Things have gone well for us this season: probably better than most Arsenal supporters expected.
Top of the Premiership; top of our Champions League group (notwithstanding that recent slip against Dortmund); above the Spuds despite them having one of their best-ever starts to a season (if you call relying on dodgy penalties for points ‘best ever’); the capture of one of the best players in the world; and some moments of true footballing joy (blowing Napoli away, our own private goal-of-the-season contest against Norwich).
Those of us of a more positive bent see this Arsenal team as one that really has a chance to be there or thereabouts for the big prizes this year.
But others – quite sensibly – are sounding notes of caution.
We have not yet played a single one of our rivals in the Premier League and, as I mentioned, we came a cropper when faced with Continental opposition of genuine quality.
Which brings us to the month of November, which is bearing down on us like a dose of the ‘flu.
Our final game in October is a Capital One tie against Chelsea. I would be delighted if we were to win it, but I’m not overly fussed about that competition and I certainly hope we take the opportunity to rest players like Giroud, Ozil, Ramsey and Mertesacker.
Then we’re into November when, in rapid succession, we have the following fixtures:
Liverpool (H)
Borussia Dortmund (A)
Manchester United (A)
Southampton (H)
Marseille (H)
Cardiff (A)
The first four are undoubtedly tough fixtures (Southampton, let’s remember, are currently 5th in the table).
After that we should expect to beat Marseille and then we have a winnable away game in Wales. But our state of mind by the time we embark on those last two matches will be greatly affected by what has gone before.
This is why I feel we are at a tipping point in November.
Come through the games against Liverpool, Dortmund, Man Utd and Southampton in good shape and we really can start to dream about an end to our long potless run.
What constitutes good shape? I would say we need to at least draw with Liverpool, at least draw with Dortmund and beat both of United and Southampton.
We are more than capable of doing all that and more, but the one nagging doubt in the back of my mind is that November has not been a kind month to us over the years.
TS Eliot had it wrong about which month is the nastiest when he wrote:
“April is the cruellest month, breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain.”
Those lines are from his classic poem “The Wasteland,” (penned after a brief visit to N17).
If Eliot were around today surely he would be writing about the month of November and the terrible memories we Gooners have of that cursed four-week that comes round, annoyingly, at least once every year.
If the November gremlins strike again and results don’t go our way it won’t take long for the media pundits who have been singing our praises to start writing us off all over again; and, in turn, the minority of “underminers” among the fans base will pipe up (hasn’t it been nice to have a few weeks without that whingeing drone in the background?).
I certainly believe we are good enough to come through this period with flying colours, although it would be nice to have a few of the sicknotes back in action (I’m looking at you, Walcott and you, Flamini).
The more I think about it, the more important the Liverpool game looks.
They are flying at the moment and the bitey fellow is showing why Arsene was so keen to sign him up during the summer.
But we are playing them at our place and if we find our groove we can pass them to death and make Suarez realize what he’s missing.
Like us, Liverpool have had a fairly comfortable ride, fixtures-wise, in the early part of the season. Their only game against a traditional top four team so far has been a home match against a struggling Man Utd, which Liverpool won 1-0.
Southampton, meanwhile, beat Liverpool at Anfield.
So Arsenal v Liverpool should show us who is a contender and who is a pretender.
Win that one and I have a strong feeling that the rest of the month will tip nicely in our direction.
RockyLives
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
Top top post, Rocky. Cruellest month? I suppose you mean most exciting month? 😀 😀
Who care about the minnows, the Spuds, Norwich, and so on? Now is the real competition.
Nice analysis. Pool and Dortmund are the two toughest ones. We need to win at home against Pool. Easier said than done. I am cautiously optimistic that our defence will be able to handle Suarez and Sturridge, and our midfield will deal Ok with the supply line – Gerrard et al. Yes, it is possible that Suarez may find a moment of brilliance. But that apart, this should be OK. My worry is that we may not be able to create enough activity behind their back 4. I may be wrong, but this is what I fear. Flamster’s injury is quite untimely.
Dortmund away is a must win game as well. Let us see what steel this team is made of!!!! Come on The Arsenal!!!!!
“Those lines are from his classic poem “The Wasteland,” (penned after a brief visit to N17).”
Looooooool
Excellent Rocky, as usual your finger is on the pulse, your tongue in your cheek and your boot up totnum’s jacksie 😆
I agree the pool game is one we must not lose if we are to maintain our momentum. If we either draw or lose at BD we will have to beat Napoli away in the last CL qualifier and they have already beaten BD at home, so a win at BD is the only result that will mean we can relax a bit in the CL (this assumes Arsenal and Napoli beat Marseilles)
Ah ha, Rocky, something to disagree with at last 🙂
Last November, we only lost one. I know, I looked it up 🙂
Seriously though, I think you are spot on about how sometimes one game can mean so much, and I’d agree about the significance of the Pool game. Strangely, I’d say the most significant result last season was the away loss to Spurs. The result being the Mert Chat, following which we went on to win the next game in Munich, and onwards to the incredible run in the League.
