I have read on some of the Arsenal blogsites that there are “fans” who want AFC to lose this game, their reasoning being that Arsene and the Board will be removed should we not achieve CL qualification. Or is it so we can concentrate on the PL (I stopped reading)? Whatever the reasoning I say Nay, Nay and thrice Nay, this is a huge game in our season and we need to get a result.
I cannot speak for you but I was in a state of some considerable nervousness during the first leg. After 4 minutes I was ready to bask in an easy victory against another poor Italian team. How wrong I was. Udinese found their rhythm and showed why so many pundits call them the most attractive team in Serie A; had it not been for some sterling work by the defence and Szczesny in particular, we would be going to Udine is a perilous situation. As it is we hold a one goal advantage and the luxury of defensive shutout.
1-0 to the Arsenal was a refrain heard all over Europe, it was de rigeur for us to win 1-0, and yet despite winning the game last Tuesday evening we woke the following morning to discover that many fans and pundits were disappointed by the performance and the result. Are we spoiled? You bet.
Udinese showed themselves to be a fine team. A strong midfield allied to the wily Di Natale dominated us for large swathes of the game; we will need to be fully concentrated for 95 minutes to get through.
Team selection will be a headache. If Traore is fit should he play or should we continue with Sagna at LB? Should we play Song at CB should Koscielny not recover from his back twinge? What of Frimpong? Should we go to Udine looking to keep a clean sheet and fill the team with defenders hoping for a counter attack goal, or should we attack them from the first? Gerv or Theo or both? Can we continue to justify giving a shirt to the dreadfully out of form Arshavin? What would you do?
My team:-
Subs: Whoever is fit.
My concern with the above team is the lack of any creativity in midfield, but we just do not have anyone left fit in the squad to cover the loss of Diaby, Wilshire, Nasri and Cesc. My hope is that Rosicky will smack one in from 30 yards to shut up his critics (one can but hope!)
This is a huge game for Arsene and Arsenal. A loss would not be a disaster but a major blow. I do not subscribe to the theory that we will not be able to attract quality players should we lose – they are mercenaries and will play for whoever pays the most, but the season will not be the same without the CL and the thought of the Europa League (alongside such luminaries as Stoke and Fulham) is too awful to contemplate.
Tonight will will require a committed team effort. Victoria Concordia Crescit – Victory Comes from Harmony (as you all will know)
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
I wrote of a total lack of creativity in midfield, this assumes a poor night for Arshavin who certainly has it in his boots to be creative.
Once again, he will be a vital player for us tonight.
Sorry BR,
I will repost now.
As for tonight the biggest miss will be creativity in midfield so Rosicky and even Arshavin to an extent need the games of their lives as does Song and or Frimpong.
A 2-1 defeat would see us through.We just have to score,we are not a mancini or mourinho side that can set their stall out from the first minute to defend.
London fancy having another bet if you have any Arsenal clothing left ? 🙂
Regardless of the result the real supporters will stand up.
BR,
Posting our club crest as it should be has in itself swelled my confidence. I miss it badly. I like my club history I do.
Great summary of the issues surrounding the game.
I honestly believe that both Song as well as Frimpong add more to the team offensively as well as defensively than Ramsey. His day will come I am sure but not yet.
Back later.
I think it will be Walcott & Gervinho tonight. Unless one of them is injured.
Im fed up with Mr wenger .
Its poor no trophies after 6 years and he wont spend any cash,he thinks its his own.
If we lose tonight Mr wenger can go and get some decent manager in like jose Mourino.
The players are like ratz leaving a sinking ship
Morning micky,
I agree, what are the chances of the Pong doing the double and getting a red in Europe too do you think? 😕
I have serious doubts that we will bring in even one more player so it is important that we bring the new youingsters into the team ASAP, I’m talking about Ryo and the Ox in particular, but maybe tonight is too important to take a risk.
All that cannon needs is some real heavy balls instead of firing blanks 🙂
This is a massive game for us and it is in such games as this that Arsenal have to GRIND OUT results.
I’m strangely confident that Arsenal will not lose this game.
I think it’s better to have a rough start like this and if we do what we should, our end will be smooth hence laying our hands on a trophy.
BR your team selection is usually spot on but LB is the real concern for me.though we don’t have any other options unless he switchers Sagna and Jenkinson as he did against liverpool.
In other to achieve this season, we need to sell arsene winger and go for a serious minded manager
Shaola/Andi. It will come as no surprise that I do not share your opinions, but thank you for the comments
Andi Rain – irony surely? If you want someone like Mourinho at the helm of our great club you have little understanding of our history and way we do things.
Anyone wanting to hear a good defence of Wenger should listen to The Whistleblowers Podcast, two West Ham fans and a Cardiff fan spot on about our manager in my view.
BR – nice prematch, for me Ramsey and Rosicky will get overrun again so I would play the two defensive midfielders Song and Frimpong. That would take some workload off Song. I would consider Ramsey in place of Arsh, maybe he will get more time to grow into the game.
But no one can deny what Arsh stats say so I won’t be disappointed to see him start.
Arsene should go with his bad luck, am sure he his really heading for relegation
When arsene is ready to win we’ll be the first to knw but as for tonite he has his tactics & reputation at stake tonites results will either expose his nakedness or buy him more time to experiment his futile methods which we’ve seen for six years now
massive game tonight, were due a bit of luck
i’d go theo & Gervinho we need pace to counter, because we will have to score, and after arshavins performance on sat bench him until 60/70mins
lets win some credibility back for the Arse
Red army!!!!!
Morning all, Nice one BR what a pity your call for harmony is not likely to be heard. But negatives aside I thought you might like a little look at what Sandy Barclay has to say this morning.
1 of 1
On the morning after Wayne Rooney had orchestrated a magnificent exposition of the spirit of Manchester United, we learnt that Samir Nasri had duly left Arsenal. So much, it seemed, for the respective abilities of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsène Wenger to deal with malcontents.
Last season, Rooney rebelled against United but Ferguson found the words, and raised the money, to keep him at Old Trafford. In Wenger’s hour of need, when Nasri was required to help to fill the midfield chasm left by Cesc Fàbregas’s return to Barcelona, the player appeared swayed only by the riches and potential of Manchester City. It was an all too predictably gloomy prelude to the match against Udinese in Friuli that will define Arsenal’s season, or at least the ensuing five days of it.
Let’s not be too dramatic. If Arsenal were to go out of the Champions League tonight and then triumph away to United on Sunday, their stock and Wenger’s would probably rise rather than continue to fall. Vice versa, ditto.
The present drama would intensify only if the club, who have almost invariably waltzed into the group stage since Wenger won his first English title in 1998, were to pay the full price of their slump in the final three months of last season and then show no sign of revival.
But it must be galling for Wenger that Ferguson, whom he used to tease — “everyone thinks he has the prettiest wife at home,” the Frenchman elegantly quipped when told of Ferguson’s protestations that United, although below Arsenal in the League table, were playing the more attractive football — remains so vibrantly at the height of his powers, master of Old Trafford, while he, Wenger, cuts an increasingly isolated figure; no wonder it is speculated that he misses the constant counsel of David Dein, the ousted vice-chairman.
Whatever the reasons, and whatever the failures of some of the players in whom he has placed faith over recent years, my hunch is that Arsenal will be represented when the Champions League draw takes place tomorrow in Monaco, Wenger’s old workplace, where his friendship with Dein began.
True, Wenger could have done with Nasri tonight, as the sumptuous technician proved with his effortless evasion of opponents during the Barclays Premier League match against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. But that he, one of Wenger’s most expensive signings, was ultimately a disappointment is now clear.
Had Nasri possessed the character the club need now, he would have seized the opportunity to succeed Fàbregas as team leader. Instead he preferred to make up the numbers at City while improving his bank balance.
Fàbregas, by contrast, sacrificed money to join Barcelona. Such men are rare in football — and Nasri, although his talent appeared almost limitless in the first half of last season, is obviously not one of them.
So Wenger will have to go with what he has got left. Unfortunately, some are recently chastened characters — Gervinho, Alexandre Song, Emmanuel Frimpong — but they may see their domestic suspensions as a reason to show impeccable discipline against Udinese and certainly this is what Arsenal will require.
After the 2-0 defeat by Liverpool, which turned on a teenager’s foolish dismissal and the injury to Laurent Koscielny that led to the freak accident that befell Ignasi Miquel, I had a sense that Arsenal were over the worst of their crisis. Frimpong for all his rawness, had contributed to that; it was possible to view him as a follower in the tracks of Emmanuel Petit, Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva, a true physical presence in the midfield.
That, however, is for the long term and for now Wenger, once regarded as the master manufacturer of jam tomorrow, is going to have to get used to the indignity of the other thing. There was a twinkle in his eye at the training ground before the flight to Italy yesterday. Maybe he is enjoying the change.
Andi Rain – go support Chelsea
I think you team is wrong after the defence. We need to rest Rosciky and Ramsey for the Man U game this weekend. Due to bans in the premier league tonight we should see song, Frimpong and Arshavin in the more creative role where he will flourish!
Up front theo, RVP and Gervinho should be enough to keep the Udinese on their Toes!
Alex Ferguson in defence of Arsene :
“It’s a crazy world we’re in, It’s a critical world and you only need to lose a couple of games to have critics howling down at you.”
“All the talk is about Arsenal and Arsene leaving. But who can replace him? It’s the most ridiculous situation. The man has been simply unbelievable. He has given Arsenal platforms they never thought they’d get to.”
“He should carry on. He shouldn’t listen to the critics. The one thing you need in this game is earplugs.”
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/947914/sir-alex-ferguson-tells-snipers-to-lay-off-arsene-wenger?cc=5739
Come on Gooners lets get behind the team tonight! Gervinho can really make a difference for us as well as having RVP back, Im feeling strangly confident of a win.Up the Gunners EIE!! rip the Bear
I think we should play a 4-3-3….
Szczesny
sagna vermaelen djourou traore
Frimpong song
Arshavin
Walcott Van persie Gervinho
Great post Raddy
@Dandan
‘Had Nasri possessed the character the club need now, he would have seized the opportunity to succeed Fàbregas as team leader. Instead he preferred to make up the numbers at City while improving his bank balance.
Fàbregas, by contrast, sacrificed money to join Barcelona. Such men are rare in football — and Nasri, although his talent appeared almost limitless in the first half of last season, is obviously not one of them. ‘
Quality !!!!! furthermore I have been doing some digging on facts of last season
2010/2011 season
Champs League- Arsenal Top Scorers
Andre Arshavin 3
Marouane Chamakh 3
Cesc Fabregas 3
Carlos Vela 2
Robin Van Persie 2
Theo Wallcott 2
Champs League – Arsenal assist makers
Samir Nasri 3
Jack Wilshere 3
Andre arshavin 2
Cesc Fabregas 2
Alex Song 2
Thomas Rosicky 1
The much maligned Arshavin plays a decisive part in our games evn though he doesnt appear to, therefore in my opinion he must play tonight
I can see the point about the bans and freshness of players for MU, but I think we should put out our strongest team tonight.
The Frimpong/Song combo (sounds like a Goons song) is untested. Who knows if it would work? Also TR has much Euro experience and tonight will call for cool heads
we should go with a 442 formation
schezny
sagna vermy djouru traore
walcott song frimpong rosicky/gervinho
rvp arshavin
One name is noticeably missing from this article and from the team line up: FRIMPONG!!!!
