Today we take the pitch against Cologne in our last pre season friendly. Arsene’s pre season routine has been upset by the tour of the Far East and the games played there excluded a number of first teamers and most importantly our new signings were left at home to settle in to London life, and find their way around London Colney.
The games in Asia came early in our pre season preparation, clearly we were not match fit, and the games were used as part of the pre season training regime.
The trip meant the cancellation of the Emirates Cup and so we are left with one game to show where we are before the start of the new Premier League campaign.
I have no idea how we will start today, and I don’t think Raddy will be any the wiser come next Saturday for the real kick off against Sunderland. Thats good for two reasons:
1) It demonstrates a new strength in depth.
2) Our opponents will not have a clue either.
I guess the big question is will van Persie feature, my guess is he won’t want to, but Wenger might just make him. If van Persie refuses or plays without commitment it will make it clear to us whether we should keep him or not.
The defence pretty much picks itself when Sagna is fit, but I think today we will see a half each at right back from Jenkinson and Coquelin, for me I hope it’s Jenkinson.
The midfield three of Arteta, Song and Cazorla again picks itself.
It is up front where the questions are asked, any three of Walcott, Podolkski, Giroud, Gervinho, van Persie and Oxlande-Chamberlain could start, and it wouldn’t be beyond the realms of possibility for Arshavin to feature at some point.
This is the final assessment of the team before next Saturday but we should remember it is still a pre season, anything that happens today does not set the tone for the rest of the season, unless of course its a 10-0 win and then I will be rushing down to my local Bookies to put £100 on Arsenal to win the title.
I might just do that anyway as the squad is looking talented and has an experience to it that we have not seen for sometime. I never had an issue with the youngsters we signed and played but there were times where I worried that they were learning off each other and that meant they were going to suffer in their development, the arrival of Arteta, Santos and BFG brought an experience to the squad, this has been added to further by the arrivals of Podolski and Cazorla. These older players who have seen a lot more in football can help the youngsters and bring more responsibility to the team (and also remind them just how lucky they are to turn up at a club with the facilities of Arsenal).
Enjoy the game.
(PS Thanks for the title Chas)
Written by Gooner in Exile
And here are the thoughts of oz gunner who also had a great title 🙂
RVP’s attitude stinks but we’ve got Cologne
Today we play our last pre-season friendly, and all I can say is…about bloody time. It’s as though the off season gets longer and longer. Will he sign or won’t he? Will RVP be here for the start of the season or is he off to Man United/City/Juve/whoever will pay his high demands? Song to Barca or just his agent trying to get him a new bumper deal? I for one am sick of it. Let’s play some football!
I’m not too sure what to expect from today’s game and whether or not we can take much from the starting line-up. I think Arsenal will keep his cards to his chest and use it as one last chance to get some run in to player’s legs. I can’t wait to see Giroud, Podolski, and Santi get a run out and just what they are going to bring to the team. I’d like to see Gnabry and Eisfeld continue with their emergence and get a little game time because both have come with big wraps this pre-season.
How or what involvement RVP has on the game could answer a few more questions. If he sits on the bench for most/all of the match I think we will all start to think it’s a bit like the Cesc scenario, with us protecting him for potential buyers. Personally I think we hold all the cards in this. Man United can’t come up with more money (it’s just all masking their terrible share price drop and keeping the fans of their backs), so he will have to have a blinder of a year otherwise teams won’t be willing to hand over the money for his wages next season. Here’s hoping he has a change of mind and re-signs mid-year and we win it all.
Anyway let’s all enjoy the run out.
Prediction: 0-3 We will be too strong for the division two team
Written by oz gunner
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
Nice work Las, thanks.
RvP will want to play. He has to do 45mins at least, or he wont get selected for the Dutch squad. One half, and as Captain, is my guess.
Lads not Las.
Great start 😦
Morning all – the downer of the imminent end of the Olympics is definitely improved by today’s events in Cologne. Will be great to see all the new boys, especially Poldi, who immediately plays in his real home stadium for his new team.
As Exile says, the score won’t mean a lot but the performances will. Van Persie? Bitterness suspended while he’s got the shirt on, here’s hoping he contributes to a positive final rehearsal.
Have just been watching the Italian Super Cup match between Juve and Napoli – Juve aren’t exactly looking like world-beaters.
Well done to Exile and Oz for the intro – will catch up with you guys and gals later.
