Most Arsenal historians seem to agree that the major turning point in Arsenal’s history was on the 22nd March 1930…
On that day, Arsenal faced Division Two opponents Hull City in the FACup Semi-Final at Elland Road. 47,549 squeezed into the Leeds United stadium expecting the rising star of the First Division, Arsenal, to progress to their second Wembley final in 4 years…
Well this is Arsenal and when did the Gunners do things the easy way. At half-time Hull City were leading and not just leading, they were 2-0 up thanks to a wind assisted opener and then an Eddie Hapgood own goal.
During a difficult second half and with Hull fighting like crazy to defend their lead, Arsenal we’re making little headway. Then flying winger Joe Hulme was put through and he crossed for the Dennis Bergkamp of his day, namely David Jack who was the most expensive player in English football at the time, to power in and score.
Still an equaliser wouldn’t come, it was getting frustrating and then with the clock ticking away the last minutes, Alex James put Cliff Bastin in and he smashed home the equaliser, with only 8 minutes on the clock…
Arsenal won the replay at Villa Park in front of 46,500, with another thunderbolt from David Jack.
Arsenal then went on to beat Huddersfield Town 2-0 in the Final and the rest is history. Those two goals scored by Jack Lambert and Alex James set in motion a decade of Arsenal success, with 2 FA Cup wins and 5 League Championships…
Tottenham spent the majority of the 1930’s in Division Two, which is where they belong.
Arsenal’s history could have been very different if they had failed against Hull City though. Sometimes you need to grit your teeth and grind out a result in a difficult match and then that result acts as the springboard for more success and sustained success.
Maybe you can see the connection I’m making, with the Wigan game in mind. It was an easily forgettable game but in the grand scheme of things it could be one of the most important results we’ve had in recent years…
It will hopefully lead to Arsenal and Wenger getting that damned monkey off of his and our backs. A piece of silverware on the sideboard could be a lot more than a lot of noisy, big-time Charlie supporters of other clubs will have to crow about this summer!!
Of course Steve Bruce has been making a few conciliatory noises, praising Arsene Wenger on the one hand for all his great work, before stating that all the pressure is on Arsenal.
Mr Bruce isn’t telling us anything new with the spectre of Birmingham City fresh in the memory bank…
We certainly don’t need reminding about Arsenal’s history of being on the wrong end of cup final shocks.
I was going to remind you, but I’ll spare you this time…
Wembley isn’t my favourite venue, it never will be and I’m not anticipating a classic open game. Hull will get stuck in and see just how much they can get away with from the referee.
I will be watching it on TV and suffering along with the rest of you.
Will I enjoy it???
Of course not…
But this time, maybe Lady Luck will smile on the Red and White and it will be our day…?
Written by Allezkev
Transfer Gossip:
Well apart from Kolou being linked to us for the 200th time, there is very little this morning.
Although The Daily Star suggest we might renew our interest in Isaac Cuenca. He’s reported to have just one year left on his contract and would consider a move away from Barcelona….
He’s a little winger/striker in case you didn’t know…
She wore.she wore.the yellow ribbon in the merry month of May!!!!!
New post up now….
No risks indeed Mr Kev…
Just like my good self then Kev… 😉 😉
Lol Kev!
Cheers pal.
Scott has hidden depths when it comes to the Amber Necter, Rico, he’ll be playing table tennis before kick off…
Morning Ts…
Well if Miquel can solve a gap in the squad, AND be up to the required standard, then I’ll be delighted Ginge…
But I don’t think that Wenger should take any risks this summer, it’s really time for him to put up or shut up…
You’ll need to be Scott, will you be sleeping before ko??
Morning Ginge
Morning Digger…
Yes Adam, at last everyone is seeing thru all his bullshit…
Another Potless season and he’s out the door…
Pressure pressure…
Morning Rico, Scott, Kev, Adam and HH famillia
Get in there… cup final excitement… it feels better now than the eve of 2005 final when news started filtering through that we had no TH14…
Wath, you’ve been on the GG tap again… ? 🙂 Lescott is very left footed… he plays LB sometimes but not RB… 🙂
Kev, I agree Ignasi is not quite ready but he is a ball playing CB and he made 12 appearances with Leicester so I think he has a chance… CB develop later imho…
Rico, I am a stayer 🙂
Howdy Adam.
The second coming of the Arsenal is upon us, so relax and enjoy!
I am so excited, it hurts.
Morning Scott.
I wouldn’t know where to look Adam 😉
Morning Scott, you’ll be too tiddled to watch 😉
12-1 Aaron banging in two or more……money for jam, and I’m in 🙂
Morning all.
The Armoury ale is flowing freely, and I am relaxed.
We will be winning.
Aaron is playing.
Get in there lads!!
Kev. Or the guy that posted a pic of two buses and asked if they were his transfer targets.
Then there was a simple “Is it ever your fault?”
Rico. Check it out. It was really funny stuff and made him look like the mug he is.
Over this season ‘some’ of us here have wondered what Mourinho could do with our squad..
Maybe the better question is, what could AW do with Chelsea’s…?
Bet they wouldn’t be 3rd….
Yeah Adam, one guy asked him how it felt to take charge of a team that had finished 3rd the previous season, spend £100 million and then take them to the dizzying heights of…. 3rd…. 😆
I didn’t Adam…
Did you see the questions that were asked of Mourinho when he was going to do a Twitter Q&A?