Thanks for a great post BR. I so hope you are wrong re your starting 11 though. If we were overrun at the Emirates, we will be bulldozed at Udinese with this formation. Song needs defensive support and I am not sure Rambo can provide that. Song – Frimpong, like Mickey and Rasp (and me earlier) also suggested, would give us a wall in midfield. Song can come forward and pick a pass as well. It would be like last season, where Frimmpong plays in the Song role and Song plays in the Wilshere role (but more defensively minded).
I can see why you put in the little Mozart and why you can only hope he will score a goal again. I would far rather play a solid 4-4-2 tonight with RvP in the hole and Chamakh upfront and Gervinho and Theo/Arshavin on the wings. RvP is not a pure Bergkamp, of course not – nobody is (GiE), but he can play in the hole – just for this game: in a very similar role to Rooney’s at the Mancs. We might get a goal from distance again…
—————Szczesny——————
Sagna—-Djou—–Verm—–Traore–
———-Song——Frimpong———-
—————Arshavin——————-
Walcott————————Gervinho
————–Van Persie—————–
Would love to see this lineup but sadly, wenger will never put arshavin in the middle, where he is most comfortable. Has the perfect balance between attack and defence, and arshavin would be able to provide more creativity than either ramsey or rosicky, which would mean there would be quality options on the bench for the midfield
Big game to put Chamakh in given his lack of form. Would almost be tempted to put Walcott up there and Gerv and Arshavin could be your wide men… however saying that Walcott did well against the fullback he was up against – 1st leg…
@matt – looks good to me…would love to see Arshavin as that middle player.
I am tossing up between the feeling that Ramsey needs a timeout and the fact he got the assist for the goal
Could we see Arshavin in the middle if Rosicky isnt fit enough?
Good post.
If we stay tight and compact tonight ime confident we will go through.
On a negative note, these people that come on here just to slag of the manager cant help but wind me up. They have the I.Q of a gorrila on heat.
Great post Raddy. I disagree with one point though. Qualification will determine who we buy. Certain players will chase the money (na$ri the $lag for example) But we don’t pay the big money and the CL helps to increase the players value as they have a bigger audience. I’ve heard (from no great source) that Wenger will decide who to go after when we know the result. I think we can get one tonight. For all thier attacking play but for a great save by thier keeper we would have had a 2 goal lead.
Come on you mighty reds!!!!!
People who want us to lose are retards and cnuts
Raddy – great post and even greater the title 🙂
I am soooooo disappointed, I truly believed the whole Cesc and/or Nasri scenario was pre-scripted and they won’t leave 😦
I guess a pessimist never gets disappointed and there is no smoke without fire 😦
So, I am not going to get my hopes to high for tonight, just wait and see what happens.
Massive boost to have le boss on the sideline for this one. I think we will see a big one from the lads – I am gutted for Wilshire not being able to play and Kozzer too those guys play for the shirt alright
A couple of you have already picked out what would be my preferred option for tonight, mainly The Wall protecting the back 4, Arshavin playing in the hole behind RVP and Gervais and Theo on the flanks. When you think about it, and when you think about the players still out injured, that ain’t a bad 11. They will all need to play well though. I thought we carried too many passengers against Rat Eaters; Theo, Arshavin and Aaron.
Great pre-match Raddy as usual, amazing some plastic gooners actually want to lose, i posted this last night some might have missed it…………
Here is a cracker for you guys, you may disagree but……..
Barca Squad Champions league March 2011 v
Udinese Squad August 2011
Szczesny = Szczesny
Sagna = Sagna
Clichy = Traore
Kozzer = Vermaelen
Djourou = Djourou
Diaby = Song
Wilshere = Ramsey
Fabregas = Rosicky
Na$ri = Gervinho
Rosicky = Walcott
Van Persie = Van Persie
Subs:
Almunia = Fabianski
Denilson = Frimpong
Squillaci = Miquel
Arshavin = Arshavin
Eboue = Jenkinson
Chamakh = Chamakh
Bendtner = AOC
Obviously I don’t know the exact line up for tomorrow, but seeing how wenger has lined them up so far, it’s a fair reflection and probably what he will go with.
As I see it, the defence now is slightly better with Thomas in. +1 for Aug squad
The midfield is obviously weaker without Cesc, although it can be argued with Cesc not been fully fit for the barca game, this midfield is at least equal. But lets say +1 for Mar squad. If Jack had made it, then I would have said this midfield was definitely equal……
The front three, there is little to choose.
Equal
The bench for me is better, so +1 for August team……
So for all the pessimists etc, the squad going to Udinese is better than what we sent to the Nou Camp…………!! who would have figured that eh??????????
“they are mercenaries and will play for whoever pays the most”
You haven’t been paying attention have you.
Traore is going to have to come in with a sharp pencil for this one – if indeed he starts…
Apparently it is 34 degrees in northern italy a bit like here so I would imagine it will hover around 28/30 tonight which could be a key factor as I have noticed this preseason and the opening 2 matches some players seem to get quite tired such as Arshavin and Ramsey, and generally we are not as strong in the final 10 minutes as previous seasons.
Cracking post Mr Radders !!
Whilst I think we will be OK, I’m fearful of a major cock-up somewhere along the line.
Cos its not the PL, I’m not too worried about the referee, but I’m praying that none of our players has a moment of real stupidity, or that if they do, its early enough to recover from.
Song, Frimpong and Ramsey in MF for me, althoug I do like the thought of Arsh being let loose in the middle, considering Rambo’s lack of form of late.
Now Ferguson defending wenger. God that’s galling.
Aparently Udinese captain has refused an offer of a move to Milan (not sure which one) for much more money. He said he loved his club and wanted to finish his career there.
Well, I wish our captain said the same 😦
Evonne – if Arsene gave Cesc a ring tomorrow and offered him more money I think you’ll find he WOULD say it!
GO ARSENAL
RVP is our captain.
Illy. Good point.
Wally. I guess you are talking about Cesc, who is certainly an exception to the rule. May I suggest that with your wisdom and insight into AFC and football that you write a guest post on here. It needs to be more that 10 words though ….
Nice pre-match, BR.
Cmon you Gunners.
Illybong, strange that you think Cesc would have stayed if offered more money. Unless you’re suggesting something else?
I would like to repeat my first comment – Song/Frimpong is totally untested. How can anyone say how they will perform as a unit, and we NEED to play as a team tonight.
IMO Frimpong is too like Song and is very likely to take Song’s natural pitch position. This will force Song into a role he is unfamiliar with and we cannot afford to experiment.
No, I think we must go with experience and know-how. RvP, AA, TR, TV and Sagna are our only truly seasoned pro’s, and the kids will look to them for guidance tonight.
n.b. If Kos is fit, he should certainly start ahead of JD. And if Traore is not 100% then we should play Sagna LB and Jenkinson on the right
Good pre-match BR
I expect to see Traore at LB (he’s had a year of playing in Italy, remember) and Sagna back in his usual berth with JD and Verm in the middle.
For a game of such importance we need Verm at the heart of everything, not stuck out on the wing.
I would love to see Arsh in the Cesc role but it won’t happen.
I would love your prediction of a TR7 screamer to come true, but the man I’m looking to to secure the win for s tonight is the Gerv. He’s going to bag a brace!
chas. As I read Illybong’s comment, he is saying that no amount of increased wages will take him away from Barca.
Why stop at a brace?
thanks Raddy – maybe I was a little too cryptic!
On Ramsey, he has looked lightweight and ineffectual so far. I suspect he’s feeling a lot of pressure.
But let’s not forget his performance against ManUre at the end of last season.
He’ll bounce back – but whether or not tonight is the night is a good question…
I’m beginning to think there is some substance to the M’vila rumour – he ticks a lot of boxes, and he’s Sagna’s mate!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNv9ZRjAp4M
Here’s a thought…low squad numbers are much coveted by top players (hence why Diaby took number 2, the only one available at the time). So what’s available for the Arse now? Numbers 1, 4, 8, 9 and 11. Maybe that’s what happens when you just buy squad players, or players for the future??
Why do the likes of Andy Rain and Shaola olufemi and sadly the many others like them seem so determined to undermine AW and the team. On a night which is arguably one of the most important nights in the clubs recent history shouldn’t we be circling the waggons and giving it max to support our team? They need us more than ever right now. The boo boys and the doom and gloom merchants are a major contributor to the terrible atmosphere that has evolved at the Emirates that is totally not conducive to encouraging our team to play without fear of failure. If your “friends” and “colleagues” keep telling you your a failure (booing everytime it gets a little tough out there) wouldn’t you soon lose confidence? It doesn’t matter that they are paid good money or that we pay good money to watch them. They are human beings (young ones mostly) and they need a supportive environment in which to try, fail and try again. Thats what a real supporter does. Sadly we have a few too many righteous people sitting in the stadium that are riddled with spending envy and no vision or respect. They are entitled to their opinion but their methods of voicing them are 100% self defeating. Be careful what you wish for.
We are the Arsenal, we are the best. We are the Arsenal so f**k off the rest.
Not saying that Diaby’s a top player btw! Oh and I know technically the number 1 and 8 shirts are not vacant but you get my drift?
My bad, thought it was odd.
@RedMJ – I like a whinge and a moan as much as the next man at the moment. But that doesn’t mean come match day I don’t support the team. I go home with a sore throat after the most meaningless of games. The atmosphere, as you quite rightly say, is shocking. An embarrassment. But did I not hear Spuds fans singing loudly about their assessment of the quality of Man Utd’s support?
Our supporters away from home are superb. As are most teams – the minority group mentaility and, as you put it, the circling of the wagons is a major factor for it.
But it beats the hell out of me why it goes so quiet at home. A friend of mine was told to be quiet by some supporters because he was “making too much noise”.
Sometimes its painful watching Diaby – there are faint glimpses where you think the guy could be good but then…
@Illy – maybe we should have a section of the ground just for those that don’t want their afternoon nap disturbed.
Seriously though, it is so disappointing that the atmosphere is so stifled/tense/negative. It must have an impact of the team and probably goes some way to explaining home form of late – although the atmosphere has never been great other than for exceptional games or occasions.
To (slighly miss) quote JF Kennedy we all need to ask not what Arsenal will do for you, but what together we can do for the Arsenal. We all have a part to play. The example you gave of your friend being told to be quiet is shocking. I hope he went on to make a whole load more noise – positive noise of course and lead by example.
he gets injured. Would be glad if he was fit today, fair point re the untested combo of Frim and Song. I guess it will be Song / Ramsay / rosicky in the mids then…
Rads – I would be very happy if Kozzer was fully fit he has been awesome with Verm…
@RedMJ – positively more noise, with a few expletives thrown in!
Welcome RedMJ, funny thing you should say that – you might like to read this recent article on AA
https://arsenalarsenal.wordpress.com/2011/08/09/ask-not-what-arsenal-can-do-for-you-ask-what-you-can-do-for-the-arsenal/
stink – soccernets preview claims Koz is out but may be in for Man U:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=327607&cc=3436
it also says Udinese has some injury problems at CB and RB… may help as their defence wasnt too bad…
BTW, I think we will be in for a really good game tonight.
Let us hope for a fair referee (unlikely in Italy 😎
Well said RedMJ
The people who crucify Wenger are either children, or people who have no understanding of modern football and the economic and political reality that todays managers and football clubs have to operate in.
In other words they are a bit thick.
Rasp
Thanks for the M’Vila link.