My biggest single fear is coming to the end of November and staring at 3rd spot in our CL Group, and having to play in the dreaded Thursday Cup. I think, more than anything else, that could really cock up our season.
Bring on a convincing win over Liverpool, and let the good times roll.
Top stuff Rocky!
Good read as ever Rocky.
I was one of those who voted in Evonne’s pre-season post that I do not expect to win anything and that I would be happy just to be able to watch entertaining football.
My position remains the same, we are being treated to some exceptional football and silverware will be a bonus so I see no need to get stressed out especially as I feel confident that this team will do as well as they possibly can during these up coming games.
JanMan says:
October 28, 2013 at 9:33 am
BR. Justin Bieber is the perfect example of why parents should use good contraception!!
_______________________________________________
janman,
I happen to know the whole Bieber family, they live in Stratford, Ontario just a few kilometers away. Justin is a fine lad, with a huge talent, he was well brought up by a loving family. He is using the money that his talent has earned him in many fine ways, including many charities and buying homes for his parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles,
He is most certainly not my type of recording artist but millions around the World think very differently.
I find your comment distasteful and most certainly uninformed, you must be reading far to many Red Tops.
rocky lives! how do I know you ask? this fine delectable post. smooth flowing post rocky. it touches on my apprehension this coming month as well. . .starting this weekend.
flamini is a huge loss indeed at this crucial time. our starting 11 will require enough rest to be sharp against the top crop. if ozil Ramsey rosicky arteta and giroud can be rested tomorrow, they could handle top oppo any day. the chavs should be an opportunity to rotate and as always showcase the young talent. pool have a good side. but they have sacrificed a back four for ‘sas” duo. we can outscore them I believe. and that will win us the game. sharpness and accuracy will come with rest.
enjoy your day gööners
Sorry Rocky – I needed to get that off of my chest.
Cracking post Rocky. I am a cautious optimist rather than an “on a high” optimist. It is interesting to note how different our performances vs results is to other recent seasons. We have been more of a yo-yo team in the past playing brilliantly and blowing teams away 5-0 in some games and then in the next game losing 1-0 against a team we should beat. Our results are more consistent now, but I don’t personally feel we have really blown a team away properly this season.
By that I mean domination from the outset with the domination matching the goals tally and with the other team not getting a look in or back into the game at any point. As good as that spell against Napoli was I never felt we completely put them to the sword. Similarly as good as the goals were against Norwich they were still firmly in the game til the 83rd minute. I am not sure that we have actually clicked into full gear yet, and I suppose, with us sitting 2 points clear, that should be considered encouraging, especially when we are still missing some key 1st team players.
I am slightly cautious that if we don’t bring out the big performances against Liverpool, Dortmund and Utd then we may get caught out. Maybe I am being overly concerned and need not be. I feel we should look to 4 points from Liverpool and Utd but would prefer the home win against Liverpool and an away draw to Utd. That is far better for us in what it means points wise between us and those around us.
It might also have something to do with the fact I am going to the Liverpool game.
GN5. You take things far too seriously!
Your usual classy read Rocky – thanks.
Here we are again going into one of our toughest months of the season and we are suffering from injuries to key players.
being without Walcott, Podolski, Flamini and Oxlaide during this period is almost cruel.
I yearn for the day when we can play the top teams with our full squad – I guess that I should keep on dreaming……
janman,
You need to be less judgmental of people you don’t know. If your comment was supposed to be humorous you show very poor taste.
GN5. Come on now, you are really over reacting! This is too trivial for me to waste my time on anymore. Some people find things funny others do not, simple as that, take it or leave it. Plus I have the right to pass judgement on anyone that I feel like after all we do live in a free world.
FYI I do not read red tops other than ocassionally on line, I do not even live in England. Any way, have a nice day!
Each to his own janman…………….My feelings remain unchanged.
Tip top post Mr Rock, your Monday specials always brings a smile to my sour old boat race.
I’m going to the Chav game tomorrow and am in that rare position of not being worried or tense as this is a game I’m not too worried about losing. We just know that the slimey toad Moaninho will play one of his first XI’s as his blood money financed squad can afford to keep 11 frist teamers on their books without them playing much.
I’ll be at the Tavern by 7pm tomorrow so look forward to seeing you all there, especially Peachy as she has some tickets for me.
Ta again for that Peachy,. 🙂
GN5. As do mine 🙂
Rocky, Excuse me. In between my little discussion with GN5 I forgot to mention the fact that you posted a very good post. I would comment that I would like to see us beat Liverpool at home and take a draw away to Man Utd. I have a feeling that we will beat BD away as for what ever reason we appear to be more on our game away from home in the CL.
