The ‘Ramsey Factor’ will prove too much for Burnley

I am reminded of the satanic mills, Bob Lord, and for some reason a young lad with a bicycle climbing up a cobbled street  to the sound of the New World Symphony with a loaf of Hovis underarm. Such are the prejudices of youth!!

Burnley are as Northern as one can get in terms of football culture. The Tyne teams may be geographically further North but not in terms of football mentality. I have no idea why I think this way, perhaps because Burnley were the most successful Northern team of my childhood and it seemed such a bleak place. Whilst Spurs employed Danny Blanchflower and Wolves had Billy Wright (both urbane and media friendly), Burnley had Jimmy Mcilroy – hardly a household name in North London!.

Of course this was Burnley’s golden era and since the early ’60’s success has remained elusive.  Over the following 40 years they suffered a descent to the bottom of the 4th division, narrowly escaping oblivion. Under the managership of Steve Cotterill and subsequently Owen Coyle, Burnley returned to the Premier division in 2009 – just being in the Premiership is huge testament to their progress. Unfortunately for Burnley they have only a few games left at the top table, and in all likelyhood will return to the murky depths of the Championship. Of course, Burnley fans would argue that they are just 2 points from safety, but sadly their away form of 1 point this season will secure their fate.

Currently managed by Brian Laws, Burnley play attractive football. I believe Laws has a decent future as an EPL manager, though taking over from Owen Coyle just 2 months ago was a brave decision on his part. Of their team, Chris Eagles has looked the most creative player –  raised at OT under the tutelage of SAF, he has pace and trickery but little end product. Eagles gave us some problems up at Turf Moor and in Robbie Blake he has a willing central runner. In Brian Jensen they have a Danish keeper to chat with Nik, and a man who is hero worshipped by the fans. You may recall that we squeezed a 1-1 draw away in December and were fortunate to escape with a point. We scored early (perhaps the only time this season) and then went to sleep. Backed by their very vocal fans, Burnley stormed back into the game and soon equalised. They then dominated the second half, hitting the woodwork and could consider themselves unlucky not to take all 3 points.

As to Saturday, we are as usual bereft of a number of first teamers, however, we are all aware of Burnley’s away form (one point in 14 games), the dire state of their defence (conceded at least two goals in every away game), and how potent we can be at THOF. And of course there is the Ramsey Factor which will surely spur our lads onto victory. If we drop a point in this one, I will flambé my favourite hat!

Few will know that David Lloyd George, founder of the Welfare State and Liberal Prime Minister in the 20’s, was a big football fan. It will further surprise you that my father used to stand next to him on the terraces of the Clock End (Lloyd George being a man of the people). And as everyone now knows David Lloyd George was a renowned Gooner…..

197 Responses to The ‘Ramsey Factor’ will prove too much for Burnley

  1. Morning all

    Football at last…………….

    Any win will do – four clear goals would be magic

  2. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Spot the spelling mistake?

    Like you Peaches, I am raring to go. First of all, victory with style, second a few goals.

    Will we concede in first 10 minutes? It seems to be becoming a habit.

  3. Rasp's avatar Rasputin says:

    Morning Raddy,

    Excellent informative pre-match post as ever. What spelling mistake? 😉

  4. Rasp's avatar Rasputin says:

    Reportedly what Arsène has said regarding Ramsey’s injury ….

    Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits Aaron Ramsey may never overcome the psychological impact of his horrific leg break, insisting “some players are never the same”……. It sounds to me like he is talking more about Eduardo than Ramsey.

  5. Alfa's avatar Alfa says:

    BR, really enjoyable reading this morning.

    I’d love us to put four past Jensen and not just because we need the goals. Nothing personal against the guy but I get a bit weary of the Burnley fans idolising him when as far as I can tell he is a pretty limited shot stopper.

    I do quite like the way they play though, if they could have got more out of Eagles this season they would have done better.

    It could be Theo’s day.

