Robin hints at stay! Eight weeks to go and a lot to fight for, starting tonight!!

The 2011-12 season has less than 8 weeks to run before it concludes on Sunday May 13th…

During those remaining intense weeks, Championships, Promotions, Play-offs and of course European places will be decided.

Every game, or almost every game, will have something hanging on it, so there really won’t be any easy games between now and our visit to West Bromwich Albion in May.

Even before the awful events at White Hart Lane on Saturday 17th, we Arsenal fans could sense the feeling of imminent disaster that was surrounding our North London rivals.

There is a feeling that things are slipping away from them…

Tottenham’s confidence has been showing signs of disintegration  since the 5-2 thrashing at The Grove a few weeks ago and the next few games could really ram home any weakness shown by our Noisy Neighbours.

Arsenal also have to ensure that we keep our foot on Chelsea’s throat and not allow them to sneak up on the blind side, whilst our attention’s are focused on Tottenham’s woes.

So there can be no easing up, no thinking that the job is done, no coasting to the finishing line, otherwise we’ll end up with egg on our faces.

Arsenal have a good recent record at Goodison Park, so we must hope that that record continues and another narrow win will do for me!

Wenger will have a fully fit and rested squad to visit Everton. Ramsey, Santos and Arteta should be 100% and ready for consideration.

Coquelin and Diaby are close to full-fitness, maybe fit enough to be in the mix for the Aston Villa game this weekend? If not, then certainly for the visit to QPR  the following Saturday.

Every fresh pair of legs at this stage of the season is a bonus.

What about Jack Wilshere – could he be ready in time for the visit of Man City on April 7th???

How great would it be for Wenger to be in a position to entertain Roberto Mancini and have his strongest possible line-up available….

Chelsea’s progress in the FA Cup and their Semi-Final at Wembley (which is most likely to be against Tottenham)  falls a week before they visit The Grove, and that could be beneficial to The Gunners. Especially if a Champions League Semi-Final sandwiches their visit to N.5…

A couple of massive, tiring games for a leggy and fatigued Chelsea team as they fight on three fronts and before facing Robin Van Persie’s Arsenal, could be interesting?!

The 3rd spot in The EPL is there for the taking, as long as our Gunners stay focused, fit and hungry and the fans continue to get behind the team in the same manner that they have since the 5-2 dismantlement of Tottenham.

This is when our character and determination has to be at 100% and we have shown recently just what that brings.

As Robin says:

If you look at the last couple of weeks, we showed we have a lot of character in our side, and we can be proud of that. Now we need to show that over a period of a whole year. We need to have a run like that for months and even win the ugly games.’

Good, Robin wants to be fighting for a whole year, something suggests he means he’ll be here to lead us too…

Back to tonight, a few facts:

  1. Everton are one of only two sides in the league yet to score against Arsenal this season, the other being Wigan.
  2. Defeat at Liverpool in their last league game ended Everton’s seven-match Premier League unbeaten run.
  3. The Toffees have won each of their last three league matches at Goodison, keeping clean sheets in all of them.

Well, we aren’t on a bad run either, but no facts and figures, it usually brings bad luck…

It’s going to be a tough battle tonight but hopefully a well rested team full of passion, committment and pride for our club, will be enough to bring home three points….

Finally a word on Fabrice Muamba..

Amen to that Mr Messi....

One of his friends, Aime Esalo has revealed that one of the first things Fabrice asked his father was:

‘Did we lose?’

Mr Esalo added:

‘When he was told they were drawing, Fabrice asked why they had stopped the game and his father said:

“Because of you”.’

Fabrice is well and truly on the mend, which is all we wanted to hear….

Written by Allezkev

411 thoughts on “Robin hints at stay! Eight weeks to go and a lot to fight for, starting tonight!!

  1. rico says:

    Morning all, mighty fine post AK 😛

    Tough one tonight, they are doing well at home, our boys will need to be at their best, hopefully the toffees legs are are still a bit tired….

    Arteta to get the winner would be nice…. 😉

  2. Tlailaxu says:

    …this is probably one of most exciting PL seasons in long time,for us it is only important to focus on our games,Robin might stay or he might not,technically he can even terminate his contract this summer,but it’s just one more ‘?’ In this crazy season,all I want is complete dedication to the cause and that is winning all or as many games as possible from these last 10…

  3. rico says:

    Hi Tlailaxu – how you doing?

    Didn’t know that RvP could terminate his contract in the summer, hows that?

  4. lifetimebillsfan says:

    Everton are a different team without Landon Donovan. He gives them speed and width in the attack (as well as possessing excellent vision and passing skills) that make their attack much more potent. They made a big mistake by not trying to keep him after his first stint with the club and the boost that he gave them in his second, most recent loan spell only served to confirm the seriousness of that error. As an Arsenal fan, I’m glad that Donovan is back playing for MLS and won’t be on the Goodison pitch tonight. Every match and every point will be vital for the Gunners now.

  5. rico says:

    Welcome lifetime..

    They still have some very good players though, tonight will be a tough fixture…

  6. Lee says:

    Morning Housers!!
    Good post AK, hopefully Everton will be tired due to their extra game(s)! So we can capitalise tonight and put pressure on that shower of shite up the road!! 😉

  7. allezkev says:

    Good Morning Gooners.
    Good Morning Rico. Another great sub-edit boss… 😉

    Yes, i did read something about ‘Webster’s Law’ last night, where a player can leave a cklub for a set amount of compensation, after serving that club for a number of years.
    Fortunately, not many clubs/players/agents go down that route as it can end up in Court for up to a year.

    Robin is gonna stay anyway!!!

  8. rico says:

    Morning AK & Lee

    Just read about the webster clause too, can’t see our man using it for one minute… not even as a tool for a better contract….

