Arsenal’s final game at the Boleyn, a stadium filled with bubbles, passion and occasional violence.
Bob gave his reminiscences yesterday – here are some of mine:
- The first time I visited Upton Park was in the 60’s. I was astonished to find that the disgusting men’s toilets had no washing facilities. I know this was in the days of black and white but even so …
- 2. The Chicken Run. Terrifying place which our away boys tried to take season after season. Tried being the operative word because WHU had some of the most violent fans in the league.
- Racism. The Chavs are possibly worse but this is the only ground where I have seen bananas thrown at a player – in this case Kevin Campbell.
- Liam Brady. It hurt so much to see a hero playing well for the claret and blue.
- John Radford. See 4. but thankfully he didn’t play very well for them – scoring zero goals in 28 apps!
- Ian Wright. See 4.& 5. Though Wrighty MBE scored on his debut for WHU.
There are many other memories. I loved the bubbles pre-match, enjoyed the Hammers singing,and the passion they have for their club.
West Ham were “The Academy”, the club with 3 WC winners, a club closely attached to their locality but the future? Will they carry their proud history over to the new stadium? I doubt it but money rules and tradition is just history and as any accountant will tell you, you cannot bank tradition.
Onto today: Hugely important for both teams. WHU have (astonishingly) the chance to get into the CL! We need to keep up the pressure on the Miscreants and Leicester. Would either club be happy with a draw?
Bilic has done a remarkable job and in any other season would be a shoe-in for Manager of the Year. Think of it this way – how many of the claret and blue would you have in Arsenal’s first team? Payet perhaps, but ahead of Ozil? Not for me. Nonetheless, Bilic has created a team which has beaten us at the Emirates and every team in the top 6.
Should Ramsey return for AFC? I guess bench at best. Iwobi is doing too well to drop and the team looks settled for the first time since Cazorla’s injury.
BFG? WHU have some big units and perhaps it would be erudite to start the German, especially as Giroud is likely to be on the bench and as such unable to help at set plays.
Thinking of set plays; when have you ever seen a better free kick than Payet’s vs Palace? We need defensive discipline and not give him the opportunity to test our GK.
Is Cech fit? If so, he must start. Ospina has done very well but Cech is different gravy.
So, our team: I expect an unchanged side as the performances against Everton and Watford were so good.
West Ham? Will they give it the beans knowing they have a huge FA Cup game at home to MU on Weds? Of course they will – they always do against us.
Under normal circumstances I would be happy to leave East London with a draw but if we are to put pressure on Leicester and the swamp-dwellers then saying goodbye to the Boleyn with 3 points is a must. Will we get them? Why not?
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
Excellent, BR.
I didn’t realise Liam played well for West Ham.I thought he was past it by that stage.
I was saying to Ant in the pub that Wenger might play Giroud to counter Andy Carroll, not realising that he hasn’t been getting a game. Just imagine the outcry if the FP started.
Must be the same team.
He was past it but the man was a magician . I think it was GG who refused to sign him when Liam returned from Italy
Thanks for the read BR
I does seem as though AW has found his best 11 with the addition of Cech of course, Ospina has been playing very well and I would not be disappointed to see him between the sticks although the next time I expect to see him is if we lose.
That’s to say that I believe that if we lose just once our season is over and Wenger will immediately start building for the new season and that will mean the reintroduction of Wilshere as well as some pitch time for Rosicky.
The reason for the latter will be to try and give TR the opportunity to find a new club; he won’t be with us next season but he will want to work and AW is very mindful of how he treats loyal servants as it affects the decisions of other players (Is it best for me to go or stay). It is quite clever of the club but is rarely talked about.
If you look closely you would have noticed that both Arteta and Rosicky were fit in the January transfer window, they both played in the FA cup, this is all done with the help of AW with a view to helping them find new clubs.
Now if you were Ozil would you want to stay at a club that looks after its players at the end of their career, the answer is that he is more likely than less. Obvious, I know but not often talked about.
We normally have to suffer the get rid of the dead wood comments. It really makes me wonder if those people know anything about Arsenal at all.
In recent weeks people have talked about Ramsey and Elneny vying for the same place but I don’t see things exactly that way. Although Iwobi should rightly start today Ramsey could just a easily swap with him rather than the Egyptian. In fact I expect this to happen this afternoon as AW has already said that Ramsey will play some part in the game.
Tough one to call if we drop points and the other two win our season is over, if we win and the other two drop points then Wilshere and Rosicky are going to have to wait a bit longer.
COYRRG
I remember avidly watching Brady when he first returned from Italy, it made no sense to me that we didn’t resign him but anyway he scored for West Ham possibly in his first game and went running like a maniac to celebrate with their supporters. Very confusing.
