ARSENAL 3 OLYMPIAKOS 1
Arsenal: Mannone, Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Coquelin, Cazorla, Arteta, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho, Podolski.
Subs: Shea, Santos, Djourou, Arshavin, Ramsey, Walcott, Giroud
Olympiakos: Megyeri, Maniatis, Contreras, Manolas, Paulo Machado, Fuster, Holebas, Siovas, Diakite, Greco, Mitroglou. Subs: Carroll, Modesto, Lykogiannis, Ibagaza, Abdoun, Pantelic, Diogo.
London, England.
It is 19:40 GMT, and the Gentleman representing North London Association Football Side, The Arsenal, took to the pitch amid thunderous applause from their loyal supporters.
Torrential rain greeted the visiting side, Olympiakos of Greece, and their merry band of two thousand or so vocal braves.
At 19:45 precisely, the Referee, Svein Oddvar Moen from Norway , blew the whistle and the game was under way.
Mr Wenger did not opt for the more traditional 2-3-5 formation, rather a more contemporary 4-3-3, and opting for a front three of Gerv, Podolski and The Ox.
The Arsenal defence was looking shaken from the start, with errors from Jenkinson, Vermaelen and Vito, on top of presenting the Greeks with a free kick as early as the 4th minute.
The Arsenal found it hard to move up through the gears, with The Greeks getting men quickly behind the ball in numbers, and clearly hunting in packs to try and nullify the creative threat of Santi Cazorla.
Arsenal were focussing their efforts down the right, with great work from Jenkinson who is building a good working relationship with Chamberlain.
An uneventful attacking start from Arsenal was at last punctuated in the11th minute when Santi curled in a fiercely dipping free kick from wide on the left, which found the finger tips of Megyeri to see it over the bar.
It was clear that the big Greek centre forward Mitroglou was going to trouble the Arsenal defence, whereas Gervinho was struggling against the powerful Greek central defenders.
On 28 minutes Koscielny was lucky not to be red carded for a lunging tackle after a charging forward run, however, Arsenal were to have their luckiest escape in the 35th minute after a wonderful piece of work and a cross from Maniatis down the right, could only watch as Contreras missed a sitter, with our central defenders failing to pick up the runner.
Suddenly, Arsenal were finding some space down the Greek left flank, and in the 42 minute great work from Cazorla and Podolski saw the German cut the ball cut back to Arteta who in turn found Gervinho moving across the area, and with one sharp swing of the boot fired back across goal to Megyeri’s right and into the net. 1-0.
Alas, the half was to end in horribly familiar fashion when what should have been a bread and butter cross to defend from Greco, found its way to an unmarked Mitroglou who managed easily to ghost in between Koscielny and Vermaelen and head home. 1-1.
There will be no prizes for guessing what Messrs Allardyce and Carroll will have in mind for the weekend, but it will involve some height. I hope Herr Mertesacker has plenty of Lemsip.
First half written by MickyDidIt89
Second Half
Despite the below par first half showing, we came out for the second period unchanged.
As fans, the best we could hope for was that Bouldie had spent the interval giving them whatever is the bald man’s equivalent of “the hairdryer” (a severe polishing, perhaps?).
Suitably buffed and shiny, the lads managed to go up a gear from the restart. We looked more adventurous going forward and more combative in the middle of the park.
We also seemed to have decided to start channeling our attacks down our left side perhaps, as Terry and Raddy pointed out in comments, because Olympiakos were without their regular right back and were using a converted midfielder instead.
Gibbs, one of the few really good performers from the first half, started becoming even more influential and this, in turn, brought Podolski more into the game. Santi Cazorla was also spending more time on our left, whereas in the first period he had tended to drift right.
Santi showed his gifts again and again, often holding off two or three of the Greeks’ players while showing exquisite footwork and always finding a red shirt at the end of the move.
The pressure began to tell – and it was a shame when the self same Santi squandered the first real chance of the half. Podolski did one of his trademark lose-the-ball-then-get-it-back-through-sheer-physical-strength moves on the left edge of the Olympiakos box. Gervinho got to the base line and managed to cut the ball back to Cazorla, unmarked inside the penalty area. The Spaniard tried to pass it into the bottom left corner but was a couple of yards wide. For all his skills, he needs to add a touch more composure to his shooting.
Coquelin, who had a less than stellar game on the ball but did lots of good work off it, showed his immaturity when giving away a free kick then standing to argue about it while the Greeks broke upfield. Fortunately their attack fizzled out, but on another occasion we could have been punished.
Shortly afterwards we managed to get back in front, thanks to the GervoPod. Gervinho, yet again, got to the goal line and yet again achieved an excellent cutback for Podolski (it’s strange to think that only a couple of weeks ago Gerv was being slaughtered for his lack of end product). The German shot with his left and the ball went into the net through a crowd of defenders and the ‘keeper’s legs. Although the GK might have done better, it just shows that when you shoot on target, good things can happen.
From this point (the 56th minute) the game started to open up. Olympiakos needed to go for it and we needed to try and punish them on the break without being reckless in defence.
