Seaman or Lehmann? Didn't see that coming but it's good being wrong sometimes…..

Morning all…

First up is from The Daily Mirror, reports are that Wenger is considering bring in a new goalkeeping coach and it could be either David Seaman or Jens Lehmann. I hope this is true, none of our keepers ever seem to improve do they, in fact, they appear to get worse. A huge dose of help is seriously in order and either of these two keepers would surely make a difference. My preference would be Seaman…

Talking of keepers, ours kept another clean sheet yesterday to help us notch up a second 2-0 victory in a matter of days. It wasn’t a ‘bad’ defensive display but there were a few little mistakes made which need taking back to the training ground tomorrow morning!

Monreal nabbed himself a tidy goal. Who cares if it got  a slight deflection off of Williams, you have to take a shot to be in with a chance, and that’s what the Spaniard did.

1st of many Monreal....
1st of many Monreal….

If that picture is slightly blurred, then you obviously drank too much last night! Thanks Lee….

Monreal looks happy doesn’t he? As do this Spanish trio.

Spanish eyes looking happy.....
Spanish eyes looking happy…..

That’s a posh team bus – but if they wanted to watch the rugby, they should turned around. Or maybe not as it turned out but hey, they wouldn’t have cared.

Anyway, back to the match.

This was our lot, starting line-up and subs:

Fabianski, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Arteta, Diaby (Ramsey 71), Walcott (Gibbs 85), Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain (Gervinho 71) and Giroud.

Unused Subs were: Szczesny, Vermaelen, Rosicky and Coquelin

Credit to Arsene Wenger, he had the balls to leave both Vermaelen and Szczesny on the bench after the Bayern victory, but surprisingly, Rosicky was replaced by Oxlade-Chamberlain and Diaby replaced Ramsey.

Monreal slotted straight back into his left back position which was to no great surprise, especially as Gibbs took a nasty knock midweek.

An early wake up call came our way when Ki Sung-Yueng played an inch perfect pass through our defence, who were again playing far to high up the pitch. The ball found Rangel who was offside, however, play was allowed to continue but thankfully, his shot went wide.

Jonathan de Guzman was the next Swansea player to take advantage of so much space our defence left behind them as he played the ball through Michel. He spun Mertesacker but his shooting boots let him down, just!

Swansea didn’t have it all their own way, we were starting to get more into the game, keep the ball more and look like we had something to prove. Santi Cazorla, the player some seem to think doesn’t fit in, was causing all sorts of problems for the home side, and forced Vorm into making a good save from a shot from distance. Yes, ‘a shot from distance’!!

But, it was young Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who came the closest to breaking the deadlock, he had to endure watching two chances on goal brush the woodwork. On another day he’d have scored two goals and walked off feeling as high as a kite.

We were on the up as half-time came and we looked like a side who would come out in the second half and tear Swansea to shreds…..

However……..

Anyway, Wenger decided he’d seen enough, Gervinho and Aaron Ramsey came on for Diaby and Oxlade-Chamberlain.

I can imagine the thoughts going through most fans minds when that happened!

On 75 minutes, that was all forgotten I suspect. Cazorla did a little bit of fancy stuff down the left, played the ball into Giroud who made a bit of a fluff up, but, there was Monreal to fire home to make it 1-0….

Ok, not quite fired home, more like a scuffed shot, a deflection and then the back of the net, but as I said earlier, who cares.

We cry out for scrappy goals, we cry out for players to shoot whenever they can. Monreal did and we went 1-0 up!

Gervinho had a chance to make it 2-0 soon after, but his shot was well saved by Vorm but the Swansea keeper could do little to stop the goal which clinched all three points.

As the home side were trying everything to grab a point, possession fell to Ramsey, who just about managed to find Gervinho in acres of space. He, against all odds, and despite trying so hard to hit the keeper with his shot calmly finished to secure all three points !.

Seriously, he needed that goal!

Well, I for one didn’t see that result coming. I truly believed that we would be lucky to come back from Wales with a point.

Sometimes, I love being wrong!

Let’s not get carried away though, two good results are something to build on, not brag about. Well not yet anyway.

Next up is Reading at The Emirates, but that’s not for a while, the boring International stuff is back…

But at least we go into this one on the back of a victory…..

All fingers crossed for two away victories in London later today…..

That’s it for another day, have a good one….

0 thoughts on “Seaman or Lehmann? Didn't see that coming but it's good being wrong sometimes…..

  1. Scott from Oz says:

    It is amazing what some confidence can do, and 2 wins on the trot can only boost us.
    I was obviously rapt with the result, but also happy with the perfomance.
    A big danger was the hanover from our Berlin visit!
    We were average in the first half but finished them off…not an easy feat at Swansea.
    It is great to see our lads defending as a team, and not leaving it to our back 4.
    One or two leave a bit to be desired, but it is a massive improvement on our latest efforts.
    Special mentions….Ox was oozing confidene, and damn unlucky not to score.
    Jenks…..well, i love the kid.
    He is just a breath of fresh air, and a guy others would love to play alongside.
    Did everyone once the look on Gervs face after the goal?
    It was the look of a man who knows he has not been oerforming, but still takes pride in giving his all.
    I was happy for him, but will be even happier if he can get a lift from it.
    Diaby was woeful early, but did work imself into the game until he lost his legs.
    Great result, very good performance.
    Did i say i just love Jenks??
    Good morning all!,

  2. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning all, Good post Rico,
    Lehmann or Seaman, If i had to choose it would be neither, Both of these keepers had their days, but for me if i was going to get a coach in, i would look at the best goalkeepers around , then look at the good keepers that have been around for ten years and look at who trains them, and then employ one of those. Remembering back 2 or 3 seasons ago when we had keeper problems and Jens came back to help us out, I remembered his suicidal runs out and his rugby style challenges, which really hurt us in many games, Then when he went and our big Pole went back between the sticks his first game resulted in a suicidal run out which was a legacy from Jens. Find a top goalkeeping coach who has coached the best and employ him simples.

    Ronkey scored a goal for UTD yesterday, he shot and it hit the defenders foot which bounced up and hit his arse and catapulted over the keeper who was wrongfooted, the comentator said it was on target and i think it would probably have gone in he’ll claim that one. While Monreal was lucky that it hit a defender and went in, Its in the eye of the commentator and we know what wankers they are.

  3. rico says:

    Morning all…

    I love Jenks too Scott but he must learn not to pass across the goal. OC was much better and Cazorla but in another good display..

    Few mad moments, but the key word is ‘few’ – certainly not as many as we have seen recently..

    Pray no injuries on the break, well, not to our players….

  4. Lexoshoke says:

    Once again Nice post Rico and btw Goodmornin.. Was kinda Expecting this result n it really did made my day,Rico u got to be more positive next time

  5. rico says:

    Thanks Sp, I saw Shreks goal too, I didn’t think it would have gone without that deflection…

    Jens or Seaman has to be better than the one we have now surely, but then if we had a ‘proper keeper’, 99% of the battle is won…

    I reckon Cesar has had his head turned, he was quite average for Qpr yesterday….

