Fabianski: It's good to be back! Arsenal.com: Fabianski out for 3 weeks
Srsly. So the goalkeeping position is still down to 2 players, them being Almunia and Mannone.
And no one has any idea who's going to start tomorrow's game. Absolutely no idea. It's 50-50 both ways.
Nasri completed 90 minutes but reckons he's not completely match fit yet. He should be a substitute for tomorrow night. What the team really needs is a good ball keeper and he's one of them. The other one, however, is currently crocked.
As expected, an injury setback which was said to be a matter of days, has become weeks. It may well add up to a month and then probably a year too.
OH TOMAS. YOUR KNEE.
If he doesn't get more playing time under his belt he'll most certainly be released next summer when his contract runs out.
Another dude who's holding out for a new contract is Fran Merida. The lad scored a stunner and the team won and so he has a little bit more bargaining power at the contracts table. I hope he stays. I don't enjoy players leaving Arsenal unless they are Emmanuel Adebayor-ish. Speaking of whom, has told the press that Cesc Fabregas will quit Arsenal. When will he realise that it's completely none of his business. No matter what Cesc does, he'll always be in a better place than stinkin Adebayor whose dream was to play for Barcelona but now is at Man Citeh.
Srsly. Real Madrid has already had their crack lines being exposed at the weekend, suffering 4-0 humbling by a lower division side. Citeh's turn should come soon enough. They have people like Adebayor for one who likes to flirt with other clubs (ahem Milan) and then Robinho, who Barcelona are rumoured to be chasing after. Everyone there has a better place to go to.
At Arsenal, I can say that there is no better place. Cesc may one day return, but he won't leave unless he's left a legacy over here. Thierry Henry has set the precedence.
The desire to transform a nobody into a superclub doesn't last all that long. history will forever count for something. It is naive to think money can change everything. There are a lot of things money can't buy. Sure you can buy Adebayor. What you get is his temporary allegience. That's all.
So, Sp*rs tomorrow. I think it'll be wise to go to the Liz early to reserve seats. No Adebayor who likes to score against Sp*rs. We have a whole lot of other people who do as well. It's never too late to start scoring against Sp*rs. The whiners are playing up their injuries so that if they lose, they'll have a direction to push the blame to.
My stream didn't work last night and I didn't want to download another China program and I was totally in concussion mode. I did however wake up to check the result and went back to zzz.
It's Arsenal 2 Liverpool 1, goals here, courtesy of Merida and Bendtner, both of which I decided to arrow in my previous post.
It worked!
I don't know about Fabianski though.
The lads are through to the next round and there's nothing to be unhappy about. They beat Liverpool rather comfortably (as the match reports indicates) and are in the last 16. This means there'll be another game for the youngsters to gain important first team experience. The further they go, the better.
If you went to see the goals, you would see Merida's sweet strike. It won't get any better than that. I suppose Wenger did keep the faith in him and that probably gave him confidence. I think Arsene Wenger is the master of utilising the Placebo effect I tell you.
Football is such a mental game. It relies a lot on the strength of the mind, much more than common people know. Instead of feeding his players the magic pill before each game, he tells them he believes in them and they go out and put on a great show. Granted, it doesn't happen all the time. Works great with youngsters I'd say. It's always a plus to have someone believe in you when you're young. If your mind can handle it you have the potential to work those wonders.
I too spotted Cesc standing up and celebrating Merida's goal. Heh. He's so cute in a cap and informal wear.
Bendtner then scored the winner. The type of goal typical of him if he bothers working hard and hitting shots on the stretch. Thank you for not being lazy.
All in all a good game, would have been better if there was TV coverage. It's the friggin 21st Century and we're still debating about football TV coverage.
Correct me if I'm wrong: I've checked the Starhub TV listings and I can't seem to find any coverage of the Carling Cup.
I think that means that no one in Singapore can watch it on TV. If Singtel does have it though, they would have made a lot of noise about it by now.
Is there no coverage of the Carling Cup in Singapore?
How puzzling.
Anyway, tonight's game will be worth watching. It's Liverpool and we drew them this early on. The good thing is, we are playing at home. I love watching home games. The TV quality seems to be better. The one at West Ham sucked. It sucked even more when the team got only a point when it should have been 3. So now I shall address the fact that there is no TV coverage so the TV quality would be as good as it gets on an internet stream, assuming I'm determined enough to stay up. Lots of coffee today just because it's good. Has the world realised that white coffee is more pleasant than black coffee? I think it's because it's sweet and milky. I was in a secluded Ipoh town not too long ago having fresh white coffee where the coffee beans are roasted with butter.
