Brothers in Arms

December 13, 2015

After the fantastic victory midweek and the joy which emanated around the Arsenal world a win today would make Xmas shopping just that bit more fun. Unfortunately this Arsenal team is quirky – last time we won 3-0 away (Swansea) we lost the next 1-5! This time I expect the 3-0 to precipitate a long run of success

Fortunately Villa are not yet at the level of Bayern Munich but they are improving under Remi Garde who has taken on a huge challenge; a job which if he takes them down will be money for nothing and let’s face it, Villa are in dire straits.

I like Villa and wish them well but no wins in 14 and 8 games without a home victory bodes ill. However, Gestede, Bacuna and Grealish are due to return from injury and the naughty step so they will be optimistic of a change of fortune.

Villa have some real “take the man as well as the ball” players – the mad Scot Hutton, the mad Dane Okore and the mad Englishman Lescott who will be looking to let Ozil and friends “know they are there”. A windy day, a heavy pitch and a determined team with more sweat than ability could lead to more injuries for our boys.

And what of The Arsenal? I expect the FP to be rested this afternoon and get the last 20 minutes, that said I am sure he will want to continue his scoring run and perhaps Mr Wenger will opt for his strength upfront. IMO we would be better off with the pace of Theo and Campbell against AV’s lumbering defence.

I would like to see The Ox start, so my team would be:

Cech

Bellerin     BFG     Koscielny    Monreal

Ramsey     Flamini     Ox

Ozil

Campbell     Walcott

This season has seen some bizarre results with unexpected losses by the top teams – let’s all congratulate Bournemouth – so Arsenal have to beware of over-confidence.

Our last match against AV was one of the best performances I have ever seen by an Arsenal team. Enjoy.

If we win we go ToTL and we will – if we play as a team and work in harmony, like brothers in arms

Let it be so …..

COYRRG

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Posted by Erik the Red

Bring back Highbury ……

December 11, 2015

It’s been a good week for Gooners………. great result in Greece, through to the knock out stage, literally!

But I’ve been thinking recently about the old Highbury stadium, all the times I was there, through the good and the bad, and for me Highbury will always signify the Arsenal, the greatest team in London and even greater in North London.

highbury

It got me wondering as to why the new stadium wasn’t given the same name…. why not New Highbury Emirates Stadium…. or the Emirates Highbury Stadium… or just New Highbury Stadium? Ok I know it was all to do with money and sponsorship, but a little bit of nostalgia wouldn’t have been too hard, would it?

I still say Highbury when talking of home games…. it’s been extremely difficult to say the Emirates…. I wonder if in the future they could re-think the name…. would that be possible, other stadiums have done it, haven’t they?

So my rant is bring back the great name of Highbury Stadium…. I miss it and I’m sure many others do too…..

 

northbank69

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Posted by Rasp

The Dynamic Duo: Giroud & Walcott to Start.

December 9, 2015

In the words of one of Highgate’s finest” Tonights, the Night, It’s gonna be Alright” or will it be “I don’t wanna talk about it, How you broke my Heart”?

Either way  “You’re in my Heart you’re in my Soul, You’ll be my breath should I get Old”

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In the Home Kit

We are sure to be in for an exciting couple of hours tonight and there will be little room behind LB’s sofa, get there early 🙂

The doubts and fears about tonight are known to all – the history of our visits to Olympiakos,, the injuries, the stupidity of the home leg, the amazing home form of the Greeks, our inability to keep a clean sheet  etc etc but instead of writing about all those negative vibes I prefer concentrate upon why we will win. Why so? Because negativity attracts negativity and it follows that a positive post will augur a positive result.

Firstly, I think Arsene will start with both the FP and Theo with Campbell sitting on the bench. We need to score and they are our best bet. Giroud may be a marmite player but he can and does score goals; Theo owes us and is a Big Game player.

Olympiakos will play the counter-attack so we need to have pace and common-sense from a defensive point of view – so we start with the regular back 5 and tell Flamini only to venture forward when he is certain an FB is covering him. Kos and BFG only go forward for set plays.

We come into the game having shown we can score goals aplenty.

We have the best attacking midfielder in world football.

Ramsey has broken his duck and historically he scores in runs of games.

We have The Ox. None other than Mr Roy Hodgson spoke recently about how he thought Young Alex was a major find and has a golden future. I believe him. Ox needs a run of games to get back to the levels we know he is capable of. Expect a towering performance tonight.

