With the warm glow of a trip to the Emirates still pervading the senses I am back at the pre-match keyboard though having read the excellent work done by my substitutes I have much to live up to.
Before discussing today’s Derby, I would like to look back to the Wolves game. I feel we dropped two points through a mixture of bad luck and poor management. The bad luck is symptomatic of this season (4 FB’s out for min. 3 months??), a deflected shot hits an unknowing Fletcher who diverts it into the only part of the goal not covered by Wn1; he couldn’t repeat that header in a month of Sundays. The poor management is another matter; it was a mistake to rest Ramsey because we were already missing Theo on the right which resulted in having no balance in the team. JD is no RB, a decent defender perhaps, but as an attacking force he is useless. Switching The Gerv from wing to wing just caused him to fade from the game. It was no co-incidence that we looked so much better once AA and AR came on.
Onto today: QPR are one of my favourite teams, always have been, BUT this season they have plummeted in my estimation because any team that employs Joey Barton deserves relegation at the very least. And to make him Captain – The Lunatics have taken over the asylum! I know Evonne likes him (which is beyond understanding) and as such I shall stop here except to say I hope Gervinho tears him a new one.
On the plus side SWP is an exciting but hugely frustrating player who is a bullet dodged. I have to admit I was hopeful he would sign for us prior to his Chelsea stint and even when he went to The Oilers, in fact I was furious with his Dad who encouraged him to go up North. In retrospect I am deeply grateful Wrighty!
Islington lad and huge Gooner Jay Bothroyd should start upfront for Rangers, I was there the day he threw his shirt at Don Howe and was one of those who gave him serious abuse for such a disrespectful act, but fairplay to him, he has worked hard and created a fine career.
Another ex-Gunner is Armand Traore who is best remembered for taking a knuckle duster to WHL which is evidence of his intelligence – a yoyo career at AFC ended following our blip at OT. Had he stayed he would undoubtedly be playing in red and white this afternoon.
Managed by Warnock, QPR have done well. He is the right manager to get a team into the Prem and keep them up. Warnock’s tactics will be predictable and we can expect a very large bus to be brought onto the perfect Emirates bus for the duration of the game but he has some creative players capable of turning a game in seconds – they even have their own Nik Bendtner in Taraabt, a player who believes he is World Class and very (very) occasionally proves it. We will have to be on our guard this afternoon.
As to our lads. I was shocked to see both TR and Benayoun start against Wolves and would be surprised to see a repeat. The ARS has worked very well for us and unless there is an injury we should play them every time until the return of Wilshere. Theo is fit, The Gerv has at last scored, RvP is a cert and the defence, though creaky, picks itself. I would like to see everyone shift across one place to the left and play Kos at RB with TV back at CB and Miquel continue his development at LB, but I expect Mr Wenger to take no risks.
My team:
We have such an experienced bench and yet no-one who can really threaten in attack a problem solved with the arrival of Thierry. I have to say that unlike some of our bloggers I am very, very excited by his return – my man love for TH holds no bounds, to have him back at THOF is my best Xmas gift.
In a year when Royalty has been so much to the fore it is fitting to end the year with a Royal Gooner. Not surprisingly there are many to choose from but I have chosen a man who started the Royal Gooner tradition, King George V. A fine man who regularly attended games between the wars.
KGV wearing the Home Kit @ 1930
This is the final Arsenal Arsenal post of the year. 2011 has brought us both joy and pain, from the beating of Barca to that awful Wembley afternoon but above all it has been a year of great banter, heated discussion, abundant laughter and heart-warming camaraderie on this the best blogsite on the web. Thank you all who have joined in the fun and thank you all for reading.
Big Raddy wishes you a very Happy New Year and a 2012 filled with adventure and silverware.
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
@ Rasp/peaches
pictures didn’t cut the mustard?
Welcome back BR, everything is back to normal again. cheers for the pre-match! I think the starting lineup will be the same as the last game, however i prefer your one. I’d like to see BFG rested with coquelin and miquel in the full back positions
Oooops probably my fault, haven’t checked arsenalnuts ………. be back in a bit 😳
And a Happy New Year to you to Raddy!
Love the write-up; like you and probably many others, I’ve always had a soft spot for QPR. The fact I live in that part of the world fortifies it, but even with Barton as captain and Warnock as manager I wish them well. Not today though.
Having had a week off AA, I’m back in harness. Hope to meet others at The Tav.
I thought I’d found a home for my spare ticket for the game but that’s fallen through, so if anyone fancies nabbing a seat for the game, don’t be shy.
BR,
That Tash outperforms the Beard in every department. Phenomenal facial hair arrangement.
Tops a brilliant pre-matcher for me. Great to have you back.
I will say a Happy New Year to you all now, as some of you insesitive bastards are going to The Ems to watch MY team, and I won’t be around later when you all swan in saying what a wonderful day you have had watching MY team.
