I am at a loss. We are about to play our local rivals in an FA Cup game at our home ground and yet ….. look at this face …… Is it bothered? Be honest …. are you as tense as you would expect?
So what is this lack of enthusiasm? Is it the belittling of the FA Cup? I loved it as a child when everything was focussed on the “most important Cup in world team football”, but the Champions League has dulled my passion. Even more worrying is that we are playing Spurs and …. I had better stop – I am boring myself.
Any visit from the miscreants who leak their way through the primordial slime of Tottenham into the magnificent arena that is the Emirates is a chance to retain bragging rights. Today is no exception. And perhaps here is the rub ….. I don’t consider Spurs as rivals, and haven’t for a number of years. Yes, they have done well in the recent past and almost achieved something significant, but the fact is that they haven’t. They are Forever in our Shadow.
Not surprisingly Spurs fans see things differently; when they beat us last season my mail inbox was full, I had phone calls from all around the world, I had over 20 text messages within 15 minutes of the final whistle – every man jack Spurs fan whom I had ever met felt the need to crow, “The worm had turned, Arsenal were doomed, Spurs were on the march to London domination. AVB is a genius ( 😀 ), Wenger has lost it, etc etc”.
Do Gooners respond to an Arsenal win in the same manner? Of course not and for many reasons, primarily because we know that we support a bigger club: Not just in terms of trophies, fans, stadium, history but also in every single aspect of a football club.
Spurs are very confident going into the game – so they should be after beating MU – it was a fine victory. Ade is playing his 6 decent games a season and we all know he scores at the Emirates, Eriksen looks like the creative player they have been missing, the central defence has improved with the signing of Chiriches and as ever they have strong attacking FB’s.
And …. we have an injury list as long as a whale’s todger.
We are none of us particularly interested in the ever-so-dull Spurs, so lets move onto the men who matter ……
Arsenal: Who knows whether Mr Wenger will prioritise the FAC? This is another opportunity to get the trophy monkey off his back but given the injury list and his focus on the CL and PL, Mr Wenger may choose to play a weakened team. I don’t believe he will as he knows how important beating Spurs is to the fans and winning is a habit. As such, and given there is a week until our next game, I expect to see us line up with a strong team.
Ramsey, NB, Gibbs, probably Giroud, maybe Ozil and the usual suspects are out.
If OG is out we have little choice but to continue with Theo and Podolski in a 4-4-2, it didn’t work vs Cardiff but to be fair the Welshman defended very well and there was no space for our attackers. Today should be different , especially if Özil is fit; he knows Podolski’s game and is starting to find Walcott’s runs.
I don’t like the Arteta/Flamini combo, and would much rather see Rosicky start alongside Arteta but AW will play safe.
My Team
Our problems may arise should we be losing with 20 mins to go and need some attacking thrust off the bench – there is none. We can hope for something special from Gnabry or Ryo but this puts quite some weight on very young shoulders .
Expect Spurs to play the entire game on the counter-attack. Both their goals at Old Trafford came from breakaways and it will come as no surprise to see Sherwood park the bus, pack midfield and look for the pace of Soldado and Lemon to set up Ade.
Combined Team: Not as easy as I first thought.
GK: Two excellent young keepers, both prone to silly mistakes, both first choice for their countries, both highly thought of by their team’s fans. Having done some research as to which GK made the least mistakes leading to goals in 2013 I was surprised to find it was our TPIG!
Defence: Our defence works as a unit, individually there may be some question as to whether Sagna is better than Walker or if Rose is the equal of Gibbs but our CB’s are the best in the PL as is our goals against record.
Midfield. OK. Sandro is a decent player, so is Dembele. Eriksen has potential. Capoue is a player I hoped we would sign but instead we got Flamini. Let’s be honest all our MFs are better, even our B team midfield would get a gig at WHL.
Attack. Giroud or Soldado? Lemon or Walcott? Ozil or Townsend/Ade or whoever else Spurs have who can play as an attacker?
so ….. here it is the combined Arsenal/Spurs team:
I know what you Spurs fans are thinking ….. where are Wilshere, Rosicky, Podolski, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Monreal, and Vermaelen (all internationals)? And you are right. sadly there are only 11 places up for grabs.
The bookies have us as favourites and they are seldom wrong. Given a fair performance from referee Mark Clattenberg, the 4th round awaits.
Written by Big Raddy
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
Ha Ha Ha
“I know what you Spurs fans are thinking ….. where are Wilshere, Rosicky, Podolski, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Monreal, and Vermaelen”
Boiled eggs all over the floor ROLF MAJOR 🙂
Big Raddy kills dis one with just on throw. An epic write up with excellent finishings to the end. Would make a good reading to get oneself relieved of pressure. Very amusing stuff 4 all both spurs fan can’t help but enjoy dis write up.
Morning
Great pre-match Raddy, I was getting worried that you might let a spud crawl into the combined team just to show willing but you haven’t let us down 😉
Cup or no cup, we must be the victors today, bragging rights rule 🙂
Paul. Thanks – that has made my morning
Genius!
1-0 to the Arsenal today i think.
Ah, so you’re one of those people for whom football began in 1992 and subscribe to the idea that the only clubs worth playing for are those in the CL. No wonder football is so predictable nowadays with the same few teams dominating.
