From Orcs to Swans?

September 22, 2013

Stoke City, 9 letters . Mark Hughes, 9 letters. One would think a match made in heaven. What is the significance of the number 9? According to Chinese belief the number 9 represents attainment and success; on a personal level it signifies leadership.

Only …. as the eagle eyed geniuses who read AA will have spotted Mark Hughes has 10 letters and the number 10 signifies a cheating, spiteful, ignorant, charmless man (thank you, Morrissey)

Those who regularly read my posts will know my feeling towards both these entities – I have written many Stoke PM’s and all have the same theme. Why? Because whereas I dislike Tottenham due to an accident of geography, my dislike of Stoke has developed thanks to it being an execrable club and town.

My first visit to the Potteries scarred me for life – a 5-0 loss.  A horrible town, a horrible game and a depressing drive South.  All in all, enough to elevate Stoke into the heady realms of the Premier League of my most detested teams, where they have stayed ever since.

Eventually Pulis arrived and they became Orcs. Now, the marriage with the odious Sparky Hughes – it could only get worse.

Or can it?

The rumours are that Stoke are playing football!! Can this possibly be true? Can a man whose football philosophy is entrenched in kick-the-man-not-the-ball really encourage the Beautiful Game? The stats suggest that this is so – an average of almost 400 passes per game, a massive reduction in crosses and long balls and a 79% passing accuracy . A footballing victory at WHU and a draw vs Man City show this is a team in form.

But are they really turning from ugly ducklings into swans? (source: Hans Christian Anderson 1861).  Is this the Shawcross Redemption? (too corny for a headline 🙂 )

A  positive stat is that The Odious One (henceforth TOO) has visited the Emirates as a manager of 5 different teams and has yet to win. Some record. How the hell does this bloke get a job? He has destroyed every team he has managed and been sacked on all but one occasion – the other being when he left a team in the lurch to go in search of “success” prior to being binned from City. TOO was sacked by relegated QPR last season and yet picked up another PL job!  And he has an OBE – certainly not for services to football!!

Arsenal:  Not much to write as the team almost picks itself. The injury list will ease over the next couple of weeks and we will finally see who Mr Wenger has in mind for his starting 11 –  I have no idea, but it is a luxury problem. We have quality throughout the squad.

My Team:

arse v orcs

How will TWOO (The Wizard of Ozil) cope with the kicking he will undoubtedly receive this afternoon? We have no Stevie Bould or TA6 to “remind” Stoke to behave. As such a strong referee is essential and today we have Mike Dean – not my favourite but highly experienced and fully aware of Stoke’s intimidating tactics. Let us hope he has a good game.

What I would like to see this afternoon is TWOO score his first Emirates goals (on his home debut)  and for TOO to spend the game cursing his players, cursing the referee, cursing Mr Wenger, cursing the very handsome Arsenal centre forward, cursing the gods and driving back on the coach cursing his own players. and in particular cursing the chief Orc, Ryan Shacwross.

Now that would go some way to redeeming Stoke City.

COYRRG

written by Big Raddy

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Posted by Erik the Red

Forward The Arsenal

September 18, 2013

Cannon to the Right of them,

Cannon to the left

Onwards in to the Group of Death

Rode the Mighty Arsenal

So we start yet another CL season, our umpteenth campaign. Consider this …… Only MU and Real Madrid in the whole of Europe have taken part in more consecutive CL seasons. This is quite some record for a team for whom 4th is a Trophy 😀

Of course, we haven’t won Big Ears yet and I doubt we will do so this term but you have to be in it to win it (Are you watching Tottenham?).

What of Olympique de Marseille? We played them in 2011 and won at the Stade Velodrome 1-0 thanks to a Ramsey goal. However, OM go into the game having only lost twice at home in a year and with 6 new signings who appear to have quickly settled. We know about Valbuena, Gignac and Ayew who gave us a test last time, but they just signed Florian Thauvin who is being touted as the new Hazard. Last year he was signed by Lille from Bastia but loaned back for a season, he had such an impact that Marseille paid €13m for him, giving Lille a €10m profit on a player who had never played for them!! Thauvin is a playmaker in the Hazard/Ozil mould (but not as good).