  6. Alfa's avatar Alfa says:

    Anyone know where the banner is going to be held up?

  7. dandan's avatar dandan says:

    I saw Arsenal play Burnley in the cup many years ago, at there ground nestled in the hills. Parked my car right outside the ground and was able to have fish,chips and a drink, without leaving my seat the only (leaving aside corporate hospitality) ground at which I have been able to do that.

    AS far as today goes I worry that the pressure and expectation to not only win but win well, will have an adverse effect if we don’t score early.

    Score early and anything is possible amybe we could equal our ladies against the spuds yesterday. 10 0 well done Girls.

  8. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    Nostalgia again. Wonderful Raddy. Bob Lord was the nearest thing you could get to the BNP, but that’s another story.

    Jensen looks like a cheese burger away from a heart attack 😉

    I am completely optimistic about today.At least a clear 2 goal margin,but will we score for only the second time in the first 15 minutes.it is so important that we try and get an early goal, as so many teams try and just shut up shop against us, though burnley are more attacking minded.

  9. Alfa's avatar Alfa says:

    Morning kelsey and dandan

  10. dandan's avatar dandan says:

    Sorry folks Morning all

  11. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    I would like to see Eduardo play today. I think it would be a fine game for him to start and hopefully bag a hatrick.

    Alfa. I agree about Jensen, he isn’t even Denmark’s number 3,. But fairplay to the man, I like that a limited player can get recognition for his efforts.

    My team for today….

    A Goalkeeper

    Sagna Silvestre TV Clichy

    Diaby Denilson Cesc Nasri

    Nik Eduardo

  12. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Yes …… Morning All

  13. Alfa's avatar Alfa says:

    BR, fair play to him indeed, but I just can’t stand the way he prowls around the area holding the ball after a fairly basic save with ‘Beast, Beast’ ringing in his ears.

    I’d rather he got back ache from picking the ball out of the net today.

    I quite like your selection, good to see Nik and Eduardo together, they always seem to click. I’d put Diaby in the centre instead of Denilson and put Theo on the wing. I thought AA was fit as well, you don’t want him to start?

  14. Stewart Stanbra's avatar Stewart Stanbra says:

    I have one extra ticket in North End Upper Tier for today’s game vs. Burnely. 40 Pound ticket.

    Please call/text me if interested – Stewart – 07896 806529

  15. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Alfa.

    If I had my wished for selection we would start with 15 men!!

    How about giving your team?

  16. dandan's avatar dandan says:

    Raddy, Stewart quite rightly talks of a 40 Pound Ticket can you remember how much it was when you first went.

    I bet you used to dream of £40 pound a week.

  17. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    Marriage has given you a new release of humour BR, glad to see it.

    Seriously, The resolve we showed at 1-1 last week against 10 men behind the ball against the emotional sickness seen by many after the leg break was immense.We really have a new dimension which I hope will carry on today.

  18. Stewart Stanbra's avatar Stewart Stanbra says:

    TICKET IS GONE NOW!!! Enjoy the game!

  19. dandan's avatar dandan says:

    My team would have AA for Nasri and Theo for Eduardo. Theo has the pace to do them on the break and he needs the match time. And AA is just class

  20. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Dandan In my first job as an articled clerk I got less than €40 a month!!

    My first season ticket cost less than €7 ! (sorry – no sterling sign on this keyboard)

  21. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    dandan if I may interject.I paid £78.00 for a season ticket in the West Stand which included coupons for cup games in the late sixties and early70.s.

  22. dandan's avatar dandan says:

    Lol Raddy/ Kelso Doesnt seem possible does it, My first weeks pay was £2.16shillings and 4 pence. Entry was 5 shillings 25p in todays money

    When they made the West Stand season tickets we moved to the clock end.

  23. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    No it doesn’t!!

    My birthday tomorrow. I am catching up with Kelsey !