Secretly, I hope you all have a great day.
Right, what shall we talk about now?
Well Micky, we could talk about how wonderful it will be watching YOUR team finish a weird old 2011. Oh you’re not going to be there? Domage…..
OK, I admit it, you’ll be missed.
And Micky, what pray is your excuse for missing today’s fare? Surely you’d want to spend New Year’s Eve schlepping back down to the west country. I hope at least that you end the evening, and begin 2012, in suitably sozzled shape.
Morning all, Raddy back in the house with a fine pre match, hat doffed sir. It was an honour to fill in during your absence.
On to today three points a must especially with Dippers getting a result last night. (How I wish we could have found a way to bag Bellamy in the summer).
Can’t see any problems in your line up although I’d like to see Gerv rested and Benny start. We have Fulham in two days so need at least some rotation today.
26,
I am going to a party that I wouldn’t make it to if I was going to watch MY team, and as the sober pilot, I will not be “sozzled”. My natural high will be sustained on the back of a memorable performance from MY team, which of course, you will be attending with your “spare” ticket!!!!
Any thoughts on Benny in the AM role. Highly intelligent player in my book.
Micky. Do we play an AM? If so, is it Ramsey? If not, surely Arshavin should be given the role, he is such a clever player – better than Bennie IMO
And how can they be YOUR team when they are MY team?
arsenal will win today by 4 0 play sczeny kcos mates verm meq arteta song roscky wolcott gervinho rvp
Would love Benny to play today: all the intelligence of Arshavin with buckets more energy and desire.
26. So who gets left out?
Happy New Year to all, Great Prematch Raddy and you rightly highlight the evil that lurks within and we must ensure as a team we dont get involved with Barton.
Need to put this to bed with best team available and your line up is the best available, then start resting players when game is won.
I fancy 3-1 today, probably coming from behind………
To those I wont see in the Tavern have a great new year…….
One to watch is: Helguson
He’s scored 7 goals in 9 matches + 2 sub appearances
Need a volunteer for the match report please ………………..
BR,
Good points, but I think Beeny has what it takes in terms of energy and commitment over AA. I don’t think Ramsey is an AM and ultimately I think he will make up a midfield axis with Jack. I agree that we don’t play with an orthodox AM, and I think it is simply because we don’t have one. If we did, I’m sure we would see more goals coming from other areas of the pitch.
NYE is such a rubbish day to play a match …………. who decides these things??????????????
Yossi impressed me with his performance against Wolves as 26 intelligence and skill mixed with energy and desire altho he probably has 60-70 minutes of that tempo in him these days. His pass to Gerv for the goal reminded me of Bobby. Actually Gervs run reminded me of Titi coming in from the left as he did.
That goal against Wolves showed me what Theo lacks. Yossi could play that pass because Gerv was already gambling running across the line do he could bend his run if Yossi picked him out. Too often Theo is stationery when we move forward with the ball waiting to be given a ball to chase rather than dictating where to play it by starting to run towards space.
I think AR will develop into he current idea of an AM i.e. the Stevie G/Lamps type player. In the absence of Cesc like genius, this is the best alternative. A brilliant engine, decent in the tackle, good at driving forward and with an ability to score 5-10 goals a season.
Once AR stops looking for the “Hollywood” ball he will become an essential cog in the team.
I think Yossi plays more as an AM when he comes on as a sub but that could just be the job he’s given …….. when he and Rosicky are subs, Rosicky is the more defensive of the two. It works well for 20ish minutes.
‘could just be the job he’s given’ is a little tongue in cheek as I’m pretty certain the subs just get told to ‘go play’ 😉
GIE. Would you prefer Theo was running into potential offside positions? Because with his pace he has to have the ball played in front of him. Last season he was berated because he received the ball deep and tried to beat the FB with skill which is not his natural game. By remaining stationery he holds up the FB to be burned by pace.
That said, I do not agree that Theo is stationery when we move forward. This season he has been an all action player.
As to the pass, I agree – it is not in Theo’s locker.
What’s this about pictures? did someone send some?
BR,
I don’t think we want the traditional single DM. I see a more deep lying duo which for me will be AR and JW. AR being my Vieira and JW being my Petit (I know they played in a 4-4-2) but this is my Barca model. That leaves a birth for a world class AM like Goetze. In the meantime, I suggest Benny.
Check your email Rasp
…………. and your phone ……………
…and behind the sofa….then the fridge….
Right, I must go and do some things with wood.
Back later.
My dream team:
.
Kitchen RvP Sink
……Goetze
..Ramsey Wilshere
Sant Verm Kos Sagna
……Sz
.
Off.
Raddy is back! Marvellous!
Was the King really a Gunner? That is soooo extra 🙂
Apologies all, I’ve not been near my PC or phone. Thanks oz, your pic is now in the post.