Good post BR.
But that’s enough about West Ham and their old/new stadium for me. Today is OUR most important game of the season. As LB says “I believe that if we lose just once our season is over” – title-wise that is.
REMAINING FIXTURES
Leicester will win only 1 of their 6 remaining games.
Arsenal will not lose a game, winning 6, drawing 1.
TABLE TODAY
Leicester … 69 pts
Tottenham … 62 pts
Arsenal … 58 pts
Man City … 54 pts
Man Utd … 53 pts
West Ham … 51 pts
Liverpool … 45 pts
—————————————————————-
LEICESTER – 3 home, 3 away (six games)
Sunderland v Leicester – D
Leicester v West Ham – D
Leicester v Swansea – W
Man Utd v Leicester – L
Leicester v Everton – D
Chelsea v Leicester – L
= 6 pts
TOTTENHAM – 3 home, 3 away (six games)
Tottenham v Man Utd – D
Stoke v Tottenham – D
Tottenham v West Brom – W
Chelsea v Tottenham – L
Tottenham v Southampton – W
Newcastle v Tottenham – W
= 11 pts
ARSENAL – 4 home, 3 away (seven games)
West Ham v Arsenal – W
Arsenal v Crystal Palace – W
Arsenal v West Brom – W
Sunderland v Arsenal – W
Arsenal v Norwich – W
Man City v Arsenal – D
Arsenal v Aston Villa – W
= 19 pts
MAN CITY – 3 home, 4 away (seven games)
Man City v West Brom – W
Chelsea v Man City – L
Newcastle v Man City – W
Man City v Stoke – W
Southampton v Man City – D
Man City v Arsenal – D
Swansea v Man City – W
= 14 pts
MAN UTD – 4 home, 3 away (seven games)
Tottenham v Man Utd – D
Man Utd v Aston Villa – W
Man Utd v Crystal Palace – W
Man Utd v Leicester – W
Norwich v Man Utd – W
West Ham v Man Utd – D
Man Utd v Bournemouth – W
= 17 pts
———————————
BIG AL’s FINAL ANALYSIS :
1. Arsenal … 77 pts
2. Leicester … 75 pts
3. Tottenham … 73 pts
4. Man Utd … 70 pts
5. Man City … 68 pts
ARSENAL will win the League.
A very good Post, Erik, and I loved the creative use of the adjective ‘erudite’. 🙂
I am probably already primed by all the other games when we had a MWG, so even tho’ Wham are a good team this season, I think even if they were crap that we would do our best to throw it away.
Miserable pessimist? Not usually – but when you get kicked in the goolagongs so often, in a season where we could so easily have won the title, especially with our intrepid mascots, Ant and Duck going great guns, it leaves you a little sensitive!! 😀
Hi Big Al,
If I ever get back to Thailand, I will buy you a pint, partly because you are an interesting guy, but also because you are invariably optimistic – and also quite crackers – Arsenal will win the title? – you might need more than one pint! 😀
RA. Pleased you liked it 🙂
Big Al has reason to be positive given his lifestyle!
RA
Ye of little faith.
Hope you are right Big Al
RA, et al
Just look at OUR fixtures… and points to be won.
And look at Leicester’s fixtures… and points they will NOT win.
Forget the other teams.
Why can’t you see what I see?
Big Al
I hope you’re right, too.
Cheer up RA. Football is for fun, friends, family and beer. The result is just something that you enjoy when it’s good and forget when it’s bad.
And Romford Pele in the National..woohoo
Thanks, as always, Erik.
Love this time of day on an early KO. Back in. Coffee. The Big Raddy and in a few mins, the team sheets.
Hoping Iwobi starts. Love the excitement he brings to our football.
Thanks Chas
Fantastic news. Was sure he’d bring back either Ollie or Aaron just to annoy me 🙂
Chas,
Where the heck do you find that team sheet graphic?
twitter
I’m with Big Al on the optimism but only if we win today. Going to be a tough game.
Thanks Raddy. managed to read your fine post but not other comments as running a bit tight for time. I think the way we played against Everton and watford indicates the style of play and the set-up that looks best for us and, no disrespect meant, if we get this right and play to our potential I feel we should win.
I think the camp to be in is a pointy wigwam style with colourful flags on top.
It signifies win, play exciting football, score loads of goals and see where we end up, and don’t be a full time anything ie doomer or good time Charlie.
Come on Referee. Bring ’em out, fire the starting gun, and let’s get it on 🙂
Great stuff BR
In other circumstances a draw would probably be OK today – but not now. We need all three points today and I feel confident we’re going to get them.
