The Games

Today is like a Cup Final and we need to win it!!

Posted on by rico

Morning Gooners,

OK, it might not be a day out at Wembley but I tell you it will feel like it at three o’clock this afternoon.

Those are the words of Robin van Persie ahead of our final game against West Bromwich Albion, a must win if we are to secure 3rd place and with it, finish above you know who!

That seems to be very important as it attracts new players ahead of the transfer window but that’s not what counts today.

West Bromwich Albion will be managed by Roy Hodgson for the last time as he’s just been appointed as the new England Manager and he will want depart on a high.

No doubt Wenger and the Board will have drummed into the players that we have to qualify to attract the kind of players we need to move ourselves forward, the £30 odd million has nothing to do with it does it – yeah right!!

Players play in their positions on the pitch but they all have different jobs to do, a mistake at the back can result in a goal where a miss from six yards can lose you a goal but whatever position, they must all strive to not make those mistakes today.

It’s a team game, not an individual sport and one position at the back is no different from up front, losing the ball or giving it away to the opposition is the most harmful thing a player can do and its important that that doesn’t happen today!

When we are in possession, other players need to give an outlet, otherwise we end up passing sideways and backwards and the threat is gone for that moment!

Football is an easy game made hard by errors and lazy performances, if we lose the ball, chase back, get the possession back again, show the commitment that is needed in a team sport and especially today.

Whether a player is worth £1 million or £50 million is immaterial, the work rate, effort and desire to not give up is what matters. If things are going wrong and proving to be a weakness in our side today, replace them at the right time, don’t let their performance upset our balance, not today!

We have who we have for today’s game and we can’t change that until July, players should be giving their all for just one more game, if they can’t then let some other club have them and get players who are prepared to fight for the right to wear red and white. (with a hint of blue)

I would expect the whole of the Arsenal team to be up and ready for this game, their dismal performances in these last half a dozen closing games has been pitiful and we cannot afford to see the same today.

I truly hope each and every one of them pull their socks up, go out there today and give the manager a reason not to doubt them!

Work hard for one another from the first whistle to the last, keep the mistakes down to a minimum and don’t give the ball away.

Individuality is fine as long as its positive to the team but working as a tightly knit unit will win us this game.

This is a £30 million game don’t let yourselves down Arsenal, don’t let your manager down and most of all, don’t let us fans down…

This is it — 90 minutes to seal our fate. We must deliver.

Well said Robin, now go and lead the way!

COYG’s

Written by Steve Palmer

rico

0 thoughts on “Today is like a Cup Final and we need to win it!!”

  1. Micko says:

    Bayern all day long Adam, don’t want Chelsea winning it ! Spurs found their rightful place in the end, below us.

  2. Thorny says:

    Yes!!!!! Frigg that was such an afternoon. ive nearly totaly wrecked a bodyboard through stress! Arsenal looked like they were in slow motion to me……..
    Now I really can chant for Chelsea.
    Probably wont tho.
    Nice goal from Santos.
    GOOOONNNEERS!!!!!!!!!!!

  4. Scott From Oz says:

    QPR’s keeper has a hell of a lot to answer for.
    He played a part in all 3 Citeh goals.

  10. Adam says:

    I will indeed Scott. Agreed DG. Head rush it was. Do we want Chelsea to win the CL or don’t we give a toss?

  16. Adam says:

    The last couple of hours must have taken a few years off my life but credit where it’s due. Congratulations Arsene, the boys and all Gooners. Now, let’s get ready for a proper go at it next year. Open that cheque book Stan. I am off to open the bubbly and I’ll drink a toast to Rico and all who contribute to Highbury House. Cheers to you all.

  23. Scott From Oz says:

    Onya Alan,went off early like me lol.
    Well,that’s one for buying a league,and a disgraceful way to achieve success.
    Anyway,we’ve done what we needed to……time to build for next season.
    Get to it,Arsene.

  34. Scott From Oz says:

    Leave it Rico,it doesn’t worry my,I didn’t bite at it.
    Heat of the moment crap.

  43. EastSidePaul says:

    A lot of credit, that team of his is awful truly awful and some how they look like they will pull it off again!

  48. Scott From Oz says:

    Alan,if he is,I will join your bandwagon mate.
    We definitely need more,but thats for later.

