I must admit that before kick off, I thought we were good to get one over the Hammers until I saw the team sheet, which I did not like one bit. All show and very little go in the midfield, to my eye.
Half way through the first period, I thought we were gonners…
We had nothing and the midfield was being over run well and truly, by bigger, stronger brutes….the kind we no doubt wish we had one or two of.
Early on, Diame was involved in a lovely move, and thank goodness our BFG stood strong, taking a body shot from the one time Arsenal target, which was probably goal bound.
Another few close calls followed and my concerns were heightened. It was all too easy for our opponents, and our back 4 were being placed under undue pressure due to our soft midfield.
This was the type of performance which has plagued us over the last few seasons.
I remember saying mid way through the first half that I hoped we could hold out until Ramsey came on, as embarrassing as that sounds against West Ham, but I was being honest, as we were showing nothing at that point and I felt Aaron would at least get something happening for us in the centre of the park.
We did create a few chances, but we were being outplayed, and luckily Diame is not a striker, as we could well have been 3 down by the half hour mark!
Next up was a touch of sportsmanship all too seldom seen in professional sports these days.
Hats off to Jarvis for keeping his feet when brushed, albeit very lightly, by Sagna. Suarez or Young would still be rolling around now asking for the penalty, but Jarvis kept up and chased the ball down as any footballer should do, but rarely, does these days.
Well played, sir.
Giroud has copped an incredible amount of criticism of late, and he did himself no favours when forgetting his right foot is not just to stop him falling over, and can be used to kick a football. What was he thinking? It was an abysmal attempt from a PL striker after he had done everything right to create space. A real shame to see a great move wasted.
Anyway, the inevitable eventually occurred, and the Hammers were in front.
How an attacker is allowed to stand alone 6-7 yards out is beyond me, but it happened, and we conceded after a scuffle in the box.
I guess it was a little case of poetic justice that Jarvis was the goal scorer, but there was nothing poetic about our “defending” on the lead up to the goal.
I am still not sure what happened over the next few minutes, although I remember Kallstrom getting away a decent shot on goal. I was in a daze, shaking my head, cursing and asking myself two questions. How did this happen, and how the hell were we going to turn things around, when suddenly we were level, thanks to the best left foot in world football, in my opinion, the one on the end of Podolski’s peg.
He has power and unerring accuracy when give just a little time and space, and when used the correct way is simply lethal.
Arsene, take note.
The goal also came at an important time, meaning we headed into the sheds all square.
Onto the second half, and, as if Wenger flicked a switch, we suddenly started playing football.
Our passing was fluent.
Players were energetic.
What had changed?
Who knows, but I am glad it did.
We were on top, and it seemed almost a done deal that we would go on to win the game, but even more so once we had gone ahead.
Momentum was on our side, and our class began to show-finally!
Our second goal was simply world class, and anyone disagreeing would surely be doing so only out of a dislike for the players involved 🙂
The ball from Vermaelen was amazing, and the first touch and finish from Giroud showed what he can, but seldom does….
It was pure class, and beautiful on the eye.
The crowd were now showing something as well…..all, ahem, 59,977 of them, give or take a few tens of thousands.
Santi, from distance, nearly finished a sensational move on the counter, with a beautifully struck shot that missed by inches.
Ramsey then came on to replace Rosicky, who had a terrific came, as usual, but we looked even better for the move.
The game was done when Giroud received the ball in space wide on the left, he found the head of Ramsey, whose ball to Podolski was a touch of brilliance, and again, that left foot had the ball past the keeper before he knew it had been struck.
A solid performance over all that, if repeated, will see us undefeated for the remainder of the season.
If we can see similar work rates from Podolski and Santi every week, it could only be a great thing for the club, and the earned their wage.
Arteta was fantastic as well, though his best work went unnoticed by most, and this is the type of game he is suited to.
Kallstrom worked his way into the game very well, and most definitely has quality which will be of use in the coming weeks.
A special mention to Vermaelen, who was absolutely superb last night, shutting down Carroll in the air on several occasions, and just brilliant in general.
I have said for a while that Aaron Ramsey has a very rare gift. He makes other players perform better when he is on the pitch, as well as being incredibly effective himself…… (Emma, you can borrow that one, but it is mine 🙂 )
His work rate and positional sense means others can do what they do best, and when he plays, we simply play much better.
Our win/loss percentage when he plays this season shows just how important he is, and in my opinion, his injury was the single biggest reason we lost form. The kid could easily end up with his own statue at The Emirates one day.
One last comment.
Arsene, sign Diame!
Written by Scott from Oz
Morning all…
Good read Scott, loved it….
The Aaron bit?
🙂 🙂 🙂
Good post Scott. Needless to say I agree with very little of it. 🙂
All of it Scott 🙂
I’d be mightily upset if you did, Adam lol
Podolski’s lack of celebration after his first goal was a clear ‘up yours’ to AW
I just caught the Wenger interview after the game. He looks really ill I’m afraid.
Rico, I noticed that, but after the game, his spirit kicked in.
I hope we keep him.