Around about now our captain and centre back Thomas Vermaelen clearly misread the score board. Instead of seeing that we were 2-1 up, he clearly thought we were 1-2 down and started charging forward to try and get the equalizer.
Off he went on a barnstorming run northwards into the heart of the Greeks’ back line.
And he might well have had a goal from an Arteta free kick, which was arcing right onto his bonce in the six yard box, with no defenders on him. Unfortunately Koscielny, who had followed his captain upfield, got there first (and in a less favorable position) and headed over from three yards.
Back at our end Mannone had another shaky moment when he fluffed the ball out for an unnecessary corner, then fumbled a catch in the ensuing play. The Italian does plenty right, but somehow fails to fully convince between the sticks.
On 70, Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is still finding some steep gradients on his learning curve – last night included – was replaced by Walcott. There has been much talk lately about Theo and his performances (or lack of them) when he has come on as a sub, but last night I thought he looked sharp, fast and dangerous in a game that suited his strengths (ie, against a side that needed to attack us, leaving room at the back). Certainly I saw no lack of effort from him.
Indeed he almost set up a scoring chance for our most attacking player – yes, Thomas Vemaelen – with a low cross into the six yard box which the Olympiakos ‘keeper did well to gather.
As play resumed from the goal kick, Vermaelen carried on northwards, and was soon on his way up the Holloway Road heading towards Archway, valiantly taking the battle forward.
In the 80th minute Gervinho was replaced by Giroud and Podolski by Ramsey. Within minutes Giroud was unlucky not to get on the score sheet (how many times have we said that?) when a great run and cross from Walcott led to him trying an audacious flick with the outside of his boot, well taken by the goalkeeper. Whatever is being written and said about OG, touches like that show he is not short of confidence.
By this stage Vermaelen was past Watford and heading up the A1, but, thankfully, the rest of the defense – in particular the outstanding Arteta, Gibbs and Jenkinson – were managing to limit Olympiakos’s chances.
Giroud’s pattern of ‘right place, right time, wrong luck’ continued when he was set up by Cazorla after a clever Ramsey back heel. Giroud blasted a goal-bound shot but it cannoned off a defender’s shoulder and went out for a corner.
GOAL: On 88, Vermaelen has fired the ball into an empty net at Villa Park. He looks surprised that none of his team mates is around to celebrate.
Meanwhile back in N5 a fine third goal gave us a scoreline that slightly flattered on the night, truth to tell. A long pass from deep (I can’t remember who it was from) found the head of Giroud in a central position several yards outside the opposition box. Olivier showed exactly what a strong centre forward can do in these situations, holding off the defender and guiding a perfect header into the path of Aaron Ramsey, who was making a fine run from midfield. With only the goalie to beat, Ramsey’s chipped finish was classy and confident. Well done to the young Welshman. It won’t silence his critics, but it might give them food for thought.
Overall, we did well to turn a sluggish first half into a dominant second half showing. The big pluses were the two young full backs, Cazorla, Arteta, Gervinho and, for me, all three substitutes who did a great job when they came on.
The worries? I’m afraid to say that it’s the centre back pairing that causes most concern. The defending for the Olympiakos goal would earn you a bollocking in any Sunday league side; and Vermaelen’s tendency to commit to attack when we are defending a one goal lead is simply mystifying. I can only think he knew he was having a difficult game and wanted to score to try and make amends. He would be far better off making amends by keeping our back line water tight.
Player Ratings
Mannone: Made one very good save in the first half and was well positioned for several other Olympiakos efforts. But also a couple of howlers. Not entirely convincing. 6
Gibbs: Fine game both defensively and in attack. 8
Jenkinson: Getting better and better. How on earth did Arsene spot the potential in this boy? 7.5
Vermaelen: Some of the committed defending we have come to expect from him, but also gave away another unnecessary free kick in a dangerous area and was absent without leave as we were protecting a one goal lead. 5
Koscielny: Probably at fault for the opposition’s goal. Defended pretty well otherwise, but missed a good chance to score in the six yard box. 6
Arteta: Couple of uncharacteristic misplaced balls in the first half, but again worked so, so hard tidying up and keeping possession. 7
Coquelin: Looked rusty (no surprise) but worked hard closing down Olympiakos and breaking up their moves. 6
Cazorla: Struggled to find space in the first half but stepped up a gear in the second. A vital cog in this team. 7.5
Oxlade-Chamberlain: Looked a little out of his depth and, perhaps, unsure of his position. Not an out-and-out wide player, but not quite sure where to position himself when infield. 5
Podolski: Showed his goalscoring knack in a generally quiet performance. 6.5
Gervinho: Another fine game from the Ivorian. Ran at the Greeks all game long, took his goal well and looked dangerous every time he went forward. He’s turning into a real player. MOTM 8.5
Subs
Walcott: Great effort, skill and endeavour from the sometimes maligned winger. Unlucky not to have had a couple of assists. 7
Giroud: I am really impressed with him and just wish he could get a run of starts. Gives us something extra and gets in great positions. Fine assist for Ramsey. 7
Ramsey: Had some “Ramsey moments” including a couple of silly Hollywood passes that turned out to be more Hollyoaks, but also showed what a threat he can be surging from midfield. Excellent finish for his goal. 7
2nd half written by RockyLives
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
Thank you to both Micky and Rocky for writing up the two halves of the game and Rocky for some player ratings.