  49. DutchGooner10 says:

    I personally think we developed language because of our deep inner need to complain. That’s why freedom of speech always leads to discussions.

  52. alanbstardmp says:

    Scott From Oz says:
    May 13, 2012 at 4:33 pm

    Alan,Podolski us a player of note,he’s a great signing.
    Then again,he signed before CL football was guaranteed.
    That’s the type of player we want.

    true Scott, but I suspect that Podolski is our ration

  53. Scott From Oz says:

    Rico,I don’t know the time.
    What’s your point?
    He reckons I made it personal,I beg to differ.
    I didn’t swear or abuse him once.

  55. Scott From Oz says:

    Alan,Podolski us a player of note,he’s a great signing.
    Then again,he signed before CL football was guaranteed.
    That’s the type of player we want.

  57. EastSidePaul says:

    Is there any way neither Machester club wins this… Couldn’t stomach United winning yet another league with that awful team, but then having to see Nasri with the trophy is enough to put you off dinner!!

  58. Scott From Oz says:

    Paul,you called me a shithead and told me to go fuck myself…..is that personal enough for you?
    You’re kidding.
    All I ask is you,and everyone else,support the side during the game.
    Apparently that’s too much to ask.

  59. alanbstardmp says:

    Scott From Oz says:
    May 13, 2012 at 4:23 pm

    Alan,nobody of note will sign with us if we miss CL though.

    AW won’t sign anyone of note anyway, and I don’t want more foreigners

  60. rico says:

    Well, I try my best to contain that Esp, honest, after all it then gets tit for tat – we are all above that….

  63. EastSidePaul says:

    Has to be one of the most action packed finishers in years!

    Rico, I know, I would like it if personal shots were not taken though.

  64. Scott From Oz says:

    Good.
    I hate Utd,but I detest Citeh for trying to buy the league.
    A player down and 2-1 up.
    Hope it stays that way.
    How are you feeling Samir????

  67. rico says:

    Goonster, don’t worry, I am going behind the pair of them and deleting comments 🙂

    Scott/Esp – no more trading comments…

    Both of you are entitled to your opinions……

  72. Goonster says:

    Guys let it go. We ve got enough on our hands to be fighting each other. Come on for Pete’s sake. The spuds have just scored. Sheesh.

  77. alanbstardmp says:

    if we win AW gets into his CL and gets money for the board and nothing changes with the team

    If we lose, they may change their evil ways for the better and get decent players

  81. EastSidePaul says:

    I would like you apologise to Rico for swearing on here, I know we should keep it clean on here!

  82. Scott From Oz says:

    QPR knew what they were buying so got what they deserved.
    Goonster,I’ve only ever fought with those bagging the club,so forgive me for that!!!

  86. Goonster says:

    Scott let it go. You ve fought with everyone on here. Paul has a right to air his grievances. Besides Paul is a noble fella. Let it go.

  96. EastSidePaul says:

    Scott I have been supporting my club since the day I was born, and I have only ever wanted the best for the club. Yes I’d love for us to finish 3rd, but I don’t think that is enough, the last 7 years have not been enough. Wenger basher? No, he did an amazing job at the club but has over stayed his welcome by years.

  100. Scott From Oz says:

    Paul,just explain exactly what a comment like that will achieve right now.
    Everyone knows you’re a Wenger basher,so why not actually support your club for a change???
    Rico,its looking good for them then,that’s good.

  101. rico says:

    I know that Esp but it is what it is, just for today….

    Once today is over, see what AW does in the next few weeks….

    And NO, I am not bloody happy, not in the slightest, all i want today is to get to 5pm knowing we didn’t get pipped by that lot….

  102. stevepalmer1 says:

    If i didn’t know better i would say this fffing game is rigged you don’t think the FA want roy to go out on a high do you at our expense

  104. agirlagunner says:

    Come on, let’s win this. Hi, Dutch; some GG ought to help you calm down. Goonie, you’re always looking for a reason to drink, aren’t you? 😉

  105. EastSidePaul says:

    Rico, no way should today have been about scrapping 3rd yet again, how many years and NO improvement, I guess everyone is happy though.

  108. Scott From Oz says:

    Just saw the table.
    QPR sacked Warnock,bring in Hughes,spend some cash and are even worse.
    See,changes guarantee nothing.