”…when forgetting his right foot is not just to stop him falling over” that killed me Scott. 😀
Excellent post Scott…
Oh and Ramsey is shiteeee he could not get his hat-trick… 😉
He is a tired old man, Adam.
Ginge, my family can’t eat this week because of Aaron!!!
Bloody Welsh blow in 🙂
I suppose he could try drinking at the same fountain of youth that Moyes does.
Lol Adam.
FA cup.
Retire.
Statue.
Happy.
That sounds like an excellent plan Scott. Who comes next?
Adam, I really don’t watch enough football to make an educated assessment.
Of those I do know, Martine is the one I liked even at Wigan.
My ultimate is Guus Hiddink with Dennis as understudy, with a view to him taking over.
He just needs some sunshine Adam..
Scott, after his second he was better, glad he finally got to play 90 mins, that should cheer him up a bit… lol
Very true Scott, if it were not for that injury, we would have still been crawling at top.
He’s staying guys, prepare yourself. And don’t forget he has said that he and the club are already preparing for the summer transfer window…. 🙂
And Theo’s injury Goonerette, we miss his pace and width.
If he Ramsey and Ozil had stayed fit, who knows what might have happened….
Rico, I think podolski’s work rate made it I possible to take him off.
Best effort I have seen from him.
Scott, re Ramsey since his absence towards the end of december we lost 5 times and drew 6 times in all competitions; 3 of those loses came without Ozil and JW…
Before that we had played over 30 games with AR16 and lost 4 times in all competitions…
Rico. I hope it’s as eventful as the last two windows before which he said the same thing.
Rico, the kind of perfomance we need at wembley. Am getting used to our 2nd halfs and last minutes goals. I guess its part of Wenger secret tactics 🙂
If is a powerful yet misleading word. Winners tend not to overuse it.
Cheers Ginge.
Well, who will we blame when AW is in Brazil commentating for FTV?
Another summer of pain with or without Aw…
I will be please if Boro walks… things will change drastically imho…
Morning all,good post Scott,upped our game second half,need to keep it up to the end of the season.If we do,maybe will end up with two trophies this season.Read somewhere Fabianski might stay, if give more first team football.Glad to see AR used sparingly,Ozli returning and others, we should have enough to secure that much coveted fourth place trophy.Three points in the bag,more please and the FA cup.
And having Kallstrom working hard in midfield helped Scott…
Good match summary, were you there Scott? Silly me of course you weren’t as we won! 😉
That Welsh fella is ok….
And AW played 4-4-2 in the 2nd half…
He palyed 4-4-2 against everton but that was very naive of him knowing how Martinez always plays 4 to 6 players in the middle…
Yes AW does tactics but mostly as a reaction to a lpoor performance or result…
Hahaha Lee.
I woke up at some ungodly hour to watch.
Rico, I agree that Kim made a difference.
Well said.
Very accurate post Scott, just re-lived the match!
rico, “wenger is already planning”
– Yes, same as last year, sorting out all the departures. You know Incomings wait till the last day!
I just hope it starts very early and we see a few top class players in the door Adam..
Goonerette, you reckon AW has any tactics? 😉 But yes, the second half was much better and we need more of that at Wembley, thankfully we should have nearly everyone fit by then, even Diaby….
I must confess to a bit of good fortune…..
I say down at 1.31 pm to write the post, and at 1.30pm, the replay had started 🙂
Not a chance in hell I can rember everything that occurred at 4.30 am.
Guilty as charged!!!
Bt, and a Palace win tonight would be nice 🙂
🙂 Ah, you old cynic… The club won’t get away with it this time, I’m sure… Well, I hope and pray something good will happen this summer…
Let us all pray that if Wenger stays, he gets amongst the transfers early and keeps everyone bar those couple we want gone.
Give Fabianski a pay rise.
Give Sagna three years.
Keep the quality at the club, and build on it.
Take the plaudits Scott!! Good effort either way!
http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/470705/SPOTTED-Joe-Cole-mocks-Arsenal-fans-with-trophy-gesture-at-Emirates
WANKER! (not u Scott)
Trouble is we all know the excuses that will be used….and it’ll be another super market sweep on 11th hour.
Agree with that Scott if he’s staying…
I love aaron ramsey too. Welcome back! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE3zeB-h3NA&noredirect=1
🙂 Scott, we all need a bit of help sometimes, I often have to go through a re-run or look at afc.com to remind me who did what..
I watch, I sleep, then I forget – it’s called getting old 😛
Lee,the sweep starts at Aldi and finishes Lidl! lol
Lee, who is Joe Cole 🙂
You’ve been listening to Adam for far too long Lee 😉
Much happier this morning……for a change! It’s been a long time coming, a win in the EPL, a red letter day, indeed.
There were a few signs of the Arsenal of old. Long periods of progressive possession, one and two touch passing with a bit of pace and power – in the second half! And 3 good goals, fashioned in the Arsenal tradition, one that even DB10 would have been proud of! And an example of what Poldoski really can do. Why hasn’t he played more often?
Morning all and defo not moaning all!
