Daily Bits and Bobs

Shock Arsenal call up. Bramall in the squad? Can Arsenal get back to winning ways on the road?

Posted on by rico

Morning all.

So the good news this week, well, sort of, is that all three of Francis Coquelin, Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud all signed contract extensions and I’m sure more will follow when Merts and Santi get their one year extension. The downside is that I think we can all assume that Arsene Wenger is staying on beyond the summer now as I strongly suspect that each of the three players would have wanted to know who their manager would be before committing to their future. Unless of course they simply love everything about our great club and my fingers are crossed that it’s the latter.

Consistency in your focus… that’s the difference between a champion and someone who is not a champion. – Arsène Wenger

Very true I’d say, however, the sad part of the manager’s bold statement is his Arsenal side haven’t been consistent, well they have but not in a good way and yes, we are living proof that it’s the difference between finishing first or somewhere else further down the table.

The only consistency over the last few years has been the timing of Arsene’s substitutes, the injuries, the usual dips in form, going out of the Champions League at the first knockout stage and letting a team who couldn’t buy a victory prior to playing us, beat us…..

Strange words from Arsene I thought, unless of course this Arsenal team are about to go on a very very long run of victories which secures us the league title…. No, I don’t think so either. In fact I’m not even convinced we’ll get a victory away from home today at Swansea, not when ‘the new manager’ syndrome could set in.

One day though, that’ll be us…..

So then, an away trip to the country which you have to pay to get into. What a bloomin cheek eh!!

It’s funny really as when we huffed and puffed past Swansea back in October 2016, Bob Bradley was taking charge of his first game in English football and here we are again today, same opposition but yet another manager in charge for the first time. Paul Clement, a man with a tough challenge on his hands and one who was once tipped to succeed Arsene Wenger is no stranger to the game and he’s no novice either, having worked alongside Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. His last managerial appointment in England was with Derby County but after a good start, a bad run followed and he was sacked. Alongside Clement is Claude Makelele.

Swansea are having a terrible season and we are having a rotten time on the road with just one point from our last three away matches. More worrying is the way we are playing and unless that improves vastly today, we could be on the end of another loss. The Welsh club managed to get a rare victory last weekend against Crystal Palace so their confidence will be on the rise but it’s up to this Arsenal team to knock them right back again.

Both clubs need points albeit for different reasons but if Arsene Wenger really believes he and his team can reduce the points tally between us and the league leaders, then this kind of fixture is a must win. Three matches to go before we travel to Stamford Bridge, three matches to try and build a little momentum and instil some confidence into the players prior to that big match.

We have a few injuries as always, Walcott, Bellerin, Coquelin, Debuchy, Merts, Santi and Gibbs but we can cope can’t we? Young Cohen Bramall was training with the first team yesterday and with Gibbs out, perhaps we’ll see him on the bench. No doubt Gabriel will step in for Bellerin and Mesut Ozil is back fully fit, as is Danny Welbeck so we’ve plenty of attacking options. Hopefully with Koscielny back by his side, Mustafi will get back to playing as he did before he suffered injury and I’m sure it won’t be long before Granit Xhaka takes control of our midfield.

After all, it took Paul Pogba a while and he’s doing alright now….

COYRRG’s, let’s see a top performance for once and get back to winning ways on the road…

PS – Good luck to Ismael Bennacer whose been called up for Algeria to take part in the ACON’s. The 19 year old midfielder has never played in the Premier League before so this will no doubt have been a big surprise for him. Algeria kick off their campaign tomorrow.

rico

234 thoughts on “Shock Arsenal call up. Bramall in the squad? Can Arsenal get back to winning ways on the road?”

  2. ScottfromOz says:

    Morning all.
    I’m ecstatic those three have extended.
    More to come, I hope, and I’d give Santi 3 more years!!!!!

  11. kelsey says:

    Morning All

    I think the team more or less picks itself.I agree that regretably AW is staying but why doesn’t he just sign the thing.Kroenke won’t mind if we finish 5th, the fans well that’s another thing.

    here’s something interesting direct from an insider.usmanov isn’t buying anymore shares and in any case there are only one or two left.he’s waiting and then will sell his shares to the Chinese.Then what happens ?