Then there is Payet, a CF who has scored three times in OM’s first 5 games.

images

Not sure what Ché has to do with Marseille!

Arsenal:  Injuries. Many have fallen before we hear the sound of musket fire. Those that are left will be roused by trumpets and sent against the heathen ranks. But will our glorious survivors have enough to overcome the infidel? Your guess is as good as mine, and mine is that the answer is in the positive.

The return of Merts is important because it allows Sagna to take his place at RB where he will face the flying Ayew. This will be one of the key battles. If Bac can stop the balls into Gignac and Payet we are almost home. If not, we must hope that BFG and Kos are on form.

Koscielny. What to say? 6 games played. 2 stupid penalties given away. Red and yellow cards. Shape up man, you are a brilliant player and you don’t want to lose your place to our club captain.

The midfield is superb even without the influence of Arteta. That said, we haven’t really been tested by any team other than AV who had 14 players on the pitch. Even with the loss of Cazorla, Arteta, Ox and Mozart (which is a formidable midfield) we look strong.. The addition of Mesut is just the cherry on top.

Upfront. Theo has to get amongst the goals before it starts to affect his confidence. He grows when he knows he is dangerous. OG is going to take a kicking both from the Marseilles defenders and his fellow countrymen in the stands who are less than impressed with his recent performances for the national team. Let’s hope he sticks up a metaphorical two fingers and scores a brace.

My Team:

18th sept

The bench still looks weak and we have few attacking options. The inclusion of Akpom shows how constrained we are. Can anyone explain why Bendtner isn’t fit and raring to go?

The pundits think this will be a draw. If we are to progress from the group then tonight is a must-win. 3 points away from home  will propel the team forward into the next round of matches. The tough games are yet to come……

Forward you Gunners

“Charge for the Guns”, AW said,

Into the Group of Death

Rode the Mighty Arsenal

COYRRG

written by Big Raddy

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Posted by Erik the Red

Why do we have so many injuries?

September 17, 2013

Follow this link and see how one Gooner has analysed our injury problems in comparison to other PL teams. It is a good read:

http://www.washedup.org/2013/09/09/crystal-ankles-paper-tendons/

It prompted a discussion as to why this should occur. Here is a comment from Shard posted earlier today.

“There are too many factors and variables for it to be an easily identifiable problem.

The last two seasons though, our injury record was generally better than years previous. This season, maybe it’s just that we’re getting them all early in the season as a coincidence?

The factors to consider. Our training, diagnostic and treatment regimes. Dietary (and medicinal) regimes. The pitch. Players’ genetics. Playing style, referee protection or lack of, squad size, international matches and playing minutes, nature of injuries, correlation of injuries (and minutes and type of injuries, and training etc) with age of players.

I’m sure there are more, but a lot of these are difficult to process and arrive at a clearly defined problem, which can then be solved.

Personally, I feel a lot of it was to do with the age of the squad, and the way our matches have been refereed. The number of leg breaks we’ve had in a short time has been unprecedented. And this not only puts other players at more risk of injury. but perhaps even makes them get injured in other ways. In my own experience, any time you start thinking about avoiding injury while playing, you end up more likely to get injured. The assault on Arsenal physically, and psychologically, is what I feel was the main factor.

The age matters because one, the body hasn’t fully developed yet, and secondly, young players tend to pay less attention to their physical training while older players have to work harder just to stay fit.”

Knowing how addicted to info Mr Wenger is, he will be well aware of the problem. Strange he has not addressed it. What do you think?

Unknown

posted by Big Raddy

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Posted by Erik the Red

Sunderland …… the start of a new era for Arsenal?

September 14, 2013

Yet another tedious International break which thankfully ends today. Once again we suffered injuries., just how costly remains to be seen However, today’s excitement has nothing to do with national teams and all to do with our shiny new toy.

Father Wenger and his reindeer have been all the way to Spain and brought us back an early Xmas gift. It has been delivered, unwrapped and now we get to play with him (easy…). And not just any toy. No, we must have been very, very good to be given a toy like this because this toy comes from the luxury section of the most expensive toyshop in the world.