No wonder Tesco’s profits are down Bt…
Adam’s mantra like chanting is having an effect on me…
That’s what annoys me Wavy, Pod and Giroud both have it in their locker but I reckon they keep losing their key all too often…
And did I see right last night, Arteta actually passing the ball forward???
🙂
Rico,bit like AFC,profits down but bulging coffers.
A good result followed by an equally good report. The Ozzies surely know how to write a report which keeps you reading till the end not just browse through. 😉 Well done Scott.
Good morning Lady, Sir, Gentlemen and Ladies.
Long time no see. Thankfully some holidays for me to rest now. I surely need it.
Anyone catch the DB programme that followed our match..?
Mesut Ozil is back for our trip to Hull….
Absolutely Bt…
Morning Devil, great to see you back here, I’ve missed you… Glad you have some down time now, enjoy it….
I didn’t 🙁
Yes, Arteta did just that. A forward pass! I think that’s the first time he has experimented with the forward wall pass since last December! And what a difference it made to the team performance. I hope he spends today and tomorrow practising, ready for a repeat performance against Hull on Sunday.
More points please. I like points!
Even I missed you all Lady. But now I can have a bit of a breather. And find time to jot down a few scribblings which put my thoughts across to the whole Gunnerdom.
I thought the same Wavy, made such a difference to our play…
What do points make? All together…….
Good devil….
Rico, Wavy leave my Arteta alone… 🙂
side ways passing is progressive 😉
Jeez, the devil drops the day the Lord was killed 2000 years ago… howdy my buddy?
Not sure….
I m ok Ginge. missed you all. Even grandpa was sending me emails. But work has a habit of making you grit your teeth, grin and bear it.
I also missed a few games as well. At least it saved me a few rants. But yesterday I saw it, I also saw Saturday’s bore fest. But at least we passed through.
I keep telling pa that all the honours ended with an FA cup win and it all has to start with an FA cup win.
And remember…..the last time we faced Hull in the FA cup was way back in 1930. And the last time we faced a team in the final whose name begins with the letter H was in 1930.
And we all know what happened in 1930. And in the decade that followed.
Hopefully this will signal a the beginning of our time of dominance.
Arsenal team wages are the 11th highest of all sports teams in the world??? http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27046221
Devil’s back.
Great to see you and thanks for the kind words.
Wavy, i think with the likes of Kim working hard, It made life easier on Podolski and Santi, which in turn offered Arteta someone to pass to.
Am i reading too much into that, or is it all intertwined?
I was being kind Ts…
Ps, Devil……i finally made that trip of a lifetime and caught a few games, though the results ensured i am banned from North London for life lol
Guys, on my last line of the post…..was i the only one impressed with Diame?
I thought he was a beast.
Roger, Fat Sam earns more than Klopp and Conte… everything in this country is inflated so I am not overly concerned …
Good to hear Mr Dev… I didn’t realise you were around in 1930 Dev… 😛
Lol.. Rico, youi love MA08’s lego hair admit it… 😉
Scott, diame was very good… a big fish in a small pond me think…
Diame is a big game player… he is not consistent enough though imho going with what some WHU fans have told me…
He was with wigan for 4 years when he was younger and only the bin-dippers showed interest… he was even allowed to leave for free by Martinez..
Not especially Scott although I do believe that we need someone in that mould , I can’t help feeling that there is better out there.
Morning HH.
Wow!
Great write-up, and similar to how I heard it on 5-live.
The very worst followed by the very best of Giroud sort of makes sense when you survey Arsenal’s season as a whole.
Kallstrom and the Pod showing their international pedigree, Rosicky keeps showing us why Wenger bought him in 2006 – such a shame most of his time with us has been injury-ravaged – as for the Welsh ‘Messi’, the boy just seems to get better every time we see him.
Five more performances like that should see us home and hosed with an FA Cup to celebrate too, and give us re-newed hope going into the summer.
At last, some positivity to cling to!
My bad Klopp now earns more than Fat Sam after signing a new contract…
Sam Allardyce is the 13th best-paid manager in the world, his £2.95m putting him above Roberto Mancini (Galatasaray, £2.92m), Rafa Benitez (Napoli, £2.92) and level with England manager Roy Hodgson.
1 Pep Guardiola, Bayern Munich, £14.8m
2 Jose Mourinho, Chelsea, £8.37m
3 Marcelo Lippi, Guangzhou, £8.34m
4 Arsene Wenger, Arsenal, £6.89m
5 Fabio Capello, Russia, £6.51m
6 Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid, £6.26m
7 David Moyes, Man United, £4.92m
8 Tata Martino, Barcelona, £4.5m
9 Jurgen Klopp, Borussia Dortmund, £3.59m
10 Manuel Pellegrini, Man City, £3.47m
11 Jorge Jesus, Benfica, £3.34m
12 Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool, £3.25m
13 Sam Allardyce, West Ham, £2.95m
13 Roy Hodgson, England, £2.95m
15 Roberto Mancini, Galatasaray, £2.92m
15 Rafa Benitez, Napoli, £2.92m
17 Luciano Spaletti, Zenit, £2.75m
18 Claudio Ranieri, Monaco, £2.5m
18 Laurent Blanc, PSG, £2.5m
18 Antonio Conte, Juventus, £2.5m
18 Cesare Prandelli, Italy, £2.5m
22 Massimiliano Allegri, Milan, £2.34m
23 Felipe Scolari, Brazil, £2.3m
24 Ottmar Hitzfeld, Switzerland, £2.17m
25 Mircea Lucescu, Shakhtar, £2.14m
26 Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid, £2.09m
26 Harry Redknapp, QPR, £2.09m
26 Joachim Low, Germany, £2.09m
29 Walter Mazzarri, Inter Milan, £2m
30 Vecente del Bosque, Spain, £1.96m
Fair enough Potter.