Sounds sinful.
So, team news ahead of the game sees Nasri and Fabianski make their first appearances of the season. Another reason why this game is worth watching is to see how Fabianski performs and if it means he slots right into the number 1 spot after regaining match fitness. So interesting. If that is the case than Manuel Almunia looks like he'll be on his way out, except that no one wants him. I'm being mean I know. But he got the love when he managed to oust Jens from being first choice and that was by far his best season yet. He just hasn't got started this season. I would give him more chances to prove himself but hey, I'm not the boss, and perhaps his attitude in training had caused the world's longest chest infection on a goalkeeper. An excellent excuse I'd say. Arsene Wenger always seems to find the best excuses for all his players, more so when protecting them. I am envious.
I'm pretty bummed Jack Wilshere will not be featuring thanks to a bad ankle. The return of the many first teamers will limit his chances in the senior squad and the Carling Cup is mean to be his tournament and his stage to shine. Plus, it's such a huge pity to separate Aaron Ramsey from little Jack. They do link up together well, as though they train an extra session everyday together, forever.
Bendtner's in the squad too. He should feature. I hope Liverpool is big enough for him yeah. Everytime I think 'carling cup' and 'nicklas bendtner' I think that 2-0 loss at Turf Moor and his arrogance throughout the match, as though being the only senior player in the team means working less hard, like he's too good to be there. Cocky fellow. He has so much to offer and is so full of self-confidence and belief, that actually is his downfall. Walk tall dude, the right way.
From this article, it looks like it's make or break for Fran Merida. He's in his last year of his contract at Arsenal. He really needs to be spectacular tonight in order to have a long term deal served up on the table. We'll see.
Wenger speaks about Nasri too and it seems that he views this injury positively. I don't think Arsene Wenger can be negative when he comments on his players. Anyhow, it seems that he has invented a new position called the 'half winger'. I'd really like to see how that works.
So many reasons to catch the game. No TV coverage. Meh. Streams will be out later.
Liverpool got out of their 4-game slump while we sink into one.
2 games may not make it a slump, but it sure as hell is following a pattern. This time, it was far more infuriating than the midweek game because we threw away a 2-goal lead.
And rather stupidly as well. 2-0 and they thought they were cruising to an easy win.
I don't know if it's complacency or over-confidence, the team really has to sort itself out because it's just idiotic to watch and this shouldn't be coming from a top side who wants trophies. Arsene Wenger promised trophies at the AGM and the players never rose to the occasion.
Frustrating to say the least, and no less regarding the goalkeeping situation. I don't know exactly why Almunia still hasn't regained his place. Mannone was only spectacular for the Fulham game and is still very very raw. I'm not showing any support for Almunia because he hasn't exactly impressed at all this season with the mistakes he has already made but things between the posts need to be sorted out asap. If Wenger's idea of all 3 of them being good enough then we shouldn't be conceding soft goals, whoever's keeping goal.
Midfield wise, the trio of Song, Diaby and Fabregas were doing extremely well. Basically, the entire team were doing extremely well until West Ham's first goal came. I don't get it. It's as though winning the game wasn't important enough. I think games like these are further exposing Cesc's shortcomings as captain. It is always going to be an easy job to do when the team is winning. The captain is supposed to be the one who makes the difference in situations like these.
Everyone has a part to play to ensure a win in the game and certain people have heighted responsibilities and the captain is one of them.
Certainly, a sound goalkeeping department would help things a lot. We've sorted out the defensive midfield position with Song stepping up well and Vermaelen has shored up the defence quite a bit. With these 2 done, yet another position coughs out more problems.
It is really high time we got it all right really. That's the only way we'll win trophies, not by declaring it and some meeting with the shareholders. The battles are won on the pitch and I cannot tolerate games being thrown away like that. It sure as hell does not make sense for wannabe champions to do things like that.
The penalty we conceded was stupid to say the least. Song blatently tripped Carlton Cole from behind so there you have it. Such carelessness shouldn't be tolerated.
As always, after every game, win, lose or draw, we look to the next one. It's Liverpool in the Carling Cup in midweek and I'm not too bothered by that. If the lads do well then alright. If not, they'll all be shipped out on loan by January. It's the big game on Saturday that matters.
