Morning all.
Sometimes there are no words. Sometimes actions, or reactions, say much more. To see Emi Martinez break down in tears after Arsenal had clinched a 14th FA Cup Trophy, showed how much it meant. His ten year journey with the club, often not actually playing for his club, delivered a trophy. A trophy he’s played an enormous part in us winning.
There was quite a buildup to this FA Cup Final. The first held in August, the first without fans, the first without a proper trophy winners presentation, a first for both Mikel Arteta and Frank Lampard in their new role and a potential first time Arsenal wouldn’t be playing football in Europe for twenty odd years. Yawn!!
There was the ‘who will win the battle of the ex’s’ too as Giroud lined up for Chelsea and Luiz lined up for us.
It was a huge game for Arsenal, although all week I’ve been trying to kid myself that it wasn’t. Maybe much of that is down to not really knowing what to expect from this Arsenal team.
As Emeli Sande belted out Abide With Me from the Wembley rooftop, or mimed it, I’m not really sure, the reality hit home to me. Of course this was a big game. A big day for so many reasons.
We didn’t start in the best way and soon found ourselves a goal down with Chelsea looking in control. They were moving the ball around quickly with Pulisic looking dangerous.
But then came the penalty decision which not even VAR interfered with. A ball over the top to Aubameyang from Tierney, Azpilicueta started tugging at our man just outside the box, continued to do so as Aubameyang worked his way into the box. One tug too many and the man from Gabon was on the ground. The only question in my mind was red or yellow? Azpilicueta was relieved when Anthony Taylor opted for the latter. Aubameyang stepped up as a captain, a leader, a winner. 1-1. The penalty was all about precision and the power. The Chelsea keeper had no chance.
Our second goal was good, very good. The drive forward by Bellerin, the sublime finish by Aubameyang. As was Pepe’s but AMN big toe was offside in the buildup.
Lady Bad Luck was with Chelsea that’s for sure. Losing two players with a hamstring injury plus a sending off which wasn’t deserved in my opinion was difficult for them but before anyone thinks I feel sorry for them, think again. I don’t. Kovacic could so easily have been sent off for his first challenge on Xhaka and in any case, we’ve been on the wrong end of many decisions far too often for me to feel sorry for another club when it happens to them.
That aside, it was clear how much Arsenal wanted the victory yesterday. The work rate was good both on and off the ball, they were all singing off the same hymn-sheet. 1-0 down, no problem as it was heads up, start again and push on. Pragmatic at times, the long ball over the top at others and the intricate passing game – it was out there on the Wembley turf. Arsenal are no longer a one trick pony. Nor are they a team to be easily cast aside by a top four club. Liverpool, Man City and now Chelsea, beaten!
Every player played their part. Mikel Arteta played his too. What he has done with a group of players who eight months ago were down and pretty much out, has been impressive.
Considering the season we’ve had, the changes in management, the off field stuff going on with Ozil and Kolasinac, Xhaka and Mustafi and then the on field stuff with Xhaka, Ozil and Guendouzi, to end the season with a piece of silverware is pretty special.
No, it’s very special.
Securing a place in the Europa League for next season was what the club needed and who knows, perhaps it’ll be third time lucky and we’ll actually win the darn thing.
For now though, it’s 14 FA Cup’s for Arsenal. Enjoy it….
See you in the comments guys…
What a day yesterday!
I didn’t stop still from 5 pm until 11:30 pm to see and celebrate Arsenal and F.C. Porto!
Thankfully, the 20 munutos stopped in the 1st half. He turned the game over to Arsenal.
Porto played against 11 the entire 2nd half and part of the 1st.
Super post, Rico 🙂
I honestly can’t believe how that turned out for the chavs!! 2 (bad) hamstrings, a dislocated shoulder in what was Pedro’s last appearance for them, god knows how many bookings and a red card!! Wow, you couldn’t make it up!!
I wonder if Giroud has finally made his way out of Luiz’s back pocket 🤣
Auba is a machine…and a legend. 3 more years of that – will enjoy every bloody second of it!!