  24. dandan's avatar dandan says:

    Sorry Kelsey, Kelso is another blogger

  25. dandan's avatar dandan says:

    Do you find the trouble is that you are still thirty in your head, but you body wont have it LOL

  26. I know its just romanticism but Theirry has written a piece for The Times today

    http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article7051865.ece

    actually this is the main article, I’ll try and find the Henry one

  27. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    20’s. Dandan

  28. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Super article by Thierry. Future manager perhaps?

  29. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    When I was about 12 I played football in the morning for my school and then went straight to Highbury to get an unreserved seat in the East Stand lower. I think you could sit where you wanted to, but you had to get there by 1.00P.M> but I can’t remember the cost.

  30. gnarleygeorge9's avatar gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Whats going on, seems everyone has a blog these daze. Howdy fellas/girls.

  31. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    True gnarleygeorge,

    but here we are open minded and treat each here with respect and try and always talk in a civilised way to one another.Nice to see you again.

  32. Rasp's avatar Rasputin says:

    Hi gg,

    Great to hear from you. This blog is more of a co-operative which actively encourages guests to contribute to the site (se ‘Be our Guest’ at the top of the page) – so when can we expect your first headline post to be submitted? 😛

  33. Alfa's avatar Alfa says:

    Hi there GG. Get posting.

    My team for today, heavily lifted from BRs.

    Almunia

    Sagna Silvestre TV Clichy

    Theo Diaby Cesc AA

    Nik Eduardo

    6-0 to our boys, top of the league. Eduardo and Theo both score.

  34. gnarleygeorge9's avatar gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Cheers kelsey/Ras long time no see.

    Contribute? I might get all blog struck 😳

  35. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Great to see you here GG. Our new home!

  36. gnarleygeorge9's avatar gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Alfa, howdy.

  37. Rasp's avatar Rasputin says:

    Hi Alfa,

    That’s my preferred team too. I have an inkling that Theo is gonna score a couple today. We don’t need a HM against Burnley, so I’m happy to leve Denilson on the bench.

    Gnarley – you’re in Oz aren’t you? Irish is over there at the moment, you should meet up, it’s only a small place isn’t it?

  38. Alfa's avatar Alfa says:

    “I believe Theo will go to the World Cup, I am convinced of that and that he will have a great World Cup as well.” A Wenger 6/3/10

    Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger feels England winger Theo Walcott is under “terrible pressure” to ensure that he is fit for World Cup. “It’s terrible pressure. But that’s the modern media.” 22/2/10

    The great man does mystify me sometimes…

  39. gnarleygeorge9's avatar gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Does anyone have an update on AA23? Is he up for today/tonight?

  40. Rasp's avatar Rasputin says:

    From arse.com ….

    ….Andrey was substituted in the 1-0 win over Liverpool last month and has not featured for Arsenal since due to a hamstring problem. However, he could return this weekend. “Arshavin could be available,” said Wenger ahead of the Burnley game.

  41. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Wow Alfa. That is a very attacking team. I like it….

  42. gnarleygeorge9's avatar gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Ras

    Irish is still here then? I don’t think she goes further than Sydney though. But if she heads down to the “jewel state” I might have a beer or 2 waiting for her.

  43. Rasp's avatar Rasputin says:

    Peaches knows her whereabouts GG. All I know is that it’s pretty remote because she rarely gets an internet connection. Oh, and she drinks cider – by the yard 😆

  44. gnarleygeorge9's avatar gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Weird fixtures list. How come the Shitty v spuds game has been PP?

  45. gnarleygeorge9's avatar gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Ras

    I will always back our beers against anything back in Blighty/Emerald Isle, but on the subject of cider, nothing, I repeat nothing compares to good old Somerset scrumpy 😛

  46. Rasp's avatar Rasputin says:

    I assume it’s because the spuds are playing in the FA cup today.

  47. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    Is Eboue injured, cause if not he would feature for me.He is actually playing quite well at the moment.

  48. gnarleygeorge9's avatar gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Oh 😳 the FA Cup, I forgot about that comp.