  12. Obi says:

    Morning All:
    Surprise with Ismael Bennacer call up considering Algeria is one of the favorite of the tournament. They have strength in depth and did not lose a match in qualifying. Why would they need him?

    By the way Snodgrass for £10m I will take that in a heartbeat; good footballer, strong on the ball and high football IQ. I think Arsenal can use him, especially in those “park the bus” games, when Ozil wants to go home.

    TS , it’s alleged on BeinSports that your favorite agent, Jorge Mendes, was in China shopping Costa and James Rodriguez. Costa to get 500+ a week, I bet you he’s gone. This is a guy who sold out his country, imagine his club.

  20. rico says:

    I had to laugh when reading another website where the team prediction comes out with Bellerin and Coquelin on it…. Both injured…

    Me too Obi, do him the world of good. Hope Toral does well at Rangers too..

  22. Adam says:

    True. He’s always been a good player but injuries have been his problem at Arsenal. But he’s too good to let slip away I would say.

  24. Obi says:

    Rico, re: funny what can happen in football. Toral was rate higher than Bellerin by far when they came in, and now one is on 100k p.w. and the other is doing loans. I really hope he does well too at Rangers because he has all the tools.

  26. rico says:

    Obi, but that’s all down to luck really. We have a stack of midfield players but at right-back just two, so when Debuchy suffered injury, Bellerin got and took his chance.

    Toral hasn’t had the same fortune and I believe he had a few injuries which didn’t help his progress. Being in Scotland with a manager he said he trusts could be the making of him..

  31. allezkev says:

    First and foremost I would like to congratulate Scott for being first…

    Afternoon All…
    Afternoon Rico, good post.
    Not sure we’ll see Bramhall yet, although he might get on the bench in the FACup, in a season of must win games, today is a must win of biblical proportions…

    If Chelski start to unravel post-Costa sulk, then it would be criminal if we weren’t in a position to take advantage.
    Worryingly ManUre are looking quite ominous, so a Liverpool win for me in their big game, as I think Liverpool will blow up anyway…

  32. allezkev says:

    That was a nice story about Bartley and Ayling, Rico…

    Definitely give Jack a new contract, if Ozil leaves then we’ll need him.
    Interesting how Eddie Howe has kept him fit, not even a slight knock so far. Maybe Arsene could learn something from another manager, even at 67…

  33. Rick says:

    Afternoon Rico and the house.
    Todays team, Csech Gabby Mustafa Kossy Monreal Ramsey Granite Alexis Ozil Iwobi Giroud

  38. Wavy says:

    I wonder if Wenger’s woeful S will manage 4 against a very poor Swamsea side. Are we the spuds in disguise or we the real deal???
    All will be revealed. I’m hopeful but not filled with confidence. Too flakey, that’s us.
    Roll on 5 o’clock and 3 more points in the bag?

    Sunny and very cold today but no wind. Think I’ll go and eat some beans?

  39. Rick says:

    Rico I have been very busy since xmas and have not had much chance to post.
    I have read all your posts and must say how good they have been, I will comment on some of those latter

    This morning our u18’s hve won 3-0 away to Leicester. The scorers were Smith-Rowe, Malan and Tuti
    It bugs me that you cannot find any info on our sites or other blogs about this match yet I had all the info about the team selected and had info about the goals as they were scored.

    It seems they are no longer interested in the lads.

  42. Rick says:

    Rico , Jon Toral missed the 2011- 2012 season through a Meniscus injury.
    I seem to remember it was so bad they thought it would finish his career.
    Its good to hear him say My aim is to play along side Bellerin in the Arsenal first team and its still possible.

  43. Obi says:

    Iwobi over Perez…smh. Since last year, I have yet to see Iwobi put a foot in for 50/50 ball.

    Thanks Rick, for the Jon Toral note.

  46. Bradster says:

    Our team looks lazy when compared to other teams. We all stand still to receive the ball. They don’t try lose their marker to offer a pass option. They just stand there.