The future is very bright (boohoo spuds 😝)
Oh and one other thing… better luck next time, fat Frankie 😁
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8584049/Chelsea-fans-left-fuming-Emiliano-Martinez-blatant-handball-FA-Cup-final.html
Sometimes one simply has to smile…
You must be happy Jm.
Thanks Sue. What a great day for Arsenal. I feared for the guys after going a goal down but great application after that.
Not one player let the club down.
I know all the talk is about Aubameyang and I totally understand why but where would we have been without some of the stuff Martinez has produced? No wonder he was emotional after the game.
Is that Auba 3 year deal from a reliable source Sue? Or Heinz… 😆
Shame Pepe’s goal was offside as the build up and execution were outstanding. Anyway… Good Old Arsenal.
‘morning Rico. A lovely sunny day here in Norfolk made even lovelier by yesterday’s triumph.
There may be talk in some quarters about “papering over the cracks” and “it’s only the FA Cup” but in reality it is the seal of approval on our new head coach, his tactics, vision and influence.
Who could have predicted such a turn around in form, application and spirit in a team so bereft of those qualities under the dead hand of former coach Unai Emery?
The FA Cup, when it’s returned from the repair shop, will stand testament to a new era starting at Arsenal.
Euphoric? Well that’s the way I’m feeling this morning.
As a footnote, Emeli whatsit recorded her rendition of Abide With Me earlier in the week. She wasn’t on the stadium roof yesterday.
Morning Rico and all. Good write up I’d say.
The struggles that Arteta has faced up to have been considerable. In the weeks leading up to Unai’s departure it was easy to look at the team and wonder where the building blocks for the next manager were. From front to back things seemed all at sea and we were going into games with little or no expectations which, at the time was sickeningly realistic. Baku was a real kick in the guts and had pre-loaded us to anticipate the inevitable this season. There were question marks over every single squad member.
Mikel has shown everybody that great man-management is not a lost art and that perhaps, just perhaps, dodgy money isn’t everything in today’s game. I was of the opinion that beating Liverpool and Man City was of little use if you blew out to a very average Villa and a tediously fetid Spurs. We seemed to be putting all our eggs in the FA Cup basket as a route into the highly overrated European competition. Apparently it’s important because of the revenue and Acts as a shiny lure when attracting players.
I can’t praise Arteta enough for the belief he has instilled in these players and for the ruthlessness he has shown to Guendouzi and the very disappointing Mesut, a man who apparently places those extra millions above any sense of self-respect. What a joy it will be when he finally leaves and a bit of fresh air blows through the corridors that his avarice has stunk out for far too long. If you want an object lesson in how to alienate thousands who had supported you, just ask Mesut, as long as he isn’t too busy counting his money.
Well done everyone at the club. The smiles on the faces after the game and the happiness in the voices of those I have spoken to since has been full justification for the anguish that I am sure we have all felt for a long time.
Now, onto the next step. We’re in good hands so let’s hope the Kroenkes can see it too.
Morning Cicero. I realised re Emile Sande, yesterday was breezy. Lol
To be fair to the media this morning, I’ve not read anything negative about Arsenal’s victory or the Cup significance other than us being in Europe again and the Toots now needing to qualify.
Very positive reports, even from the Beeb.
Bloomin heck. A positive comment from you JimmyB. Such a rarity, I’ve let it on.
Seeing Emi cry, made me want to cry, Rico. He’s been absolutely top notch and I’m so happy for him! 10 years in the making!!!
Transfer checker is the only site I go by, Rico! 👍
I was hoping Emeli Sande would still be up there on the roof 🤣
Morning Adam, thanks.
I need to put my hands up and admit that I didn’t think some of our players could change but they have, some in bigger ways than others. Self belief is perhaps much of it and that’s down to Mikel Arteta. But players have to want to perform too, to believe in Arteta and teammates which it very seems as if they do. The bond between the big names and AMN is one good example I think.
Changes will come I’m sure but the base isn’t as bad as I thought it was.
I had a tear Sue. Things like that in sport get to me. I watched a replay of Kelly Holmes winners her two golds again the other day. I cried again…. lol
Thanks re Auba.
Morning all.
Every Gooner on the planet is celebrating today, and so they should be.
Another Cup win!!!!