Then let’s see the Spudders and Leicester deal with the pressure…
Snuggle up Rocky, could be just us on the sofa.
Crisp?
Oooh lovely Micky.
Toast and marmalade would be better, given that it’s 7.45am here…
Caroll should have been sent off. Terrible tackle
Just remembered another Arsenal great who subsequently played for the Hammers… Luis Boa Morte 🙂
Horrible pitch. Ball bobbling which is affecting our close control and aiding a long ball team
And Stewart “AW is totally crap” Robson
The ref’s a homer 😦
Mesut!!!!!
Superb 🙂
And Wham fans getting cross as well. All good.
Mesuttttttttttttt
Lovely finish especially as the Hammers were giving it “Same Old Arsenal, Always cheating” 😀 😀
I’m surprised how dirty Wham are (perhaps I shouldn’t be).
Rocky. Take after their manager.
Lovely finish
BR – are you referring to AW’s successor?
Blimey. Lovely goal. Love it
Ooooh I like that!!
Another assist for Iwobi and Sanchez was clinical.
We need to stay solid at the back because the last time I watched WHU they were 2 down to Everton and scored 3 in the final 20 minutes
Rocky. No …. to Bilic 🙂
Sounds like West Ham have been awful and we still in second gear. Not that I care. Keep it up Arsenal!
Hi Rasp.
Hi Raddy 🙂
Soft goal to concede. Sloppily given away in midfield and we couldn’t defend the cross despite having three defenders against two attackers in the middle. Disappointing.
Poor.
Not good just before half time. They will be up for second half now. Another goal needed I think.
Or 2! B*llocks!
Another two needed FGG
Wow, what a half.
Was about to award extra oranges to the Arsenal gentleman, then wallop.
Still, win this now, and it will have been a stonker of a game.
Bum. AW should have read my 1.23
Should have been cruising. Half time orange should have been taken with a few words on encouragement from the boss and then enjoy the 15 mins. Instead it will be recriminations.
Stupid, stupid defending. We know that Caroll is their main threat and set plays are our weakness yet once again we get sloppy.
Damn, damn, damn.
Damn. Being forced out, Families eh!
Got to record the 2nd half which is always a major negative.
COYRRG
If this Arsenal team was a person they’d be in 24 hour care and heavily sedated! I just don’t understand them!!!
Oh well, still another 45 minutes of utter nuttiness to try and get 3 points.
Oh dear
3 goals in 14 minutes. Stupid.
You’d think we might have figured out by now that Carroll always pulls wide in the box so he’s up against one of the Full Backs instead of one of the CBs.
Carroll’s going to beat Monreal or Bellerin in the air every time.
Since West ham’s first goal we have not posed the tiniest threat to their goal…
3-3 and we’re playing 4-0-6
Nice
4-0-6 😀
Good game but a draw not good enough, sadly.
A game for the purists. 🙂
Andy Carroll man of the match. Sums it up really.
Rocky
I’d say great game, and draw probably ok
We were never going to catch Leicester, and this keeps Wham out of top four, so just Utd and City to worry about now.
Hope for a Leicester win
That’s correct Chas
Good attacks. Shit defences. Perfect 🙂
What time is the horse race?
Mind you, if ManUre beat the Spuds today’s point looks good…
Spuds losing makes any result of ours feel better 🙂
5.15.
I’ve got a flipper riding on Triolo Dalene
Goatygav posted this on yesterday’s comments.
Goatygav says:
April 9, 2016 at 3:00 pm
Hahaha Eric. A bit like Roger Nouveu – thinking of giving Newcastle Athletic a try?😉 http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2014/10/the-10-greatest-soccer-comedy-sketches.html
Superb game today although we’ve been robbed of 2 points, by the officials, for the 4th game in a row. Despite that a fair result fellas. Thought you might run away with it but we got the goal against the run of play then started to compete with the changes after half time. Might not be any good for either club but a superb game of football.
Hi Rocky,
Your 2:01 is spot on.
We allow Carroll to hang back wide and then attack our full backs with the inevitable result.
I think Arsenal do know Carroll is going to do that, but as has been said over the years, AW is committed to zonal marking in the area, and it is why our small defence is so prone to aerial bombardment by big forwards.
At times we played some beautiful attacking football, but the defense still seems to collapse against crosses.
Another disappointing result. Oh, well, there is always next year. 🙂
Chas,
Do they let dolphins ride horses in the Grand National.
Or maybe a ;flipper’ in the world of Chas has another meaning? 🙂
RA
A flipper is like a monkey.