I feel that the early connection this group of players seemed to have with each other has evaporated ………. their radars were switched off last night in the first half, they just weren’t in the game 😦 But we won 3-1 so something is working.
That’s just showing off Rocky, you complete Cad. Not sharing duties with you again, that’s for sure.
“By this stage Vermaelen was past Watford and heading up the A1” ROLF LAMOW.
By the way, DidIt, who the heck is Cathorla?
(the answer to that is that I scribbled away after the game, which I spent commentating out loud with my son).
Peaches/Editor, can you change Santi’s spelling to Cazorla. Just looks rude. Thanks.
Excellent match report(s), boys. 🙂
Tommy on the cavalry charge was very strange. Perhaps he was shaken up when he did this?
Excellent report from our double act today and an entertaining one too.
However wearing my pedants hat the teams would have taken to the field at 19.40BST not GMT – if they did that Ashburton Grove would have been empty.
Otherwise top stuff – and what the heck has happened to our supposedly 2 best CB’s of the last few seasons ?
I thought you were making a point DidIt, showing everyone that you knew how to pronounce it 😳 I’ll address the issue right now.
That is a most excellent review if the game. I didn’t they to watch it, but recorded to watch in bout 20min when home.
Couple of things, I am an Aussie buy mum is Peruvian and I speak Spanish. 1 thing I hate is hearing people say Cathorla, rather than cazorla. Pet peeve of mine, as you were.
Mannone kicked out from goal to give Giroud the flick on for Ramsey goal. I have read a few reviews today can u tell?
Lastly, remember v Sunderland, near the end of game, Giroud was on a break when he took a long shot from half way almost, to try beat ther keeper when Ramsey was unmarked running into empty space?
Well that was first game so maybe they are learning each others strengths reall well?…
Anyway, Damn It Feels Good To Be a Gooner!
Great dual aspecting guys.
We got a victory when we played badly, fine by me.
We got a victory without Wenger, also fine by be.
Enjoy Spursday everyone, the sun is shining.
Good reports guys. As i mentioned yesterday, this is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of having a third excellent cb. I love tommy v and his spirit, but he needs to be taught a lesson and sit this weekend, because it was our worst performance of anyone in the back line all season. The lack of discipline was back. We need the new version of verm that we have had so far this season, up until yesterday. I will be disappointed if koz and merts are healthy and dont get chosen. —— I also think we need to get santos some game time, gibbs has been incredible, but needs rest occasionally, with an injury history, and we dont want santos too rusty.
Oh, and i forgot, though im not the biggest theo fan, but i thought he looked very good, helping on defense(maybe he is getting the message) and a couple dangerous crosses. And giroud looked awesome in every way. I wouldnt mind giving both a start together, as good as they showed together.
Well done to the pair of you.
“Mr Wenger did not opt for the more traditional 2-3-5 formation, rather a more contemporary 4-3-3”
😀
As for Vermaelen Rocky your little comic gems were very ROFLMAO. Started with a grin, then a snigger then full on belly laugh.
Can’t disagree with the ratings, agree on Theo thought he was good and eager when on, maybe he sensed he could start after Ox’s struggling performance.
Saturday I would start Gerv, OG and Pod in the front 3 as I feel OG gives us a pivot to play round that Gerv cannot give consistently.
Last season the focus was getting the ball wide to deliver to BSR, this season if we play OG up top he would bring others in rather than hog the goals, I think Pod and Gerv would both benefit from a central pivot bringing them into the threatening areas.
So Shawcross gets picked for England then……as one front bottom(JT) retires from England internationals another is recruited to keep up the front bottom quota.
And as expected after Hodgson’s extensive chat with Gibbo last night he is also in the squad.
Ola, from downunder.
Nice match report guys, thanks. I was not tense at all – because I watched it taped – could not make it for 4.30am wake up call. They did not play that well but still won well in the end. The mark of champions methinks.
Great stereo match reporting – thanks DidRockIt 😛
Can’t argue with anything. I thought Theo looked very dangerous when he cam on and managed to squeeze through crosses that in the past would have just bounced off the defender, he is ‘looking up’ more. Damn it, I really want him to sign now.
OG’s flick on for Ramsey’s goal was brilliant and entirely intended, he’s an important player and I do’t care whether he gets 20 goals or 2 goals, he does an important job for the team.
Thank you very much for the wonderful review, Micky & Rocky. Full of insights to go along with the witticism. I watched the game on TV with trepidation throughout until the goal from Ramsey. Unfortunately, circumstances caused me to miss the period from the opening goal to the equalizer!