  49. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    I think she is in brisbane, but i might be wrong.

  50. gnarleygeorge9's avatar gnarleygeorge9 says:

    I’m enjoying the Pass Master @ RB. As we would say here, he has a bit of mungrel in him, or as BR might say “ginger” 😆

  51. what a wonderful guy TH14 is… the man truly loves this club.

  52. gnarleygeorge9's avatar gnarleygeorge9 says:

    TH14 is a legend IMHO

  53. Rasp's avatar Rasputin says:

    Australians don’t drink beer – they drink lager! 😛

    Good ol’ warm, flat English beer is the real McCoy. I agree about the scrumpy – that stuff’s brain damage. There used to be loads of independent brewers usually located in farms where you could get it straight from the open cask. No doubt the bloody EC has brought in regulations to outlaw the practice now.

  54. gnarleygeorge9's avatar gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Draught as well Ras? And as for that EC, can I swear on here? Dash that EC, rotters they are.

  55. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    I agree SH

    I recall that Brisbane is the type of town to have internet connection, but one can never account for the Aussies! I thought Irish was somewhere in the countryside near Melbourne!

    Tough call between Eboue and Sagna. Either would do, but I think Sagna is the better defender and Burnley’s main threat comes through Eagles down our right

  56. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Don’t bring that up Rasp…… I am having a mellow morning.

  57. so… most of us will all be on the march for a decent stream this afternoon?

    i am not going to bother.. the game is on arsenal radio/5 live.

    the streams slowing down, going down, reinstalling, searching for a new one on all forums etc etc … that ruins the game day experience.

    back to the old skool.. listening to the game on the “wireless” 🙂

  58. gnarleygeorge9's avatar gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Half a dozen pints of scrumpy would bring brekky up BR, no doubt about that.

  59. gnarleygeorge9's avatar gnarleygeorge9 says:

    SH

    Its on Fox3 live, plus 3 other games to choose as well @ the same time. Don’t need internet for that, so I guess there will be a happy, but bleary eyed Irishgunner somewhere in the outback @ 2.00am.

  60. eboue has to play RB today, keep sagna fresh for porto.

    denilson, diaby, cesc seems certain to be the midfield trio.. althougg i would rather see young eastmond in the DM role.. as its a home game against lowly opposition.

    nasri needs to saved as a sub to keep him fresh for porto, therefore mozart, nik b, and aa23 front 3.

    early goal inside 20 minutes… and we win 4-0 FT

    struggle to get the first, maybe 0-0 HT, 2-0 FT

  61. gnarley thats easy for you to say mate… we dont get fox over here in blighty.

  62. gnarleygeorge9's avatar gnarleygeorge9 says:

    SH

    Fox is part of the Murdoch empire, you should all demand it. Anyway, its not like I can get on the Tube & head on out to the Emirates like you fellas 😦

  63. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    http://www.atdhe.net/

    this is the best stream as they sometimes have two or three options on one game. the knack is to tune in at least ten minutes before the game, and the non english commentary often doesn’t have a delay.

  64. gnarleygeorge9's avatar gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Alright folks

    I’m off now, thanx for the chat, if you’ll have me, I’ll be back.

  65. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Right – early goal and we will win at a canter.

    SH. There is a stream that works every time but you have to pay for it. I think it is about €3 a game. I posted it on LG, but have lost the link. Paying for it means that few other people use the feed and it is not only constant but digital quality.

  66. Rasp's avatar Rasputin says:

    No worries gg 😉 always good to have your company.

  67. thats sounds ideal, BR

    any chance you could find it?

    i would happily pay a couple of quid for a reliable, constant, high quality stream.. that would be a bargain.

  68. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    BR is right.

    Live on Footy. com. Cost £2.00 per game.

  69. cheers, kelsey.. on it now!

  70. what is the full domain name?

    footy.com?