Even as a Spurs fan, I enjoyed this pre-match write up. Goodun!
But… COYS
Mr Prawn sandwich
Not that this makes any difference to my opinion about Spurs but I come from a family of Spurs fans and used to go and watch the Danny Blanchflower team.
Can you say the same???
As to the value of the CL – if it wasn’t so important to Spurs why are you so desperate to get in?
Great read Radd, cheers!
I like your team and combined team selections, very accurate. Mind you, with all those injuries that you mentioned it would be hard to compile a different starting XI. But never mind, the weakened team looks strong enough for me. And let’s forget the “should we be losing with 20 mins to go” – it aint gonna to happen
I am often told that I am a typical Arsenal supporter – it doesn’t matter if we win eff all again, for as long as we beat Spurs 🙂 correct 🙂
‘morning AAers, another fine, impartial, accurate and entertaining pre-match BR thank you.
Regardless of the competition the NLD has always been a special occasion and will continue to be so even when when it is restricted to cup competitions following Spurs relegation to the Championship.
You’re a brave man Big Raddy to put up a starting eleven, I suspect Le Professeur will spring a surprise or two although with nine days of rest to follow today’s game burnout shouldn’t be a problem.
Nice write up Raddy. Great way too start my day. my favorite?
“I know what you Spurs fans are thinking …..
where are Wilshere, Rosicky, Podolski, Oxlade-
Chamberlain, Monreal, and Vermaelen (all
internationals)? And you are right. sadly
there are only 11 places up for grabs”
Surely we couldn’t possibly lose to this spurs side. They’re only slightly better than manyoo and IMO manyoo are shite, which makes spurs relegation fodder.
Good morning Evonne, absolutely right, always the top priority. 😀
Brilliant, BR, simply brilliant.
Love the combined team and the length of the injury list. 😆
I am going to back Barnley, WBA and Rochdale to win today.
Someone must be itching to write a report on this game ……… 😉
Hello evonne – I did reply to you ……..
A typically enjoyable pre-match Raddy.
According to my research, which is not always 100%, Mark Clamityberg has been in charge of 23 Arsenal games and our record has been W15, D1, L7 – so a 65% win record.
Trouble is that he is never too far away from controversy, lets hope that today he is invisible – some hope I guess.
I have two wishes today 1) Ade gets sent off. 2) We win the game after he has been sent off…………
You know that diving is rife when a manager doesn’t even understand what a dive is!
Anyone else heard Mourinho today?
How can he say there are no divers at Chelsea a week after Oscar gets booked for diving! What a mug.
The PL is full of it and the European leagues are even worse. It’s gotten so bad that Mourinho only seems to think a dive is when it’s blatantly obvious. What annoys me is players falling over at the slightest touch, but some managers now seem to think this is smart play. It’s a joke.
Rant over!
Do we have a game today…? 🙂
C’mon you GUNNERS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwC9EnJMhUk
Great write up Raddy and had me chuckling. Sorry I have not been on much recently. Busy ++ at work and building work on the house combined with bloody scandinavians decending on us for x-mas did for me (you know what I mean Raddy).,
Combined team? I thought, where on earth is he going with this one? Lol, brilliant.
Superb PM BR.
I make a point of never listening to Mourinho, I recommend it, life is so much better.
Sat on the train. Ant’s cracked open a bottle of 4-4-2 and is on his first bag of crisps. Bring it on.
Good one Raddy,
My opinion is this, , I know I’m in a minority, start as many non regulars as possible, , rest our best.
Play all out attacking, high risk, go for an overwhelming win,, much rather a loss than a replay.
Avoid a replay at all costs. Maybe even a necessary own goal. 😉 this means allot more to them than to us. We have a title fight,, and I would hate to jeopardize our chances at all by adding any more matches.
Not seen a whale’s protruderence yet!
Ant has 2 500ml bottles of real ale and 2 440ml Magners.
Train journey is 1hour 45mins.
It’ll never last. 🙂
Love Nwokolo’s reference to “both Spurs fan” as both bigs them up but fan brings them down to the correct quantity!
jnyc,
We would never, ever, throw the game the rivalry is way too ingrained and bitter for any Arsenal player or manager to consider that!
We will do everything we possibly can to beat them even if it results in a replay in the “Chicken Coop”.
No ducks on here yet! Or duckies
Ant wasn’t impressed by the whale’s penis. He said Teddy Sheringham is a bigger dick.
I have a bone to pick with Evonne about who she sits next to and the gorgeous’ sandwiches (from this morning’s chat). Mulled wine up the allotment sounds like a tramp’s Christmas party.
I have lovely matched teeth you know.
Saw highlights from the 2002 double year this morning and Tim was moaning after we won against the Spuds then as well.
442- the ale with a kick.
The brewing team at Shepherd Neame have scored a winner with this superb brew. The finest malts and hop varieties were carefully selected to produce this full bodied fruity beer. 442 is a beer you wil want to tackle and no extra time is required but action replays are anticipated. Sorted… On the Magners now!
The catering service has started in first class but we’re sticking with the beer and baked snacks.