I concede the only time i see most of these guys play is when they play the Arsenal, but he was tearing us apart.
Ginge, how old is he?
Maturity has struck, maybe?
Guardiola on twice the money of Wenger, as well as being handed a world class squad on a platter?
Incredible.
He says he is 26 y.o… lol
Ts, I dislike Arteta’s hair big time…
Some jobs are easy I guess Scott… but AW is clueless for putting us where we are… hmmm?? 😉
The funny think with the media is these kind of reports and squad salary cack is always released around this time each season when we are underperforming…
Maybe I am too much into the conspiracy shite but the bin-dippers salary was higher than ours until 3/4 years ago; the only reason why their salary is lower now is because they have been out of the CL spots and they took a £35M loss on Carroll who is more expensive than OG12 btw…
What those so called experts fail to say is that each season, the table forms in the CL qualifying spots is reflective of how much each club pays its players bar 1 or 2 positions… and I am referring to the top 5 leagues in Europe…e.g Juve finsihing above ASC or BVB finishing above BM…
Yes maybe our salary was £40M more than the sperds when we finished 1 point above them but if you consider the revenue earned by finishing 1 point above those losers it becomes irrelevant… imho of course
Rosicky was superb Herb, he sure is a mr reliable..
Second half was so so much better…
It could be said that AW was handed a great squad too when he first arrived, certainly for the 1997/98 glory… 🙂
Its funny how the media darling boy is not getting any mention…
10 points behind Burnley with a squad deeper than ours is a joke but still…
I take it you mean ‘Arry?
Hi rico,
yeah he seems to have really got the bit between his teeth, and always provides that little spark with his energy and industry.
Mark Pougatch was quite direct with his questions towards Martin Keown last night, which was very refreshing, asking him where the club were heading and questioning Arsenal’s participation in the CL.
As you’d expect, Keown was fiercely loyal towards Wenger, but did concede that he now needs to step it up in terms of player recruitment.
Arteta – Lego hair.
One of our biggest problems is the amount of enigmas we have in the squad. Certain players – Santi, Pod, Giroud, Theo, etc, can look world beaters one week and park players the next. Sometimes this happens in the same game such as last night! Very hard to build consistency – one of AW’s favourite words with too many of these types of players. This is where the 7/10 players like Arteta are important.
Prizes
Hi Herb, if only he’d had a better injury record when he was younger, we and he were robbed of a great career…
Bit like Diaby…
Wish I’d heard that i/v with Keown
Have we signed the annual freebie named Diaby yet???
Hi Rico,looks like wenger reads your posts,
4-4-2,two strikers playing off each other,
he sounds like he may play the last few games with that system,
I think that’s the first 90mins from podolski,
Just shows,podolski can last out,but only if he defending comes second.
I am off.
Have a great day guys.
Quite right Fred , with Kallstrom and Vermaelen staying back defending Podolski had a field day.
The whole Diaby situation is an absolute farce, rico.
He only played six games in two years for Auxerre before Wenger bought him, so he knew it was a huge risk. The man is a thief! The next ‘Vieira’? He’s never looked anywhere near that ability.
All I remember Diaby for is his goal at Anfield in CL, a bizarre own-goal at OT when he was under no pressure whatsoever, and his stupid sending-off at Newcastle when we were 4-0 up and Newcastle came back and could have won it 5-4 right at the death, but had it ruled out. A waste of £60k a week.
I know it’s not Diaby’s fault, it’s just further highlights how poorly the club is administered.
He’s fit and ready to play soon Devil…
Hi Fred, I read that too, about time I say, Giroud and Pod could work well….
Night Scott, sleep well…
It is Herb, problem is he’s always injured during a transfer window….
I still blame him for that 4-4 draw, ridiculous behaviour when we were cruising…
It’s another beautiful, hot, sunny day in London Town…
Afternoon All.
Afternoon Rico…
A bit of a strange post Rico, as I was reading it I thought to myself ‘Who wrote this load of old rubbish?’ then I got to the bottom and it all became clear!
Another night/day on the home-made brew… 🙄
Great post Digger..
hiya Kev
yes Rico… Harry.
I was called away …
Afternoon Kev 🙂
Going to be lovely until Sunday 🙂
totally agree Bjohn at 12:17
Stop mentioning Ramsey in your sleep Scott… Sean will start to wonder?;)
Night…
Dev, I read somewhere that Diabolic is the club doctor in practice…
HAarmy… Dean was to blame for the newcastle game though… the rest you have a point. 😉
I missed your comment Bj, I haven’t been a huge fan of Arteta this season, but then I’m far from convinced he’s playing in the right position…
He cannot play further upfield Rico. His legs have gone.