The various highlights I watched afterwards drew my attention to two significant instances of Arsenal players not covering their men and causing a burden on the defenders. 1) Coquelin allowing Contreras to charge freely into the penalty box and nearly scoring early for Olimpiakos. 2) Gervinho letting Holebas come down to create the 2-on-1 situation against Jenkinson, who had to back off the man with the ball to cover both attackers, which left plenty of time for Greco to deliver a beautiful cross that resulted in the equalizer.
In situation 1) both our central defenders were concentrating on the player at the near post and missed the runner completely. In the 2nd situation the defenders were woeful, but they were not helped that Greco had so much time and freedom to cross that ball. The central pairing could have benefited from their teammates assistance in those two situations. (That’s not to excuse them of course. They were quite shaky.)
On the other hand, I wonder if Gervinho and Coquelin failure to track isn’t a result of some poor implementation of zonal marking? I didn’t pay enough attention the whole game to tell, but it is inexplicable that both players just let their men go free like that. When they got to a certain area, both players just stop running after their men. This is particularly strange with Gervinho, who should have easily recognized that by doing so he exposed Jenkinson to a 2-on-1. If he felt his man got away from him, he should at the very least switch off with Jenkinson.
Excellento post from the Dynamic Denizens of AA — Rocking DidIt; or should that be MickyDid RockIt. 🙂
I think you two should take turn and turn about on post match reports, so Rock does the next first half and Micky the second so he can get his own back!! 🙂
The first half was pretty dire and Micky did well to write it up in a positive way, and personally I felt somewhat crestfallen.
The second half was marginally better for the nerves and the Rock man has amusingly highlighted the most worrying aspect which was TV’s penchant for haring up field like a demented ferret dying to sink his teeth into something.
Bouldie needs to kick ass and stop him doing that. It is even worse when both TV and Kozzer float up field as if they having been gnawing magic mushrooms and both are vying for the sugar plum fairy!
Redders – I wish Bouldy would get those two together, bitch slap them and remind them “You are defenders FFS – show some discipline !”
Judging by Wenger’s statement about substitutions being planned before the game depending on various scenarios, does anyone think it makes any difference him being on the bench? Or for that matter being in the changing room at half-time?
We never seem to change tactics during a game to counter a threat from the opposition or to alter our attacking strategy. I really thought it became obvious that we needed a focal point for the attack during the lacklustre first half.
I suppose if we’d had an unexpected injury, then Bouldie would have had to make a decision, but I expect even those things are planned in the pre-match preparation.
Hello All
Micky
I consider it an honour to be “linked in print” with the finest scion of the Great House of Didit.
We both half didit and it was fun!
The wandering ways of our captain appear to be the main talking point of the day – not just here but elsewhere in the Arsenal blog world.
But let’s not forget how brilliant TV has been for us before. He has not become a bad player overnight and I am sure he will come good again soon.
Likewise the CB pairing of him and Kozzer looked like the best in the EPL at times last year. They will come back to that form again (hopefully sooner rather than later) with the help of Big Bad Bouldie.
You are right there Mr Rock – that pairing looked top hole last year so it makes their current clueless defending all the more mystifying.
I like the way Bouldie dealt with those, not as chatty as Wenger can be, but maybe that’s a good thing.
Hi Rockidemius, 🙂
I hope Glic doesn’t see your “inked in print” comment above, else he would like to ink you himself, and all without even the need for an honorarium! 🙂
It struck me while watching his interview last night that Big Bad Bouldie had not flossed his head, and there were some definite signs of fluff on his pate.
If he allows it to grow out he could, with a little dye job, soon be called the Big Bad Golden Bouldie.
Hi CharyB,
BBG Bouldie, when asked about the defending last night, and the implication that it was not too good, said that it was down to him and he would sort it out on the training ground.
I was left wondering if that meant he would show them the error of their ways with the aid of a video, or by hanging them, by the goolies, from a training ground cross bar.
Probably the latter. 🙂
Haha Redders
I always assumed Bouldie was a natural Baldie – but maybe he shaves?
It would be funny if he grew it out… In fact even remember what kind of hair he had when he had hair.
Maybe Chas can find a pic…
Good write up in tandem…impressive. Talk about get the short straw though for Mr DidIt.
Corky, I can only imagine everyone is as stunned as I was to see TV charge forward like a loon so many times. If he did it at 0-1 its still questionable but a little bit understandable. But to do it as many time as he did with the scoreline of 2-1 was truly astonishing.
I pretty much agree with everything else incl the ratings. It was odd to see Ox having such a poor game…but hey ho he’s young, and it happens. Likewise for Le Coq. I was especially pleased to see Le Coqs second half improvement.
Cathorla (just for you elkieno 😉 ) is truly mesmerising with his ball control and movement.
Love Big Ollie’s mopvement and finesse as well…he’l be lehgend for us, and I agree with whoever said his goal count will become irrelevant…I still hope its 20 though !!
Oh and I laughed my head off at TV heading up the A1
Rocky,
Mmmm…..I was going to have fairly stern words with you, what with showing me up like that. I was merely trying to do my bit and help Peaches out, and nobody said anything about eloquence, elegance and accuracy!
So, in light of your kind words, yes, it was fun. Good doing business with the Master.