  9. rico says:

    He’s not bad is he, wonder how Messi manages to always be fit….

    I have a sneaky feeling that as soon as the season ends and just before the TW opens, afc will announce that RvP and Theo have signed contract extensions and Podolski at the same time…

    Three new signings 😉

  10. Lee says:

    Don’t think it’s that busy out there AK but I got in the office at 6.20 and can’t see outside….hardly a good benchmark!! 😆

  11. allezkev says:

    I would take those 3 signings Rico.

    If our squad, and most important players, stay fit, then we have a very good group.

  12. devilgunner says:

    Good morning Guys and Chicks of the Proud Gunners’ Faith.

    Rico, technically RVP can force the Webster ruling, that is he can pay the remainder of his contract. But that would mean that he would loose his 5% of the transfer fee since he forced his transfer. If he does exactly like Cesc then he waits for another club to make a bid and he receives 5% of the fee. But like you all I feel that he will stay.

    Hiya Sir AK.

  13. Tlailaxu says:

    Thanks rico I’m still alive…

    It’s called Webster ruling or smth like that,u can read more on goal.com,but this is highly unlikely as this rule is more commonly used by nasri and co

  14. devilgunner says:

    Good article mate. But although Messi carries a lot of punch I do no think that Barca are a one man team. Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, Pedro etc would surely improve our team.

  15. allezkev says:

    True Coach…. But who would score their goals?

    That’s why it’s utter rot when the media suggest that Arsenal are a one-man team.
    Don’t they just love to rabbit on about ‘How would Arsenal manage without RVP’ blah blah blah….

  16. devilgunner says:

    Goodie for you mate.

    Regarding Barca….they are not a one man team. Rather they are a two team league like Scotland. Put Barca with Messi et al in the premeirship and I think they will struggle. Ok not struggle in the sense they will fight relegation but they will not be the super team everyone sees them to be. I mean what would they do if they faced Sunderland, Stoke, Newcastle and Manchester united successively with the refs of the Premier league who all favour a devilish club?

  17. rico says:

    Add Vertonghen AK and I’d be quite happy 🙂

    Hi devil, just been reading it, can see RvP going down that path, even if he wanted to stay – the only path he’s going down is the Highbury House one, where he’ll open the door, sit down and sign a new contract…

  18. rico says:

    He’s pension age AK, we do not need that man anywhere near our club…. 😉

    Unless he’s a top class goal keeper 😉

  19. allezkev says:

    What about Leeds losing at home 3-7 to Forest?

    Warnock to get the sack again maybe.
    Twice in a season, would that be a record?

  20. allezkev says:

    Chelsea kicks Arsenal into action over Toulouse defender Aymen Abdennour

    Submitted by tribalfootball.com on Wed, 03/21/2012 – 09:22

    Arsenal intend to slap in an early bid for Toulouse centre-back Aymen Abdennour.

    The Daily Mail says Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been tracking the £5million-rated Tunisian international for six months.

    Chelsea and Everton are also keeping tabs on the defender.

  21. Scott From Oz says:

    Evening all.
    AK,I won’t be on for long….need a good kip before tomorrow mornings game lol.
    How is everyone tonight?

  22. allezkev says:

    Evening Scott…
    Yes mate, you make sure your on here later on.
    Nevermind the luck of the Irish.
    We’ve got the luck of the Antipodeons… 😉

  23. allezkev says:

    James Olley

    21 March 2012

    Arsene Wenger today insisted Arsenal have the momentum in the Premier League top-four race.

    The Gunners head to Everton after five straight League victories and will move above Tottenham if they better their rivals’ result against Stoke at White Hart Lane.

    Wenger has full-back Andre Santos available for his first start since December following ankle surgery while Abou Diaby scored for the reserves on his latest return to action at Liverpool last night.Arsenal’s easing injury list further adds to the upbeat mood around the club and Wenger believes his side must capitalise with 10 games left.

    “It is a key time,” said the manager. “The fixtures are difficult for Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham. It will be about who does the best and they will be the team who focus on the next game and the next result.

    “[Last season] we were in four different competitions and we were knocked out in three in the space of two weeks. We are only human beings.

    “On top of that, some results were really going against us, you think about the last minute against Liverpool at home and about Tottenham when we were up.

    “These two results killed the hope we had to play for the title and from then on we felt, subconsciously, too secure that we were in the top four of the League anyway. Once you don’t go for the Championship any more it’s different.

    “This season it’s totally different, we were completely out of the top four, we have come into it on a good run and now, of course, it is taking advantage of that momentum.”

    Arsenal set a Premier League record against Newcastle by becoming the first team to win from a losing position in four successive matches and Wenger admits he is happy to “suffer” if their winning streak continues. “Every time we were behind and every time we have shown outstanding spirit,” he said.

    “It’s not fantastic for your emotions but overall when it finishes well you accept suffering.

    “If that’s the price we have to pay we are ready but you just want to continue with the same attitude because I don’t believe in luck too much on that side of the game.

    “Then again, it is how much are you ready to give? How much commitment can you give in every game? How focused can we be?”

  24. rico says:

    AK, that is one heck of a result, couldn’t happen to a nicer manager 😉

    Hi Scott

    Lee, do you mean Landon Donovan 😉

  25. allezkev says:

    Arshavin looking ‘better and better’ as Zenit close in on Russian title

    A return home has inspired Russia’s captain; perhaps his problem in London was a lack of action and homesickness?