When he plays in front of the defence its because he can calm proceedings.
He needs runners around him so that he can take his time to position himself. Otherwise he will be alone and exposed.
Kallstrom I think AW should keep. Him, Arteta and Flamini can rotate between themselves for that position.
Totally agree Dev…
He is still by far the best in that position though… JW can definitely replace him in future
What we need is another mobile box to box midfielder to rotate with Ramsey…
JW needs to have more discipline though.
He needs a coach who can show him how to discipline himself for such a role.
Righto…..off for now
cu later fine folk
In that case Dev, stick him on the bench and sign a proper DM/HM 🙂
Later Dev…
True Rico, a proper CM is needeed a younger and more mobile one …
Hi Rico. Not saying Arteta is the answer by any means. We all know he struggles to keep up at times but he is pretty reliable at keeping the ball and tries his nuts off. Against teams like West Ham he also helps to keep them hemned in when we attack. When a lot of our players are liable to give the ball away leaving us vulnerable to counter attacks its vital to have players thatcan keep the ball.
Tsgh – I really hope Wenger explains one day why he bought Abou Diaby, I very much doubt he will though.
As for ‘Arry, why he isn’t locked-up in jail completely baffles me.
HArmy he did the same with Yaya last summer so it isn’t a mistake to him at least…
On Diaby’s youth reputation he was the best amongst his peers at Clairefontaine that time: Matuidi, Ben Arfa etc…
Busy busy busy, yippee…
Kif int Coach, good to see ya back…
Later’s Devil…
Exactly Ts, just who. Carvalho?
Hi Bj, that could be said of other players too, certain ones are better against different opposition, Arteta is a great squad player to have but against sides like Liverpool, City, Southampton etc, the ones who have oodles of pace, he just isn’t up to it.
But as last night showed, Arteta could more than cope with a West Ham side with little pace…
WAth rates Carvalho…
I like Fernando of Porto too… I wouldn’t mind another attempt for Ginter if BM fail to sign him…
Arteta wasn’t too bad against BM as he is more suited to reading the game than actually following the runs of games…
If you compare how our midfield exposed Gibbs and Monreal in the first leg compared to the second leg you can see Arteta is still useful… I agree he should be used as a squad player… someone who comes in for selected games like Conte is using Pirlo and Klopp is using Kehl now…
I admit I am always going to appear biased when it comes to the likes of Sagna, Arteta, TR07, Per, TV, Kos,AR16, Serge and maybe Poldi when he palys like last night…
I also think OG12 is a useful team player and adds lots to our game when he is not tired through his own ‘extra curriculum’ activities and being overplayed…
Just hope AW is on a similar wavelength Ts…
Popping off for a couple of hours now, catch up later…
Tsgh – No doubt Wenger bought him based on his potential, but he was clearly already injury-prone, and of course none of us can for-see what the future holds, but he couldn’t have had a very rigorous medical when he joined, because let’s face it, he is incredibly brittle.
That January was a disaster and so I am certain he was rush through like Kim to get more bodies in…
Diaby camed with Adeba-whore if I am not wrong…
Lovely write up Scott.
I was happy with the result but disappointed we conceded first again.
AW should purchase Diame, he could be a decent player. I was impressed with Kallstrom, he looks comfortable on the ball and would be a honest squad member. Do we have a buy option and how much?
AW should give Fabianski a decent contract as Chezzer needs competition. I believe AW will sign on BUT he must change and i am not sure if that is posiible. He is headstrong and quite arrogant.
As a Gooner for 37 years i actually want fresh air at Colney.
We need a Top striker who can finish, as OG12 proved he is a back up, need a midfield enforcer with size and strength to win the battle in the middle. Promote Chuba and a few kids who may sweat blood to wear the crest.
I want 4th which is a poor statement and recurring theme of our seasons under AW. The FA CUP will be sweet but i belive it is 60/40 in our favour as the Brummies still haunt.
Cheers
At least Adebayor served a purpose if only for what we got in return.
Sparky must have panicked at suddenly having ridiculous amounts of cash to spend, and reacted a bit like a kid on his first visit to the sweet-shop.
I bet Wenger couldn’t believe his luck when the £25m offer came in. He probably phoned for Adebayor’s taxi straight after the phone-call from City.
Ginge/Herb, didn’t Walcott also arrive in that same transfer window…
Adebayor has/had it all to be a fantastic centre-forward.
I was sorry to see him go, from a football sense.
His problem is between his ears.
And possibly his agent?!
Just as a reference point, I noticed a few people yesterday wondering why Chuba Akpom wasn’t in the squad to face West Ham.
I’m not sure whether or not he is part of the first team set-up, but he’s playing for the U21’s tomorrow in the 2nd leg semi-final of the FA Youth Cup against Chelsea.
I think you’re right Kev re- the time of his arrival.