Redders, I think stringing them up by the nads is the only thing that’ll work ha ha.
Chas @ 2:37. Interesting point.
I have said before, that unless you are one of those leapy up and down track suited types of Manager, then sitting pitch-side is a terrible place to get an understanding of what is going on. The view is terrible.
Was our second half tactical improvement BECAUSE Arsene was on high?
Believe me Micky you did very well, or at least escaped lightly from a near ink collision with the maestro.
In my case he looked at a Post I had slaved over for at least 10 minutes, and with my attention deficit syndrome that is some record, and all he could think of to say in amelioration was “there’s a big elephant behind you”.
That may have been a cryptic clue, but without Rasp to help me I was left feeling nonplussed! 🙂
Hi Sharkey,
I know The Ox was not at his penetrating best, far from it in fact, but I was very impressed with his movement and understanding with Jenks. He saw what was going on, and would track back/inside, to allow space for the overlap.
Podolski does similar with Gibbs. What we lack in width from Ox and Pod, we make up for with our FB’s.
Reading through comments both today, there appears a serious majority in favour of a Gerv OG Pod front three, and I’m one.
RA,
I’m almost insulted there was not at least one comment I manage to generate along the lines of: “My name is Steve, and that’s a load of bollocks”.
There is a very good reason why the Directors Box is where it is, rather than pitch-side, and the reason is not soley to avoid the occupants from being egged during turbulant times.
Thats true Elvis (!). It was remiss of me not to mention just how brilliant both our full backs were last night. Like you or your brother said in the MR…how does Arsene spot that kind of potential that he saw in Jenks.
Ok he’s had a good engine from day one..buth stechniacl ability and footballing intelligence has ccome in leaps and bounds. He seems to show me something new and(/or) improved each time I see him play.
His footwork last night had me thinking he’s fallen in love with Cazorla and is trying to mimic him in every way. Side steps, back heels, turns…from our £1m full back.
Glen Johnson cost Pool around £20m and earns c.125k pw. And they play him mostly at LB these days…oh dear.
Sharkey,
Couldn’t agree more about Jenks. His progress is phenomenal. He was recently playing on loan for Eastbourne Town!!!
Off fo a bit.
Great write up gents…full marks!
Two things which got on my wick last night, both connected to the game peripherally:
1. Why do UEFA insist on that rubbish lay-out for the scoreboard? Can’t see the names of the players on the pitch and being at the game I’M PRETTY SURE I KNOW WHAT THE SCORE IS. Annoyed the bejiggery out of me!
2. The linesman by me was WOEFUL (North Bank end). From an early cross which went out for a goal-kick that he was nowhere near, to not giving fouls right under his nose to giving an offside everytime raised their hand. I swear…to…GOD that Mannone gave the fans a wave just before the game kicked off and the lino’s flag went up. Disgraceful!
Thank you very much for the joint report Micky and Rocky.
As I said earlier I only managed to see the first half with a bad stream and to put it bluntly we were at sixes and sevens.
A word on the OX, he is only 19, yet a naturally gifted and exciting footballer and I would wager he will turn into a cult hero at Arsenal. I don’t think AW intended to play him too much at this stage of his career,but injuries may have forced his hand.
Now Jenkinson is another who is only 20 and has to be one or perhaps the most improved player from last season to this, yet he got his chance through Sagna’s misfortune.He did get caught out yesterday but he was isolated without anyone tracking back to help him he will improve with every game.
Vermaelen bombed forward just as much last season and maybe lke all us humans his game has dropped off a bit but only temporarilly.
My main concern is still Mannone, who again most probably didn’t think he would be playing so frequently to start this season off. I am sure he is as nervous as hell during each game and he doesn’t commuicate very well with his defence.In fact one hardly ever hear him shout, he definitely hasn’t got the presence of Szscny,and I still think Theo will be continued to be used in a cameo role.I think we still maybe in for a striker in January and hopefully a mentor for the pole in goal.
Next up West Ham who are very vunerable at both full back positions, regardless of the Carroll threat which hopefully can be nulified by the return of Pers.
Quite right, Kelsey, 🙂
I thought Mannone was OK, last night, but I still held my breath when he kicked upfield to the opposition every time Kozzer or TV passed back to him.
That is not altogether his fault — they should stop doing it when and earlier clearance is a better option.
What did worry me was when he went to pick an almost stopped ball up near the bye line and somehow managed to shovel it off for a corner — and you know what we are like at defending corners.
Hope all is well with you Kelsey my boy!
Great stuff from the Tony Adams/ Steve Bould of the post match or is it Freddie and Dennis?
Very entertaining.
kelsey. I am in total agreement about Mannone but we can only use the players we have.
Nice post guys. Personally I dont think we were too bad. TVs definately having problems concentrating at the moment and with Kos just having had a couple of games under his belt it isnt helping him out. I thought Le Coq was very poor with his distribution but does show potential for the future in a holding role. Gibbs and Jenks were fantastic AGAIN and as much as I like Sagna I think he might have lost his place…… However their improvement has co-incided with some much needed help from the whole team defending and not just leaving the defenders to do the dirty work.