Some were really funny and of course the one thing that egocentric psycho bullies cannot stand is being laughed at, so well done to those who took part.
Morning Kev…
I hope so Adam….
That must be it Kev. 🙂
I shall try to cut down.
Yes Adam, I believe that I read somewhere that algae can make you groggy when taken with green tea… 🙂
It’s another beautiful warm sunny day in London Town, if a little hazy…
It’s gonna be a couple of degrees warmer than yesterday, 23/24° perhaps?
Great for a technical passing team on a large stamina sapping pitch…
The hotter the better…
Hiya Kev. You mean my red algae. 🙂
Que sera Rico. Barring a catastrophe I think we will be ok.
Morning All…
Morning Lee, Rico and Adam…
Groggy Adam?
Must be those red seaweed tablets mate. 😉
Morning Adam, can’t think why you feel calm… 😉
Morning Rico and Lee. I am feeling quite calm, if a little groggy. 🙂
Morning Lee and all…
I too am nervous, very nervous…
The media have stopped counting in years, they are now quoting how many days it is since we won a trophy… Knobs!
Morning all you Gooners!!!
Cup final day is here and I’m nervous!!
My mate was offered £1500 for his pair of tickets!!!!!
If we start with the right tempo, get an early goal I think we’ll get a hat full…..
So Paddy got up and he sang it again.
Nite Wath Wemberlee,Wemberlee we’re The Famous Arsenal and we’re going to Wemberlee!!
Yeah and when they asked her why she wore the yellow ribbon,she said it’s for the Arsenal and we’re going to Wmberlee! apparently!! lol
Right, am off to enjoy a bit of telly and a refreshing GG….
You all have a great night where ever you may be and chat 2moro when the bird walk up wembley way with her yellow ribbon signing It’s for my Arsenal and we’re going to wemberleeeeeeeeeeeeee….
Night all…!
Wath,spot on,Stan has nothing to do with it,this is for the fans and the team.Get the job done,get the cup and celebrate like f**k!!!
Was it a yellow ribbon by any chance….?
Wath,some bird wore it in the merry month of May apparently. lol
Winning 2moro is for the fans and to give the players the boost they need to know they can win trophies and also push on to want more success…!
Bt….. whats all this about a ribbon…. 🙂
Nash… I couldn’t give a rats arse for Stan… we win he may think no need to invest thats my biggets concern but for 2moro i ain’t worrying abt that lets just win it and get the trophy in the cabinet…!
I hope we win 2moro. AW needs this feeling; Stan needs this feeling. And I hope this FA Cup would be the turning Point of things to come.
Hi Wath. Can you believe it, we’re really in the final of the FA Cup?
12 pm in our neck of the wood.
Evening/morning Nash
She wore she wore!!!1
Thanks Potter. 5 Hrs. difference
5 pm English time , you will have to work out the time difference.
Good Evening Everyone
Does anyone know when is the Kick-Off time 2moro?
Cheers Kev… sleep tight mate and you have a good day 2moro and drive safe… chat thru the day mate…!
Take care…..
Well that’s my lot too Wath, i’m up at 6am, early start.
Night Rico, night Wath…
Wath, i’ll text ya tomorrow mate…
Sleep well buddy
Liteweight…………………..
Nite Rico…. sleep tight and sweet dreams and think of Mikel lighting that trophy….
I’d love to stay but just looked at the clock…
Am I really still awake… 😉
Night Kev, Wath and all…..
I think Hayden has the physique Kev, also has the hunger…. will he get a chance…??
Has Miguel not played much for Leicester this season…?
Thing is has he learnt anything though..?
Good point Wath, Isaac Hayden. He can play both CB & DCM. I’d put Haydwn ahead of Miquel…
All the rest of the U21/Youth CD are either far too young or not good enough.
Not seen Ajayi the kid we took from Charlton, so I can’t say about him?
Thats him Wath, 16?? Forget him then for now…
Julio Pleguezuelo ??
Rico….. Pleggy…? He’s 16….!
My old man said be a tottnum fan I said…………f**k off Bollox your a c*#t…………….
Who is that kid who recently signed Wath, meant to be awesome but still 17/18 years old I think…
Ginter is another, if we can persuade him to leave Germany.
Stones??
I think Lee and Adam rate him… 😉
Beggars can’t be choosers though Kev. Unless another big spending club come in for him, he won’t get anywhere near what he’s on now…
He’s earned enough, maybe now he’d choose football? Just a thought….
The kid at Everton, is worth a punt…
The thing is hull has bus ready to go on Sunday as well but it’s not big issue when they do it.
Corruption it do’s not happen in England or it has no corrupt match officials does it.
We need to go out and put some money on an Arsenal player been sent off.
We all moan about players not getting a chance yet when a player is said to be leaving we all want him replaced with a purchase…. what about replace and promote from within..?
Have we really not got a 4th choice centre half who half decent..?
Hayden… or he now more defensive midfield..?
I hope he doesn’t leave Wath, mixed feelings though…
But Richards is a Gooner, maybe he’d wind his lifestyle in if he was playing for us…
Lescott isn’t a bad shout Wath, but it’ll be his wages mate…
Too expensive…
That’s what I mean Kev, AW will have to sign someone, and possibly someone who can cover in a few positions…
Tough summer ahead for the manager….