On his day he is unplayable, that volley against Tottenham was fantastic, but as you say, his attitude stinks which has probably prevented him from hitting the same sort of heights as Drogba or Eto’o.
Yikes rico did you say arsene is really staying? What is your source maam? Lord God I can’t take much of this. No he just has to good. Am losing my hair line and getting all grey and am barely 30 yet. No he just has to go…..moaning all
True story from London
Last Wednesday a passenger in a taxi heading for the station leaned over to ask the driver a question and gently tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention. The driver screamed, lost control of the cab, nearly hit a bus, drove up over the curb and stopped just inches from a large plate window.
For a few moments everything was silent in the cab. Then, the shaking driver said “are you OK? I’m so sorry, but you scared the daylights out of me.” The badly shaken passenger apologized to the driver and said, “I didn’t realize that a mere tap on the shoulder would startle someone so badly.”
The driver replied, “No, no, I’m the one who is sorry, it’s entirely my fault. Today is my very first day driving a cab. I’ve been driving a hearse for the past 25 years.”
Thank goodness I am fairly sure that Kev has never driven a hearse!!!!
Hiya Kev… you have a point about Adebawhore…
I think with most sports men the grand question is why they wanted to be sports men in the first place…
-some became sports men because that was all they were good at…
-others because tyhey like the fame and the trimmings…
-others because they were bloody lucky…
Adebayor imo, was just a puppet on the strings of a handler/agent who saw him as a cash cow…
Like most african or South American players their agents see the little investment to bring them onto these shores as a big lottery ticket that needs to be cashed teh moment they sign a contract …
Lol Dev…
More joy to be found in my world!
Toni Kroos will not be joining manure this summer as he is staying at BM.
Another knock back for Moyes and his merry band of losers!
He was never gonna join those pinks wavy. It’s all PR stunt. We on the other hand should get him.
Calm down Stan
Hiya kev….
Ha ha Coach, nah, driven a post office van, but everyone was alive at the time…
Herb, that was a fantastic NLD.
I wasn’t there, but it remains one of my favourites.
How’s the family Stan?
When are you visiting Holland next?
Hopefully when the baby is old enough to fly. Mama can’t wait
Lol. Still a blur kev. How did I get a broad to tie me down? Still a mystery.
Mates, I am busy today, thankfully…
Haven’t stopped, hardly, only Adam and Lee work harder and they’re industry personified…
Lata…
Evening all…
Finally. WordPress has let me on… And it’s my site!!!
Rumours are that Bacary Sagna is close to signing a contract extension….
Great news if true..
Back later as it’s quiet..
Oh boy rico you need to give your sources. Gee first arsene now bac sagna? Who is next park taking a Pay cut to stay? Afternoon guys
Kinda quiet around here…
All from Newsnow Goonie 😉
Evening Rico and the house .
Another rumour Fabianski could stay if he gets a fair chance to play regular first team football. He will not make a final decision untill he knows who will be in charge next season
In the case of Diaby Arsene has said he wants to see him play a game before he would even consider him.
Arsene the U21 have a match against Chelsea next monday night play him against them and you could find out what the situation with him is.
Evening Rick, I like that rumour.. Play Fab Arsene!!
Can Diaby play in that u21 match?
The rules of the compitition allows clubs to play 2overage players
per game. So far we have never done this but others have .When we played the Spuds the other week they playe the center back who cost them 8.5 million last summer. The Bolton g/k in the next match was 30 year old Lee Barrat. then Everton played a c/f who has played 24 games in the premier league So come on Arsene play him.
Yeah rico, he has a specially designed set of crutches.
He’s signs a new contract for us and that’s me done with AFC !
Custard Palace 1 nil up…..it will never last.
Thanks Rick..
😆 Micko, you do make me chuckle….
No way will afc give him a new contract, surely…..
Go Palace, go Palace 🙂
Seriously rico, I’d rather Arsene raided Gibraltars National team for a couple of barbary monkeys than see Diaby play for us again.
Don’t tell Scott but that was a very good post btw.
I have a feeling he’ll make an appearance before the season is out Micko and I’m glad. If he’s fit at the end of May, we can sell him! We bloomin need to and finally sign a proper guy in midfield…
I won’t say a word about the post, I’ll keep that with my tape.. lol
What’s going on at Villa ? Assistant manager and footballing director suspended, talk of bullying, naughty, naughty.
Nite rico, nite gooners, nite kev.
I’m off for the day, have raging toothache and feel a trip to the dentist looms tomorrow :(:(
Night all, me and my co-codamols are off to bed….
’til tomorrow…..
Night Micko….
2-0 to the Custards…
Don’t ya just luv Poolis
2-1 Kev
3:1 🙂
Yesss… Thank you Palace. Now it’s up to us to finish in the top 4 and get that FA cup 🙂
Wow 2-3, Palace!
Go Go Go Custards….
2-3 @ Goodison Park for the Eagles
Night All, Rico and Mick, of course…
Don’t tell Mico, but thanks 🙂
So Citeh stuffed up, as did Everton.
I wonder of the media will suddenly jump all over Pellegrini who, with a billion dollar squad, will end up with nothing?
