Morning all.
A few years ago, a relatively boring game which ended with a 3-0 victory away from home in Europe would be something to feel pretty chuffed about. But these days that’s not the case, certainly not for me. While I’m glad we won, the way we did was hardly enthralling. It was just another drab performance against a really average side who in all honesty gifted us all three goals. I know the pitch was awful, the weather wasn’t nice etc etc, but whatever happened to passing the ball around with pace, purpose, accuracy and width? It’s gone, long gone.
Mustafi not only got away with an early rash tackle but conceding a penalty too. Bellerin wasn’t quite so fortunate though towards the end but lucky for him, the spot kick was weak and Ospina went the right way and made the save. At last eh, a penalty saved by an Arsenal keeper. Prior to that though we scored three goals to win the game. Monreal with the first, Mkhitaryan supplied the cross which was deflected in for an own goal and Ozil round things off past a keeper who was possibly worse than any Arsene Wenger has signed and that’s saying something. Ospina didn’t have a lot to do other than to keep warm but he did make a good save by tipping a goal bound shot over the bar. The home team had a number of chances throughout the game but in all honesty, never really looked like scoring.
The second leg in a weeks time should see us progress into the next round, especially if Mkhitaryan gets his way because regardless of the victory last night, after the match he said he thinks the same kind of team should play in the return game regardless of being in the League Cup Final just three days later. I’m not sure Arsene Wenger will agree though.
Back on the fine Emirates turf, I hope we get to see a better performance. One with more energy, purpose and imagination but I won’t be holding my breath that’s for sure. I lost count of the number of backward and sideways passes made last night. Iwobi summed it up really when for once he went on a great run down the right at pace, stopped, put his foot on the ball and passed backwards. What’s the point in that? He wasn’t alone though… 3-0 up, why didn’t Arsene make his changes? Why wait so late in the game to give Nelson and Eddie a run out?
Despite the game being far from one of the best we’ll ever watch, I guess all Arsene Wenger will be cared about is the result and being in the next round which looks likely. But ff the next round draws us against one of the better teams left in the competition, then we’ll need something far better than we produced last night. Seeing the clubs which look like going through to the next round, I’m not sure I fancy our chances against any of them….
Agree Rico. I watched it and yearned for the days when every player wanted to entertain and the defenders knew their job. Last night epitomised the gulf between UCL and Europa. Oh for the new manager who has fresh and ambitious ideas!
That day can’t come soon enough for me Db.
Lyon v Valencia came on after our match and I watched a bit of it. It was so different to what I’d just watched, it really was.
We really are poor…
Watched Lyon – thought Fekir and their winger were very good. Pace and passion. What’s that again?
I’d love us to get Fekir, but Wenger would only get him playing out of position..
Quite liked the Ostersunds winger last night too, Goddash (spelling)
Lee there were some mugs singing “one arsene Wenger ” yesterday to my disdain. I told you a million times that prick has a huge number of fans still backing him. I was sick to my stomach watching those fools chant his name after another below par performance. Are these guys for real? 6th in the league, out of the fa cup, playing the worst football in Europe yet fans still worship him. God what I ‘ll achieve with such blind faith. Can’t believe what I heard last night. So sad.
Morning Rico haven’t read the post yet just had to get that off my chest. Off to read the post.
Stan that’s unbelievable….
Lee I haven’t been that pissed off in a while. Mum was looking at me funny. God in heaven there’s no end to this nightmare lee. We’re reaally fucked if this guy gets a new contract after this. I won’t stand for it that ‘ll be me gone.
Great post Rico sorry took me a while to commend you on a job well done. Still don’t know how you do it. There’s nothing worth celebrating at the moment. We looked dire last night. All over the place. I lost count how many times those guys by passed our midfield like no one was there. Xhaka wasn’t available for us to lump the blame on him so it means it’s all Wenger then. Even if we get Gilberto back there ‘ll still be a gaping hole in our midfield. A pub team ran through us like we were nothing! I can’t imagine what atleti Dortmund Lyon et al will do to us then. God help me.