But, a word of caution. Should we start playing with him without reading all the instructions and making sure he fits with our other toys? Perhaps, we should wait until after lunch.

images

Just kidding! How can we possibly wait to see the most costly item we have ever had. Sadly, my guess is that Father W will bench our new fellow and only give him a cameo appearance – unless our other chaps are too crocked to play.

Sunderland. Be honest, without looking, how many of their players can you name? We all know the manager who totally overshadows his players. If the team mimicks their manager then we are in for a trying afternoon because he is an irritating little sod.

Sunderland  have struggled to score and rely heavily on Fletcher and Johnson. Adam Johnson is a decent player who was out of his depth at City but remains a threat.

We know what to expect from a team who struggle; extraordinary hard work, in your face, counter-attacking, dull dull dull dull.

Arsenal: We have only scored more than one goal once  in our last 7 visits to Sunderland, we must hope for more today.  Will Walcott start after being on the receiving end of a most vicious tackle perpetrated by a son of Beelzebub ? Will JW be ready for a third game in a 8 days? Same for many of our players.

But whatever I write we all know that today is all about Özil. I could have left out the other 700 odd words and written just the one. How will he fit into the team? How long will it take for him to adapt to the PL? Where will Mr Wenger ask him to play? Is he a Bergkamp or a Pires? How will he respond to the kicking he is sure to get?  Ooooh, it is so exciting!!

My team:

sund v arse

I would start the Flamster. He is perfect for the midfield battle which we are sure to have today – I believe his signing will have a major effect upon our season and am delighted he has returned.

Jack needs a rest, though it would be true to say he also needs a run of games to get back to fitness, but with the news that Ozil is ill but has traveled with the squad, I expect Jack to start and be replaced by the new boy at some point. Mozart is crocked.

I am excited to see how we perform with such a team, especially given how Ramsey is playing. Have you seen the vid from his Wales games? The man is on fire and playing with a confidence it is hard to credit. If there were to be a PL player of the last month Ramsey would win easily.

The defense has recovered from the AV blip. One goal conceded in four games is an excellent response. Unfortunately Mertesacker is unavailable due to a bug so we are likely to see Sagna at CB, a position in which he has looked rock solid and the energetic Corporal Jenkinson at RB …. no problem there.

I don’t know if any of you have been to Sunderland (look away now all Mackems) but if you haven’t – keep it that way. I went up to watch a Kanu game and left in awe of the local population – how could they remain positive in such an awful environment? FairPlay to the locals  – to have to live in a town like that is not for the weak-hearted. That they retain a sense of humour is a testament to the human spirit!

And I guess that is why they are so fervent about their team. The Stadium of Light (what a ridiculous name) can rock when the team is doing well. The Arsenal (inspired by €42+m of Özil) need to give the Mackems no reason to get excited.

Di Canio is no Wenger, he is not going to be concerned with artistry and  weaving patterns of beauty around the pitch, he will be instructing (?) his players to “make their presence felt”. So, we need a strong referee. Who have we got? Martin Atkinson, UEFA Elite referee, we could have got worse.

Apart from the opening day blip Arsenal have had a fine start to the season. Two away wins, two home wins. Can we make it three or is a draw a reasonable return? Of course not, let’s start Mesut’s Arsenal career with a win.

Written by Big Raddy

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Posted by Erik the Red

The Curse of the Left

September 11, 2013

Mrs. Raddy was very impressed the other day when I stared at her with what she believed was loving tenderness , though what I was actually doing was thinking about our left side. *

My reasoning was this …… Gibbs, Monreal, Podolski, Ox, all crocked whilst playing out there. Would I be wrong in thinking that both Santi and Mozart also suffered injuries whilst playing on our port side?

images“Please don’t make me play out there, Boss”

Not only that but players who have been shipped out to larboard have suffered dramatic falls from grace. I refer to Arshavin, Gervinho, Santos, Chamakh  and Bendtner (yes, I know the last two are CF’s but they were forced to play out there).

And looking back to recent history, what of Reyes, Hleb, Nasri and Clichy?  All moved on to lesser clubs – OK, Real Madrid, Barcelona and MC may not be exactly lesser but they didn’t succeed at The Home of Football, did they?

