No time to get down a post of any kind today. Just time to say that we are very depleted heading into this one, with Nasri and Diaby missing as well to our already large injury list. Like my mate quipped, it's almost like we miss Eboue now! Tough times, tough times indeed.
It's Cesc's first one in charge, however. And I really think it will be a good game for us today. A good result here at home will set us up well for the fiercer battles ahead, the first of those being Chelski on Sunday.
As usual with the CL kick-offs it's a 19.45 kicoff at Ashburton Grove, London time and that is a 01.15 for those of us in India and it's on Zee Sports in this region.
So here's to the start of the Cesc era, and long may he reign!
Come on you Gunners!!
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
Monday, 24 November 2008
Cesc: the light at the end of the tunnel!
What a day for the young man taking over the reigns at Arsenal Football Club. What a day for us, and collectively what a momentous day for Arsenal Football Club.
Francesc Fabregas - the captain of Arsenal Football Club, and who among us could say that we couldn't see that coming.
Announcing the new captain Arsene said-
“Gallas will play against Kyiv. But he will not captain the team, it will be Cesc Fabregas"
"This is a permanent thing. But I don’t think I especially have to explain why. I have given you information but I do not have to explain to you why I make these decisions.
“This subject is now closed. You have to respect a little bit of the team’s privacy.”
Sure, I was all for Kolo Toure trying the armband on for size first before handing it over to the young Spaniard. But really given more thought and having read Arseblogger's piece today and Amy Lawrence in the Times, I must admit that without a shadow of a doubt we could not at this point of time find a better man for the job of cappy at Arsenal Football Club.
I don't think we had a true leader for large portions of time after Tony Adams barring the last No. 4 ofcourse. There may have been big characters, but not the men most suited to lead a team on the pitch. And certainly, the last incumbent at the post ,Gallas just didn't cut it at all. He wasn't Arsenal through and through, Cesc on the other hand is. He was ushered in to the ways of a Gunner. The tradition, the culture and the legacy. He lives and breathes Arsenal, much the same way we do, and it's such a delight to see him at the helm.
It's proud day for all of us associated with the Club. We've all seen the boy blossom into a man, and how. Seen him as a 17 year old. Seen him step up to those big Vieira boots. Seen him put in vital performances, notably against Juventus and Milan last year and what about that goal against Spurs last season when the chips were down. And so many countless others. Who really can dispute that he is the real talisman once Henry departed? Who can also dispute that he didn't shoulder the responsibility of leading a young team, albeit without the armband in recent times? Who can also say with a great deal of confidence that he is not the most important player we have on the pitch?
He is the real deal, and I find myself gushing immensely ever since I found out that it was him that would lead the team out henceforth. Everyone from the players to the fans needed a lift after the goings on recently and who can deny that this wasn't it. It would be churlish to think that things would be all A-ok from here on in. But it's a start, and the most positive one we've seen in sometime. We need re-inforcements to the team, some real quality needs to acquired. Some positions on the pitch need to be strengthened. It's been a dark, doom-laden sort of with almost everything at Arsenal. As messy as you will probably ever see, but with this latest development, you can see the doom and gloom lifting.
A fresh start. The slate wiped clean, and maybe with the more realistic knowledge of the ability and depth of our squad we can re-asses our strengths and weakness and likewise take another look at what can be realistically achieved this season. But atleast we need to wonder no more who it will be that will lead the team forward. Cescy has the confidence of the players, the fans and now that's quantified by the manager who allows him to lead his young squad out.
Fab has the fire power, the right attitude, the mental toughness and most importantly the respect of the players, and the world you would have to say.
Maybe we are asking too much out of young Cesc, maybe the weight of expectation will weigh heavily on his young shoulders. But I really don't see that happening. And I'd hate to be proven wrong, again. I will just remind you of another great captain who took the reins of the Arsenal team a little while ago, much the same age of young Fabregas here, and is one of the most distinguished men ever to put on the Arsenal shirt. If Cesc can even go on and emulate half of what Tony Adams did (if your still guessing, that is) he will long be remembered.
Take a bow Cescy! (Rather prematurely, I know but can you blame me?) Really it's a great day, and a new beginning, I can feel it in my bones! Come on Cescy you have the complete Arsenal Community behind you. It's the Cesc show from here on in ( No pressure then.. heh), and we wait in anticipation for the first episode. Over to you...
And, come on the Arsenal!!!
Update!
Speaking about his new role as club captain, Cesc said-
"It is a proud moment. I know it's a big responsibility but together with my team-mates, I know we have the spirit and commitment to get back to winning ways and fulfil our potential."
And will direct you to what Gael Clichy who was also in the running for captain as you would believe, had to say about Cesc being handed the armband, that's here.
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
What the Arsenal need right now
There are somethings in life that make you scratch your head in disbelief, others that leave you with a sense of bewilderment and there are still others that throw you on to the the floor and leave you lying there in utter and complete bafflement. The Arsenal performance against Villa at the Grove last Saturday would definitely fall into the last category. Another late take on the game, as I didn't want too much of a knee-jerk reaction. Sadly though the gloom still hasn't lifted, yet.