  111. rico says:

    Scott – right now Bolton need to win – i think if Citeh score a few more then Bolton will stay up as long as they win… if that makes sense…

  112. EastSidePaul says:

    Yeah scott I sure will! have you the champagne on ice? Wow we could come 3rd, I bet thats really exciting for you!! Struggling against Norwich and West Brom, go Wenger, that man can do NO wrong right?! I remember those awful days of challenging for trophies and winning things, thank god we don’t have the stress of that anymore huh scott??! YAAAY mediocrity!!

  114. Goonster says:

    I ve been drinking all day cause of this damned match…i ll definitely drink some more after this. God help me.

  116. Scott From Oz says:

    That’s it Paul,you stay solid!!!!
    You guys think we’ve had some bad decision…..wait until you see Stokes goal!!!!

  120. Scott From Oz says:

    We need one thing……that linesman to adjudicate offsides the same way in the second half.
    If so,we will have a picnic.

  122. Micko says:

    Get them in at half time, bang their heads together and pass the smelling salts around, someone has to take this game by the scruff of the neck.

  124. Scott From Oz says:

    Funny,a few guys I’ve known for years are walking around wearing Citeh shirts nowadays……..never even knew they followed the game,let alone that club.

  125. DutchGooner10 says:

    At the end of the day I might be an alcoholic for life. 😛

    My hart is pumping like a formula 1 engine, makes me dizzy.

    Rico. 🙂
    Agag 🙂
    Scott 🙂

    HH ers 😛 🙂 😉

  150. rico says:

    Yossi score scored first last weekend, then it went 2-1 to Norwich, let’s hope it doesn’t end up the same result 🙁

  165. Scott From Oz says:

    That defence was shit,and Chezza should have been out for it, it was a mile offside.
    Wtf was the linesman watching?

  184. stevepalmer1 says:

    Don’t worry Agag, even we can’t play shit all the time, they will be up for it today and its going to be a great afternoon i can feel it in my vodka :)catch you all at HT

  188. agirlagunner says:

    alan, I’m sure there’s a fun awaygirlz version, too. 😛 It’s on my ipod.

    rico, should keep him focused for the next season. He won’t always be given chances. 😉

    Hello, SSP. 😛 I’m steadily getting more optimistic as well.

  189. stevepalmer1 says:

    I want us to qualify on our own merit and that means a win 0.3 and it could be more 🙂

  195. stevepalmer1 says:

    http://www.vipbox.tv/sports/football.html
    If this game is not televised you may be able to stream the game on this site it has worked quite well in the past and often gives you a choice of streams. Bloody insult to supporters in the south to only have northern games on the box why can’t sky do a select your game like they do in the evening.

  196. rico says:

    I think that should be Gibbs at Left back, afc.com have pooped

    Great to see Jenks in and Coq/Song in midfield…. 🙂

  197. rico says:

    Wenger reads HH 😛

    Team in full:

    Szczesny, Jenkinson, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Santos, Song, Coquelin, Rosicky, Gervinho, Benayoun, Van Persie.

    Substitutes:

    Fabianski, Santos, Djourou, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Chamakh, Park.

  200. rico says:

    That’s what i thought Lee – but then i saw them advertise that us and three others, for live coverage go to SS3 – but Sky says it some IRB or some other old garbage…

    You and me both, really really worried about today….

  203. agirlagunner says:

    Hi, Lee!! You going? Micko, lucky you if you’ve only just started to get stressed. 😛

    rico, Air Supply is sooooo unapologetically sappy… What’s not to like?? Ahaha. I did say, the babysitters ruined me for life.

  208. rico says:

    Stress begin Micko, stress begin – its been with me since my eyes opened this morning…

    Afternoon to you 😉

  210. rico says:

    Fido agag, she is in the naughty corner and now sulking 🙂

    Hi Lee – Just caught a clip on Sky saying live coverage of our game on SS3, hope i didn’t get that wrong…

    Nervous??