  71. LB's avatar London says:

    Morning All

    Your posts’s are getting more slick by the week BR, great reading. You are pulling our legs about Lloyd George aren’t you? A play on the song perhaps?

  72. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    LiveOnlineFooty.com is all I have SH

  73. got it, thanks kelsey.

  74. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Delighted someone got it London 😉 I was hoping the father reference might prompt a smile

  75. LB's avatar London says:

    SFH

    I would go for the other way around, Sagna for today and Eboue for Tuesday. Silvestre will almost certainly be playing today and for that reason I would opt to have Sagna’s superior defending skills next to him rather than Eboue’s attacking prowess. On Tuesday we will see the return of Gallas or Campbell and with that added security Eboue’s ability to attack should be more affective. What do you think?

    I still reckon this will be the team.

    ———-Almunia
    Sagna,Silvestre,Vermaelen,Clichy
    —Diaby,Fabregas,Denilson
    —Walcott,Bendtner,Nasri

  76. london, burnley are gash, they have nothing in attack.

    porto are a very dangerous team in the final 3rd, we got an away goal… we definately dont want to be conceding one on tuesday night.

    we need 4 great defenders against them.

    i think today is the day to be really up for the attack and take chances as we need to make up the goal difference and the opponents are not of the quality of falcao or hulk.

  77. i’m convinced we will see eboue at RB today.

  78. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    I warm to you more every week London as we almost nearly always disagree. I have a wife like that 😉 but at least we have the welfare of our club first and foremost in our heart.

    I am going for a Pompey win right now. fate can sometimes play a surprise hand.

  79. Rasp's avatar Rasputin says:

    I’m off to the match folks – I look forward to celebrating a decisive victory with you on my return 😉

  80. dandan's avatar dandan says:

    Got footy.com thanks Folks

  81. See I should be getting commission for that…… 🙂

    Enjoy the game everyone – see you later.

  82. Raddy and kelsey you’re in charge.

    Anyone else that wants the stream its £2/game

    http://www.liveonlinefooty.com

    you have to download the software first so don’t leave it till the last minute

  83. LB's avatar London says:

    SFH

    I’m persuaded. Yep, I like your logic.

  84. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    HIYA EVERONE…
    this streaming site have you used it b4 Peaches? anyone?
    whats the quality like? as good as Veetle player?
    anyway just want to know if its been used before, as i don’t like passing on credit card info to all unsundry!

    Dead looking forward today, hope bendtner partners eduardo and they both forge this partneship that will take through the rest of the season and on to glory!

  85. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Yes Tommy I have used it before and so have other Gooners I recommended it to.

    But if it goes tits up, it wasn’t me …..

  86. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    lol, I’LL BLAME PEACHES

  87. trying it for the first time today, punting 2 quid.. so it’ was the risk… as soon as it goes down.. i wont be messing around trying to make it work

    i will switch on 5 live.

  88. dandan's avatar dandan says:

    Interesting Matt Le Tis has us down for a draw today

  89. dandan's avatar dandan says:

    Theo plays

  90. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    hey up SFHawke, the stream was excellent for the portsmouth match earlier, no slip ups at all and only 15 secs behind real time. However the picture is not as good as veetle player, but not far off…. i’m pleased with my £2.

    Dan Dan
    when is matt le tissier worth listening too? i think we’ll win handsomely providing we don’t leave ourselves open to the break away suckapunch!

  91. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    Arsenal: Almunia, Eboue, Silvestre, Vermaelen, Clichy, Walcott, Rosicky, Denilson, Fabregas, Nasri, Bendtner. Subs: Fabianski, Diaby, Sagna, Eduardo, Arshavin, Traore, Eastmond.

    I would have preffered diaby to start for a bit more muscle.

  92. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    walcotts looking good, his crosses have been fine

  93. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    emirates seems quiet

  94. good start for both the stream and the team 🙂

    surely written in the stars for theo to net one today?

  95. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    Eboue is playing well, yes Theo is getting crosses in but every time it is only nic in the box.