What an achievement.
😊 Awww!! It is emosh, Rico… I welled up (with happy tears) when Auba lifted the cup and you saw all those beaming smiles on all of their faces!! A very proud moment for us gooners!!
Lots of emotions out there Sue, for a few of them it’d have been their last game. Relief too for others no doubt with Europa football secured and of course, the big eared trophy.
Scott, sadly, I suspect there are fans who are finding something to be grumpy about this morning.
Martinez has been immense for us. I think someone was cutting an onion ring beside me when Martinez broke down in tears. Lol. Having watched his interview before the game with his poor background and having to leave his family and being overlooked time and time again by Arsenal. He was brilliant in the europa league until that olympiacos match when weirdly Arteta told him Leno was gonna play in his stead, he didn’t get upset or give the coach an attitude like some 350k pre madonna would have done, he accepted the decision and we lost partly because of Leno that day. (He must have a guardian Angel).
Since coming in after Leno got injured, he has been exceptional and Leno now has to fight his way back to the team. It would be unfair to put martinez back on the bench once Leno returns, Martinez has done enough to earn himself that number one Jersey. That is not to take anything from Leno who has been one of our stand out players for majority of the season.
Onwards and forwards to next season with Partey, coutinho, saliba, ceballos(wish this was permanent) and aubameyang signing a new deal. We would be formidable, a team worthy of the champions league. I hope the board and owner do not dilly dally. We know what we need to truly compete and challenge for the top honours. COYG
Rico, they’re not fans 🙂
I know they exist, but they’re just imposters.
It was never in doubt under the guidance of………………………Magic Mikel! 😉
Just looked at the stats on BBC and remarkably we only commited 2 fouls!…… compared to Dirty Chavs 14 and for once it showed in the bookings!
A question?……………………..when was the last time we beat the top 4 of Manshafter, Mansour C, Scouse Gits and Chavs in a season ?
Being me, I dont just savour the moment of winning my favourite trophy, but also savour the arousing moment of knowing Spuds everywhere will be crying and on speedial to The Samaritans!……………………ahhhh Blissssssssssssssssssss
My grandson of a couple of months has photo on FB in his Arsenal babygrow with arms in the air celebrating!………………….his first trophy in his first year!………………his dad (my son) was born in 1993, so his first year was FA Cup and League Cup Double!………………………………………………..I had to wait 14 years for my first trophy of Inter City Fairs Cup! hahaha
LC success under Mikel was never in doubt mate 🙂
Lovely report rico, great morning housers. Feel for Leno, he must be worried through no fault of his own, but reading in paper yesterday morning Martinez’s commitment over 10 years, getting his wife to kick balls at him during lockdown, a machine in garden launching balls to a full size goal, just in case he got a chance post-lockdown. And tales of his father travelling 17 hours to see Europa debut, and then crying through the 90 minutes! What a guy.
Did you notice Ceballos thumping the ground after our second goal. This chap lives it. I want him to stay as much as Auba.
Aww, that’s super cute, Le Coq!!
Hi Rico and all As I said yesterday I recon that was the best game Pepe played just a shame his goal was off side. Now some of the young players have tasted a final and won silver wear it will give them the hunger for more in years to come. Looking forward to next season.
Hi Geoff,
Pepe was fantastic and what stood out was his work rate.
He never stopped and that’s what we need to see.
Of course, Scott, we were Magic Mikels first deciples! 😆
I think Sue is finally coming around!…………………….if you are still in Devon Sue, I can baptise you in the river Tamar! 😆
Scott, with Nelson and Saka straining for a wide berth, Pepe needs to keep up that work rate!
Quality finish, let’s hope next year seeing a few more like that. So many positive individual performances as well as team.
Being a stats and figures man……………..especially with the ladies, I`m that good I can switch from 442 to 433 to 36,24, 36 in an instant! 😆 ………….I love the stat that we have won 10% of all FA Cup Finals and been in 15% of all FA Cup Finals, when you think of the 1000`s of teams that take part in the whole of the FA Cup through out the year, it`s a good stat!
Scott I now Auba scored 2 goals but I am going out on a limb here as say Pepe was man of the match for me.