Party animal Rico…. not heard that’s changed….!
I have a feeling TV actually don’t wanna go…. Making the WC squad was important…!
What about Richards Wath, bit younger too and good cover for Jenks…
So Rico, we lose Verm on top of losing Sagna.
Well you ain’t gonna win the EPL wjth two centre-backs…
Miquel couldn’t get a game for Leicester City, so to expect him to be anything but an emergency 5th choice, (or 4th choice if you’re really optimistic) is crazy…
Wenger might need to bring in two centre-backs…???
That’s why I said Lescott…. and he can play right back….!
An old one too Kev.
Losing both will give AW a severe headache, and Per isn’t a spring chicken….
“She wore, She wore, She wore a yellow ribbon! She wore a yellow ribbon in the merry month of May,
And when, I asked, her why she wore that ribbon! She said its for the Arsenal and we’re going to Wembley!
Wembley! Wembley! We’re the famous Arsenal and we’re going to Wembley”
COYRRG’S
ManCity have gained a player who can fill in at centre-half, that’s all…
But if we lose Vermaelen, we’ll go from four probable centre-backs to two…
🙂 Wath… I still won’t, but I’d love to….
Exactly Kev, exactly…..
The only thing Sagna has been promised is a shed load of cash…
Rico, U not tempting fate your planning ahead…..
Night Ts…
Ts, Potter posted a link earlier. Hull City have done the same re the parade…
Cheers Ts…
Enjoy 2moro…
I do Wath, I really do but I won’t because I don’t want to tempt fate…. 😉
enjoy the rest of your evening Wath, Gj, Rico and all…
Same here Gj; I am making my way to the Emirates area.. I will either stay there and watch the game in Tollington or get lucky with a spare ticket someone hasn’t picked up yet according to a friend…
Ok then Rico…
lol… we better win Gj… AR16 and OG12 to score…
————————————————————————–
the way the parade bus photo was released was a bit dubious… still no matter what I it will be a turning point in the clubs future…
I think it will be tight..
I was speaking to someone who came back from a business trip in the Far east and he was saying that bets were being taken for us to go 1 man down…
Agreed Rico, fuck Citeh and their oil money who gives a shit….
Go get bubbles Rico you know ya wanna 😉
Hmmm, who cares what City are up to…
Tbh, I’m far more interested in our FA Cup Final….
I am going to the pub tomorrow will drink a lot no matter what ever comes our way.
Tsgh how you feeling about tomorrow
No corks ready in my house Wath….
Remember Richard Wright is/was on their books just for the numbers..
I think they will move for a swap of Rodwell and Barkley and ten make a move for Curtis Davies depending on Sagna…
I have no idea how long more is left on ade’s contract at spurs but they will have to keep pay him until it ends.
I think the wages may be there big issue plus four of the players you named are English they may have issues over home grown players.
Maybe Irn bru on ther chill… super with fried mars bar to celebrate a bvb and Arsenal win tomorrow… 🙂
The tolly will be festive Ts….
Can think of a few that will be rocking tomorrow when we perform and win…!
7 up. 😀
wages*
Hark at you lot with all the bubbles at eh ready… only bubble I got is sprite at the ready 😉
Gj, they will get rid of Rodwell, Richards,Lescott, Barry, Adebawhore fees finished last financial year…
That is nearly half a million a week in wakes… they can still bring in Barkley and another 2 and comply imo…
Boy Arsenal fans can only dream of spending €60 million on players in a transfer window.
lo… Rico. if he does join we will see…
A u turn on the cards…
Sky sports are reporting that the club have said that it’s only going to spend €60million plus what ever they earn from sales. It will have to reduced spending the following season as well.
Wages at the club for the next couple seasons will have to stay the same as they currently are this season.
You must have been a ‘fly on the wall’ during talks to know that Ts….
Seems so JM, why he’d go there i don’t know….
Or maybe the money is tempting…..!!
Sagna has been promised a CB role…
Net spending of clubs in EPL..
Man City – £479m
Chelsea – £286m
Man Utd – £138m
Liverpool – £89m
They have Zabaleta why they need Sagna?
another one to City
A double weekend for me BVB and Arsenal to win…
That’s a surprise about City….
Ox is fit..
http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/alex-oxlade-chamberlain-of-arsenal-in-action-during-a-news-photo/491252675
I m lurking…
Good news Gj
Man city have agreed to except FFP penalties plus significantly reduce transfer spending for the next two seasons.
Where is everyone on this Cup eve??
Stomach full of butterflies good luck to the lads tomorrow
‘soon after tomorrow’
🙂 Bt….
Deal to be done after tomorrow Lee. Shame, a real shame…
Micko, wash your mouth out 😉 😉
Sagna off to citeh…apparently according to the BBC!
Rico,if we f**k up it will be war!!! lol
Afternoon all,
Can’t wait, this time tomorrow we’ll be well on our way to ending the most infamous trophy drought in football history, bit of an exaggeration but it kinda feels that way…..long time since Patrick Vieira put the ball in the back of the net for us.
🙂 Potter…
Bt, If I had that combo, it would be war… lol
Hi Rico,havn’t had a Red Strip in years,may have to get some into the fridge with the cider,jack and champers.I predict a riot. lol
Oh dear what a calamity.
David James declared bankrupt!!