I'm sure all of us Gooners the world over would have been beaming, uncontrollably so and taking the piss out of any Mancs in sight after the game just two Saturdays ago. I think it was Arseblogger who said 'what a difference a weeks makes' after the Manchester United mauling, this on the back of a pathetic draw to the Spuds and a defeat to Stoke. But it couldn't be more poignant to say 'what a difference a weeks makes', now more than ever. Wasn't this the same team to a man that controlled the game so well against a Manchester United team, and won all the plaudits? As rapturous as the win gainst the Manky Shite was, there were large portions of the Arsenal support who were happy, but more than happy we were hopeful. Hopeful that the team could kick on from here. That the confidence would be at an upswing after the uplifting win. We were not going to come a cropper after this? Were we? We hoped not. But normal service had resumed againstVilla, atleast normal as this season goes.You could also replace the word 'normal' with 'unpredictable', and you know it.
The Villa game would be the litmus test of whether we had turned the corner and would kick on on from here on in . I think it would have been plain to any observer to see the sheer determination and drive lacking right from the off against Martin O'Neil's men. You could brush it aside , like i tended to do in the early stages and say "Well, its not Man U this time round, so the boys will be up for it eventually, and get the job done".When Almunia made the save you would get the feeling that maybe it was going to be our day. Or so I thought. I cannot really comment of the rest of the match till about the 70th as I could not catch a glimpse of it owing to some 'electricity difficulties'. But I am informed that it wasn't too much better from what I had seen. I was hoping to see a revitalised Arsenal come out second half, and take control of the game. But sadly, all momentum from the Man u game had just fizzled out, much like it had 'fizzled in' before the ManUSA game.
Even at 1 nil down in the 70th, we didnt create too much. There was 20 mins on the clock, surely more than enough time to get an equaliser and a winner too! But we lacked the verve and desire to realy push on from there. A complete wet blanket . It can't be a personnel problem, can it? Surely not, atleast I am wont to say, that it isn't. So what is it?
I think our inconsistencies are born out of two things we sorely lack in this squad. And it's not for the first time that I am voicing these concerns. We lack leadership. And the other being sheer desire and drive. There's no other conclusions that you can draw from it. Especially since we know what they are capable off after the Manky Shite encounter. I winced after Billy Gallas said something to the effect of him being a good captain after the big Manure win. He is so far away from the truth. I really think the leadership issue needs to be sorted out now, even at the cost of Gallas being slighted. It really is the need of the hour. And come on, it's not like any of the lads look up to him too much, so it can't really have a detrimental effect on the squad. That in effect could then see Gallas dropped to the bench, and Toure take his place. We've tried the Gallas-Silvestre combo at the back, with mixed results at best. Maybe it's time to try out the Toure-Silvestre combo, surely it can't be much worse.With Gallas being stripped of the captaincy and subsequently dropped to the bench this idea could see the light of day. I would give the man replacing Gallas on the pitch the captains armband, and I think he should atelast be give a go. Toure is Arsenal through and through, and he is worth the experiment if not anything else. You would have to say that since Toure has been an Arsenal boy for so long he definitely needs to get a look in as captain, the lads look up to him, and well he's the man for the job at the moment. There are some theories that Cescy would make a good captain, and surely you couldn't do much better than getting the young Spaniard to wear the armband, but I would definitely like to try out ol' Kolo first. Kolo could instil some old fashioned Arsenal pride and drive in the lads, and man do we need it right now. Arseblogger in response to to the performance against Villa wanted us to buy a 'leader' in the January transfer, I am at best sceptical with the most agreeable Arseblogger.I think we cannot go out shopping for someone like that. The leader has to be an Arsenal boy, and an old head at that. I think if we can do this and maybe get one or two key players we could get some more consistency.
I think we are very much an outside chance for the Prem, at best and even with just a third of the season done and dusted with. I have not seen 'Champion' material from this team thus far. As euphoric as it was dispensing the Manks with disdain, it is the four losses , against, with due respect the lesser lights of the league that are seeing us languishing. We may not be too far away from the top, bieng a long way to go and all that. But the inconsistency and performance thus far has not warranted a rightful title challenge.That said a quick couple of wins could get us up and running, but maybe, just maybe we may end up paying for past sins this season as far as the Prem goes.
I am however looking forward to our CL challenge this season. We could go far in the competition, the team we have now is strung in this way. More often than not it's going to some European big shite that we take on, and the boys will definitely be up for it, won't they? I sure as heck hope so.
Heads up Gooners! Always. And a special shot out to all the fans who lingered to sing at the end of the Villa game at the Grove. You lads rule. All.
I'm sure all of us Gooners the world over would have been beaming, uncontrollably so and taking the piss out of any Mancs in sight after the game just two Saturdays ago. I think it was Arseblogger who said 'what a difference a weeks makes' after the Manchester United mauling, this on the back of a pathetic draw to the Spuds and a defeat to Stoke. But it couldn't be more poignant to say 'what a difference a weeks makes', now more than ever. Wasn't this the same team to a man that controlled the game so well against a Manchester United team, and won all the plaudits? As rapturous as the win gainst the Manky Shite was, there were large portions of the Arsenal support who were happy, but more than happy we were hopeful. Hopeful that the team could kick on from here. That the confidence would be at an upswing after the uplifting win. We were not going to come a cropper after this? Were we? We hoped not. But normal service had resumed againstVilla, atleast normal as this season goes.You could also replace the word 'normal' with 'unpredictable', and you know it.
The Villa game would be the litmus test of whether we had turned the corner and would kick on on from here on in . I think it would have been plain to any observer to see the sheer determination and drive lacking right from the off against Martin O'Neil's men. You could brush it aside , like i tended to do in the early stages and say "Well, its not Man U this time round, so the boys will be up for it eventually, and get the job done".When Almunia made the save you would get the feeling that maybe it was going to be our day. Or so I thought. I cannot really comment of the rest of the match till about the 70th as I could not catch a glimpse of it owing to some 'electricity difficulties'. But I am informed that it wasn't too much better from what I had seen. I was hoping to see a revitalised Arsenal come out second half, and take control of the game. But sadly, all momentum from the Man u game had just fizzled out, much like it had 'fizzled in' before the ManUSA game.