  6. rico says:

    Lexoshoke – I’ll be more positive once we can string more than two victories together, or maybe if we beat Manchester United, Everton and a few more sides….

  7. tsGH says:

    morning all,

    A solid performance against the swans. I love that AW is rotating but as always it is never in September or October when players need to be kept fresh but not rusty.

    How many teams have gone to the Liberty Stadium and not conceded this season?

    Considering the team played Wednesday night and probably had Thursday off and then had to travel to Wales on Friday after a short training session I thought it was a very positive performance.

    I am going to say something which may seem unpopular but I think without JW in the team we look much better and balanced.He has not really settled playing with the 2 amigos in midfield quite yet….

  8. Scott from Oz says:

    Rico, the pass across the face was crazy, but the good far outweighed the bad, and i reckon SB would be playing the video on that one lol.

  9. rico says:

    Not many Ts, agree re the rotation, better late than never i know but why we couldn’t be doing all this six months ago is beyond me…

    Scott – exactly the reason why I didn’t make a fuss about it, but things like that need to be picked up on by Bould and Wenger. Sagna has gifted two goals (at least) away this season by playing that same suicide ball across the face of the goal, yet still he does it…

    Nip it in the bud with Jenks fast and yes, play it over and over ….

  10. tsgh says:

    SP1 interesting observation…

    The commentator for our game said it was controversial that the ref did not stop the game when Swansea fouled SC19 but allowed the game to go on for Arsenal to score… I had to rewind it to hear it again and I thought when it comes to the media you can never assume you have heard it all when it comes to Arsenal…

  11. Lewis says:

    Morning all.

    Another good hard fought victory, 9 more of those please!

    I thought gerv was the game changer, we looked very one dimensional and no one was getting in behind. He changed that, the removal of diaby and Walcott also helped. Not a good day for either. Maybe a run of games would help diaby, if he can last a few more.

  12. stevepalmer1 says:

    Its my opinion that Wenger has been Brave in as much as leaving Czezesney and Vermaelen out of the team. they are having a bad spell and in all honesty they are accidents waiting to happen. Arteta has had a bit of stick for some of his tackles of late. Maybe so but at least he gets stuck in and lets them know he’s there. There ars some in the team that run scared of physical contact that cannot be allowed to continue. Arteta Ramsey Wilshere Monreal Jenkinson Giroud Kosi will get stuck in while some of the others are nancy boys. I would definitely bench Walcott until he grows a pair, at th moment he is a passenger.

  13. rico says:

    Isn’t that called ‘playing the advantage’ Ts? Just what referees are encouraged to do…

    Just like they did when TW scored against Newcastle, could have been a penalty which at that point, most would have thought that to be the best option….

  14. Adam says:

    Morning Rico and all.
    I bet SYG is happy this morning with the local government in Cyprus deciding to just take part of his money. No doubt he will enlighten us upon his return.

    As for the game?
    As I mentioned to Scott earlier on, I thought the team managed its energy levels well after a very late night in the Fatherland on Wednesday. Swansea, to me at least, are a tedious team to watch and chasing after their ten thousandth square pass in their own half would only have served to tire us.

  15. frednerk says:

    Morning All
    Agree steve mad jens not a great example is he,
    Seaman should stick to fishing I think.

    I think I keep banging on about the mental state of our players,
    our team can beat any side in europe,
    yet can be beat by a team like bradford.

    One or Two streetwise players,would sort this lot out I’am sure.

    What has shocked me this season is the influence I expected from SB and NB.
    SB knows how to take a player out,Trust me on that.
    NB has played in the lower leagues,and knows how to put it about,Trust me on that as well.

    Wenger has a lot to answer for,regarding this side of his management.
    He can’t blame that on pay constrictions,
    Can he?

  16. tsgh says:

    good post by the way Rico…I forgot to say…

    Scott, Ramsey is not Arsenal material… how he has managed to have more assists and scored more goals than one or two of the fans fave players is beyond me… 😉

    When ever he plays we lose a game. He is too slow so I do not understand why he and TR07 are the only midfielders we have who manage to get behind opponents defence even when he is playing as a RB or DM… 😉

    Did you see the smile on MA08’s face when Ramsey came on? He knew at least a hard worker was on…

  17. Adam says:

    As far as refereeing decisions go, I saw a few howlers yesterday. Vidic should have conceded a penalty but the rotund Lee Mason, obviously aware of incurring Ferguson’s wrath decided to become Utd’s 12th man in the absence of Howard Webb. Utd were poor yesterday and it is nice to see.

    But Lee Probert? The man is fast becoming a legend for his appalling decisions. The Fellaini handball in the area was bad but the tackle that the same player put in on Milner was really reckless and he was lucky not to have done serious damage to the lantern-jawed one. For me it warrantied a red card as it put another player in serious jeopardy, just as that dog Mirallas did to poor Ryo last week, a tackle that will result in surgery and seriously hamper that boy’s career. But how much has been said about it?

  18. rico says:

    Morning Adam..

    I saw the Probert’s errors, especially the penalty, but suggestion is it hit a players hand outside the box before it hit Fellaini..

    Little gets said about much, unless one of England’s golden boys are the victims…..

  19. rico says:

    Oh, and the penalty against Vidic, so clear cut wasn’t it, deliberate push on the Reading. That point may cost them their PL status…

    Costly!

  20. tsgh says:

    Yes it is Rico… the cheek of them… 😀

    On goalie coach what about Landucci Marco of AC Milan? I like Joel Bats of Lyon FC or what about Barthez.

    I agree Poom and Peyton have not really been good since Bob Wilson retired?

    As I said a few days ago, Romford Pele said AW told him a few of his players have disappointed him and if he had the luxury to write off players contracts he would…. Parlour tried to backtrack and say it was just his opinion but everyone listening who wanted to know knew he was trying not to reveal something said to him in confidence and private…. 😉

  21. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning Adam, agree with your assessment Vidics Push was a definite penalty and the Ref was in perfect position, if i didn’t know better a brown envelope would have left with Mason.. UTD will win the league no doubt about that but they will also win it next year as well until this abysmal refereeing is highlighted.

  22. Scott from Oz says:

    Rico, agreed on that moment of madenss with Jenks.
    Better it happens now and is sorted rather than making the same mistake in 4-5 years time.
    Ginge, i am guilty of talking up Ramsey too often, but i can live with that lol.
    I love a trier.
    When he came on, all i heard was booing.
    Now, I realise it was because he is a Cardiff lad, but i couldn’t elp think of the countless Gooners who were doing the same thing, even if it was under their breath.
    Ayway, enough on that.
    The love of Arsenal aside, won’t it be great to get top 4 and thumb our noses at every expert and pundit saying we are a mid table club.
    Go lads!!!

  23. Scott from Oz says:

    When 50/50 decisions go the way of, or against, any club 9 times out of 10 then something stinks.

  24. rico says:

    Thanks Ts.