Dear oh dear!
I have a few Red Stripe chilling in the fridge Kev 😉
Rico, have about 5 Peronis before kick-off, and you won’t care either way… 😛
Afternoon all..
I hope i’m not going to be drowning my sorrows…. 🙁
Ashley williams is being linked to us again? 😀 shocking
I have some fufu and palm wine ready myself 🙂
Adam,i’ve a bottle of Heidsieck and one of Moet, not quite Cristal,hope to have reason to open one. Both been knocking about for a while now. She wore!
Lol… Wath…
I might be lucky on a corporate ticket tomorrow apparently…
If not Tollington tomorrow to catch the game…
Wath. I am with you then. 🙂
Not sure that Crystal would go well with my pints of GG… 🙂
Yes Adam I am mate…. No idea why but not nervous at all and think we’ll win and win well….!
Like the players attitudes and what they saying… there is zero complacency there…!
BT. Yep, I had the offer to go to the stadium by mail but decided against it.
Wath. I hope so mate. It’s a bottle of Cristal. You feeling confident then?
Cheers Wath, full of the cold all week, been buzzzin for all the wrong reasons! lol.
Mate the GG is perfectly temp controlled…. straws at the ready umbrellas sorted and I have a HUGE thirst………..!
Realx Ts that Vidal fella is pretty shut I hear…!
Wath you still lurking?
Are the GG being kept at the right temperature with the pink and white straws as well as umbrellas’ ready for tomorrow? 🙂
Need to keep you buzzing Bt……
Adam will calm you down Kev, make sure he shares that bubbly with you…..! 😉
Don’t know how true or recent this is but if it is… I will probably cry… 🙂
http://www.givemesport.com/466054-sir-alex-ferguson-steps-in-to-help-man-united-sign-arturo-vidal
Adam you’ve opened a can of worms here mate!! lol. Just talked a mate,he’s heading to Emms tomorrow a fiver in, tried for club level but sold out.
Tomorrow is gonna be pants Wath.
Up at 6am, out early, probably picking up a few Hull fans, by about 3pm the nerves will start kicking in, by 4.30 i’ll be in pieces…
Fcuk this football lark, I hate to luv it… 🙄
Wath, She wore a yellow ribbon, she wore it for The Arsenal and we’re going to Wemberlee,Wemberlee!,Wemberlee! We’re The Famous F**kin Arsenal and we’re going to Wemberlee!! Adam what a timeless classic, Hendrix,may dig that out later.
Adam, i’ll settle for that and Little Wing as an encore, man! 😉
afternoon all
The moves, only after the world cup
Afternoon Adam, Kev and Potter… Yes Potter we will i am most certain all be drinking to the Arsenal and mates 2moro where ever we shall be…!
I can sense that poo getting opened 2moro Adam….!
Kev. It might end up sounding a bit like Voodoo Child. 🙂
Tomorrow, I will mostly be sitting on the rank with Spud cabbies… 😆
Afternoon Wath, yes you are right, I am an old fart… 😀
Adam, can you give a rendition of,
Wemberlee, Wemberlee,
And we’re all pissed up
And we’re going to Wemberlee…
(But not this year, personally)
On your Stratocaster…
Nipping off for a couple of hours – catch up later…
I hope it’s not at 9pm tomorrow night Adam….
Potter. If we win I shall do that. It is a super bottle so the age will have improved it. If not, it shall remain unmolested until the next time.
Drink it then Adam , Champagne and Cava doesn’t really like laying down , it’s brewed for drinking , so why disappoint it.?
Afternoon Adam…
I am indeed Wath, looking forward to 90 mins behind the sofa tomorrow evening…. lol
You well?
Potter. That bottle of champagne I put in the fridge before the Champions League final is still there.
We will all be apart but I am sure that “”we will drink drink together for the sake of the Arsenal “”, as the song goes.
Alexis Sanchez would be interesting.
Afternoon Rico and Wath.
Afternoon Lady Rico….. I trust you are in fine fettle ?
Afternoon Wath…
Kev – 12:29… don’t blame the phone you old fart…it’s the user 😉
Afternoon all…..
Not long now…..! I am so looking forward to telling a few ppl to stick their 9 years up their arses….!
Bt – What did she wear…………………..?
Screaming and kicking, no doubt Rico. lol
Night Cg, sorry, got dragged away…
No probs ts, two big sofas here mate! lol. Sunshine, cider and The Arsenal what’s not to enjoy!!
Hi Bt62.. just enjoy the journey mate
She wore.she wore,she wore a yellow ribbon,she wore a yellow ribbon in the merry month of May,and when i asked her why she wore the ribbon?? she said….. Starting to get emontional now!! lol. Afternoon all, good post Kev.
Sorry Cg… I had to leave my desk ..
I don’t rate Tello btw… no end product. I prefer Defeuleu (Spelling)
Have a great day fellow Gooners. We’re off to Wembley.
Keep The Faith!
Scott, I will get back to you re: covers…
Night Digger
Good night Scott. Don’t forget to check your post.
Ginge – What do you think of Farcelona’s Cristian Tello?
Kev – I hope so too re OC
Night Scott…
I’m off for the night….have a great day everyone, and catch you all before kick off!!
Ginge, I saw an interview with Gibbs earlier, and it made me more confident.