From that clip (which is all I have seen of him) he reminds me of…. wait for it… Denilson (although perhaps slightly more progressive).
He’s also VERY one-footed.
On that game he looks like a solid but unspectacular DM/CM whose job is to keep things ticking over and pass the ball to more capable players. In other words, exactly what we don’t need at the mo.
Hi Rocky,
I see that, but the price, nationality, wage requirement and availablility all make him look like a possibilty.
He’s a strong guy but we now have the Pong to maul the opposition so I agree, we don’t realy need this kind of player. The one thing I will say is that he has a very good shot on him and can score from outside the box. The other consideration I suppose is that a player of his nature at 6ft could also play in the back four or allow Jack/Ramsey to go forward if he’s a DM.
As I said earlier, I think we need a central playmaker – but we’ve not been linked with any in particular.
We have as near as damn it £100m sitting in the transfer fund. Wesley Sneijder would do for me
BR, the triangle of Song, Ramsey and Rosicky is also almost untested, and what’s more has not worked until now. With your scenario Song will be under far too much pressure, possibly leading again to….. you guessed it. Both Ramsey and Rosicky are too similar and struggling for form at the moment. I am hoping really hard that your line up is not the one for tonight, but I am worried now, as you normally get it spot on. 😦 🙂
Good afternoon all!
Wow there’s a lot flying about on here. Totally agree with your article BR, love it.
Tonight is a night for heroes and like the Black Eyed Peas, I got a feelin’
Come on you Gooners!! Do it loud, Do us proud, Do ’em 5:0.
WG
@TA
Most of pre-season Song, Rambo and Wilshire played together as a three-man midfield.
Due to Jack’s injury Rosicky stepped in and the three of them did very well to stifle Newcastle and create opportunities. I thought the three-man midfield of Frimpong, Rambo and Nasri did well against ‘Pool too, so it is clearly a formation that our squad is comfortable with.
I don’t expect anything different from Arsene, he has shown little interest in changing his tactics to suit the opposition in the past and I don’t expect him to tonight.
WG
Afternoon all, what price Oxenpot to come off the bench, score the winner and become an instant ledge?
Ahem, “instant”…
WG, fair point but Udinese is not NU, and we have seen how it worked against them last Tuesday. If we play that trio again, I cannot see us get anything from this game, really cannot. But I hope I am wrong – as wrong as it can be!
Rasp,
I cannot believe you really meant your comment at 3:28.
In response to Rocky’s comment that M’Vila looked like a one legged Denilson, i.e. useless, you said; — “I see that, but the price, nationality, wage requirement and availablility all make him look like a possibility.”
Ye gods, would you find it acceptable to buy someone, who you seem to agree is useless, simply because he is cheap, would play for peanuts, and is available (no one else wants him), and is the ‘right’ nationality (whatever that means)?
That is the football politics of despair — buy anyone, however crap — just buy someone, Arsene. But, no, I am sure you will have an explanation. Please! 🙂
BBC are reporting Wiltshire is out for another 2-3 weeks after an injury setback.
RA, I didn’t say I would applaud the purchase, just that it would be within our usual scope. I actually think he’s a better player than Rocky described and better than Denilson if only because he’s stronger.
RA, of course I want him to buy the best players he can get, but I suspect that we will keep shopping in the £10-15m range rather than the £25m +
Christ, Wilshere isn’t becoming this year’s Vermy is he?
Well if he is, come January he will be like a new…
*thwack!*
Sorry.
We must play a 4:5:1.
The midfield was completely over-run at the week end and the physical toll that game took on many of the players means it could all happen again, in spades, unless we boost the midfield.
I know, before someone says it – we are not a ‘defensive’ team, we play an attacking style of football – but bollix to that, says I.
Times and players are achanging at our club, and we need to change our style with them.
If we cannot adjust our playing tactics to suit the occasion, then that is a sad comment on our credentials as a top team, and we will get what we deserve!
@CG 😀
I don’t think Arsenal will do anything about purchasing anyone other than any tentative enquiries until tonights result is resolved.
Once complete, Arsene will know what his budget is and can spend. I bet the board has put a restriction on his spending and wage budget until Euro qualification is assured.
WG
RA, you mean like an Us v Farca second leg backs-to-the-wall job that we almost pulled off last season?
At least that shows we can play that way under extreme conditions (like when you’re playing against extreme c*nts like those puppy-eaters from Catalunya…and btw it’s true, they eat puppies for breakfast. Really cute ones like the ones in the Andrex ads)
RA, agreed. Let’s hope it is one of AW finest hours tonight. I am getting really nervous now 🙄
Rasp, did you have a chance to read/respond to my email earlier? I need to know how pissed I can get tonight..if you know what I mean 😛
Redders and Rasp
I should clarify that my comparison of M’Sync and Denilson was not meant entirely to be disparaging. Some of what Denilson brought to us at times was very useful. On his day he was an effective (if unspectacular) cog in our MF.
Obviously it’s daft to base an opinion of a player just on one clip compilation like that, but he seemed to be the sort of “reliable cog” that all teams need – but that we already have in the likes of Song, Ramsey (when his form returns), Rosicky, Pingpong etc.
So, I’m not saying he’s a bad player, just that he’s not what we need right now. And Redders, I took Rasp’s comment to mean he could see it as exactly the sort of signing AW would make, rather than the sort of signing that he (Rasp) would want.
Redders
4-5-1 is spot on.
Our wide players need to put in a significant defensive shift, as well as siezing whatever opportunities they get to break forward and try and grab the all-important away goal.
Anyway, AW seems to be moving away from the — “he is cheap and nasty but especially attractive because he is …. cheap” — mind set that some would have us believe he has.
Again, it is only certain blogsites (who Arsene clearly passes on his every thought to) who are reporting that he has said to journalists (you know the anti-Arsenal conspiracy mafia) that he has no interest in the cheap but useless midfielder, Montolivio, or the worse than useless ex- Birmingham forward Zarate.
So that’s alright then. 🙂
I would settle for one gleaming nugget of a player, for whatever price, expensive or cheap, (and let’s face it, they are all expensive when you are spending millions – even if its someone else’s money – who would light up the team and the jaded expectations of the fans, rather than a whole passel of one legged, useless, money grubbing, journeymen players who are looking for some retirement money!
You guys are forgetting something.We are actually 1-0 up so the italians have the pressure on them.I would start with Walcott and Chamakh to score with a header.
Redders, I’m a supporter of AW, but I do think your “he is cheap and nasty but especially attractive because he is …. cheap” is way off the mark if you don’t mind me saying 🙂
First AW may have bought players in the lower range but he certainly would not have gone for them unless he thought they were of the required quality and not just because they were cheap. He’s done well with kozzer and the Gerv in that price bracket..
Secondly, so far, there is absolutely no evidence to back up the theory that he is prepared to spend £30-40m on a player unless you choose to believe the kind of Press reporting we have been panning for the last few days.
Kelsey, good point and well reminded. In some ways a slim lead going into the return leg can be better than a large one because big leads sometimes make the holder of said lead a bit complacent (like a 3-0 for example).
Would still prefer 2-0 of course.
Rocky,
I gave Rasper the benefit of the doubt, of course, and he clarified his position quite admirably, as I expected him to do.
The point of my comment was not to have a pop at him, at all, it was to make a defiant shout back at all those incessant moans endemic thru’ out Arsenal land, at the moment, implying that Arsene’s judgement is clouded by a desire to conserve the club’s money, regardless of the team’s need, and that he would rather buy cheap simply to appease the moaners, by buying someone, however unsuitable, or preferably not to buy at all.
I am not having it! Enough of the bellyaching, people!
Haha Redders,
Maybe we look too deeply at things and ignore the obvious. Does the pain and angst on AW’s face when on the touchline of lte paint a picture of a man who is secretly scheming to sacrifice our football for a few sovs? Of course not. He cares deeply – too deeply it seems sometimes.
I am a cryptic crossword nut and yet I cannot fathom what it is that apparently curtails Arsene’s spending assuming that the Stadium debt is under control and we are not saving up for the Queensland Road project or the extension of the seating to accomodate 75,000
When did we last buy a bit of experience from the PL….exactly.
regardless of what happens tonight i think things will change.Everton are desperate to sell so that could be jagielka and/or baines and coyle and wenger are quite pally so cahill would still b a possibility.
Striker now thats a difficult one as one can assume nic is off and chamakh is not as yet proven.
Rasp,
i thought the council gave a restriction on the number of seats when the stadium was built as i believe we wnted a bigger capacity originally.
Don’t forget…you’re only as good as your last game. Oooer! Stupid saying anyway.
I parred the last hole at my local course last week – does that make me a professional? Exactly – come on you reds, 1-1 tonight. With us scoring first please.
Well said Redders – no bellyaching here! 🙂
I’m expecting Traore to start at LB tonight. Wikipedia has this to say about his loan spell at Juve:
“On 31 August 2010, Traoré joined Italian giants Juventus on a season-long loan. He was given the shirt number 17, previously worn by David Trezeguet. Due to an injury he missed almost three months of the season before finally making his debut on 13 November 2010 against Roma coming on as a 45th minute substitute for Fabio Grosso. The match ended 1–1 and the goals were scored by Vincenzo Iaquinta and Francesco Totti.
He made his first start for Juventus on 1st December 2010 in a Europa League match against Lech Poznan, playing 83 minutes before being subbed out while the match ended 1–1. He made his first start in Serie A for Juventus on the 10th January 2011, starting the match against Napoli. The match ended 3–0 to Napoli with all goals scored by hat-trick hero Edinson Cavani. After a return from a short injury, he started Juventus both latest games against Milan and Cesena.
On 10th April 2011, Traoré played the full 90 minutes in a 3–2 win against Genoa with Luca Toni as the match winner against his former team mates. Armand spent most of his time with Juventus on the bench, making only ten league appearances. At the end of the season it was confirmed that he would return to Arsenal.
He eventually played his last game for Juventus against Manchester United at Old Trafford in Gary Neville’s testimonial match on 24 May 2011.”
Only 10 games, but it does seem that once he came back from injury, he forced himself into the reckoning for the LB position at Juve. And if they thought he was worth playing he can’t be as bad as some people would have us believe.
Anyway, I would much rather see him (as a proper LB) in that position tonight than move either Sagna or TV out of position.
Rasp
So you’re a cryptic crozzy man are you? Which one(s) do you do?
kelsey, you may be correct. My understanding is that we originally wanted 75,000 seats but they restricted us to 60,000 and added the community projects and QR sceme as extras that we would need to complete before going back to try to get the extra seating.
Rasp,
Your 3:28 has given me renewed hope:
“As I said earlier we need a central playmaker, but we’ve not been linked with anyone in particular”.
Now this is great news indeed, as we all know what happens to the guys we are “linked” with.
Now, thinks, who would be an horribly expensive playmaker who we have never been linked with?
Micky – Xavi? Iniesta?
Hi Rocky, it became such an addiction that I had to cut back in the end. Don’t take this as an indication of my political views, but I used to enjoy the Telegraph and the Times most. These days my mornings are spent worrying about a certain blogsite so I don’t indulge as much as I once did.
Rasp,
I have failed in my communication if you can, even for one moment, imagine I subscribe to that sentiment.
Look, again, at what I said, and if I could underline the salient words on WordPress I would, so I will have to settle for putting them in CAPITALS!
— “AW seems to be moving away from the — “he is cheap and nasty but especially attractive because he is …. cheap” — mind set THAT SOME WOULD HAVE US BELIEVE HE HAS”.