I must admit I had a smile on my face when Arteta got a yellow card as it showed me he is finally that he going to stick up for the players.
Geoff, Arteta was always going to stick up for his players mate.
Don’t underestimate his strength of character.
Pepe Stepped up but needs to do that every week.
Andrew, it’s great for us to have competition in positions.
Nobody can take anything for granted.
Makes a change for once for us to own the Refferee!………….not since 2017 have I seen such a display from a Reff!
I think a statue of Anthony Taylor outside Wembley should be erected…………most succesfull Reff in FA Cup History!
https://twitter.com/442oons/status/1289632256227602433
Kstix, I liked your onion bit..lol
They are fans Scott, of course they are but with greater expectations than where the club are at the moment. Plus we’re all experts from our armchair…
I dont condone these actions in the current climate, but unlike the Bindippers celebrations, No cars were jacked up with wheels being stolen!😷
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8585099/Arsenal-fans-flout-social-distancing-rules-streets-London-celebrate-FA-Cup-final-win.html?fbclid=IwAR231LAJc9b9LnuBUiKRZRbZx3k9neY0dM4U4us_QRMPZ24sd5YU5SBrxSY
Thanks Andrew. Nice comment too. Wholeheartedly agree re Ceballos, he’s making us tick since the restart. I really hope we can keep him.
Hi Geoff. Imo, Pepe always try’s, just not always do things happen for him. Next season he should feel more at home after a tough season.
A different kind of commentbut did anyone else notice that when the medals cock up was coming to an end when Auba was holding the cup and Sokratis approached there were not enough boxes left so he gave them to the young ones and I don’t think either he or Auba had one.
I am sure it will be sorted out but shows the man in my opinion.
Rico,
Anyone whinging today is just a miserable bastard 🙂
We all know this is hardly a massive change in where we stand as a club, but any proper fan would just enjoy the moment for what it is.
It’s a trophy.
It’s also a step in the right direction.
Potter, I noticed that and it was pure class by Sokratis.
I saw that too Potter, really kind natured thing to do. Even Matt Smith had a medal. I like Sokratis for the way he comes across and his tough exterior, I just think he’s a bit of a liability when the officials are so keen to penalise our players.
He brought a bit of attitude when Emery signed him, we needed it.
Sokratis has that tough Desperate Dan look of someone whose ceramic plate making company in Greece has gone bust!
I wouldn’t go that far Scott. But I do struggle to understand any fan who is thrilled about winning the FA Cup regardless of where the club sit.
Rico, it’s because their miserable bastards hahaha
Nah I’m too happy to even care what that type of fan is feeling.
Ceballos was like a perpetual motion machine.
My 10:54 comment am was incorrect and not true!……………………….. 736 teams are involved in the fight for the 2020 FA Cup and started in August2019!……………………I said 1000`s…….I exagerated!………….I know, it`s unusual for a man to exagerate about the size of something!
Sign Ceballos if there’s any chance. I think he will be more influential than Ramsey for Arsenal, more consistent, maybe less goals, but if we got him permanently, a future captain.
Andrew, Holding is our future captain 🙂
Ceballos has been bloody brilliant since football returned.
Seemed hot and cold earlier in the season but recently, Influential in every game.
Let’s hope he wants to stay!!!
Ceballos was injured at first(I think)………………….he`s my type of player, always running, always available, always tackling, always passionate………………………have a decent goalie, a decent goal poacher and 9 Ceballos`s and we win the league!
🤣🤣 baptism, Le Coq!! Have to be a virtual one, as I’m back home now! Just chuck some water over your shoulder, that’ll do 😝
On top form today, Le Coq, love the statue of Anthony Taylor hahaha!!
Scott not sure about Holding read story a couple of days back but can not remember were that Arteta has said he would consider offers for holding
Geoff, I reckon that’s a bad call on Arteta’s behalf, if true.
Holding will continue to improve.