Everton were always going to drop points with their run-in, but to do it against Palace is a nice bonus.
4th is no trophy, but isis better than 5th.
Combined with an FA Cup, it is a better season than the last, though it most definitely is an opportunity wasted.
Bloody Ramsey and that injury!
I blame him lol
Ginge, i have Sean accepting the fact the Our Aaron is just better than Messi and Ronaldo, and based on current values of Welsh players, worth £200 million at least 🙂
Read the post late well done Scott, it then seemed the rest of the day was spent having a go at Diaby. Why it’s not his fault a thug did he’s leg and he’s fitness has suffered for the rest of career.
At this moment of time we 7-8 mid-fielders a head of him so why the hate fest. It’s a fact Diaby is a very good player and for all the mistakes he has made and name any player that hasn’t he has had some very good games, the game against Liverpool 2-3 years ago.
GJ, I think people are venting because they know how good he is, but also because he has taken a lot in wages for little return.
It’s a shame, because it’s definitely not his fault.
Thanks for the kind words.
Do you honestly believe that Everton and Shitty just fluffed up?
I am sorry but having seen the whole season pan out I am still of the opinion that what happened in Italy recently is also happening in the EPL.
Those who think that EPL is immune from certain things the ilk of which saw Juventus disciplined and consigned to serie B as punishment, are simply naive.
Do I blame AW and the club for the annual collapse???
yes and no.
no because there is something dirty going on.
that is off my chest. phew
Good Morning Lady, Sir, Gentlemen and Ladies.
Morning Scott, Devil and all..
City won the Capital one cup didn’t they? 😉
Morning Rico.
tbh if not us than I rather the dippers won the league instead of the money spending chavs and shitty.
However I feel that the way it is panning out is not glorious but rather leaves a sour taste in the mouth.
they might as well hand it to them on a plate.
Hi guys.
Yes, Rico, they did.
My mistake, but not great return for the expenditure lol.
Devil, nothing would surprise me at all mate.
Devil, Liverpool have spent their fair share over the last few years, though not to the extent of some others.
Good Morning rico and the HH gang.
devilgunner – I agree with you completely. There is far too much money sloshing around in football for it not to be corrupt.
Every weekend there are the so-called ‘coupon-busters’ and strange results that no-one ever seriously questions, and I have thought for a long time now that there is something very dodgy about the product we’re getting served up.
Too many ref’s are making too many blatantly wrong calls.
As well as Liverpool have played, to over-haul both City and Chelsea is an amazing turn-around considering they finished 7th last year.
its not over the last few years mate. This squad did not cost much in assembling. not as much as shitty or the chavs. so in that sense they deserve it.
its the way that certain things are being swung in their favour that is irking me.
and the way that certain decisions swung away from our favour which have me spitting blood.
Scott
The is talk that that Diaby has not taken his wages this season and anyway Diaby’s wages will not break Arsenal. Off work now
I’d hoped for City Devil as I’m not a fan of the dippers but it seems it’s theirs to lose now…
Scott, I know, tongue in cheek really… 😉
Morning Herb…
I blame Mike Riley!
The only reason I don’t want Liverpool to win the PL is because it puts them on 19 titles and pulls them even further away from us.
It further highlights how much Arsenal have massively under-achieved.
From my perspective, any club winning the league gives me the shits.
Mainly because if all the non Arsenal fans I know, I reckon 10% actually watch games.
The rest never know the score til 8am the next morning.
I deserve a title.
I mean Arsenal deserve a title 🙂
If It wasn’t for moyes would we be where we are.
It sure does Herb, especially when you look at our bank balance.
Probably not fred, but those clubs above us could say the same about our manager…
It goes back a lot further than that though rico.
As much as I dislike Kroenke owning the club, I don’t think the Hill-Wood’s or the Bracewell-Smith’s were particularly brave or dynamic owners either.
herb…..its 20 titles not 19
that would make them on par with manure…..20 each
we are next with 13….which is weighing like a millstone on our neck
unlucky 13th
unlucky invincibles
yeah we all like and cherish the unbeaten season
but its ripples are still being felt at the club
that is the apex any club should aspire to……but AW seems to have only that in mind and does not cherish the little cups here and there which help boost the club.
we would have enjoyed winning the League cup at least twice and an FAcup at least once in the last nine years. would have kept our heads up at least
hope we do not fluff this year’s FA cup as well.
Seems as if chezzer wants to play in the final!!!
that is very ungentlemanly imo. AW should keep Flappy in goal.
I agree Herb, but I still maintain that the squad we have could have done a lot better this season, IF players had been managed better….
Devil, I stand by what I side two weeks ago…..our name is on the Cup already.
I could not be not more confident.
Good Point rico
,its getting harder and harder not to have a dig at wenger,
don’t know about you,
but every time the cameras switch to him doing that coat up,
I cant help but think to myself..What a stupid idiot you look.
That’s another think I struggle to understand devil. We don’t have a squad capable of winning the CL, but the domestic’s cups, yes. Yet we have over the years neglected them but had we won the odd FA Cup or League Cup, none of this negative stuff about 15 years since we won a trophy would be printed and the players wouldn’t have so much pressure on their backs to break the duck..