The second paragraph then went on to flesh out exactly why that pathetic sentiment was wrong, even tho I admitted relying on blogsites to prove the point.
The paragraph in question was my response, linked to your earlier comment, for which I gave you the chance to explain your position, when you seemed to be implying that very sentiment yourself, and there is a delicious irony that you have attempted to turn that back on me.
My final paragraph at 4:27, made my view abundantly clear, or did it? But to refresh your memory, here it is — “I would settle for one gleaming nugget of a player, for whatever price, EXPENSIVE OR CHEAP, (and let’s face it, they are all expensive when you are spending millions), who would light up the team and the jaded expectations of the fans, etc
Micky, I’m going to regret this, but I will eat London’s underpants if we pay £30m for a player.
OK Redders, chill, I’m far too nervous about the impending game to read anything properly, apologies if I misinterpretted your sentiments.
@RA
So to be sure….you want to sign a player with Ginger hair who plays snooker?
😀
WG
BR – is tonight’s game ref Italian? can’t be!
I cannot understand why you guys are looking forward to tonight’s game! I am so ill with worry and wishing it could already be tomorrow morning
Of course I will watch it, I wouldn’t let my boys down, but…….grrrrrrhhhh
Rocky, much as I enjoy cryptic crosswords, I just can’t see the appeal of Sudoku which is just a tiresome exercise in basic maths by a process of elimination.
Rasp says:
August 24, 2011 at 4:58 pm (Edit)
Micky, I’m going to regret this, but I will eat London’s underpants if we pay £30m for a player.
The ones he is wearing or a clean pair 😉
Szscney has been taken ill and Almunia starts. bloody hell.
I’m safe kelsey because I am reliably informed that he goes commando 😆
@Kelsey
Love your Gravatar…I so want to steal it hehehe
WG
As long as the younger players improve, as expected,and we avoid an injury plagued season, i feel the squad is more than adequate to get us top four.
If we are to buy any one i would personaly go for a top striker (i havent got a clue who though). This would enable us to not only rotate Van Persie but also tinker with the system. At the moment we lack a direct replacement for Cesc. Ramsey and Wilshere are to young to play that role, and the purchase of a striker could allow us to drop Van Persie a little deeper. It might work?
TMHT – Benzema?
Illybogani,
Genius! I am not aware of any links. I’ll pencil them in immediately.
kelsey, where did you see the report that Almunia was playing – and why not Fabianski (is he injured?)
Rasp,
It seems to be my day for disagreeing with you, tho’ it is not deliberate! 🙂
I loooove sudoku and as an accountant I can tell you it has very little to do with math – especially basic math, whatever that is. 🙂
It is instead a sublime exercise in basic logic and mental discipline, altho it does use numbers.
Actually, there are cryptic ways to help solve the puzzles, but the authors of the game know these solutions too, so the better you become at the game, the more evilly difficult it becomes, especially with the incorporation of a time clock element in which to solve them.
Have another look at them — ignore the ‘math’ angle, the numbers are just there as symbols, and think of the logic. Sudoku puzzles are — fun, fun, fun — and your Times has some of the best, especially the multiple interactive ones set at the weekend! 🙂
Scary!
Evening all – just in the process of removing everything from the room can I can throw and hence, break the tv. Just in case things get tense. Only a couch to hide behind and cushions to throw.
Rasp, this I must see.
Illybongani sp oops sorrrry
Rasp
I used to do the Guardian for years (Araucaria is always entertaining) but, like you, I ended up favouring the Times and D. Tel.
The Times still feels like the king of cryptic crosswords to me (not that I have really been doing any since I moved out here – hopefully I can start doing some online once we get settled in the new house).
Do you know this cryptic clue?:
HIJKLMNO (5 letters)
…you eating pants, not you doing sudoku and being bored.
*that I can throw
OK RA, but concede this, no-one ever solved Sudoku by lateral thinking whereas as far as I can see it, the main attribute necessary for Sudoku is doggedness. So Arsenl play cryptic football and Stoke Sudokuball.
Rocky = water
Kelsey,
Sadly for Rasp, it’ll be the dirty ones he has on, given they are now the last garment of clothing in his wardrobe.
H to O
Illy
Sorry, got to ask: the name?
Micky, I hope he doesn’t soil them this evening if Udinese score 🙄
Rasp 🙂
You are a master!
Rasp says:
August 24, 2011 at 5:17 pm (Edit)
kelsey, where did you see the report that Almunia was playing – and why not Fabianski (is he injured?
just a little joke to ease your tension and anxiety .
Bloody hell Kelsey – don’t do that!
Serious palpitations 😦
Rasp, you are a sudoku snob 🙄
You bugger kelsey, you had me going there.
I love these pre-match nerve jangling blogging sessions when I can get away with talking complete garbage (please resist the obvious response) – I shall call it ‘blogsteria’ henceforth
And on the subject of names – nice to see you back here TMHT – you still have the best name of anyone anywhere…
Right i’m lying here on my death bed (okay its just man cold) and am seriously wondering whether I will watch the game tonight. Feel like total crap and not sure the game will help.
See you all on the other side.
If we sign a 30 million pound player tomorrow everyone on here will not be talking about the player but rasp’s forfeit hahahaha.
TMHT,
“avoid an injury plagued season” when was the last time we had such luck!
With just one, in the last few years, we would have had a trophy!
Rasp
If Benzema is feasable, that would be a great purchase for the club.
TA, I take it you prefer Sudoku to cryptic crosswords then?
I suspect that the choice between the two in terms of defining personality may be the same as whether a person prefers dogs or cats – I’m a dog person myself – Micky please don’t suggest that’s because I like dogging:?
What is Rasp’s forfeit?
GiE
“see you all on the other side”
Blimey, that sounds a lot worse than man cold.
I’m in the process of sending London some edible underpants from Ann Summers and some Raging Bull cream – not sure what that’s for?
Irish, ask London,last seen walking the streets of london completely naked
Rasp. That is very impressive!
Irish, London has so far agreed to eat his scarf and hat if we sold Cesc and Nasri respectively, I was just joining in the fun by offering to eat his underpants if we sign a player for £30m plus ….. I think my digestive system is safe.
Get well soon GiE.
Rasp, I like them both, the games that is. Hate dogs, love cats though, so you got me there!
And I have no intention of going to “the other side” until we have won at least another Double and the CL
😆 Nice.
Imagine if this was the one time the boss said to hell with it and spent £30.1mil on a player 😆
Rasp,
You see – you do read my comments – sometimes! 🙂
If by lateral thinking you mean solving problems by use of indirect and/or creative thinking, then you are correct, you would never be able to solve a Sudoku puzzle if you tried until you were 90!!! 🙂
That would be the antithesis of the logical approach required to complete a Sudoku puzzle — unless you cheated — naturally. 🙂
Yaay, we are in agreement. 🙂
BTW, I liked your solution to Rocky’s “hjklmno” cryptic clue – H 2 O — lateral thinking in practise!
Would the answer be expressed in that form or as “water”, do you think, or would it go further as the expression of hydrogen and oxygen atoms?
None of us can be certain of the future. Who would have thought we would have got to the final in 2006?
Lets hope we stuff them tonight and go on and win the bloody thing.
How can anyone hate dogs?
TA. This is a clear indicator that you are not English 🙂
Felines >>>>>>>>>>>>> Canines.
Not open to discussion.
RA, definitely ‘water’, because if we put numbers in the boxes it would start to resemble that odious sudoku.
Irish, I’m pretty sure, in fact, I’d eat Londons spandex cycling shorts if I’m wrong, that a higher percentage of women prefer cats to men.
Just read that Ping Pong has been called up to the England U21’s.
Thought he had opted for Ghana?
TA,
You don’t like dogs? (recoils in horror) I always knew you were too nice to be true. 😦 🙂
Interesting news. Fenerbache have been banned from next season’s European competition for match fixing. So there Champions League spot is up for grabs. The team with the highest co-efficient that didn’t qualify apparently gets the spot – is that us?
Rasp, at 5:41 🙂
Don’t say I do not feed you some nice ones! 🙂
I’ve just cycled 200k, are you sure, you can still reconsider.
Rasp – I don’t think you’ll be eating any shorts on that one 😆
I love felines, Jaguars and pumas are such wonderful creatures. I want to get a tattoo of one.
Big dividers in life:
Cats or dogs?
Beatles or Stones?
Beethoven or Mozart?
Football or Rugby?
Beer or wine?
Sudoku or crosswords? 🙂
Irish
We have more accountants on here than you can shake a stick at, one of them must be able to work that out.
Irish. You are right. Dogs are a far nobler breed than cats who kill for pleasure.
Show me a man that prefers cats and I will show you a foreigner or a man who is same-sex attracted
Has anyone seen the Senderos ESPN interview,talking about Joey Barton?, it`s funny 🙂
Got it off newsnow.
Rasp,
if my wife could type she would give you an internet smack.our dogs come before me every time 🙂
BR
“Show me a man that prefers cats and I will show you a foreigner or a man who is same-sex attracted” 😀
I love you for that!
(whoops… get down Tiddles)
KELSEY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! less of you please!!! Almunia
Sorry Big Raddy, I love Pussy and I`m as straight as straight can be! 🙂
London – it seems you are the only one to see my Fenerbache post 😆 It seems people think it would be us, but I’m not sure. All a bit confusing.
BR – I like that cats can look after themselves. A dog would weep beside the body of its dead master, the cat would eat the person that previously fed it instead of starving. Cats for the win 🙂
To be precise, I lost my cashmere scarf on Clichy, I said there is no way in the world that City would buy him…………….
I lost my favourite wollen hat on Na$ri, he could have been one of the greats instead he will spend 40% of his career on the bench, silly boy, and a bastard come to think about it, I liked that hat.
BR, from your 50% Dutchness, you must know that ‘our’ countrymen love the sh*tting canine as much as the english. You only have to visit a Dutch city and you will quickly find out that this four-footer fouls our streets and pathways as much as mr Bulldog and friends over here.
RA, sorry to disappoint you, but at least the delightful Irish agrees with me 😛
Raddy – ha ha ha:) Both my husbands and son hate my cat Lily Lala and adore the black German. I remember your best dog was the black GSD, mine is the worst, nurotic bitch.
RA – love evil Sudoku, cannot do criptic to save my life.
Hiya Irish xx
Did someone mention pussy. I think we might be going off track here slightly 🙂
BR
Did you just make that up about male cat lovers?
GLIC. Then you must have foreign roots 😉
Rocky:
Dogs
Stones
Mozart
Football
Beer and wine 😛
London. Afraid so ……
Were here, were cat lovers and were proud of it.
Were here, were cat lovers and were proud of it.
Were here, were cat lovers and were proud of it.
London, are you coming out of the closet – you wear spandex shorts and love cats?
I bet London’s cashmere scarf is intact, and so is the favourite hat
There are dog people in this world and there are cat people in this world and never shall the two see eye to eye.
Sorry about my last comment!
Back on track, If Frimpong plays for under 21`s, will he still be eligible for Ghana?
I’m English and I hate dogs.
Is anybody checking that Fenerbache conondrum? Where are the accountants today?
Lycra darling, lycra
I wouldn’t be seen dead in spandex.
Cornawall – I happen to know a bit about Ghanians and they are VERY proud people. I cannot imagine Frimpong ditching his country for England, no way.
Irish
Can’t find anything on the UEFA website about it. Not that that tells us anything – we all know how crap UEFA are.