Despite the ‘duckies’ comment, Ant has nothing against bottom fanciers.
Stop spreading rumours Chas.
Sweet Jeezus….so much for me being TTotal for 13 years. The fumes today are going to kill me
We’ve just heard we have to present our tickets at the buffet for our complimentary tea or coffee. Bloody liberty.
Ant’s giving it a miss.
How was the Tramps’ party?
Ant,
As long as you keep nothing against a bottom fancier you should be OK. 🙂
Allow me to join the chorus of congratulations on a marvellous Post BR.
Beatifully written, clever and funny. Thank you. 🙂
Tee total E!! You’re always pissed when I’ve ever seen you!
The hip flask is now coming out. Jameson’s mixed with Rocky’s favourite Baileys.
On to a master brewer IPA Choice now.. Lovely
didn’t go, doing me hair instead. And watching Shitty struggling
Chas,
Ant sounds like a master magician specialising in alcoholic beverages.
Just how many secret pockets does he have.
You two should sell tickets to accompany the pair of you on an ‘away day’ to a game. I know I would buy one!! 🙂
Are you a bottom fancier?
« on: November 12, 2006, 19:00:33 PM »
Easy chaps… …What i meant was, if you have wing mounted servos, do you prefer to have your servo arms exiting the top or bottom wing surface, and which is more aerodynamically efficient (PDR the floor is yours… ).
here’s the issue, my Alula has a servo for each elevon…top or bottom??
no Ant, that’s the joy of seeing you
Rocky likes his bourbon, not Baileys!
Boyata (?) sent off
I had my hair cut especially this morning E! And there is lots to cut.
You can’t do your hair to go tothe footie!
RA -magic?? Right, you should see their shortcuts! I bet they travel to London via South Wales
I thought it was the 8 vodkas between Oakwood and Arsenal!
RA,
He has a different pocket for everything. 🙂
of course I can, highlight of the year for me so far
Trimmed my Dennis Healey’s too!
One vodka per station
Highlights as well?
i don’t believe you Ant, but you can prove it to me and Peaches in the Tavern at 4
You ought to see his Dennis Healey’s.
Flippin bulging they are.
Thanks RA.. A man of sense.
replay for Shitty, ha ha ha, lovely
Travelling via Cardiff gives you more drinking time.
I can believe that Chas, and I think he has Evonne in his pocket too.
You will have to translate Ant’s comments for me Chas – I chuckle away at them and then realise I do not understand one word he had written.
‘Wing mounted servos’, elevons and Dennis Healeys’ — all wonderful in a sentence, but ………. ?? 🙂
Might go to the Gunners instead then!
Time for one last Magners before the tube and a few pork pies!
Is elevens an anagram of the Polish one who is to be feared?
Ant,
I loved a Post Chas wrote some months ago about the pair of you on a day out and I cannot tell you how wonderful it was.
You are both on my list of things to do when I get back to the UK — I could have phrased that better — but what a wonderful, and completely spontaneous comedy act you both are. 🙂 🙂
RA – cockney slang. What rhymes with Dennis Healey and is rude?
RA,
Wing mounted servos = a speciality at Brokeback Mountain.
Dennis Healey’s = think of what’s hairy, bulging and possible to be trimmed.
Glad you enjoyed the show RA. Tickets for the next one are just a large bottom and a real ale plus snack
Dennis Healey’s = Touchy Feelies
Who are you calling a Cockney slang E? DH has no rhyming element just a hairy one.
Last bag of snacks now..sad. Sun bites sour cream and black pepper Dennis Healey’s.
I am still baffled, Chas/Evonne. 😦
Never saw Brokeback Mountain as I am waiting for the sequel, Brokeback Mountainesses!
Probably best that I remain in blissful ignorance as whatever I guess is bound to be wrong. 🙂
RA,
We’re both very shy in the flesh. Especially Ant. 🙂
Enjoy the game, guys. 🙂
I’m scared of Evonne but isn’t everyone? Especially Chas!
We will, RA. Win lose or draw there will be something to enjoy! Cheers.
I’m glad that we are not dominating the comments..
A & D up to 80 bits of complete and utter dribble.. Result! Who needs intelligent conversation anyway?
How could I be afraid of the FHWP? She’s like a gentle wafting breeze from the allotment.
I’ve smelt Chas”s wafts before!
After a vat of mulled wine and 8 vodkas!
Danny Rose’s Dad is going to be mightily miffed the young posse shunned the mulled wine extravaganza.
Not made 100 but a good effort!
🙂 🙂
You will need to waft your magic wand then Ant!!
Stop drawing me back – I am already late for a meet up with my horse!!! 🙂
All beer and snacks demolished.. Hi ho hi ho it’s off to the Tavern we go!
My horse, Geronimo says he could out waft either Evonne or Chas, but I’m not so sure!! 🙂
Sorry, all, buried under the snow in upstate Michigan!!!
Lovely pre-match Raddy, and a classic round up yesterday, Norfolk.
Lovely discussion. Will read all comments from today, but before that, lovely banter from the motning gang!!!!
Raddy: Love the combined team!!!!!! 😀 😀 😀 😛
great stuff. Ant and Duck in form!!! Particularly love the Spuds fans.
