the expansion of the league.
They needed two more clubs for Division I and three more for Division II (Glossop North End choosing not to continue in the League).
First they re-elected Chelsea back into the First Division, on the grounds that if Liverpool and Man U had not been bent, they would have stayed up anyway. Tottenham who came bottom were relegated as they had no claim to a place because of any match fixing and still had few friends in the League.
There was also universal acceptance that the top two from Division II should go up – Deby and Preston, and this was agreed. This left Division I a team short.
This is when Norris made his play. He pointed out that although quite rightly Chelsea had not suffered because of the match fixing, the two clubs involved were still not being punished, and he would not accept this. If he left the meeting with them still in the first division, he argued, he would use his extensive political power (he had been knighted at the end of the war, and elected to parliament) to force government action against the corrupt Football League who “encouraged” gambling and corruption.
With the northern clubs absolutely refusing to budge, the League hierarchy then did a secret deal. Arsenal would be voted into the final place in the first division and one new London club would get into to Division II (West Ham). Coventry, Gateshead, Rotherman and Stoke made up the numbers.
So it was done. The argument of course is, should the southern clubs have broken away and exposed the League as the corrupt outfit it was, and has been for much of its life? Possibly, but Norris had invested his fortune in building Highbury, and clearly was not going to throw that away.
The evil of the match fixing remained, and Man U and Liverpool went unpunished, knowing they could do what they liked with impunity. If Tony Blair had been alive and interested he would have said that a line should be drawn under the events and we should move on. It was that sort of deal.
More on Arsenal’s history here.
(c) Tony Attwood 2010.
Hi Devil, a lot of what you say makes sense, I do personall believe that there is jelousy between a few people lets face it as you say we are a well run club we move stadiums and ask no one for help only the banks,they cannot understand how we are still in the top four when we dont spend vast fortunes on expensive players, even our own fans do not always understand just how well we have done, many myself included have questioned Wengers tactics but at the end of the day he is brilliant I know a lot of fans see trophies as way of success but looking at the big picture when they come along they wont have much to complain about.
I am off now mates. I have a long day tomorrow. and seeing that I will be seeing the game tomorrow I need to catch on all the beauty I can have.
Good night all.
Steve, if Wenger was English, he would probably be Lord Wenger by now…
It’s the usual anti-foreigner crap we get from our media, especially concerning football.
Remember, it’s Johnny Foreigner who dives isn’t it?!
Our FA are just as prejudice concerning foreigners, unless they want them for the National team…
Goodnight Devil….
Yeh night Devil, you bet Kev good piece that mate
Liverpool 1 up
Nothing changes eh Steve, the Mancs & Scousers have been bending the rules for over 100 years….
Vela has scored for Real Sociedad again.
Another £500,000 on his value i reckon…
either that or bring him back kev pool 2 up
liverpool 2 -0
Barcelona ahead
Boo, bloomin dippers eh 😉
Liverpool keeper sent off
Reading winning, hooray…. 😀
Yakubu the worst penalty i have ever seen still 2.0
Reading are 1-0 up 😛
Yakubu redeems himself 2.1
Arsène Wenger has revealed the following team news ahead of the Wolves game:
on the team news…
Gibbs is out with a fatigue of his groin, so Santos is back. Koscielny is of course suspended for two games and Gervinho is ruled out with an ankle problem. Squillaci and Park come in. The squad is quite easy to pick because all the players available are in.
on Gibbs…
Gibbs is short-term, it is more fatigue than an injury. Santos comes straight back.
on Gervinho…
He is short-term as well. He had a test today which was not completely satisfying but he is not far.
on reports Per Mertesacker had started training…
No, no, no, he is still in Germany for his rehab and he is starting his running but he is not back in training. He is fine though.
Go The Yak Steve 😉
Reckon that we might see Oxlade-Chamberlain starting tomorrow.
Wolves are in a vunerable state and that might be perfect for AOC to get in among them…
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FT at Whitley Park. Newcastle battled, but first half Eisfeld goal make it 7 unbeaten for Arsenal, with 1 game left. #AFC 1-0 #NUFC.
Could be right there AK, he’s well rested and raring to go……
Shouldn’t be any worries about the OX getting stress fractures anyway kev, Lot of bookings in the first half Rico wouldn’t be suprised to see another off
That’s me done guys and gals….
Ctch up tomorrow, stay safe
Nighty Night….
hope its suarez steve… 😉
Night all…..
Goodnight Boss. See ya tomorrow…
Nte rico. good luck 🙂
That’s me as well.
Good night Steve…
Nte Kev me too then
Morning all.
On Eisfeld,after signing him I saw a few videos of him to see just who he was and what he was about.
I remember asking is he truly a midfielder as announced,as he seemed a goal scorer to me. He has brilliant composure in front of goal.
Conspiracy theories are all good and well,but I guarantee that Utd suporters would say they’re unlucky with refs due to the tall poppy syndrome……I know Citeh fans feel they get a raw deal!!!