Think our defending can be summed up thusly:
Mert + TV = GOOD
Mert + Kos = GOOD
TV + Kos = Errr….not quite as good…
Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out what needs to be done there…someone mentioned it post Chelsea, I think – we miss Mert’s “calm presence”. Can’t remember who it was but they’re spot on.
And what was all this talk of them being down still because of the loss at the weekend..?! Need to man up and get on with it…
I agree about Mannone but he is our 3rd choice keeper. I doubt many teams have much better 3rd choices.
Stoke Bouldie
Arsenal Bouldie
Sunderland Bouldie
Nice Chas!
Thanks…
Rhyle
I agree with your 5.58, but I’m pretty sure someone did a Post a while back comparing our CB pairings last year and that Koz and Verm performed very effectively together.
As Kesley says, hopefully it’s just a temporary loss of form from the Belgian.
Superb write up guys, really enjoyed it.
Look at the studs on Bould’s Sunderland boots.
BR
It’s Sunderland! He’s wearing rugby boots of course!
🙂
LB
Thanks (I believe I can say that on behalf of the Didit too 🙂 )
How was the atmos last night? From the telly the Greeks sounded pretty noisy.
Tried watching Spurs tonight. ……. paint dry.
Maybe The Barstripes will be better.
Sorry to be not joining in, but I have a friend staying, and right now he’s showing me photographs of his, and his chum’s, naked bottoms. Fascinating viewing.
Back am.
Haha Micky
Is it GLIC – and is he showing you pictures of him and Terry? 🙂
Mmmm. Are they what are known as BumChums?
Great post RockMickyimus.
After watching last nights game i am now convinced the key to push us up a level is to overload the left hand side (sardines). All he ingredients are there, Gibbs is technical, Santi is technical, Pod has a left foot like a hammer, and Gerv can go either way. By overloading the left, we have enough quality and numbers to break the Bus Parkers down.
I noticed that when this overloading was occuring, on the right side, Ox and Jenks kept very wide, thus making sure we could still stretch (hahaha) the Olimpiakos defence.
I predict exciting overloading ahead.
😆 Bum Chums 😆
I haven`t said or heard that word for years ! 😆
It`s funny how one little word from the past can give you the giggles !
Well done you two for a fine shared post.
I`m tired , 11 hours driving and then 1 1/2 hours 5 a side !.
Next week the footie is inside. Unlike the nice astro turf outside, it`s a concrete floor and a smaller pitch and it doesn`t start until 8pm ( outside 6:30pm ). The only plus point is that it`s women`s netball practice before we go on and some of us have been known to turn up early to do some stretching whilst watching them in their little outfits showing off their skills !. 🙂
11 hours. Well done for getting back in one piece.
Glic
Made me smile too.
We had some funny euphemisms back in those days for chaps who “batted for the other side” (see – there’s another one).
Anyone remember “turd burglar”?
I think Bouldie had slightly less hair than Chas’s pic by the time he finished playing for us, afterall “he’s got no hair but we don’t care”.
Koz and TV won’t do near post flick ons cos they can see what it did to Bouldie, BFG doesn’t care cos no one will see that high up.
Rhyle I agree on the CL scoreboard it’s an absolute arse.
Also could not see the half time scores on the big screen where I was sitting as the font was so bloody small.
Too right you turn up early Glic…be rude not to
Hi Rocky
In the atmosphere stakes, the Greeks did themselves proud, we on the other hand were quieter than normal.
I have been trying to work out why and the only thing I can come up with is that we have lost all our heros. This may just be my state of mind at the moment but when you think about it who is there, who do we know well enough to really want to get behiind? Theo? really. The Ox? too young, TV? Most people would prefer the BFG. Jenks is growing in stature with his fine pedegree and all. Santi? Quality but the number on his back is still drying, same with Pod, you can see where I am going.
Lol Corky…’a bit light on his feet’ was a bit oblique, but its still my all time fave
Haha Sharkey – I remember that one too. 🙂
Also “light in the loafers”
Before people were more open about being gay, the press always used to refer to public figures whom they knew to be gay as “confirmed bachelor…”
LB
Interesting theory. I shall ponder on’t… but at first chew it has some merit…
God – that sounded pompous – sorry LB!
What I meant was: “You might be on to something…”
🙂
Confirmed bachelor . Ted Heath was a famous one.
“limp wristed” is one of my faves from the past
Jose Mourinho on Mario Balotelli
in an interview with CNN:
“Mario was good fun. I could
write a book of 200 pages of my
two years in Inter with Mario, but
the book would be not a drama.
The book would be a comedy! I
remember one in Kazan. We
went to Kazan in the Champions
League. In that match, I had all
my strikers injured. No Milito, no
Eto’o. I was really in trouble and
Mario was the only one. Mario
gets a yellow card in minute 42 or
43. So, when I go to the dressing
room at half time, I spent, I
would say, 14 minutes of the 15
speaking only for Mario. “Mario, I
cannot change you. I cannot
make a change. I don’t have a
striker on the bench. Don’t touch
anybody. Play only with the ball.