    I am surprised you suggest Ramsey is not Arsenal material though, I think he is, when he’s not played out of position….

  25. tsgh says:

    SP1 10:16- ditto

    Those who use to watch SC19 at Malaga or Villareal knew he was a lazy player. One reason his manager at both clubs never played him as a no.10… Luis Pellegrini used him as a box to box in games where the opposition where very defensive so he would not have to track back etc…

    One reason have been complaining about him being played as an attacking midfielder since the Southampton match…

  26. Scott from Oz says:

    I know Rico.
    I really was happy for Gerv, and the way the guys embraced him shows they know he is doing it tough, and it was a great show of unity imo.

  27. tsgh says:

    Rico it was an irony re Ramsey… you know I love the boy as much as Scott does. 😉 To me I prefer hard workers in football than the bunch of luxury player we have in our squad. RM have only one diva in their team in CR07 whilst we always seem to have 4 players in every half of a game. One reason Ozil is not played in certain games unless Mourinho has 2 DM in his side.

    Ramsey is currently like Lampard at that age… he gets in good positions naturally but I think the finishing will come when he is 23/24 y.o..

    The players who try in the first half fade in the 2nd and vice versa. JW10 is a typical example were he is always world class in 2nd half but in the first half…

    Like Ox could be a very good central midfielder but until he decides to work of the ball he will never be good there…

  28. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning Ginge, Santi has taken a little while to settle down, i know he’s little and our league is quite physical but he now seems to get a lot more involved and he takes shots which i admire. Ramsey although he does miss place a lot of passes i do like his apetite for the fight, i believe he will come good, would like to see him shoot more but hopfully that will come. Theo is one player who makes me scream at the screen, he has a habit of running everywhere where the ball isn’t, he never chases back and he never challenges all he wants is for players to feed impossible balls to him in space so he can become a hero. I am not that keen on Gervinho, but at least he tries.

  29. Dick Swiveller says:

    Spot on Scott, it’s the 50/50s that show what’s going on. If I had a pound for every time I’d heard a United fan say ‘we don’t get decisions’ before pointing to one big decision that went against them (probably the only one of the season…) then I’d be a rich man.

  30. Adam says:

    Rico. I didn’t see it hit anybody else’s arm myself.
    Fancy that, Man Utd benefitting from a refereeing decision.
    Steve. Agreed. I saw someone go down in a heap after a slight push in the Everton game and get a yellow and it seemed astonishing to me the this “foul” was deemed as serious as Fellaini’s. I can see the case for a 3rd tier of punishment (perhaps a 10 minute sin-bin) for something like the Fellaini and Mirallas tackles. I wasn’t surprised that obnoxious little git Pienaar got sent off yesterday as I thought Moyes had his team well over-hyped after the Wigan loss and it reminded me of Everton teams when he first went there. Wound too tight.
    I am pleased that Fellaini will miss our match.

  31. Adam says:

    I like Santi and don’t think he is lazy at all nor does anybody I know who follows Spanish football. Every time he gets the ball I think something could happen as he is a real spark of quality. Giving him the free role he enjoys does place emphasis on the other midfield players being intelligent enough to adapt to his on-field positions though.
    Ramsey is a grafter who is as good as he can be at the moment but who will certainly get better. I like him on the left 🙂

  32. rico says:

    I know Ts, as was my comment…….

    I have to disagree about Santi being lazy too, I think he is sheer quality and I’m sure glad he signed.

    He reminds me a little of Arshavin….. On his day he could destroy any side, if he’s played right. Maybe he should just have a license to be free to do what he wants and go where he wants…

    The reason our midfield is caught out sometimes is down to not replacing Song with a proper DM/HM

  33. stevepalmer1 says:

    I can understand when a team are leading with only minutes left to waste time, there are two types of wasting time one where a team hold onto possession and the other when free kicks take an age throw ins the same but many’s a time i have watched Arsenal and Keepers have been booked for wasting time taking a goal kick when all our keeper has done is to walk back for his run up. Our game at that shithole down the road in the closing minutes spud players punted the ball in the stands knowing that their scum supporters would not release the ball Ref was oblivious. Had they been losing 4 balls would have come on.

  34. rico says:

    Sp, I think he’s settled well and quickly consider the league change…

    Wait ’til his second season 😉

    Great minds there Adam 😉

  35. Joywedsjeff says:

    Morning guys… Seeing the ox celebrating off the bench for monreal’s goal was awesome. The same person who was accused of not celebrating some weeks back.

  36. allezkev says:

    Gervinho….. What a wonderful footballer… 🙂

    I haven’t got a clue what he is thinking, and I guess he doesn’t know either.
    But I was pleased for him, that he scored…

    Who knows, with a bit of confidence, he might, just might, turn out to be a half-decent player for us?

  37. Adam says:

    Hi Kev. He tried his hardest to hit Vorm but unfortunately he only managed to deflect it in off of him. 🙂

  38. rico says:

    Hi Jeff – he did celebrate the other week, the photo was tampered with…

    Hi Ak thank goodness you only suggested ‘half’ 😉

    He tried hard to hit the keeper though didn’t he….

  39. allezkev says:

    Morning Gooners.
    Morning Rico, a very positive post, really enjoyed it. 🙂

    Adam, I agree with you on Santi, he gives us a touch of class.
    Agree also on Ramsey.

    Delighted to see Jenks playing again, and playing well.

  40. stevepalmer1 says:

    It was nice to see Gervinho score and before he celebrated he got hold of Ramsey for his assist ans showed how much he appreciated his help. To be honest i thought he’d miss 🙂

  41. rico says:

    Do I mention the pass from Ramsey for Gervinho’s goal?

    Indeed Adam 🙂

    Thanks Ak, easy to write on days like yesterday..

    Jenks is going to be an outstanding defender imho, he could possibly go on to be one of Arsene Wenger’s best ever signings…

    For £1 million……

  42. Adam says:

    Kev. He’s a conundrum wrapped in an enigma or it could be the other way round. Whichever way, he has an astonishing Barnet, that’s for sure. 🙂

  43. allezkev says:

    I never rated Gerry Peyton, and there’s no doubt in my mind that the standard of goalkeeping at Arsenal has dropped since Bob Wilson left…

    Having spent his entire career under Wilson’s care, whilst at Arsenal, I’d prefer to see Seaman get the job…

    I liked Jens, I know that he was a crackpot, but I just liked him.
    And he was a great goalkeeper despite those hairbrained moments…

  44. ozgunner10 says:

    you ain’t on your own there sp1 – especially given the ball was not the best and behind him but credit where its due, he is still useless – haha ok kidding

  45. tsgh says:

    Being lazy is not a reflection on his quality. I do not understand why some fans expect one or two players not to contribute defensively when even the best players in Messi and Iniesta track back…

    CR07 can get away with being ‘lazy’ of the ball but at least you know when he is given the ball 99% of the time he will test the goalie.