Rasp
Dogs
Beatles
Beethoven
Football
Beer and Wine 🙂
TA – Cats ❤
Hi Evonne 🙂
Cats
Lady Gaga
Mozart – Rosicky, right? 😆
Football
Beer
crosswords
London. Have you described your marathon cycle? If so can you refer me or better still re-tell your heroic adventure.
Something to distract us fro the evening nerves….
Okay, now people saying Liverpool will get the Fenerbahce spot..
Rocky, that’s a bit of a sod. I like everything on your list. makes me a hostage to fortune because there is something for everyone to hate! 🙂
London, is that the past tense of the verb ‘to be’?
Big Raddy,
Yes, you are right! Born in London, the Cornish do class me as a foreigner! 🙂
Dogs and more Dogs
Beatles And Stones. Love them both
Beethoven
Football
Anything brewed.
Books
Rasp and BR,
Are you having a go at me?
You know damn well I’m a Cat Man. Four to be precise and they are sooo much cooler than stupid dogs.
GLIC
It’s OK – they’ll finally accept your great, great, great, great grandson as a true Cornishman.
Rocky – BBC just starting to report it now.
Apparently its not got to do with money, but how well a team has done in European competition in recent seasons.
Rumour going around Twitter that Liverpool will get it, but we have to get knocked out tonight because a country cannot have 5 representatives. If Liverpool get a free pass against, its a farce.
Surely, it should just go to the next Turkish team? As long as they didn’t cheat too 😆
BR
Books… as opposed to?
I read a book once, green it was……..
Horizontal recreation???????
Evonne,
Frimpong may not yet have agreed to play for the England U21’s.
If he did play for England at that level ( he has already played for the England U16’s and U 17’s) he could still opt, later, for Ghana at the senior level.
I think he needs to get his head around it and stick to whichever country he chooses.
What has that got to do with accountancy?? 🙂
OK folks, that has been a most entertaining episode of blogsteria. I am making a short journey to a watering hole and will recommence with the lunacy shortly…
Rocky here’s another choice for you:
Spike Milligan or Tommy Cooper?
BR
No big deal really, I went to Box hill and back with my son, through Richmond park, Kingston, Hampton, Esther, Cobham, and out then through country lanes to Box hill, the weather was great.
My eldest son (16) started about a month ago and loves it which is very pleasing for a father considering the alternatives for a 16 year old are cigarettes, spliff, alcohol, glue or the more de rigueur, smashing shop windows, looting and rioting.
If asked which team he supports he says, well you know the answer to that but he is not a big football fan which is ok.
Other dividers:
Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings
Beach or Mountains
Curvaceous or Slim
John Wayne or Clint Eastwood
DI Caprio or Clooney
Goodfellas or Miller’s Crossing
France or Spain
Red wine or White wine
Lager or Ale
Lennon or McCartney
Jacko or Gaga
Madonna or Gaga
Coronation St or EastEnders
Car or Motorbike
Dickens or Shakespeare
RL,Recreational mental activity. Too stupid for crosswords or Sodituko.
GLIC.I knew you must have some foreign in you as a cat man.
Micky …. well, we know which “camp” he falls in
RA
Present tense, that disco era though, well, what can I say.
Rasp
Spike or Cooper is a tough one. Because of his war memoirs, I have to go for Spike… but love TC too.
Rocky – snap! minus beer minus wine 🙂
DI Caprio or Clooney
This is a fairly obvious divide, one is gay and one is straight.
Evonne 😀
London… er, which is which? And do I need to get a cat?
Do you think we’re all distracting ourselves from the tension of tonight’s game…?
Red wine or white wine
The best white wine is red.
So London,
Quite a wildlife orientated ride. Through Deer Country, under Parkeet Flight Paths and on through Southern Chav Terrain.
A parkeet is closely related to a Parakeet!
Rocky,
That is so true! 🙂
RA – I don’t know, some numbers need to be crunched to work out if the Fenerbache space is ours for taking
Micky
As I went through Cobham I shuddered, my nephew has just been accepted into the accademy.
And we live under the impression that Arsenal are the quickest on the block at spotting new talent.
Still could have been worse my brothers wife is a rabid spud.
Don’t ask.
Harry Potter – Cos of Snape ❤
Mountains
Curvaceous
Clint Eastwood
DI Caprio
Goodfellas
France
White wine
Lager
Lennon
Gaga
Gaga
EastEnders
Car
Shakespeare
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/271110_1454817425991_1700008024_731595_5355761_n.jpg GAGA ❤
Rocky
It’s common knowledge, Leonardo bats for the other side.
Bloody parakeets. Used to destroy my fruit trees when I lived in Thames Ditton.
Pretty to look at though.
Seriously London,
Did you see or hear the Parakeets? There are many thousands throughout that area, apparently brought in for effect during the filming of The African Queen at Shepperton Studios, and escaped.
Micky
They were every where, I had to do every thing I could to avoid hitting them.
London,
Eh? Which one is which. Clooney/Di Caprio I don’t want to say who I like until I know!!
Actually, I don’t give a stuff about either. 🙂
This blog is a real eye opener as far as me recognizing my inadequacies.
I have read, on average, 40 books a year, for many, many years. I have eclectic tastes so that encompasses technical books, science fiction, novels of all vintages and hues as well as biographies.
I humbly apologize for being a miscreant! 🙂
London,
We all have closets, and most have a spud lurking in some dark corner.
By the way, guess who’s bottom of the League? Yip, easy really.
Right, its early into the nosebag tonight. Back shortly.
Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Van Persie, Walcott, Ramsey, Song, Djourou, Jenkinson, Frimpong, Gervinho
Frimpong and Song?
RL,
you lived in Thames Ditton.Do you remember the old Milk Marketing Board complex, as I lived in Cobham and we played bowls against them.I think the building was torn down and new flats were erected.
London. I meant your Alpine adventure…
Irish,
Really?
Its The Wall!!
I’ll be a happy feeder now.
Rocky,
Courtesy of Spike Milligan.
I have the body of an 18 year old, I keep her locked away.
All men are cremated equal.
It was a perfect marriage . she didn’t want to and he couldn’t.
What would you rather have the boring truth, or an exciting lie.
(sounds like the red tops)
How long was I in the army. Five foot eleven.
After five days in the hospital, I took a turn for the nurse.
Money can’t buy you friends, just a better class of enemy.
All I want is a normal match – no screw ups like the 90th minute of the Carling Cup Final, Eboue in the 110th minute, Ramsey’s own goal etc. No red cards. No offside goals. Simply a straight forward match with no controversies like say the Scum against Man.U the other night – a normal match. Is this too much to ask for?
I am English and definitely not gay and I can’t stand dogs but love cats. Dogs are useless on thier own but cats can look after themselves. And they bury thier shit.
TH14 or DB10
MIDI – yup that is the line up. Very interested to see how they play together. And we’ve a decent-ish bench with Chama… who am I kidding? Might he run tonight you think?!
GM. You truly are an unusual man. One of the only straights.in your profession and a cat lover!
So what if cats can look after themselves. So can John Prescott but I don’t want to share my home with him.
Danny. Is that a rhetorical question?
Gn5. Love the second quote. I read all the Milligan books in my teenage years.
Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings
Star wars
Beach or Mountains
Cities
Curvaceous or Slim
skinny with big tits
John Wayne or Clint Eastwood
James Coburn
DI Caprio or Clooney
Clooney
Goodfellas or Miller’s Crossing
Carlitos way
France or Spain
Belgiun
Red wine or White wine
Beer
Lager or Ale
Lager
Lennon or McCartney
Lennon
Jacko or Gaga
Bith awful (sorry Irish)
Madonna or Gaga
Same person
Coronation St or EastEnders
East enders
Car or Motorbike
Car
Dickens or Shakespeare
Oh dear should have gone to skool
I am surprised at the line-up and was hoping for a more attacking team.
Traore must be unfit. Let us pray that Frimpong doesn’t get an early yellow (or red)
Kelsey
We moved in just after the flats were built. They were on my running circuit (a very nice one as it happens – alongside the Thames down Portsmouth Road into Kingston, over Kingston Bridge, back up past the grounds of Hampton Court, still alongside the river, past Hampton Court Palace, over HC Bridge, up HC Way and back along Portsmouth Road: 10k exactly).
And no hills!
OK I’m back, btw, it’s George Clooney who is the Rock Hudson
Here’s some more:
Sophia Loren or Maralyn Monroe
McEnroe or Borg
Best or Maradonna
Sandals or trainers
Cheddar or Stilton
BBC : “Samir Nasri completes his move from Arsenal to Manchester City for a reported £25m – and says he is delighted to be joining a club with “more passionate fans”.
The man is a Lemon …..
Raddy – ha ha ha John Prescott 🙂
I had Alsations all my life,but now that i discovered pugs I wouldn’t have any other dog! Pugs are best!
Walcott 😦
Gn5 😀
For Rasp’s sake, I’ll respond with some classic Cooperisms:
Went to the paper shop – it had blown away.
I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day but I couldn’t find any.
I bought some HP sauce the other day. It’s costing me 6p a month for the next 2 years.
Last night I dreamed I ate a ten-pound marshmallow, and when I woke up the pillow was gone.
Police arrested two kids yesterday, one was drinking battery acid, the other was eating fireworks. They charged one and let the other one off.
A woman told her doctor, ‘I’ve got a bad back. ‘The doctor said, ‘It’s old age.’ The woman said, ‘I want a second opinion. ‘The doctor says, ‘OK. you’re ugly as well.’
A man walked into the doctor’s, The doctor said ‘I haven’t seen you in a long time’
The man replied, ‘I know I’ve been ill’.
A man walked into the doctor’s, he said ‘I’ve hurt my arm in several places’.
The doctor said ‘well don’t go there any more’.
I’m on a whiskey diet. I’ve lost three days already.
Slept like a log last night …….. woke up in the fireplace.
Went to the corner shop – bought 4 corners.
GM
Your 6.49 😀
No, Nasri is just hitting back at us, he knows we hate him
Evonne
Don’t worry – Walcott will score tonight! (To add to Gerv’s brace).
If those Nasri quotes are true it shows what a classless prat he is.
Perhaps he meant: “I’m delighted to be joining a club with a more padded bench”.
Right – heading off to watch now. Catch you later
Nasri is an idiot. Passionate fans? Wait till they burgle his house.
Nasri who? He’ll be like the ice cream man in a season or two, begging to play for a team that isn’t getting relegated.
Where is Hleb now?
Frimpong will cripple him when we play shitty
I would have played Chamakh he has a great record in Europe,i believe the most headed goals in CL last year.
RL. Hope they warm those seats – It’s Grim Up North.
Big Ra Ra Ra RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRaddy 😛
Wow, I feel I got to know you a bit better today (especially your @5.48 one!). I almost don’t dare to ask: meateater or vegetarian?
Well enough of us called that line up, would prefer Theo as sub as we need to make most of the ball when we get it.
GM 7.01. 😀
Would you really play Chamakh kelsey? Impact sub perhaps but to start with him?
TA. Been both. Meat eater for last 5 years – difficult to be a veggie in Denmark, they do not understand
So Rambo in the creative/attacking midfield role, without proper back up from the Wall. Cannot wait.
Am going to put a fiver on Song scoring the first goal.
Considering Na$ri was one of the few players to have a song these days he really is a prick to say it.
Well micky, you called the wall and got it………nice one…….