Raddy at the Fulham game there were often times where he was standing ten yards deep of Riise with bags of space to run into but was not showing where he wanted it and was getting frustrated that balls were not played in behind. If he could show a bending run or bit of movement it would encourage the midfield to try and find him.
Gervinho is also quick the way he bent his run for the goal was textbook, Theo is probably a better finisher than Gervinho so I would like to see similar runs from him. He could/should be lethal.
I’m talking minor points here but it’s those things that make you from good to very good.
Oz great pic!
Good to have you back Raddy, Thanks for the write up.
To all those AA,ers, whose company has been such a treat this year, I wish a Truly Happy New year along with the fervent hope that Good health, Good luck and Gainful employment, stay with you and yours, as you journey through these troubled times,
May the Arsenal continue their rise up the table and TH12’s return bring us all, as much joy, as did his previous stay. Whilst our blog continues to mirror those good times as the home of banter, friendship and pooled knowledge it has become.
I think Ramsey could play deeper in Artetas role today with Yossi or AA23 taking the more advanced midfield role if QPR park the bus we need guile not industry today. Altho for future and with our current lack of full backs the role of DM is becoming unnecessary so could easily start Rambo, Arteta and Yossi.
I think you and I are in harmony GiE.
Back to wood.
I do hope the wood isn’t euphemism.
oz’s other pic is now in the post ….
…. see you all at the game…….
Oz. Fine work!
GIE. I agree that Theo could learn to bend his runs – perhaps TH can teach him the necessary timing as he was the Master
thank you rasp and peaches, much appreciated!
enjoy the game
A very Happy and Healthy New Year to all of you and nice to have Raddy back.
Three key fiqures for me today.
Walcott or Gervinho to terrorise Traore, Barton (watch your legs lads) and Keeny who always has a blinder against us.
it will either be 1-0 or a rout by at least 5 goals .I have a feeling one of our defenders will score today and if pushed I would say vermaelen.
Thanks for a great year in my accountacy apprenticeship and VCC i know you will especially enjoy the game today.
Until next year, au revoir.
Like rats off a sinking ship, leaving us sad armchair fans to man the lifeboats.
Hope I can find a feed …..
Have a happy new year AA’ers. Enjoy the game, should be a walk in the park. I’ll get great joy seeing Verm run through Barton.
4-0 to the mighty gunners.
Brilliant Pics, Oz!!
You and Chas should set up a Pics and Vids company. You could straddle the world. 🙂
Hi Raddy, a very good pre-match – enjoyable. 🙂
Just shown Keown v Van Nistelroy on Football Focus….happy times 🙂
Raddy,
“Hope I can find a feed…”
Have some of those Danish Fish you won’t have to send me! 😦
Happy New Year AA’ers 😉
Micky. The Fat Lady hasn’t even entered the stage
Suga. You too …
Mancscum are losing. Great pre match as usual Raddy.
(Auto paste) Cracking pre match Raddy.
Could be a tricky game today…I just hope none of our players do anything stooopid !!
I also pray that our FBs have been watching Roberto Carlos and Cafu DVDs since our last game. They simply cannot ‘sit at home’ this afternoon.
I suspect we might even see Coq at RB
Have a look at the mancs bench. Makes our look amazing.
Booing at half time at OT. And I thought Gooners were spoilt!
Equal top and booing at half time. Pathetic.
They don’t even get excited when they win the league any more.
What is wrong with rooney. Nothing fatal I hope 🙂
2 nil
Wish I was watching this but my wife is watching depressing stuff about the tsunami on NHK
1-2
Bet the mancs still win this.
GM – I knew you’d want Sir Alex to enjoy his 70th birthday 🙂 You and Chas
Bloody ell when it went 2-2 I thought it was over!
Breaking news!!
SAF has cancelled New Year.
happy birthday you drunken scotch c**t
Hi evonne,
I’m in shock. How can a team as poor as B’burn beat MU, Arsenal and draw at Anfield?
Same back 4. Arshavin in for the Gerv.
BR;
It’s called desire!
Right you diminitive little russian.this is last chance salon, go for it 😉
Quick.
Utd ha ha
Come on you Gunnnnnnners
12 minutes in and no cohesive flow, looks like we might have win ugly.
Th14 is in the house…………
I’ve just found setanta Ireland on my dodgy sat box. What a result, Don’t have to watch a dodgy feed
We are so slow in the build up laborous in a word. Could do with the others having the workrate of Kos and the skill of RVP.
Walcott get in the game son and Arshavin ditto.
QPR playing rough house………..
Kelsey we have no width –
No width indeed gn5 and ramsey and Song prefer to dwell too long.
walcott that was shit
Great cross from Ramsey to RvP.
