It was a surprise when Huddersfield forced their way in to the PL and it was an achievement of almost Leicester standards for them to stay up last season. Town have spent hardly anything, have a small ground and … how can I put this? … just think cobbled streets, Hovis and Lowry’s stickmen.
Manager Dick Wagner ( 😀 ) has done a fantastic job.
Dick Wagner
In terms of economy, history, players there is no comparison with Arsenal but Town will give us a hard game this afternoon, just as they did at Wenger’s farewell at the John Smith’s in May.
We hammered the Terriers 5-0 last time but the score flattered us, with 3 goals in 4 second half minutes.
With two Danes, it would be 3 but for the suspension for Billing, there is much Huddersfield interest in Denmark. TBH I know nothing about their other players, the Dutch CB, Kongolo, appears to be their stand out man.
Thinking of CB’s, it is horrible news about Holding who is developing into a solid performer. We must hope he can make a full recovery ready for our title winning season in 2020.
We have injuries, some long-term, the loss of Welbz and Holding will probably result in January TW activity.
My Team:
Bent
Catwalk Mustafi Greek Bloke Kolasinac
Terrier Xhaka
Ozil Iwobi
PEA Lacazette
I pick a very attacking team. Why not – it’s Xmas.
Will Ozil’s “back spasm” continue? I have had back problems and can assure anyone who hasn’t that it is very debilitating requiring rest and time to improve. I prefer not to believe that there are tensions between Ozil and the club.
We have been on an wonderful and much unexcited run, a win today is important.
Let it be So.
COYRRG
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
Thanks, BR.
Tricky game today.
Let’s hope the Terrier can dominate the Terriers.
See you on the train.
That Dick Wagner is a great manager on unlimited resources!
The Wagner references are brilliant
a truly great coach and a shame we didnt sign him
COYG!!!!!!!
Thanks BR.
I’ve got an awful lot of toasting to non attending bloggers to do so can’t hang around.
Train train train and beer and Jameson’s ..hoorah!
Nice one, Raddy. 🙂
Tough game but we will come out with an upper edge, I think. The trip to Old Toilet was very costly in terms of injuries.
Apparently, Ozil too is not fully fit yet.
COYG.
On other maters, always nice to find Oz receiving a mauling at home (in cricket). 🙂
ha ha, brilliant Ant 🙂
Red, oz cricket decline all started during the Clarke captaincy of which there is an ongoing feud with respected journalist Whateley who highlighted issues with Clarkes captainacy to which Katich has reignited their old feud –
https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/australia/missing-the-point-simon-katich-hits-back-at-michael-clarke-comments/news-story/b882710afd79be0ee9743936de3bcd3c
Katich probably the greatest Croatian cricketer since Len Pascoe
Katich is of Croatian descent. His father’s parents were born in Croatia and emigrated to Australia in the 1920s, eventually settling in Perth.His father, Vince, was a police detective who helped play a part in the capture of serial killers David and Catherine Birnie.
___
Leonard Stephen Durtanovich. It was a different Australia during his growing up years with racism still prevalent. He got teased for his big nose and ears but he dubs them as “just kids being kids”. Len was an ambitious young boy and got his surname change to Pascoe in order to be more successful. Changing the surname was his father’s decision. He was 15 then and Pascoe is his grandfather’s name.
and finally, Steve Waugh was my all-time favourite captain, the end of an era.
nice tag to the right of Ants “first class”
does nitrous oxide cause back spasms?
I know that beer causes a lot of laughing
What’s cheers in Scottish Arnie?
wow, great insights VP. yes, Steve Waugh. Well, for me, Alan Border as well
I have to say in my cricket playing days. I used to hate Ozzies standing in slips while I batted. Their constant sledging and spitting gum in the batsman’s direction can be a bit unsettling. 🙂
now, on the connection of NO2 and back spasms, thats a thought! 🙂
ha ha, Ant. 🙂 Slàinte. But you knew that for sure! 🙂
Does NO2 make you grow long flowing hair? or a star on your skull? 🙂
Slante is irish
Ant. Sláinte in Irish Gaelic, and slàinte in Scottish Gaelic. Note the dramatic difference in accent! 🙂
The 25 Best Ashes Sledges
25. Ian Chappell to Derek Underwood
England slow left-arm bowler Derek Underwood was hit on the hand while batting. Ian Chappell surprised Underwood with his concern.
Chappell: “How’s the hand, which one was it?”
Underwood: “It was my right.”
Chappell: “That’s a shame. We were aiming for the left.”