Is there a game today!!! Come on the Good Guys!!!!! Just teh small matter of leaving the bragging rights secure. 😀 😀 😀
Let’s all say nice things about the lovely Mark Clattenburg, how unfair of Southampton to malign the sweet, completely impartial pride of Consett Co. Durham.
We love your new hairstyle Marky, ever so butch and goes so well with your sparkling eyes.
I hope that’s enough to guarantee that you’re on our side.
Don’t let me down Mark.
Haha – one of your best BR 😀
Let us offer some fantastic Ant n’ Chas sandwiches to Mark. That should do the trick!!!! 😀 😀
Arsenal starting XI:
Fabianski, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Monreal, Arteta, Wilshere, Rosicky, Cazorla, Gnabry, Walcott
Subs: Viviano, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Flamini, Ozil, Podolski, Park
Tottenham starting XI:
Lloris, Walker, Chiriches, Dawson, Rose, Lennon, Bentaleb, Dembele, Eriksen, Adebayor, Soldado
Subs: Friedel, Fredericks, Fryers, Capoue, Chadli, Kane, Obika
Fabianski Sagna Koscielny Vermaelen Monreal Arteta Gnabry Wilshere Rosicky Cazorla Walcott
Bench: Viviano, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Flamini, Ozil, Podolski, Park
Interesting line-up…
Fabianski, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Monreal, Arteta, Wilshere, Gnabry Rosicky Cazorla, Walcott
The most significant thing for me is that there’s no BFG. That could prove costly…
Haha – just in case anyone missed it, the squad is announced…
4.40 is a good time for posting comments 🙂
Theo through the middle
That’s a bit odd, some bloke called Park is on the sub’s bench.
Who he? 🙂
I’ve got to go out in 5 mins. Going to have a very fragmented watch/radio match experience. Home to watch end 1st half, then back out 😦
Looking forward to seeing Gnabry.
How long before Ox back?
Perhaps AW is not prioritising the FAC as I suggested in the post,
TW must be playing as central striker!
It’s not a second string 11, but it certainly ain’t a First Team either…
As for the Tottlepudders – they’ll go all out for this because if they lose, their season is finished.
Morning all
Quite frankly I don’t like the look of the team up against potentially three strikers.
This game means much more to the fans than most of the players and as Raddy has just said AW doesn’t feel the FA Cup is a priority even with 9 days rest after this.
I hope Fabianski has taken a double dose of valium and if we have to chase the game podolski would logically be our saving grace.
Not that confident but hopefully the Home advantage and the crowd will be our twelfth man.
Can’t believe we were worried about the strength of our bench! 3 German internationals, an Italian international, an English International, a French international, and Park!!! 🙂
I really like the look of our team. Only downside is we will struggle on set pieces. I can see Gnabry giving Rose a lesson today. I really think the young German could be a quality player.
Looking at the line ups I can see my 1-0 Arsenal being blown out of the water. Maybe 5-3 Arsenal will be closer!
Really like the look of Gnabry. Just a boy yet no nerves
Get in”……..
Very happy, fantastic first half, I have always liked Gnabry’s direct approach, brilliant today. Assist for the Santi goal. COYG! On with the show!!!!! 😀 😀
What a great game and Gnabry really looks the part and is so quick. Theo and Santi both a threat everytime we attack.We have more depth in squad than I thought. it would be a travesty not to win this game. Expect mert to come on for verm after 70 minutes.
The Spuds are taking it in turns to target L’il Jack and getting away with it.
What’s the betting the first time he retaliates he will get booked, or worse?
Exciting half with our boys really pressing Spurs.
Gnabry’s pass for Santi’ goal was superb. Monreal has Lemon in his pocket so far.
Our MF’s dominant but would like the ref to take note of the rotational fouling on Wilshere who is getting kicked from pillar to post
Redders: What can you do? With Jack, it is an attitude thing. Hope he grows up soon. 😀 😀
RA 🙂
Raddy, glad you agree with my 6:05. 🙂
The problem is that everyone now knows Jack has a bit of a short fuse, and tries to exploit this. No protection from the refs. We have to live with this, I am afraid!!!!! 😦
arnie, Jack is responding the way the Spuds want. They know he is frustrated because the ref is not giving him any protection.
Hopefully AW will have a word at half time to cool it.
Redders: Yes, hope so. 😀
Lovely finish from Tomas
This is exciting. Let us see how Ozil and Gnabry combine!!!!! 😀 😀
10 minutes with 10 men. Grrr
Kozzer is far and away the man of the match. 🙂 🙂
He just gobbles up everything.
2-0 to the Arsenal. Job well done. Gnabry MOTM for me, followed closely by Rosicky, Santi and Kos
Woweeeeee
You are a goal scorer groupie, arnie. 🙂
ITV briliant in capturing personal off-the-ball snippets from the game. Three of my highlights from today.
1. Theo, on the stretcher, in front of the TotNumb fans, showing 2-0 with a grin on his face.
2. Gnabry gets a congratulatory tap on the head, first from Rosicky, and then Santi.
3. Rosicky, defending a corner, gives Ade a nice squeeze on the bum.
Lovely game, great result.
Redders: 😀 😀
Nice reflections from Wrighty in the studio!!!!!