GIE: Walcott or Arshavin? much of a muchness, would go for theo, if he gets picked out, much more effective butr he depends on his teamates to help him…….
As for Nasri, so annoyed its unreal………………….I have an arsenal tattoo…………I am passionate…….he is a mug……..
without = with!
GM and Raddy @6:47 – but John Prescott bury his own shit 🙂
soz – should read = but does John Prescott bury his own shit
TA, Sorry, I only just read your email – the answer is ‘yes please’ 😛
Tonight’s game is not for the faint hearted, good night all xx
@GIE, exactly, he had his own song, even got sung against liverpool with gusto, T Wat……..why could he not just say, thanks to arsenal and the fans, i just wanted to help with this no mark club that have wheel barrows full of cash and I fancy myself a bit……..
Vieira has gone downhill in my eyes totally………..he would not get an applause off me anymore he has let us down several times with his comments…………..
Mugs the lot of them…………
Na$ri is a mug, Toure is a Mug, Clichy is a Mug and Vieira I am just so disappointed in him………..no more a legend for me……..
I would love to be in Friuli tonight . Great place and very warm. And I would be ale to make as much noise as I want – unlike here where my wife gets frightened by my passion
Harry – I’ve an Arsenal tattoo as well, even chose Victoria as my confirmation name (given I’ve not a religious bone in my body, but still) but nah, we’ve no passion for this club.
BR,
on form no, but funnier things have happened.
Nasri really is an arsehole.I can see Wenger applying for the job at city if things go pear shaped as he knows half the players.
I expect Nasri will get a similar reaction to Adebarndoor when he returns to the Emirates.
Too disappointing for words.
Decent footballer, shit man.
kelsey 🙂 You are not wrong.
OK Rasp, I am on the case.
Brady “I think we all knew at Arsenal that Fabregas and Nasri were going, it was a matter of price … I think Arsene is now anxious to spend the money he has got”
Speaking on RTÉ just now.
Here we go.
Can’t believe Nasri’s comments. What a prize wanker!
Good riddance you gold-digging tosspot. No class, he’ll fit in perfectly at shitty.
As the Chemical Brothers said, “The time has come to galvanise!”
Let’s hope it’s more Golden Path than Out Of Control.
Come On You Rip Roaring Reds!!!!!
had some good chances and theo is looking sharper, but I cannot remember a team attacking so fast as they do…….
Trabzonspor takes Fenerbahce’s position in Champions League
is that official? IG
Harry – yes it is
Any thoughts.Much the same game as the first leg and still in it .I think we might take either frimpong or song or ramsey off and bring on Arshavin rosicky and even chamakh. just one goal needed, the last thing we want is extra time. Only player i thought was below average was Ramsey.
Surely we’ll get the goal.
I beleieve.
Gerv and Theo should switch flanks.
AA/Ros on for Ramsey.
cannot believe this, we need to start taking our chances…….
Bit of a scary half at times.
Defensively Gerv and Theo just aren’t doing enough.
I’m waiting for a good replay that shows me why Theo hasn’t just picked his spot with that gilt edged chance.
Jenkinson looks very hesitant and unsure offensively, but doing OK defensively. Personally, I’d get Traore on, and bring Bak back to RB.
We need to start the 2nd half well cos Udinese wil be very buoyant after a first half like that. They’ll be confident of scoring again thats for sure. We need to stick a pin in their balloon….and quickly.
Why did we back off in midfield to allow that goal? We had played quite well up to then, but the warning signs were there.
I think Alardyce has told them how to play against us, they’re happy to let us have 70% possession so they can hit us on the break at pace. We’ve forgotten how to attack at pace and when we do, no-one attacks the ball in the box.
Theo should have put us one up. If only we had someone who can shoot on site.
Fair do’s – fantastic header from Di Natale.
Again, waiting to get a good look at what DJ and Jenks were really doing for that free header from the lone striker
I predicted a good game and that is what this is, a cracker. Why can’t Theo score the simple one’s.?
We are still in this and are playing very well. As kelsey says, I would like more from Ramsey.
Super goal from Udine but how did Di Natale get so much space? Where was TV? Was he still felling the effects of his knock?
Come on Arsenal, it is all to play for….
Nothings official yet they have match fixing allegations against them too.
Decision to be made in morning.
Right first half…Arsh would have scored Theo’s chance what a wasted opportunity. I’m afraid JD got sucked in for the goal too, can’t leave Di Natale alone like that.
Song needs to do more with the ball as does Ramsey. Gerv and RvP good in flashes. But we look threatening 1 in 5 possessions and that’s not good enough.
The players are good enough, it’s frustrating. I know it’s hot but we have subs the advanced midfield should be shutting down more, give the defence a break occasionally.
GIE – It is official
” The UEFA Emergency Panel, composed of the UEFA President and four members of the UEFA Executive Committee, met today following the decision of the Turkish Football Federation to withdraw Fenerbahçe SK from the UEFA Champions League 2011/12 due to the fact that the club has been involved in match-fixing.
The UEFA Emergency Panel decided to replace Fenerbahçe SK with Trabzonspor AŞ, runners-up in the 2010/11 Turkish league, in tomorrow’s draw for the UEFA Champions League group stage.
The UEFA Emergency Panel also decided that Trabzonspor AŞ would be replaced in the UEFA Europa League by its opponent in the play-off, Athletic Club Bilbao.
The UEFA Europa League play-off second-leg match between Trabzonspor AŞ and Athletic Club Bilbao scheduled for Thursday 25 August is cancelled.
Commenting on the UEFA Emergency Panel decision, UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino said:
“The panel considered that the Turkish Football Federation took the right decision to protect the game, fully in line with our zero-tolerance policy against match-fixing.
“The Turkish Football Federation has shown with this decision that it takes its full responsibility in the fight against corruption.” ”
http://www.uefa.com/uefa/mediaservices/mediareleases/newsid=1666864.html
Rosicky coming on but not sure for who
Apologies IG UEFA have confirmed Trabzonspor no Get out of Jail free card now.
Need a goal, for me Theo off AA23 on.
Need to keep the ball and Theo simply doesn’t, Song and Ramsey need to get closer to forwards when the ball goes up to them.
Frimpong off
Very nervous. I just don’t see the offense clicking and we need a goal. Badly.
Yes, BR, Udine is a great town — Friulian wine, good food, mountains nearby, nice people… but let’s beat them. then we can appreciate all that and not have the beauty of the place tarnished by bad memories!
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAS YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAS
That was beautiful!!! Right after I finishing writing a goal seems unlikely… that goal looked inevitable!
We’ll forgive him for the other two. Good man Theo, good composure.
How many passes did we make before scoring that goal??? I was waiting for Jenkinson to boot the ball away on the right side. Instead, we kept passing it around and look what came of it? Brilliant!
How much has Rosicky changed the game? Frimpong was excellent but we needed something different and TR7 brought it. Why I always argue we need him in the squad.
Get in !!!!!
When Arsene subbed in Rosicky I thought Ok, unlucky Aaaron, off you go.
Off with Frimpong and I was like huh..?? I’m go look you know where at the reaction to that substitution.
Ten mins in and its crystal clear how it has changed the game in our favour.
YES! YES! YES!
NOW BRING ON MAN.U!
Chippy Brady is such a Gooner. As relieved as any of us that were are through.
“Sorry Spurs fans….we will not be joining you this year! Enjoy :D” – Jack Wilshere on Twitter
😆
Agreed Irish.
Excuse Mr Raddy sir, might I respectfully state that you made two very big calls today. One was that it might not work playing Frimpong and Song, and the other was that Mozart would be a central figure.
Ok, no 30 yd screamer, but what he gave us 2nd half was much much better.
Arsene’s Wengerball philosophy: Keep the ball and control the game and you’re opponents will cause you fewer problems. Struggling to contain them first half, take off a DM, put on a player who helps you keep the ball better !!
GENIUS !!!!!
Get in there! Guess we’ll leave English representation in the Europa League to Tottenham this year! haha – Henderson
There are all at it on Twitter 😆
Great second 45, Rosicky had a great game, maybe second half is good for him as he knows he hasnt got to conserve anything.
Gerv had a great second half too, and we saw what Theo can do best when the opponents are pushing up.
But march changing moment was Szczesneys save. Top draw….need a keeper? Why exactly? He had a great game throughout.
Fantastic performance.
Typing in the dark so won’t hangaround.
Hope that makes you feel better GiE.
Great to be a Gunner, as always I know but hey
What a fantastic game. If only all PL sides played football like Udine. They deserved to be giving the standing ovation at game’s end
And what can one say about the boys in red; every man jack was a hero tonight.
Jenkinson is going to be some player and the CB’s were immense but…
My MoM, Alex Song. He was immense tonight,
Sz man of the match. Worst performance on the night… the cameraman!
Nite all.
Respectfully Irish, can you collate a few over the next 30mins or so and paste them here. Not for me, cos I’m all up in the social media thing (!?) but to help out the old timers who still marvel at speaking to someone you can’t see when on the telephone.
Great result, I thought Jenkinson was excellent. Theo had his best game for a long time, but the absolutely pivotal moment was Sz’s save – that not only won us the game but will have kickstarted our season.
Szczesny is going to be the best GK in the world, he is almost there already.
The strength in his wrists to keep out the pen was awesome, and he never flapped when under aerial pressure.
An AFC legend in the making
Well I have been defending TR7 and he done me proud everywhere tonight when he came on…..
Theo also was brilliant tonight, who said get rid of him?
G man is a tank………
Much better defensively in 2nd half…….
Wenger made a substitution at half time, knock me down, good old professor hasnt lost it yet eh?
Bug up for Szczesny, amazing save, evoked memories of seaman v sampdoria…….
Ref was shocking, how many times did we win the ball and get a free kick against us???????
As for theo’s offsides, pretty much all but one was onside……..
Now lets smash the transfer window, get a couple in…..
Big game on sunday with the middle missing but confidence will be boosted by that………
MIDI…..the cameraman was doing my head in. Mna running diown the wing towards our goal. Cut to shot of Udinese GK. Over and over it was happening. I felt like I’d watched it on a dodgy stream at times based on how much play I missed.
Raddy. Agree re Song. What a talent. Gets himself out of the tightest of holes on the touchline and finishes with a slide rule ball for a great chance. Lays on a couple more chances and mops up absolutely everything.
Best of all – he fights for absolutely everything.
Szczesney – OMG (Is that wot the young’uns say Irish??)
GIe,
summed up most of what I was going to say.
Moments change games and that was a world class save and baically won us the game.
That was the best 45 minutes i have seen from Rosicky for a long time.
gervinho is a class act and Theo had his moments.
Consiidering the side we had to put out a great performance for many reasons.
Udinese would not be disfgaced in th CL.
A proud night for Arsenal.
Weird penalty decision and we should have had one when Walcott got elbowed in he face.only below par performances were Djourou and Ramsey.
my man of the match has to be Szsceny.
Now spend some money 🙂
Sharkey – I will do if more pop up 🙂 Hard to catch them all cos every person you follow appears on your timeline and its hard to keep up.
Szsceny – what a freaking legend!!!!!
Great result – such an important result. Now we are up and running, next stop the Mancs
No Kelsey, Ramsey had a really good 2nd half, he was quieter in the first half………..