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    Andrey Arshavin of Zenit St Petersburg reacts during the Russian league match against Dynamo Moscow Photograph: Dmitry Korotayev/Getty Images

    Anybody who thought the two draws with which Zenit St Petersburg began the third – and final – part of this marathon Russian season might signal a dip in form, opening the possibility of a realistic title challenge, was rapidly disabused on Friday. Dynamo Moscow were third in the table and had lost only twice in 17 home games this season; they seemed a genuine threat. If they could even have held Zenit to a draw, CSKA could have closed to within four points with a win in the Moscow derby against Spartak. CSKA fulfilled their part, winning 2-1, but Zenit were imperious, winning 5-1, keeping the gap at six points and, by the manner in which they did so, emphasising just how far they are ahead of every other team in Russia.

    The injury to Danny, such a hub of their play as a playmaker drifting in from the left, might have derailed them, but the loan signing of Andrey Arshavin has plugged that gap. He hasn’t completed any of the three games he’s started for Zenit since his return from Arsenal, but his fitness is improving and, after managing only 55 minutes in his first game, he went up to 66 in his second and 71 against Dynamo. It was his assist, darting in from the left and rolling a precise pass for the ageless Sergei Semak that brought the third goal and, at that stage, he was, the match report in Sovetsky Sport noted, “the hardest-working and more dangerous player on the field”.

    “We displayed high-quality football, combining up nicely with each other,” Arshavin said. “We took our chances well and gave the travelling fans something really special. Everything was good except the pitch which was difficult for both teams. Dynamo started the game badly and made a few mistakes and as a result we punished them.”

    The first two goals came from atrocious defensive errors and that, perhaps, offers the only hope for Zenit’s rivals: Dynamo were two down within 15 minutes and left themselves so open as they chased the game that Zenit were able to slice through them. Alexander Kerzhakov scored two more to take his tally for the season to 20 but, inevitably, it was Arshavin who attracted most of the post-match attention.

    “He looks better and better with each match,” said the Zenit coach, Luciano Spalletti. “I can’t judge his form. He worked hard in training at Arsenal but he lacked match practice and, as a consequence, playing shape. But he’ll continue to improve.”

    A lack of match practice may well have been true towards the end of Arshavin’s time at Arsenal – he managed just 84 minutes of playing time between the FA Cup tie against Leeds on 4 January and the end of February – but the question really is what happened before that. Arshavin is far from being back to the sort of form he showed in 2008, but he’s an awful lot nearer now than he was before rejoining Zenit. A return home seems to have inspired him; perhaps his problem in his latter months in London was simply homesickness.

    It’s an affliction that seems particularly common among Russians: Yegor Titov has said he used to feel sick as soon as the wheels left the tarmac at Domodedovo, and in Among The Russians Colin Thubron is struck by the depth of feeling Russians have for home, how the notion of Mother Russia is so strong it almost ceases to be a metaphor.

    Arshavin himself is very much a child of St Petersburg; he even met his wife on Nevsky Prospekt. He’s been heavily criticised by the Russian media for his recent performances for the national team, of which he is the captain, but it may be he is playing himself into form for Euro 2012

  26. allezkev says:

    I suppose, as with Rosicky now, that Arshavin needed to play on a regular basis…

    Gotta say that he did look a tad overweight towards the end of his time with us.

    Wonder if he’ll return next summer?

    A good Euro 2012, and we might get a good price for him.
    Maybe that was part of the reason behind the loan?

  27. allezkev says:

    Jack Wilshere is still pencilled in to play some part in
    Arsenal’s season with a return to the first team provisionally
    scheduled by the club for next month, although Arsène Wenger
    refused once again yesterday to put a timescale on the midfielder’s
    comeback.

    Despite a series of set-backs in recovering from surgery on what was originally a stress fracture to his right ankle, Arsenal are privately hopeful that he will be back in around two to three weeks, leaving him with potentially just five games in which to stake a claim to a place in the England squad for the European Championships.

    Wilshere, 20, has not featured at all this season and Saturday will mark eight months since he limped out of a friendly against New York Red Bulls at the Emirates with what scans later revealed was a stress fracture. He had surgery in September but his potential return date has consistently been pushed back to the extent that time is running out if he is to play for England this summer.

    Wenger, whose team play Everton at Goodison Park tonight, said yesterday that there are no long-term fears over Wilshere but that it remained impossible to say when he would be in a position to return to first-team action. After a set-back in Wilshere’s rehabilitation at the end of January, Wenger said then that he was still certain the player would be back in time to play at Euro 2012.

    Arsenal’s last five games are against Wigan, Chelsea, Stoke, Norwich and West Bromwich Albion. Wenger said yesterday: “It is difficult to set a deadline on Jack. We go week by week with him, but his last scan was very good so we don’t have worry any more. It is about progress and fitness, however I can’t set a date.”

    Aside from Wilshere and the long-term injured Emmanuel Frimpong, Wenger has remarkably few injury concerns. Abou Diaby played an hour for the reserves and scored against Liverpool yesterday and should be back in contention for Saturday’s game against Aston Villa.

    Otherwise, only Per Mertesacker and Francis Coquelin were not in contention for the 18-man squad that travelled to Liverpool yesterday. Arsenal have won their last five Premier League games and, if Tottenham draw at home to Stoke tonight, Wenger’s team could reclaim third place with a win at Goodison.

    Wenger said the team had gone through a lot of “negative experiences” last season and once they had ceased to be title challengers they had settled for a place in the top four. He said that this season, the challenge of potentially losing out on the Champions League places had galvanised his team.

    He said: “[Last season] We were in four different competitions and we were knocked out in three [Champions League, FA Cup, Carling Cup] in the space of two weeks. You are only human beings.

    “On top of that some results were really going against us, when you think about the last minute against Liverpool at home [Dirk Kuyt’s late penalty], you think about Tottenham when we were up [and drew 3-3]. These two results killed the hope we had to play for the championship and from then on we felt, subconsciously, too secure that we were in the top four anyway. Once you don’t go for the championship anymore it’s different.