Lovely post Rock
I loath November, nothing ever good happens.
Mid November 2008 was one that sticks in the mind. For the umpteenth time Mrs Terry had walked out, but unfortunately came back.
To defeat my misery I scoured the fixtures and worked out if we beat Villa at home on the 15th and then turned over City the following week we would be in a very strong position.
What followed was a debacle. Clichy scored an own goal, Agbanlohor finished us off, and on the way home fellow gooners let out a cheer as a police horse sprayed me.
A week later and my confidence restored, I envisioned if we beat City, we could then go on a run and maybe challenge for the league.
I went down the pub to watch it and by the end wished I hadn’t. We lost 3-0 and I realised our league ambitions were in tatters.
As I trudged home contemplating our demise, a heinous November wind picked up pace and within seconds my Toupee had been blown off.
Feeling exposed and distraught I chased the wig down Bounds Green High Road accompanied by a group of feral youths who thought it a good idea to laugh and mock me.
Yes, I hate November Rocky. I too have written a poem
November is the time to fear
For in that time the yellow ball appear
This time of year hair will leave your head
Defeat at old Trafford fills you with dread
So in November all good Gooners prayed
That coming home they shall not be sprayed.
I am an unashamed Rocky fan, and somehow out of TS Eliot’s poem of self despair and gloomy reflection he has produced a top rate Post with a soupcon of humor to boot. Magic!
Here’s one for you Rocky;
And no rock
If there were rock
And also water
And water
A spring
A pool among the rock
If there were the sound of water only
Not the cicada
And dry grass singing
But sound of water over a rock
Where the hermit-thrush sings in the pine trees
Drip drop drip drop drop drop drop
But here there is no water
Who is the third who walks always beside you?
When I count, there are only you and I together
But when I look ahead, up the white road
There is always another one walking beside you,
Gliding wrapped in a brown mantle, hooded
I do not know whether a man or a woman
– But who is that on the other side of you?
And it’s only Monday!! 🙂
Transpalant
So good it hurts 🙂
Come on everyone. Why is AA so dead these days?! Someone write something controversial asap just to get some debate going!
Good day all and thanks for the comments.
This blog is going from bad to verse…. (Thank you, I’m here all week).
Interesting discussion about whether it would be better to beat ‘Pool and draw away with ManUre or vice versa.
Traditionally an away point against the red Mancs would be a good return… But this year? They really do seem ropey under Moist and it is surely a great opportunity to pay them back for some of the defeats they’ve inflicted on us in recent years. Whereas Liverpool are full of confidence and may be a tougher nut to crack. A draw with them would keep us above them…
Obviously it would be best to win both…
Terry
Are you sure you are not Spike Milligan reincarnated?
Redders
Was ‘the third who walks beside you’ wearing a toupee?
Rockylives,
That’s a tough question. I’d be happy with either though. 4 points from those games would be a good return I think.
Liverpool look good this season (and we are a quarter of the way through don’t forget, so this is no longer a ‘lucky start’ or purple patch’) so taking 3 against them might be better in the long run. But I’d just love so dearly to give manure a good thrashing. I’d love mertesacker and koscielny to make RVP physically weep on the field.
Here you go Gus – a touch of controversy for you….
The thing that may propel Liverpool this season is their home support, it is always superb.
It may well make a positive difference when compared to our indifferent home support – the moans and groans are debilitating to a team.
Thanks for the complement Rock, but I would never compare myself to Spike. The man is a legend and the God Father of modern comedy.
I am just a harmless Buffoon that finds everything funny.
Gus,
Something controversial for you. I am coming to the premature conclusion that Santi and Ozil will struggle to perform in the same team, thus Santis days might be numbered.
Good post and subject Rocky. I think we SHOULD beat united- simple. We are better than them. Even a draw would disappoint me alot. Liverpool, we should play as they are- a team playing very well, and right there with us in the table. Take them very seriously, we will need to play our best.
they also want to prove a point, especially after us chasing Suarez. so they will be dangerous. A statement game for both teams. I hope our midfield can be the difference.
ill worry about dortmund after saturday.
Moaniho is very sad…….poor chap,,,
………………………………………………………………………
The Blues have 48 hours to recover from their clash with Manchester City before traveling to the Emirates Stadium, and their manager feels a number of stars will have to sit out.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes the scheduling of Tuesday’s Capital One Cup clash with Arsenal will deny fans a classic London derby.
While Arsenal defeated bottom-of-the-table Crystal Palace 2-0 on Saturday, Chelsea will head to the Emirates Stadium a little more than 48 hours after securing a dramatic 2-1 win over Manchester City.
As a result, Mourinho feels unable to select a number of his leading stars and suggested the fourth-round match has lost some of its potential luster, aiming his frustration at those who made the decision for a Tuesday game.