I wish RVP will stay..but wishes are not horses. Lets hope for the best, with or without RVP. Nice work here mate!
Morning All,
I’m giving up trying to predict a team for the next couple of weeks, we just don’t know enough to make a realistic stab at it.
Will he, wont he? Not just van Persie, Song and Walcott could both be on their way, Barca and the bin dippers are still agitating. Old Red Nose is still making noises (not just farts) about the Dutchman, although the less than successful New York stock market flotation may put a spoke in his wheel.
One other factor to consider, the meaningless friendly against Italy and I guess there are other internationals taking place which could impinge on the possible starting line-up against Sunderland.
Hopefully the Oilers and the Chavs will kick lumps out of each other at Villa Park this afternoon so that might be worth watching,
Still it’s a beautiful morning here in Norfolk, I’m off to enjoy the sunshine in the garden.
Keep the Faith fellow Gooners!
What ever the outcome of todays match, we still have the underlying achilles heel called AFC defending.So far AW has not reinforced the defence at all. I am worried that without a star CB (like Chiellini) and a replacement for Song (if he has thought about going then sod him and sell him) the we will entertain and give away points like the previous 6 years. To win, as George G always said ‘ means no goals against = no losses’. Unless Bouldie can turn our existing mistake makers into a unit like the fab 6, we are like a barn door still.As for RVP….unless AW knows something we dont…..sell him now and spend the money on M’villa.
Pete hAve you read the recent interview by TV about Bouldies influence.
He says something along the lines of Bould has been very good, concentrates on the details. He said they all know how to play but Bould is giving them shape, and not just shape for the team but also shape of the body when defending etc. we have had the tools for a couple of seasons, a fresh utilisation might just make them a lot better.
Here’s the interview
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/-steve-bould-is-very-focused-on-details-
Thanks for the posts, it seems I am not the only one in the dark!
I think we will see a different Arsenal defence this season with a clearer focus on positional rigidity. My impression is that our defenders had other concerns last season than pure defending. This could have been due to the lack of cover offered by the midfield.
I expect us to concede 10 less goals this season than last. Anyone want to bet on this? LB’s sofa says we concede under 39.
Sorry BR you missed out on that one, LB ate his sofa. He’s down to the seat and one tyre off of his bike (which he said he’ll eat if Song goes).
I do think it’s funny that Man united thought their shares would go at $16-20 a pop but they are only going at $14
Terry was right, the ghost of the 30’s are stirring.
*Manu lost out on snjeider, lucus, and RVP. Their defense is ageing, and they don’t have a DM.
*Man City can’t seem to buy anyone (hopefully because FFP is clamping down), and look shaky in defense if lescott or kompany go down (Savic? haha) .
*The scum are still scum
*Pool are over spending on local lads still
*Chelsea’s egotistical players will revolt again like they did against AVB (not to mention they are putting a while lot of eggs in the Torres basket).
Oz 🙂
OK. I will bet Rasp’s Fender guitar
@oz gunner
*Manu had an ageing defense last season, and were just pipped.
*Man City don’t need to buy anyone. And if Lescott or Kompany go down are we any better off if Vermaelen and Koscielny ‘go down’?
*The scum are still scum.
*Expect more from ‘pool this time.
*Chelsea’s egotistical players will NOT revolt again. And now Drogba’s gone, I personally think Torres may do what we all know Torres can do.
Still, I’m upbeat, though perhaps a little more realistic than your good self as regards our foremost opponents.
Its funny how a month or so ago I was gutted at the thought of RVP going and now I couldn’t care less, or maybe even leaning towards wanting him to go. Still a great player but those chocolate legs are still there and I would love for them to return when hes in Manchester earning mega-bucks. As for the players who want to be at the Arsenal its all looking good, very good in fact. I think first or second between us and city. We are going to be hard to beat, maybe not so easy on the eye but more solid and direct like the good Wenger teams of old imo. Cant wait !
@ Big Al
Manu were aided by every other team falling down around them. Plus their luck of penalties/late winners will run out sooner or later
*In regards to Man City, yes because we have big merts, they have savic
* what makes you think chelsea’s big egos will be kept in check? Add hazard;s to that list also
@ oz gunner
* “Manu were aided by every other team falling down around them”.
So were we, mate. So were Man City.
It was practically identical for all the top 3 sides. Even Man City blew it towards the end, and then scraped it due to a 4-4 Utd vs Everton result (from 4-2).