Le Boss turns 60. He doesn't seem all that old to me. Age is just a number!
Does it feel like it is celebration after celebration? Previously, not too long ago, we were celebrating his 13 years in charge of Arsenal, effectively making him the longest serving manager. Now a birthday~ We all love this man.
The feature on Arsenal.com is pretty cool. Masters degree in Economics eh? Everytime I'm feeling sick in Econs class maybe it'll do me good to think about him. A level Econs is fun. University Econs is crap. At A levels you can basically smoke your way through the essays. Now it's all graphs, graphs and more graphs to drive me nuts. I might eventually become cross-eyed. I really hate graphs. And mathematics.
His birthday coincides with the AGM and lots have been said, as expected. Issues about our goalkeeping situation have been raised and he thinks that all 3 of them are good enough. The funny part was him stating that the threesome have made mistakes so I guess they have common ground on this one. I personally feel that none of them are good enough to be a top 4 keeper but there aren't many options elsewhere.
This is one issue worth sticking around to find out more. I think we'll be wondering before every game if Mannone keeps his place in goal.
So, I came across the new attractions at the Sentosa IRs and figured that you'll be able to see Rooney in Singapore. They have a shrek-themed section at Universal Studios Singapore. Pictures here.
West Ham on Sunday. I'm supposed to have a mini party. Hah.
I hope I am not to blame for the draw. That draw sure felt like a loss, given the circumstances of the equaliser.
Unfortunately, I was too dead beat to stay up for the game and I fell asleep. A deep deep sleep. Got jolted awake at 6am naturally, like I was getting up for the game but at that time, the match was over~~
So check score, and then went back to sleep.
1-1 it was.
First draw of the season. I hate draws. Draws like these feel like defeats. Anyone would be lying if they didn't see it coming.
Vito Mannone kept his place in number 1 and I think this was his champion's league debut. It'll be interesting yet again, to see if Almunia returns for the West Ham game.
The draw might have been harsh, but we're still top of the group and have a good chance of qualifying so there is no need to be worried.
Other than the above, I can't say much because my brain wanted a good snooze. Heh.
Theo's out for a month, Rosicky has a niggle too. Apparently his niggle will last at most 3 days, but whadddaayaaaknowww. It's Rosicky. 3 days could mean 3 weeks or 3 months or him retiring.
Meh. Please don't do this to me.
The good news is, Nasri and Fabianski will both be making their return for the reserves. If they have a good game each then they'll be in contention for the senior squad and Nasri sure is a welcome boost, now that we're going to miss Theo again.
The other issue was the Birmingham City fans and their sick chants about Martin Taylor. Somehow, with all the China-bashing, it's the ang-mohs who have no substance. They criticise the yellow people and then they can't think and behave themselves.
Speaking of the Chinese, the funniest shit going on now is the Liverpool beach ball that provided the winning goal in their Sunderland game. It is epic. I never expected such an episide, given this time and age but it happened. Liverpool have a right to be aggrieved but they can't complain too much since the ball was thrown in by their own supporter and their keeper made no attempt to clear it out of his area. I mean, he even went for the beach ball instead of the football. Oh I'll show you alright.
The beach set was subsequently sold out on the Liverpool website as one suspects the Man Utd fans bought them all to throw onto the pitch come the next game when they play each other.
May Arsenal never ever make a beach set. EVER.
Liverpool have lost 4 already and Benitez is still defiant they can win the title. Sounds a bit like our situation last year. It's different for us this year though. We've got the players to make the difference when it counts. We've got the players who have the ability to finish the game off. It could be our year, we just have to keep believing and keep winning.
It's AZ coming up. A win would go a long way to secure qualification for the knockout stages early. That's pretty valuable. If the senior squad takes care of qualifying early then the youngsters will be able to gain valuable experience in the later games while the seniors get a good rest. I like it when this happens. It's always so exciting to see the likes of Ramsey and Wilshere stepping up to lead the team.
It's time to sleep. Dead tired. School tomorrow. Moo.
First order of business? Liverpool being undone by Darren Bent, via a beach ball. That is absolutely hilarious beyond all reasons I tell you.
So football is back once again, and Arsenal kicked it off with Sunderland.