Even at 1 nil down in the 70th, we didnt create too much. There was 20 mins on the clock, surely more than enough time to get an equaliser and a winner too! But we lacked the verve and desire to realy push on from there. A complete wet blanket . It can't be a personnel problem, can it? Surely not, atleast I am wont to say, that it isn't. So what is it?
I think our inconsistencies are born out of two things we sorely lack in this squad. And it's not for the first time that I am voicing these concerns. We lack leadership. And the other being sheer desire and drive. There's no other conclusions that you can draw from it. Especially since we know what they are capable off after the Manky Shite encounter. I winced after Billy Gallas said something to the effect of him being a good captain after the big Manure win. He is so far away from the truth. I really think the leadership issue needs to be sorted out now, even at the cost of Gallas being slighted. It really is the need of the hour. And come on, it's not like any of the lads look up to him too much, so it can't really have a detrimental effect on the squad. That in effect could then see Gallas dropped to the bench, and Toure take his place. We've tried the Gallas-Silvestre combo at the back, with mixed results at best. Maybe it's time to try out the Toure-Silvestre combo, surely it can't be much worse.With Gallas being stripped of the captaincy and subsequently dropped to the bench this idea could see the light of day. I would give the man replacing Gallas on the pitch the captains armband, and I think he should atelast be give a go. Toure is Arsenal through and through, and he is worth the experiment if not anything else. You would have to say that since Toure has been an Arsenal boy for so long he definitely needs to get a look in as captain, the lads look up to him, and well he's the man for the job at the moment. There are some theories that Cescy would make a good captain, and surely you couldn't do much better than getting the young Spaniard to wear the armband, but I would definitely like to try out ol' Kolo first. Kolo could instil some old fashioned Arsenal pride and drive in the lads, and man do we need it right now. Arseblogger in response to to the performance against Villa wanted us to buy a 'leader' in the January transfer, I am at best sceptical with the most agreeable Arseblogger.I think we cannot go out shopping for someone like that. The leader has to be an Arsenal boy, and an old head at that. I think if we can do this and maybe get one or two key players we could get some more consistency.
I think we are very much an outside chance for the Prem, at best and even with just a third of the season done and dusted with. I have not seen 'Champion' material from this team thus far. As euphoric as it was dispensing the Manks with disdain, it is the four losses , against, with due respect the lesser lights of the league that are seeing us languishing. We may not be too far away from the top, bieng a long way to go and all that. But the inconsistency and performance thus far has not warranted a rightful title challenge.That said a quick couple of wins could get us up and running, but maybe, just maybe we may end up paying for past sins this season as far as the Prem goes.
I am however looking forward to our CL challenge this season. We could go far in the competition, the team we have now is strung in this way. More often than not it's going to some European big shite that we take on, and the boys will definitely be up for it, won't they? I sure as heck hope so.
Heads up Gooners! Always. And a special shot out to all the fans who lingered to sing at the end of the Villa game at the Grove. You lads rule. All.
Monday, 10 November 2008
We get off our Arse, and how!
My last post was after the disheartening fiasco of a week against the Spuds and then the subsequent loss to Stoke. It was shattering, and I was looking to the Fenerbahce game to get some of that frustration out, a release I thought we definitely needed ,and heck wasn't it the Manks who come a visiting on Saturday? But as it panned out, we were not really keyed into the game and it was another frustrating performance.
So it wasn't the best lead up by any stretch of the imagination to a day I would 'ring in my calender', to quote Le Prof. We were seriously depleted going in to the game. Already without Van Persie who was suspended, we would also be without the Togonator who should be out for three weeks. To add to that, a big cloud also hung over Theo, Billy Gallas and Bacary Sagna. Didn't really know how the boys would react to the visit of the defending champions. Would we step up? Or would we roll over? I hadn't the faintest idea. "Right , let's 'ave it then", was the most appropriate thing for me to say then going in to this one. A loss would re-affirm all that has been said in most Arsenal forums including this one, about the lads inexperience and general lack of quality in key areas, and oh the character, or the lack of it thereof. A win on the other hand would set us back on track, would help us forget some previous sins, and let us focus on the rest of the season ahead. Some Gooners we're likely to accept a draw as a good return for us, given the recent outcomes.
It does not require infinite wisdom to work out what formation Wenger would adopt for this game. Unsuprisingly it was the lone Dane striker, Nicklas Bendtner deployed upfront, unsuprisingly also the 5-man midfield. But suprisingly though, Theo was declared fit to take his place on the right wing, and so also Sagna behind him on the right and Cap'n Gallas was partnered at the back by Silvestre. Diaby, Denilson and Nasri made up the other numbers in midfield, while Gael Clichy marshalled the most despicable of all divers, an unholy diver if you will at left back. While on the subject, give this a go, it won't disappoint. And oh Almunia resumed his position between the sticks.