    “This season it’s completely different, we were completely out of the top four, we have come into it on a good run and now of course it is taking advantage of that momentum.

    “It is so fragile that it is just down to the next performance. Therefore that is what you want to focus on. We had a little bit of a breather because we could come out of the Newcastle game and not play for nine days. It is important for us to focus again and keep the momentum going. We are in a good, positive momentum. We have created some … but now it is focusing on the next run to keep that going.”

    Tonight marks the first return to Goodison for Mikel Arteta since he signed for Arsenal from Everton on the last day of the summer transfer window. “He [Arteta] always gives you a certain level of quality,” Wenger said. “He is always 100 per cent focused and committed and that’s what you want from a real professional.”

  28. rico says:

    Another manager i am not overly fond of, ex chav and manc, hasn’t got too much going for him has he 😉

  29. allezkev says:

    You never know Rico….?

    Could all depend on finance, as usual.
    If Arsenal get a decent offer for AA, added to the prospect of off-loading his salery,then that could make his departure an attractive proposition….

  30. Scott From Oz says:

    Arshavin is just as likely to set the Euros alight,and that means dollars.
    Do not underestimate the importance of the Euros for Bendtner,either.
    He always performs on the international stage,so let’s hope he bangs a few in.
    G’day Lee,Rico…..anyone else I missed???

  31. Micko says:

    Morning all,
    “Websters Law” get in there Diaby.
    This last week has been worse than pre-season, its dragged on forever.

  32. devilgunner says:

    Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has seen his side rediscover their goal scoring form in recent weeks but it seems he is still keen to add another defender to his squad this summer.

    The Gunners have conceded 39 goals in the league this season, 19 more than Manchester City who have the best defence in the league. That has led Wenger to once again scour the French market and in particular Toulouse.

    The Ligue 1 side have Tunisian international Aymen Abdennour, a player that has caught the attention of Wenger after a string of impressive displays since moving from Etoile du Sahel last summer.

    Abdennour operates as a left-back, a position Arsenal have found troublesome since the sale of Gael Clichy, with Andre Santos and Kieran Gibbs both struggling with injuries.

    Now this has got me thinking. Either one of Santos/Gibbs is being seen as a liability and there are doubts about fitness. Or else Santos will be pushed forward on the wing.

    I think that the latter will be more like it seeing that we do not need 3 left backs. Or do we????? 😉

  33. devilgunner says:

    So basically we need Bendy to score around 5 goals and Arshavin to roll back the years and provide quite a few assists. That would give us around 11 to 13 million for both.

  34. rico says:

    😆 Micko, morning to you – seems like years ago we last played doesn’t it, hope all that rest pays off later…

  35. Scott From Oz says:

    I had a talk to our clubs premier league coach,and he reiterated your drill suggestions to a tee.

  36. devilgunner says:

    In other words we need bendy and arsh to do a JENSEN and fool a couple of managers. Hope that bendy scores 5 with his head. Might fool Pulis (pffffffffffffttttttttttttttt).

  37. Lee says:

    Arsenal fans desperately want their captain to stay. Asim Mohammed has written him a letter expressing that wish…

    Dear Captain.

    I could have addressed this letter as Dear RVP or Dear Robin or your full name, but, I chose just CAPTAIN. There is a reason behind it.

    Captain, I’ve been an Arsenal fan since our defeat to Barcelona in UEFA Champions League Final of 2006. So, my first Arsenal game and I missed out on the biggest trophy our team could get.

    But nevertheless, the spirit a ten men side showed made me a crazy arsenal fan.

    Now to the reason I refer to you as captain was because in the six years I’ve supported Arsenal- I’ve seen five different captains at the club. And before taking up football I followed cricket- closely following seven Indian Cricket Captains.

    But, none really deserved to be addressed as CAPTAIN, just Captain as you do.

    Encouraging Theo to get the best out of him throughout the season and particularly the Spurs game.
    Handing over MoTM to Sczcency.
    Kissing Songs boot for the winning assist.
    Numerous small gestures which evidently has made arsenal the most spirited side football has witnessed in past few years.
    All these apart from single handedly winning almost every other game for us.
    Yes, there were amazing captains who were great leaders, but the pressure of being a captain ruined their natural game; while, there have been great sportsmen who were average to poor captains.

    The best thing about this Arsenal captain, you my captain, is that you have been an inspiring captain, true leader, amazing motivator and much brilliant performer. The burden of captaincy has not affected your game slightest. In fact, it has helped others to attain their potential- every manager’s dream.

    Like millions of Arsenal supporters worldwide I wish you sign that piece of paper- they call contract, as soon as possible. I’m not sure of others, but, I’ll not hate you even if you don’t.

    Dear Captain, I just wish you do it, we might get a centre forward a little poorer or as good, but, never in my lifetime I’ll see a better captain and a top player like you at Arsenal.

    With loads of love,

    Sincerely,
    Gooner.

    PS: I know Piers is funny. But, we all hate him as much as we hate spurs. I promise to tweet you best jokes. Please don’t consider him a Gooner.

  38. devilgunner says:

    I’m convinced that God just smiled on Messi and said “you will be the one to change football forever, I will make you a genius, but you will also be humble and grateful so you can be a great example to all the young people around the world, at a time when young people need a role model.”

    The guy makes it all look like child play, I’m actually thankful I’m here to see this guy play the beautiful game

  39. Lee says:

    Devil et al….why does Messi hardly ever get injured? I suppose signing for us would change all that… 😆

  40. devilgunner says:

    I explained it earlier Lee…………he plays into a two team league. Also he is fast and mesmerizes you with his feet. So no one can touch him.