Redders: I am becoming a big Gnabry fan!!!!!!
Super game.
Not sure about my MotM because the whole team worked so hard. Our tempo just blew Spurs away.
I will watch it again but right now my MotM is Arsene Wenger who set up the team brilliantly especially given our injuries
Raddy: Brilliant. Arsene for MOTM!!!!!! 😀 😀
fathersawhore played well for the spurstics I thought, When Danny Rose scored the winning goal in a north London derby a few years back (big hoof goalie error) the BBC (hawkphttt) did a massive human interest story on him on 5live interviewing his relatives back in the west Indies a good ten minutes airtime, will ‘aunty’ do the same again?
I don’t think anyone can argue that we were the better side.There is a new resiliance in this squad .
Walcott was getting abuse whilst injured and on the stretcher and all he did was hold up the score.
The boy Gnabry looks another great find and this result will add more confidence to a very good Arsenal side.
Phil McNulty, BBC Sport Chief Football Writer at Emirates StadiumArsenal 2-0 Tottenham
“If anything this was more emphatic than the 2-0 scoreline suggests. Arsenal were vastly superior in all departments to Spurs, who never got anywhere near the level that saw them win at Manchester United on New Year’s Day.”
Was Lemon playing? If so Nacho made him invisible
Great pre-match writing, BR. Great result as well.
Even seeing Walcott stretchered off couldn’t dampen my mood when I see Gnabry looking livelier than all Spuddies put together.
It’s always a great day for us when we shoo those noisy chickens back inside their coop 😀
What a fantastic game, the team played really well collectively. Rosicky my motm, you’d never believe he is well into his 30’s with his energy and work rate. Played a brilliant game today and he seems to be making up for lost time due to his injuries in the past with this second coming. Would be very upset if Wenger doesn’t offer him a new contract, football wise and attitude wise he’s been fantastic. Cazorla too played a great game and what a finish that was.
Special shout out to my new Arsenal hero Theo for that simply brilliant “2-0” gesture towards the Spurs fans. What a lad. Hope his injury isn’t serious, wasn’t on the scoresheet today but he did make a few decent runs and got into a couple of good scoring positions. Was a tad bit selfish today tho.
All in all, a great day at the office and this will be a massive boost to our momentum and confidence.
We’ll that was a pretty perfect afternoon….missed the second goal as I was bathing George, but he was sat next to me and my Dad when Santi rammed home the first, 3 generations of Gooners cheering on the sofa….perfect.
Highlights of the day…..Roy Keane:
“You get what you expect from Spurs they let you down every time” ROLFd almost as much as when I read Raddys pm.
Although Theo’s 2-0 reminder to the Spuds was equally joyous.
What a fun afternoons football.
Well that was rather good, wasn’t it? 😀
Nice to see the big gulf between the teams has been re- established. There was really only ever one team in it.
Oh also a word on the numpty pundit that is Andy Townsend.
Opening twenty minutes:
“Spurs are not going to hand about on the break they are looking to move it forward as quickly as possible when they get possession, good approach to the game”
Last ten minutes:
“Spurs just haven’t taken enough care of the football when they’ve had it”
Rocky you were right to want a Spud win at OT, it makes today and their level of expectation more enjoyable 🙂
Ooops left out our German wonderkid Serge Gnabry. Very impressed with him, he’s shown great skill and abilitity for a player of his age as displayed by his constant dribbles and that pass to Cazorla. Simply exciting to watch and marginally behind Rosicky for my motm. Bags of potential in this kid and will be one to watch out for the future.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/theo-walcott-funny-photos-winger-2988889
Mertesecker and Kozzer compliment each other beautifully and when the BFG came on they carried on as if neither had been injured or rested. Class!
On the other hand, I hope we do not lose the Verm. He really played very well today, and did so while Kozzer was under doctors orders too. It would be unfortunate if he has suffered another long term injury. Me like him. 🙂 (as an Arsenal player I mean) 🙂
Must have been brilliant to be at the Emirates. Superb atmosphere – am deeply envious
Adrian
I agree on TR7 as MoTM – but it’s a close call because everyone played so well.
Very honourable mentions to Monreal (fantastic performance both defensively and going forward); Kozzer – peerless; Santi – worked his socks off and a brilliant goal; Sagna – what a battler; Fabianski – very little to do but made a very important save just 8 minutes in; Theo – constant threat; Jack – some real quality from our little No 10; Vermaelen – fine performance until forced off injured; Gnabry – what a talent, so fearless; Arteta – Mr Consistency; the BFG – simply unbeatable; Flamini – love him; Ozil – what a player to bring off the bench!
As GiE says, hopefully that has put a stop to any idea of a Spud revival under Sherwood… which makes their defeat of ManUre a good thing. You’ve got to fancy Swansea to knock out ManUre tomorrow.
The thing about today is that those Spudders are going home knowing that they are now a long, long way behind us in terms of quality, ambition and squad depth.