  213. agirlagunner says:

    Haha, rico. But you spoil the woofa, so was it the chicken given corner time?? I’ve been trying to work since last night. Gave up, went out, had one too many to drink; woke up late, went out, had a haircut; and… I’m still on tenterhooks. 😉 I think I will breathe normally only after we secure third. 😛

    Not bad, alan. A bit more mellow than what I expected from you. But with the exact twangy sound I think I’m beginning to like. 😉 My babysitters played a lot of Air Supply when I was growing up, and I think that ruined me for life. 😀 😀

  214. Thorny says:

    Guys The Shop is a bit busy today. everyone wants new wetsuits and sunglasses. I just want to say good luck and take it easy…..we have 90 minutes and we have the right atitude. The cannons are loaded and ready to fire at maximum power.
    I have Arsenal player on lap top on the shop counter so……
    later.
    COYG!!!!!!!!!!!
    Lets get this thing done!!!

  217. alanbstardmp says:

    well in the Brown ale guzzlers win, we still go through on for and against. Totts are the threat

  218. rico says:

    😆 agag – think they have all given me a bit of brain damage…

    why has it had to come to this eh alan, should all have been over ages ago….

    It’s a fix 😉 😉

  221. rico says:

    thats bedtime for me alan 😉

    i think so too agag, i’m in and out of the garden, getting nothing done, managed to let one of the chickens out and Fido chased her around the garden – guess who is in the naughty corner and knows it!

  222. agirlagunner says:

    I think, rico everyone’s too worked up to get much sleep or get much else done. 😀

  225. alanbstardmp says:

    agirlagunner says:
    May 13, 2012 at 11:41 am

    Hi, rico. How was your night out?? 11 pm, I think. 🙂 🙂

    alan, go find a youtube vid fit for the occasion, please. 😉

    hah I’ll see what I can do

  227. rico says:

    Steve, and just watch the chavs not back Di Matteo, yet he is the one to have got them back on track and to the CL final but yet that won’t be good enough, even if they win it he will still probably be replaced…

  231. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning Alan, a man like myself stand by your principles no matter what, sometimes were right and sometimes were wrong a bit like Wenger, i don’t always believe that Wenger is always right but i believe he is the right man to lead us at the moment, not everybody is right all the time but if they don’t learn by the mistakes then they shouldn’t be in their positions , Many managers have been sacked after winning cups or having good runs but owners also stick to their principles as well and if they feel that you don’t fit then your gone. So far Wenger has shown a profit on the footballing side for quite some time plus he has shown consistently that he can keep the team in the top flight, many supporters myself included believe we should be challenging to be champions rather than looking for a position, but are we brave enough to change for some one new, many would say yes take a gamble take a chance while others like myself realise that by taking that chance could result a lot worse than what we have now, i believe you are one of those that would take the chance and you could be right but 5 years down the line you could be also thinking maybe i made a mistake, were making money and were getting European football do we take the gamble or not .

  236. rico says:

    No too late then, good agag

    Lovely night thanks, quiet meal and no footie talk which was good, one one my friends is quite anti arsenal and wenger, he’s a milwall fan so what else does one expect eh….

  237. agirlagunner says:

    rico, those alleged “fans” wishing us to lose are a sorry lot. Such provincial minds. It’s embarrassing that they claim to support our great club.

  238. agirlagunner says:

    Hi, rico. How was your night out?? 11 pm, I think. 🙂 🙂

    alan, go find a youtube vid fit for the occasion, please. 😉

  239. rico says:

    You know what saddens me so much…

    Been reading around a few blogs to see what fans think of today and it shocks me to read that some want us to lose today just so the ‘Wenger out’ cries can carry more weight…

    No doubt they are the same fans who want RvP to stay, well he won’t if we don’t get CL footie will he….

    How can any true fan WANT our team to lose a match….

    Beggars belief…..

  243. agirlagunner says:

    Boo!! Steve, I love this rallying cry of a post!! There is no choice but to win this! Come on you, Gunners!! Come on!

  244. Thorough says:

    Please, please and please Mr. Blogger this is not a cup final. Isnt cup finals those matches that no matter what we do, which essentially is setting out badly and giving the opponent 1goal or 1player headstart, we end up loosing? Birmin-fucking-ham didnt even have to come win it, because we were so ready to make sure we loose it. When there is a lil bit at stake these lot bottles it! Tell them its a dead-rubber game, a game of no significance or consequence, a ‘Dundee Utd vs Dundee FC’ fix, tell them anytin except that this is a cup final. Or better still go the way of Sagna: these are the enemies, and against the enemies we must never loose. But definitely not a Cup final sir.