    But play him week in week out against thugs form clubs like Birmingham, Stoke with dino managers like Pulis, Allardyce et al and he would rival Diaby.

  41. Scott From Oz says:

    Id go a step further Devil.
    It’s not so much that’s it a two side league,its the way they play the game in Spain.
    He simply would not be able to do the same job on a weekly basis in England due to the physicality.
    This also may explain,at least in part,why he’s nowhere near as dominant when playing for Argentina.
    Still,he’s the best ive seen.

  42. Scott From Oz says:

    I’m off for a well earned,much needed beauty sleep.
    I will be seeing you,or talking,in around 7 1/2 hours.
    Til then…….

  43. devilgunner says:

    I agree Scott. But we have to concede that he is surrounded by world class players. And the opposition do not have a chance. Who do they mark??

    But then again………as we both agreed. put him in the EPL and he would not be able to do so.

  44. rico says:

    Night Scott, catch you later….

    The reason I’m unsure is because of the long break, we had momentum and a good run going, sometimes such a long break can disrupt that ….

  45. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Hi Lee. They sure are Lee! Glad I gave up 5 years ago! Disappointed petrol is still going to be over 140p a litre round my way for a bit longer

  46. rico says:

    Afternoon rocky…

    37 pence a packet Lee, that’s a hike 🙂

    Didn’t see what happened on beers and wines though?

  47. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Don’t frink either Rico, so don’t really mind about that either! As long as they don’t slap a duty on Indian take-away’s, I don’t care! Having my second one in 2 weeks on Saturday! Did someone say gluttonous?!

  48. Lee says:

    There’d be uproar over a take-away tax!! Yeah I knocked it on the head 4yrs ago, well normal cigarettes that is….

  49. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Agree Lee, Milliband is a complere goon. Glad I’m not a Labour fan otherwise I’d be gutted that douchebag was in charge of my party!

  50. Lee says:

    TBH (something that MP’s struggle with!!) they’re all as bad as eachother….a bit like our board!! 😆

  51. Lee says:

    Rocky, what you think the result tonight? We need Scott up watching & AK in his red cab, then we’ll be fine!!

  52. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Sorry Lee, not snubbing you, just been having my appraisal! I’m a bit worried about tonight. I know I shouldn’t be happy with a draw, but I really think I will be! How about you?

  53. Lee says:

    no worries mate, thought you’d just got busy! I think we’ll win and the yids will draw…..fingers crossed!

  54. rockyrocastle07 says:

    My days are so busy these days mate, it’s hard to keep track of what’s going on! I hope you’re right about tonight! Is it on TV? Not even had a chance to look at any papers or websites (other than this of course…)

  55. Lee says:

    I know it’s only media bollux but we should be sniffing around vertonghen (maybe we are…?) not some tunisian…no??

  56. rockyrocastle07 says:

    I know. But it depends who’s coming across as less of a mercenary! Wenger’s not one for signing people who don’t seem to be wholly committed to us. And I don’t think Vertonghen is. He’s just waiting to see who finishes above who.

  57. Lee says:

    yeah agree but how much of this is media hype? I suppose no one can be signed yet so who really gives a fck at the moment?? What I’ve seen of him he looks like a perfect fit and he’s a jack of all defensive positions…now AW loves a multi-faceted palyer!! 😉

  58. rico says:

    Afternoon guys…

    rocky, i didn’t want to say that, in case i upset and labours on here 😉

    But here here 🙂

  59. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Lee, I’d take him over Almunia! (why are we even still paying him a wage?)

    Rico – Don’t worry about that! In my eyes, being a Labour supporter is about the same level as being a spud fan!! But that’s just the snob in me coming out! I can’t help it…. The Borough of Broxbourne has to be one of the safest Tory council’s in the country! Plus Thatch is one of my heroes!!

  60. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Constituency was the word I was looking for there, not council!! (I was trying to think of that word for about a minute, and typically it came to me just after I posted!)

  61. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Haha! AK, my typing had been horrific lately!

    Cheers Lee, I’ll have a look! I’m guessing I should prepare to be disgusted?!

  62. rico says:

    My late Dad loved Maggie, I had no choice but to follow suit, he’d have never forgiven me rocky 😛

    Also, the snooty Berkshire side of me dicates all 🙂

    Really looking forward to the film to be released on DvD….

  63. allezkev says:

    The Bell in Ivychurch serve a mean pint…. 😉

    Afternoon Gooners…

    COYG.

    Where’s JM. I want to talk to him about Diaby.. 😛

  64. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Don’t wanna watch the film Rico, in case I think it sullies her good name in any way! I love her book Statecraft though (on my desk as we speak!!).

    Yes, you Berks people are rather snooty Rico!! 😉

    Seriously Lee, It’s getting ridiculous! I’m trying to type faster than my little brain can cope with!

  65. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Under 3 hours? Reckon I’ll just be walking past St Pauls Cathederal by then! This walking to the station after work rubbish is overrated!

  66. allezkev says:

    Mark Sugar‏@marksugar

    @YoungGunsBlog who do you think the player to #readingfc could be?

    Jamie Sanderson‏@YoungGunsBlog

    Close

    @marksugar – I can’t say too much, as the tlks are still on going. I’m told it will likely go through tonight.

  67. rico says:

    Haven’t read that book rocky, i may have to get it from the library, we have a van come round each week 🙂

    The review on the film is not great but Meryl Streep was reported to have been great, got me thinking now whether to watch it….

  68. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Does the mobile Library still exist?! I thought that was a myth!!! I thought they dies out years ago! It is a good read though.