On another note did you guys see my favorite managers slugging it out last night. Sarri vs Hassenhuttl. The latter came out on top but I think napoli is prioritizing the serie A title. Now that’s how football should be played. Both managers tried to out maneuver each other and i totally enjoyed watching them try. The aforementioned managers’ll work wonders with this current team of sheep shaggers.
Hector Bellerin gives an honest answer to a question shock!!!
Yep, at Oxford University he gave an answer to a question that I think most sensible Arsenal fans would concur with, that is Arsenal Fan TV is ‘wrong’ or in other words an embarrassment.
And straight away that’s a story on NewsNow where every site, whether it be Sky, BT or the usual shit suspects are twisting what he said and trying to make a big deal out of an honest opinion.
He also mentioned all the flakes on Twitter and the gratuitous abuse players get from many of the idiots on there and Facebook etc. That’s what the NewsNow tossers should be highlighting, all the poison on these platforms aimed at players and how it’s allowed by the companies that run them.
But don’t let the truth get in the way of a few million money making clicks.
Good post Rico. I have never been so disheartened by AFC before but watching us floundering against a pub team was the end for me. I have been a Gooner since 1966 but if this fraud extends his contract beyond 2019 that is me done. I cannot support anyone else of course. One silver lining, I retired from work 18 months ago so don’t have to run the gauntlet of Spuds, Manure, Pool fans. Good luck
Afternoon Rico and all. I thought we were between a nightmare and shocking in the first half last night. Square and backward passes with very little created. The second half was a bit better and Ozil had some lovely touches but, against that opposition I really thought we could tear them up a bit. Personally, I really don’t like this pedantic style we are playing and our opponents ability to open us up time after time with a single ball booted skyward behind our defenders really doesn’t help. Mustafi and Chambers look like an accident, or a penalty, waiting to happen.
Surely there is no future in Arsene and whatever he is trying to do remains a mystery, to me anyway. The more he spends the more average we look and after RM v PSG the evening before, we look a million miles away from that level.
Paddy you and me both sir. I can’t stomach another season with this cnut in charge let alone 2 more years. I want us to win every trophy available but sometimes I wonder if it’s the right thing to do. He should have left after the fa cup win in 2014. We would have(which includes me)given him a rousing reception at the end of the season. That would have been a goodbye befitting a king but being the cnut he is who has no regard for fans and ex players alike he renewed his contract and we are worse off for it. I see no end to this paddy. Sad really.
Adamant
Stan
Lee this old fool has sucked the life out of arsenal for me. The sooner he lives the better. I can’t take another season of sideways crab like football.
Watching the spuds this past week made me die inside. I watched those scums outplay one of the best midfield out there. Dembele and eriksen made pjanic and khedira look like league one players. I watched as they ran rings around the juve midfield. Ask yourself this when was the last time we had a game that great against sub par opposition let alone one of the best in Europe!!!
Stan I’ve been like that for several seasons, the occasional good win just doesn’t do it for me….the team is so unbalanced, badly organised and it’s all on one man imho.
The free fall has got to stop and Wenger has to piss off in order for this to happen. We used to be feared across Europe now we are pussycats that just make up the numbers.
My Arsenal mojo has long gone, cheers Wenger for that!
This nightmare has to come to an end!!
Well the only “positive” last night(if there were any) was seeing AMN boss the middle of the park. There’s a player getting ready to break out just hope he won’t go the way of others before him(aneke eastmond, lansbury etc) he looked the part yesterday had a rueful smile on my face whenever he wins the ball and glides down the pitch. A proper manager and he could be the hope of arsenal heck even England!
We used to need a new spine, now we need virtually a new team BUT it’s all futile with “Le Prof” overseeing proceedings!
Lee but who is going to end it?? Kroenke won’t fire him. He won’t quit and ‘ll probably get a new deal. Our only hope is gazidis. If he can finally grow a pair and fire that useless sack of shit. I heard Josh kroenke can’t stand the prick too. Hopefully he ‘ll get his dad to man up and do the right thing.
Lol Lee there you go again lee with that “leprof ” bullshit ???? man with AKBs I ‘ll rule the world.