On Balotelli….I cannot believe this situation.
No man alive would actually admit to seeing but NOT seeing that incident.
No man would dare risk looking so incompetent.
The only scenario I can possibly believe is that he was strongly advised to admit to having a clear view,but missing the “contact”,because it’s a total farce.
The FA should be taken to task over the clause involved….he saw it but didn’t see it……isn’t that the bloody point of the review system???????
Dickheads,one and all.
You can have Hoillett.
The more I see him,the better he looks,but also the more of a sooky diver,too.
A bloody good player,but not for me.
Bellamy yellow carded for simulation…….why not send the bastards off??????
I’m quite enjoying this…..everyone’s asleep and I am king of HH atm.
What do you reckon Scott?
I agree Ozzy mate,make it a straight red…..its a low act.
What are your thoughts on Eisfeld Scott???
I agree with you Ozzy,he’s definitely a goal scorer.
Do you like the video ref Scott?
Let them try it Ozzy,they’ll soon regret it.
Agreed.
What do you think of Ramsey Scott???
Ozzy,if Gordon Ramsey ever yelled at me in my kitchen,he’d find a rolling pin shoved right up his arse.
I meant Aaron Ramsey,Scott.
You do know him??
Aaron,he’s good.
A real trier,but tired after a long season.
Merlin would swap him for a loaf of bread.
Rico reckons he’s inconsistent but loves Theo……how does that work???
Scott,Merlin loves his stats,and Aarons just don’t add up for him.
Rico…..bloody fickle women.
She actually banned a bloke last week who suggested Theo was to “pretty” to be a footballer.
She’s losing it mate.
Oz,how about Devil,the systems and structure man??
Scott,Devil does my head in….makes thing too hard.
4-3-3.
4-4-2.
4-3-1-2….blah,blah,blah.
I reckons we should go back to my favourite set up.
1-10.
Forget structure…..they’re dumb footballers,so keep it simple.
Let them all just chase the thing around and have fun.
They’re getting paid a fortune,so it may as well be enjoyable!!!
Oz,is AK really a taxi driver???
Mate,he’s driving Miss Daisy!!!!
He’s lost it.
Still,he’s a Gooner.
Oz,what about Alan?
Is he really so negative?
Word has it.Scott,that Alan won ten million bucks on powerball,and complained that eleven would’ve been better!!!
He’s a hard man,mate
Oz,I reckon they all need a shake up on here.
Are you thinking what I’m thinking Scott……….conspiracy???
Exactly Scott,and we know HHer’s will lap up a good conspiracy.
We will have them thinking the FA is trying to take over Highbury House so that the truth never comes out.
That’s pure genius Scott.
Hey,I just realised we are both Scotts….what a coincidence.
But I’m Ozzy Scott.
And I’m Scott from Oz.
Other than that,we are pretty similar.
My thoughts seem to be your thoughts.
You are obviously a very Intelligent and wise man,Scott.
No doubt a handsome one,also.
I must admit that I am a handsome man.
Anyways,off to work now.
Have a great day,and I will catch you later.
See ya mate,and remember,stay positive.
I think you both you Scotts are twisted in the head and being picked on by a 5yr old has turned you into a raving lunatic….!
It was quite interesting reading the Scott n Scott show on here though quite entertaining and now to send your CV into the new reality TV show “who’s really mad” My moneys on the Scotts…!
The FA re balotelli is a complete fuckin joke… gutless and disgraceful as usual excuses and bullshit and have they sacked the official that saw the incident for being a complete incompetent buffoon…? Of course not…!
Derry decision as well means the FA condone Young diving and cheating as well… lunacy…!
Cuckoo, cuckoo, spring is definately in the air !
I was bored…..and nobody wanted to play!!!
Was far to comical watching you talking to your other mate Scott…! Why would we want to butt in..?
Wath,they didn’t sack him because he was told to say he saw it,imo.
He toed the line.
If he saw that tackle which was a career threatening tackle and then did not bring it too the ref’s attention then he should be sacked for not doing his job properly…!
To the tune of chelsea’s mow the meadow “One man couldn’t carry, couldn’t carry lampard, one man and his forklift trunk couldn’t carry lampard”
We got a few knocks for the game 2moro but should still have enough to beat them…! Lets hope we show the same application as sunday and we’ll be fine..!
I’m off for the evening chaps…. Chees Micko… have a good day Scott and look after that other nutcase as well the other Scott..!
Nite wath, a puppy for the pavement, an old dog for the road.
Wath,this is Ozzy now,not Scott.
Scott, watching the weather forecast on telly just now, highs of 34 degree’s in Australia, highs of 8 degree’s in Ireland, I’m never gonna get a chance to wear that thong I got for christmas.
Micko,toughen up and slip into it.
The invitation is an open one……Any Gooner is welcome at my place for a stay.
Well not ANY Gooner,but HHer’s are.
Rico,you alone though…..no slipping Theo through customs!!!!!
Morning all,
New Post up….
How about Arteta in my suitcase Scott 😉