* Merts is the slowest centre-back in the Premiership. I will cross ALL parts of my body when he plays.
* Because the Big Rusky won’t stand for a repeat for sure, and because I believe the players know that fact.
I agree that manutd were very fortunate to end up runners-up last year. It is by far the worst squad at old trafford in over a decade and they need for the younger players to step up to have any chance. Man city dont need to buy because they already have an exceptional group of players and as mercenary as most of them are, they still want to be playing so he cant really add too many more without upsetting what he already has. Liverpool will be better but thats not hard to do. Chelsea will be there or there-abouts but they need the real Torres to come forward. Arsenal,mancity,chelsea,manutd,spuds,pool.
I realise I am in the minority but I think BFG is our best CB. Undoubtedly, Kos is more mobile and TV more driven but BFG has sangfroid and is calm under pressure, something the other 2 lack. He is also more positionally aware and I expect him to be the first choice starter in many games.
Have we better CB’s than MU/MC/Chels ? …. of course we do. JD is an excellent 4th choice.
Off-topic:
Jack Rodwell is having his medical this weekend @ Man City, before his impending transfer.
http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archive/2012/08/12/blues-accept-rodwell-bid
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7984849/City-agree-Rodwell-deal
City pulled a fast one there on the media/rumour mills. That’s competent cover for their DM & CB.
@Big Raddy
“JD is an excellent 4th choice”
True…unfortunately he’s not a good 1st/2nd/3rd.
Like your name – liked the player!
@ JM
that came out of nowhere. I hope they made them pay top dollar for him, because I thought they knocked back 20million + for him a few seasons ago. Everton needed to sell him or Baines because without selling they can’t really bring in players, and with a fee either one of those command it could buy them a whole new team
Al – I like Koh Samui ….
I agree JD isn’t good enough to be a starter.
JM. I like Rodwell – if he can overcome his injuries difficulties he will be JW’s midfield colleague in the England team at the next WC
sorry BR that spot is Aneke’s
I am enjoying the game. Chelsea got the first goal, but Ivanovic was sent off 🙂 nothing like a pre-season friendly 🙂
Hate to say this but Hazard looks really good and lively so far in the community shield, except for that failed backheel pass which made him look stupid. If only we could have gotten him when we were one of the first clubs to notice him, too bad his fat price tag pretty much gave City and Chelsea the only real hope of landing him. Torres seems to be playing with more confidence and finesse compared to this time around last season, and will be one to watch now that Drogba’s gone. I actually think Chelsea will be a very strong contender too for that top 2 spot this season.
City scored two pretty decent goals to
comeback from 0-1 to 2-1
Thanks for pre-match boys.
Thanks for the film recommendations, too, GIE.
Evonne, JC hasn’t seen that vid yet for two reasons.
One is, I only made it this morning and
Two is, he’s only ever seen a computer once and that was in a shop window!
I’ve been encouraged by the pics from training seeing RVP looking happy. I don’t think he’ll mind playing as he will need tge match fitness whether he stays at Arsenal or not. I don’t doubt at all his love for Arsenal in the same way I never doubted Henry’s when he left. I certainly don’t think he wants to move to United! Juventus seem to have given up and that’s where I think he wanted to go since they aren’t a rival (Manure) or a bloody cliche like an Arsenal player going to Citeh.
There had better be at least 45 minutes for the new boys! I too hope Jenkinson features and shows a Bould improvement .
Team news?
Arsenal Starting XI: Mannone; Yennaris, Per, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Coquelin, Chamberlain, Cazorla; Podolski, Giroud, Walcott
Subs: Szczesny, Diaby, Koscielny, Van Persie, Santos, Song, Djourou, Arshavin, Jenkinson, Gervinho, Chamakh, Gnabry
Wow, exciting 🙂
Mannone; Yennaris; Mertesacker; Vermaelen (c); Gibbs; Coquelin; Chamberlain; Walcott; Cazorla; Podolski; Giroud
I reckon Diaby will start
Chambo said he is the best player in the training ground in Cologne..
Ox AND Santi in midfield. Very, very nice
opss,, silly me..
there’s no live here in Malaysia,, hope some of you can entertain me here during the game..
OMG!! Are you watching?? GM has a job to do! Those fans are loud
This might help, Rob.
Plus AA, of course.
http://portal-test.arseblog.com/index.php/liveblog/index
Rob,
Chas does a superb Tommy Cooper 🙂
oh feck, what’s that with the commentary?????????????
phew, panic over – can watch it on arsenal iplayer. Online footy have it in Arabic!!!!! honestly
Thanks a lot chas!!