  48. Bradster says:

    well let’s hope this opens the gates. We need to give a good thrashing to a team to feel warm and fuzzy

  51. kelsey says:

    Unconvincing performance ,grateful of course for Giroud’s goal .I think the cross he missed ,he collided with Fabianski just a few seconds before he scored and injured himself..Doubt he will start the second half. Maybe I am a hard task master but we look again distinctly average and defense wise very shaky. This team surely knows that Swansea are fighting for their lives but we seem very nonchalant and hope it doesn’t come back to bite us in the face.Every game recently I want to see us take command but it just doesn’t happen.WHY

  52. Joaquim Moreira says:

    What’s this?
    So awful!
    Watched totts and then Arsenal, what a big difference!!!!
    What we want to do playing like this?
    Cesc, was our player who touched the ball more often … we passed the game to delay the ball to the goalkeeper, or to him having to defend or to execute kicks of goal.
    Ramsey – Iwoby completely out of form
    No midfield and nobody carries the ball ahead.

  54. andrewh1313 says:

    2-0 up and Swansea now having most of game. Giroud’s off with injury he got missing open goal just before scoring! Get a grip in midfield. Another Swans chance just over the top.

    Another own goal!

  58. andrewh1313 says:

    4-0. Better now but poor Sanchez attitude to coming off. Sitting in chair, hands in front of his face. Now he’s bending down on bench, coat over his face. I’ve never ever criticised him before, but looking immature at momemt. And sure press will be onto it.

  63. andrewh1313 says:

    He scored a goal, with Giroud’s injury, Wenger did sensible thing saving him, and bringing on Welbeck and Perez. He’s our most influential player by far IMO, but that didn’t look good.

  67. Le Coq Monster says:

    Evening all and thanks Rico.

    If I wasn`t working I would have come on earlier and said at least a 5-0 win against a struggling team, so disappointed we were shit and only managed 4-0…………..I blame Kroenke for not getting the fifth !.

    So Kelsey !…..you have my interest concerning your earlier Usmanov comment and want more gossip on the bit about the Chinese !……….are you saying your insider thinks/knows Uzzy will or wants to sell to Chinese investor(s) ?…………………..and are they filthy rich ?…………………….will they give Kroenke an offer he cant refuse ?…………………..will we then buy Messi for £200M and pay hin £1M per week ?………………….I am quite aroused by this gossip and my fantasies so please confirm true ! hahaha

  70. Le Coq Monster says:

    I dont think it`s just me, Scott and Kelsey who think Kroenke is Public Enemy Number One on here Rico ! 🙂

  72. Le Coq Monster says:

    Where was you yesterday Rico ?…………………was you wearing white and got lost in the Berkshire snow ? 🙂

  74. Adam says:

    Rico. I’m not scoffing. Honest.
    I doubt the Chinese would come in as silent investors, if there is anything in the rumour. Of course it would have the added bonus of people being able to blame them rather than Kroenke and perhaps the food inside the stadium might improve.

  76. Le Coq Monster says:

    Are you saying the Emirates would be the biggest Chinese take-a-way in London, Adam ?………………………bet the chicken would be rubbery though !. 🙂

  78. rico says:

    Me neither Adam, me neither.

    Makes no difference who owns our club, as long as he stays as manager, nothing will change. Although an ambitious owner might tell him that times up…

  80. Adam says:

    LC. A bowl of spicy veggie noodles would certainly be a change from the rather unimaginative food currently on offer and a really good Chinese restaurant would be excellent too. Isn’t one of Denmark’s best located in Copenhagen FC’s stadium? 🙂

  81. Le Coq Monster says:

    I`d prefer a Korean Rest` at The Ems, Adam, as I`ve heard their cooking is the dogs bollox !. 🙂

    Anyone see Andy Carroll`s goal today ? Ka Bloody Boom is all I`ll say !

  86. Le Coq Monster says:

    It`s weird when you think about and it may be down to different expectations amongst other things, but the scummy spuds are having their best EPL season ever and are over the moon and we are just 1 point behind and totally pissed off and feel like it`s armagheddon !……………………….chavs 2-0 up without Costa……definately armagheddon !

  87. kelsey says:

    LCM

    Usmanov is blocked at Arsenal and his mate sold him his shares to boost Everton so I wouldn’t be surprised if the russians long term plan is to sell to Kroenke and then invest in Everton where he would have control.

    The only trouble with the Chinese is can you trust them.They are already big players in the property market in London even buying off plan before building permission is even granted in some cases.They tend to spin whatever they invest in, in other words never hold on to things for too long.

    Drogba went there and never got his money and now he is off to Brazil.So they talk the talk but do they walk the walk.