“We are going to give the game that the people that put the game on Tuesday wants,” he said. “If they want a big game, we cannot give the big game. If they want the players that were playing [on Sunday], we cannot give them that.
“If they want Arsenal to win a trophy, that’s a help. If they want a big game between two big teams in London, they should put the game on Wednesday and not on Tuesday.”
Mourinho is expected to select a lineup featuring first-team squad members who did not start against City, stating that a youth-team game Saturday morning leaves him wary of lumbering the club’s young players with an excessive workload.
“It is not the plan because we have to also respect our fans,” he said when asked if he would pick a virtual youth team. “We have to protect our players. We cannot put our players playing in October two matches in the space of three days. They played [on Saturday] at 12:30, so [that is] two-and-a-half days to prepare.
“I hope [the soccer authorities] all enjoy. We are going to try to do our job and we will do our job the best we can
Gnabry agrees new long-term contract
Young forward Serge Gnabry has agreed a new long-term contract with Arsenal Football Club.
The 18-year old Germany youth international has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in the Gunners’ ranks. He scored his first senior goal for the Club in the 2-1 Premier League victory over Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium in September – a week after making his full Premier League debut against Stoke City.
Blessed with raw pace and technical skill, Gnabry signed his first professional contract in the summer of 2012, having impressed for the under-18 side.
He has technical ability, he has power, he has pace, he has finishing quality and he can give a final ball. He’s a powerful offensive player and I believe that he will be a great player for Arsenal Football Club
Arsène Wenger. He quickly made the step up to senior level during 2012/13, making substitute appearances in the Premier League at Norwich City and the Champions League home match against Schalke. In the process Gnabry became the second youngest Arsenal player – after Jack Wilshere – to appear in both competitions.
This season, Gnabry has also featured in the Capital One Cup – playing the full 120 minutes against West Bromwich Albion, having made his first competitive senior start in the same competition last season in a 7-5 win over Reading.
Arsène Wenger said: “We signed Serge Gnabry because I believe that he will be a great player. He’s nearly there now, and competes for a regular place in the team in the Premier League.
“He has technical ability, he has power, he has pace, he has finishing quality and he can give a final ball. He’s a powerful offensive player and I believe that he will be a great player for Arsenal Football Club.”
Gnabry said: “Arsenal is a great football club and I’m so happy to be here and sign a new contract. For me, now it’s all about working hard and developing my game.
“I’ve had some good opportunities recently in the first team, which has given me extra confidence, and this will only improve my game. I’m looking forward to giving my best for this club in the years to come.”
Everyone at Arsenal is looking forward to Serge’s continued progression and development with the Club over the coming years.
Copyright 2013 The Arsenal Football Club plc.
Here is one to cheer you all up. GN5 i suspect this will catch you in two minds….http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sD_8prYOxo
Nice one, Rocky.
Does the tipping point idea mean that depending on results in November, the season either goes tits up or will be a steady march to success?
Great discussion, all.
My feeling is we need to really win the next two games. Win against Pool to seal our position at the top for a good bit of time, and to give us confidence for the tough test Dortmund away.
Against Dortmund, we need to win because if we dont, we need to win, otherwise our chances of topping the group are very slim. And we do not want to be reminded of what might happen then ….
We can, and will, win both games. Flamster’s injury is a concern. My guess is, if Gnabry does well Tuesday, he will probably start. Personally, I do not think this is a bad choice. He gives us a way to directly attack the box. If we cannot go behind the back 4 from teh wings, a direct approach is potentially more useful. Yes, we can try passing our way through, and this looks beautiful when it works, but chances of success are not brilliant.
So, you wanted some controversy, so here was my bit!!!! 😀 😀 😀
dandan,
I’m not split in the least, I continue to refer to “our” game as football, to be continuously “corrected” by my American and Canadian friends.
There we go, there’s some good debate starters!
GN5, agree with you. We as fans have to do our bit to contribute. First of all I think we’ve been better than usual so far this season. If we know that through a great atmosphere we can directly influence results for the better, why don’t we do everything we can to do so?
Terry, I don’t agree, although I realise you’re just playing devils advocate. Cazorla hasn’t got into form yet. He was great on the wing with Rosicky in the central position last season so we know he can do it. He’ll be great with Ozil.
I think Wenger ultimately sees us emulating the system we had in the 10/11 season (but with better players):
Nasri on one wing was the more technical, passing winger, walcott on the right as the more direct, making runs behind lines and making crosses winger and Fabregas as the playmaker in the ‘hole’.
I think we’ve improved as a side in these positions. Now we have:
– a more mature Walcott or Podolski as the direct winger
– Cazorla/Rosicky as the technical winger (big improvement on Nasri)
– And Ozil who is as good as Fabregas for the role in the middle.