Micky.. 🙂
TV goal from BFG assist from a corner. Stevie Bould influence?
Just like that.
Haha, just looked at the arseblog live and they’ve put the same comment.
don’t i know evonne, can someone shoot the commentator, and the picture quality is poor.
Thanks Evonne. Switching now.
TV gets a typical Bould/TA goal. Think we will see more of those with our new assistant coach
owh, did anyone have seen this?
Nico, bless his gooner heart!
Picture quality is superb.
who is that Cathola??
Loving Santi already.
Podolski pen after Chamberlain fouled. 2-0
is Santi pronounced Cathola?? of course, bloody hell, made a fool of myself. Love him
stadium rather full
I’m sure I just heard someone singing, ‘ he cuts hair when he wants, he cuts hair when he waaants….’
Wenger’s hair is nearly as long as mine
Get it cut, you hippy.
Big Olly should have scored. Nice footie.
Open game. Our midfield looks very slick,
http://ilemi.me/24788/6/Watch-1–FC-Koln-vs-Arsenal/
Pretty slow stream for me though, anyone else got better streams?
Bring back Perry Groves
Mannone , ooops. 🙂
or Vic Groves
or Olive Groves
Pod 3-0. Boom
Looks like we have found our “fox in the box”. Superb stuff from the Pod
Walcott sperb in that half – almost unplayable.
Poor opposition but we look very tasty
Hi Raddy,
I think we have found the replacement for RVP in Pod.
Quality interchange of play throughout the first half, really looking like we have a base to build on….Santi is class, theo sharp, Ox is awesome, Giroud strong in air and knows where goal is….And Pod is amazing…..defensively rusty but ok…..
If it wasnt for their keeper, it’d be 6-0…..
Anyway:
After me,
He can leave when he wants,
He can leave when he wants,
Robin Van Persie,
Can leave when he wants……
I do want him to stay, but as I said the other day, its him who needs us, not the other way round…..Arsenal are bigger than any player…..
The midfield have got their act together, good understanding and first time passes with excellent movement. This shows promise.
Think we may have further strengthened our hand re the Brave One negotiations: “Son, you play DM, or its off to Rangers for a Fiver!”
who has gone off and who has come on, please. I see Song and the Pole in goal ,anyone else.
Theo – “contract renewal’s due” phenomenon?
Nice to see you back Harry. Hope your fine.
Why no names on our shirts?
Superb form The Swerve. 4-0
what a goal!! the forgotten gem?
Sell Song. That shorts leg hitched up is starting to piss me off.
Song looks skinny in purple
I thought that as well Chas, maybe he has lost weight.
Brave Sir Robin with damp armour.
Persie’s on.
Gervinho, Arshavin, Diaby, Jenkinson, Santos, Gnabry, Djourou, Koscielny, Sczcesny & Song all came in at the start of 2nd half. Podolski remained on while the rest of the 1st half starters take their rest.
Chamakh & RvP are still unused.
One of the worst passes of the games by chamakh there
Does Santos know we are playing in purple? His passing has been poor.
Is Robin still club captain?
Thank you, JM
I think he is, BR. (nothing’s been said)
Gerv
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e9jef2eY4w
Pod 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4a-mTJZFm4
Pod 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pQTxVnbIv4
TV
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLQv-Ik-Fok
Quick work Chas
Just in case Rob was still on, BR.
Could have been a 5th after some decent work by arshavin..
Brave Sir Robin looked like he was just trying to avoid injury to me.
He wore the armband but just seemed to be going through the motions.
Good work out, good pitch but still think the full backs need sorting out.
Decent workout, should have scored more, Gervinho great goal, looked good…..Arshavin had moments….Why no arteta?
Who was that who come on with the No10 wearing the armband with 20 mins to go? not impressed, wouldnt give him a contract…….Robin who?
Look at that amazing post game reception Podolski got from the Koln fans. Something Rvp will not get from Arsenal fans anymore.
Happy with that. We were much better in the first half. With better finishing it would have been a thrashing.
I thought AA slowed the game down (as did Diaby), though it was great to see him bursting through the middle at the end
Arteta has a ‘slight knock’, Harry.
Mind you that is twitter info.
How could Brave Sir Robin not want to play with Cazorla?