Walcott Made his first start of the season in Arshavin's place with Rosicky continueing in the side. Eboue came in for Sagna at right back and my my, he's really workin' it well.
Suck that Emmanuel Adebayor. This is how you win fans over.
I think Wenger subbed him off for lil Jack for the applause.
Gibbs came on for Clichy who picked up a knock during the international break and did quite well.
The biggest surprise in the line-up is Wenger keeping faith in Mannone.
Love love love.
And Almunia was friggin sulking on the bench.
The game started off like any of our home games and we were relatively comfortable. A fantastic finish by Van Persie put us in front so early in the game. That is hugely welcomed. Then minutes later, a cross from my Rosicky was met by Diaby and it was 2-0 in the first 18 minutes.
Alex McLeish probably screamed for a respone from Birmingham and they were gifted a cheap goal. Mannone could have done a lot better to be more aggressive in his own penalty box instead of looking for the foul that might not come. Anyhow, that could have played into his head that he wasn't good enough etc but it didn't happen because he redeemed himself more than one nearing the end of the second half.
The bottomline is, a good goalkeeper can be the difference in games and we don't exactly have one that is solid enough. Mannone is doing fantastic but he's still one for the future and a club like Arsenal needs a top top top class keeper between the sticks.
Birmingham caused us problems. Maybe it was Carson Yeung in the stands. I don't know. But they upped their game and gave us a run for our money.
I didn't like the challenge on Theo but things like that happen. Football is a physical game. I just hope it doesn't keep him out for too long again. He adds so much to this team.
We may not have the keeper to make the difference, but we have Arshavin. That was the slack-est goal I've ever seen but he sealed the win so well. It looked almost effortless and this understanding with Cesc has to grow well so they can link up to produce magic such as this.
RVP did well again too, and he looks like he's becoming stronger and stronger in that role leading the line. He got a goal again today, and it so easily could have been 2 had he not smashed the free kick in the penalty box against the cross bar. He has a knack for hitting the post.
Another dude who did very well was Diaby. He got his head down and supported Song when he could and went forward and got into good positions, one of which led to the second goal. He could have gotten our fourth but unfortunately, Joe Hart's positioning made it not possible.
All in all, another good day at the office and with the fixtures coming thick and fast, it's always welcomed to get all 3 points to get it all started.
Best ad ever. EVER. I swear this is exactly how Cesc picks his pass.
Of course, you don't exactly have to give it to Nicklas Bendtner. Were they trying to advertise pink boots too?
So, 2 days to real football. Can't wait for normal services to resume. Anything going on in the news feeds are complete and utter shit so I'm not going to waste my time.
Except that Nasri's back and could be fit and ready for West Ham on 25th October. Yeah.
Robin Van Persie has a girl. Dina Layla Van Persie. Robin doesn't do tattoos so there's no fear of an ugly one.
There is football tonight. Hurray? Not Arsenal though.
I think I shall watch the Czech game. I need some Rosicky. I need to see Rosicky. And football. Saturday's too long to wait. I have many hoops to jump through before Saturday comes. Many many hoops.
Nothing much on the Arsenal front, besides Thomas Vermaelen being player of the month for September. utterly deserving. October will be another issue altogether. Cesc is going to fight him for it.
It's only October and there are tons of transfer rumours and they're just pesky on the newsnow feed. As it stands, the Verminator came in to replace 2 players and he's doing brilliantly so we don't need anyone new. Besides that defensive midfielder when Song leaves for the ACN. I suspect, the returning Nasri might assume that role if he's going to continue where he left off. I still think he's a much better offensive player but who knows? Having an attack minded player mopping up in front of the defence could mean more goals, at both ends of course.
The question is, would you prefer to watch a 1-0 win or a 3-2 win?
I personally don't like leaking goals.
But a win's a win, however the score. So. I think I'd be glad for all the victories the team plays for.
So, I did myself a big big favour over the weekend. I finally got the blue away kit. I think it's gorgeous. Even though the white one is like the same version in a different colour, it's getting all too juicy to resist. Besides the part where it's Sp*rs colour.
And yes, all I am looking forward to is 31st October when we play Sp*rs.
This pretty much sums up what everyone is feeling.
I am distracted by work. Is so tired, from work. I mean, I've always wanted to take a convenient back seat to everything but I don't know how every damn time, circumstances simply push me to the frontline.
Oh yeah, face the firing squad. Defuse bombs.