Here in Bangalore, we got some of the Gooners together to watch the big game at SBX Sports Bar, Marathalli. There were plenty of the poseur 'Untied' fans as well. So the atmosphere was unlike any other I had witnessed at a pub before. Right from the off it was tingly neck stuff. But some things were different from the Arsenal performances we were accustomed to in recent weeks. We were right up for it, right from the off, getting stuck in , putting a foot in, fighting for th 50-50's. We were not going to let them boss us, not on our home patch! We showed desire, steel and resolve and were going to go down, if we were that is with a fight. If The Manky Shite, expected an easy outing against a young Arsenal side, who were in the worst form in years. They definitely had another thing coming. There was a scary moment early on when a dodgy back pass from Silvestre was handled was Almunia. Luckily nothing came off the subsequent free kick. We created chances early on with Nasri dancing his way along the left, with Clichy to back him up on the overlap. Two good crosses with Bentdner as the target were floated in to the box from the left, but one missed the target narrowly and the other was put over by the young Dane. Agonising. I could feel a goal coming for us though. The crowd was much bouyed by the response of the Gunners and were in good voice, the best I've probably heard at Ashburton. Needless to say I was really thrilled to bits about the response by the team. It really was so awesome, after all the dark days we've witnessed in the recent past, not to mention the criticism.
The Mancs had their chances as well, but suprisingly their sharp shooters were a bit shite all nite, fortunate for us! When the doubly damned ( A Spud and then turning out in ManUsa colours, what a hideous combination) Berbatov did get the ball past Almunia in goal, it was from an offside position. It was going our way so far. We pressed and probed as both teams forayed forward. The visitors more on the break. They had one beautiful move where they cut our defense to ribbons, and that was really worrying. But it was soon all forgotten when a Fab freekick on the right was Cleared by Vidic, whose header found Samir Nasri in the box who took a couple of touches and drove it goalward past the crowd. The ball took a deflection off Gary Neville and beat the flapping Van Der Sar. Cue Chaos! 'Insaneness'. Absolutely. And Completely. One nil to the Arsenal! And Oh, Manky Shite nil. Many people think it was a fortuitous goal. They better be kidding! It was a goal fair and square and on the balance you would probably say we were more deserved leaders than the Manchester lads. This was in the 22nd. You will have to depend on the match report here for a better, comprehensive account of the game. Manure did have a couple of chances, Park forcing a save out of Almunia, who I thought was outstanding at times. As the minutes ticked by though, you get the feeling it was going to be our day. The signs were there, our "shambles" defense improved with every passing minute, Rooney failed to hit the target when presented, and we were mixing it toe to toe and even bossing it for large periods of the first half with Fergie's lot, no mean task, i'll have you know. Sample this, the average age of our front six was just 21, eat that!
So we went in at the break with our heads held high, and a well deserved lead. That was just half the job done, ManUSA are known to be a second half team. So we all knew, as nerve racking and end to end the first half was, it would be a walk in the park compared to the second half. Amazingly young Nasri, a debutante in the Man U-Arsenal Ruckus' had other ideas, latching on to some neat work and space created in midfield by Fab, he found himself just inside the box with Van Der Sar to beat. And he drilled it past the Dutchman, into the top left hand corner! Oh, now your talking!! 2-0 to the Arsenal and Nasri wrote his name up in lights, again in the 48th. Well, well well, an unlikely result looked well and truly on now.What ointment this win would be, if we pulled it off, could we? A nervous 40 some minutes ensued, some decent saves by Almunia helped us along the way. Some Suprisingly astute defending by the back four, played a pivotal part. A revitalised midfield stood defiant, as they broke forth in search of more goals. While they all played a part in preventing us from conceding. Some of the most biased refereeing I have seen by Howard Webb ensured that the Shite always, and I do mean always got their decisions, and broke up our play. Aargh!!
The manks did have their chances though, Ronaldo, the unholy diver cited above, missed from close- on. It was nervy stuff, but the manks never really looked like scoring. But this was the Manky shite at two goals down, of course they were going to come at you and they did. In fairness we really did our bit to keep them at bay. We survived all until the 89th when sub, Da Silva unleashed a rocket past Fabianski, who came on for the injured Almunia who took a boot to the face from the shite kicker Carrick, also doubly damned you might note.
Hmmm you thought, as you wrung your hands and shook your head in utter and sheer fright! The celebrations were put on ice, could we collapse again. The palpitations ensued, 6 minutes of injury time? 6 whole minutes!!! It was the longest six minutes. We survived, we learnt something from the Spurs game, and didn't attack, not as much anyway and protected the ball better.
That's it! Full time. We had kicked the Mnaky Shite where it mattered most, and how! What a game! What a result. Pandamonium. Delirium. The Manky dissing that was on all game reached a crescendo. We really let them have it in the pub. And it was pure, unbridled joy! It was one of those feelings that you will savour for the rest of your life. You live for these sorts of days!
I was so happy. Happy for every Arsenal Supporter who stood by the team through the harrowing last weeks. The players who pulled it off. Brilliant. And for Arsene, how sweet it must be for him. How sweet indeed!
The press wrote us off, some of us Gooners didnt think the team had it in them. But the players showed the strongest character to prove their detractors wrong. A real dagger it was. A complete performance by the young Arsenal team. Absolutely proud of the lot of them! while Nasri will rather deservedly get all the plaudits, it was a proper shut up and dominat job by the entireArsenal team. Each one of them did us proud!
The past disappointments were forgotten. The felling of the Manure will be long remebered. And now for me two days on, I still can't stop smiling!
It's a bit late to say savour it, Gooners but I know some of yal still are! Come on you Gunners, lets kick on from here!!
Cheers!!