  88. scottfromoz says:

    Morning all.
    Did hear Stan mentioned Hahahahahaha.
    Nah, he’s not public enemy no. 1, but he’s the man that can fix all of our problems, or at least try and that’d be a nice change.
    4-0?
    Live streaming, which I detest, and trying it at 2am ruled me out, so I’ll catch the highlights.
    I know we all have our own take on the body language of Sanchez, but whatever the cause or reason, he ought to stop that rubbish, as it does nobody any good.
    What makes it worse is he’s earning a fortune for playing a game, yet has claimed to be so grateful of what he has due to a very, very poor upbringing??
    Sorry, but he doesn’t seem grateful to me……money can do that to people, though.
    I hope he stays, but I also hope he just tone that down a bit.

  89. Wavy says:

    Rico, 2.34. I think I called it right……most unusual!
    I gather we were pretty ordinary first half but we’re almost unstoppable second half. Shame we seem to be arriving so late to the game these days!
    Title winners not this year I fear! Top four will be an achievement we may get a clearer picture of where we are in the pecking order after manure mix it with the dippers.

    Evening all. It’s dark here!

  90. allezkev says:

    Mourinho leaves Chelsea and Mendez can’t wait to move his players on. No wonder Arsenal have nothing to with that super parasite…

  91. Obi says:

    This is hilarious saw this on ESPN by a guy named Gunter Gunner:

    When I get the ball at my feet my teammates often have to stop and watch.
    My incisive passes often end up with the other team.
    When I am putting myself in the #10 position my through balls often end with a goal kick.
    When I am under pressure I love to turn, turn, and turn again.
    In our defensive third I am equally adept at giving the ball away by dribbling or by passing.
    But sometimes I can’t make it back into the defensive third, so I just hope the defender behind me can cope with an extra runner.
    I have scored some cracking goals for my team, so it’s okay to let the manager know where and how much he should play me.
    I only play one way, so my club mates should watch my National Team matches and adjust accordingly.
    Who am I? Sanchez or Ramsey?

  92. ScottfromOz says:

    Obi, there’s no question it’s Sanchez because Rambo never complains about game time or being subbed 🙂
    Morning all.

  93. Lewis says:

    Good performance yesterday.

    4-0, we can’t be anything but happy with that.

    I think we’ll be taking offers for Sanchez in the summer. Sad times.

    Quick question, will iwobi get the 2 assists for those own goals?

    Morning all.

  95. Le Coq Monster says:

    Morning all.

    I asked the same question last night, Lewis.

    If this is to go by then we are (as suspected) one of the most popular clubs in the world, so just think how popular we would be if we could just win one of the two big trophies regularly !……………….but that will need some investment in the team and we are well behind less popular teams on that front…..alll down to owners !……………………call it my daily Kroenke dig ! 🙂

    http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/577765/Premier-League-club-websites-most-popular-statistics-visitor-figures-sportgalleries

  98. kelsey says:

    Morning all

    I actually have changed my mind about Sanchez..I think he is so committed to play a full game he gets really upset when subbed.That is nothing to do with his contract negotiations,but I will see what others think.

    I wonder if it’s a South American thing playing in a foreign country.Sanchez, de Costa and Suarez all have had run ins.In Spain the language problem isn’t so much a problem,or is that all a load of bolloxs 😉

  99. kelsey says:

    Don’t blast me but having watched Spurs again yesterday they have a really good team possible their starting 11 is stronger than ours but we have a better squad. It would be foolish to dismiss them.

  102. Wavy says:

    Just a thought…….is Iwobi the new Sanchez in…..d….d….development?
    Has the grey haired wizened one unearthed a jewel in Iwobi?
    Some of his play (on the highlights) were very similar to the move Alexis makes, both crosses that led to goals for example?
    Do you think Alexis is surplus to requirements and will be sold for mega bucks this summer?

    No replacement necessary?

    Just a thought!

    Morning all. Wet here.

  104. Lewis says:

    Don’t see how winning 4-0 doesn’t constitute a good performance. Maybe not as fluent as we would like and they had a few chances but we won 4-0!