Additionally, we still have Ramsey and Wilshere for the ‘pivot’ role, and we have Arteta and Flamini for the holding role who are both improvements on Song and show great leadership and discipline. Back 4 is better than in 10/11 too now – especially the backups. Only area you could argue we’ve gone backwards is striker (I love Giroud though!!)
Got a bit sidetracked, Ozil and Cazorla will for a great partnership, don’t worry about that.
Historically, November the month when we usually look the fool
We start against the thieving bastard scouse gits from Liverpool
Then Dortmund, where our great away support will sing and roar
Words to the wise Raddy and Didit, just don’t mention the war !
Away again to Manscum and a date with the grey haired RVP
He might not play, a prior date with Moist at the Fergie clinic for STD
Next, the Saints of Southampton from the sunny south coast
Word is, Ox and Theo have a sick monkey in a dungeon they like to roast !.
CL next and the French…Marsielle, champs of wine and garlic
I fancy a Giroud a hat trick, one from his head, his left and one off his dick
The last away to the Blue Birds..,.what !…now the Cardiff Reds !
After the loss, them welsh boys will be commiserated by good looking sheep in their beds !.
10/11 against Barcelona:
——————Szczesny—————-
Sanga*–Djourou–Koscielny**–Clichy
————-Song—–Wilshere———-
Walcott———Fabregas——–Nasri
——————–RVP——————–
Bench: Almunia, Denilson, Squilaci, Rosicky, Arshavin, Gibbs, Bendtner
*it was Eboue on the night
**Vermalen injured all season
One of many possible 1st 11s today:
————Szczesny—————-
Sanga–BFG–Koscielny–Gibbs
—–Flamini—–Ramsey———-
Walcott——Ozil——–Cazorla
————–Giroud—————–
Bench: Fabianski, Monreal, Vermalen, Rosicky, Arteta, Wilshere, Podolski
Which team is better?
Rocky – you know by now that I never liked fairies, horoscopes or poetry, and for a good reason – TS Eliot thought that April is a horrid month? I rest my case. Even swamps down the road look cheerful in the spring.
I am not looking forward to Liverpool clash – no matter what result, long silences follow this fixture in my household. And I’d much rather be the one who is not talked to 🙂
I would cut your 4 first games to just 3. If we do well against Pool, BD and Manyoo, we will show Southhampton who’s the boss.
Thank you for excellent post, minus the gooey poetry bits 🙂
Janman….I am unsure where Justin Beiber fits into this Arsenal blog but who cares! Now if you had insulted Celine Dion, then it would have been a serious faux-pas!!!
evonne
Fairies? What are you going on about?
If it’s fairies you’re after you’ll be needing WB Yeats, not TS Eliot:
Where dips the rocky highland
Of Sleuth Wood in the lake,
There lies a leafy island
Where flapping herons wake
The drowsy water rats;
There we’ve hid our faery vats,
Full of berries
And of reddest stolen cherries.
Come away, O human child!
To the waters and the wild
With a faery, hand in hand.
For the world’s more full of weeping than you can understand.
It is so much better to read the upbeat posts of today rather than the defeatist nonsense that invaded the blogs in recent times. The two quote’s below perhaps explain why the likes of GN5 and I and a few others on here, find those downbeat posts so inexplicable.
“Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm”
“It is not what we get. But who we become, what we contribute… that gives meaning to our lives”.
Nick Higham @highamnews 1h
A tree has come down in Michael Fish’s garden…
Retweeted by Jane Garvey
dandan,
Fortunately the AA site is administrated by folks with very sound judgment, but unfortunately they can do little about the content of some of the posts submitted. I have continued to read and blog on AA due to the fact that it is well run by great Arsenal supporters with superb ethical reasoning, and I would like to commend them all for their time and dedication.
Despite the fact that, from time to time, I become infuriated with the depth of negativity displayed by some “supporters” it remains my first choice Arsenal site.
I guess we may be a tad old fashioned in our belief systems but I cannot see the day when I consider supporting my team only when they win and bring home trophies. I could never, ever, only see it to be paid for entertainment.
Arsenal have been my team for over 65 years and will remain as a major part of my life for the declining years that I have left.
Support is not conditional it is mandatory – if you consider yourself to be a supporter.
Frankly I am envious of teams like Dortmund when I see and listen to real supporters who are not embarrassed to stand up and sing for their team throughout the game – regardless of the score.
(Should have saved this as the start of a post and not a long comment).
Chas
In answer to your earlier question, I don’t suppose a bad run in November rules us out of things. We showed our ability for a strong end to the season last year.
But I suppose what I’m trying to say is that it would tip the odds quite strongly against us, and any strong finish to the season might end up being yet another drive for a Champs League place.
Whereas if we do really well in this coming round of fixtures, it will tip the odds in our favour of seriously competing this year.
Great post Rocky
Even if we have a bad November I think we’ll bounce back especially as Poldi, Ox and Theo come back.