So it wasn't the best lead up by any stretch of the imagination to a day I would 'ring in my calender', to quote Le Prof. We were seriously depleted going in to the game. Already without Van Persie who was suspended, we would also be without the Togonator who should be out for three weeks. To add to that, a big cloud also hung over Theo, Billy Gallas and Bacary Sagna. Didn't really know how the boys would react to the visit of the defending champions. Would we step up? Or would we roll over? I hadn't the faintest idea. "Right , let's 'ave it then", was the most appropriate thing for me to say then going in to this one. A loss would re-affirm all that has been said in most Arsenal forums including this one, about the lads inexperience and general lack of quality in key areas, and oh the character, or the lack of it thereof. A win on the other hand would set us back on track, would help us forget some previous sins, and let us focus on the rest of the season ahead. Some Gooners we're likely to accept a draw as a good return for us, given the recent outcomes.
It does not require infinite wisdom to work out what formation Wenger would adopt for this game. Unsuprisingly it was the lone Dane striker, Nicklas Bendtner deployed upfront, unsuprisingly also the 5-man midfield. But suprisingly though, Theo was declared fit to take his place on the right wing, and so also Sagna behind him on the right and Cap'n Gallas was partnered at the back by Silvestre. Diaby, Denilson and Nasri made up the other numbers in midfield, while Gael Clichy marshalled the most despicable of all divers, an unholy diver if you will at left back. While on the subject, give this a go, it won't disappoint. And oh Almunia resumed his position between the sticks.
Here in Bangalore, we got some of the Gooners together to watch the big game at SBX Sports Bar, Marathalli. There were plenty of the poseur 'Untied' fans as well. So the atmosphere was unlike any other I had witnessed at a pub before. Right from the off it was tingly neck stuff. But some things were different from the Arsenal performances we were accustomed to in recent weeks. We were right up for it, right from the off, getting stuck in , putting a foot in, fighting for th 50-50's. We were not going to let them boss us, not on our home patch! We showed desire, steel and resolve and were going to go down, if we were that is with a fight. If The Manky Shite, expected an easy outing against a young Arsenal side, who were in the worst form in years. They definitely had another thing coming. There was a scary moment early on when a dodgy back pass from Silvestre was handled was Almunia. Luckily nothing came off the subsequent free kick. We created chances early on with Nasri dancing his way along the left, with Clichy to back him up on the overlap. Two good crosses with Bentdner as the target were floated in to the box from the left, but one missed the target narrowly and the other was put over by the young Dane. Agonising. I could feel a goal coming for us though. The crowd was much bouyed by the response of the Gunners and were in good voice, the best I've probably heard at Ashburton. Needless to say I was really thrilled to bits about the response by the team. It really was so awesome, after all the dark days we've witnessed in the recent past, not to mention the criticism.
The Mancs had their chances as well, but suprisingly their sharp shooters were a bit shite all nite, fortunate for us! When the doubly damned ( A Spud and then turning out in ManUsa colours, what a hideous combination) Berbatov did get the ball past Almunia in goal, it was from an offside position. It was going our way so far. We pressed and probed as both teams forayed forward. The visitors more on the break. They had one beautiful move where they cut our defense to ribbons, and that was really worrying. But it was soon all forgotten when a Fab freekick on the right was Cleared by Vidic, whose header found Samir Nasri in the box who took a couple of touches and drove it goalward past the crowd. The ball took a deflection off Gary Neville and beat the flapping Van Der Sar. Cue Chaos! 'Insaneness'. Absolutely. And Completely. One nil to the Arsenal! And Oh, Manky Shite nil. Many people think it was a fortuitous goal. They better be kidding! It was a goal fair and square and on the balance you would probably say we were more deserved leaders than the Manchester lads. This was in the 22nd. You will have to depend on the match report here for a better, comprehensive account of the game. Manure did have a couple of chances, Park forcing a save out of Almunia, who I thought was outstanding at times. As the minutes ticked by though, you get the feeling it was going to be our day. The signs were there, our "shambles" defense improved with every passing minute, Rooney failed to hit the target when presented, and we were mixing it toe to toe and even bossing it for large periods of the first half with Fergie's lot, no mean task, i'll have you know. Sample this, the average age of our front six was just 21, eat that!
So we went in at the break with our heads held high, and a well deserved lead. That was just half the job done, ManUSA are known to be a second half team. So we all knew, as nerve racking and end to end the first half was, it would be a walk in the park compared to the second half. Amazingly young Nasri, a debutante in the Man U-Arsenal Ruckus' had other ideas, latching on to some neat work and space created in midfield by Fab, he found himself just inside the box with Van Der Sar to beat. And he drilled it past the Dutchman, into the top left hand corner! Oh, now your talking!! 2-0 to the Arsenal and Nasri wrote his name up in lights, again in the 48th. Well, well well, an unlikely result looked well and truly on now.What ointment this win would be, if we pulled it off, could we? A nervous 40 some minutes ensued, some decent saves by Almunia helped us along the way. Some Suprisingly astute defending by the back four, played a pivotal part. A revitalised midfield stood defiant, as they broke forth in search of more goals. While they all played a part in preventing us from conceding. Some of the most biased refereeing I have seen by Howard Webb ensured that the Shite always, and I do mean always got their decisions, and broke up our play. Aargh!!
The manks did have their chances though, Ronaldo, the unholy diver cited above, missed from close- on. It was nervy stuff, but the manks never really looked like scoring. But this was the Manky shite at two goals down, of course they were going to come at you and they did. In fairness we really did our bit to keep them at bay. We survived all until the 89th when sub, Da Silva unleashed a rocket past Fabianski, who came on for the injured Almunia who took a boot to the face from the shite kicker Carrick, also doubly damned you might note.