Not an ounce of cockiness, but seemingly calm, but quietly confident.
They will do the job.
Ginge – Neither Arsene nor the team will take Hull City for granted. They’ll show respect for them.
I expect Hull to sit back, defend deep and hit us on the counter attack. We’re used to those tactics and have the patience to grind it out. Once we score our first goal, the nerves will settle and we will take control.
do you like the statistical curves Ginge? 😛
I feel your hands are itching…… 😉
CG, work pays for the trips to the Arsenal, I guess!
Ginge, I can believe anything Ramsey does 🙂
Kev, if you want to get a list of phone types of everyone, I will have them printed up!!
Cg- stats is like beauty.. in the eyes of teh beholder. lol
Hull tigers lol
Ginge – I (might / definitely would – highlight your choice) make some errors, but I wouldn’t be like the Swansea owner and change the colour of the home strip or like the Hull owner and try and change the name of the club.
Same here Kev.
In my view though being a man who believes in history repeating itself (cough) observation.
The last 7 or so FA cups have been tense initially… the wave and magnitude of national and international opposition is always with the underdog; AW has to set the team up for the long haul…
My concern from speaking to few fans is that we all expect to turn up and win… if the players go with that attitude then,…
You may well be right about AOC. If fit to play, bring him on in the last quarter. I also think that Tomas Rosicky will figure prominently.
*hot* day…
Hate blogging on a phone, poxy thing.
Hiya Rico…
Its a bottomless pit Cg… you can’t just put in £500m and put your feet up…
Look at the AV owner as an example..
You have to have a long term view imho… a side project per se…
Ginge – Stats are a very useful tools. You just have to be very very careful how you collect, analyse and interpret them. It is a bit of an art and not all science.
CG/Ginge/Rico…
A really day is gonna suit a technical team over one that relies more on closing down and workrate.
I hope that AOC is fit for the bench, a bit of pace against a tiring Hull team could finish them off…
That’s funny, every day here this autumn has been mid 20’s, sunny and warm. Tomorrow we get English weather of cool and wet and London is sunny and warm.
A story from Ripley’s ‘Believe It or Not’;
‘Arsenal’s offer was the greatest compliment I ever had’ Terry Vanables in charge of The Arsenal.
http://www.london24.com/sport/arsenal/arsenal_s_offer_was_the_greatest_compliment_i_ever_had_1_3602559
Ts, they are… lol
Totally agree Kev, survival of the fittest tomorrow… Meant to be 25 degrees tomorrow….
Ginge – I’d love to be able to buy our club. The downside is, if we weren’t winning, I’d have to listen to all you whinging Gooners’ comments about that useless stingy Canadian #*&% that knows bugger all about the ethos of The Arsenal or the game of football in general.
Kev – I’m with you there. I don’t think Hull have the discipline to play for a scoreless tie to force penalties. While Arsenal have the patience and guile to break/grind them down.
Lol Cg… same as.
Then again I don’t want to be rich so…
I did say I was unambitious. 😀
Evening post says Chelsea want to swap Luiz for Manzukic and pay 15m cash. That’s crazy, surely they made that up.
Ginge – My crystal ball is away for polishing and if it worked as well as I would like it to I’d be a very rich man. Rich enough to buy Arsenal FC.
Flamini 1.3 tackles per game… Arteta 3.3 per game same as Lucas of Liverpool.. amazing that.
But then again stats are useless I read… lol
Ginge – No, I haven’t read that, nor do I expect to read it.
Cg- based on that is Sagna joining Nasri at City as per the media’s post?
Kev, the weather will be good for all gooners watching the game in the pub next to the emirates.
Hope they water the pitch correctly though so the ball can glide over the turf…
No Scott, you are excellent company and a wonderful table-tennis player…
Now Digger, where is my iPhone cover??? 😀
Scott – Ah yes work, the curse of the drinking class.
If the weather’s like this, tomorrow, then it’ll be fantastic for a passing team and strength-sapping for any team who parks the bus…
Emotionally draining for those players not used to it.
Fortunately Arsenal have the perfect balance of youth and experience.
Sure need an early goal and bring them out to play then hit them!
Very interesting, if true that is;
http://www.givemesport.com/466269-arsenal-players-requested-samir-nasri-exclusion-from-france-squad?autoplay=on
So. it is not just Arsenal fans that dislike or detest $amir Na$ti.
Scott, would you believe AR16 makes over 2 more tackles a game more than Yaya Toure? Amazing that…
2nd best tackler in the league behind Morgan for the 2nd consecutive season… 4th in Europe.
Did your senses need dulling with me, Kev?
That’s terrible lol
Thanks for positive vibe everyone btw…
Coach, i’m like you, it’s usually tempting fate and dangerous, but I just have positive thoughts when I think of tomorrow…
Stan, go and drink a pint of GG, that’ll settle your nerves, it works for Wath…
I usually have a small drink or two, and if i’m with Scott it’s nine or ten…
It just dulls the senses Stan…
Adam, how is the groggyness today?
You’ll be bright as a button this time tomorrow.
Who is he making look bad, Ginge?
Lol Ginge.
Scott tell AR16 to increase his average tackles again mate… an average of 3.3 is a drop… 😉 Bread and butter…
Lol.. I didn’t know you read my post Scott.. 😛
At the beginning of the season I ‘predicted’ EPL and FA cup title.. AW decided to help out his old friend Pelle’ so the FA cup is with us goonie… 🙂
Ginge, you cheeky bastard hahahahaha.