Yellow for Barton and Theo misases a sitter. No surprises!
chavs winning
spoke too soon 🙂
hi GM, i can trust you putting a smile on my miserable face 🙂
Seems people have streams….I hate watching on web text!
I am looking for a match report for tomorrow, any good guys out there?
Herb, how about you, go for it! We know you can do it!!
We’re looking a lot better – but Walcott is out of sorts……….
Now you know why i don’t rate walcott. I good game in 6 is just not good enough.
GN5 – hello sir, how about a match report? Pretty please?
Walcott making Traore look good.
Idiot ref. I can see that pen from Denmark!!
Theo getting into the game after a poor start
if he can’t run rings round traore it shows you a lot.
wasn’t a pen raddy.
evonne, I’m hosting a black angus roast beef New Year’s supper for 20 people, so I will have no time.
i would take off ramsey and arshavin and bring on gervino and ox. why not ,otherwise this will be a continuation of the wolves game.
GN5 – cancell it, do you really want all this hard work? your post would be read by many more than 20 🙂
bloody van der fart
Absolutely was Kelsey. His arm was away from the body and it stopped a potential goal,
I would have put DD’s house on RvP scoring that volley.
Enjoyable half but we have to score and score early.
Where’s Terry when you need him? I need convincing that we won’t be finishing way behind the spuds.
Can someone explain why with 4 fouls we have two bookings?
Because we are Arsenal GiE and most refs are twats
Thought so GM
can someone explain to me why we offer no threat of scoring apart from RvP.
Our play is just to lethargic, build up so slow and if you are going to use walcott use him more and keep the crosses on the ground. 8 corners in the first half to no avail.
Yikes,
Totally predictable half from AA and Walcott.
Kelsey – it was a handball. Polish commentators were disgusted, they seem to be pro Arsenal 🙂
I noticed TH sprinting of his seat at half time whistle; perhaps he has an idea how to derail the blue bus?
AA and Walcott could be sold for me. I’d have gervinho and Ox on.
Terrrible 15 mins from Atkinson. Missed a penalty, the elbow on AA, booked the wrong player, gave JD a booking for a Barton dive and gave a non-existest free-kick to QPR,
Get a grip man
atkinson is another manc ref Raddy
GM – touch of paranoia ?
even paranoids have real enemies
GM. I should have guessed
GM – 🙂
OX coming on!!!
Song is not finding the final ball today.(so far)
vermaelen injured ,i make you right raddy. This is hard work to watch
ox is Coq
I hope TV isn’t injured.
Walcott is a complete WALLY.
wanker. get him off please
oh walcott oh dear oh dear oh dear
do you think TH would have scored this one???
Theo ….. that wasn’t even close. Catastropiic miss
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEs That’s how you do it walnutt
one man strike force does it again.
Boy Wonder!!!
Why did RvP went to Almunia to celebrate?
How’s Arshavin playing?
Not seeing game.
Just heard our talisman has done it again.. 😀
Thank goodness we have our own special –
Very important Person !!
He isn’t allezkev
A good time to put on The Ox maybe???
Allez – trying hard for a change, not succeeding. Ramsey is very good
This is the stage of the game where we need to keep up the pressure for the second goal and not try to rest on the laurels of a single goal.
Cheers Gm.
Suprised, i am not…..
Coq is VERY good, very very good
Le coq looks good
I’d love a clean sheet today
Coq always is evonne
rosicky for AA
sorry 😦
then stop w*****g 😉
How has Song been playing…..?
How is Barton sti;; om the pitch?
GM – I have not noticed his skills before, the boy knows how to handle a ball
too late Kelsey 😉
actually it was an equisite ball from arshavin for the goal
Phew !! That looked like a penalty…………
We are allowing them to have far too much of the play – very scary.
GN5 – no, diving
we need another one I think
Gerv is on
Walcott is going to his rightful place – a seat on the bench.
walcott off, TR on
Song is not having a great game, poor by his standards
Have we switched to 4 4 2….?
i can’t believe how many chances gervinho and ramsey have missed in the last month. song is suddenly a striker 😉
Another dreadful miss, FFS Gervinho …. At least he got there to miss it !
allezklev – No we`ve switched to SQUEAKY time…………
G5 😆
apparently theo still had a tummy ache after too much jelly and ice cream after x.mas.
Villa have scored, Come on Swansea
Right on cue swans
chelsea losing, spurs drawing happy new year.
chavs 3 1 down
GM – really ???????
Match report?? Peaches will kill us
we’re 4th 🙂
Don’t they just love to put ya through the wringer.
Happy New Year AA’s.
See ya in 2012.
3 players stood out for me.RVP,Kos and Coq and close behind Djourou (for a change).
That’ll do nicely…Chavs lost, Spuds succumb to late equaliser (apparently list all shape when Parker went off), United lost.