RADDY, totally agree about aa and diaby..i hope diaby gets sharper, hope Arshavin can go and bring back a little cash for us. im impressed with Giroud, gervinho still looking very good, great sign there.
and mertesacker looked a bit rusty.understandable.
Are we any nearer to knowing who our No 2 ‘keeper is?
Has Fabianski gone?
No raddy he played in Asia, we really need to sort out a second keeper and quickly.
I have watched Diaby carefully pre season and he is playing at a much slower pace and I think that is under instructions.Not the mad bull in the china shop we often see.
Norfolk Gooner by reading your comments lately I am assuming you are in the zimmer frame supporters club like a few others including myself on here.
thanks a lot chas! 🙂
Well, my day ruined by rubbish internet connection. I so wanted to see the new boys.
Kelsey,
Can I assume that you recall our wonderful Welsh ‘keeper?
Raddy, He’s still around, but is he or Mannone Szczesny’s understudy. Perhaps we should hijack Spuds move for Julio Cesar, vastly experienced and could be cheap. In fact if Spuds are going for him he must cheap.
NG,
Others know this but I sat next to him on the plane to Brussels for the first leg of the fairs Cup Final. A real gentleman, and he was our keeper when I first went to Highbury as a kid in 1958. As you know Jack ran the shop by the East Stand.
Thanks Chas, thought so…….arteta and Santi will be awesome together, looking fwd to that….
Brilliant attacking performance in the first half full of energy and balance. The second half displayed all of our weaknesses. Lethargic, holding onto the ball too long and delaying the forward pass, backing off in midfield and inviting them to run through us – playing as individuals etc etc.
AA and Song were poor and Chamkh is the worst non-striking striker ever to play for Arsenal.
Cazorla was a breath of fresh air in midfield. His vision and passing assisted by Coquelin was top notch. He and Arteta are all we need in midfield, I’d leave Song on the bench. The Barca rumour can’t be true, he hasn’t got the quality.
Hi Harry, I totally agree, Arteta/Cazorla will be awesome.
I was very surprised to see the starting three of Coq, Santi and Ox. I had assumed Santi would take the more advanced role. Or did he?
Good points RASP, song was sloppy and slow.i also have said hes not technically good enoughfor Barca. I really do worry about chamakh being used at all lthis season. I would rather see park, but i think arsene said he is leaving. .if nothing chamges, I would rather see walcott there as experiment i think he would be more productive. I do feel sorry for chamakh, but he seems lost for some reason. We cant afford to have him taking space in the squad.
Hi jnyc,
I thought Podolski was excellent and worked tirelessly off the ball, he certainly looks ready and fit enough for the start of the season. Giroud also looked sharp and was unlucky not to score, but I can see him getting plenty of assists and troubling defenders.
Evening all, have not watched the game but probably don’t need to having read comments and watched Chas’s videos.
Now off to watch the Closing Ceremony.
Loving the PodGiroudCazorlaTheo combo – must come up with a better acronym, they had better be first team starters. I’m pretty certain they’d want to be given a chance right from the off – ooooh we’re gonna love Cazorla big time.
Just texting a match report to TA in France, d’you think the above is enough information to keep him going for three weeks 😉
Rasp
You make me howl sometimes. Re Song:
“The Barca rumour can’t be true, he hasn’t got the quality.”
Now what should we say to this? I………………………………………..so.
😉
As to the Spanish combo of Arteta and Cazorla? The man from Little Venice ee say yes.
Cue time to start going over the top.
WE HAVE ONE HELL OF A SQUAD.
This is abslutely brilliant.
For the first time in ages there are no sacred cows; well, without Van Persie there aren’t. Not a single out field player can assume an automatic starting place.
Szezcney
Sagna, BFG, Vermaelen, Santos
Cazorla, Song, Arteta
Walcott, Giroud, Podolski
My goodness that is one hell of an experienced side. It is technically possible to swap Walcott for RvP or Walcott and Giroud for RvP and Arshavin which would add even more collective experience.
Be afraid EPL, be very afraid.
Arsene is getting serious.
yes, LB, some fecking squad we have!!!
glad the Olympics are over, ran out of Kleenex, so emotional and beautiful, and perfect…I am crying again
just hope they won’t bring Chas and Dave tonight
Can we get some of those pixel things installed at the Emirates, imagine them on a CL night?
Hi LB, are we agreed on Arteta/Cazorla then?