Lee, 10.48, top post amigo.
Oh, and my social calendar is work, work and Sean’s football, CG 🙂
Excellent post Kev…
Enough said.. !
Goonie.. take a chill pill mates the worse that can happen? 😛
Cg- have you read AR16 has handed in a transfer request?
Hahaha.
CG, he is yet fulfil the dream though……
Stan, we will be winning, and you can quote me on that.
Scott – You’re the one that is always banging on about Rambo scoring a hat trick. So, it is you who should offering the odds.
Talk about wanting your cake and to eat it too.
Scott – If you get an invitation, I’m sure you’ll be able to re-arrange your schedule.
It must be nice to have such a full social calendar.
Geez Scott I wanna believe so bad but recent history suggest otherwise. And knowing Bruce he ll make it as tough as an armadillos backside. That manc coont. Grrr
Stan, it’s more important we don’t concede early than it is we score early.
We get through their adrenalin surge, and we will destroy them.
Stan, remember, one day, your bub will be able to wipe its own backside 🙂
CG, I’d have to check my schedule though lol.
Can he bag a hat trick….yes, he can.
I want odds!
Who will offer me some?
Calm down Stan!
CG what has that got to do with my freaking out. I just don’t need them to bottle it up tomorrow. We need an early goal or else my nerves ll be jangling. If we don’t score up until the 60th minute then who knows what I might do to myself. Don’t wanna sit through penalties.
Scott – Just keep checking your post. You never know.
So, are you giving odds on Rambo to score a hat trick?
Stan – Take some Immodium, some slow deep breaths and chill out. Remember, in through the nose and out through the mouth.
Hey Scott it’s so hard to stay tough when your 3 month old baby keeps bawling in ur eye all day long. Somebody help me. Am about to lose it.
Haha CG……Aaron would ask Scott who lol!
Stan, toughen up, man!
Be confident 🙂
Scott – Have you got your invitations yet;
http://www.ashburtongrove.co.uk/2014/05/aaron-ramsey-announces-some-heart.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AshburtonGrove+%28AshburtonGrove.co.uk%29
Hopefully this will keep Aaron out of the bars and clubs and out of trouble, so he can concentrate on playing.
That was supposed to read ” very important” damn touch screen phone.
Errr CG no it wont. I ve seen these guys struggle in very I’m so games this season. Plus all hull need to do is haul (no pun intended) a trailer park in front of their goal post and play for penalties. Am shitting myself guys.
Hi goonster..
Just those Adam… 😉
Morning Cg…
Good Morning to The Lady of the House and all fellow Gooners in residence.
Kev – A great trip down Memory Lane.
I’m with Devil, I think we will run away with the game. The Birmingham game will be in the minds of most of the team and they wont want to feel like that again. Either we will be fast out of the blocks from the whistle or after a scare or two will regain our composure and control the game from there on.
Morning adam a trip to old Hampton won’t be a bad idea man. Am losing my wits. Can’t take another Birmingham type collapse. I ll probably kill myself.
Rico. Of course they do. They only have Ibrahimovic and The Night Stalker and are wearing a huge fine for breaching FFP rules.
Goonster.
Gee am so scared I can’t even speak English right. God help me
Is it me or is everybody else have this foreboding feeling that we are going to choke again. Am petrified guys. God help me
Adamant
And shit on the bastards below. (sung to my bonnie lies over the ocean ).
Rico 😀
Morning guys…what’s new?
PSG want Benzema ….
They’d have to catch him first, and the Totts aren’t able to catch anything… Only food poisoning…
Do that and you’ll end up in a kebab.
I’d fly over Tottenham High Road.
if i had the arse of a crow
That’s a nice little piece Lee.
Reminds me of a song Scott:- If I had the wings of a sparrow.
Boys boys…. 😉
10.40 Adam. Very funny….. lol
Very pretty!
foxy Rico
Swindon 1969 still hurts
By Alex Steine
45 years ago Arsenal were hot favourites in a Wembley final…
I went to this game, and, although forty-five years have elapsed, the game’s outcome still cuts through me. Now, writing an account of a match which nestles in mothballs at the back of the mind’s old-suitcase-under-the-bed-in-the-spare-room is a task in itself. I think it requires a discipline of mammoth proportions, demanding a litany of pre-requisites. It has to be interesting, humorous, well-written and factual. Oh well, one out of four will have to do. I’d suffered the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune along the way in my support of the Arsenal; I was not alone. Many barren years had passed but something was evolving, a new Arsenal perhaps. The previous season we’d flirted with winning a trophy, but went down to a gruesomely effective Leeds United side. The gangsters of English football. They would win their first ever league title come May. This year would be our redemption. We were firm favourites, so what on earth could go wrong? With hindsight that question in itself could have provoked a mailbag of replies. Yet even so…
I lived near Wembley in those days and, as an aside, would say I saw more matches at Wembley Stadium than possibly any other general member of the footballing public. I would be at work and a colleague might say, “Doing anything tonight? Fancy going to see England?” Invariably I’d find myself paying at the turnstile, and wandering in to watch England perhaps play Switzerland in a friendly. To endorse this point, a while ago my wife discovered a carrier bag full of Wembley counterfoils I’d stashed away, just some of the matches I’d attended, including all the Wembley ’66 World Cup games (including the one game played at the old White City Stadium). Odd that one of the few who witnessed England winning the World Cup in that July sunshine is very much an anti-international football man. At Wembley, I had a routine. I knew the less congested roads, where to park, and then a twenty minute walk through the High Street found me beneath the shadows of the Twin Towers. Even so, it was a little odd going to watch my lads. Two consecutive appearances, this was becoming a good habit.