What is going on? We haven’t had a happy leftside since  Bobby and Terry. Many talk about Mr Wenger’s blindness to our defence but i it is remarkable that our attacks from the left have come from FB’s or MF’s for a number of seasons.

Will our shiny new German improve matters? From what I read, he is a traditional inside forward with a licence to roam, much like our other three AM’s (Ramsey, Santi, TR). So, is Mr Wenger’s plan to play Cazorla on the left and restrict his movement? I sincerely hope not because Santi, as we all know, is a genius and should be allowed to do whatever he wants (apart from canoodling with Mrs. Raddy).

Podolski is not a left-winger –  pace is not one of his talents . Nor is The Ox, who is yet another attacking MF. We have one coming through in Myaichi, but he is well down the pecking order. Given that Mr Wenger likes to play 4-3-3, why can’t we have an attacking threat like Theo on the left?

*Looking doe-eyed at one’s partner can have a very positive effect upon one’s relationship (unless you start to dribble)

written by Big Raddy

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Posted by Erik the Red

Paul Merson: “Just papering over the Cracks”

September 6, 2013

Amazing how a win over AIOS (always in our shadow) and a big signing has changed the atmosphere around the club. Suddenly we have “potential” And BR is not one to be a party -pooper, or even a pooper-scooper (I resigned from that task when I moved to this fair land).

So how to continue in this positive vein. Shall I write about the way Mr Wenger has shoved it up the journalists who were so damning during the summer.? Or should I write about the plums who have spent hours writing about how the club is doomed on most AFC websites have suddenly disappeared?  (whisper it, but even our troll has gone quiet). Or about how the noisy neighbours are once more reduced to talking about how they “will” rise to the top once the team is bedded in – like every season for 18 years?

Perhaps this should be a Le Grove-type post –  an article about how Mr Wenger is extraordinarily mean with his money? Or how he benefits financially from his lack of spending? Or how he cannot close a deal? Or how AFC have no ambition? Or how Gazidis is a puppet for a man who is only interested in profit? Or how Kroenke doesn’t give a damn?

Perhaps I can write about the lack of noise in the stadium – yes, that stadium which was rocking for 96 minutes last Sunday. Or maybe a few words about how our midfield will never be able to be competitive against a group of big, strong men like Dembele, Capoue, Sandro and some other berk.

Would you like a post about how signing a midfield journeyman who bretrayed us a few years ago is a fop to the fans? Or that our mega-signing is money spent in the wrong area of the field? Or how we are desperate for back-up defensively ? Or what happens if Giroud is injured? Perhaps examine Merson’s assertion that our wins are “just papering over the cracks” – maybe he is right.

Of course, BR could write in his normal positive way, about how we have the best midfield in the country and how Ramsey is better than Gerrard. That Cazorla is better than Hazard or Mata or  Silva. How the combination of Mert’s positional sense and Kos’s physicality is developing into an outstanding centreback pairing. How Walcott has become a player I never could have imagined – one with vision and genuine attacking threat.

And then there is Giroud. Half the price of Soldildo and twice the player.

So much to write ….. so little time. So I won’t  😀

Written by Big Raddy

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Posted by Erik the Red

Spurs: You can’t make a Silk purse from a Pig’s ear

September 1, 2013

Can Arsenal win this afternoon? Reading some of the rubbish written by various Arsenal websites it would appear not. Others say that even if we beat Spurs, it matters not, because it only papers over the cracks (sorry Rasp 😀 ).

Two 5-2’s say different because what have been the highlights of the last two season’s? Have they been to play in Munich or at home to Dortmund? Perhaps beating Man City at the Emirates in 2012? No, the highlight for almost every Gooner are the thrashings of the cave-dwelling, pond-life from down the road.

Those of a nervous disposition point to the hundred million spent by the N17 mugs, but as indicated in the post headline ….. put a slapper in a fur coat and she is still a slapper. Of course, there is the possibility of a monkey typing Hamlet and one must accept that one day we will fail to look down upon them, but first 11 against first 11, we remain better than them.