Hmmm you thought, as you wrung your hands and shook your head in utter and sheer fright! The celebrations were put on ice, could we collapse again. The palpitations ensued, 6 minutes of injury time? 6 whole minutes!!! It was the longest six minutes. We survived, we learnt something from the Spurs game, and didn't attack, not as much anyway and protected the ball better.
That's it! Full time. We had kicked the Mnaky Shite where it mattered most, and how! What a game! What a result. Pandamonium. Delirium. The Manky dissing that was on all game reached a crescendo. We really let them have it in the pub. And it was pure, unbridled joy! It was one of those feelings that you will savour for the rest of your life. You live for these sorts of days!
I was so happy. Happy for every Arsenal Supporter who stood by the team through the harrowing last weeks. The players who pulled it off. Brilliant. And for Arsene, how sweet it must be for him. How sweet indeed!
The press wrote us off, some of us Gooners didnt think the team had it in them. But the players showed the strongest character to prove their detractors wrong. A real dagger it was. A complete performance by the young Arsenal team. Absolutely proud of the lot of them! while Nasri will rather deservedly get all the plaudits, it was a proper shut up and dominat job by the entireArsenal team. Each one of them did us proud!
The past disappointments were forgotten. The felling of the Manure will be long remebered. And now for me two days on, I still can't stop smiling!
It's a bit late to say savour it, Gooners but I know some of yal still are! Come on you Gunners, lets kick on from here!!
Cheers!!
Wednesday, 5 November 2008
We really need to get off our collective Arse
It's been the toughest week for me personally being a Gooner. And it has taken it's toll. I avoided all the shite that would have been flying about following the two 'defeats' in a row. Yes I do, (and most of you will agree) consider the Totscum result a defeat.
The thing I was thinking about prior to these games was whether we had the bottle to compete for the title this season. While those credentials are at best 'questionable', I think another issue has to be addressed as well. The players, and their quality.
We all knew the average age of the squad. Yet we did know that they were a bit more experienced than their age betrayed. But as we have discovered in our last two displays, we lack the leadership and the steel to really put up a strong challenge. Are the players good enough? Earlier on in this season and in posts like this one here, I had reposed faith in this 'young squad', albeit maybe with the addition of proven or quality DM.
I must admit however that I was wrong. Man for man we do not measure up to the so called rest of the 'big four'. As each team proves the depth of their squad, we come out looking sheepishly miserly in that department. I'm not calling for wholesale changes, but some players in the squad are just not going to cut it at the highest level. Will not name players right now, because I think each is as woeful as the other and should take responsibility for the goings on last week. Wenger really needs to get that cheque book out in January, and splash the cash, we are short in plenty of spots on the pitch , and that needs to be plugged, heck it's almost a gaping hole!
Can't even imagine how it would've been at the those who were at the Grove , after the Scum went a goal up so early on with that 'Bent' shite-kicker, us going two clear and then the Scum coming level with nothing on the clock. Aargh!
It was an absolutely shattering result against Tottenham. Leading by two goals and chucking it all away against the sworn enemy. I know i said that anything could happen in these sorts of derbies, but heck that was downright unacceptable. That's the word for it unacceptable. And then when we expected a propah result against Stoke, well it was such an insipid display and a most damaging loss.We expected a result and we absolutely needed one, everyone concerned at Arsenal FC needed one. But then we all know what happened. Well, I have never experienced something of this proportion in all of my time being an Arsenal fan.
Than in itself has to sum it up for all of us doesn't it. After 'losing' up in midweek to the Scum the team should have been so riled up and up for it that they absolutely kicked the shit out of Stoke. So where is the leadership, the steel that we so desperately need. And we are not great in the quality department as well, not by any stretch of the imagination.
We need some proven quality, and some real steel and leadership if we are going to remain in the top 4 this season. Will Wneger do what is needed? I mean he has said the stuff we'd expect him to say, but will anything be done about it. I understand that he can't buy anyone now, but that is his problem, no one elses.
We have really tripped up at the start of the season, we've dropped points against teams we would expect to beat. We are capable of beating a few teams on our day, granted, but consistency is what we suffer from, and that comes with determination and real quality. I could be totally wrong and the boys could really whip everyone in front of them, from here on in! Oh please let that be it!
We play Fenerbahce today in CL action, a chance for Wenger to set some records straight and get the most disbelieving of us back on his side. A very capricious, thinking aloud type of post today, but that's exactly how I feel. And this post is absolutely last minute as well.
It's a 19.30 kickoff at the Grove tonight and that's 01.00 in India and it's live on Zee Sports. The players will have to get themselves up and deliver for the their coach, their fellow players, and for the undying fans!
Stand up you gunners!!! Come on ...The Arsenal!!
The thing I was thinking about prior to these games was whether we had the bottle to compete for the title this season. While those credentials are at best 'questionable', I think another issue has to be addressed as well. The players, and their quality.
We all knew the average age of the squad. Yet we did know that they were a bit more experienced than their age betrayed. But as we have discovered in our last two displays, we lack the leadership and the steel to really put up a strong challenge. Are the players good enough? Earlier on in this season and in posts like this one here, I had reposed faith in this 'young squad', albeit maybe with the addition of proven or quality DM.
I must admit however that I was wrong. Man for man we do not measure up to the so called rest of the 'big four'. As each team proves the depth of their squad, we come out looking sheepishly miserly in that department. I'm not calling for wholesale changes, but some players in the squad are just not going to cut it at the highest level. Will not name players right now, because I think each is as woeful as the other and should take responsibility for the goings on last week. Wenger really needs to get that cheque book out in January, and splash the cash, we are short in plenty of spots on the pitch , and that needs to be plugged, heck it's almost a gaping hole!