  96. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    suilvestreis a bit of a worry for me

  97. diaby, arshavin and sagna are being saved for tuesday night.

  98. young jack has scored for bolton!

  99. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    yellow fricking card ref…….

  100. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    cesc? thats all we need

  101. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    what a goal

  102. get in

    world class from nasri and cesc.. pure world class play

  103. arggghhhhh should be 2-0

  104. thank you for this stream link.

  105. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    bendtners having a mare

  106. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    cesc again.

    bedntner should have scored at least 2 of the 5 chances

  107. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    is bedntner really and out and out strikwer, looks like cesc might come off

  108. typical nik b game so far.. he will get in on the act soon enough.

  109. theo the hard man 😆

  110. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    nice to see theo stand up for a face off

  111. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    cant believe how quiet it is…. or is it stream tv?

  112. turn the volume up 😆

  113. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    we need another goal, i cant see us keeping a clean sheet

  114. will take an almighty fuck up to let one in, burnly have sod all quality up front.

  115. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    clichy and silvestre are the weak link for me. they will keep exploiting our left flank. is denilson playing.

  116. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    well vettle is still king here… my 2£ stream has screwed twice….. veetles been rock solid

  117. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    john terry can’t keep a clean sheet 🙂

  118. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    think rosicky and eboue have put in good shifts today….

  119. right well 1st half over and 100% no issued with my stream for the entire half.

    very good news.

    i have all the sky sports channels and ESPN.. so very few games are not watchable for me… but the odd one like today.. paying 2 quid for a reliable stream is a god send.

  120. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    just seen wlsheres goal, he took it well…. bendtner would have missed it though 🙂

  121. nasri should play in the cesc role now.. he would be awesome in the middle, roaming, dictating play.

    nasri is no winger.

  122. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    hey stringfellow, are you the same stringfellow i saw on another finance website forum posting about the cartel scam???

  123. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    i kinda like diaby in that role myself

  124. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    cesc has a sore knee, missed training yesterday, it’s only a precaution.

  125. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    fuck another miss by bedntner

  126. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    and another, i don’t believe it.

  127. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    we bring out the best of jensen.

  128. we bring out the best in EVERY keeper that ever enters the emirates.. aside from our own.

  129. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    theo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  130. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    ditto 😉

  131. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    in truth it should be 5-0 but let’s just hope for a win.

  132. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    flick… this must be a 20+ chance game

  133. it’s a shame we are not converting more chances.. however

    i prefer that to making sod all chances.

  134. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    sorry… you just have to laff an nic today….

  135. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    i actually feel sorry for bedntner, i think

  136. he will score today.

  137. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    seriously denilson is invisible and we are playing a shite side.

  138. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    he might score tonight 😉

  139. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    bedntner comes off laughing. well he did try.

  140. this has been bloody emotional watching this match

  141. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    i guess a striker has one of those days in training…. he’s unlucky he had it today!

  142. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    i wouldn’t have taken nic off, as now we are being pushed back.

  143. now eduardo is in on it

  144. right i cant watch this no more.. this is scary stuff

  145. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    eduardo i am afraid is not the answer, he has lost his pace and looks half hearted in his tackling. will it come back.

  146. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    my man of the match is nasri.

  147. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    kelsoy you beat me to it…. nasri all the way

  148. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    i did quite well today.

    pompey to win

    eboue to play and he played well
    we would win by 2 clear goals

  149. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    when eduardo scored that wonder goal against burnley in the cup, i thought he was back! he seems to have taken a backwards step for me… his strength was his composure, i dont think he truly had pace… but now that composure seems to have dissapeared.

  150. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    anyway i gotta go, this afternoons viewing was not easy on my stress levels!

  151. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    tommy you are right strength not pace.We need to buy a striker for sure.If we had 10 vermaelen’s we would win everything.

  152. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    What an amazing show of finishing!!