Lucky for them we didn’t play our full first team 🙂
The “wit” of Daniel levy (ahem)…
Daniel Levy @DanielLevySpurs 50m
Left hand is how many cup finals he has played in. Right hand is how many cups he has won. pic.twitter.com/vKaifcjijU
end of your season boy …apart from the spursday night’s club ☺
When AW was praising the Spuds and Tim Sherwood earlier this week for their “adventurous” approach of playing 4-4-2 with two strikers, I thought to myself: “Why is he saying this? He must want the Spuds to persist with that approach when they play us, rather than pack the midfield…”).
Well, Sherwood fell for it hook, line and sinker – he was suitably flattered by praise from the great man, kept the 4-4-2 and duly saw his team played off the park 😀
BR you are right it was great to be there and the arse fans were superb and Spuds barely mustered a song. Their season is over..hee hee
Sherwod is a Gooner…
Did spurs have a shot on target?
Ant: we should support a Sherwood campaign!!!!!! 😀 😀
Evonne has a lovely new hairstyle.
That guy Soldildo had a great reputation before he arrived at the Spu ds but his value must have halved since then.
Very poor — and shows why Aw has to be cautious who he brings in — if anyone.
Have you got a room yet Arnie?
ha ha ha, Ant, next time I am down to London, I will send a sweet couple of words before hand. 😀 😀
RA – S’Dildo lived up to his name again.. Pants! If that’s not a contradiction in terms.
cannot beat a NLD atmosphere, brilliant 🙂
Ant – and you almost ended up with a new face! Fancy upsetting already angry Spurs
Is it a Healy, Ant?
And by the way I am very impressed that you are still compus mantis after drinking the contents of your secret pockets on the train down. 🙂
Superb to see Peaches and GoonerB in the pub before the game. Magnificent to watch the game with Evonne, though she us keen on starting fights if at all possible.
Perfectly sober eh Evonne?
compos = compus (tch tch) 🙂
Chas – Theo made hand gestures to the spuds when he was stretched off, hence the violence and police
mentis = mantis (shitty auto correction) 🙂 This computer does not speaka da Latin!
He was cowering away from me even though I was 18 inches smaller! There are always obnoxious fans and they are often Spuds..
I really feel like a member of the Polish Ultras now.
But did she protect you, Chas? 🙂
No Ant, you are not sober, were not for the past 4 hours dear 🙂 Sitting half naked in the freezing cold is not wise
I thought the violence and police was just after Evonne sang , “you’re going home in a London ambulance….”
Her hair got in the way of any trouble..
Both spuds were scum, are scum and aways be scum. Their support was terrible and they looked even worse.
Lovely large sweets E.
Half naked..my arse!
no, not your arse dear, your chest
off to walk the cat, laters
RA,
Yes, a girl that chews nails for breakfast is something to be reckoned with. I owe my life.
Arnie- and don’t forget your coat!
That poor cat!
Evonne,
If Theo made hand gestures to the spuds when he was – stretched off – hence the violence and police, that was probably because they were jealous!!
Altho I think you may have meant ‘stetchered off’. 🙂
I was hoping to get stretched off at half time but alas, I just had to put up with half an orange.
Tactics were spot on and team selection with only BFG making us look stronger when he came on after Verminator’s injury. Flam made sense to shore up things near the end and the Spuds were hopeless throughout. What do you think Alan?
2The0 won’t get a Wilshere stylie ban will he ffs???☻
I bet Battenberg enjoyed his half time tea and cake..
There were still spuds trying to cause trouble at Arsenal tube and at Kings Cross. Tedious arseholes.
Glad to see Gnabry didn’t let me down! He was outstanding today and looks a real find. Hopefully we will see a bit more of him in the FA cup. To play that well in a NLD isn’t easy, but you wouldn’t know it after his performance.
Monreal deserves a mention for absolutely bossing the left wing today. He saw Walker and Lennon’s pace, and raised it with tenacity, skill and composure. Outstanding.
Rosicky worked his socks off again today and got his reward. He does make the odd sloppy pass, but his forward drive and work rate are second to none. Top class.
Cazorla showed again that he has 2 right feet! Great finish for the goal with his left-sided right foot!
Finally, Theo stuck 2 fingers up to the Spurs fans and made himself an Arsenal hero. Maybe Wilshere could learn a thing or two! 😉 What a lad!
anyone know how bad Theo’s injury is?
The thing we have to know isTheo made his two finger salute with class, despite the poor stretcher bearers having to shield thir heads from the coins one was still laughing with Theo.
They were giving him verbal abuse while he was on the stretcher he sat up showed them a “nice” two and a nil and smiled, they then started throwing a few coins and he continued to smile.
I am just disappointed he didn’t then make a little heart in the style of their dear departed, that would have been icing on the cake.
Here’s what Wenger told the clubs official website:
on Walcott’s injury…
Theo has a knee problem. We dont know if it is a stretched ligament or just a kick, he got two kicks on his knee.
on Nicklas Bendtner…
It will be for one month, we expected it could have been more, but we had good news.
on Thomas Vermaelen…
He has a kick in his knee.
Fingers crossed Theo’s injury was just a knock and isn’t serious. It would be a huge blow to lose him again as he’s made a massive impact since returning from his last injury and he looked decent up front against Spurs.
Are you boys on the train back? Have you taken Evonne the Ultra Protector with you? 🙂
Rocky
Two top draw comments if you don’t mind me saying, I agree 100% with your view on the MOTM, the list of stand out players and comments you make about the them.