  105. scottfromoz says:

    Morning all.
    There seems to be a growing wave, admittedly still small, of people on the net who are a little peeved with Sanchez, ATM.
    They don’t seem to suggest he’s angling for a transfer, but just that his actions are that of a spoilt brat.
    Giroud gets injured, so once the game is safe, we’d have all crucified Wenger if he left Alexis on and the guy got injured, and the player himself should realise that’s it’s the correct move.
    He needs to realise it’s not all about him, IMO.

  106. scottfromoz says:

    Let me just add this…..10 odd days ago, his petulance was put down to his passion and hate of not getting a result, so what’s his excuse this time???
    We can’t keep making them, no matter how talented the guy is.

  107. allezkev says:

    Morning All

    Morning Rico

    I’ve not seen the Alexis ‘strop’ and frankly, I don’t care…
    As long as he signs, and I have my doubts that he will, and he performs for us, I couldn’t care less how stroppy he is when he’s substituted…

    Shaky 1st half, totally dominant 2nd half when we’d come to terms with how Swansea under their new manager was playing…

    3 points, move on, now let’s stuff Burnley and keep going…

  108. Le Coq Monster says:

    Agree there Kelsey…………I dont think his strop is anything to do with contract stuff, he just loves playing and 70 mins is not enough for him, he probably wishes games were twice as long !

    Spuds too look strong but Like I said yesterday they are only 1 point ahead and think they are having their best EPL season ever !……………………….not sure Kane is the one I want injured as according to MotD the bastards have in Walker and Rose two of the top four defenders who create chances…………goes back to my revolutionary idea of four wingers or four wing backs ! 🙂

    Take note teams who play spuds, you need pacy wingers to keep Rose and Walker busy in their own half to cut out Kane`s supply !………………told you football was a simple game !.

  111. Obi says:

    This is how bad Sanchez actions were. He was being sub for Welbeck, a teammate that hasn’t played in a year… that had a possible career ending injury, in a game that was over. Imho the least you can do as a teammate is to be happy for him that he’s back. Sulking like a 12 year old is ridiculous. Additionally, if you watch Sanchez play analysis him well. He has a tendency to freeze out certain players. They are right next to him for an easy pass and he would virtually ignore them.
    I have followed Sanchez for a long time especially with Chile, and most of his teammates especially Vidal is always balking at him for that, Medal is in defense and he be in Sanchez’s ear.
    The only way Arsenal should keep him if they have other strong personalities that will tell him to tone it down, and right now we don’t. Notice how petulant he gets when Santi is not playing…Santi in his own way, with a smile in his face will tell him to shut the fcuk up n so will Per.

  112. Adam says:

    Alexis can sulk all he wants as far as I am concerned, as long as he keeps scoring. Too many people sitting around, over analysing everything and just waiting to be outraged at some bullshit or other.

  113. Le Coq Monster says:

    Love the Alexis link, Kev !………………………..he works a bit harder than most just like me…….probably why I`m known as the Cornish Alexis around these parts ! hahaha

  114. Joaquim Moreira says:

    No, Totts spin arround the Danish (Erikcson) and Hally (he is everywhere and efficiently).
    The two full-back going forward because they play with 3 defenders (like Chelsea does since lost two sequential games), strongs, good in aerial game and good with the ball in the feet.
    They have also a good goalkeaper .
    Our squad is better? It depends. In my opinion, without injuries and suspensions no, because they can have 15-16 players fit and maintain the same quality of play.

    Our performance was bad: we did not play to make so much difference, the first part was terrible having just made the goal and a shot from far, all goals were rebounds, many losses of ball, slow and denounced game, Cesc, kicked times The more the ball, the less joy to play. If Swansea had been lucky in the rebounds we had on the goals, they had won.
    The idea that Arsenal conveys is a team that does not believe in itself, a little confidence, very expectant to the game, never assume favoritism, tired, slow, without joy and feel that does not produce a convincing football.

  116. rico says:

    I couldn’t care less either re Alexis. Unless Wrighty has a point about him perhaps being advised to force his way out…

    If everyone else had his kind of passion for the game, perhaps we might be sitting top of the league…

  119. Obi says:

    Hey Pep…. do you still think that the EPL is not as difficult as people make it to be,?

    Really Adam at 2:54? That’s beyond sulking, that’s more like fcuk the manager and the team. Look no further than Chelsea this season as compared to last season.