I still blame Nina bracewell for all this. Should never had sold to that moustache wearing twat. He’s ruined us all. We ve stagnated while the rest of the league have moved up a notch. Naby keita ‘ll join Liverpool in the summer imagine how lethal those scousers ‘ll be next season. They already have a cracking team yet adding one of the hottest prospects in Europe to their already unbelievable team. I feel a tinge of jealousy. God help me.
Afternoon Adam, all.
Thanks re the post guys.
What a lovely day it’s been. No Arsenal in my head, a lovely two hour walk, well, more like a hobble with the woofa in the sunshine and then home. Back to Arsenal and it’s depressing.
If Wenger stays another season, I too think I’ll call it a day. Put HH on hold until the old man has departed. Every day, every game, it’s the same old stuff. Same things discussed because ‘Le Fraud’ does nothing about the mess we’re are in.
If the board can’t see it this season, they never will. But I live in hope that the penny has finally dropped. As has been said here already, we are so far behind the best in the PL let alone Europe, it’s embarrassing, especially considering the players we have in the squad.
Watching Eddie come on and pass backwards, Nelson too just sums up what goes on in training sessions. It’s boring, pathetic and it’s only going to get worse the longer Wenger stays.
Honestly, I hope we draw Atletico Madrid or one of the other big clubs in the next round, perhaps then he’ll be put out of his misery in May….
I don’t think we need a new team. A new manager would soon whip the ones we have into shape. Of that I’m convinced.
Rico I was going to incorporate that. He has “wengerized” the whole fucking team. I vividly remember one passage of play that ticked me off. AMN won the ball deep in our half glide through their midfield got to the 18 yard box only to turn around and pass the ball back to iwobi. I almost threw brianna’s shoe at the telly. We are shit Rico. We are.
Rico – why do players have to pass backwards and sideways. Havent they got a brain of their own. When I played football many many years ago you did what you thought was right for yourself and the team. That’s why I believe The Invincibles coached themselves, Le Fraud had little or nothing to do with it.
Reports are that we ‘re going to try for dembele. He’s been a flop at barca so far. That ‘ll be a coup. He’s a great talent. Still young and he’s played with auba before and know him through and through. A story like that ‘ll get me all hyped up but with lefraud in charge we ‘ll probably just turn him into another theo Walcott.
Did you read the post Goonie? 😉
I get that Paddy, honest but some of the time it’s because it’s the easy option. If they were drilled to go forward and the players ahead to move, we might see something different. Why hasn’t Wenger put an end to all the boring sideways/backwards stuff by now? We were playing that way when Denilson was at the club and how many years is that.
Imo, these players are like us, bored to tears with what Wenger is doing…
Am with paddy Rico these are professional players for fuck sake. Most of those prima donas are internationals. They ve played at the highest stage. They should be direct more often, shoot from distance and pass less. Wenger won’t bench the whole fucking team will he?? Renegade on that prick already. Revolt. Let there be chaos and he might just cave in but who am I kidding those overpaid, pampered wannabes probably loves it.
I agree that a bit more effort wouldn’t go amiss Goonie but imagine if you had to train under the old man every day.. would you be up for a game?
Goonster.
Come on Le Prof!!
Adam?
Rico his demeanor alone can ruin an orgasm for anyone.
Stan. That’s a compelling Thought For The Day. 🙂
Adam ??
Steady on there Stan.. HH isn’t a confessions site….
Hahahahahah Rico come on now ? am the blonde Adonis remember?? No confessions for me ma’am. Lol
If you say so Stan… 😉
What do you make of the dembele rumors Rico? Can’t believe we ‘ll break our transfer record 3 times in 3 years cause trust me ma’am dembele ‘ll cost a fortune and barc want to recoup all that money they paid Dortmund to get him. I just don’t see it happening.
Very little Goonie, all media poppycock I suspect.
I don’t think so Rico the source is reliable. Plus barca has their sight set on greizmann so they ‘ll do anything to get him. Selling dembele makes sense. I think he ‘ll be off in the summer but would we get him?? That’s another question.