NO worries Irish, the two I’ve already seen were top quality – like most of players tonight
Best tweeting of the night comes from Piers Moron and Michael Owen:
PM – Get in there Theo Walcott – what a performance #Arsenal ! And you take a bow, too, Arsene Wenger. Great tactics tonight
MO – @piersmorgan how have you got the front to write this? Do you not remember what you tweeted during Sundays match against Liverpool?
PM – @themichaelowen Oh shut up, Benchwarmer. We were crap then, we’re brilliant tonight. Fans are entitled to voice their opinion.
MO – @piersmorgan fans support through thick and thin. They shouldn’t slaughter players one minute then drool over them 4 days later. #sickening
Well played Michael Owen!
kelsey. I cannot agree about JD and Ramsey (no surprise there!). I thought both played well. One could ask how Di Natale got so much space for his goal but he is a top, top striker and his great skill is creating that space. Otherwise JD was strong and safe.
Ramsey put in a long shift this evening. Nothing fancy but reliable. Unlike the first game we dominated in midfield which is a testament to all the MF’s.
“Pleased for my old Boss. Sorry guys who don’t like him. He’s top man!” – Romford Pele
This is too funny 😆 They are so pathetic
http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Club-news/2011/August/Samir-Nasri-scores-first-City-goal
I guess we are all feeling good again, then? I thought that Rosicky looked really good, but moments for me were each of the goals. The first, was watchin Gerviho and wondering if he would beat his man to the touchline… it was one of those moves that you wondered “will he do it?” and then he did. The second was watching Theo’s goal. We must have passed the ball around 15 times over on the right before Jenkinson booted it over to the left. I kept wondering why the didn’t just boot the bal away! But the patience and work to keep finding the next pass paid off, and next thing Theo was behind their defense and there was only really one realistic outcome. Brilliant stuff.
From Bob Wilson:
“Sorry doom merchants, it’s just not your night”
LEGEND!
here’s another from to go with rocky’s earlier
Chesney or de gea?
gervinho or na$ri?
Who says Arsene can’t find hidden gems anymore? Jenkinson is fantastic.
We’ve got 7 days to add a couple of players that can make us contenders.
Champions league
we’re having a laugh
Good to see RVP off the mark and Theo bag another one – will need to see 15-20+ from those 2 this season…(each)
😆 Sharkey, yes it’s OMG Szczesny
I wrote this over a year ago https://arsenalarsenal.wordpress.com/2010/06/08/if-wojciech-szczesny-is-good-enough-surely-hes-old-enough/
*smugface*
Cesc who? shame on you talk shit sky bl88cks Arsenal always perform when the chips are down.Common you goons.I must say i have lost a few gonner funs who told me that we would lose tonight bet with them that we would be going through and i wouldnt wathch Arsenal matches with them.Big thanks to my four year old son who kept on saying comming you gunners he is definately a gunner now,Too all you gunners who said it would be good if we went out shame on you
BTW, why is everyone hating on Nasri??? There are three tweets from him thanking and supporting the club today. As far as I can tell, he didn’t do much wrong. Against Liverpool he played well, if not brilliantly. H e simply took an opportunity to triple his salary, and Arsenal made quite a bit from the deal as well. But I’m sure you will all set me straight.
Matt Lucas:
“Well done Arsenal, well done Gervinho, well done Theo and well done Sczesescheschszney! #ProudFatManInDressingRoom”
CG. Fine comment, I was thinking the same.
I very much like the look of Jenkinson. In 2 seasons Sagna will be on the bench!
“Otelui Galati” – These lads are in Pot4 for the draw tomorrow. Are they an ice-cream?
CG – He said Arsenal fans are no passionate, so in my book he can fuck right off.
David Seaman:
@13Szczesny13 OMG What a big big and great f—–g save mate
Great calls from those Gunner legends – STICK THAT UP YA DOOMERS AND HATERS.
Szsceny’s save from the free kick was top drawer too. Defence is providing us with a solid platform this season.
CG…….In his first interview he insulted arsenal fans, just doesnt endear him to me……..I sang his name on saturday against liverpool, wish i hadnt, he has no class……….
CG, perhaps you’re right, Na$ri’s not a fat, money-grabbing twat after all. 🙂
Agree, BR, Jenkinson has looked really good. But then Sagna looked great playing out of position. It was all around an enjoyable game, with just enough suffering to make the outcome even sweeter.
I meant Alf Ramsey (cough)
California – I can tell you why I hate that little p***k: I wrote last autumn that I bet my cashmere coat (not really) that Nasri is playing out of his skin because he either wants the armband (being French and Cesc leaving) or he is after a big transfer.
Right, so he played like a genius till January, when Citeh had first contacted him. And what did he do after?? Nothing, bloody nothing.
He could have given us another year, sign a 3 year contract and let us make a bomb. He knew that Cesc was going and his leaving would be a kick in the teeth. Did it all matter to him, did it fuck
Sorry, I officially hate Nasri
Rads – Sagna on the bench? surely you jest sir? 🙂
kudos to you also on the Song / Frimpong call – I admit I got carried away with that combination in midfield, but Rosicky rode to the rescue!
*have no
there were lots of polish supporters at the game. I know they were Polish coz no Englishman can pronounce Wojtek Szczesny properly 🙂
Hiya oz 🙂
” I know they were Polish coz no Englishman can pronounce Wojtek Szczesny properly” – 😆 I had to clarify with the Polish at work how to pronounce his name.
Gervinho on Canal+: ‘We’ve already forgotten about the players that have left. The coach will find a solution to replace them.’
GiE – spot on about Willow being a Legend !!!
Lol Irish !! I read that a year ago and agreed 100% then, I’m up to about 130% now.
based on the turn of events you have been proved right evonne… at least now we are down to the guys that actually want to be at the club now… the guys must be having a few hi fives in the dressing room right now… such an inspirational result.
Lets tear those Mancs a new one!
Aldershot have knocked West Ham out of the Carling Cup – 😆 @Fat Sam
No more slating the fat scumbag…oops.
Wot a brilliant night
Nite all
Heroic performance from a patched up side. They all played a part.
We also had a glimpse of a very entreating front three.
Squad is still short of spinal cover.
Anything from Old Trafford is a bonus. Season starts home to Swansea In a couple of weeks. Hopefully we will have a few back by then anyway.
Pleased for the Gaffer.
Big night, big performance.
Irish – it is easy, Sch-Ch-ansny 🙂 one way or another he is a good lad, already better than his dad ever was
Sharkey – If we win at the weekend, and De “£20million for flappy hands” Gea has a howler, I will have a field day on the Manc fans.
Szczesny cost £50k from Krakow.
OK, thanks for setting me straight! I just can’t get that worked up about him. He didn’t go around talking smack, like Adebayor. Tripling your wages when you get about 10 years to really earn something doesn’t seem greedy, just smart. And yes, he seems to have gotten into it with the fans, but we give as much as we get, and are not always very fair about it. As for Evonne’s theory that he stopped playing once Man City contacted him, it is plausible, but doesn’t ring true to me.
Evonne – Its easy when the Poles tell you how to pronounce it, not when I put in too many syllables when attempting it on my own 😆
It will be a happy flight home for those gooners.
Let’s bask ……….
Anyhow, and here is the big thing: I think Nasri is replaceable for the money we got. I don’t think Cesc is — the best you can do is change the way you play. That is why I’m not to fussed about Nasri leaving.
CG. You are writing much sense this evening (morning).
What a turnaround at 2nd half. Just shows you what a change of formation and strategy and a good half time talk can do. This is the Arsenal we know, and it will only get better from now on. 14 years in Champions League – 14 YEARS!!! Oh to be a Gooner.
Evonne- could I get away with Sir Chesney as a way of pronouncing it.
He is the one and only as far as I’m concerned.
So, it seems that reports of Arsenal’s demise have been grossly exagereated.
The team selection and tactics for the first half made sense: Udinese would come onto us so let’s have belt and braces in Song and Pong to combat it and deploy the pace of Theo up front to nick a goal. It almost worked.
Second half changes turned out to be perfect; a fresh Rosicky added momentum and Song went from a man trying to find his way to MOT second half.
Jenkinson took a huge leap forward and Szcezney is simply the best keeper in the EPL.
Things are looking up.
Forgot to say, love the Champions League banner at the top of the blog.
Well played.
Night all. Sweet dreams.
CG, your right in that Na$ri can be replaced and to be honest has Gervinho not already?
And yes, you dont replace Cesc, he is world class and one of the best if not the best midfielder in the world……….
But a team is the sum of the parts, when the parts mesh, it works well and when it doesnt mesh, it doesnt work well…….Last season for example……….so you move on………
I believe with some #2 or 3 # good signings we will still challenge and soon forget the ones who left us, just as G man said………
John cross @the mirror, knows his onions………..He tweeted this tonight……….
###Any pundit who tells you Arsenal haven’t solved their keeper problem doesn’t know their onions. Szczesny will be among best in world. ####
evening all. had to tape the game and watch it late so only just finished. To me TR was fantastic 2nd half and made the difference. Not that pingpong was bad at all. Gerv is a breath of fresh air and Jenks did great. I agree that Ramsey still looks half yard off the pace but going back to the post….sorry Raddy but I would rather start with my gran who’s been dead a long long time than Traore, only seen him play a couple of times and looked like a hit with an s.
goes without saying that Verm and Ches were awesome again.
CG and Harry. Cesc is world class and I will never feel any ill towards him but maybe the whole slow tippy-tappy play has been based around him and maybe now we can go back to the quicker slicker football we played when we used to win ?
They thought we were gone, they were wrong they were wrong 😈
barum
There is something in what you say. Arsenal won nothing with that spanish kid. Sorry, his name has slipped my mind 😉
Great performance. Now it’s time to fill the squad with player #4 (Vertonghen?), #8 (Hazard?), #9 (Benzema??) and #11 (???).
GG. said in jest but will he go down in history as an Arsenal legend or failure ? People keep saying what great football we play but do we ? Great to me was 3 or 4 incisive passes and a goal, we haven’t seen that in about 6-7 seasons.
Herbi, To me tonight has given us a bit more credibility and buying power, personally I would like to see Cahill, Baines and Hazard. imo that would give us the strongest side we have had in years… but hey everyones ideas are different.
agree barum – Walcotts goal is how we should be scoring.
I think also we will see many goals similar to RVPs with Gervinho beating his man to the byline and squaring for RVP to finish…
I just tried to watch na$ri’s interview. made me feel sick. little wanker. he says the mancs are more passionate. I really hate him already.
pat. true I think Gerv is a breath of fresh air.
GM. feel so bad about nasri, really liked him but heyho its his loss.
Sadly football is full of high class hookers who tickle your balls whilst looking for their next meal ticket. Does Sami really believe he will get a look in with the players city have at their disposal ?
gm
Obviously na$ri was the King Rat in the ranks @ Arsenal, & Man $hitty took the bait 😆
he will be too busy counting $ to care… his freaking loss it wasn’t like he was a pauper while playing for the gunners – jog on I say Mr Nasri.
It’s always nice to have a player dumpster ($hitty) that willing to pay for broken toys. 😀
Where are all those posters who’ve been on here all week telling us we were definitely going to get dumped out of the ECL tonight?
Strangely silent, it seems…
And well done BR – Little Mozart did score: not with a goal, but with a match-winning second half performance. Well done Arsene too for making the switch.
I heard during commentary that the difference is staggering in financial terms if one is in the CL or Europa League. Last 16 in CL nets about 24 million, Europa league 5 million.
Knowing Wenger he has the players he needs all ready to sign the proviso was that we qualify.