  120. Le Coq Monster says:

    Love the current Mansour Stats………………….71% possession………………………Everton 4 shots and 3 goals ! 🙂

  121. Adam says:

    Rico. You’re right. Last night MOTD couldn’t wait to highlight Alexis sitting there with his coat on his head. This plays into the paranoia that lies deep within so many Arsenal fans. They know is and they love to destabilise our club. If Alexis and Mesut want to stay, then great. If not, then get as much as you can for them and move on.

  123. rico says:

    Yep, a big fuss over nothing really Adam. Sitting with his coat over his head, well perhaps like us, he found it hard to watch…. 😉

  126. Meerkat says:

    Things could be a whole lot worse.
    We could have gotten rid of le prof in the summer and been lumbered with Pep!

  128. Adam says:

    It’s nonsense Rico. I’m not saying either, or both of them will or won’t leave though. It’s been happening in football for as long as I can remember.

  129. rico says:

    Absolutely Adam. If he’d have taken off his shirt, thrown it on the ground and stamped on it, then we’d have something to be concerned about…

    Agree, if one or both leave, make as much money from their sales as possible and replace them…. Chuck in a couple of others too…

  135. Tsgh says:

    First away trip to Swansea.i am not sure I will be doing that trip again…By road at least.
    Afternoon all…
    Obi- ‘ I see you’re..’

  142. Meerkat says:

    Yeah, Tsgh. That’s what I meant.
    Pep looks like a rabbit trapped in the headlights.

    FWIW, I do believe Sanchez wants away to China, and Ozil back to warm the bench at RM.

    Both should be sold at the highest possible prices, before the morale of all the players is badly affected. One bad apple and all that.
    To think Sanchez begrudged Welbeck ten minutes, and then sat with his head covered It should have been in ‘shame’ for his behaviour. Bould should have pulled the coat from him and given him a mouth full.
    Get rid Arsene, before he poisons the well.

  144. Tsgh says:

    Lol Meerkat. So true…

    Pep will SPEND and come good next season and then the media will love him again.
    On Sanchez and co… As they say there is no I in team…
    I never saw pippen or Michael Jordan act the big I am for their respective teams ever.

    Saying that huge section of fans love him and so anything goes and so it will be AW’s fault as usual if Sanchez was to leave

  146. Tsgh says:

    Rico…Didnt know Ramsey cost £80m plus? Lol
    Or is it the blond highlights in their hair they have in common? ?

  152. rico says:

    They do Adam, chumps!

    I don’t say Xhaka isn’t worth £30m, he’ll come good I’m sure.. The reality is, all players are overpriced… it is what it is though…

  153. Tsgh says:

    Lol Adam.you know I love AW but in my view he seems to have overstayed his welcome and so he has to go…Unless he can pull a rabbit out of the bag to win the league.
    The atmosphere even after the away win yesterday was not great…. Fans seem divided it gets tiresome sometimes…

  155. Adam says:

    TS. I admire anyone who travels to support the team. As for the fans and their divisions? Yes, but it’s been going on for ages and I agree that it is tiresome. But understandable. Huge club. Good team and all that, but underachieving in many ways. Could it be that Sanchez feels this too?

  156. Meerkat says:

    Yeah, it is tiresome. I sometimes think people want change for change’s sake. Careful what you wish for.
    IMO, Man City are playing far less attractive football this season.
    Why did they sack the manager again?

    I want success at Arsenal as much as anyone, but it would be foolish to rush things until the right person comes available. But who is that person? Eddie Howe? Last year I would have said Bilic!!

    Seriously, does anyone know who could replace Le Prof and do better?

  157. Obi says:

    Rico and Adam, imho, I really don’t care about what Sanchez does after he’s sub. For all that matters he can go straight down the tunnel. My point is let the Manager manage the game. We can’t criticize AW for his lack of game management/ tactics and at the same time advocate for a player that doesnt want to come off or be managed. He does that with Arsenal that pays him but doesn’t do that with Chile that doesn’t. Something is definitely wrong with that.

  158. Tsgh says:

    Possibly Adam.No one truly knows…
    Saying that Sanchez is not like Muller or Casias who came through the ranks of teams who were guaranteed winning trophies.
    I think Sanchez said a few years back that winning at barca did not feel the same as he was not fully involved…
    Maybe it is as simple as wanting to play every game and also winning

  162. Obi says:

    TS @ 4:32, although after Jordan’s first brief retirement, Pipen refused to enter a playoff game because the last play was designed for Toni Kokuc and not him….anyway Kokuc made the shot…..