Credit where credit is due – selling an ape and buying a zoo with the proceeds is fine work. Even a top negotiator like David Dein would be proud, though it remains to be seen whether AVB can get in the circus trainers to create a functioning team. Carrots, a whip, dog treats and some apples will encourage the process.

images

AVB working with his new signings.

In the two previous home NLD’s we have given them at least a goal start and then started playing ; such generosity is unnecessary and we need to tighten up. Despite the gulf in class and quality, care must be taken.

Spurs: It will be interesting to see how many of the new signings start. I doubt AVB will make wholesale changes to a team which has won all it’s games this season. Lamela, Eriksen and the horrific looking CB they have brought in from the Gulags are probably not registered yet.

And what of Adebayor and Defoe ? We might despair at Bendtner but Spurs have more deadwood than the Mary Rose.

A short paragraph of my true thoughts about Spurs.  They will be a major threat to AFC this season. From the reputations of the players brought in, they have bought wisely – a mixture of experience and exciting youth. It must be an interesting time to be a Cave Dweller.

Their defence looks solid-. Lloris has improved and appears to be a top GK.  I was much impressed by Danny Rose last season and in Kyle Walker they have real pace at the back. Vertonghen should be playing in red and white, a poor, poor decision from AW not to sign him.  Dawson is their weak link – we must attack him.

In midfield the improvement is huge. Sandro, Dembele, Paulinho and Capoue are formidable opponents, add in the creativity of the soon to arrive Eriksen and Spurs look very strong.

Upfront, Soldado was very expensive but had a decent strike record at Valencia. And what do we make of Andros Townsend? Is he the new Apeboy or just another Lemon?

I stated at the beginning of last season that AVB would be Spurs best signing for decades. Let us hope I am wrong.

Arsenal:

The injury to Podolski could be costly as we have very little attacking bite on the bench. Sanogo, good as he will be, doesn’t excite. With Ox out as well, Mr Wenger is almost forced to play Cazorla out on the left or continue with Gibbs in front of Monreal.

We need a return to the defensive cohesion we saw at the end of last season and the return of Koscielny is good news. Sagna has been excellent at CB but I prefer him to Jenks at RB.

Midfield will be where the game is won. This game cries out of the discipline and experience of Arteta, but if our little fellows can run the legs off their more physical opponents we will find space for Theo to hurt them.

Giroud. IF Oliver can convert the chances he is sure to have we will win. In my opinion, OG and Theo are  the central figures in the game.

My team:

a1t

We are seriously lacking on the bench. Gnabry, Frimpong, Sanogo ?? We need bodies. The signing of Flamini in time for the NLD could be important.

The referee is Michael Oliver. His performance will be vital. We have seen young Jack get a right good kicking in almost every game he plays; rotational fouling has become the norm. There is little doubt that AVB will send out his midfield with orders to be very physical and it is up to Oliver to make sure they play within the rules. I doubt whether he will be up to the task but trust he is better than the idiot we had against Villa. There are sure to be controversial calls and let us hope he gets them right. As always, check out Untold Arsenal to get referee stats.

Today will be one of the most interesting and nerve-racking NLD’s of recent times. Are the new Spurs the real deal or just Johnny Come Lateleys?

So, referring back to the opening sentence of the post, of course we can.

Believe.

COYRRG

written by Big Raddy

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Posted by Erik the Red

Fenerbahce: The Wilshere Conundrum

August 27, 2013

Some time ago LB  (who at that time was London) made a case whereby he stated that Arsenal play better without Jack. Now, I am simplifying his argument, but in essence, LB said that Jack slowed us down, was neither an attacking nor defensive MF and that despite his prodigious talent Wilshere made the Arsenal team worse.

Unknown-1

I and many others rushed to Wilshere’s defence. How could it be that England’s Arsenal’s best young talent was detrimental to the team? Well, now I understand. Ask yourself this  ….who gets dropped when Arteta is fit? Ramsey? Not in the form he is in. Rosicky? Our passing between the defence and the forward line is more dynamic when TR plays, he is an excellent player. Or Santi? You must be joking. And where will Ox play upon his return?

Last season we played Santi out left but this is clearly not his best position and we play better with Podolski giving us an attacking option on the left. So where does Jack fit in?

Thankfully this is not my problem and he is sure to start tonight.