    Yes SC19 is very much like AA23 without the clinical finish but if I remember correctly a lot of Arsenal fans hounded him out of the club last season for being a dead wood even though some say the booing against manure was aimed at AW for substituting the Ox…

    i agree he will be better in his second season but again I ask if he has turned up in any of our matches against the big boys?

  46. my Emenye Alex Onyekachi says:

    yes i believe that our Arsenal fc can do it again if they can fight for it. Arsene Wenger should also sit up and gambling with matches. Infact my prof more greese to elbow.

  47. allezkev says:

    The Forehead has landed.

    Reckon that he’ll rip Reading to pieces…

    Adam, how are things on the setee???

    I’m enjoying a bit of blogging on my bed.
    Ah, I do love Sunday’s, especially after taking 3 points.

  48. allezkev says:

    Ginge, I see your point, but I’d rather he used his energy at the attacking end.
    We surely have enough players to do the defensive duties.

    As for Barcelona, I think they are on drugs…

  49. my Emenye Alex Onyekachi says:

    yes i believe that our Arsenal fc can it again if they fight for it. Arsene Wenger should sit up and stop gambling with our matches. Infact more greese to your elbow my prof and intire Arsenal fc.

  50. allezkev says:

    Ah, Yorkshire pudding Rico, I always save them for last, and mop up my gravy with them, hmmm… 😉

  51. Wavy says:

    Ak 11.21
    Barcelona on drugs, I agree absolutely. They ran around like whirling dervishes for 90 minutes. Where did all that energy come from? It was a deeply disturbing display of unrelenting running. It was inhuman – but man made.

  52. Wavy says:

    Reflecting whilst eating a light lunch of toast and coarse pork pate, Barcelona’s display whas not disimilar to the way manure used to attack us, all action full frontal assault. They ran around at high speed prior to diving into us with the gusto and agression of a battalion of paras subduing a small crowd of peace protesters!
    I wonder if their displays were in any way externally induced? Or were they just driven by the fear of old red nose. I suspect they had a little bit of something popped into their tea before the game!

    Whilst that is a little tongue in cheek I do think there may just be a bit of performance enhancing going on, not quite in Lance Armstrong’s league but………..?

  53. NashuaGunner says:

    Good Morning Rico, Adam, Kev, tsgh, Jeff, SP, OZ10, Wavy and all those who are so happy to still be in bed because of the 3 points.

    How come AW doesn’t do it as often to make us happy including Adam?

    Thanks Rico for the post,; it put smile on my face when reading it this morning.

  54. Gunnerdna says:

    Good morning HH, TSgh no other spanish player in the league who plays AM (Mata & David Silva) runs around like SC19. I understand what you are saying but afc don’t play a pressing game like barca.

  55. Judge me in May says:

    What do people have against santi cazorla is mystery to me..
    TSGH you always posting negative comments about him.. come on.. the guy is quality.. he can go missing in the odd game but lazy he is not.. He was the best player beside jenks yesterday imo
    Great win and wenger should take credit for getting selection and tactics right.
    I thought ox had a good game as well..
    Don’t know what’s going on with theo..
    I would like to believe wenger and the board have changed.. but I am sceptical..
    QPR loosing also made my day…

  56. ozgunner10 says:

    JmiM – we’d all like to think the pressure is finally going to move things forward and they are certainly under the spotlight, rightly so in my opinion

  57. rico says:

    Hi Judge. I don’t see the negative side to Santi either, nor do I believe that he and Jack can’t play together…

    TW needs a game on the bench, maybe the next game would be the time.

  58. potter says:

    Talking of referees Chris Foy sends off Norwich keeper for handling outside the area.The angle he was at he could not have seen it properly . Replays show it hit the underside of his upper arm as his arms were raised with his hands well out of the way. A weak ref that reacted to the crowd.

    As for yesterday , we all have our favourites and those we like to criticise. Ramsey is at his best as a box to box midfielder and his running makes him more effective there than Diaby. When you looked at the defence yesterday we often had two banks of four and Walcott was tracking back cutting out overlaps.

    If we are Barcelona lite then Swansea are double lite, possesion with no penetration there only dangerous moments were courtesy of poor passing on our behalf and we caught them as we have been so many times pushing forward and not covering at the back for the second and a goalmouth misshit for the first.

  59. allezkev says:

    I agree with The Judge… 😉
    Santi is a genius.

    Oz, you fitted that bath yet???

    I thought you lot all had swiming pools anyway…

    I see that Jernade Meade is fit again.
    Our reserves have certainly had an awful season, injury wise.
    The last two reserve fixtures have had something like 5 or 6 long-term injured finally returning to fitness.

    I’m sure that Eisfeld, Gnabry and Yennaris would have seen some more 1st team action, but for injuries.
    Whilst the majority of our loanees have picked up injuries of varying degrees…
    Miyaichi, Frimpong, Afobe, Watt, Eastmond, to name but a few.

  60. potter says:

    Foy strikes again . A penalty this time . Bassong chests it and the Lino gives handball. After the push by Vidic and now this performance you really have to wonder about the cleanliness of our game.

  61. ozgunner10 says:

    He needs a kick up the a** is what he needs Rico – seemed totally disinterested of late much of the time

  62. tsgh says:

    JMIM… 😀

    I guess it appears so but it is not because I dislike the player but because like most of our players they choose not to apply themselves. Will fergie and united fans tolerate that?There is no reward for watching football but I think only about 5 or 7 regulars on here are actually informed about players in other leagues. Most people just choose to believe what a journo says in the media about players quality etc.

    Typical example is Mvila… how many games has he played since he signed with the Russia. I always said he was not fit but most people said AW was stupid not to bid on him…

    Unlike most I have watched SC19 since his days at Villareal playing in the same team as Riquelme and playing next to Toulalan… I am not like ‘arry who only heard about SC19, 2.5 years ago. 😀

    I guess one reason why I was one of the first on here in addition to Emma who always felt Santi was better used on the wings…

    I know I support AW more than most people on here but I must admit he is too soft on the better players.

    AW did that at Monaco with Forfana, Klinsmann and the likes in crucial games and he repeated that with Cesc against Barcelona when he was unfit. I know once someone thought I was twisted to suggest one of our players use to fake injuries but then that same player has not had the same injury in 1.5 years since he left us… 😉

    Anyway lets move on and fingers crossed the scums lose…

  63. tsgh says:

    Ak, I am doing the nex gen match tomorrow at Erms after work… is anyone else going?

    Looking forward to seeing Olsson. Sege has not been the same since the 2 ankle injuries.

  64. ozgunner10 says:

    they should sue Real’s ass off – world class player without the ego. Not worth the time of day, the guys a genius… end of

  65. rico says:

    Ts – you are assuming a lot here….

    ‘I think only about 5 or 7 regulars on here are actually informed about players in other leagues. Most people just choose to believe what a journo says in the media about players quality etc’.

    Many on here do watch other league football, and I honestly don’t know anyone here who trusts anything that is written in the newspapers….