I accept we see Song’s contribution differently. If there hadn’t been such a pilgrimage against Song from elsewhere it wouldn’t be so non PC to crticise song, but I feel he is overrated by some and we now have a squad that may be better balanced without him as a starter.
Back from honeymoon last night and the 4-0 win was a great way to round it off.
Wenger has his glasses back on which means trophies and awesome signings are soon to be arriving!
Cazorla looks like the Cesc replacement we have wanted for the last few years. Dare I say that if we had him 3 seasons ago we would’ve won something by now. They said he was the best player in La Liga outside El Classico and I can see why! His link up with Ox looks very promising.
This is the strongest squad we have had since 2004 IMO. I just hope the injuries are more forgiving this season.
I see Liverpool are at it again, £15m Cazorla, £12m Rodwell, or £15m Allen! Hmmmmm.
As I wrote recently: I might be a staunch Song supporter but I am not blind.
I also argued that the fact that Song is flawed is one of the strongest reasons why I don’t think he is going anywhere.
Rasp I don’t really accept anymore that I defend Song because of what happened on other sites — that was a long time ago and that site is no longer a credible mouth piece, if it ever was.
I have argued against things like Song’s head has been turned midway through last season and Barcelona are interested in him. To me both are a bit daft t put it mildly.
Song had a poor start yet again today but he has a nack of improving as every game goes on and in terms of the big picture I expect him to improve yet again this season.
As for the idea of a Wenger fielding a side without him. Why not? Coquelin is coming on leaps and bounds, maybe even Diaby could replace him.
Cazorla looked class. Podolski looked like a leader but Giroud has got a bit more work to do to impress, a touch too much of the Chamakhs about him today, early days obviously.
Congrats on the nuptials, slim – glad to see your priorities are unaffected, straight back into watching the Arse as soon as you’re back – respect!
Today looked good – that said, I think my I need to get some more practice watching footy, I’ve been obsessing about cycling, rowing, athletics, diving, gymnastics, canoeing, boxing, taekwondo, handball etc etc. I’ll watch the match again tonight, but Cazorla looked absolutely fab, as did Poldi. The defence seemed to hold its shape too, admittedly against a not so great oppo. Interesting to see Arshavin being played in his natural position.
Van Persie getting a few boos – anyone got a problem with that? I wouldn’t do it personally, but in the circumstances, I wouldn’t slag off anyone who did.
Slim
Sorry to be pedantic but El Clásico is the name of the match between Mad and Bar rather than a reference to the two clubs.
The stick RvP got made me feel a bit embarrassed. I can understand it but what if he was still in two minds about leaving?
As the wise GLIC said: how could a squad not benifit from having the best CF in the world in it?
True LB, but unadulterated cheers for him would have been cringe-making too. Anyway, I’m sure those few negative voices are as nothing compared to what I expect has been hitting van Persie’s twitter account.
Re Song, he’s still a nailed on first choice player, the midfield would be out of whack without him or someone equivalent. I just wish he’d get more discipline in his game, he really could be a world beater if he did.
They shouldn’t have booed RvP, he was wearing an Arsenal shirt and could yet remain with us this season.
LB agree re Pod ad Giroud, I said as much earlier.
I don’t think Song is Barca quality and with the options we have now, I’m not sure he’s Arsenal (first choice) quality.
I think Cazorla could be a sensation for us. His range of passing is even better than Cesc’s although I couldn’t yet say that he has the ‘eye of a needle’ ability of Cesc. He is also a better corner and free kick taker than Cesc
Hleb wasn’t Barca quality either.
Am becoming pretty upset with all this Queen nonsense on the closing ceremony……. 🙂
Re Cazorla, I’m sure he’ll get plenty of attention from the likes of Lee Cattermole next weekend. He’ll need to learn to deal with that, without proper protection from refs.
26. Me too. So many other great British bands …. how about Iron Maiden to close ——- or Judas Priest 🙂
Still could have been worse, it could have been Macca
Raddy, he must have been spitting teeth to see the eulogy to Lennon.
I won’t comment on Iron Maiden etc, I think you know my views….. Each to his own and all that!
Thanks for the posts GiE and OZ. I realy like these double posts. Exiles thoroughly correct and logical approach and OZ’s thoroughly correct “Just get on with it you buggers”. hahaha.
For todays game, the first half was excellent. The gap between the midfield and the back, well, what gap? we looked compact and well organised. Going forward we played some lovely one touch stuff and the three new boys looked class. I love the Pod already. Hes a real leader, a man with charachter. Carzola oozes ability, hes going to be wonderful to watch. Giro is a top class forward. The concern is that he is a big man, a target man if you like. The key will be to facilitate his qualities into the team.