    As you know I love Nik, but he should have had 5 today. # were complete sitters,but let’s hope he has kept his scoring boots for Tuesday.

    As Kelsey & Tommy say, Nasri MoM with Theo not far behind. TV as always immaculate and TR was tidy before he came off.

    Denilson….. is he invisible? I think I saw him touch the ball but not sure.

    Arshavin looked rusty but took his goal really well

    We should have won by 6,

  153. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Give Eduardo a chance. I would have played from the off today – and I am sure AW does as well after Nik’s shenanigans

  154. Alfa's avatar Alfa says:

    Just on my way home. Theo was my man of the match.

  155. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Fair play to Burnley for trying to play football. It will be different at Hull

  156. Just in from the game. Alfa you beat me to it – I’ve just told rasp that I thought Theo could be MOTM.

    I’m not sure how Nik will be able to sleep tonight 😦

    Going to read through your comments form this afternoon. Who was Arsenals MOTM?

  157. Is that true about Cesc and a bad knee?

  158. London – just checking that you’re writing something for the morning Hope you had a good day.

    SH – Eboue must have heard me – no starfish today 🙂

  159. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    apparently a slight hamstring problem according to Wenger, but not sure he was telling the truth as he said it will be assessed tomorrow.

    Going back to Nic, he gets in all the right positions, but that really was a shocker,maybe he needs a change of scenary.

  160. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    What are you suggesting Kelsey?

  161. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    I am suggesting he might be better off at another club,I personally thought it rather weird that he laughed when he got subbed.I know he is young and an International, but he is not the answer in pure striker terms.I heard he got booed,I hope that is incorrect.he is basically a squad player with a bit of an ego, so therefore he might do better elsewhere.

  162. Alfa's avatar Alfa says:

    I loved seeing Theo square up to whichever Burnley moron came in 2 footed on him.

    JET and Simpson apparently scored today as well as Jack.

    SuperNik was 95% pretty good today.

  163. Alfa's avatar Alfa says:

    Nik got a standing ovation in the ground, he wasn’t take it light heartedly, you could see he was gutted to miss and appreciated the support he was getting.

  164. Rasp's avatar Rasputin says:

    Evening all,

    My MotM is at the top of the page.

    I’ve just heard a load of rubbish being talked by a so-called Arsenal fan on TalkShite. He said Bendtner was booed – utter rubbish. We felt for him. I’ll admit that at one all, his misses were hugely frustrating, but he got a standing ovation as he left the pitch and clapped the crowd in appreciation.

  165. Alfa's avatar Alfa says:

    Rasp, glad you saw the MOTM the same way.

    Theo will be our most dangerous striker between now and the end of the season.

  166. Rasp's avatar Rasputin says:

    Nasri had another very good game and TV was immense, but special mention for Clichy, who was back to his best.

    We shouldn’t discuss this in too much detail as I’m sure London’s report will be packed with these talking points.

  167. Rasp's avatar Rasputin says:

    Hi Alfa, sorry, you had already made the point before me 😉

    Yes, Theo looked more feisty and dangerous today and he beat defenders with more than just pace. It’s a shame, because he would have had 2 or 3 assists too if Nik had got his scoring boots on.

  168. SharkeySure's avatar SharkeySure says:

    Hey Rasp, Peaches…nice tio meet you guys today, all a bit of arush but worth the effort!

    Agreed re Bendtner…he even clapped to acknoweledge the crowd’s support whilst waiting for a corner. Top man.

    Justy ione of those days forhim topday…shame cos he could have singlehandedly done our goal difference a power of good.

    All credit to him though, cos he NEVER hides !!

  169. Alfa's avatar Alfa says:

    Off for curry and beer and to watch Fulham draw with the Spuds so they have a replay 🙂

  170. SharkeySure's avatar SharkeySure says:

    Great post Raddy….

    Just gettong in, bloody Northern line down cos someones taken seriously ill at Moorgate.

    So ill that they have to shut the Northern Line southbound..??!!