And the 442 comment is very insightful, it can never be proved one way or the other but I reckon you are spot on.
Evening all, fantastic result and superb performance – great shane it was at the cost of Theos injury, I hope he’s back for Bayern.
So Gnabry got the assist for Santi’s goal and Rose for Rosicky’s?
Yes RA. Back on train. Evonne is still scrapping with some Spuds on Highbury Hill! Our bodyguard has departed to torture her cat.
Mrs Fetherlite has left us to fend for ourselves.
Szczesny doing a Theo
Evonne was an extra in The Bodyguard.
The one you really want
Hello you lot
I’m just reading back through the Ant and Duck show, very amusing. But I wanted to let you know, because I know you all worry for my sanity, that I strong armed the very divine 26may to write a post for tomorrow.
In case the wine gets to me before I get back to comment tonight I have to say that that was the most one sided NLD I’ve seen for a while. We were absolutely fantastic and they were complete pants hahahahahahaha
And I know we have mentioned Gnabry before but take it from me he is super dooper fabuloso …….. should be the MOTM
Theo Theo
Goodbye from the A of A&D. It’s been lovely! ’till the next game on the train in 1st class? Micky we missed you.
Gnabry will be better than Theo.
https://twitter.com/thearsenal49ers/status/419594434305478656
Love that vid of TV5 😀
He can stay…..
Just been browsing some Spud blogs….Dear Mr Levy is a funny read, one guy is ultra positive….I don’t think there is anyone here with such a rose tint on his spectacles.
He was saying there were signs that Soldado was showing the top striker level they bought…this was the response from a more grounded Spud:
“I think Soldado has started to look like the top player”
Wow.
Since you love stats, how’s this: Bendtner’s scored more goals from open play than Soldado.
(1) Bendtner has played only 3 games
(2) Bendtner is shit
(3) Soldado has played 19 games
(4) You are insane!
Wow, GIE. Are you sure that wasnt my Totnumb supporting cousin “Ralph Coates Hair Transplant”?
That bloke is so deluded. Always cracking on how they are on the verge of a super team and will secure channel 5 football, with Saldildo spearheading them to glory.
He reckons that one day they will win the FA Cup again, with Glen Hoddle coming out of retirement to score the winner
Banging on how there time is coming, and annoying every one with his stupid catchphrase “The Face of Steve Archibald is Haunting”
The poor Bastard needs help.
Anyway, enough about him, what a splendid performance that was.
I am with Rocky. We are begging to draw away from them again, there is a gulf in class.
Of course, it was bound to happen. We are on the verge of a new era, one that will rival and I believe surpass all teams of the past.
What one can take from that game is the modern day blue print of the Arsene Genius Wenger way of playing football.
Arsene a busted flush?? hahahahaha
The Ghosts of the Thirties are Stirring
One weird element of the positive Spudder was this excuse….
“We were missing five first teamers, Arsenal started their first choice”.
Hmmmm
Giroud, BFG, Ozil, Ramsey, Gibbs. Ok they were not all unavailable but if anything proves what most of us fans have been saying about our squad depth it was our ease of victory yesterday with those 5 out. That’s not even counting Ox, Podolski and Bendtner who didn’t feature.
If I was writing the headline for today I think I’d call it:
“Let’s Talk about Depth Baby”
(One for the Salt n Peppa fans 😀 )
LB
Thanks 🙂
GIE: I love visiting that blog, feels like I’m visiting an infuriating distant cousin in a mental institution for delusional behavior. Spooky, the blogger, is alright though; doesn’t induce the hatred in me as much as other pathetic posters in comment section do.
Enough about Spuddies though. One shouldn’t bother too much about one’s shadow 🙂
My parody version of Yellow by Coldplay:
Look at the Arse…
Look how we shine above you
And everything you do
Yeah, you’re in our shadows
We came along….
We scored for fun against you
Like every time we do
And you crawled back to shadows
So, then we took our turn
Toying for 90 mins for fun
And you were chasing our shadows 😀 😀 😀
Just about to watch recording of second half.
I do know the score though 🙂
So need to chat to Ant, Duck and Evonne 🙂
Right some football
Morning All,
It came as some surprise how much better we were than them. They threatened for the first 15 mins but after that we were in total control.
There was a comment from a Spurs fan on BBC – “Sherwood is so naive playing 2 strikers (4-4-2)” – yet they complained non-stop about AVB only playing one striker and isolating Soldildo! Numpties
Playing Theo central really worked for us and with a bit of luck he would have scored. It gives AW a Plan B.
Still a very happy man about this AFC team who are showing a glimpse of the glorious future ahead.
As TMHT says … The Ghosts
That really was the easiest win of the season, I cannot think of another team that troubled us less. And talking of team, Wenger’s selection made sense to me immediately.
Tottenham cannot stop themselves coming on to us, which always leaves huge amounts of space and when there is space it is always Theo time. He wasn’t as clinical as perhaps he needs to be but that is forgivable as he hasn’t played that role for a while and was clearly a bit rusty but the sterling work he did do should not be forgotten.