  163. allezkev says:

    We can discuss till the cows come home the pros and cons of the behaviour of Alexis and his sulk or whatever…

    Personally I don’t think any of it was contrived, it was just the reaction of a player who wants to play every game and complete 90 minutes in all of them.

    I wish we had a squad of players like him!

    The Press will stir the shit as is their way, the click bait sites will invent all kinds of rubbish and controversy.

    If you want to believe it, then so be it, I am not going to judge, I don’t have the right…

    But Alexis will do for me….

    That is, until he leaves…

    Then he can fcuk off… ?

  164. Adam says:

    Ts. Exactly and spot on. “No-one truly knows”. But, on a wet winter’s Sunday afternoon, (in the U.K anyway) speculation is seldom in short-supply. 🙂

  165. Le Coq Monster says:

    In my own mind you mean Kev ! . 😀

    Not quite Alexis, but today went for a run with neighbour for a hour and half ( bear in mind that it is not flat around here…….hills everywhere ! ) got home and did 45 min ab workout…..then mucked out the stables………no rest for the wicked !……………not sure what that is supposed to mean, so will look it up !………………………………………..just looked it up and aparrently it means carrying on work activities etc` when you are tired !………………………so forget about no rest for the wicked as I feel as energetic as an Alexis on something !……………….its the testosterone !……I`m winning it back from the excessive exercise with weights !……………………I need a puny looking guy to come around so I can kick sand in their face ! hahahahaha

  167. Le Coq Monster says:

    Should be coming up for the Burnley game on Sunday, so if any of you are going and drink near the ground and want to meet let us know .

  171. rico says:

    Obi, AW has nothing to do with Alexis reaction. It’s down to the player and all I can see is one who wants to play and win…

    Also, having seen the replay, maybe there’s another angle. Alexis had his boot off talking to the physio, maybe he suffered a little injury, or worse which if he has, makes sense…

  172. scottfromoz says:

    Morning all.
    Let’s all hope Alexis stays, plays his arse off each week, shows his fellow players a little more respect and wins us some trophies.
    Same with Ozil.
    Add another WC player and take it from there.
    On Pep…..well, he’s having a hell of an introduction to English football, but that was always going to be the case.
    What happens next season will tell the story on him and his true ability to manage.

  173. Meerkat says:

    Klopp hit the ground running when he arrived at LFC. As did Kooman at Southampton and also Pochettino.
    Pep has the luxury of big money, so I’m sure he’ll survive, but would he have at a smaller club like they did?

    Had to laugh at The Special One and Kloppy on the touchline today. Shame Liverpool were without Mane, I love to see Manure done. Especially in their own back yard!!

  174. Le Coq Monster says:

    Alexis has 18 months of his contract left and even if he wanted to leave he comes across as person who will still give his all on the pitch because he loves the game even if he is turned down a move !………………..Wenger said he will not sell and I take him at his word even though I feel a Cesc and Nasri moment coming on ! hahaha
    Keep him for 18 months and he can go for free if he wants or sign another contract at the end, all I know is I`m just interested in his 100% attitude when playing, he gives it his all !.

  175. scottfromoz says:

    Meerkat, yeah, I love to have seen Pep build a squad rather than buy one, but that’s something he doesn’t have to worry about lol
    Still, I’ll be surprised if he does anything outstanding with the Mancs.

  185. Obi says:

    LC, in the immortal words of Sir Alex, “if you are in the top four and haven’t lost 5 games yet, you are in the hunt”. 3rd or 4th, we are in the hunts, and we have Sonogo…LANS lol.

  186. kelsey says:

    I wonder if there must be increasing concern for both the special ones in Manchester and that might take the attention away from us and shift the angst up North .We just need to start games in 5th gear not stall as is often the case.Why that happens is beyond me, but if we can eradicate this problem and play the whole 90 minutes who knows what might happen

  187. ScottfromOz says:

    Kelsey, f**k the special two 🙂
    Let them go to neutral corners and come out fighting!!!
    No that’s al fight i’d pay to see 🙂

  190. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Good morning rico1 & all,

    I would like to publicly announce that I will be referring to Pep & Poop going forward. Jose will remain as Maureen (his stable name is girly man).