Plus don’t underestimate sven and Raul Rico. These guys are the real deal. I wish Raul can kick up a fuss and get Wenger fired. Lol
Defenders. We need defenders.
Nice thought Goonie, we need a new right back… 😉
Lol Adam we need a lot of things compadre. First is a new manager. Holding, chambers are no mugs just not coached right. We need a dm first then a RB can’t stand that prick bellerin.
Rico like minds?????
I don’t Goonie, like you say, let’s hope their arrival means the end of Wenger.
I hope so too Rico. The rumors just won’t go away. Ozil won’t sign knowing Wenger ‘ll still be at the helm. I think he’s been sold a new future. One that includes world class players and a shiny new manager. A German one too.
That’s what I’m hoping too Goonie.
Me too Rico. Me too. I read there was a clause Inserted in the last contract that if we don’t make top 4 he ‘ll be relieved of his duties a season early. Well it looks like we won’t make it so hey there’s hope Rico. Lol
I read that too, but you didn’t believe me… 😉
Lol Rico it’s just too good to be true. I want to believe you so bad but that man has more lives than a cat. He ‘ll probably win the Europa league and EFL cup to save his arsenal career. Don’t hold your breathe Rico. I ‘ll love to win both trophies though regardless ?
Cheers Stan, you made me smile. ?
No chance Goonie… ?
Lol anytime kev?
https://youtu.be/6sRebqUOWY8
I love mesut but he has nothing on cesc at his prime. El capitan God I miss this arsenal.
Need a tissue Goonie? ?
Rico breaks my heart ma’am. He’s was just too silky. Shame we didn’t show any kind of ambition while he was still with us but we could gladly say we had him at his prime. Saw him in all his glory.
Am on moderation Rico. Why is that?
????
Finally out of moderation Rico was freaking out for a while back then. Lol thought you binned me?
No idea why that happened…
Evening all and thank you Rico.
If I didn`t already know the score I`d have thought we lost badly by the comments !
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Professional job done…………….weakened team…………..4G pitch………………..cold enough to freeze the peas on Captains Birdseye`s pods……………………a clean sheet and I never would have known Paddywhack has supported Arsenal since 1966 !
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Wenger will see out his contract, it`s kosha, more chance of him extending than him getting sacked or leaving before the end of it, just accept it, he will be gone end of May 2019, keep the Champagne on Ice and use some mental strength .
🙂
Our Egyptian Mohamed Elneny………………….is he a bandage short of a mummie ?……………………………..first he says Arsenal can still win the EPL and now he says Arsenal have sent a warning to our EL rivals with the win last night !……………………..he`s Tutankhamun the piss and probably worships Aaron Ramesses 1
Lc, forget the score, which to be fair Ostersunds handed us on a plate, the performance was dire. One of many we’ve seen over the last few years.
Oh, and I refuse to accept he’ll see out his contract. It’ll keep me sane… 😉
Rico LC was being sarcastic ? we both know he’s a wind up merchant. Crazy fella.
Chelsea 3.0 up. Didn’t see one side ways pass on dawdling at the edge of the box. Wonder if Wenger watches other teams and how they set up.
Rico he ‘ll see out that bloody contract. The sooner you accept it and makes peace with yourself the better. Lol ?
Giroud off the mark ????yeeeah
Can you imagine the furore if he extended his contract !………………………….
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Goonie………………Calling me crazy is like the pot calling the kettle black !
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true though !
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Na na na na na na na………na na na………………..Giroud !……………………………………..oops forgot he left us !……………………………….not as good as Danny boy though !
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LC don’t be surprised if he extends at the end of this season ?that guy is a leech. He ‘ll never let go. We ‘re stuck with him for the foreseeable future.
Nah Danny boy is the reincarnation of faustino asprilla ?he’s so good we dubbed him “welbz “
Stan 7.34, I can only think it must have something to do with the Dutch language, it’s common knowledge your lingo started out as a joke and then got outta hand lol, you definately liven up the place buddy !
Le Coq 8.18, believe me when I say it’s a good job Gambon ain’t around !!!