    Apparently Meryl was good… Don’t want to chance it though!! Not sure if you saw the pics in the paper yesterday of Maggie sitting on a park bench? Broke my heart thinking of her being (seemingly) so helpless. Wanted to give her a big cuddle! Not sure that would’ve been well received though!

  69. rico says:

    Mason is better than Webb or Dowd, or even Dean AK….

    How the heck, or even why the heck is Almunia getting £60K, he doesn’t even deserve the minimum wage :mrangry:

  70. allezkev says:

    JS wasn’t saying, but it’s a loan deal, apparantly the loan window closes tonight.

    Aneke prehaps or Afobe?

  71. rico says:

    Ah, a loan, noinjuries as far as i know….

    Maybe it’s Almunia or Squilli 😉

    Or, now heres a shock, Ramsey?

  72. allezkev says:

    Jamie Sanderson‏@YoungGunsBlogReply
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    Sky say Thierry Henry has flown to London all the way from America to spend an hour with former team-mate Muamba. Top man.

  73. Lee says:

    On the train home now AK…. Rocky, I knew that email would make you livid!! I thought it was a wind up when I first saw it…..

  74. rico says:

    Talking of Reading, our season has run so similar to theirs, when we were rock bottom so were they, when they were winning, so were we …

    They have gone from 17th to second, we have done similar but 4th…

    They lost last night to the Posh, 3-1 away 🙁

  75. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Lee, it’s an absolute shocker! By the time my eyes had fully digested what that fuckwit Gazides earns, I had to close it down before I went bolo and started taking people out in the office in blind rage!

  76. Micko says:

    Lee, re 11.39, mission impossible but a couple of speed bumps might slow him down.
    Rico, do you remember Brian McDermott in his playing days for us, he’s filled out a bit since then hasn’t he.

  77. rico says:

    😆 rocky – nor are Perterborough 😉

    Hi Micko – I do, haven’t seen any pics recently though.. Kenny sansom has put on a few pounds too …

  78. Micko says:

    I always picture him in our blue and green away kit back in the day.

    I used to work with Kenny Sansom’s cousin, he was the spitting image of him, had all the same traits, never stopped gassing, a right shirker, always complaining about something or other.

  79. rico says:

    Was he a good left back though Micko 😉

    Thankfully, i have never been rocky, i try and avoid the northern part or england, bit cold and damp for my old bones… 😉

  80. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Only been once myself Rico, when I was a wee nipper. It took about 8 hours to get sorted. I just remember the big office was horrible! I generally try and stay south if I can help it! Although we do like to go to the Derbyshire and the dales around our anniversary each year!

    Micko… That green away kit is one of my favourites! Is it wrong to like it?! I know a lot of people slate it, but I love it!

  81. Micko says:

    No, just a bad back all the time rico, why would anyone wanna travel further North than Watford anyway, it don’t make sense.

    Rocky, there’s a lot to be said for some of the old shirts, some classic JVC ones, I gave up trying to squeeze into them years ago.

  82. rico says:

    Going to Derbyshire etc is somewhat different though rocky, and the lake district 😉

    😆 Micko, you have just offended all the northern HH’s, that’s cut the comments down then 😆 😆

    That green kit was vile rocky 😉

  83. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Know what you mean Micko. I have so many (including the much maligned yellow one with navy chevrons all over it) in a wardrobe. I even bought a couple of retro ones years ago (including the centenary one) which never fitted from the day it arrived but couldn’t be arsed to send back!

  84. rico says:

    I have one of the burgundy shirts too, it’s numbered and boxed with a sickly letter from PHW, could be worth a bit in a few years 😉

  85. rockyrocastle07 says:

    What could be? The letter?! that could be priceless if you suddenly find yourself out of loo paper. In fact, you should use it anyway and return it to PHW.

  86. rockyrocastle07 says:

    I have the Burgundy one too. Bought it with no intention of ewaring it. Those shirts are too thin! They stick to you like cling film the second ut gets the slightest whiff of static. Not a goot look.

  87. Micko says:

    Just a bit of friendly fire rico !

    Wasn’t that the wasp top rocky ?

    Catch you later guys………C’mon Arsenal.

  88. rico says:

    Ha ha rocky, but i hate green…. lol

    No, the box, it’s really good quality…. 😛

    JVC was always my fav, dreamcast wasn’t too bad either …

  89. rockyrocastle07 says:

    That’s the one Micko! Used to love it when we paired it with white shorts and white socks! Utterly appalling! Unforgivable!

  90. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Agree RE JVC. My all time faves. Plus that’s the era I started supporting them (about ’81 when I was 3). I have a pic at home that a guy in our local bookshop makes and frames of all the kits we’ve had (up until time of doing it obviously). I imagine you’ve seen them before but if I remember I’ll get a pic tonight and post it. I love it. The wife is not so keen however!

  91. rockyrocastle07 says:

    yeah no probs! I’m “working from home” tomorrow (a day of Sky movies and Black Hawk Down / Green Zone for me then…..!) so if I forget tonight, email me in the morning and I’ll get right on it

  92. Scott From Oz says:

    Top of the morning fellow Gooners.
    Very excited……its been too long.

    I will disappear at some stage to take the little man to school,but I SHALL RETURN.
    I do not wish to tempt fate,but am feeling very confident today.
    When you’re on a run,often a break can kill you.
    In this case,though,I believe it will help.
    Our latest wins have shown a lot if courage,but hopefully,our lads will be feeling nice and fresh,and get a flying start to the game.
    One thing Everton won’t be is fresh,so hopefully we can get a jump on them.

  93. rico says:

    won’t be able to email you rocky if you are at home 🙁

    Evening Scott, our very own lucky charm….