Can’t bear Bieber btw GN5. Not just his music. He said he won’t come back here. Hope he keeps to his word.
Ok, so I’m stuffed with my attitude that we will always win the next game 🙂
I’ve thunk about this post, and a win against Pool really would set us up nicely.
Blowing a hooly here. Trains all stopped so I had to walk back from town. Roads closed due to falling trees, roof slates etc. Scared the bejeezus out of me but good fun as well. Hope the electricity stays on so I can write tomorrow’s pre-match
Should be good for Micky’s surfing.
Bloody awful Raddy. Complete no go. Moose is what it is. Like being in a washing machine of foam on full spin cycle.
Raddy
I’m actually getting quite excited about your team sheet. Thing is, I don’t mind not winning, so it’s a pressure off situation for me. I hope Arsene plays no 1st XI’ers, so could be exciting to see Nic, Gnabry and so on.
RL. An interesting pre-cursor to November.
Like Micky I expect to win every game but just like my dreams they fade and ….
The injury to Flamster alongside the extended lay-off for both our wide men could prove costly
Micky. I have seen those fellows in Hawaii, they would love to surf in these conditions – may I suggest that you suffer from lilly-liver syndrome?
I really hpe Nic B can find the net tommorow. It would be great for him and his family.
GN5 is spot on, support is unconditonal
Some here, like the all-seeing 26, don’t share my view on the loss of Flamini. The Theo option is a massive loss, but we can compensate with our different style brought along by the Ozil.
Here’s a question. We play three behind Ollie. Who’s the best in the middle of that three. I know they float about and whatnot, but still.
He who plays more central should get the most goals. Santi was that man, but is it now Aaron, which leaves the question, who out of Jack and Aaron is the better defensively to slot in with Arteta.
No they wouldn’t. Those Hawaiians have lovely clean waves. If it wasn’t dark, I’d direct you towards my local surfcam, and it’s disgusting. Revolting, I tell ya.
I’m actually going to take my new membership red and white scarf to Germany. Odd for a bloke who never wears “colours”. Have you been through your wardrobe to choose what goes best with those seedy leather shorts of yours?
I have given this a lot of thought and I would like to apologize to the administrators of this blog for my earlier comment, “Justin Bieber is the perfect example of why parents should use good contraception!!” I believe it was one of the last comments in the previous post where everyone was talking about rock bands and my post was a reply to BR. Unfortunately GN5 over reacted and got all upset because the family are friends of his. If this comment which was only meant to be funny results in someone like GN5 saying I should not be judgemental then where do you draw the line? Virtually every form of post is some how related to judgemental and I have seen far worse comments then what I said about Justin Bieber. Anyway I have decided that I will not post on here anymore as I cannot accept people who get on their high horse and want to preach to others.
Keep up the good work as this is for sure one of the better Arsenal blogs available with top class posters and this is a blog that you can all be proud of..
Rocky – poetry today, fairies and horoscopes previously 🙂 lovely poem from Yeates, thank you.
that Torrez makes me sick. I bet you any money he’ll score tomorrow.
OMG, I had just seen the Scum penalty!!! if we thought that Arteta was hard done by, then Hull must be fuming. I can smell fat revenge on Wednesday
Micky.I don’t have a wardrobe, all my clothes are at my personal dresser who brings what I am to wear every morning at 07.30 prompt.
No doubt he will have dry cleaned the leather and polished the brass wear. Knowing him, I will be wearing a red and white carnation cunningly attached to the straps of my hosen
Micky
I had no idea BR wears disgusting tiny leather shorts!!! Mmmmm. Lol
I have been surfing in Oahu — well technically I did not have a surf board, but while swimming I got caught by a freak bigee, and was wafted to the crest of the wave dumped over backwards became disoriented and with my lungs bursting was swimming like mad to the surface only to be smashed into the sandy bottom instead and lost my shorts too!
I thought I was a goner not a Gooner and did not appreciate everyone laughing as the retreating surf took me back out like a roly poley as I could not stand up with my trunks around my ankles.
Now back to Raddy’s shorts — what more do you know about his rather nifty dress sense.
Janman
GN5 is loyal to friends and family.
I think your intention was to be funny and not intentionally rude.
I think both of you have made your points known.
Best just to forget it and for both of you to move on as it would be a pity if you stopped posting as I am sure GN5 would not want that.
RA – Raddy likes wearing leathers, black with zips. That’s how I remember him 🙂 Honest to Dennis
Hi Evonne
‘Black with zips’ has that boy no shame? lol
Got to go. Be nice, guys! lol
janman, there is absolutely no reason for you to stop blogging on AA. Your comments are typically well informed and not controversial. You happened to make what I considered to be an ill informed comment about a very decent boy and family.
I need to chose an ebook from these 3 biographies:
Harry Redknapp £8.99, Fergie £12.99 or Jennifer Saunders £9.99
Any tips?