    So I brought my son home on the bus from Kings X, and will have to go and get my car from the train station I left it at. Grrrrrr

  171. Rasp's avatar Rasputin says:

    Hi Sharkey,

    Nice to meet you too, hope you controlled your language in front of your young companion when Nik missed those chances 😛

  172. SharkeySure's avatar SharkeySure says:

    No worries Rasp,…I never screram abusd at our plaqyers ..I’m more of a head in hands woe is me kind of guy.

    Demanding that refs give a card or get a grip is another matter altogether though.

    In any case my boy knows not to repeat any bad words he hears anywhere !!

  173. My friend has just called me to say in an interview Nik said ‘I didn’t need to score in this game but I kept on trying’

  174. SharkeySure's avatar SharkeySure says:

    Thats a very odd comment from Nik isn’t it…??

  175. SharkeySure's avatar SharkeySure says:

    I thought Nasri was fantastic today, and Theo showed a vast improvement today as well.

    Anyway, off back out into the cold to retrieve my motor from the station !!

    Toodles…??

  176. FFS FFS

    forget nikki b’s misses

    watch MOTD tonight!!

    wolves ARGGGGGHHH

    sitter for 1-1 from about 3 yards.. skied it the moron

  177. you will all feel sick to the pit of your stomach.. trust me!

  178. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    so take my comment and nick’s comment and it adds up to…..something. is his heart really with the club.

    denilson was shite, we missed song. eboue is getting better and eduardo is a worry.
    put into context this is a team that could win the title this year, and any half decent striker would have nailed the points by half time.

  179. kelsey – is his heart really in the club?

    what he clearly meant was … his goals did not matter… what mattered was the TEAM’s goals, and the TEAM winning

    nik b works his arse off, fighitng alone upfront.

    how many chances were we creating when arshavin was our main striker?

    the main thing is we are now making tons of chances again with a proper hold up striker in the team.

    he will bang a hat trick in by the end of this month.

    the team are winning, the team are making tons of chances, and nik b is part of this.

  180. and also.. he said he “kept on trying”

    i never knock a player of ours when he runs and runs and puts in a shift.

    nikki b is one player who always puts a shift in for the team.

    his goals will come.

  181. he is 20/21 yrs old, has had 4 months off injured.. at the same age.. TH14 was hitting corner flags.

    stick with him, he is the real deal.

  182. Alfa's avatar Alfa says:

    Theo to score, Spuds to draw… I’m on fire!

    (OK 6-0 and Dudu to score – not quite there but should have been.)

  183. SharkeySure's avatar SharkeySure says:

    Stringfellow – a man who speaks the truth !!!!

    Well saud Sir.

    Ps. thats not intended as a dig at anyone else or their view point

  184. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    I applaud Nik attitude, he never hides and for a 21 y.o. he is a strong mature man. Shame I don’t have a daughter for him!!

    But by golly, I wish he had put away 3 of the chances today.

  185. BR – steve bruce thought the opposite vis-a-vis having a daughter for him 😆

  186. LB's avatar London says:

    Hi P&R

    I am 90% there.

  187. Benwell's avatar Benwell says:

    Hi you guys found you at last!

    Strange frustrating game but a good victory and performance, some of the interplay was top notch.

    Well done to London today for putting a couple of “Johnny come lately’s” in their place who were moaning that the game was boring?? and that Denilson was the worst Brazilian in Europe!! With a great line that their moronic critism of our players was spreading like polution! Nothing but praise for the second half, brilliant!!

  188. LB's avatar London says:

    Hi Benwell

    You managed to get on, I am just finishing tomorrow’s match report, come on if you can and give us your thoughts.

  189. Rasp's avatar Rasputin says:

    Hi Benwell,

    Great to have you on the site. Hope we can chat more tomorrow.

  190. gnarleygeorge9's avatar gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Theeeeeeeoooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!

  191. LB's avatar London says:

    New Post

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