Happy New Year in 4th place 😀
Oh and Wigan scored equaliser from penalty….talk about balls from Martinez he made a substitution when penalty was awarded and sent on Mark Watson to take it. Take a bow very gutsy move.
happy new year to you too
Yesssssssssssssssssssss
Chavs, Utd lose. Spuds draw. Suddenly I am soooo happy, happy, happy.
4th is good. Very good.
These pundits on irish tv are bigger c**ts than we get
I predicted a tough game and Kelsey went for the 1-0. What I didn’t expect was for QPR to be so expansive. Had Song had his passing boots on we would have won by many more and how often does RvP miss so many opportunities?
Contrary to some, I thought Ramsey had a good game – it is inevitable that he will misplace some passes when he is so busy. Arteta was tidy as was Ashavin.
No-one really stood out but BFG and Kos played well as did Chesney.
It is great when the results go our way. Let us hope for more in 2012.
Who could have predicted that MU would lose to the bottom team and the Chavs to a very poor AV, and at home too!
Raddy. i was telling everyone that the mancs would ;lose. they are rubbish and they will be found out this season.
GM. Makes our loss up there even more embarassing (if possible)
I think you’re right GM but there recent results tricked me into thinking they were actually still gonna be good enough to push City all the way.
Time for a Title Charge Tally-Ho…….FORWARD!
3pts is all I’m focussing on.
No offence to Verm, but Coq drove forward from LB more in 40 mins than Verm has done in 3 or 4 games. Coq’s not even left footed. I really don’t know how DJ is keeping Coq out of the side.
Song’s radar was well off today, but he still worked hard.
Koscielny…what a player.
I love Ramseys energy and drive.
With ten minutes to go, I was preparing myself to be very upset. To win and then hear the other results, I’m over the bloody moon.
Off out for the evening shortly, so a very very Happy New Year my dear chums and fellow Gooners.
Raddy
Everything that could go wrong went wrong for that match. Even on that day the mancs weren’t that good. we had the whole cesc and nasri saga going on plus the injuries and suspensions.
HNY micky. have a great one!!!
3 points, good results elsewhere, happy days.
Kozzer was immense.
Coquelin was excellent when he came on and looks like a future star.
Ramsey’s decision making needs some work.
RvP was outstanding but finishing was off.
Little bit worried about our chance conversion at the moment, but I think someone is going to get a hiding from us sooner rather than later.
I suppose as long as we are winning it doesn’t matter if it’s by one or six, but it would be much easier for us fans if we were going into the last 10 minutes leading by 2 or 3 instead of 1!
Happy New Year!
Like Micky, I was ecstatic with the hope of 3 points, 10 mins from the close, and terrified that we would somehow manage to blow it!
That could and should have been 5:0 and if we had someone to support RVP it would have been.
Anyway, joyful scenes here at the end of the match, and even more so with news of the other teams playing crap.
Xmas and Easter always produce odd results. Funny old game – as some wise man said!! 🙂
hiya Sharkey – Ramsey was MtM for me, played very well
Chavs the fans were leaving the Bridge 10mins before the end, some gratitude, ha? Plastic prawns mob
AVB on his way out, surely?
3 points, 4th place, manure and chavs lost at their home, spuds draw, couldn’t ask for more 😉
Happy new year to all gooners in the world and especially to AAers. Its already 2012 here 🙂
Mccarthy has just confirmed Frimpong is definitely at wolves for the rest of the season
あけましておめでとうございます。 ちょおあほ。
from the bbc website
It’s not ALL good news for Arsenal fans today. Arsene Wenger has just revealed that Thomas Vermaelen is out for “two or three weeks” with the injury he sustained against QPR. Wenger also confirmed he’s trying to sign a defender but only on loan, and Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong has sealed his loan switch to Wolves for the rest of the season. More on all of this in a moment or two.
Some people gonna get Frimponged!!!
Hope it works out for him
GM,
I wish by the time Frimpong return next summer he’ll becomes Arsenal’s Essien. Good luck Frimpers. 🙂
Anyone know how bad is Verm’s injury? Hope nothing serious 😦
Miquel at LB, and Coq at RB. Sorted.
Simples Sharkey 🙂
Bridge on loan might not be a bad shout tho, get him in early just to get him match fit.
Thanks kelsey.
Even our fullback backup now is injured. I hope AW sort this out immediately
GM
あなたにハッピーニューイヤー過ぎる
Sharkey,
If only I could remember which post date I originally said “Miquel at LB, and Coq at RB” — I could pinch the glory of saying it first, and hoist you as a plagiarist – sod!! 🙂 :mr green:
You too RA. I thought Nike was Japanese. They are already on 2012
Mr Green should be
damn!! 😳
Off out to a night of Bacchanalian pleasures.
Wishing you all a super night and see you in 2012.