24. Ian Botham to Rodney Hogg
As Rodney Hogg bowled to Ian Botham he lost his balance and fell at the England player’s feet.
Botham: “I know you think I’m great Hoggy, but no need to get down on your knees.”
23. Glenn McGrath to Michael Atherton
Australia’s Glenn McGrath tried out an old Australian classic on England captain Michael Atherton, who fell for it hook, line and sinker
McGrath: “Athers, it would help if you got rid of the shit at the end of your bat.”
Atherton looks at the bottom of his bat.
McGrath: “No, No, the other end.”
22. Craig McDermott to Phil Tufnell
Phil Tufnell had just bowled out Craig McDermott and was looking pleased with himself. McDermott did not let the feeling last long.
McDermott: “You’ve got to bat on this in a minute, Tuffers. Hospital food suit you?”
21. Michael Vaughan to Ricky Ponting
The England captain Michael Vaughan arrived at the wicket to a volley of abuse from his Aussie counterpart Ricky Ponting, who he quickly put in his place.
Vaughan: “Get back to the slips, Ponting. Who do you think you are, Steve Waugh?”
20. Ian Healey to Nasser Hussain
England skipper Nasser Hussain was at the crease. Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting and Ian Healy discussed fielding tactics.
Waugh (to Ponting): “Field at silly point. I want you right under his nose.
Healy: “That could be anywhere inside a three-mile radius.”
19. Nasser Hussain to Justin Langer
Hussain didn’t mind being sledged by the legendary figures of Australian cricket, but he wasn’t going to take abuse from the likes of Justin Langer.
Hussain: “I don’t mind this lot chirping at me but you’re just the bus driver.”
18. Australian fan to Phil Tufnell
It’s not just the Australian players that love abusing English cricketers. Even the Aussie fans like to get in on the gag.
Aussie fan: “Oi Tuffers, lend us your brain, I’m trying to build an idiot.”
17. English fan to Matthew Hayden
English cricket fans aren’t above this sort of thing either, as one proved when abusing Matthew Hayden over his cricket skills shortly after the Aussie opener had released a cook book.
English fan: “You’re shit Hayden, and so is your chicken casserole.”
16. Merv Hughes to Graham Gooch
Hughes had sent several fast deliveries whistling past Graham Gooch, before dispatching the following verbal knockout punch.
Hughes: “I’ll get you a fucking piano you Pommie poofta. Let’s see if you can play that.”
15. Robin Smith to Merv Hughes
England’s Robin Smith demonstrates to Merv Hughes the dangers of sledging just before you’re about to bowl to someone.
Hughes: “You can’t fucking bat.”
Smith hits Hughes for four.
Smith: “Hey Merv, we make a fine pair. I can’t fucking bat and you can’t fucking bowl.”
14. Dennis Lillee to Mike Gatting
There’s no easier target for a joke than a fat man, as Dennis Lillee proved with the former England captain Mike Gatting.
Lillee: “Hell, Gatt, move out of the way, I can’t see the stumps.”
13. Derek Randall to Dennis Lillee
Derek Randall proves that the English are the kings of self-effacement, having been hit on the head with a bouncer, bowled by Dennis Lillee.
Randall: “No good hitting me there, mate, nothing to damage.”
12. Australian fan to Bob Willis
Former England bowler Bob Willis is 6ft 5” tall, which explains the following remark to him from an Australian spectator.
Aussie fan: “Oi, Willis, I didn’t know they could stack shit that high.”
11. David Steele to Rodney Marsh
David Steele made a successful prediction to Rodney Marsh in what was to prove a glorious series for the new England batsman.
Steele: “Take a good look at this arse of mine, you’ll see plenty of it this summer.”
10. Bill Woodfull to Douglas Jardine
In the infamous ‘Bodyline’ series, prim and proper England captain Douglas Jardine complained to Australian captain Bill Woodfull, having just been sworn at.
Jardine: “Your slip just swore at me.”
Woodfull: “All right, which one of you bastards called this bastard a bastard?”
9. Phil Tufnell to The Umpire
An angry Phil Tufnell took his frustration out on the umpire after his appeal against Dean Jones was turned down.
Tufnell: “Are you bloody blind?”
Umpire: “I beg your pardon?”
Tufnell: “Are you fucking deaf as well?”
8. Tim Zoehrer to Phil Edmonds
Australia’s Tim Zoehrer lost his patience at the constant abuse coming his way from Phil Edmonds – husband to a famous author.
Zoehrer: “At least I have an identity. You’re just Frances Edmonds’ husband.”