Now, I am not superstitious or cosmic in any way – fundamental and realistic would more aptly describe me. Yet a Cup Final does some funny things to a person. On my way, wandering past Henry and George Cooper’s greengrocers – they were nowhere to be seen today, perhaps Our Henry, an Arsenal fan, was already at the Stadium – I espied a silver ‘A’, in the road. It was from a car number plate, and, scooping it up, I determined it was a good luck symbol; in fact it proved portentous. The ‘A’ – for Arsenal – lying in the gutter. This was an age of male peacock-style clothing, and I didn’t let the side down. I went in a floppy-collared royal blue dress shirt with a yellow neckerchief tied flamboyantly around my neck. I cringe as I type the description. Still, with one flick of his musketeer-type hair, I see the younger me grinning and shaking his head at the older version telling his story. It is his tale after all. Concorde had made its first test flights, then its inaugural flight, and The Beatles had performed their final live performance on the rooftop of the Apple building in Savile Row (and yes John, you most definitely passed the audition). On the subject of the Mop Tops, they’d released Yellow Submarine, and this was pertinent to the North Bank choir, as we all lived in our very own Red Submarine for the remainder of the season, and in seasons to come.
Now the match is infamous for the ruined playing surface. The wisdom of our elders had allowed the Horse of the Year Show – a big event in this Spartan England – to take place on the hallowed Wembley turf. They never let us down, do they? So during a wet period these gigantic beasts, weighing well over half a ton with rider, were allowed to gallop and jump all over the pitch. Incredible, and all just before a cup final! We needn’t have worried – the problem was in hand. Lorry-loads of sand were tipped and spread around, filling holes and, in so doing, producing a passable resemblance to Ramsgate beach. Interesting to reflect that television would never allow them to do that now, another case of the tail wagging the dog in today’s world, but in this instance it would have arrived at the correct decision. Leading up to the match, the rain continued to fall so heavily that men in the area were seen hammering planks and making large wooden floating vessels. Our boys took to the field wearing…yellow! They looked good. A resurrection of the 1950 Liverpool FA Cup Final kit. Yellow would attain a magical sense of importance to Arsenal fans from hereon in. Despite the attempt at camouflage, it didn’t prove worthwhile. The sludgy effect of the saturated sand, mixed with mud (mud at Wembley? You really couldn’t make it up) made for an unspectacular mess. So did some of our play.
Early on, a mix-up with Willow and Ian Ure, who was the main culprit in overhitting/misdirecting a back pass, led to the opening goal. It rebounded off Bob and fell into the path of Smart, who after a pinball moment with Peter Simpson, put it away. We then spent the rest of the game pummelling Swindon. The keeper, Peter Downsborough, played the game of his life, being awarded ten out of ten in Sunday’s newspapers. As the game wore on – I was stationed behind Swindon’s goal – it became more frenetic as the clock ticked down. We rained shots and crosses into their box.
I remember, to my eternal woe, one wonderfully piercing, diagonal ball from right to left, perhaps from Jon Sammels, which came into the area. Stroller Graham came hurtling in and was a toecap away from nudging the ball across the line into the unguarded goal. In anger and frustration I stamped down so hard I injured my back. I was like a cartoon character who is hit on the head. You know, they shudder and wobble. I did too, with my eyes like catherine wheels and this pain running up the length of my spine like an electric shock. I have had a back complaint since. What a clown! There was just a handful of minutes left when Bobby Gould chased down a ball into the box, a collision tackle saw the ball loop up and drop kindly for him as he continued his run, nodding the equaliser. Wheeling away, with arms outstretched, muddied shirt and face, with that personable cheeky boy’s smile his pose became an iconic photograph. If only it had heralded a success story. We learnt later that his blind father was at the game. Reflections of the ecstasy and agony that man suffered on the day epitomised every Arsenal fan’s hurt.
Extra time saw Swindon take the lead again, with a Keystone Cops comedy clip. A corner, ball dropped into the box, and a dozen or so men tried kicking the ball or each other in the quagmire, which was a lamentable description of our area. It was a miracle that no player lost a boot. Finally it bobbled across the line. With Arsenal pushing forward, searching for a last-minute equaliser, it fell to that hapless man Ian Ure to tamely lose possession through poor control. A through ball saw Rogers with a free run at goal to get his second of the game and win the cup for Swindon.
This was perhaps a seminal moment for Arsenal. We struck out after this massive disappointment to capture the European Fairs Cup in the following season, and we established the ‘new’ Arsenal the year after in attaining the Double. It was also a seminal moment for the UK, as an Australian had entered society at a frighteningly persuasive level – Rupert Murdoch had arrived and one extreme man’s narrow and nasty views of life were about to be foisted on our society and to change it for the worse.