When we lose the ball, no
reaction. If somebody provocates
you, no reaction. If the referee
makes a mistake, no reaction.
Mario, please”
Minute 46, red card!”
Rob
Brilliant 😀
That’s funny
as Micky has mentioned..alot of us want to see some matches with pod, giroud, gerv…. another reason i think it will be necessary for a few weeks, is that with midfield injuries we might need to keep the ox available for there , until diaby, rosicky get back– i want us to be very patient and slow with Jack.. so as not to expect too, much, or put pressure on him to be rushed back. and maybe use theo a bit in the front three since he’s still here, and after his nice showing yesterday, a little reward.
Funny story by Jose but i am amazed a manager of mind as much as tactics actually got it so wrong.
One of my friends is a bit of a science geek and loves to conduct experiments of all kinds.
For two weeks whenever his children brought drinks from the kitchen to the living room (3 kids aged 5-10) he would say “don’t drop it”.
For the next two weeks he would say “hold it tightly”.
He reckons that the spills were twice as high in the first two weeks, even though the message was the same the action was the only thing they heard not the words round it. “don’t drop it” or “hold it”
Jose should have said everything he did, but he should of used positive reinforcement of calm behaviour rather than dissuading negative actions.
Was worried about offending people until I read one of the earlier entries was “turd burglar”…
Sausage jockey, chutney ferret amongst many, many more…that’s what 7 years in the RAF gives you…a vocabulary that’s the envy of the Navy…
Haha Rhyle
We sometimes hear from Brigham on here, who I think is ex navy and may wish to contest your last comment 🙂
This is an overly harsh and critical review of their performance but also accurate to some degree. As Mr.Bould, who knows more about AFC and Football than all of us combined, said: ¨it wasn’t a great performance but it got results! Olympakios are a very tough opponent and with 6 points in our group, we can be relatively certain of advancing.
The CB pairing issue is partly due to rustiness (Kos not being played with Vermaelen until the last 2 games and not having played at all in the first 4), lack of experience with and confidence in the keeper (Mannone having a rollercoaster ride in goal) and the relative novelty of a Jenkinson/Gibbs pairing. However Arteta, Cazorla, Coquelin and Ramsey showed strength in the midfield.
By the way, Vermaelen was right on top of Mitroglou and he was marked well but out-jumped the Verminator and got off a spectacular header so that is an inaccurate reporting lads.
I get the distinct feeling that unless AFC perform like Barca in every game, none of our fans will be satisfied…..but we’re NOT Barca and our style is rather different and unique to AFC so don’t whine and moan when we aren’t perfect.
We have 5 first team players out but when they are available we can expect even more convincing results. How many teams could afford to have the likes of Wilshere,Rosicky, Sagna, Diaby and Fabianski out? As well Arteta was playing with a sore ankle and that is also a contributing factor to his slow start in the first half.
All I did was mention looking at pics of a friend’s, and his chum’s, naked bottoms and away you go.
Fans of Musicals indeed!
Actually, they rowed across the Atlantic, and took the pics when they arrived in Antigua. A good 20 boils each. Pert, but butt ugly.
Hi Weedonald,
Given that it was I who penned the first haf, I think you make really good points.
I think it was Rocky yesterday who also commented on the Verm/Kos pairing and how we raved about it last season.
Anyhow, I certainly did’nt mean to sound whiney, because it really was a geat result, and there is much to look forwrd to this season.
LB,
Very good point about heroes.
Surely we have heroes? Jenkinson, Gibbs, Frimpong, Wilshere.
Personally, I’ve got more respect for the players in the team now, than I’ve had for the past few seasons.
When you get to the point where you’re old enough to be the dad of most of the players and the grandad of some of them, how can they be your heroes? 🙂
Lukas on the bus
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4572798/Up-frontback-of-the-bus.html
Lukas at school
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvXTmKqBBgY
Morning all.
Micky what time do you get up 🙂
LB: I have been thinking the same for a few seasons now. Hopefully Jack or the Ox or both will fill that void.
Weedonald,
I don’t agree with some of our post. The Greeks had 5 first teamers missing and we were mighty lucky to only concede one in the first half.
Transitional period is an often used term but the loss of Fabregas and RVP though in different positions has meant some juggling with the squad and also the system employed.
When you say “I get the distinct feeling that unless AFC perform like Barca in every game, none of our fans will be satisfied…..but we’re NOT Barca and our style is rather different ” that is not a message i hear on AA.
Then you say” How many teams could afford to have the likes of Wilshere,Rosicky, Sagna, Diaby and Fabianski out?” Well again i rspectfully disagree. fabianski is not considered our number one, rossicky and diaby both good players but we have to accept that their history shows they are injury prone and Wilshere has up to now not been a regular first team player and hopefully after his long lay off we will see the potentially exceptional talent that he is, but there will for a time be a doubt that he regains full match fitness.
kelsey,
Jack played 35 of the 38 League games in 2010/11.
Chas maybe the fact that we are all too old to have 21 year old heroes coupled with the lower attendances by younger fans is the issue.