7. Robin Smith to Merv Hughes II
Smith got the better of his nemesis Merv Hughes once again.
Hughes: “It’s four years since I bowled to you and you haven’t improved”
Smith hits Hughes for four.
Smith: “Neither have you.”
6. Merv Hughes to Graeme Hick
England batsman Graeme Hick never fulfilled his talent at international level and Hughes was quick to put the boot in during one innings.
Hughes: “Mate, if you just turn the bat over you’ll find the instructions on the other side.”
5. Michael Atherton to Ian Healey
Michael Atherton had the perfect reply for Ian Healy when accused of cheating.
Healey: “You’re a fucking cheat.”
Atherton: “When in Rome dear boy…”
4. David Hookes to Tony Greig
Tony Greig was a South African playing for England, which meant that he was always on shaky ground when sledging others, as the Australia youngster David Hookes proved.
Greig: “When are your balls going to drop sonny?”
Hookes: “I don’t know, but at least I’m playing cricket for my own country.”
3. Shane Warne to Paul Collingwood
It wasn’t particularly witty but this rant from Shane Warne to Paul Collingwood does quite brutally expose the truth of England’s overreaction at winning the 2005 Ashes.
Warne: “You’ve got an MBE, right? For scoring seven at The Oval? You’re an embarrassment.”
2. Ian Botham to Rodney Marsh
As Ian Botham prepared to bat, Aussie wicket keeper Rodney Marsh decided to put him off and was metaphorically smashed out of the ground.
Marsh: “So how’s your wife and my kids?”
Botham: “The wife’s fine – the kids are retarded.”
1. James Ormond to Mark Waugh
The little known England bowler James Ormond was preparing to bowl to Mark Waugh – one of the legendary Waugh brothers.
Waugh: “Fuck me, look who it is. Mate, what are you doing out here? There’s no way you’re good enough to play for England.”
Ormond: “Maybe not, but at least I’m the best player in my family”.
Afrikaans: Gesondheid
Pronounced: Ge-sund-hate
Meaning: Health
Chinese (Mandarin):干杯 / gān bēi
Pronounced: Gan bay
Meaning: Cheers
Czech: Na zdravi
Pronounced: Naz-drah vi
Meaning: Cheers
Dutch: Proost
Pronounced: Prohst
Meaning: Cheers
French: Santé! / À votre santé!
Pronounced: Sahn-tay / Ah la vo-tre sahn-tay
Meaning: To your health
German: Prost / Zum wohl
Pronounced: Prohst / Tsum vohl
Meaning: Cheers/ to your health
Greek: ΥΓΕΙΑ
Pronounced: Yamas
Meaning: Health
Irish Gaelic: Sláinte
Pronounced: Slawn-cha
Meaning: Health
Italian: Salute / Cin cin
Pronounced: Saw-lutay / Chin chin
Meaning: Health/ cheers
Japanese: 乾杯/ Kanpai
Pronounced: Kan-pie
Meaning: Cheers/ Empty the glass
READ MORE: 5 Language Learning Tools You’ll Love
Korean: 건배
Pronounced: Gun bae
Meaning: Cheers/ toast
Lithuanian: į sveikatą
Pronounced: Ee sweh-kata
Meaning: To your health
Moldovan: Noroc
Pronounced: No-rock
Meaning: Luck
Polish: Na zdrowie
Pronounced: Naz-droh-vee-ay
Meaning: To your health
Portugese: Saúde
Pronounced: Saw-OO-de
Meaning: Health
Russian: Будем здоровы/ На здоровье
Pronounced: Budem zdorovi/ Na zdorovie
Meaning: To your health (It is interesting to note that most Russians rarely use this expression, and the above is used more by foreigners. Russians will change their wishes based on the person and celebration.)
Spanish: Salud
Pronounced: Sah-lud
Meaning: Health
Swedish: Skål
Pronounced: Skawl
Meaning: Cheers (and don’t forget to look everyone in the eye!)
Welsh: Iechyd da
Pronounced: Yeh-chid dah
Meaning: Good health
Yiddish: Sei gesund
Pronounced: Say geh-sund
Meaning: Be healthy
with all the current controversey over this I find out that it happened prior the start of the season and most likely during a team bonding night
ha ha. great stuff, VP. 🙂
gotta go, my wife wants to watch the Netflix movie Dumpling
COYG!!!