Its going to be a right laugh watching this team develop. Ime laughing already. hahahaha.
My little joke 26 …..
At least Daltry still has a voice 🙂
Oh, i see man city have finaly spent some money, a young player with resale vaule, funny that. hahahaha.
Dont think Poncini was involved in that buy. Hes like a fat man moaning to someone thats hungry that his chocalate desert was to creamy. I always knew that geezer was a ponce, the horrible git.
Night All.
Elbow were excellent. Gallagher an embarrassment. And as you say Rasp, Daltrey can still sing
We agree on Elbow, hooray!
And Terry couldn’t agree with you more re Mankini. He’s got some front, slagging off the moneymen when he’s enjoyed the benefits of the splurging over the last few years. And I bet if City were refused entry to European competition in a couple of years, we’d hear plenty from their manager about how he’d been betrayed etc.
Shame Rodwell’s gone there, that will put his development back.
Liam Gallagher is a clown, why didn’t they get Noel? Then again he has already said he has tons more songs to write so why sing stuff he wrote twenty years ago, Liam on the other hand…..
Closing ceremony was a bit naff, had to turn on to no commentary using the red button as Huw and Hazel talked through Elbow. They didn’t jabber while One Direction mimed earlier on so why spoil the class acts.
“I was just checking the olympic medals table and noticed how poorly did Australia did compared to their great success in Sydney. I just hope that this country can build on this years success
Sydney Olympic village is a ghost town, dead.”
evonne, one thing I have detected about the English is the hate you lot have for Australians. Jealous maybe?
When Sydney got the Olympics the AUS$ was worth 65 cents US. Today, its worth $1.05 US. We know what lies ahead for England GB, Europe whatever you care to call yourselves. Happy recession 😆
Over & out
Gnarley, nice to see your charming contributions again.
Evonne isn’t English, she’s Polish.
As for the idea that the English hate Australians, there’s only one person (English or Australian) I’ve ever heard suggest it. That’d be you. Every other Aussie and Pom I’ve come across has enjoyed the rivalry our shared history has given us.
And tell me this: what’s the difference between showing sensitivity for those Australian servicemen who died in Vietnam, a subject you feel strongly about, and showing sensitivity for the millions of people in Europe, the US, Japan and China who’ve lost jobs and homes due to this recession?
Exciting times at Arsenal, great match! Is it to early to call Santi and the best player in the league?
@ Evonne
I agree we did do very poorly. I think we rested on our laurels a bit after the Sydney Olympics. Hopefully this is the kick in the backside we needed. At least we are good at sailing I suppose.
All i can say is thank god the Olympics are over, they seriously need to have a look at some of the ‘sports’ that are in that. You have events like BMX, handball, throwing around a ball or twirling a ribbon in gymnastics, dressage, trampolining, women’s boxing and women’s wrestling (that one is for you evonne, sorry it’s good for self defense and all but come on now) , synchronized diving, mountain biking,, ect, yet a great sport like Cricket can’t get in.
Might as well chuck in fishing, rollerblading, darts/pool and surfing!
the 100m Sprint is what it is all about
This is after being with the club for 5 days…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7flb9xRbuxI
Morning Oz,
The reason i was shocked was that you are such a sporty country! When I was there I could not believe the number of people jogging, cycling, swimming, huge grounds for tennis, netball, valleyball, etc etc etc. My sister-in-law is a fittness trainer and she has more work than she wants. So what the heck?? No sponsorship money?
Gnarley – I am only Enlish during the Olympics 🙂 I like Australians a lot and frankly have not met anybody in UK not liking them. Americans is a slightly different story, they get some stick all right
Chas – brilliant! yeah, I didn’t even learn his name yet 🙂
It’s cos you is Cazolic.
I was watching something the other day that said Australian coaches have been hoovered up around the world as others look to get the success they had.
I think the reason we look at Australia is 8-12 years ago our press would make you believe that the whole country was set up to encourage sporting excellence whilst we gave the same certificates to Timmy who came first and Johnny who came last in the same race as it was about the taking part.