2 goals, 11 men finishing and no red cards.
Not too bothered about OT on Sunday, rather play them now than later and then we will get going.
Apparently little mozart was drugged tested after the game and also had to show his birth certificate and passport 🙂
Interesting that Wenger gave Arshavin a minute on the pitch which of course means he would be cup tied so that squashes any rumours about him leaving.
Morning. Still basking and happy.
I was very impressed with our fitness levels. Playing in extreme heat and yet we were still outrunning Udine in every area. I know the Italian season has yet to start but we have played 4 exhausting games in 10 days.
As you say kelsey, not bothered about OT. Was there a suggestion that AA was leaving?
Just received this sms …
Berlusconi, Michaelangelo, The Pope, Aldo Zilli are ou watching? Chico Marx, are you watching? Your boys took a hell of a beating. Your boys took a hell of a beating.
Made me laugh!
Morning all….a mixture of relief and pride from me this morning. All of them deserve a big up – but special mention to Jenkinson, Szczesny (I called the pen save to the Mrs), Gervais, Rosicky … but my MOM – Alex Song. Awesome. Not impressed ma at all for a while but last night he was everywhere.
Listening to Alan Brazil this morning, “not impressed, papering over the cracks, Man U will slaughter them, blah, blah, blah” – fat sweaty twat.
Kelsey – that’s another one of your jokes, no?
The Pope is German.
Life is excellent this morning.
I have to doff my very biggest hat at Arsene. When Rosicky was coming on, I would have put everything on Ramsey going off.
My son is a very good barometer. His favourite player has been Sagna for quite a while. This morning he is confused and has added Sz and Frimpong to his list.
I know he’s 33 but £5m for Antonio Di Natale anyone?
The Mail (a wretched rag) has a story of a loan deal for Kaka being turned down by RM. Would have been great.
All my comments are vanishing.
May have been pressing the wrong button. What is the “guest” button?
what a load of $hite this is:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/948347/samir-nasri:-manchester-city-fans-more-%27passionate%27-than-arsenal?cc=3436
Something funny I heard on the radio yesterday. Following on from the signing of Nasri, Mancini saying he still needs a midfielder as they are “short of options in that area”.
Poor fellow. How will they cope.
really Na$ri? that$ why you moved? Are you $ure there wa$nt another rea$on?
Morning peeps, 🙂
I don’t know what all the excitement is about. I told you we would win ….. easy!!
What a flaming liar I am!! 🙂
I was on edge all day yesterday, resigned to the worst – hoping for the best – dreading the papers and worst of all the invective that would come out of certain blogs.
Not today baby — Arsene/Arsenal and those lovely, gutsy footballers put two fingers up to you doubters!!!!
Can’t wait to see who is unlucky enough to get drawn against us this afternoon! 🙂 🙂 🙂
pat. Hate to say this but MC’s home support is unquestionably more vocal than ours. And Samir is right, HIghbury was a noisier, more passionate environment than the Grove.
No need for him to say it tho … 🙂
Illy, whilst we won’t get him, someone with his movement and penalty area knowhow will do us well.
RvP interviewed post match spoke about the need for new signings. I know we all agree but he is now Captain and if we don’t make any signings he has got to keep the youngsters believing in themselves. Not good if your skipper doesn’t put faith in you.
Jenkinson is looking like a fantastic buy, he just does his job.
Illy,
Just now I would chuck every available penny at two players of the highest quality. AM and CB, and if there is a loan deal available for some whiskered ancient of a striker, then grab him too.
Illy,
I agree, I was thinking that last night. Di Natale joining us for a couple of years could be a masterstroke.
He looks like a fantastic goalscorer. Off you go Arsene and get him!! 🙂
RA. There are some big teams in both Pot 3 and 4. Let us hope we do not draw Borussia Dortmund.
bah! …. doesn’t matter who we get, we are going to win it this season.
MDI89
Get Tevez!!
Happy. happy, happy.
Can’t wait to see who he brings in, exciting stuff.
According to The Telegraph Malouda is up for grabs, I’d take him.
London, 🙂
I can’t imagine why you are happy?
Arsene said the thought the squad was a bit short, does that tell us that he is likely to buy someone tall?
I wonder who has been coaching Jenkinson?
Is there an experinced RB at the club who the young man is likely to respect?
It can’t be Pat Rice after all he knows nothing about coaching the defence.
I was a bit concerned after Jenkinson went down with cramp at the end of the Rat Eaters match, then hearing temperatures werein the 40s in Italy…but I thought he was excellent, really gets up and down the pitch well. Heard a good interview with him after the match – how refreshing to hear a real Gooner saying how proud he was to be picked by Arsene and how thankful to be given the chance to play. The total antithisis of Na$ri.
So, the goldigging Na$ri says the atmosphere was much better at Highbury. Sorry, but I do not remember him ever playing there?
Good riddance to bad blood in my opinion and I hope the little muppet is abused dare he show his face at the Emirates.
Another small thought. Seeing as how the dollar sign has been embraced by us on here, it would be good to see a sign/banner made including it – NA$RI
Morning Illy
Do you think Jenkinson has what it takes to make the transition to CB?
I understand rads – just a bit “rich” for Nasri to try and make out he moved because of crowd support – he knows, you know and I know it was because of the cash. For him to say that it was somehow something else is just tosh.
I would say the support at the Emirates will be alot louder this season if the spirited performances so far are anything to go by!
Brigham. It just shows how stupid Na$ri is. Has to told to open his mouth to eat.
We are behaving like Scum last year when they qualified for the quarter finals last season 🙂 Spuds were dancing on the streets thinking they had won the CL and now we are no better 🙂 🙂
Morning all,
@GIE, agreed RVP needs to believe in the youngsters, but also with him 1 year away from been in the Nasri situation we need to bring in a couple of players, there was a definite message to the boss and I think he was right at this stage to highlight it…….
I agree with the proposed move of Mdi89, buy two quality no cost spared for CB and AM and then get a journeyman striker on loan or low cost that can do a job for us and knows where the goal is, who works his socks off, Di Natale would be ideal……………
I would like at least one top player before the 12.30lunchtime deadline for playing this weekend, if the squad that played last night was available for the weekend I would be ok, but with Song, Frimpers and G man out suspended we need another boy in there sooner rather than later…..
And I hope that Jack is back for Swansea, its cruical we see him fit as soon as possible……
pat. Of course you are right. But I too have been saddened by the lack of noise at the Grove and have said it many times. So have most bloggers and we have all come up with suggestions as to how to improve the atmosphere…….
and Samir has come up with one of his own. I expect the noise level to be deafening when he comes off the bench at the Emirates 🙂
Body in there……..sooner rather than later………
Raddy, agreed in some part Nasri was correct the atmosphere at times is truly shocking, but against Barca last season the place rocked more than the rolling stones have………
Love the line about N$$ri coming off the bench……….
I like the double $$ think it is more effective, more passionate perhaps………..
Morning all,
It looks like Kaka on loan may actually have been the fillip the club was planning to lift the spirits for the new season.
Sz’s save was as brilliant as it was crucial, but I thought the ref was going to make them retake it because he came 2 paces forward off his line before the ball was kicked. But then again it wasn’t a penalty whereas the Theo elbow in the face was a penalty and a straight red.
Udinese were a dirty cheating bunch of divers who had obviously been told to exaggerate any contact with Frimpong.
Aaron Ramsey made 71 passes last night – the most of any player, and had a completion rate of 92% – the highest of any player during the game.
Some thought he was ineffective which shows how hard it is to judge a player during the stress and tension of game time!
Morning all – as London said ‘Happy happy happy’ Twas a great result, I was very upset to think that we weren’t going to qualify as I love the Champions League but we certainly pulled that one out of the magic hat.
Harry is right, players showing effort and commitment (of which there are more in the squad this season) is what will increase the noise at the Ems. Probably the loudest applause at the pool game was when Frimpong walked off after receiving the red.
Ah … the magic hat. Where has it been?
Many here are agreed the two slots needing filling are at CB and AM. CB are options are quite plentiful and well documented, but there are far fewer AM names in the hat.
Mine, as I’ve said is Fernando Belluschi, and now we have Kaka thrown into the mix.
Any other suggestions?
I’m not sure why some peoples comments are disappearing when using the guest button can anyone enlighten me what they’re doing differently – I just posted the above comment using the guest button and I know that Rasp uses it sometimes too but we may always get on anyway.
Micky – did you fill in all the required info – email address, name?
Peaches, Rasp, please see email!
Na$ri may be right, but you just don’t say it in public,shows how so many footballers are just peasants who have just won the lottery.
By the way, I really really hope we don’t spend precious resources on Parker or M’Vila.
Thanks TA
Micky. Arteta would fit very well, but creative MF’s are few and far between.
Modric? 🙂
I can’t move it because of the pictures so it will be a bit late, just waiting for WG to get back to me
Yep, Na$ri will soon find out about dispassionate Arsenal supporters 🙂
What time is the CL draw today?
Wow Peaches, that’s a very technical question.
I cannot be sure which btton I pushed or what was or was not filled in, but all is well now at this end.
Is it possible to delete those four buttons? The Guest, Volkswagon, t and f. Really annoying, they keep popping up into the reply box.
I will wager we go for any two from three at everton, who are cap strapped.Arteta,jagielka or Baines.
BR,
It really is a tough one, and one we need to answer. There appears to be a certain amount in Hazard stories who can play centrally.
Kelsey,
Does the wager involve eating something or just Rasp’s house?
@London
I think it’d good that Jenkinson has the flexibility to play at CB but I can’t see it as a long-term option. Partly becausethe England CB situation is getting a little crowded with Man Utd’d 2 new lads coming to the fore, and partly because I don’t think he’s tall enough or strong enough. And of course he is going to make a damn fine RB!
Anyone reckon Rasp keeps at least one bag permanently packed and ready?
Rasp lives in a shed somewhere up a hill in Herts, so it can’t be thati will have to think of something else.
Evonne, the CL Draw is at 1645 UK time.
Kelsey,
Got it. So you gamble his shed based on its redevelopment potential?
Brigham – thank you. Can we draw Citeh???
Evonne,
English sides kept apart and unbelievably that includes Manchester.
Evonne, not at this stage as you cannot be drawn against a club from your own nation. Next round it can happen though, providing all qualify.
Morning all – new post!
🙂
WG
No-one picked up on the Ramsey Stats. Admit it, you were surprised – I knowI was.
I would remind you all that I haven’t bet my house on anything, dandan is the culprit 😕
I stand by my ‘eat London’s pants’ offer if we sign a player for in excess of £30m, but first I want evidence that he has actually consumed his hat and scarf 🙂
Rasp – you’re on pretty safe ground. I’ve only ever known us to buy a player for “an undisclosed fee”!
Radders, I defended Ramsey when someone had said he had a poor game, didnt know the stats but knew he had a good game……
gout disease…
[…]Mozart scores! Udinese preview « Arsenal Arsenal[…]…
kindle fire reviews…
[…]Mozart scores! Udinese preview « Arsenal Arsenal[…]…
best winery in Napa…
[…]Mozart scores! Udinese preview « Arsenal Arsenal[…]…
Cashmere Wrap and Cashmere Scarves…
[…]Mozart scores! Udinese preview « Arsenal Arsenal[…]…
weultras…
[…]Mozart scores! Udinese preview « Arsenal Arsenal[…]…
If some one desires to be updated with most up-to-date technologies then he must be go to see this site and be up to date daily.