I shouldn’t bother VP.. here’s the plot
The infamous Aunt Mei (Bai Ling), a former gynecologist who performed abortions, makes dumplings with miraculous youth-restoring abilities. Mrs. Li (Miriam Yeung), a former actress desperate to make her womanizing husband (Tony Leung Ka Fai) pay attention to her again, initially refuses to eat them. However, after discovering their potency, she offers to pay Mei any price for more. Things are complicated when Mei is forced to flee the country and the dumplings’ power begins to fade.
Sounds like a chick flick
Another fine PM – thank you Raddy.
My only fear today is that the team get a bit cocky about their unbeaten streak and take this game for granted.
That’s a truly horrid injury for Holding – way back 61 years ago the same injury ended my footballing days – I turned to coaching but still could not resist joining in the scrimmages and managed to twist the other knee. All these years later I’ve still not had any surgery but they should both be replaced – but at my ripe old age I wonder if I should bother.
The game is at 10:00am here but I will pour a glass of wine at halftime and toast the Vine brothers for their contributions to AA and to our football experience – thank lads.
Sounds like Ant has spent an evening watching this. 🙂
That really is a fine array of beers and salty snacks.
Thanks as always BR.
I shall be attending the game today, hoorah but it is so cold here.
It’s -7c here LB and snowing – to add to the accumulation already on the ground.
Enjoy the game.
“Marsh: “So how’s your wife and my kids?”
Botham: “The wife’s fine – the kids are retarded.””
Wish I had said that 😀
Ant on fire and fully stocked for the journey.
Love the AA sign from LBG. Thank you, and mine is a pint of creme de menthe
Still no Mesut 😦
No Wobbly this afternoon, And, we are playing with a Back 3 again.
COYRRG
Huddersfield fouling every 3 minutes, rotationally.
come on ref, they are doing this to stop us getting any momentum
And Xhaka gets the first card for our first foul!!
Crap ref … again!!
We playing 343 or 3412
Wow, Town are playing a dirty game
Red card coming up!!!
Terrible refereeing. How can Laca be offside from a back pass? Total nonsense.
Think that Sokratis 5 yellow so he suspended next game jah
This ref is a grade A, gold plated c*^t
So, just as I thought-both CB’s suspended for next game.sssshhh.
Ref allowed them to foul, keeper to hold ball forever, and then cards Xhaka for clear foul. Hilarious if it was really a professional futbol match.
Should be 3-1, but hey let the Arsenal do it the Arsenal way.
Second half changes, I do not know who is left, and grind them down for a goal for ugly win..
If a player is having a dreadful performance they can be subbed, so why not officials?
These blokes are having a ‘mare. How can it be that AFC are being kicked off the pitch yet have more yellow cards?
And we scored a legitimate goal which was wrongly denied.
I’m tempted to ask if there are some big bets on this game … I don’t know how the ref can have got so many decisions wrong ….
3 games in a row awful officiating
Hmm mkhitaryan
Support Fred!!!!!
Sorry I can’t since I like lacazette a lot
FFS Now Mustafi buggered. We won’t have a team come Xmas.
Come on Auba bury one of these chances
It has to be said that we are playing poorly
Superb play from all 3 involved, Curly, PEA and Terrier.
Now please just play Keepball and slow everything down
I like this Kongolo – we should sign him in January
Phew
Good battling 3 points ….. the ref almost ruined the game … and another injured defender. It will be mostly kids against carrier bag.
Nice to see monreal back hopefully Koscielny next week
Leno clean sheet 👍👍👍👍
onwards ,,,,
Fred. You are right and we do not get many clean sheets.
That game was almost ruined by awful officials and it is no surprise that there were no PL refs or linesmen at the World Cup.
The sooner we get VAR the better, but, would Sokratis have been penalised for an incredibly stupid push in our penalty area in extra time?
Can someone tell me where we are with the yellow cards, who misses the next game?
Both CB’s are out with 5 cards against S’ton
Would be good if Chavs hold on. Would be horrible if MC became Invincibles
Not even going to bother with the usual
Shit ref. Terriers not interested in playing football. More injuries.
Only one question tactically. Given Dick( sorry, Jo) played our Terrier forward and on the right, would he have been on the end of the ball to score, if LBG had had his way and played him centrally and behind Xhaka and Ouzi?
Two invincible down, one to go!
What a great goal from Torreira, my mouth just dropped wide open in awe, fast becoming a legend
And for the 1 billion dollar team to lose whilst all the shite pundits talk the talk “can they ever be beaten” hahaha
It will be a tough game away to South especially with our player availability issues but hopefully Kos comes back and plays well and Ozil is fit again and in form
We should be to do ok without a any CB at Southampton out offence just have to keep the pressure on,
Any word on ramsey
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