  246. alanbstardmp says:

    rico says:
    May 13, 2012 at 9:22 am

    alan – you must write that every day, don’t you get bored 😉

    Rico, a chap must stand by his principles, especially when he’s right 😀

  247. Scott From Oz says:

    Devil,I’m suggesting he’s not ready to play a competitive match,but may have taken part in low intensity training.
    If that’s not the case,then buggered if I know.

  248. devilgunner says:

    Today each player plus AW and the subs must give their all. Its not as if there is another game next week and so they have to make sure that they play in it. They must work their balls off. They must stretch every sinew and muscle they have. If we win but half of them get injured so that they will not go to the Euros than bad luck.

    Incidentally yesterday I asked a question…….How come BFG took part in the German’s training camp and impressed but he is not in for today’s game??? Better we have him in reserve than JD or Squilly!!!! What do you think???

  251. rico says:

    ‘This group’s mental quality is one of best’

    Arsène Wenger says the mental qualities shown by his group of players this season rank among the best he has seen at the Club.

    Having been as low as 17th in the table in September, Arsenal have enjoyed a major revival and can seal third spot with a victory at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

    Wenger disagrees with the claim of some observers that this team is the weakest of his 15-year reign, and says they have shown real grit this term.

    “It is the public perception because we played for a long time in the season in a very bad position,” he said. “After seven games we had lost four. If you lose four in your first seven you are down there.

    “But we also didn’t get credit at all for knocking Udinese out [of the Champions League] and knocking Dortmund out – they won the Bundesliga quite easily and Bayern Munich are in the final of the Champions League. It was just normal!

    “What was interesting this season was, first of all, the mental quality of the group. It was one of the best I’ve seen. Secondly the team has grown in quality during the season and the results in the second half have been much stronger.

    “After that you must say as well the exceptional season of Robin van Persie kept us above water in a period where he scored 30 league goals. That is something exceptional.”

    Despite the difficult nature of the campaign at times, Wenger says he was always satisfied with his players’ approach.

    “On a daily basis it was a very enjoyable season – even in the dark times,” he said. “There is no worse situation as when you feel the players are not focused and not united or on board.

    “But I always felt during the season the group was united and ready to fight. So on a daily basis that is what you enjoy the most.

    “I always put a lot of pressure on myself, but maybe I was more under public pressure than before. But amazingly, I suffer more from my personal pressure.”

  253. Scott From Oz says:

    Well,my boys had a great win,but 6 y.o’s idea of a party is a Mcdonalds happy meal lol.

  256. devilgunner says:

    Brilliant man. Fireworks and a street party to boot. And they are still cleaning up this morning. 🙂

  257. rico says:

    Hi devil, leave those blonds alone 😉 😉

    Scott – totally agree, why oh why eh but today it’s about getting it right from Wenger to the last sub…

  260. Scott From Oz says:

    Rico,I think if Arsene had made a few different choices we would be home free.
    If,buts and maybes.
    Let’s win today and celebrate the same result.

  261. devilgunner says:

    Good Morning Fine Guys and Fine Chicks of the Gunners’ Faith.

    Dare I say it Sir SP……but you can make a good motivational coach. That is a top post, where you made sure you spoke about every department in the team.

    While browsing through the net I found an article regarding blondes. And the conclusion is the following……Scientists have finally found out what’s wrong with the blonds brain.. On the Left side there’s nothing right.. And on the Right side there’s nothing left…!!!

    And we were all pondering why they are so dumb.

  262. rico says:

    I don’t think that is what he means Scott, forget the others just for one moment, we should have enough in our team with the right attitude and performance to win the game…

    That’s what he is questioning….

    In fact with the right attitude and performance in a few more games recently we would already be enjoying this day instead of being full of nerves…

  265. Scott From Oz says:

    But what if Spuds and Newcastle lose as well….who DOES deserve 3rd???
    You can’t put a seasons performance down to one game.

  266. Thorny says:

    Dont know whos listening to the radio but Ray Parlour is on with Mark Saggers and they are discussing the game and player of the year…..

    Players who have run the most yards this season in the EPL;

    2 nd Cloint Dempsey
    1st …….our very own captain RVP!!!

    Legendary!