Arsenal have been in this situation before – many times we have failed heroically but this being an Auspicious day Arsenal can and will overcome. This is why it is auspicious:

25 years ago today Lech Walesa was elected President of Poland

Dec 9 1949. Arsenal played their first ever Cup Game against Spurs. We won 3-0

There is other stuff but you would get bored!!

However there is one reason which stands out above all others …….

We will win because We are The Arsenal

COYRRG

 

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Posted by Erik the Red

Arsenal could win if they lose – or lose if they win?

December 7, 2015

Saturday’s win over a committed Sunderland must have provided a bit of a boost to the teams morale.

Morale, or the lack of it, has become a bit of a problem recently, what with the string of injuries and some less than encouraging results.

Having said that, we are second in the Premiership, only two points behind the surprise leaders Leicester City and one point above Man City.

Our regular competitors for the top four positions are all suffering to some extent.  Man City are strangely erratic.  Man U, while not conceding many are failing to score goals on a regular basis.  Chelsea are struggling just above the relegation zone and even “The Special One” has publicly given up on a top four finish.

Despite the queues in our treatment room, it’s beginning to look like 2015/16 is our best chance, for too many years, to win the title.

The elephant in the room is the Champions League.

Wednesday’s match in Athens will decide whether or not we proceed to the knockout stage or slip into the Europa League. It has to be said that our record in the knockout stage is not that good and with our current injury list, allied to a thinnish squad, it doesn’t bode well when it comes to mixing it with Europe’s elite.

Now I would like nothing better than to beat Olympiakos by the requisite two goal margin thus avoiding the ignominy of Thursday night football and it’s treks to the far flung corners of the European Continent. For that reason alone I sincerely hope we field our strongest possible side against the Greeks.

So, should we go for one last all out effort on Wednesday evening with the hope of wrapping up qualification for the Champions League before it shuts down for the winter break?  Or do we field an even more weakened side in the hope of resting a few tired legs ahead of the busy Christmas fixture pile up?

I suppose what I’m really asking is, do you think we would stand a better chance of winning the Premiership by getting into the Champions League knockout stages where we have little chance of progressing, or would we be better off playing more games, with a realistic chance of winning the Europa League, to the detriment of our chances of walking off with the Premiership title?

Written by Norfolk Gooner.

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Posted by Rasp

Arsenal provide tonic to injury problems

December 6, 2015

An injury plagued Arsenal earned a welcome 3 points after securing a win which was flattering to say the least.

On route to the Grove there was a sense of apprehension given Arsenal’s injury list but there was some hope with the news that Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott were restored in the squad with the former starting.

Fans were arriving early given the rumours of security checks taking place following recent tragic events. Arsenal started the game sloppy and Sunderland were through on goal early but Petr Cech was ever dependable and spared Arsenal’s blushes.

The big Cech stopper was then alert to save a deflected effort and the fans were becoming concerned this would become a long afternoon. They were right and Oliver Giroud was to feel the brunt of the Arsenal supporters frustration. Two elderly Gentleman in the North Bank then started a verbal volley about the Frenchman using very colourful language and calling him everything under the sun. The forward looked very lazy and fans were angered that he was not even doing the basics like holding the ball and bring his teammates into the game.

Arsenal then took the lead and it was that man Mesut Ozil who put a exquisite pass through for Joel Campbell to finish superbly low into the bottom corner.

Then a sucker punch.. Arsenal gave away a needless free kick. Yann M’Vila, who once seemed destined to join Arsenal swung in the free kick and yes.. It was Olivier Giroud who stuck a boot out to divert the goal past his own keeper. The fans in the North Bank were furious and  there were calls for him to be substituted for Walcott. The fury amongst the fans was evident to see and with Ramsey missing from close range rift at the end of the half compounded matters.

The second half began with Arsenal on the front foot and Arsenal were rewarded with a goal and the elderly gentlemen who were swearing from the rooftops were left red faced as Olivier Groud scored with an accurate diving header to restore Arsenal’s lead.

The game then became scrappy and the Arsenal fans were left biting their nails and Sunderland had a chance to score but the ball went blazing over the bar. The 3 points were secured when Aaron Ramsey fired home from close range after a breakaway.

So an important win for the Gunners on a day when our closest rivals dropped points.