  94. Scott From Oz says:

    Feeling great thanks Rocky.
    Actually,I had the best sleep in months.
    It comes from living a clean life.
    Actually,it came from exhaustion!!!!!
    Don’t be too long Rico.

  95. rockyrocastle07 says:

    I know the feeling mate! Every Friday night, after picking up the missus from shopping and going home to eat / watch tv etc, I fall into the best nights sleep due to knowing I don’t have work for a couple of days!

  96. stevepalmer1 says:

    Excelent post Sir Kev, gave me a nice feeling reading that. Back to the grind for our boys hopefully their up for it, i know i am, seems like forever since we had a game. I feel this could be an iffy game but i’m keeping my fingers crossed, if the lads are up for it my fears will quickly diminish COYG’s

  97. devilgunner says:

    Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Gibbs, Walcott, Arteta, Song, Ramsey, Rosicky, van Persie. Subs: Fabianski, Andre Santos, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Djourou, Gervinho, Chamakh, BenayoUN

    Good Evening Guys and Chicks of the Proud Gunners’ Faith

  98. devilgunner says:

    I think it is 4-4-1-1 today. Or 4-3-1-2. With Arteta, Song and Ramsey infront of Rosicky.

    How are you all mates and lasses??

    Scott??? Coaching???? Do you need any links for any coaching books for kids?? Or suggestions??

  99. devilgunner says:

    Oui RR07. I am ok. But with a very sore right peg. The knee is a bit dodgy today. We did transition utilizing the wings today and believe me it went well. However when we did the game I had to fill in since one of the wingers was sick today and I had to spend 30 minutes galivanting up and down the wing. I enjoyed it but these are young men. I had to bust a couple of guts to keep up with them. Thankfully I did, but now I cannot feel my right peg. It is screaming for bed, but I have grown accustomed to it now. It has to withstand 2 more hours before it goes to sleep.

  100. devilgunner says:

    Tevez not playing the last few months HAS cost him nearly £10million in fines, wages and sponsorship…”

    the mind boggles

  101. rico says:

    Arsenal in full: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Song, Arteta, Rosicky, Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Van Persie.

    Subs: Djourou, Fabianski, Santos, Ramsey, Benayoun, Gervinho, Chamakh

    Ok rocky, as long as i remember to remind you 🙂

  102. devilgunner says:

    LLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!

    Speaking in an interview broadcast on French channel Canal Plus, Nasri has complained that his whopping 28 Premier League starts for Arsenal last season represented ‘too much’ before making clear that being a fluffer for David Silva had improved him as a player.

    “We are a $quad of 24, 25 professional$, we are all international$,” he began, neglecting to mention his nation wanted nothing to do with him at the last World Cup.

    “Everyone ha$ to get some playing time. Now we only have the league left to play for maybe there will be a regular $tarting eleven.

    “I keep on hearing to the left and to the right that I’m not a regular $tarter at Manche$ter City. But I’m playing a lot of game$. At Arsenal I played too much. I got injured quite a few time$ becau$e I was dead.

    😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆

    “I have $cored fewer goal$ than when I wa$ at Arsenal, but I don’t have the $ame role,” he continued, presumably paying lip service to the strenuous task of being a player on the pitch.

    “I have to make more effort defen$ively and I am further away from the goal. I have improved.”

    You have to wonder how playing fewer games, having less of an influence, looking outright mediocre and having your own manager publicly state you could do more for the team represents an improvement.

    “When I joined, I expected to win title$, to fight at the top. I’m fighting for the title of English champion.

    “Per$onally I wanted to improve and I think I have improved, e$pecially mentally.”

    😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆

    I AM LEFT SPEECHLESS.

  103. devilgunner says:

    Sky Sports understands Arsenal youngster Benik Afobe is poised to join Reading on-loan for the rest of the season.

    The 19-year-old has not played a single senior game for the Gunners this season but Arsene Wenger wants to give the young striker a chance of first-team football.

    Reading are thriving in the Championship at the moment and are eyeing an automatic promotion place as they currently lie second.

    Royals’ boss Brian McDermott is looking for extra fire power and believes the England under-19 international can add another dimension to his front line.

    Afobe joined Huddersfield last season on loan and scored five goals in 28 games for the Terriers during the League One campaign.

  104. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Good stuff. Right… Really off home now. Try and catch you all when I get in, but I reckon the game will be well over by then. Night all.

  105. devilgunner says:

    Right. The league table at the moment sees us 3rd. Only 12 points between us and Shitty. Can we make that up????

  106. devilgunner says:

    hehehe. you all missed it mates and lasses. That dig was meant for the scum from the slum. It means they are down to fourth at the moment.

  107. allezkev says:

    I’m listening to Talk Sport.
    Man City 0-0 Chavs.

    Is Ramsey playing wide [ a la Razor ] with TR7 playing the No. 10…?

  108. rico says:

    Good move for both AK, McDermott is a good manager…

    I’m not counting any chickens devil, other than my own four….

  109. devilgunner says:

    That is what I am seeing Sir AK. AW has gone 4-4-1-1. But Ramsey and TR07 are exchanging at will. And it is working at the moment

  110. Scott From Oz says:

    Morning AK.
    Rico,hate to rub it in,but I have all games on different channels at once.
    And you poms thought my mud hut had no electricity…HA!!!

  111. devilgunner says:

    Of course you have no electricity Scott. What about that blooming noisy generator???? We are hearing it from here.

  112. devilgunner says:

    We have taken our foot off the gas at Goodison Park by the way. Are we just waiting for our customary late charge???

    Oi wake up we need another goal before half time.

  113. allezkev says:

    Sounds like Ramsey and RVP both missed good chances…

    First time in 5 games that Arsenal have scored first….