  267. rico says:

    Catch you later rocky…

    Just listening to gooners being i’v before leaving London and one said:

    If we can’t beat WBA today, we don’t deserve 3rd’

    Spot on I say….

  268. Scott From Oz says:

    I’m hoping to get an hour or twos kip before kick off….another early start tomorrow.

  269. Scott From Oz says:

    2-0 to the good guys….get on.
    A little tad of trivia…..
    Black Caviar,the Aussie horse ready to dominate the world,won her 21st straight race yesterday to remain unbeaten.
    When she visits England,do yourself a huge favour,and get to the track…..she’s an absolute phenomenon.

  270. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Hope so Scott. Right…. It’s about time I actually got out of bed. Taking my laptop round my mates this arvo, so I’ll see you crazy kids on here at 3. COYG!!

  271. rico says:

    Morning Steve

    Nice post there me deario 🙂

    On paper we should batter them, in reality, a 1-0 would do me just fine 😉

  273. Scott From Oz says:

    I think his statement on todays game is more relevant.
    One sentence stands out when speaking of CL football……YOU MUST BE THERE.

  274. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning Gooners, and again my thanks to my writing partner the delectable Maid Ric:)
    Big day today, and great comments from all of you but the one that touched me was Adams great feelings of pride rushed through me well done mate 🙂
    Reading what Van the Man has ritten tells me that the lads are physicing themselves up for this one and i would think they will be like brand new Duracel batteries, We should win this easily in my mind, we have everything to gain from a victory where they have nothing but to thank their manager for running after a bigger shilling, We on the other hand have got Champions league to look forward too and to rub shoulders with Europes elite again. Where Gazidez said that if we do not qualifi this year it wouldn’t be disastrous, well i hope that means that when we do get through the £30 million we get will be soley used for players as they obviously wasn’t expecting the windfall. but thats for another day today is for the players and the supporters go out there and make us proud a good win then i can go to my Spurs mates and collect my wagers COY magnificent GUNNERS.

  275. Scott From Oz says:

    Rocky,I suppose he isn’t quite 100% sure,but if you look at the context in which that sentence was made,I wouldn’t be worried.
    Win today,CL football,he stays.

  276. rico says:

    Hi Diane, or the second halft against the totts – both were really top performances and we need 90 mins of that today…

    defend from the front and attack from the back with pace and every single player must know their role and perform to their best….

  277. rico says:

    rocky, i totally understand what you are saying there, that comment gives me a little doubt too – i think if we win today he stays, if not, his head could be turned by playing CL footie elsewhere, well, Spain….

  278. Scott From Oz says:

    No Thorny,closest thing is my son,but he’s a bit young…….
    He’s keen though……I named clubs today,and he gave our results in home and away games this season….got them all right,too.
    He has got my passion,but his mums memory.
    Wardy,you were looking good until labelling Vermaelen as overrated.
    Back to the drawing board mate.

  279. rico says:

    Hi wardy – those are the words of our captain and yes, not all things have been good this season but,

    today is not the day imho to be moaning and whinging about what has and is going on off the field, today is about securing third and finishing the league ahead of the totts…

    That’s all that matters today…

  280. Diane Lancaster says:

    Really think the team are going to be up for it at 3 oclock this afernoon .Amust win for us tosecure 3rd oplace so we can get our new players we want.Just think this day called end up being the best day of the season.Must go out there like we did against Milan 2nd leg and just go for it ,Must not forget the defence must keep clean sheet if possible. Robin needs some goals so he gets golden boot .That would be the icing on the cake for the team and him .!!!

  281. rockyrocastle07 says:

    I agree about RvP’s commitment for the rest of the season. And I’m 99% sure he will stay. However….. Something is nagging away at the back of my mind (and it’s not my wife for once) about the “whatever happens I will always be a Gunner”. That could so easily be a loaded comment.

  284. Thorny says:

    Yes Adam…..right on!!
    Good old RVP. all those questions on commitment have been addressed and thoroughly.