    Have a nice day, Up the Arse!!!

  192. Micko says:

    Gnarley, we all know Manchester ain’t big enough for the both of their ego’s, unfortunately for us our problems lie much closer to home, it maybe controversial but I’d drop Alexis for the next couple of games and bring him back for the Chelsea match, that’ll teach him to show any emotion during a game and hopefully restore any respect he’s lost from his team mates, he’s got some front, just my opinion of course.

  193. Micko says:

    Tsgh, why would anyone in their right mind wanna travel to Swansea…..you’d only get covered in spit…it don’t make sense !

  194. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Micko

    I think Poop has been in the right place @ the right time, having Messi @ Barcelonely & Bayern being the biggest cabbage in a small sauerkraut. De Bruyne, early in the year, made the Northern Chavs look like Poop had waved his magic wand over the club, but I can see them challenging Maureen for 4th (or vise versa) now.

    I can’t really comment on Alexis coz since old Murdoch started sniffing around the leggy former Texan model, he has taken his eye off the ball & Optus have nicked the 10 games a week live from Fox 👿

  195. ScottfromOz says:

    GG, Optus Vision winning the rights has been one hell of a pain in the arse, alright!!
    Streaming is risky business, at best.

  198. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    I live in Launceston, which was in the former Parish of Cornwall. Its like England, except our oak is a eucalypt.

  200. scottfromoz says:

    Tassie is where I’m headed in 4-5 years mate.
    Sick of the rat race and Sydney is just getting worse by the day.
    We are giving the boy every chance to fulfil his dream if becoming a footballer so once that’s done or not, I’m off to Tassie.
    Morning Rico.

  201. Wath says:

    Tassie……………… Sounds like a really shitty cough mixture…. then again you’d drink it in any case..!

  204. Le Coq Monster says:

    GG9 lives in Launceston, Tasmania and I live near Launceston, Cornwall !………………small world hahaha
    Morning all

  208. scottfromoz says:

    Al is still around on FB, Ginge, but not too often.
    There was another years ago……can’t remember his name.
    Real miserable bastard-made Wath seem cheerful hahahahaha

  209. Le Coq Monster says:

    I wondered why when I google hot totty in Launceston it always comes back with images of sheep !…………………..Amorous Tasmanians are something else ! ……… Now I know why he`s called Gnarley hahaha

  210. Wath says:

    Ts, I won’t ever swap the GG for much but this Tassie Scott on about sounds like the kind of stuff to make stroh rum inviting…. His taste is grog really is crap hence am wondering if he has ventured into glugging down cough mixture…

  214. Le Coq Monster says:

    Got my Burnley spot !……………up in the heavens in block 102 up the northbank !……………shall check weather to see whether I come up in beach wear or thermals !

  216. scottfromoz says:

    Hahahahaha.
    Wath, a Tassie whisky was named the worlds best a year or so back.
    I bought a bottle by chance, before the announcement, from a batch of 25 bottles.
    Once announced, I could have sold it for $1500.00 AUD easily.
    Who buys whisky to sell?
    Drank the thing and it was incredible.
    Sullivan’s Cove is the plonk!!

  221. Le Coq Monster says:

    Shall I bring a surf board as well, Wath ?……………………..it does tickle me when In summer I see quite overwight men walking along the beach in their wet suits holding a surf board under arm and shades on !………….I dont think half of them actually go in the water !…….especially the ones who are walking through Launceston and the beach is 20 miles away !. hahaha

  224. scottfromoz says:

    I’ve never seen Wath and Rico at the same time.
    Mmmmmm!!
    See ya Wath, morning Rico.
    LC, guys with bigger guts than me in latex on pushbikes is my favourite.
    It’s hardly the material that affects aerodynamics for those guys lol

  229. Le Coq Monster says:

    Anyway Scott………………you Aussies dont have big guts !…………..I watch Home and Away !, so have never seen an ugly Aussie let alone an overweight one ! 🙂

  232. Le Coq Monster says:

    I`ve just been informed by the wife that I should watch Prisoner Cell Block H !……………………aparrently all and any ugly Aussies are banged up there ! 😆

  233. Wath says:

    Home and Away……….. you watch it every day and record it for good measure you big tart…! 😉

    Hi and bye Rico…..

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