  66. Adam says:

    The best winger I ever played with was an extraordinarily camp bloke off the pitch who liked to be called Gladys. He ran the left wing with a fag (the tobacco variety I hasten to add) either in his mouth or cupped in his hand to protect it from the wind. After the game he would thrash me in the showers with a wet towel.

  67. rico says:

    Oh Holt, what an awful touch, should be 2-1…

    And what was that booking for…

    Come on Norwich…..

  68. DutchGooner10 says:

    Afternoon Goonerdom worshippers,

    Superb Ricolicious post. Huh? What? Seamstress or Lehman? Hold on, let me get my thinking cap….. No, please. Get someone from 3M Sticky Note, instead.

    Oz Brilliant!! I will post this every League/ FA/ CC cup/ CL cycle, people can watch highlights of other results as well. All available at the touch of a button. HH is going places.

    Watch this space……. becoming elite and legend among Gooners.

  69. rico says:

    He’d make Santos look like an anorexic 😉

    No offence intended to anyone with an eating disorder….

  70. tsgh says:

    Armstrong´s doctor, Luis García del Moral, claimed to have been Barcelona´s doctor. Rumours are that he or one of his cronies acted as a consultant for FC Bayern too recently… interesting..

  71. Adam says:

    Yes Oz. They were ice cold. Gladys insisted upon it. It never did me any harm, in fact I rather enjoyed it.
    They could have done with re-grouting though.

  72. ozgunner10 says:

    you’ve always been a legend around here mate, anyone who agrees with me is 🙂 In my opinion at least

  73. tsgh says:

    Oz I hope you told Schwarzer to have one of his blinders against the noisy Middlesex Wanderers team… 😉

  74. rico says:

    Why Ts, what is the point in believing anything that is reported in the newspapers??

    They haven’t a clue what is really going on…..

  75. ozgunner10 says:

    tsgh – hard to past a spuds win isn’t it? Never know i suppose, fingers crossed – next weekend we might pick up points on them

  76. rico says:

    I thought the Everton keeper was very good yesterday by the way, surprised he accepts playing second fiddle to Howard.

    I strongly suspect that after yesterday, other clubs will be think about tempting him away….

  77. Adam says:

    It was in the Islington Gazette too Rico. The headline was Gladys Thrashes Toad With Wet Towel In Sick Post Match Ritual.

  78. tsgh says:

    Harper was an excellent deputy for Given on an ad-hoc basics but when he had to play a few games in a row he always looked suspect.

  79. rico says:

    Norwich cross, but straight to a Sunderland defender who heads clear.

    ‘Great cross’ says the commentator…..

    Walcott crosses, but it’s headed clear and the commentator and some fans say:

    ‘Another cross fails to beat the first defender’

    Funny that…..

  80. DutchGooner10 says:

    Oz

    Tnx for the personal flower rain, bless ya, but I meant HH will become legend & elite among Gooners. All hail to Rico. 😉

  81. rico says:

    Crikey Adam, hope you managed to keep your name away from the newspaper… 😉

    Oz – he sure looked more composed than any of ours….

    Thought the Villa keeper was pretty good too, outshone Cesar yesterday….

  82. tsgh says:

    I dont believe everything published as fact but…

    As an example I was on the Nimrod MRA4 program but when it was cancelled the media reported half truths about the reason it was pulled…

    Same as the hermes, Scout and F35 programs… if you know something about them it is a lie but to the general public does it make a difference apart from stare up unrest about £6B overspent on an obselete program

  83. Adam says:

    Rico. It was scandalous at the time. Young white buttocks covered in red marks from the lashings etc. But Gladys went on to have a fine career as an MP.

  84. tsgh says:

    Hi DG… I am finally making my way to the Orange country but the forecast for next week is very bad. Lots of snow and rain …

  85. Joaquim Moreira says:

    hi!
    Come on fulham. Fulham it’ the bets team on the pitch
    The referee in Sund.-Norwich is awful.

  86. rico says:

    Sorry Ts, you have lost me on that, you wrote Nimrod and I started thinking of Star Trek… but I know that was Nimoy (spelling) 😉

  87. Adam says:

    Whitehead is the winner Rico. As the first and only contestant I am pleased to announce that you have won a copy of Escape To Victory, the most realistic football movie ever made.

  88. rico says:

    He is JM… He should be relegated to the Sunday League.

    Not that they deserve such a bad referee….

  89. Adam says:

    I assume it is Nimrod the plane and not the Elgar composition from the Enigma Variations. A piece of music that is both sombre and inspiring.

  90. Wavy says:

    Sorry to rain on your parade but you failed to mention Diaby, who has a head to die for!
    I grant you Whitehead’sis strange but Diaby?

  91. tsgh says:

    Nimrod… the recon aircraft as you said.

    DG do you know how much it will cost on the train from Schiphol to central station Amsterdam?

  92. useroz says:

    Ramsey divides opinions. The way I see it, what’s ‘Arsenal material’, Ramsey’s age and wage all play a part in the debate.
    * I’d say hard working and AFC material are different issues
    * With AFC infrastructure and achievements in Wenger’s first years, AR would be nowhere AFC material, his current age or older – lacks the top class skills/ flair quite obviously
    * if AFC were mid table where many predict we soon reach if wenger continues, sure AR is AFC material…slow, dilly dally, mis-passes, not scoring as a CM/AM (as many say he is naturally), etc
    *ok if AR should be allowed to mature and would be a Frank L. but then he should be getting 20k per week for what he manages to bring to AFC now …and gets the odd games to learn and improve…not at the reported 50k ffs.

    Frankly many of the current AFC players would be in this category…why should the club pays the price in terms of trophies and wage bill if the only thing is to wait for these guys to mature!!! Wenger could open his own academy with his OWN money for his indulgence…EPL and certainly AFC isn’t the place mate.

  93. tsgh says:

    the Elgar composition from the Enigma Variations?… respect fine taste in classic music… not fit for the spit roast though… 😉 😀

  94. tsgh says:

    Bale massaging his ankle and hobbling off is as sight to behold… I know I am horrible but … 😀

  95. ozgunner10 says:

    AVB now faces the mental issues that have plagued Spurs for many years. Can he install the belief to finish the campaign on a high? We all hope not but he has delivered to this point. Now the questions are asked in earnest.

  96. DutchGooner10 says:

    Howdy Ginge mate,

    Orange country??? Is that secret service speak for threat levels you visit?

    Find your info here, minute by minute departures, travel dates and fare prices. I believe its around 3,50 Euro. Second class seats. The trip is to short to indulge in 1st class. Approx 10/15 minutes.

    http://www.ns.nl/en/travellers/home

  97. rico says:

    Wait until the end Ts, don’t tempt fate 😉

    useroz – it’s all about individual opinion, are you judging Ramsey when he p[lays in his most natural position or when he is shoved, left or right, which is when he struggles??

  98. Judge me in May says:

    I agree with useroze re rambo.. Good potential /hard working yes..
    Giving him playtime or allow him to develop shouldn’t be at the expense of the team..
    It’s like Denilson /song situation all over again..
    The way I see it he is some distance to go.. and we should give others a chance…
    Yet again wenger knows best….