Ian Ure’s Arsenal career lay in tatters and, by August, he had become a Manchester United player. He epitomises much of Arsenal’s performance to me in the 1969 Final, and the platform we built on. He was a centre-half of some repute – but failed in his attempt to convert from the demands of a very good Scottish centre-half to that of an English one. Our game was changing fast with big men using aerial dominance to lead attacks, and the flick-ons to other speedy players. Ure was exposed, unable to adapt his easy clearance style; slow in turning, he was at sea on many occasions. Sad for the ’68 and ’69 Arsenal, sad for the man – he wasn’t a bad player, just unable to convert to the rigours and demands of a new requirement. Stepping from the wings onto centre stage though emerged Terry Neill and the young midfielder, Frank McLintock. The cementing in defence of the latter marked Arsenal’s rise to dominance. Frank was fast, with great timing, and a footballer; reading the game better than any, rarely out of position and having this incredible three-dimensional awareness of where others should be on the pitch at any one time, most importantly the ability to convey in words what he expected. These qualities made him the greatest skipper of all time for me. With Don Howe as a cohort, Frank was going to take us to the summit. Still, that unexpected defeat would always just be around the corner, perhaps waiting to come into view. It did in 1978, 1980 and 1988. It again came back to haunt us in 2011; it mustn’t in 2014.
Think you’ll find Leona and her blue eyes have now been added….
4 mate. Unreasonable behaviour.
I didn’t want to pick you up there Lee… lol
TAG Heuer for me
Lee, they shit upwards, it circles the globe and drops on you lot lol
Well, on the white part of North London!
Oz, I’m glad you left him alone!!
What number?
i left myself out they’re for a lessun………
I hd one for a while Lee but it went in a divorce settlement.
Do Australian birds just shit into the abyss?
Glad you corrected that brudder.
I’ll get to it right away Lee…
Scott – close call mate but decided not to pressure the lad to much 🙂
IWC Big pilot one of my favourite watches!
Devil. English birds are far too civilised to do such a thing. 🙂
Morning what i would like is a “its only Ray Parlour” moment where the BFG jinks past one then a second looks up and curls one in from 25 yards 3-1 to the Arsenal i think
Leona even
Adam, if we do win, will we then end up with with what we deserve 🙂
Either way, I hope we get it!
Oz, did you take the Aaron hat trick as well?
He has been dazzled by Rodger’s new white Hampsteads Rico.
I see Rodgers has got rid of his wife and has a younger, slimmer model now. He has done a bit of weight, had some Botox and traded Primark for Hugo Boss. The old Accurist watch has been replaced by an IWC Big Pilot now. He’s still only 5 foot 2 though.
Leano Lewis hall of fame?
Can’t wait anymore,one sleep to go doesn’t make it much better.Anyway,since I have choice,am gonna wait.Am really confident we will win but I can still feel an upset and I hope am wrong.If kos,ramsey,ozil,carzola and Giroud start,am going for a big victory.Seems hull city are missing couple of important players.
Adam – everyone seems to be getting in on giving it lip, if it backfires they will be crucified haha
be careful not to end with the shit in the coffee Adam. You surely love birds, but they might shower you with other things than love.
Did I hear a plop from here?? 😛
hope so Rico, we could do with him gone really
Hi Oz..
Agree there Adam… Just been bombarded by baby starlings all wanting sultanas – Spring is a wonderful season..
Last summer, Suarez said he wanted out of Anfield. He stayed.
This summer he says he is loving life at Anfield…
He’s off surely 😉
Morning again. Lovely here, sitting in the garden with a coffee, listening to the birds singing away. If we don’t win tomorrow then we will end up with what we deserve.
just laid some dollars on 3-1
Think I’ll be behind the sofa for this one Devil…
afternoon all, so some saying Benzema or Kalou!! How is that a comparison ha! Good post Kev enjoyed it.
Rico…….I did not feel that way before the Birmingham match. Infact I was practically shitting in my pants before the game. I was dreading it. I sort of knew we would botch it up.
But now it is different. I rarely get this feeling.
Only 3, Lee.
Quiet one for him 🙂
Not wearing those new poncy white boots he won’t 😉
Will that Welsh shit player score Scott? 😉
Morning devil. I’m not quite so confident as many..
On paper we should win but I thought the same when we played Birmingham..
Devil, our guys now have a steely resolve borne from tough times.
We will be victorious.
That’s quite funny Potter, their parade starts at 5pm, should make the game pretty easy for our boys to win as the Hull players will be on the bus 😉
Hiya Scott.
I am thinking of an even bigger score. I dont know why. MAybe its my heart over my mind and reality?
Devil, I am tipping 3 or 4 nil.
Like you, I don’t know why, but it couldn’t me more confident.
Great read, Kev.
Mate, were you really at the game as Rico says 🙂
Good Morning Lady, Sir, Gentlemen and Ladies.
Evening Scott.
Yes Kev. AFC do things the hard way. But on one hand I feel the same as you. Yet deep down I have a feeling that AFC will dish out a hiding which has never been seen in a final. I do not know why but that is how I feel.
If the link doesn’t work , just google Hull city parade.
That link won’t work for me potter….
Morning all…
Another real goody Kev. Loving the history lessons 🙂
http://www.hullcitytigers.com/…/201314-fa-cu... :- Strange how this doesn’t make headlines , Isn’t it ?
One sleep to go.
Well, one attempt at sleep to go 🙂
Morning everyone.