I like that position for Wilshere — next to Arteta — not in front, that role, the attacking midfield role was given to Rosicky and boy did he carry out his duty well.
See the difference now?
Admittedly I probably should vent my frustration at Wenger, who makes these decisions, a bit more rather than Wilshere but how can any Arsenal supporter be annoyed with anything this morning.
I could waffle for ever on this one; but, a happy day to be a Gooner, probably says it all.
LB, you need to stop posting comments, too many of your comments are points I’ve made in the March report!
Re Jack, it was noticeable how much of the time he stepped up to form a line of four with Cazorla, Rosicky and Gnabry. The Spurs formation made that possible.
Good comment from Exile at 4.26am (little George giving you a broken night, Exile??). Didn’t the Spuds used to tell us not long ago that they had the superior squad depth? And that was before they spent £100m on seven players.
Perhaps it is being too critical of a manger who has little or no experience …. but ……
Spurs were two down with at least 10 mins to play. Arsenal lose their only striking option to injury and have 10 men, what does Sherwood do? Nothing.
Any reasonably intelligent man would have thrown the kitchen sink at the game and brought on other attackers (the much talked about Kane was on the bench) as Spurs had only made one change.
Fortunately, Tim-but-Dim is not reasonably intelligent and will be gone with the summer breeze.
LB – indeed, not possible to be annoyed today
I thought it was a great game, fantastic atmosphere and excellent result. Not much to moan about.
I didn’t think we played great (too many poor passes, lost possession, unnecessary fouls), but Spurs made us look awesome. They were really pants, looked like a random selection of players that never met before. Shocking display from the team that beat ManU.
Gnarby was very, very good, what a fast nimble little mover he is, lovely to watch. From a distance he looks like Theo, but the movements are distinctively recognisable, very skillful.
I agree that we bossed the game and a special mention to Fabiansky who didn’# have much to do but IMO his distribution is better than Szsney.I also think when required monreal could play more forward not just as an alternative to Gibbs
I don’t wear rose tinted glasses yet we are top of the league it’s a pity we had sickness when we played United as we deserved at least a point, and how we lost to a poor villa side is unbelievable.
It’s not so much about our hectic schedule in february against the so called top teams as they will all drop unexpected points as seen already this season..
I was wrong about Mertesacker initially and Walcott to an extent but if you want I will write a post about Ozil, why we bought him, the cost and about the comparison with our other attacking midfielders. It will be contraversial.
By the way the crowd were fantastic yesterday.
And finally about the post game incident. And and Chas are only joking that I was fighting with the spuds. It is not true. 2 huge TH supporters were looking for a fight, they were seriously wired and stranded in a queue to the tube among happy Gunners. The woman was provoking fights and her shrek was following ready to punch someone, anyone.
Ant got in the way and she started screaming abuse at him. I saw the giant making his way towards us, so I placed myself between them and merry Ant, hoping that even swamp dwellers will not attack an old lady. and it worked thank Dennis 🙂 I would really hate to get my mink coat bloody
“Spurs made us look awesome” lol
hello AAers?
Today feels unusual. Sunny bright Sunday midday with a cherry on top! Ha ha. Great win yesterday and a fine one for that matter . Sp*rs were no threat at all.
I have sent an email to arsenalnuts. its from mic.mw ……… @gmail.com just in case it ends up in the spam box.
Another footballing great has passed away: Eusebio has died.
Gnabry was paying Theo too much respect in the first half, there were opportunities for him to take matters into his own hands but he wrongly looked for Walcott. This is minor and he will learn.
With limited knowledge, he seems to me very, very similar to the Ox, I can’t see how things are going to work next season with all of Walcott, Gnabry and the Ox in the same squad.
kelsey – thank you, yes we were good! sore throats all around
and yes kelsey, we want a controversial post from you
Morning 🙂
Please, please tell me it’s true, that the elegant, lady-like Evonne, spent the morning doing her hair for the game, then spent the afternoon leaning over from the top tier yelling “you’re going home in a London ambulance” to Spuds lot
Kelsey
I don’t agree with your article 🙂
Does that help provoke you to pen it?
Micky – I was in charge of 2 children, someone had to behave like an adult.
Chas brought packed lunch for me too 🙂 It was delish! thanks monster
Ah, the packed lunch.
2 x bottles 4-4-2, 2 x Magners and a crisp 🙂
If you didn’t listen to this the first time, you really should now.
LB
Have you got shares in Mr Williams? 🙂
26 Mrs Exile has been complaining about some illness and I have been stepping up to the plate. We have George’s First Birthday Party today so I was up at the crack of dawn starting to get ready. I’m going to be ready for bed at 7pm!
nope! pork pie, sausage roll, large cookie and a chocolate bar, lovely 🙂
happy birthday George!!!
No jokes about Dawn, Lads.
Just a thought.
No sign of Chas this morning 🙂
Happy birthday to George, and what a start to the day for Dawn.
Distasteful 26 🙂
26, As someone who has disappeared after a game with Evonne, do you have any thoughts on the fate of Gorgeous?
😀 I knew the motning crew couldn’t resist that open goal.
ok Micky, let me call him downstairs – Chas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just sorting the post ………… back in a bit.
Happy Birthday George
New Post everyone ……………………..