  285. wardy says:

    Cup Final??????? hummmmmm! not sure you should be comparing it to a cup final, we have not done so well in them in recent times, I would rather see it as an opportunity to consolidate what has been a by all intense and purposes a terrible season. I am optimistic by nature but as far as my beloved arsenal are concerned i seem to expect abject failure. here are my problems, transfers (selling our best players and recruiting with substandard replacements ), gazidis (would love to see him in a stock outside the grove on match day. what a total and utter waste of space), over rated players (song, vermalen and walcott pls step forward) the fans that seem hell bent on, and take great pleasure in seeing our team fail,(the less said about them the better. shamefull!) Stan kroenke, wtf does this guy bring to the table? we are the only club to get a new billionaire owner who has not put funds in to buy a couple of marque players to signal the clubs intent. i understand the need for the club to be financially stable but you cant tell me a club worth $1,00000000 cant spend 25 mil on a player)
    I must say at this point that I love my club just as much as the next TRUE gooner and complaining about my team isnt something i want to or enjoy doing but this season in paticular has left more than a bitter taste in the mouth. Granted there have been a few highlights (step forward RVP. The wins against spuds and chelski) Any how, enough of my rant i think i may have end of season sydrome….. to date no known cure, just have to ride it out until august (have been told on good authority its seasonal and should ease come august) here is to a win today and a slightly easier summer, (big sigh!)

  286. rico says:

    Didn’t want to suggest that rocky 😉

    Yes AK, if the Chavs win the CL, 4th spot is gone and whoever finishes 4th goes into Europa..

  287. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Oh I will Scott! You have my word that, 3rd place secured, I will be the smuggest man in the world by 5pm. I’m sure I will be asked to leave!

  288. Charlie George aka AK says:

    Scott, that’s it mate. 🙂

    Rico, a question..?
    We finish 3rd.
    Chavs win CL.
    Do Chavs qualify automatically?
    Meaning AFC have to qualify???!!!

  289. Asadinho farah Gaucho says:

    I love arsenal if they failed 2 secure champi0ns league spot that wl be disaster

  294. rico says:

    Welcom Alex

    RvP writes a column for The Sun newspaper, it’s the only reason I read it and yes, that above was from him….

  295. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Morning gang. How are we all today?

    Great post Steve. Goong round a Spud’s house to watch the day’s events unfold. I hope to god it’s me that’s cheering at the end of the afternoon! I remember the feeling at the final whistle of the Lasagne-gate match, and want that feeling of immense satisfaction again!

  297. rico says:

    Morning Adam – well said 🙂

    The font, just as Steve says in the post, securing 3rd will mean we finish above you know who, that in itself should be motivation for the team today, the CL is a mere bonus 🙂

  299. Charlie George aka AK says:

    Scott you obviously haven’t been married long enough.

    Don’t you realise that the wife is always right!!!

    Even when she’s wrong… :-D. :-D. 😀

  300. Alex says:

    Did Robin really say that? What a speech… and people doubt whether he’ll stay or not. He seems really reved up for this one, and if the team feel the way he does there is no question we will win.

  301. The font says:

    Just about to leave for the hawthorns have to disagree with most today is not about money cups or even champs league it’s about the biggest prize of all finishing above the spuds

  302. Scott From Oz says:

    I expect to see a cabbie streak across the turf when we win,wearing nothing but an “on duty” tag.

  303. Adam says:

    Morning all. Let’s put away all feelings of negativity today and remember that the club we support is unlike any other and we are bound together through that club. Whether we are on a beach in Cornwall, feeding chickens in Berkshire, on the other side of the world in Oz or driving a London cab, today we are as one and the power of our united support will make the team stronger. Good luck to the boys and God bless all Gooners.

  304. Charlie George aka AK says:

    Well Rico, feel confident?

    After reading RVP, and also Chez in the side, i’m feeling positive…

  309. Scott From Oz says:

    Charlies back.
    Charlie,where’s AK???
    You didn’t dump his body in the boot of the taxi I hope!!!!

  312. Charlie George aka AK says:

    Morning Gooners.
    Morning Lady Rico.
    Sir Steven. A post of magnificence…

    Towering words from Capt Vantastic…

    Up For The Cup today…

  315. Scott From Oz says:

    Thorny,weather here has been stunning too.
    Winters coming,but a beautiful,sunny 23 today.
    My U/6’s won yesterday,dogs trialled fantastic this morning and Arsenal will be the cherry on top.
    Wouldn’t be dead for quids!!!!