Have you seen this, Micky?
Wow.
Friend of a friend has a surfy business called Northcore and he posts on Facepalm.
http://www.northcore-europe.com/
Janman
Don’t be daft.
We are talking about the Justin Bieber who spat at some of his fans from a balcony window in July — a very decent boy indeed.
(not only is this well documented there are photos as well)
This was pointed out by 1NilDown2OneUp on twatter.
Scroll down and have a look at the Top Scorers section a page or two down.
Then click on ‘View all top scorers’.
Notice any difference? 🙂
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/
Janman. Please reconsider. You are a valued blogger and your input will be missed.
Janman – NO!!! We all have our problems blogging, such is human nature. I had fallen out with one particular gentleman and we both hated each other’s guts for yonks. But now we respect each other and I am delighted I or he didn’t stop blogging here.
Come on, shit happens, so what?
Perhaps I have over reacted. The comment and reaction from GN5 really got under my skin. I am actually half American, half German, my company is based in South Carolina (run by my son) but I spend most of my time in Germany and France (my wife is German) as I deal personally with most of the overseas European contracts and she is the company’s certified translator and negotiator. Coming from the USA and being fully aware of the news scene within the USA I am fully aware of the antics and behavior that surround this so called nice boy! (Sorry GN5)
Anyway, lets’ all move on as this whole issue is far too ridiculous to be on this blog. Sorry!
We should be talking about the team to face Chelsea tomorrow and the upcoming games with Liverpool and Man Utd a far worthier topic than something as stupid as Justin Bieber!
Janman, there is absolutely no need for you to withdraw from the blog. You are a valued member of the AA community, as is GN5.
I’m sure he would be the first to tell you that disagreements of this kind are not uncommon and blow over as quickly as they develop. Its inevitable that once in a while a comment that is innocuous to one blogger will hit a nerve with another. As others have said, please reconsider and let’s put it behind us …. no more to be said 🙂
Haha, Janman, your comment was posted whilst I was typing mine. Welcome back 😆
Blogging is a funny thing. Because you do not see the people you are communicating with in person, there is sometimes the tendency, and all of us suffer from it to some measure, of going over the line sometimes. “Getting under the skin” if you may, JanMan. I am also new to this, and have made mistakes like this.
All done, wash your hands off it and on with the show! Welcome back, JanMan!!!
Good to see you back JanMan
Blog fallouts are a little bit like been in love. You have a quarrel, feel bad about it and end up announcing your walking out.
A few hours later, upon realisation of how much you love the blog, you feel bad for your hasty outburst and decide to come back.
However, like all relationships, in six months time someone will say something that really annoys, but you will think “oh stuff you” and not even bother replying.
In 2 years time you will probably blame Rasp for ruining your life, dream of kicking LB of his bike, and fantasise beating me with a blunt instrument
Wellcome back
You are half Septic, half German and clearly a devoted Arsenal supporter…………..this really is unusual but very, very interesting I have to say.
So Janman please tell, how did you come to be a supporter of the Good Guys?
GN5. Cyber hand shake. Good night all.
Terry
2 years? I give it two weeks before he is dreaming of kicking me off my bike. lol
Thats true LB, was just trying to be kind. hahaha
LB. Short and sweet. I lived in Enfield for a couple of years in my younger days when I was rebelling against my parents . A former girlfriend at that time was an Arsenal fan and she took me to my first Arsenal game. I have been hooked ever since!
Janman, I was born in Enfield, what was your manor? Without revealing too much, which decade were you born in?
Rasp. I spent 18 months in Ponders end. My girl friend at that time lived on Crescent Road. I was born in 53.
Rasp. I spent a little over 18 months in Ponders end. My girlfriend at that time lived on Crescent Road. I was born in 53.
Strange. When I viewed the site my comment had not posted so I re posted the comment and now they are both shown? Oh well.
Hi JanMan, I know Ponders Plonk (as its known for some reason), if you were only there for 18 months our paths would not have crosssed – looks like we both escaped 😛
Who’s Justin Bieber?
Is he a poet?
Chas
I checked out that ‘Top Scorers’ link to the BBC Football Premier League page.
What it tells me is that that page was edited on that day by a Spud fan.
If the situation was reversed and I had the chance to erase some successful Spud scorers from history I would do it in an instant 🙂
Ha ha,
The moral of this is simple.
If you want to move swiftly into the Inner Sanctum on AA, insult someone then immediately announce a full and robust apology to said insultee, his family, his friends, his agent, and his dog. Most important, make it sound sincere. Well, sincereish 🙂
Reminds me of that MP calling the policeman a Pleb. Funniest “full and robust apology” I ever heard 🙂
Motning Chas
Wow, indeed, saw your links. That big wave in Portugal is the same as I posted a week or so ago when Garrett Macnamara broke the World Record.