That is still happening so not sure it’s important for elite athlete development. Although I believe it does have something to do with the psyche of the younger population, everyone seems to believe they should win, and don’t know how to cope with defeat. Not just in sport but in job interviews and other areas of life.
and so is you 🙂 I was sure they were calling him Cathola or Caffola and I thought it was a brilliant youngster I haven’t heard of
GiE – YOU ARE the younger population 🙂
Ignore bad behaviour, encourage good behaviour.
No wonder kids are so badly behaved. 🙂
No one has said to much about how Giroud got on yesterday, as all the praise has been for Santi and Pod.
haven’t seen much of Giroud yesterday
Yesterday’s first half was very encouraging, not least because it was a much younger side.
O-C looked very sharp following his England tour as did Theo. and their combinations worked very well.
The future is bright, the future is Arsenal
GIE. Giroud had good movement but was a little tentative – could easily have scored but for some fine ‘keeping.
Very athletic and combined well with Pod and Theo. However, he didn’t lead the line as I expected, I was expecting more of an Alan Smith type given his aerial strength and his ability to play with his back to goal but he was more mobile than that.
We need more time to assess him but the portents are good
Morning all
I’m waiting for a match report to come from mjc who went to the game in Cologne that hasn’t arrived yet. Hopefully it will be here soon ……..
Morning Happy People.
According to the Ticket Exchange, there are only seven single tickets available in the whole ground.
I don’t believe it 😦
I think the Ceremony was good. I liked maybe 10% of the music, which for me, is very good.
26,
I understand what you mean about the Queen stuff, but I thought Jesse B (J?) was very good. I could definately watch a video of her music.
Will watch yesterdays game the moment I go to work, if I can be arsed that is.
Morning all,
It was definitely a game of 2 halves yesterday. Great balance, energy and slick passing in the first, and same old same old in the second. If I had to choose which of the two teams to start against Sunderland it would be a no brainer.
Obviously the team will be a mix of the two, but the ones I’d be happiest to start with judging from that performance would be Sz, Mert, TV, Gibbs, Yennaris, Theo, the Ox, Arteta (didn’t play yesterday) Cazorla, Coquelin, Podolski
Morning Micky, I thought Brian May was embarrassing, but Elbow and JJ were great. The Who got away with it unlike Ray Davis who should be consigned to the same cupboard as Paul McCartney.
Hi Rasp,
Although true about Ray Davis, I think you are being a little harsh putting him in the same cupboard as McCartney 🙂
Rasp,
I really like the look of your starting XI. Are you going saturday?
http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/epic-showboat-fail-eden-hazard-chelsea-v-manchester-city/
pfft 30million for that??? haha
🙂 Micky, I’d definitley have played the original of Waterloo Sunset, just not had RD on stage ‘trying’ to sing it.
Unfortunately not going on Saturday, I’m playing cricket – the two sports should definitely not overlap. Reduce the prem to 18 teams I say and start the season in September 😕
Whats the matter with you people?, Mull of kintyre followed up with the classic Frog song and your still having a pop. And dont forget, if it wasnt for Macartneys ebony and ivory there would be no racial harmony.
Transplant ROLF
London Saturday 18. Rain/Thunder Storms, if that helps Rasp 🙂
Not really Micky, we turn up at the ground and if the game is called off, it’s a wasted journey unless there’s standing water on the pitch the day before.
MJC went to the game…………..respect.
I’m a bit worried about Le Prof’s eyesight. Not only has he acquired appalling new glasses with worryingly thick lenses, that make him look like the confused bloke in the Post Office, but he also appears to be obsessing about vision in his latest interview: “We are still looking, and we’ll see. We still have an eye on the market and the two eyes on our team. [Que??] If a good opportunity turns up we will take it. … Cazorla is a real midfielder with good vision, ….”
I thought the glasses looked quite tasteful but then again I suppose I would. lol
Not bad for a manager whose most famous quote is ‘I did not see it’
Peaches and I are waiting on a promised match report today but so far nothing has turned up. The two of us are incredibly busy at the moment so can’t spend the time writing an article.
If anyone feels like penning a few lines that would be great.
😛 LB, looking at Arsene’s rose tinted spectacles through your rose tinted spectacles!
Morning everyone, Do you all have a fantasy league for fantasy football?
Shaddup you face, 26.
I see no chips….no, wait….I see no sheeps………scare bleu, I mean I see no ships……….I must get some newer, new glasses….alors, I told Fergie I saw nozzink, now he gonna believe me!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H0yF8YTfjQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_3p0sMeLdg
Well, I haven’t written this in a long time — new post.
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