  316. Thorny says:

    Morning…smashing morning at the beach…
    Absolutely excellent posting this morning. really good.
    one or two of those volleys to claim a huge win will be an ironic and fitting cap to the season RVP

  317. Scott From Oz says:

    I’m confident they’re in for 100% today…..that’s all you can ask.
    If they give their best,we will win.

  320. rico says:

    3rd matters to RvP

    SO this is it. This is the day, this is the match that will define our season — the 90 minutes that will determine our future.

    It is a huge game for us, our cup final. And although there is no trophy to be won, there is a big prize at stake.

    Guaranteed Champions League football for Arsenal next season. And that’s massive.

    Ask most people if they would swap the FA Cup or Carling Cup for a place in the Champions League next season and I’m sure they would.

    Well, today we can achieve that — a top-three finish and top European action for sure next season.

    OK, it might not be a day out at Wembley but I tell you it will feel like it at three o’clock this afternoon.

    Our biggest game of the season in our final match of the season.

    And we all know what needs to be done. A win at West Brom and we are there.

    A win at The Hawthorns and there’s nothing that Tottenham and Newcastle can do. A win for us and we will guarantee third and it is so important as fourth doesn’t guarantee you anything. For if Chelsea win the Champions League they will automatically qualify for the competition again next year.

    Can you imagine that? Finishing fourth and then losing out to Chelsea?

    I don’t want Arsenal to have to run that risk so it is essential we win today to keep ourselves above Tottenham and Newcastle.

    A win, any win, even an ugly win — I will take that for sure. Just so long as we get third spot.

    I will do everything and anything to make sure we do.

    You know what? All the goals I have scored this season, all the awards I have won — I would trade them all in an instant for us to win today.

    What’s the point in achieving all that personal success if your team fails?

    Football is a team game and if my team fails then I have failed.

    The truth is I wouldn’t have scored all those goals, won the awards without my team-mates.

    My success is a reflection of all the hard work and great play of my colleagues.

    Alex Song has given me so many assists it’s frightening.

    Theo Walcott has, too.

    It was unbelievable passes from Alex that allowed me to score my two favourite goals this season — the volleys against Everton and Liverpool.

    Both great goals and I am very proud of my finishes.

    But neither would have been possible without the amazing passes. Today I’m hoping for another pass like that and another finish like that to end the season in style.

    That would be cool but this match is so important I’ll be just as happy with a simple tap-in or a fluke of a goal.

    It doesn’t matter to me. In fact, it doesn’t matter if I score or not. I honestly don’t care just as long as we win.

    When we have finally done it I will sit down with the boss Arsene Wenger and the chief executive Ivan Gazidis at the end of the season and discuss my contract with them.

    For now, though, my focus is simply guiding Arsenal to the Champions League so the situation has not changed.

    I am very proud to be captain of Arsenal Football Club.

    I truly love this club and, whatever happens in the future, I am a Gunner and I will always be a Gunner.

    And that’s why I will do everything to make sure we win today because it’s unthinkable that Arsenal will not be in the Champions League.

    We have a very proud record in the competition and we want to maintain that, to add to that. It’s the place to be.

    I read somewhere that it’s worth £25million to qualify and I’ve heard that Chelsea will earn £47m if they beat Bayern Munich in next Saturday’s final!

    So you can understand how important it is for the clubs.

    But it is extra special for players, too.

    It’s where Europe’s top clubs meet to decide who is the best of the best and you want to be in there — you HAVE to be in there.

    The good thing is it’s still in our hands, still in our grasp. We know there can be no more slip-ups.

    This is it — 90 minutes to seal our fate. We must deliver.

  321. Scott From Oz says:

    There aren’t any Alan lol!!!
    Seriously,choose 3-4 you’d like us to get.
    Raid the relegated…….our new catchcry.
    Bloody Tahs snatched defeat from the jaws of victory AGAIN!!!

  324. alanbstardmp says:

    quote

    No doubt Wenger and the Board will have drummed into the players that we have to qualify to attract the kind of players we need to move ourselves forward, the £30 odd million has nothing to do with it does it – yeah right!! ”

    yes and those players are often foreign ers who aren’t as good as they tell us. Screw that. Get good English players from outside the top four

  326. Scott From Oz says:

    Top of the morning all.
    What a great day in the history of Arsenal FC it will be….the day we came back from the dead,or 17th position,and finished 3rd.
    AK,I’m like a London cab,always on duty mate.