Oh – right, Chas — and I take it a monkey is not a dolphin either, but it is like a flipper. Interesting.
The result was disappointing today Chasser – but it seems to have twiddled your screws? 😀
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9TKu6HVQrU
is this Wenger out demonstration?
No Eddie
All I can make out is that there is a GOLF SALE
you might be right micky 🙂
I missed 70mins of the game, playing on swings and roundabouts
Was it brill?
Haha, it’s a Cameron resign protest with some chap with a Golf Sale placard in the middle of it. 🙂
Eddie
It was predictable in the extreme.
Swings and roundabouts sound fun. 🙂
6 goals and we didn’t lose, so could have been a bit better.
My hopes before the game were simply for top four, and a Leicester title ahead of them, so just about still on track.
It was definitely an exciting game though.
Chas
You do know that if Erik wins, he will demand the flipper.
I spend my entire life sending boxes of smelly things to Denmark. Bloody menace he is and his bets.
Come on La Reve. I have a flipper riding on you.
I have Romford Pele
Mrs D has Shut The front Door
Oscar has Galant Oscar
No flippers bet 🙂
From two up we should have won.
Pitch was crap hence all their goals came from crosses and long balls (see my 12,55)
We got muscled out of it with the referee being very lenient.
Caroll should have been sent off for the foul on Kos (see 12,52)
& Young Miss Didit? Or is she one of those who say it is cruel to the horse and anti-The GN?
Damn Ray has fallen
Always prone to fall was Ray
She’s doing home work
Romford Pele down.
He’ll be alright after a stiff coffee.
Come on the loose horse
Cmon Shut the front door
Shut the front door has to be Freudian from Mrs D.
Cmon Le Reve!
No TV. Is mine still standing?
Le Reve was Arsenalesque.
All horses survived.
Le Reve?
Lazy
And French.
🙂
did he win?
Who?
Rule the World won
Swings and roundabouts were fun until I put my foot in it, yes again. I am not a liar, honestly! my life is so crazy that I do not need to lie.
So I am happily pushing my little princess on the swing when this handsome man with his little girl chatted us up. I thought he was a lovely granddad and asked him what was the name of his granddaughter. He was the dad. Feck, I am sure the man was my age!!!
the French horse you dope
Haha, another top drawer story of personal misfortune and calamity. :0
I am just a walking disaster, should not be allowed out on the streets on my own. But I sold lots of metal today and 12 used sterling boards, no boxes!
What has Nasri done to his hair?
Pleased the sterling boards went.
Has he Andy Carrolled it?
me too 🙂 for £1 each 🙂
This’ll have to wait.
http://bertc.com/subfive/recipes/sealflippers.htm
That’s one hell of a game of piñata
Why do the socialist worker students want Dave to go?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not fussed either way, but curious. I mean the march was presumably a roaring success for the golfers.
Bugger, City winning.
A lot of empty seats in Abu Dhabi
Who knows?
A victory for Socialist Worker golfers, I suppose.
Bloody West Brom. Pathetic 🙂
Just seems an odd time to pick on Dave. Has he said something nasty about oiks or something 🙂
I’m bored
No-one staying or coming over to argue with.
Entire family are watching Britain has got some ‘effing talent, and I hate it.
I need that room from Monty Python where I could pay for a 10 min argument
I am watching The Voice – Kodi and Boy George are singing. Beautiful. And what makes me smile is the fact that both of them are so not-normal-looking or behaving and yet they are just great !!!!
it is The Voice they are watching! Great programme. Ask them who they are voting for (50p per call)
No Eddie, definitely the talent show. Just been in.
That was a bad idea.
ok, you are right, it is on ITV, rubbish all right.
Anyway, wouldn’t it be great if the only real job offer for Maurinho was the Syrian job? And he had to take it? I think I’d pee myself
Syrian job??? Wow, there’s a thought. On the plus side, I reckon he would stand up to that tosspot Obama 🙂
micky – it is a true rumour
“Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has rejected an offer to coach Syria, according to his agent.
In an email sent to Associated Press, Jorge Mendes said Mourinho told the Syrian FA that, “while he felt honoured to receive the invitation, he cannot at the moment accept it”.”
Ha ha ha, that’s priceless. I assumed you must be on an apple device and it changed the words Man City to Syria
micky!!
It’s ManU he is going to. Pep to City, remember? Conte to Chelsea. And Arsene to sign a new contract becoming the longest serving football manager ever. Hooray.
Right, I go bath, then find a Hitchcock video to watch. I’m even annoying myself.
Wenger OUT or IN. Don’t care 🙂
Nite all.