I would like to finish though by asking this audience to spare a thought.. I wrote this match report with lots of sadness. Ernie Crouch, 90 years old, sadly died today on his way to the game.. Ernie was an Arsenal fanatic and went to every Arsenal home and away game and has been going since 1935.. It is a sad day for Arsenal football club. Ernie was a gentleman and it was always a pleasure to speak to him and had so many great stories. He will be sadly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and this difficult time.

RIP Ernie Crouch xxx

Written by Sir A Hussein

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Posted by peachesgÖÖner

The Thin Red Line

December 5, 2015

I should stop here – this post will not get better than the title 🙂

images-1

The Northern Hordes are coming to the Emirates flying the flag of Attila Allardyce and our brave few are going in to battle defending the honour of free-flowing, intelligent, attacking football.

I have written enough about The Walrus and his brand of football but if one wants to see the damage he can do to a club just look East of the Emirates to West Ham. A sorrier tale of a club’s traditions reneged for the sake of points will be hard to find. Sure he could  keep a dreadful Sunderland team in the PL but at what cost? He is the prime example of Money over Aesthetics. Serve up “19th Century Football” (thank you Jose) and you may win points but certainly no fans and the locals will hate you for it. Keep doing it once you are secure in the billionaire playground of the Premier League and you get the spanish archer (cockney slang for El Bow”).

A man who will never get the spanish archer is our manager. Many believe Arsenal are wrong to commit so firmly to the Wenger philosophy but win, lose or draw people watch Arsenal. Why? Because in a few seconds you may see something not witnessed anywhere else in England – imagination of pass construction at a speed of thought which at times seems inhuman. OK, we do not win as much as a huge club should but in my opinion the manner of victory is more important than the victory. The only time I have considered giving up on Arsenal was in the last few Graham years – I just couldn’t stand watching them any more.

Can I get through this without mention Santi, Welbz, Little Jack, Alexis, Tommi, Arteta, Kos, Gibbo et all? Clearly not, but they cannot help us this afternoon, so who can?

Will Mr Wenger let Theo play against a team committed to hoofball or will he sacrifice Campbell? Given the big game midweek I would give TW 15 minutes .

There remains enough attacking talent to win. Concentration and strength at  defensive set plays will be essential. If we go behind it will be a long climb back.

Given our recent poor form and injuries I hesitate to suggest we will win at a canter but I do think we have enough to win this

COYRRG

written by Big Raddy

 

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Posted by Erik the Red

Arsenal has no reserves – because there are no reserves …….

December 3, 2015

The current paucity of options from the bench to reinforce Arsenal’s injury ravaged squad has led many to ask whether we can recall any of the players out on loan, and further to question why they were sent out on loan in the first place. It is evident that the loss of the reserve league has been a major factor in the management of those players on the periphery of the first team squad..

Gooner in Exile explained it in this way yesterday …..

The issue of players out on loan is brought upon by the lack of the reserve league (which has been gone for about three seasons now I think) and a change in academy rules. We can play 3 overage players in under 21 games and we can organise behind closed door friendlies. I’ve been to academy games in the new format, a couple at Carrow Road watching Arsenal. One season it was all youngsters, another season Chamakh, Arshavin and the Park played. The problem is that it was far too easy for the older players and nowhere physical enough to reflect senior football.

Because of this we have players out on loan. It is my understanding that we cannot loan to another PL club and then recall whenever we want, I think that can only happen in the transfer windows (especially if player is over 21 as they have to be named in the PL squad). Players loaned to Championship clubs can be recalled, but only play for us if they were registered to the PL squad (again if over 21 on 1 January 2015).

I am not a fan of the Academy rules that were pushed through in recent times.

Academy funding was done by the FA. Somehow the PL now control funding and have implemented set criteria about coaching time etc, to get the the clubs to comply to the rules for each level of academy. A Top Academy status club can go to any other academy of a lower status and take their pick of the talent with very little compensation paid, which further hinders the lower league clubs unless they are prepared to invest money (which they probably they don’t have) to shift up a level in status.

From this it would seem that money and the power the EPL wields over the FA have been the driving forces once again. Is it good for Arsenal? Is it good for English football? …… What do you think?

Compiled from a comment stolen from GoonerInExile 🙂

 

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Posted by Rasp

Norwich Discussion Points

November 30, 2015

Did we deserve the point?

Why did we create so few chances?

Why was Giroud so quiet?

Should Sanchez have played?

Is it worth the time and effort to study French?

Given the much lauded  and expensive signing of Chad Forsythia, why are we having so many soft-tissue injuries?