The year when it all comes right
I am distraught GM, after we chatted at length about my exploits in Tokyo and Osaka I thought we were besties — unlike GIE who is always getting me into trouble!! 🙂 ❗
Have a great night Raddy, I am off too so to all you AAers;
……………………………….. HAPPY NOOOO YEAR!!
……………………………. GET YOUR SKATES ON 2012!!
なかのいい友達ですよ RA
Have a great one everyone.
Great three points even if the performance was scruffy again.
Thought Koscielny, RVP and Song were excellent.
Hope TV5 isn’t out for to long.
Happy new year to everyone to do with AA.
I am having a new years in with the mrs. Port, stilton and fall asleep on the sofa.
My wife is preparing oden and inarizushi RA. Then toshiko soba and omochi RA
あなたは、あまりにもGMです。:-)
No worries Ref 😉
*Red*
Happy New Year to all…especially to all AA’ers far and wide !
Wow!
You should have had a Japanese New Years cook-in, GM, — we would all have had a brilliant time! 🙂
Anyhoo, I have to push off – I am late – again! 🙂
Sorry, Sharkey, I was lying!! 😳 😉
Family pick up in T -15 minutes then Mew Year Bash round the Bro in laws (a Dipper). At least all footy fans will be smiling, unless any Chav or ManUre fans arrive and they will receive much taking of the piddle.
See you all in 2012.
Mew = New tho round Norfolk you never know 😉
Just back from the game, too tired and flu’ed up to blog but a very happy new year to you all whatever you may be doing
Hiya, just checking in to see if anyone was going to feel like writing a match report before they started their partying ………..
Right very quick one, back from the theatre of Knives, we truly have some shocking supporters…………..
Made hard work of that, should have won by a country mile, earlier in the season when we got back playing when people were calling us a one man team, we werent it was cobblers, sadly it is coming true in the attack department, some quite shocking misses by TW14 and G27…………..
MotM by a country mile was Kozzer, in behind and despite the grief some fans shout at him, Ramsey also had an outstanding game, he has a rolls royce under his rib cage………RVP and Arteta influenced at times.
AA23, tut tut, deary me, what is the matter? ok, he has the assist for RVP goal, but he needs to get more interested…………….
Anyway off to the pub, wife shouting, great to catch up with RHWP, RASP, 26May, TA and to meet VCC (thanks for the CDs)…..
Into 4th, I just wish wenger can see we need to bring in a couple of recruits to bolster the team, preferably ones who know who to score..
Dropping in briefly to say HNY to all AA-ers and to Gooners everywhere.
Great results all round today and an excellent pre-match from the Master.
Have to go now because of super expensive link (have given myself 10 mins to check the results and have a quick look at AA).
Walcott six goals in 39 league games and wants to be a central striker. April Fools or what. Oh wait Happy New Year everyone all the same.
Arsene Wenger interview – From Arsenal.com
………………………………………………………………………………….
‘Formidable spirit has taken us to fourth’
On Arsenal’s Premier League rivals dropping points…
“Yes, many teams dropped points. For us, it was a bit of a repetition of the Wolves game because we didn’t manage to score more than one goal. Then it’s down to not making a mistake at the back and we had to be patient to take our chances. I feel when the repetition of the games is so high, you can’t make a difference with the pace of the game, you have to take your time and focus on not making a mistake. That’s what we did quite well, and Robin van Persie again scored the goal that won us the points.
On QPR’s display…
“It is a good QPR side. They have a good midfield, they played well and they always looked capable of creating something. It is one of the good teams we have seen this season.”
On Robin van Persie repeating his scoring exploits in 2012…
“He can, because he is the right age to perform. It is ‘touch wood’ that he can repeat the same number of game but nothing is impossible. I don’t know why tonight at midnight it should suddenly change!”
On whether Van Persie will be disappointed not to set the scoring record…
“He will not tell you, but certainly he will be [disappointed]!”
On being in the top four after a difficult start to the season…
“That’s why when you are in a difficult situation I always said that you have to take the criticism and focus on performing better and improve. I give credit to the players because we have been 17th or 18th in the League and we focused and improved as a team, with a formidable spirit in the side. That got us where we are today. We still have room for improvement, but there a good basis there because the attitude and spirit are really great.”
On Thomas Vermaelen limping off…
“He has a calf strain, so maybe at midnight I will try to find a left back! It is serious enough for him not to play on Monday [against Fulham] or against Leeds for example. We now have three left-backs out [injured]. Francis Coquelin came on in this position and did quite well, but he is a central midfielder.”
On whether he try to sign a left back on loan…
“Straight after the game I don’t know, because I have to analyse it all. Kieran Gibbs is not too far but it would be stupid for us to drop points because we don’t have a left back.”