Can't even imagine how it would've been at the those who were at the Grove , after the Scum went a goal up so early on with that 'Bent' shite-kicker, us going two clear and then the Scum coming level with nothing on the clock. Aargh!
It was an absolutely shattering result against Tottenham. Leading by two goals and chucking it all away against the sworn enemy. I know i said that anything could happen in these sorts of derbies, but heck that was downright unacceptable. That's the word for it unacceptable. And then when we expected a propah result against Stoke, well it was such an insipid display and a most damaging loss.We expected a result and we absolutely needed one, everyone concerned at Arsenal FC needed one. But then we all know what happened. Well, I have never experienced something of this proportion in all of my time being an Arsenal fan.
Than in itself has to sum it up for all of us doesn't it. After 'losing' up in midweek to the Scum the team should have been so riled up and up for it that they absolutely kicked the shit out of Stoke. So where is the leadership, the steel that we so desperately need. And we are not great in the quality department as well, not by any stretch of the imagination.
We need some proven quality, and some real steel and leadership if we are going to remain in the top 4 this season. Will Wneger do what is needed? I mean he has said the stuff we'd expect him to say, but will anything be done about it. I understand that he can't buy anyone now, but that is his problem, no one elses.
We have really tripped up at the start of the season, we've dropped points against teams we would expect to beat. We are capable of beating a few teams on our day, granted, but consistency is what we suffer from, and that comes with determination and real quality. I could be totally wrong and the boys could really whip everyone in front of them, from here on in! Oh please let that be it!
We play Fenerbahce today in CL action, a chance for Wenger to set some records straight and get the most disbelieving of us back on his side. A very capricious, thinking aloud type of post today, but that's exactly how I feel. And this post is absolutely last minute as well.
It's a 19.30 kickoff at the Grove tonight and that's 01.00 in India and it's live on Zee Sports. The players will have to get themselves up and deliver for the their coach, their fellow players, and for the undying fans!
Stand up you gunners!!! Come on ...The Arsenal!!
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Let's kick Totscum when they're down!
Yes it's that time again. The time where two London Clubs set aside any other ambitions to wholly focus on one. It's North London derby time again. That means that we as Arsenal FC almost set aside our title ambitions to channel all our energies on the annihilation of Totscum, while our less worthy opponents try and avoid the drop. Heh! It's going to really something, and it more often is . And don't let the league positions fool you. It will be all hammer and tongs. It may pale in comaprison to the mayhem that goes on in Galatasaray and Fenerbache derbies or indeed Independiente and Racing Club in Argentina, but heck, it's our derby and the need to win this one is as good as any other in the world.
Tottenham have been through hell and they will be looking to get their season back on track and could there be any other way than beating their bitterest rivals.They need a bit of impetus. There's no such impetus as beating Arsenal at their home ground for our disillusioned neighbours. Their pride has been hurt immeasurably, some of it though can be salvaged.
We on the other hand can hand them out a thrashing, they never would have received at their mother's knee. And prove, as we have done time and time again of their gross inferiority. Arsenal fans as you can imagine have been at the forefront of taking the piss out of the recent misfortunes of Tottenham, and another Tottenham disaster will give us the licence we have never really needed to go overboard with the dissing. Oh wouldn't that be lover-ly!
It's also time to wipe away those memories of the 5-1 Carling Cup defeat, it was the kids I know, but still we need to dish it out today. The good thing about it too, is that we really will, in my opinion there's no way the Scum could weather the storm. Totnum are just back from their most important result all season. They're first win, they also have Harry Redknapp pulling the strings as coach. But is it going to be good enough to beat an Arsenal side at Ashburton Grove. Naw! I really don't think the Spuds have it in them.
We know they want to beat us so bad, so that's enough for us to piss all over them! Fab gets it going pre-match saying that Spurs would find it tough going to beat our ladies side, and there's stuff about Ade winding them up too. And if you ever need to be reminded of our dominance in this particular fixture have a gander here.
Then again anything could happen in these sorta games. Only one way to find out now innit? It's a 20.00 kickoff at the Grove and so turns out to be a 1.30 kickoff in India and it's live on ESPN in the region.
Let's kick the shite outta Spurs!!
Come on you Gunners!!
Tottenham have been through hell and they will be looking to get their season back on track and could there be any other way than beating their bitterest rivals.They need a bit of impetus. There's no such impetus as beating Arsenal at their home ground for our disillusioned neighbours. Their pride has been hurt immeasurably, some of it though can be salvaged.
We on the other hand can hand them out a thrashing, they never would have received at their mother's knee. And prove, as we have done time and time again of their gross inferiority. Arsenal fans as you can imagine have been at the forefront of taking the piss out of the recent misfortunes of Tottenham, and another Tottenham disaster will give us the licence we have never really needed to go overboard with the dissing. Oh wouldn't that be lover-ly!
It's also time to wipe away those memories of the 5-1 Carling Cup defeat, it was the kids I know, but still we need to dish it out today. The good thing about it too, is that we really will, in my opinion there's no way the Scum could weather the storm. Totnum are just back from their most important result all season. They're first win, they also have Harry Redknapp pulling the strings as coach. But is it going to be good enough to beat an Arsenal side at Ashburton Grove. Naw! I really don't think the Spuds have it in them.
We know they want to beat us so bad, so that's enough for us to piss all over them! Fab gets it going pre-match saying that Spurs would find it tough going to beat our ladies side, and there's stuff about Ade winding them up too. And if you ever need to be reminded of our dominance in this particular fixture have a gander here.