Apart from it’s terrifying size is the fact that it breaks onto the rocks, which you can’t see in the vids.
Oh, check this out from your mates’ site, Chas.
Although LB, Raddy and 26 may get a little over excited as well, given they make a bicycle version as well.
It can take an 8′ Mal. Fantastically dangerous, and could be a new sport all in itself 🙂
http://www.northcore-europe.com/moped-surfboard-rack.html
Ooops, guess I didn’t put my clock back an hour 🙂
Motning,
The link for that Nazare clip suggests it was from yesterday.
More here.
http://www.sundancebeach.com/blog/carlos-burle-rides-biggest-wave-ever/
Motning again,
Chas, what I meant was that it was the same wave that Garrett Macnamara broke the record on back in January.
Love the animation.
I’m getting excited about your trip to Germany.
Looking forward to the photo/video story.
Especially the dancing in lederhosen. 🙂
Morning All,
chas. That surf vid in Portugal is very good., the people who “ride” the waves are complete nutters but remarkably skillful and brave.
I watched the Norwich game in a bar in Budapest and of course there were chaps in the red and white to chat to, mainly Africans who live and breathe AFC. It is great going to foreign places and meeting fellow gunners.
Hey Daddy,
I’m half way through the Chas Dortmund vid. Just spotted a hot dog stand. Bratwurst. Pre-match nibbles sorted 🙂
I’m unlikekely to top the three Merguez Dogs I had outside Stade de France, but I’ll try.
Looks a bit scary & where are we going to park? 🙂
Crikey. It’s like the 1934 Nuremberg Rally when the compere gets ’em going.
I reckon it must be best atmosphere in Europe. Cannot wait.
I feel The Full Kit coming on 🙂
You need a German Evonne, who’ll let you park on her front exposure, then get the metro to the ground. 🙂
“A German Evonne”
Holy Shit 🙂
front exposure ROLF LAMOW
Holy Shit. Hahahahahaha.
Here’s that chap’s facepalm page.
I think you still have access to the links even though you’re not logged in.
https://www.facebook.com/Northcore?hc_location=stream
Hey Raddy
Don’t think we’re going to out sing them. Best take the guitar 🙂
……and a fairly big amp.
Northcore. That’s a great Facebook site.
Let’s take Chary 🙂
I want one of those surf board carriers, they look really cool, I will get the surfboard and the moped later.
A very interesting team selection tonight.
Some of the positions are obvious but the rest, who knows.
—————–Fabianski
Jenkinson, XXXXX, Vermaelen, Monreal
——-XXXX, Frimpong, XXXX,
——-Gnabry, Bendtner, XXXX
Not much surfing in Denmark 😦
I have a battery amp which will surely drown out the feeble vocal chords of all those undernourished Germans.
Chas – this time you crossed the line with you petty little digs at me. I have had enough. Knowing about my background and nationality you continue to link me with the nation I most despise. Also, parking on my front has not very subtle sexual connotations which I object to. What gives you the right to discuss it?
I don’t know why you continue picking and intimidating me, but i don’t think I can continue blogging here. With regret I am resigning.
This may assist you with parking and traveling to Dortmund.
http://www.bvb.de/?%99Y%1B%E7%F4%9D
only testing DidIt’s advice at 4:18am. Instead of sleeping soundly he gives advice not to be listened to! motning Micky:)
Not much of anything in Denmark. bar the windmills
GN5 – don’t you go into hiding!!! if not for you Rocky and I wouldn’t even know who Justin Biber was 🙂
oh no, no no!! Nobody is begging me to come back 😦 😦
Shit, now I really have to resign.
Evonne
They were forming a queue for your front exposure earlier on.
Morning all,
I don’t think Frimpong will feature after his twitter Faux pas last night …. in fact I reckon he has bought his ticket out of Arsenal with that tweet
Morning Rasp
What did he say?
Ahh, I have just seen it.
Actually I think he would have more chance of playing for Arsenal if he was German and black.
Good morning all,
As reported on the official page yesterday, Wenger said Frimpong “is still short of competition.” Not sure if that was before or after the twitter comment, but either way baring some injuries, it looks like we won’t see him tonight.
Evonne
Chas has told me he loves you, and feels helpless, and anyway, I’m far worse than he is, and if you quit, then so do I. Come on, hug 🙂
Come on lads, what did Frimpong say. It was in the public domain after all?
Morning LB … your reasoning being that if he were German he’d have been coached more technically from an early age? 🙂
Morning all
There’s a New Post ………..
micky 🙂
Frimp said that he would have more of a chance at Arsenal if he was white English. Idiot. Polish have more chance than English
Oh blast, I interupted a really good chat there, sorry guys.
I don’t know if this is still available, it’s from last night.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BXrhMuFIUAEG5lQ.jpg:large
evonne – at least other bloggers talk to you, they all run away when I come on 😉