  114. allezkev says:

    Jamie Sanderson‏@YoungGunsBlogReply
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    As mentioned earlier, Reading have agreed to sign Benik Afobe on loan from Arsenal. He will have a medical tonight and sign tomorrow.

  115. allezkev says:

    Need to keep it tight and eventually Everton will run out of steam and AW can throw on Gervinho & Ox…

  116. Scott From Oz says:

    Lee,we blew them away early,but this is Everton,and we know what they bring to the table.
    Each chance they got though came from our guys being a bit casual and turning the ball over.
    It should be 3-1 I reckon.
    Regroup at halftime,get their minds back on the job and we really should get the cash.

  117. rico says:

    Don’t think they will tire AK, they have a great team attitude, they will keep going for the 90 and be like us in the final ten… we need two more goals imho….

    Ditto re benik…

  118. Lee says:

    I’m watching the citeh game…..they had a game at the weekend, could have some bearing later on……..

  119. rico says:

    Ok Lee, you win, I will start a ‘linked to’ side bar tomorrow – it’s going to be very very long 😆

  120. rico says:

    To get the winner Lee – he always scores against the chavs 😉

    Ok, ‘not linked to’ – that must mean Torres and thats it then 😉

  121. Scott From Oz says:

    Lee,I’m in the position where I really only watch Arsenal games…..bigger getting up at 2am to watch the rest.
    This means I only see opposition players twice a year,so if I ever ask about a player who you all know well,I plead ignorant!!!!
    He looks a tough nut with pace,and a decent defender.
    I’ve always liked Fellaini…….him,Vermaelen,Vertonghen,Hazard….Belgian national squad running out at the Emirates lol.

  122. Scott From Oz says:

    Citeh look like Arsenal last season……creating a squllion chances,but totally null ans void in front of goal.

  123. Lee says:

    Wasn’t a dig Scott…..I watched us beat the dippers whilst in manly at stupid o’clock two Christmas’s ago!!!!!

  124. Scott From Oz says:

    Actually Lee,the player he was for three months.
    He was a weapon in that period,but when we needed him in the second half of last season,he folded.

  125. Lee says:

    If he’d had any bollocks he would of stayed with us because we’re on the verge of winning stuff…..unfortunately he showed his true colours, wanker!!!!

  126. allezkev says:

    Robin seems to have lost his shooting boots Lee.

    Walcott can’t hit a cow’s arse with a banjo Lee.

  127. Scott From Oz says:

    Actually Devil,one of my kids is a freak for his age.
    He will end up playing League though,me thinks.

  128. rico says:

    Not until after i am in the land of nod AK, it’s planned to record from SS’s – couldn’t get a link 🙁

    Just wondered if any of our fine bloggers from overseas who are watching live felt like putting their thoughts into a post….. 😉

  129. rico says:

    Great result for us, we needed a Citeh win, now i hope the feckers lose every game left this season…..

  130. devilgunner says:

    WAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYY
    WAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYY
    WAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYY
    WAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYY
    WAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYY

  131. Scott From Oz says:

    Guys,when we were about 10 points behind Liverpool,I had a hundred on us to beat them home.
    It wasn’t wishful thinking,I saw enough to be convinced we’d finish top 4,and since I thought they were high on the ladder by default,took the bet.
    Plenty way back when thought I was being positive for the sake of it,but I look at things pretty simply.
    We just needed injured players back,and new players to gel.
    That win today was winning ugly at its best,and another game we would not have won last season.
    Go you bloody champions…….we have the team of fighters we’ve wanted for so long.
    AK……my record is intact…..am I invited to the next one?????
    Oh,I’m off later to have a few ales with my Liverpool mate…….the nectar of the gods will be oh so much sweeter today!!!!!

  132. allezkev says:

    Not sure it’ll have too much detail.

    I’ll just bluff my way thru it boss. 🙂

    You can get your beauty sleep now… 😉

  133. Joaquim Moreira says:

    🙂 Nice!
    We must reach the 70 points! My goal is the 70 points!
    German Cup: Penalties in Borussia M. – Bayern

  134. devilgunner says:

    Righto. I am off mates.

    Hope to see you tomorrow. Looking forward to Sir AK’s match report.

    Off to dream that we are getting McLeish the sack after tonking his miserable looking team, with Kozzer netting a hat-trick, Gervinho and Theo manage to score from one on one situations with the keeper, and the ref sends the red headed scott off for punching the lino.

  135. allezkev says:

    OK Lee, i’ll have a butcher’s later tonight, when i’m still up and sensible people are in bed asleep….

  136. Scott From Oz says:

    Lee,Nasri can win the Ballon D’or and I’m still content with selling him.
    Who needs players that want out?
    He scored the two best goals by any player in one game I’ve ever seen (v Fulham) ,but I want guys who will give everything for the club.
    What a morning.
    Can we have all games on at 7am Oz time please????

  137. rico says:

    Hasn’t come through Lee 🙁

    AK, it will be fine, just fine and dandy and i look forward to it…. 🙂

  138. rico says:

    I’m offski too guys, and i will sleep well i think, it’s always good knowing we are looking down on the Yids…..

    Good day again guys, I love this house but more so the people in it…

    Nighty night all…..

  139. Scott From Oz says:

    Sleep well fellow Gooners,you’ve earned it.
    AK,I just want a one day pass when I get over there!!!!
    A HH drink and footballfest could be on the cards!

  140. allezkev says:

    Good night Lee.

    Scott when you visit, we’ll all meet up in a pub outside Arsenal and get hammered…. 😀

  141. allezkev says:

    I’ve gotta go Scott.
    Have to watch Match of the Day and somehow think up a post. You take care cobber. Enjoy the beers with your LFC pal.

    JM. Adios amigo… 🙂

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