Would the team function better if Ramsey and Cazorla swapped roles?

Is Gabriel good enough to partner BFG?

Which would win in a fight between a big shark and a tiger?

Has signing another CM  in January become a necessity?

Can we still win the title?

written by Big Raddy

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Posted by Erik the Red

Can Canaries shoot down High Flying Gunners?

November 29, 2015

Things have not been working in the last two PL games. One point is not a good enough return against two mediocre teams. Is this a blip or a trend?

This afternoon will tell because on paper we should win this. In the awful event of us losing and Spurs winning we could be 5th this evening.

The return of Ox and Ramsey to the squad gives Mr Wenger some welcome selection choices. Will Mr Wenger use them?

My expectation is that he will have both players on the bench. Campbell was crap at WBA but he was very good on Tuesday night and perhaps he needed a good performance to prove to both himself and AW that he is worth a place in the squad. How many times do we say a player needs a run of games and yet criticise them after just one game? (see Arteta/Debuchy).

Sanchez has had a 5 day break which will take him from the red zone into the pink 🙂 and will surely start. With the wizard Ozil in magnificent form and certainly not in the red we have the tools to win.

A solid defensive performance is essential as is good fortune. WBA scored twice last week and yet had only one shot on target for the whole 95 minutes! Who knows, Norwich could win today without a single shot on target – it happens.

And what of Norwich? Well, it is a lovely town and the cathedral is spectacular. Carrow Road is a friendly and enjoyable ground for away fans. A few years ago I was in Norwich on a Saturday afternoon. Mrs Raddy was in total shopping mode. I checked the time and noticing it was half-time went to the stadium asking if I could watch the remainder of the game for free. The steward invited me in and said “sit in any free seat”. Top bloke.

Alex Neill has already stated that his team will be resolute which is another way of saying “I don’t care if we are at home, we will be parking the bus because it is the only way we stand a chance” (not in those exact word 😉 ). So expect loads of possession, lots of fannying about on the edge of the Norwich box, long ball breakaways aimed at Mbokani, and Arsenal to score from a set piece.

Redmond is their best player this season and will undoubtedly cause problems. My answer is to tell Flamini close him down at every opportunity.

So …. vigilance, continued brilliance from SanZil, clinical finishing and Bob’s you Uncle  – three points on the road and Happy Days.

COYRRG

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Posted by Erik the Red

Why are Arsenal supporters so Fickle?

November 27, 2015

My personal pet peeve is well known to all AA readers – its fickle fans!

The Gunners are my choice of team by way of my family and where I was born; I had little option other than to support Arsenal as the “other” choice up in N17 was a taboo name on Avenell Road and 3 of my cousins and one Uncle had already become outcasts from the family due to their unfortunate choice.

I am continually upset by “fans” that purport to be “experts”

Do they really think that they know better than our Manager?

Do they have degrees in medicine?

Do they have their own scouting network? Oops I forgot – they use You tube.

Where do these armchair experts get all of their knowledge from?

What do they think gives them the right to spout their venom after every loss?

Why do they believe that anybody gives a monkey’s about their extreme views?

Why do they continually state the same rubbish over and over again?

Do they really believe their nonsense or is it just a reaction to a bad game?

Why is waiting to say “I told you so” so important to them?

To me an injury is an awful stroke of bad luck for both the club and the player, for others an injury is an opportunity to be critical of perceived lack of activity in the transfer window.

To me healthy bank balance is the sign of a well run and managed club to others it’s a sign of broken transfer promises – apparently we should spend regardless of the quality of the player – after all the Red Tops have said we were interested in X, Y and Z so why didn’t we sign?

To me Arsense Wenger is an honest man who has taken the club to unimagined heights and continues to excel, to others he is a liar who is not in touch with “modern” football.

I watch each and every game with one thing in mind – to sit back, usually nervously, to enjoy my team display their multitude of talents – and rarely do they disappoint me.

During the game I cheer and shout as if I’m sitting in the stands. I yell at referee’s who invariably make the wrong decisions. I’m a supporter and it’s my job to support with every ounce of my energy. I never waste my time being critical of my team or our Manager nor do I believe in any way, shape or form that I know better than the true experts who are employed by AFC because they are the best at what they do!

I’m a seasoned (68+) SUPPORTER and will be until the day I draw my last breath.

GunnerN5

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Posted by peachesgÖÖner

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