Until we have a very deep and strong squad, what’s the point in even being in the CL. Apart from the money of course….
Check your stats again devilgunner, Liverpool currently have 18 titles – which is why Fergie made such a big thing of MU winning their 19th, putting it up at OT as a defiant message to remind them that he’d kept his promise “to knock them off their f****** perch…”
I try my hardest not to fred as I don’t want to keep on moaning, but sadly, most things that are wrong on the pitch point to him….
Re the coat, I’m sure he does that zipper thing just to annoy us all now….
I just checked, Dippers have 18 titles
Mancs – 20 titles
you are right Herb.
I thought it was Manure on 20 and the dippers on 19
I was wrong.
It’s barely relevant to us devil, sadly we’re not in their ‘league’ anyway. Even without league titles they’ve got a European pedigree that we can only dream about.
devil, did you watch madrid v barca last night?
People are raving over Bale’s goal, I haven’t seen it…
Morning all,
Best time for Liverpool to win it. They probably played half the amount of games as the top 4 and were lucky their squad pretty much all stayed fit.
Next season they’ll have to buy to compete in the league and all the cups.
How on earth did Wenger think that Walcott was better than Bale?
Morning bradster..
Don’t think they have an awful lot of money up in Anfield either so if they blow this chance, another won’t be around in the near future…
Herb, he may have been back then, but Bale has learned, Walcott hasn’t been taught….
yes I saw it……………
Unless you are born into the arsenal family,
its hard to work out the long term view,as regards winning silver,
surely its by winning silver that you attract the floater.
Had Theo and Bale been bought they would have been on the same level now…….Rico rightly said that Theo had never been taught. Bale would have been of the same standard if he had been under AW. Under a different manager both of them would have paid the Ems through their sale alone.
Nice goal Devil, thanks for the vid..
Fred,
I was not born into the family.
It was not trophies that attracted me.
Still, I am Arsenal, through and through.
Morning All…
Morning Rico…
After ManUre, the next club from the EPL with such worldwide appeal and support is, dum dum dum…..
Liverpool…
From a business perspective, it makes perfect sense for Liverpool to be champions, if ManUre fluff their lines…
To call it the ‘English’ Premier League is quite misleading.
We have a truely world league, with foreign investors and foreign fans having an influence…
Good or bad???
In part very good, in part worryingly bad…
Morning Coach
Is there a long term view for Kroenke? Other than to make money…
Wenger could have had both rico considering they operated on different wings. We’re over-loaded with left-footed players, and none of them offer the same quality as Bale. He’d certainly have been a better option than either Arshavin or Podolski on that left-wing.
Devil, I disagree.
I have always thought the trouble with Theo goes back to his youth.
Imagine having a kid that quick, and being a coach interested in results?
A match made in heaven, except for the player lol
Bang it long, and Theo will score.
Nah, damage was done before we got him, I think.
Morning Kev.
Just why I wish we’d concentrate on the domestic cups rather than chase a CL which is way beyond us anyway.
EPL, FA Cup and League Cup, that’s English football….
Scott so what attracted you mate.
Herb, yes he could, but looking at it as you have takes logic. I’ll say no more 😉
Fred,
First club I ever played for were the Glenquarie Gunners in 1977.
It was a brand new club, and I just stuck to Arsenal since then.
Scott, bet your son is a goner.
gooner..sorry
I wasn’t born into Arsenal either, Charlie George did it for me… 🙂
rico 🙂
Lee Probert will ref the FA Cup final…
Winning the FA Cup ..rico?
I agree Scott. the damage was done during Theo’s youth development.
However I feel that with AW both would have also regressed a bit since AW does not do tactics. With Ancelotti Bale had already taken the right position to receive the ball. See the vid again…do not watch the ball but Bale’s movement before he got the ball. He went to the side, pulling Bartra with him safe in the knowledge that Barca’s defence would leave wide open spaces between the CH and Bartra and also safe in the knowledge that he would outsprint the full back simply by knocking the ball into space behind him.
he did just that.
morning Kev
My family were arsenal and millwall,I choose arsenal after seeing George Eastham walking down Jubilee Street just after signing for us,1960.
Ancelotti I feel is one of the best manager’s in business. He is also very intelligent and one of the few to put Mourinho in his place…………
Mourinho criticized him for loosing the final when winning 3-0 at ht.
Then quietly Ancelotti told him that while Mourinho had won the CL as a manager, he had won it both as a player and a manager. Something which irked Jose
And he focuses on tactics while allowing players to develop and express their talents as well.
That was the icing on the cake that season fred, but I loved him in any case…
Lucky escape fred, Millwall are awful….
I think Bale was not on Wenger’s shopping list because he was a left full back and we already had several of fair ability. Clichy at the time who was the next Ashley Cole, except he wasn’t! Bale was one game away from being loaned ot to a Championship side when he played ‘wing back’ so successfully the spuds pulled the deal and the rest as they say is history.
New post up now…
Good point Wavy…