Afternoon one and all, great post Rico, I think you totally caught the emotion of the occasion perfectly with that write up also there are some brilliant comments on here today, days like these have to be savoured, a bit like like enjoying a slice of vintage cheese and a glass of fine wine with a Havana cigar to finish off, so with that in mind I got a kebab on the way home last night and a very average kebab at that. I’m regretting it now but hey, it was Match Day…
Ceballos, Xhaka, Lacazette, Holding, Bellerin, Maitland Niles, so many unsung heroes were behind that result, they all put their personal situations second for the collective good of the squad, they all took the pay cut, they all bought into the new culture, many of them extended their contracts whilst a few more are certain to so this summer, some will leave, most will stay, but they’ve all been a part of an amazing Arsenal revival, it began before lockdown, continued during the crisis and after a slow restart has gathered momentum, we have to remember where we were last Autumn with some of us talking in terms of a relegation fight, we have come a long long way and it’s all down to Arteta and his staff.
As for Anthony Taylor, if I ever pick him up in my cab he can have a free ride on me – as long as the trip isn’t too far… 😉
Geoff/Scott, I wouldn’t sell Holding, if Arteta isn’t sure then send him out on loan for a year, see how he goes, maybe until next January and if he’s completely recovered from that confidence sapping ACL then look at his situation again baring in mind that Luiz could leave in 12 months. I guess it all depends on the business Raul & Edu do over the next few weeks.
Mustafi needs his contract sorted as well, we can’t lose him on a Bosman, maybe sort out an extension while he’s injured?
I didn’t notice that with Sokratis and the medal boxes Potter, but that was a touch of class.
Afternoon Kev, thank you.
I’m just watching motd. I feel calmer watching the game today. 😆
Good comment by the way. It’s hard to believe how much things have changed. I know we’ll get the odd up and down games as we push on but I’m quietly confident the downs will lessen as time passes…
I think it was Ornstein who suggested Arsenal would listen to offers for Holding amongst others. But he’s probably guessing.
Selling AMN would be a huge mistake imo, but I might have mentioned that before. 😂
did I hear correct during the match one of the commentators mention that Hector Bellerin had some thing to do with the design of our new jumper.
We await all ins and outs, with a smile rather than a growl now! Spot on Kev re wine!
rico, after ending BBC coverage, we had some beers and snacks, then watched recording from final whistle on BT. Tonight I have MOTD recorded, what a relaxing smug watch it will be, after the stress of many recent watches!
Geoff, Bellerin helped design the entire match day attire.
Sounds ideal Andrew.
Could be a busy few weeks before another day out out Wembley for the Charity Shield…
“The only question in my mind was red or yellow? “
The new rules are clear: whenever a penalty is scored, the player involved can only be punished with a yellow card so as not to give rise to a double penalty: that of being penalized (that may be a goal or not) and that of a player sent off.
So it is not a matter of choice; is to follow the rules of the game.
Geoff`s 2:06pm has tickled me! Jumper !!!………….I know you Aussies think it`s cold in England, but Arsenal do play in short sleave shirts in the summer……………….it`s only in winter we play in woolly jumpers, although tough bastards like Sokratis wear short sleaved woolly jumpers! hahahahaha
Thanks Sue……………..I`m convinced you are the only one who appreciates the continuous attempts at light hearted humour! 😆
Let’s get to the important:
To be 5th or 6th in the League was important, it allowed to go to the Europa League but it is a moment, an objective reached quickly forgotten. It is not for History.
Going to the Europa League for having won a trophy, yes it is for History. In a while, no one will remember that Arsenal played almost all of the season to get a lease in Euro competitions. It will remain forever, the Trophy and the Date on which it was won.
Proven yesterday that the base is there . Now it’s about refining and increasing the quality whilst retaining the new found spirit . Sounds easy but probably isn’t .
We all have separate ideas of who should go and most of us do not know enough about the targetted incomers to make a judgement . In my opinion we are short in numbers in midfield mainly because of the Guendouzi and Ozil situation . We should remedy that but we must do it in a way that does not hinder the youngsters that are coming through .
I am sure that we do need a name there ( Coutinho ) because with that insurance we stand a good chance of Auba signing up again and if he does break down we need to ensure that Nketiah , Martinelli and say John Jules get enough time to be used in his place in 1 or 2 years time. He needs to know that his supply line is to improve . So if the boat is getting pushed out that would be the direction that I would shove it.