  99. ozgunner10 says:

    agree with the Ramsey opinions well – he’s not really what you need if you are a serious challenger but then again he has a few mates now days too

  100. tsgh says:

    cheers mate… i look forward to the trip… 2nd class is my station mate 😉 if i could work I would. 😀

  101. tsgh says:

    Give the boy a break guys… 😉

    On Wednesday if you did not know Martinez was bought for £35M…. would you say he outshone Ramsey?

  102. rico says:

    If and that is a huge IF, this summer is the one where, we have funds, we spend them, we sign the right players, etc etc as the ‘mr positives’ believe will happen as this is the summer the board have been working towards because of FFP and all that old stuff…..

    Then….

    Players who divide fans, like Gerv, Ramsey, Coq, Ches, walcott etc etc could actually all find themselves as just part of the squad…..

    Funny enough though, I am going to wait and see if all that the ‘positives’ think will happen, happens……

    If it doesn’t, then love or hate Ramsey, and the rest I listed will live to see another day 😉

  103. useroz says:

    Should have been 2 nil…argh

    Rico – ramsey has played quite a few games in MF in recent months still his passing (I mean the forward type), decision time, propensity to shoot and when quality of his few shots etc weren’t AFC material. The thing is, we haven’t seen any flair that says he’s close to a breakthrough and I think that’s the problem. The lack of trophies has put all the players under scrutiny unfortunately. The only saving grace is if all AFC/ wenger want is a top 4 or mid table, these players are meeting expectations…theirs not ours.

    Go Fulham…

  104. ozgunner10 says:

    the problem we have Rico is ‘history’ how many times have we been told, we are looking and will sign real quality to be given what much of the time? So naturally we are skeptical – to insult us that suddenly all this money is now available is just plain that. Wenger has his run of trying to prove everyone wrong, it failed. Quality costs. I still think we’ll see a token signing and then maybe 2 potentials and that will be it. I think now we need 3/4 high end players. I doubt they will come and not sure i’d trust Wenger to buy them anyway given his record now

  105. useroz says:

    At 12m Berbatov was a steal…how could wenger not have known it or even cross his mind when we were selling our crown jewel to our historically fierce rival!!!

    Well, probably too absorbed in counting the bills….

  106. rico says:

    I hear you Oz and you know my thoughts. If Kroenke/Wenger really mean it then they need to have the right players in by mid July, otherwise AW can shove off imho….

    useroz. I totally get where you are coming from, but i think not many fans wanted us to sign his because he’s perceived to be lazy….

    And because of who he played for once, but in hindsight, he would have been the perfect signing. A friend of mine told me that a few months ago….

  107. useroz says:

    Thinking Schzw could have saved us 10 points a season for an extra half mil (or 200K?)..when Wenger have been pissing our millions EACH season on almunia, diaby, bishoff, squi park, et al is beyond comprehension.

    …c’mon fulham there’s less than 15″ to go

  108. rico says:

    That poor Newcastle player, he’;s in a real mess. can’t even put his leg straight. Another Ramsey style injury and the offender is still on the pitch!!

    Unlike Mark Halsey to miss such a tackle…

  109. useroz says:

    You are right rico that when the move was announced fans had mixed views towards berba ans whether we needed his sort (eg lazy). Berba has the flair we scarcely have these day; he’s got the abilities in abundance and his passes can slide thru defence in stealth. Cesc used to do that here but our passes are so obvious these days they often got cut off, ie predictable…even coming from Cazorla. Of course, movements of our forwards/ strikers are partly to blame as well. After all. Berba type flair players like DB10 (even Santi and arshavin) should not be expected to shoulder defence all the time, mu view anyway

    Good guy Schzw!!!!!!

  110. stevepalmer1 says:

    Loved it Spuds Ball boys working overtime Adewanker running to get the ball for Fulham and then the whistle blew sheer magic

  111. devilgunner says:

    GOOOOOODDDDDD EEEEEEEVVEEEENNNNIIINNNNG my Esteemed Fellow Gunners.

    Pa donned his lucky red AFC shirt and watched the scum. They saw him and were frightened to death,

    Now that result is up there among the best this season.

    How are you all my friends???

  112. rico says:

    That’s why I won’t knock Wenger on the Berby thing useroz, many others who we missed out on yes, but not Berbytoof…

    Just seen the Mcmanaman tackle again, he should be banned from the game, another Shawcross!!

  113. devilgunner says:

    I saw the game yesterday. The first half was a cagey affair as AFC attempted to impose their game while trying to stifle the swans. The second half AFC upped the momentum and took the game to the opponents.

    Good to have a double 2-0 results in a matter of three days.

  114. rico says:

    I’m loving the fact they lost, but for one reason. And that is we really could overtake them but that has little to do with anything over than finishing above the nasty neighbours…

    Hi Devil…

  115. agirlagunner says:

    Luiz should have been sent off for being an arse! That Carroll goal should have stood.

    Boo! Hiya, rico! Hello, everyone!

  116. devilgunner says:

    Hi Rico. Well I enjoy every day when the scum loose. Especially since Sendy played a stormer against them. Good for the lad. He is an honest pro…always gives his best.

  117. devilgunner says:

    Berby??? He is a good player, but with a BA to boot. I like it when he plays well but he has a lot of baggage.

  118. ozgunner10 says:

    i dunno agirl – talking to you lot i suppose 🙂 Bit thrilled with the spuds score as well, stomach was churning those last few minutes

  119. rico says:

    Oz, nor did I want Berby…

    Hi agag, not showing the Chav game here in the UK rather annoyingly…

    Me too devil, good for Senderos, pleased to hear it 🙂

  120. Adam says:

    Just got home and saw that tackle. I am shocked that the perpetrator is still on the pitch. Sheer lunacy.
    Shame about the Middlesex Hotspurs though.
    Hi Agag. 🙂

  121. rico says:

    Devil, it was awful. The offender is Wigan’s McManaman, studs up tackle just above the knee on Haidara – It was a really strong tackle too and at pace.

    Haidara’s leg will be broken, just how badly is the question…

    It truly was horrid…

  122. rico says:

    I think Halsey truly missed it Adam, he’s not one to let something like that go. Did McManaman even get booked??

  123. rico says:

    Just checked. He didn’t get booked. I strongly suspect the FA will ban him though, not that that will help poor old Haidara’s leg…

  124. agirlagunner says:

    rico, the Chavs are winning. Yuck. The way the commentators are going on and on and on about Lampard, you’d think he was god. He was unmarked is all. On the other hand, Hazard’s goal was a great one.

    Oz, it must be unholy o’clock there. 😛 Dev, I’m good, how have you been? Haven’t been seeing much of you here.

    Adam, like Kev would say, you’re off on one. 😛 😛

  125. devilgunner says:

    Oooohhhhhh!!!!!