On Emmanuel Frimpong going to Wolves on loan…
“The reason behind it is that he is in the position of Jack Wilshere, he has the level to play with [Alex] Song in front of him. But he is somebody who needs practice; he needs the rhythm of the games. Mick McCarthy told me he has a good chance to play. I also have Coquelin in this position who can play. One of the two had to go on loan, and Frimpong has a good opportunity at Wolves.
On Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s first-team chances…
“He is not very far at all, he will play very quickly.”
Happy New Year to one and all.
Great to meet VCC at the Tavern today and always a pleasure to see Harry, Total, chas and 26m.
Great result, not a great game. Kozzer and The BFG were my MotM. Arteta was good, Theo not at his best and Song gave away a few unnecessary free kicks in danger areas, buty who would have put money on us being in the top 4 at new year?
Match report sent Peaches. No ratings though as watched on a dodgy stream.
Many thanks from us all FGG. Well played…as we can all rest guilt free and easy now.
On with the festivities !!
SS,
You mean get pissed guilt free and easy!!!
If you would have told me , we would be 4th on the last day of this year, after losing, Cesc, Nasty, Cliche, and with all the suspension`s and injuries, I would have said you was as Mad as TMHT, and he`s as Mad as Mad can be !. 😯
I wasn`t a happy bunny in the TW and was scathing of the Guv`, mainly because of the promise of some “super quality” ,that did not materialize. I said, we would be lucky to make 5th or 6th and that it would be Arsene`s greatest achievement to get us into Top 4 by end of the season. Well he`s got us there and now needs to keep us there to fullfill that. What a man !.
A happy New Year to you all XXXXXXX
Oh ,and If by some miracle he manages` to get us Top 3, then he`s not Human and TMHT should have had the same bet on Wenger that he had on Gordon Brown ! 🙂
Will try and do some ratings to add to fgg’s report…..
In pub getting drunk at moment.
Happy and prosperous, and trophy filled 2012 to one and all, see you all next year xxxxx
Happy New Year to all AA’ers wherever you are.
MOTD is going to be fun. 🙂
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xwk8KyRAypU
Has anyone seen the Suarez report?
Disgusting
Happy new year to all AAers.
The Suarez report is 150 pages long.
Terry must get a longer ban
Main points according to sky are that he called Evra a ‘negro’ 7 times, said ‘I don’t talk to blacks’ and also said the reason he kicked Evea was because ‘you are black’.
I disagree,
If Terry did say what he is accused of saying in a derogatory way then he said it only once in the heat of the moment (no excuse I know).
Suarez abused Evra 9 times in 1 game.
Disgusting.
Happy New Year – Gelukkig Nieuw Jaar – to all AA’ers!
Thanks for the CD VCC and great to meet up with and your son! Also great to see Peaches, Evonne (who might have burned her onions whilst talking to me – sorry!) Harry, 26 and the Rasper.
We had to work hard for those three points today but we did it, and now Fulham next. This team will need a rest after that game, but hopefully they can get firing again to get three more points. Cannot believe the results today: total madness, but that’s why we love footie so much!
Great Pre-Match BR – full of gusto!
Ginger
If you slap someone 9 times it’s not as bad as stabbing them once. Terry called him a f**king bl**k c**t. Don’t see how that can’t be derogatary.
If you want to read 116 pages it’s here:
http://www.thefa.com/TheFA/Disciplinary/NewsAndFeatures/2011/~/media/Files/PDF/TheFA/Disciplinary/Written%20reasons/FA%20v%20Suarez%20Written%20Reasons%20of%20Regulatory%20Commission.ashx
I started to read it earlier, the points Sky have repeated are very early.
Altho Henry Winter tweeted the following earlier:
“Not many obvious grounds for appeal, tho #lfc lawyers could re-visit Point 223 about whether Suarez is a racist or used racist language”
GM,
I disagree, but racism is a topic much beyond my knowledge so I’m gunna leave it there.
Hope you had a great New Year.
Peaches, I have sent you a final draft for tomorrow. I know Harry volunteered for ratings so will leave them to him.
You too ginger and a great 2012
isn’t Terry being dealt with by the police and the Saurez incident being handled by the FA? why the difference?
Happy New Year everybody – all the best for 2012
Your most commented on post in 2011 was Three Down, One or Two to go?
These were your 5 most active commenters:
1 MickyDidIt89 3709 comments
2 Red Arse 3358 comments
3 Gooner in Exile 2594 comments
4 Evonne 2130 comments
5 TotalArsenal 1896 comments
Kelsey – you have made it up, no?? I am so embarassed 😦
oh feck it, one more from me 🙂
Swansea v Scum match report – Swansea deserved to win, they were the better team. Scum looked tired and disinterested. Scott Parker injured, der Fart walked gingerly, Ade cought off side a couple of times (there is a surprise) and Gallas looked liked an empty vessel making lots of noises.
Scum have started their downward journey in the table. They will be 6th by Feb.