Then again anything could happen in these sorta games. Only one way to find out now innit? It's a 20.00 kickoff at the Grove and so turns out to be a 1.30 kickoff in India and it's live on ESPN in the region.
Let's kick the shite outta Spurs!!
Come on you Gunners!!
Monday, 27 October 2008
3 points and we are back in the mix!
Apologies for no game preview blog yesterday. My internet connection was acting up yesterday and that put paid to any attempts to get anything up . Was a bit of a laboured Arsenal performance yesterday at Upton Park. All three points nevertheless and that's all that matters.
We started brightly enough in the opening minutes yesterday, enough for the Arsetard to think that we were going to run riot. But that was not how it panned out. Van Persie and Theo came close on occassion and Almunia had to make a fine save off Bellamy who was put in by Scott Parker I think it was, to completeley open us up. Another shot from distance brought about another fine save from our number one. A super run by Theo on the right channel ended up with him in the box and hitting the bar. Another time we came close was when Fab floated a ball in for RVP in the box to beautifully chest down for Theo to beat the keeper, but Green pulled out a decent save to deny us. A couple of half chances for us and some pops from distance from the home team meant that the half time score remained at nil. I think it was more a case of us being less penetrative than West Ham being overly good. We did pick up the pace towards the latter stage of the first half, but nothing was forthcoming. Our central defensive pairing of Silvestre and Gallas did have theior "moments" but I would have to admit it was much better than most.
We failed to pick up from where we left off in first, we were bossing the possesion but failed to produce too many clear cut chances. RVP hit the post from a free kick and that was pretty much it until Ade who came on in the 67th for one of the two wingers who were both substituted, the other player to come on was Diaby. Ade danced his way into the box, past a couple of defenders to put in a cross/shot which Faubert turned into his own net for the opener. And you will have to admit it, Ade was the spark we needed to get the win and he proved it with a well worked second after a sublime pass from Bendtner, who didnt have his best game by any stretch of the imagination.A more detailed match report is here.
After the game Arsene remarked that we couldn’t afford to drop points today
“It is a big win for us because if we had come out of it with a frustrating 0-0 draw, we would have felt that we had wasted an opportunity to get closer to the top.
For us it was important not to make a mistake and to take one of our own chances. We gambled a lot and fortunately we had some strikers on the bench and in the end that made the difference.
We knew before the game that we couldn’t afford to drop points today but I must say that West Ham can feel frustrated because they defended very well and gave absolutely everything today. In the end we got a little opening, maybe they got a little bit fatigued in the last 20 minutes.”
So three vital points it was, especially since two of the usual suspects dropped some this weekend. We are now 4 points behind Liverpool who conquered the Russians in their own backyard, 1 behind the Russians and 1 ahead of the Manks who dropped two points at Goodison on Saturday.That puts us right back in it. We did drop points early on this season but we are hanging in there, tough games await us and we will have to step up.
Before that howeever its the rejuvenated Spuds up next at Ashburton. Our meek North London rivals picked up their first win and will be rearing to go when we take them on this Wednesday. More on that later.
So long mates!
Cheers!
We started brightly enough in the opening minutes yesterday, enough for the Arsetard to think that we were going to run riot. But that was not how it panned out. Van Persie and Theo came close on occassion and Almunia had to make a fine save off Bellamy who was put in by Scott Parker I think it was, to completeley open us up. Another shot from distance brought about another fine save from our number one. A super run by Theo on the right channel ended up with him in the box and hitting the bar. Another time we came close was when Fab floated a ball in for RVP in the box to beautifully chest down for Theo to beat the keeper, but Green pulled out a decent save to deny us. A couple of half chances for us and some pops from distance from the home team meant that the half time score remained at nil. I think it was more a case of us being less penetrative than West Ham being overly good. We did pick up the pace towards the latter stage of the first half, but nothing was forthcoming. Our central defensive pairing of Silvestre and Gallas did have theior "moments" but I would have to admit it was much better than most.
We failed to pick up from where we left off in first, we were bossing the possesion but failed to produce too many clear cut chances. RVP hit the post from a free kick and that was pretty much it until Ade who came on in the 67th for one of the two wingers who were both substituted, the other player to come on was Diaby. Ade danced his way into the box, past a couple of defenders to put in a cross/shot which Faubert turned into his own net for the opener. And you will have to admit it, Ade was the spark we needed to get the win and he proved it with a well worked second after a sublime pass from Bendtner, who didnt have his best game by any stretch of the imagination.A more detailed match report is here.
After the game Arsene remarked that we couldn’t afford to drop points today
“It is a big win for us because if we had come out of it with a frustrating 0-0 draw, we would have felt that we had wasted an opportunity to get closer to the top.
For us it was important not to make a mistake and to take one of our own chances. We gambled a lot and fortunately we had some strikers on the bench and in the end that made the difference.
We knew before the game that we couldn’t afford to drop points today but I must say that West Ham can feel frustrated because they defended very well and gave absolutely everything today. In the end we got a little opening, maybe they got a little bit fatigued in the last 20 minutes.”
So three vital points it was, especially since two of the usual suspects dropped some this weekend. We are now 4 points behind Liverpool who conquered the Russians in their own backyard, 1 behind the Russians and 1 ahead of the Manks who dropped two points at Goodison on Saturday.That puts us right back in it. We did drop points early on this season but we are hanging in there, tough games await us and we will have to step up.
Before that howeever its the rejuvenated Spuds up next at Ashburton. Our meek North London rivals picked up their first win and will be rearing to go when we take them on this Wednesday. More on that later.
So long mates!
Cheers!
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