Hooray ha ha 🙂 🙂
If Leicester win the title all pro-Wenger fans should hang their heads in shame and should cease from making excuses for the headless chicken.
tim – why?
and the ‘if Leicesterwin the title’ !! of course they will.
https://twitter.com/MC_of_A/status/718797829590880261
Tim
Why do Arsenal fans have to be labelled pro-Wenger or anti-Wenger.
Isn’t that both childish and divisive?
no it isn’t
If anyone fancies watching something to take their mind off of things then may I suggest having a look on Eurosport at today’s cycling race which is aptly nick named:
The Hell of The North.
It is a one day race from Paris to Roubaix which is up by the Belgian border, it started in 1896 and takes place every year, its 270k long so there will be crashes and daring dashes but it won’t finish until this afternoon.
I blog on another cycling site, here is the equivalent of BR’s pre-match.
http://inrng.com/2016/04/paris-roubaix-2016-preview/
And for those who find this interesting, I cannot recommend highly enough the film called the Hell of the North which can be found on youtube, it is black and white but it is genius.
Eddie
Yes it is
I cant find it, LB.
Morning all.
Quote of the week.” I didn’t know Carroll was playing”. beyond belief. Please go AW before more and more turn against you.
We might never have another chance to win the PL for many a year as this year.You can blame players underperforming,injuries but ultimately it’s the manager who has cocked up.
I love all you guys on here but just can’t join in the euphoria we occasionally get,it is like Walcott and Giroud the odd glimpse of class every 7 or 8 games.
No, it isn’t
Oh dear well you won’t l;ike my comment then chas 😉
I’m with Raddy
Morning All
Riding on cobblestones is horrible. We have many streets in Cph which are cobbled and it damages the cobblers.
Plus, it is impossible to keep your head level so it strains the neck and your eyesight goes squiffy.
I’m off – leave it to all you manager haters. 🙂
That’s the one Chas, well worth it. Today’s race finishes about 5pm so if spuds go ahead early turn over give and yourself a break.
BR I just can’t imagine cycling over that amount of cobbles. i struggle cycling down I small cobbled mews near me.
It is beautiful day here in London, normally, I would be out cycling but I have a damn cold.
The snipping has begun, so I am going to make myself scarce.
Think I will discuss football this afternoon when I have distilled last nights excessive alcohol intake
You see, what’s actually wrong with my comment,it’s not snipping nor manager haters, it’s just how I feel.
See you guys as that obviously shows I am not wanted on here anymore
Sorry I had no intention of killing the blog so I won’t be offended if you remove my comments.Actually everything I said is more or less factual but obviously didn’t go down well.
I’ve done a quick draft if anyone wants to make into a post for today. I’m working so haven’t got chance to sort it.
Have a good day all and stay positive. Who knows, Leicester and Spuds might lose! 😄
Don’t be a drama queen Crystals. 🙂
Ok, missed that morning session. Banging hot water pipes in the night. Poor me. Poor Dotty.
banging hot water pipes???
Nothing wrong with being a tad dramatic. Go Kelsey, go 🙂
Hi Eddie
Hot water is made from the AGA, and some valve or other must be boggered as it sometimes starts an almighty banging sound.
Dotty sleeps in the kitchen!!!
LB
Just went through your whole cycling site. Impressive. Funnily enough, I launched my Tug ‘o War team down the local on Tuesday night which is when the village cycling team get in. Ok, they’re thin and no good to me, but were talking about your cobblestone race.
On Inring, the ABOUT US states “◾riding a bike is a pleasure and whether it’s to the shops or in a peloton, the bike is fun”
No it is not. Bicycles break bones very badly indeed.
Morning all
Just going to have a look for fgg’s post and then I’ll be back.
Not sure why yesterday’s result should lead to another mass exodus, surely by now it is was it is? Back in a bit ……….
Leicester could be 10 points clear with five to play after today. Wow.
I was only kiddinf, of course. My response to Tim about there having to be factions in our support was disagreed with by Eddie and BR.
Fuck all to do with your comment, kelsey. I’m used to them 🙂
Agree Chas (I think)
Disagreements amongst supporters = good
Factions = playground stuff = bad
fgg -are you about at all? Are the player ratings in the draft post your own? There’s no mention of Koscielny………
Peaches
Give Kos 1, and it can be a talking point 🙂
How are you
Good plan Micky 🙂
I’m fine thanks, been rushed off my feet 🙂
They were from the Mail and he got a 7!
I was a bit pissed putting it together! 😄
Kelsey. I agree with Micky 9.36
Shape up man, no-one had a go at you or your opinions.
New Post everyone …………… just sorting the header