    The first half ends with members of both sides coming to blows on the touchline as some of the Newcastle staff attempt to confront Wigan midfielder Callum McManaman. The reason is surely because news coming from the dressing room is that Massadio Haidara is not in a good way following the youngster’s tackle on him midway through the half. It was nothing short of a shocking knee-high horror show which didn’t even prompt a free-kick from referee Mark Halsey. It forced Newcastle to make their second substitution, Haidara himself having only come on minutes earlier after Mathieu Debuchy pulled up with a hamstring injury. In amongst all that, Wigan are at it again. A combative and committed performance has shut the visitors down and Jean Beausejour swept home on 18 minutes to give them the lead. Join us shortly to see if they can hold on for a vital win…

  126. agirlagunner says:

    Poor guy. That sounds like another career ruined because somebody was stupidly reckless. 🙁

  127. Adam says:

    I know Rico. Martinez, if he saw it, should not have sent that thug out for the second half.
    Pardew’s beard?
    Why?
    The new D’Artagnan?
    D’Arturdgnon perhaps.

  128. agirlagunner says:

    Hadn’t realized we were on the same time zone, oz. 🙂 Torres is heading over to AFC. Yep, you heard it here first. Haha.

  129. rico says:

    Honestly Adam, I don’t think many saw it. But he’s off now and wisely so. McManaman looked upset too…

    Torres in a flash for me Devil, and no doubt agag will agree with me 😉

  130. devilgunner says:

    The scum have….

    Swans away
    Everton Home
    Chavs away
    Shitty home
    Wigan away
    Southampton home
    Stoke away
    Sunderland home

  131. devilgunner says:

    I would also have him in a flash Rico. And I am sure he will blossom again under AW…….like TH did after his Juve stint.

  132. devilgunner says:

    Southampton v Chelsea
    Chelsea v Sunderland
    Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur
    Liverpool v Chelsea Anfield
    Chelsea v Swansea City
    Manchester United v Chelsea
    Aston Villa v Chelsea
    Chelsea v Everton

  133. rico says:

    But would AW take a chance on him Devil?

    I’d like to think so, especially with the Spanish players already on board, maybe he’d settle a lot more and once he’s happy, his game would flourish…

  134. ozgunner10 says:

    ok off to bed – same time zone agirl? Where are you? Night all you little gooners you – oh a ‘yes please’ to Torres – Night!

  135. rico says:

    Night Oz, get some good sleep and don’t go dreaming of Gervinho 😉

    Enjoy Devil….

    Ak, long way to go yet…. 😉

  136. agirlagunner says:

    Torres. Red kit. White sleeves. Perfect. We’ll have our own little Spanish contingent in AFC.

    Adam, yes. “Shite buttocks??” You need to head over to some island with plenty of sunshine.

  137. rico says:

    And we have:

    Everton H – To be arranged
    Reading H

    West Brom A
    Norwich City H
    Fulham A
    Manchester Utd H

    QPR A
    Wigan H
    Newcastle A

  138. allezkev says:

    Rico, 3.25,
    To Boldly Go, Where No Man (or Woman) Has Gone Before…

    Gotta be PC ya know… 😉

  139. Kevin KJ Downton says:

    Hello all, great Weekend for us. The next three games for spurs are made even tougher by the fact they have to play Basle twice in between (Thursday Cup). It will be funny but I believe they are about to blow it. Again.

    Rico, totally agree, that tackle was horrible but the FA won’t do anything. if the referee said he saw it, they can’t undermine him. Totally, wrong and a daft rule. They have tried to turn football into a non contact sort but all that happens is players get booked for silly things. Like taking your shirt off. Or sending offs like Nani’s for putting his foot in the air. McManamon should get a long ban for that one, shocking. Don’t need that type of high risky tackle.

    Scott – great to see you bigging up Ramsey, fair play to you mate you have been doing that consistently. No question about the lads work rate and we should remember that he deserves our support after suffering that shocking Shawcroft assault while wearing our shirt.

    Theo needs to be given the Scz/TV treatment. He made demands about his contract but since awarded, he seems to have either gone off the boil or stopped trying. No excuse for lack of effort, give the Ox a run out there, he deserves it.

  140. devilgunner says:

    Hiya habib. How are you mate?

    Did you see what a plonker Piers Morgan is? Criticized Gerv and Aaron and they answered him big style.

    Plus what do you make of the Valdez situation?

  141. Kevin KJ Downton says:

    Agag – yes re Chelsea but I agree with Rico, would love to see Spurs miss out completely!

    DG – Piers Morgan is a complete idiot. Typical hack, always bad mouthing people and making sensational headline comments. Does more harm for our club than good, a bit like that arrogant nobody Stewart Robson. You rarely hear from Alan Davis who is a proper Gooner. Probably because he isn’t saying what the media want to hear.

  142. rico says:

    Halsey has said he didn’t see the tackle, so hopefully the FA will deal with the incident… but as i said earlier, won’t help the poor guy….

  143. Adam says:

    Agag. I was in shock until I saw your correction. That is language I usually associate with Rico and her sense of humour which is very rude.

  144. devilgunner says:

    They have hidden agenda mate.

    you would love to see the spuds miss out completely? Well I would like to see them in the CHAMPIONSHIP. And the sooner they do it the better.

  145. agirlagunner says:

    I am off, good people. Hi and bye, Shopping Buddy. 🙂 Nighty, KJ.

    Lady of the House, good night!

  146. devilgunner says:

    I think its the kneecap. Maybe a shattered one at the most.

    but he is in a terrible mess for sure.

  147. Adam says:

    Agag. I was a pale young buck in those days, with powerful thighs.

    I think Martinez just mounted the Pulis defence didn’t he?

    Rico. I will be careful in future. 🙂

  148. Scott from Oz says:

    Morning all.
    We win.
    Spuds lose.
    We are the king of the castle 🙂
    Well, we soon will be!!

  149. rico says:

    I thought it was just above the knee devil, regardless, he’s out for a long time….

    I think so on both Adam 😉

  150. Kevin KJ Downton says:

    Rico – yes Halsey is honest, tbh my fav referee, I fully trust his integrity doesn’t have the ego some of them do. I hope the lad gets done for that tackle.

    dg and TS – my favourite subject is the press lies and the damage they are doing to our club. It is deliberate mischief making and Arsenal are the victims of some disgraceful reporting. Two lies in particular spring to mind:

    1. Bouldgate – December – it went around that Bould and Wenger weren’t talking. This was attributed to an ‘unnamed source by a hack at the Daily Mail. I think it was then Talksport who got their mate Stewart Robson on. He said something like ‘Wenger is a dictator, has a massive ego and won’t let Bould do any work’. Complete nonsense, only an idiot would say.

    That was the when Wenger lost it and said these were ‘unacceptable lies’. Nothing more got printed but unfortunately mud sticks and some Arsenal fans still mention it today, as if true. It was a lie. Funny seeing Bob Wilson so angry about this one.