Be honest with yourself, do you see anyway we can go out the CL tonight? OK, we may lose the game but I doubt it. No, the work has been done.

Fenerbahce:  It should be recalled how well Szczesny played last Weds, which indicates that perhaps the Turks have a chance. Had they scored it could be a worry but they didn’t and there is no way that defence can keep a clean sheet at the Emirates. If we score early Fenerbahce are doomed.

Arsenal weren’t wonderful in Istanbul, it was more that Fenerbahce froze. Some of their passing was awful, their tactics non-existent, Walcott terrified his FB, their midfield coudn’t cope with our movement and speed of passing. Why should tonight be any different?

images-1

Arsenal: It is more who gets rested. Theo has played 4 games in two weeks (inc. England), so I would allow a kid to start. Sagna can relax as can Rosicky and Gibbs – all need to be treated with care. That said, Mr Wenger has stated that he will play 95% of the team who won in Turkey, which I read to mean Monreal will start. I think he is wrong and resting the players would be the best option.

My team would be but AW’s is sure to be different:

Szczesny

Jenks    BFG    Kos    Monreal

Ramsey    JW     Santi

Gnabry    Giroud    Podolski

If fit I would start Myachi on the left and give Giroud a rest, but perhaps our little Japanese wonderkid is not quite ready.

Another big win would be great and in a way I understand why Mr Wenger chooses to play a powerful team, but what if an angry and frustrated Turk (or Frenchman – this is not  a racist site) kicks two colours out of Theo and he misses the NLD? Is it worth the risk?

Moving on …… Did you know that Martin O’Neill is a massive music fan and his favourite band is The Kinks. Suddenly, I like the bespectacled jumping loon 😀

As to this season’s theme, I haven’t decided but am erring towards the World Cup stories. It is football associated and will not require too much research, my sole doubt is whether I can find 40+ chaps to entertain both you and I.

What say you?

COYRRG

Written by Big Raddy

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Posted by Erik the Red

Fulham and a Naked Beautiful Lady

August 24, 2013

Anyone confident of coming away from Craven Cottage with 3 points?

What has changed? The Cottagers remain a club destined to be mid-table and one which we should beat both home and away. Is it really the lack of new signings which has reduced expectation? And if so, why? The team which smashed Fenerbahce are more than good enough to beat Fulham.

OK, we have central defensive problems and in Bent and Berbs Fulham have pace, experience and clinical finishers. But, Bent couldn’t get into the AV first X1 and Berbs despite being a great player is almost as old as his manager.

I would be exaggerating if I said I was confident but I see no reason why we cannot do well today. The performance in Turkey was very good, Sagna is the best right back converted to CB in to country (possibly the world), Cazorla should be over his jet lag , Giroud is banging them in, Theo is in fine form (well, he was for 45 minutes). Ramsey is in the form of his life. I could go on but you know the positives.

Unknown-1

And the negatives: Think back 7 days, plus Koscielny.

Fulham: They won at Sunderland with one shot on target. Bent’s arrival will certainly add some bite as will Scott Parker – are we the only club who haven’t signed him? (rhetorical question). Taraabbt is a strange player – capable of brilliance but never consistent, he has Bendtner-esque self-confidence, and perhaps this has held him back from becoming the superstar his early time at Spurs promised. I like Martin Jol and think he would be a fine short-term manager for us until one of PV4, DB10 or TH14 takes over the long-term reins post-Mr Wenger (but that is another discussion and post). Should Fulham win today it will be the first time in the PL that they have taken 6 points from their first two games.

Arsenal: The team almost picks itself. The only areas of doubt are Gibbs or a returning Monreal and Giroud/Podolski.

Gibbs has been playing well and deserves to keep his place – he can be rested on Tuesday.

Giroud despite having scored twice has not shown enough for me. Yes, he works hard and has yet to have a decent cross to attack but I want more (which is why we are looking for strikers). There must be something going on between AW and Pod. Such a strong player but he has yet to show his true form in the red and white – how much patience can AW have with him? From Podolski’s point of view, he hasn’t been given a decent run in the team in his chosen position. I question why Mr Wenger bought him if he really wanted a left-sided winger/back-up MF; it is clearly not Pod’s game who flourishes closer to the box.