GIE,
I’m sure the younger fans will still have heroes.
Less younger fans will attend evening games.
The Greek fans would have mostly been within a ‘travelling abroad’ age range.
The Greek fans would all be fuelled up.
Arsenal fans are the same when they are away from home.
The stadium was half empty at kick off.
We played fairly poorly in the first half.
Arsenal fans no longer come from a ‘Charlie George off the North Bank’ type background.
I think it’s rare for us to out-sing away fans on CL nights.
Last season
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JGtDJW7Zt8
That’s put me in my place then, Chas 🙂
Olympiacos fans from 2009 visit to the Ems.
Haha, kelsey.
Rasp would usually come on at this point and say that that is why Jack ended up injured by playing too many first team games when only 18 years old.
Is any one getting nervous about our game tomorrow against the Hammers?
Yes VCC, Big fat Sam
By the way VCC you appear to have been to weight watchers judging by your avartar.
This one from 2009 also.
Notice the age range, nearly everyone singing, most bouncing. All stood up.
Not one showing someone else a photo on an iphone. 🙂
VCC,
I get nervous about every game we play.
If I didn’t, I’d be dead.
Me too. Always nervous pre-game. ANd if we are only one up in the dying minutes I get REALLY nervous.
BR,
I’m looking forward to your homage to Fat Sam. 🙂
Kelsey 8:45. As it happens I have actually lost some weight, which is a good thing as my beer belly was getting a bit embarrassing.
I will need some tips next spring Kelsey, it looks like I might be joining a local bowls team. Got to do some competitive sports during my enforced retirement.
Morning all
LB – being a bit of a romantic, like you, I also find that I don’t feel any love for any of this group of players yet. I was ready to give myself to Giroud but he can’t find the back of the net so my ardour has cooled somewhat. I’m still hoping he’ll light my fire though 😳 #oldenoughtobehismum
Good to hear that VCC .
I know the dreaded words NEW POST will be up soon but I think if you look at our opening 6 games last season to this there has been more change in personal than at any other time since the move.Many are only in their seconf full sesaon, others missed a good part of the season and of course we have three new players in the team, and others like jenkinson and coquelin weren’t expectd to feature so soon.
Hi kelsey 🙂
Maybe it’s because we’ve had so many real heroes over the years that we understand what it takes to make a hero. The creepy dutchman was on his way to becoming one and look what he did, maybe we can’t trust them now and that’s part of it too.
kelsey – why do you dread the new post?
Peaches if you put the arsenal arsenal link in the new post announcement, it means we’re only one click away.
https://arsenalarsenal.wordpress.com/
…..instead of two. 🙂
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RzCB3VRruE
Thanks for the countdown chas 😛
…. New post …..
If we change LB’s “Heroes” to “people to really identify with” then he is definately right, which he is anyway.
Chas 🙂
Technical probs?
Update … the new post isn’t published, a confusion behind the scenes .. keep commenting on here and we’ll update you when the post is live
Micky,
We sing and cheer for the team, not the individual players, surely?
1
Launch aborted
Chas,
It doesn’t half help to have an Adams or Wright.
Mind you, I don’t think the money in tha game helps, or twitter for that matter.
Morning peaches.
I just get inspiration earlier on in the day and invariably when I think of something the next comment is NEW POST
I thought we had one Flying Dutchman but apparently there are two 😉
If Suarez, El Hadj-Diouf, Sheringham and a returning bsr were playing in red and white, I’d be cheering.
I might have a little bit of sick in my mouth, but I’d be cheering.
Kelsey,
Make that one non-flying and one flying 🙂
Perhaps, Micky.
Like I said I really like the current crop of Arsenal players, so no problem there.
No-one’s talking about not cheering, just a lack of people to really identify with recently.
Bergkamp – non-flying
bsr – effin lying
Ox, JW and Jenks will make up for that though.
Micky,
This is what LB said.
“In the atmosphere stakes, the Greeks did themselves proud, we on the other hand were quieter than normal.
I have been trying to work out why and the only thing I can come up with is that we have lost all our heros. This may just be my state of mind at the moment but when you think about it who is there, who do we know well enough to really want to get behiind? Theo? really. The Ox? too young, TV? Most people would prefer the BFG. Jenks is growing in stature with his fine pedegree and all. Santi? Quality but the number on his back is still drying, same with Pod, you can see where I am going.”
Heroes. Feet of Clay. Sadly, one goes with the other unless one live in a black and white world.
CHas. Brilliant work only to to be ruined by a technical failure.
OK, the new post is up now – but you can keep chatting on here of you prefer 😉
…… New post …….
Exactly chas.
At least micky understood what I meant 😉
Chas 9:45. I draw the line with Sherringham. He is in my top five hated sportsmen. I would simply refuse to watch Arsenal if he were playing for us, I hate him much more than bsr.
578099 807827Hi. Thank you for generating this website . I m working on betting online niche and have discovered this website utilizing search on bing . Will probably be certain to look much more of your content . Gracias , see ya. :S 64664