Ceballos , Xhaka , Coutinho and Torriera plenty of options and none of them are particularly weak links and once again the young Willock , Saka , Nelson , ESR and AMN need developing
The defence already has Saliba and Mari to supplement it , Chambers to come back so we could shed one or maybe two there but we also need to look at whatever laws come about over the number of foreign players especially with Brexit round the corner.
When you break it down , we are not so weak as we looked prior to Arteta rejoining .
I am optimisticI just hope that the club are too.
Just a couple of observations on yesterday’s game, the sending off of Mateo Kovacic, he is I think Serbian, Xhaka is of course ethnically an Albanian, I’m pretty sure that he’s actually a Kosovan so could there have been a bit more going on, you know things said between them?
No love lists between Kosvans and Serbs…
And the pass by Nicholas Pepe to Aubameyang for the winning goal, perfectly weighted so it bypassed the Chelsea defenders but was the perfect pace for PEA to control and you know, do his thing.
Finally, with fine wine on my mind Andrew did you see that picture of Martinez and Torrieira with their bag of Big Macs after the game, well they are on holiday now!
What about Luiz against City Jm?
Well put Potter. I’m glad it’s not me trying to sort the squad out that’s for sure. We have many players looking at the numbers, something or someone or a few is going to have to give. Or go.
Kev, just looked up thanks, I can’t get enough pictures seeing Martinez so happy. Also it was great to see Torreira, who didn’t even get on, genuinely enjoying the celebrations so much.
I haven’t seen the photo Kev.. ☹️
Bob and Doug just splashed down!! Glad they made it back to Earth unscathed!!
Time for some GoonerBox! 😆
🤣🤣 no cushions were harmed in the making of this video!!
At least that ghastly green shirt is nowhere to be seen, Le Coq!
I spoil you lot! 😆
Sue……………………Love the Nan and Grandson! 😆
That is sooo funny.. I love Arsene (& his voice!) “Screw you, Chelsea”…… love it!
Hahaha…………………………..Sue, wouldn`t it be hilarious if it really was Arsene himself! 😆
😄 yes!! He’d obviously say “Err, look, screw you, Chelsea” hahaha!!
Hahaha………uncanny, near enough the same words I use when I impersonate Arsene, I always start every mimic with………………” Look, I, err “………….followed by something rude! 😆
Evening Rico and All
What a great day for us gooners,
spent most of to day reading all
sorts of opinions all positive for once.
I would never wish injury to any player,
but what a change to get the rub of the
green when it matters the most and a
Ref to be onside with us.
Anyway what I love the most,is this,
Micky is a winner……..What a start.
Over to you Syrup.
Evening Fred. It was, is a good day. As you say, now need the board to get 2/3 good signings over the line before the players return.
Lots of rumours flying around Rico
the red-tops have pressed the
guessomter button.
rico: The exception only confirms the rule.
Hi Fred, I wouldn’t believe anything above 5% of what the press are saying, it’s going to be a clear out here and a clear out there in their fantasist world with anything between 6 and 9 players leaving and it’s all complete rubbish.
How many of them that are leaving will be current 1st teamers ?
Not players like Elneny and Mkhitarayan who have one foot out of the door already or U23 players who’ve not played or have only had brief appearances in the League Cup.
When I read those fecking idiots writing that we’re going to sell Bellerin, Lacazette, Mustafi and Holding I ask myself how do they know all this and who are we replacing them with?
Is this just crap they’ve cobbled together off of Twitter?
Who would buy Mustafi, he’s fecking injured the stupid planks and is Eddie really ready to replace Lacazette? Maybe they think Martinelli will replace him, but he’s injured also you media brain cells…
What is the point in selling Bellerin, he’s finally getting his form, pace and confidence back, so yeah it makes sense in selling him now doesn’t it, doh….
Likewise Holding, these press pillocks just grab a handful of names with no proof to back up their assumptions and run with it, even that tosser Ornstein, he’s just as bad.
Guendouzi will leave, but that’s hardly news, possibly Sokratis but that’s about it.
LCM The poor grandmother in the video must be deaf thanks to her grandson haha
Morning all
New post up now