It has been wonderful to see our Little Mozart finally get a run of injury-free games. He looks a terrific player and is showing just what we missed over the past few seasons. Stay fit, Tomas.

I expect Theo to run the ageing Riise ragged. Fulham will concentrate keeping him out, which should allow space for Ramsey to take the space created by the Fulham midfield assisting Riise

My team:

fulham v arse

The bench will be a little light and I cannot understand why Bendtner remains alienated. If fit, he must be an option whatever his difficulties with Arsenal. We pay him, he should play.

Yet to think of a theme so for today I will bring you a touch of my hometown.

The Little Mermaid statue who sits so prettily not 400m from my home celebrated her 100 year birthday yesterday. Created by the sculpture Edvard Eriksen, she was a gift from Carl Jacobsen, the founder of Carlsberg beer, to the city. The Little Mermaid is  a story written by Hans Christian Anderson and has been performed as a ballet, play, and of course, a Disney movie.

Jacobsen had been to the ballet to see The Little Mermaid performed and fell for the charms of the lead ballerina, Ellen Price. Thinking to himself, “how can I get to see this beautiful woman naked?”, he came up with the idea of creating a statue which would become the symbol of both Copenhagen and Denmark. Eriksen designed the mermaid and Jacobsen approached Ellen Price who told him to “sling his hook because she was a respected professional not some cheap trollop”. So, Eriksen used his wife as the model for the body and Price for the face.

images

Hundreds of thousands visit her every year and almost everyone says “I knew she is called Little but I didn’t realise how little”.  Small but beautiful.

No need to stress the importance of a result today. Spurs play Swansea which is a home banker, Chavs already have two wins and to be 6 points behind them after just two games would be a poor start

We won at CC 1-0 at The Cottage last season and a scrappy victory it was, but I would love a similar scoreline today.

COYRRG

Written by Big Raddy

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Posted by Erik the Red

Fenerbahce. A win starts our season.

August 21, 2013

How many times do we read that a match is of “vital importance”? Are they? Is any match vital to the long -term success of the club? We all have our opinions but mine is that the CL is an adventure and good for earning money – but let’s be honest, is there any Gooner who really believes we can win the thing? OK, you over there in the red & white shirt covered in dribble, but anyone else?

Unknown

Don’t get me wrong – I want us to win tonight and win handsomely but I will not be calling for the heads of the entire management team if we don’t.  Man City & Chelsea didn’t even get into the knockout stages last season which gives an idea of how tough this competition is and perhaps, just perhaps, we may be better off out of it. (I did emphasise, perhaps! ). Mr Wenger says asks what is the point of battling to get fourth spot and then losing in the play-offs; he has a point. In the unlikely event that Spurs had been 4th and AFC 5th we would be suffering badly, and yet we do not even bother crowing about it.

Fenerbahce: Don’t know much about them but they have a corruption charge hanging over them which will be resolved after the tie is over – another example of the work of the overpaid lunatics who run the CL. What I do know is that Turkish fans are committed and loud. They will do all they can to make it a torrid night for the Arsenal. Whether their team is good I cannot say, but Turkish football has been improving for many years and in Mereiles they have a decent player.

Arsenal: The fears about our lack of players are somewhat exaggerated; we can raise a decent team though there remains some doubt as to whether Koscielny and Cazorla can play as they got cards last season. Going by the info from other sites it appears that they will start tonight.

My team:

fenerbahce v arsenal

If they play as we all know they can, this team is good enough to win. My fear is that without Arteta we may be porous in defence which could prove costly. An early goal would settle the team and the tie; as such it is important to approach the game in a positive frame of mind and attack from the start.

As always patience and concentration are essentials. I would love to see Wilshere start to boss a game, we know he has the talent and the drive, a touch more fitness and confidence and he will flourish, perhaps tonight is the night.

We have come through hard CL qualifiers before – anyone recall how tough Udinese were? This will be the same with hopefully a similar result.

On a side issue. Had Newcastle agreed to sell Cabaye, would he have been available to play play tonight?

Big Raddy

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Posted by Erik the Red

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