I guess we’ll see in May Goonie, but I can’t see him winning anything so fingers crossed..
Lol micko you I try. It’s all I can do to keep myself from freaking out. Wenger has made us a joke. How are you my man?
Yes he will rico and I want us to. A trophy every year isn’t actually a bad thing. He ‘ll find a way to beat pep at Wembley then stumble all the way to the Europa league final and win on penalties ???? told you he’s got more lives than a cat.
Le Prof……………………..Le ech………………………………Le thal …………………………….Le mon………………………………..Le per……………………………….
You missed lepiss lefraud lescrooge and my favorite lecnut. Lol
Beat Mansour City in Carabeo Cup and win EL !…………………………………………..I feel a bronze statue coming !………………………..the knobs of all AKB`s will spontaneously combust !
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Beat Pep Goonie? ??
Stan, like you I can only think that Kroenke see’s Wegner as a “keeper” and a real demon in bed, what other possible explanation can there be ?
Rico he did it last year didn’t he?? The stars always align themselves whenever he’s in a pickle. Mark my words Rico he ‘ll beat pep at Wembley.
A dodgy penalty or offside goal ‘ll decide the game on our favor. He always finds another gear whenever his job is at stake. Watch these same arsenal players get all fired up for that league cup final. Lol
Micko beats me brudder. We can only hope Josh impresses it on his father that it’s inherent Wenger leaves this summer. Heck i ‘ll take Tony pubis right now over lefool!!
This is a very different side to last seasons City Goonie.
Night guys, have a good one..
It doesn’t matter Rico. Wenger ‘ll find a way to save his arsenal career. Watch this space. Besides it’s the same team bar laporte!
And all his summer additions Goonie..l
rico, I’d like to think we can beat those sky blue mercenaries…….nite matey.
Morning Rico summer additions?? Still won’t make a difference. Wenger will beat pep at Wembley. I ‘ll bet you 50p. He’s “Harry Houdini ” when it comes to saving his career but crap when it’s time to mount a title challenge.
Micko, that’s as far as it’ll get, just thinking about it…. lol
Morning Goonster, you’re on, 50p it is..
Afternoon Rico/Stan…
It’s like the Close Season, no game.
You know what Stan, I think were gonna get a right stuffing at Wembley, if City are in the mood it could be like what we did to Villa in 2015.
Rico, I can’t remember the last time that I went to a Cup final with lower expectations than this one, even the 1987 Liverpool final, I’m looking forward to being with my son and his friends ( great lads) but I’m under no illusions and therefore have zero expectations.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/02/16/arsenal-target-first-ever-sleeve-sponsor-attempt-compete-manchester/
Afternoon Kev, football aside, I’m sure you’ll have a lovely day out with the family.. 🙂
The two clubs are gulfs apart, as is the standard of football they play..
Agree on both points Rico, until Wenger and his toxicity leaves, our club is going to be affected by an overriding feeling of apathy.
I’ve lost count of the many Arsenal fans I know, who were once fully committed to the Arsenal,
(that’s the club AKB’s, not the manager) that have now lost their enthusiasm and interest, to such a degree that even on match days it doesn’t matter that much anymore – just look at the empty seats this season even if you want to live in a deluded Wenger paradise world.
The empty seats are the clearest indication of the malaise at the club.
It’s as if Arsenal fans, not the deluded ones, have checked out and are waiting for Wenger to leave and when he does or when Kroenke grows a pair and sacks him then they’ll return and the club can move on.
It’s almost as if the club is stuck in neutral and can’t move forward.
Hopefully we’ll finally see the owner this summer acting like an owner and removing Wenger instead of watching an old man desperately hanging on as the game passes him by and the clubs slips further and further behind.
Couldn’t agree more Kev. I’m glad the weather is improving as we’ve so much to do in the garden and it keeps me away from anything Wenger…
Goonster , I will take that bet, no way in hell Le Fraud will beat Pep. I live in Spain now so it would have to be 50 cents, not that I would be paying you of course lol. Goodnight all.
Morning..
New post up now.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5404147/Arsenal-planning-life-Arsene-Wenger.html