    2. Contract Extension – Feb. Phil Thomas of The Sun lied about Wenger being offered a contract extension. Again, Arsenal fans fell for the press tricks. The forums went mad and the phone ins were busy with calls from Mr Angry from Islington. Not blaming the fans, this is what the press want. Wenger lost it at that press conference, which we all remember well.

    I never believe anything the media say Unless it comes from a ‘named’ source. Most of what gets printed and is aired is factual nonsense but it sells. But I cannot recall any other club or manager being subjected to so much mischief making and lies. We should adopt the Fergie mentality and start banning these hacks from our club.

  151. rico says:

    Kj, the ‘Bouldgate’ thing, as you like to call it, stemmed from fans at the ground who watched both AW and SB during the game. They seldom spoke to each other..

    I for one don’t think that was ‘made up’ it was just reported because that’s how it was seen each week by honest fans…

  152. Gunnerdna says:

    Rico isnt this funny, a comment from a spuds fan, they were 7 points above the guns 2 weeks ago. lol

    alex says March 17, 2013 6:27pm

    so frustrating! we need to win the rest of our games to make sure arsenal dont jump us again! i will be heartbroken if it happens again COYS

  153. Adam says:

    Halsey is a awful ref. He’s the sort that gets player’s leg’s broken. I am not saying he isn’t honest, just no good as a referee.
    As for press lies? Sometimes it’s too easy to use them as scapegoats to justify a separate agenda. I know a few of them and they are drunk most often time and of very average intelligence. In the greater scheme of things they mean nothing as only fools buy into what they are saying. I never listen to drunks myself.
    Wenger should be way above that sort of nonsense. I think he lost it at the press conferences because of how poor the team had been playing.

  154. rico says:

    Gdna 😆 love it…

    I’ve always liked Halsey as a ref Adam. But, i’m not sure he should have come back after he was poorly. But I guess he loves the game. At least he’s not in fergies pocket….

    And Wenger v’s press conferences. Just like the after match handshake, they don’t go well together when we lose…..

  155. Adam says:

    I am sure he is a decent chap Rico, but if you can’t see a challenge like today’s assault then you should be doing something else. Harsh perhaps.

  156. rico says:

    He had a player run right across his view Adam, that can be the only reason he didn’t show the guy a red card…

    If there was a lino down that side, i’d be really concerned..

    Enjoy dinner. I’ll be gone off to bed before you return 😉

  157. devilgunner says:

    at one point exactly a year ago we were 13 points behind the scum and overtook them.

    now we are 4 with a game in hand and superior goal difference.

    I guess some of them are nearly shitting themselves already.

  158. rico says:

    I’m off for the day folks, and I’m staying calm about the totts until we are 6 points ahead of them with one game to go…..

    Then I will smile…

    Night all, stay safe…..

    ‘Til tomorrow……

  159. Kevin KJ Downton says:

    Rico – Liam Brady, Ray Parlour and Bob Wilson all said it was lies. The bit they took particular offence too was the comment that Steve Bould was not allowed to work with the players. They claimed that comment, picked up by the press from the interview with Stewart Robson, was a lie. I do not disbelieve fans that there may have been a disagreement between the two, football is a very emotional game and when I was at Leyton Orient, there was always something going off. I blame all that testosterone and will to win.

    But as I hate the press and the way they treat our club, I must admit I am very biased! And I don’t believe anything unless it has a named source.

    Hi Adam – I agree in that I think the pressure got to him. I think we have to accept he is only human. I like to see him getting angry, shows passion. I don’t blame him for reacting, I blame the smug hacks spreading the lies. It is okay to question his tactics or team selection etc but not ask him questions that are based on a made up story, as we saw with the contract extension.

  160. Kevin KJ Downton says:

    Adam – you will be pleased to know I second Kev’s nomination. In fact, as you have admitted to being drunk, you are perfect for the position! 🙂

  161. Kevin KJ Downton says:

    DG – Spurs are going to miss out again, the next three games are tough ones for them, especially with the two Thursday cup games in between.

    Goodnight all.

  162. Scott from Oz says:

    Going well Devil.
    How are your lads going?
    The kids are two for two atm, and every one of them has improved over the break.

  163. Scott from Oz says:

    Kevin, the Spuds do have a tougher run in than us, so i am quite hopeful of top 4 again.
    I am actually very confident, but don’t want to say it out loud too often 🙂

  164. Scott from Oz says:

    Guys, i just posted this on a EPL sledging site here in Oz.
    “The Gap” is a place here in Sydney that is a renowned spot for people committing suicide……you just couldn’t make it up…
    Hope you enjoy.

    A distraught man was just seen hovering around “The Gap”, obviously pondering whether or not to throw himself over and end the pain.
    Police were called, naturally, as well as a negotiator.
    When the guy turned around, it was obvious to all the reason for his suffering……he was wearing a Spuds shirt.
    What could they say?
    Could they maintain their professional integrity and hide their laughter.
    All at once, they yelled out to he man “hey buddy, mind that fucking GAP”…..

  165. tsgh says:

    😀 Scott that joke is wrong

    I love KJ’s passion especially when it comes to the journo’s…

    I read Janes Defence and Flightpath magazines and the journo’s or writers attempt to print facts even though it is always filtered by the higher power…;)

    But sports and financial journalists…. most are fat liars… 😀

  166. allezkev says:

    Adam, if you were to be the Secretary of the NUJ, it would be a positive move towards some honesty and integrity, in a noble profession, sullied by so many shit-bags.

    And we could toast your accession with a plate of noodles… 😉

  167. rico says:

    Morning all…

    Don’t say you weren’t warned smudge, your days of posting many youtube clips on here are over….

  168. rico says:

    Newspapers are full of that horror tackle, why the linesman didn’t raise his flag beggars belief…

  169. Adam says:

    I don’t think there can be any excuses for the ref missing it Rico. Remember Balotelli’s horror challenge on Song last year? No action. Ferdinand’s off the ball dig at Torres? No action. I hated Mirallas assault on Ryo and Fellaini’s shocker on Milner. I wait with interest to see if the FA take action. Martinez justification yesterday was truly pathetic and I am surprised he didn’t say how much the thug’s Mum loved him.
    Do you think Smudge had a few last night? I know you yellow carded him last time.

  170. rico says:

    The youtube clips would suggest so Adam. I have asked him nicely not to post them as they slow down the site…

    The FA have little choice really, I will be amazed if they take not action. I too thought Martinez excuse was jsut wrong, and Pardew, as much as I dislike him, stayed rather calm….

  171. allezkev says:

    I’ve not seen the tackle, but Halsey has never struck me as a referee who would shy away from a difficult decision.
    This is probably his last season as an EPL referee anyway…
    What happened to the 4th Official?
    Was there no time to check via the TV replays??

    Morning Rico/Adam

  172. Adam says:

    Pardew is, in my opinion, a truly vile man. Halsey might be a decent bloke and we all feel compassion for him because of his and his wife’s illness. But he is to refereeing what I am to cottaging.

  173. rico says:

    I truly believe he totally missed it Kev, pictures show a player blocking his view. I like him as a ref, I know Adam doesn’t though 😉

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