Morning all, hope everyone had a great new year’s eve.
I hope so evonne. The scum resurgance can be put down to two men…Parker and friedel. Parker is a warrior and he always gives all to the team, before him they didn’t have any guts in the team. Hopefully the decline starts now!
No evonne direct from wordpress.
Happy New Year to everyone.
I think it’s called commitment Evonne 😳
Pat, Terry was charged by the Police with a public order offence as a complaint was made by a member of the public to them.
I’m pretty sure legal prejudice laws mean that Terry can’t be dealt with by the FA until criminal proceedings have completed….if they charged him and found him guilty then the assumption is the jury would be swayed by this.
That’s not to say they can’t charge him when criminal case is over (whether proved innocent or guilty) as the tests mentioned in that 115 page doc I posted earlier may not be the same as the test needed to find him guilty to criminal offence.
GiE – no, it is called Big Mouth 😦
How many comments did I make, kelsey?
BBC web has a good article on Suarez ruling, Kenny might have done for Suarez with his response to Andre Marriner after the game:
After the match Evra and United manager Sir Alex Ferguson both spoke to the referee about the incident, while Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish remarked to referee Marriner in reference to Evra, “Hasn’t he done this before?”
that comment thing is great kelsey,
Chas:
comments 1500
great videos…7006
Great to sit with Harry for yesterday’s game.
Apologies for not catching up with TA and VCC, I hadn’t seen my nephew and his fiance for weeks, so blood family took precednce over AA family. 🙂
oz 🙂
To everyone below me in the ratings, I say, Loooooserrrrrrrrs 🙂
To me I say: do some bloody work!
Micky, you da champ.
I enjoyed watching YOUR team yesterday. How was your p*ss-up?
MOTD re-run about to start for those that missed it.
I’m definitely top commenter in 2012 so far.
Chas,
My average is just 10 comments a day. This year, I plan to double up!!
Off to watch MOTD, then to get cracking on here 🙂
“the sound of hairdrying at half time” 🙂
Made me laugh too Chas 🙂
Not as much as TPCC blaming it on Mike Dean saying that the penalty summed up his performance.
Have you heard/seen Warnock’s comments on RvP?
P for purple?
Bloody ell AA23 is 5% ahead of RvP in the MotM polls on Arsenal.com
Chas,
it only gives the top five in the calender year.rasp and peaches will fill in all the other details.
Watched the game again.
yes it was a penalty that wasn’t given.
kos was by miles the best outfield player.
I heard mention that Walcott lacks confidence,well he wasabsolutely pants yesterday yet again and maybe it would be in everyones interest for him to move on to a club which he may be better suited to.
Arshavin plays the same cameo role every game, you get one good move which yesterday resulted in Robin’s goal.
4 goals in 4 home games just isn’t good enough especially as goal difference may well count this season.
I accept the players are jaded but that applies to all teams.
The lack of goals from Arshavin,ramsey,gervinho and walcott causes alarm.it’s not that we don’t create chances we just can’t put them away.
Corners, thousands of them yet nearly always the high ball is cleared or overshot.
message to song, cut out the back flicks.
The positive from bottom 4 to top 4 in a few months is a great achievement but we are more and more relient on RVP and that is a big worry.
Fulham next, will be a hard game and it will be interesting to see if RVP is rested, i doubt it.
I left the Tavern with JC when it was at 2-2 and just assumed the mancs would scrape a winner. We were we walking past the Arsenal Supporters Club on Gillespie Road when a big roar went up.
Happy 70th Birthday siralex 🙂
Not got there yet Chas watching on SkyPlus in between copious espressos and fag breaks.
Yes P is Purple 🙂
Your most commented on post in 2011 was Three Down, One or Two to go?
kelsey, Harry said kozzer was MOTM by a ‘country mile’.
Actually Fergie moaning that the heavy pitch didn’t suit their style may be my highlight of that post match. Correct me if I’m wrong here they were at home, it’s their pitch, spend some money on groundsmen rather than a choir singing Happy Birthday.
I’m on for 4,392 in 2012 at my current rate.
http://twitpic.com/81olez/full
chas says:
January 1, 2012 at 9:03 am (Edit)
kelsey, Harry said kozzer was MOTM by a ‘country mile’.
well he obviously agrees with me, 😉
Morning all and a very Happy New Year
What a great bunch we are, still thinking about how our opposition must be feeling this morning having dropped points yesterday 😆
Off to sort the post …………..
Apparently, Colin Wanker is an anagram of Neil Warnock. 🙂
When is the AA Blog awards ceremony?
Help,
My pointy thing appears to have seized up and jammed on the Chas Avatar. Damn 🙂
Micky,
Nigella proves that, just like your comments, quality and quantity can go hand in hand.
I love those stats about the most prolific blogger 🙂
New Post ……………….
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