I am so tireddd. It's Monday. Since I work every damn day, I just wish time will pass faster. So it's okay that it's Monday and the start of a brand new week. I don't get any reprieve.
As we all know, there's nothing going on in football. I don't think I'll bother watching any of the international games since they'll just be plain boring.
I just need a little space to air my grievances from being dragged unknowingly to watch (500) days of Summer.
It's a freakin tragic movie. Tragic where no one dies. Tragic in other senses. I'm trying not to spoil anyone who intends to watch the movie.
It's just, tragic. I suppose it'll be good for lonely people who have just broken up with someone who they think is the love of their life but couldn't care less. I am so past that phase and I'm in my happy stage so I can't quite identify. That's a horribly good thing.
Needless to say, I got dragged by people who are obsessed with Joseph Gordon Levitt. People who watch football with all the macho dudes with good bods do not admire men who belong to the nuah category. They're like the chui kias.
If anyone needs an idea of what type of movies I'm into, here it is.
Adebayor still thinks it's all about him. Apparently the dick 'regrets' his stamp on Van Persie. If you've guessed right, it's all for the wrong reasons. It's not because they used to be teammates. It's because you shouldn't do it in football. Finally some common sense? I bet releasing a statement like this is only to take yet another opportunity to talk about things of aged past like the insulting songs he apparently heard. Little did his minute brain realise that the case is closed. The away fans did nothing of that sort. I'm sure he has voices in his head telling him to go where the money is. Who is he kidding when he says he wanted to stay?
What peeves me most is that part of the 400 million Singapore dollars Singtel paid will be going into his pocket.
Shall we all rest in the fact that it goes into Arsenal's pockets too.
Srsly not helping.
Yesterday was quite the horrible day as you might as guessed as well. Getting worked up over everything for an entire day. First it was bringing up the bloody Singtel thing again. I was sort of self-appeased when I called Starhub and confirmed that my plan is over already and I can cancel it without penalty charges in May when the season ends. The trick here I realised, is to renew your plan just once every time those two idiots choose to choke each other. Sign on for 2 years at the start of the 3-year license. When you've seen out those 2 years, leave it no matter what the telco offers you to renew for another 2 years. Keep in mind that they stand to gain the most even if they throw in a lousy laptop.
We'll just keep switching until they get tired of that little game of theirs. The ang mohs can keep up with their laughing till then.
I guess sometimes it's true that Asians are only book smart and lack basic street knowledge. I don't suppose not fighting in a playground is in a textbook. Maybe if it was those two will stop fighting and focus more on what's important, which is the happiness of customers. Ego is such a huge thing in a male-dominated world. Coalition seems more like castration than cooperation. So yaaaaaay for bloody Singtel (they're red mind you)! You've got the damned BPL rights. A small group of rich bastards will feel contented over the whole thing while the majority moans at their stupidity.
Should end this matter there and then. Besides the part where Singtel and Starhub working together is as likely as North and South Korea reuniting, or even the North putting an end to it's nuclear weapons program. How about China and Taiwan? Just about it. Maybe Sentosa will declare independence.
I will jump at any chance to expand overseas. Why bother contributing to GDP here when it all pours out into ang moh's pockets anyway.
What is a marketing lecture without the mention of cunty telecom, Singtel?
And we were learning about game theory, which applies best in an oligopolistic industry.
How apt. And timely.
So it's heard that Singtel bidded 400 million for the BPL rights. Not just that, but specifically ESPN Star Sports. They hold the license to basically everything. From F1 to Tennis to Football, you name it. Starhub previously won the bid with 250 million, which doesn't look like such a huge sum after all. That was roughly 3 years ago. From 250m - 400m. Please don't tell me it's to account for inflation.
The truth is, it simply shows how big of a cunt Singtel is. They've got the resources to bid that much and they chose to. In such a situation, one party gains when one party loses. Starhub loses in terms of overall marketshare and revenue. No one really cares about consumers do they? We lose the most. From the hassle of switching to the cost of switching, you name it. More contracts for us to sign our name above the dotted line. More potential penalties in the event of early termination of service. Early termination mostly would happen to a football fan who has financial difficulties, not because the fellow suka suka want to give it up.
Surely the stinkin MIO will get more subscribers. I would be one of them because I will die without football. Singtel would have achieved it's aim of claiming a large part of Starhub's marketshare on cable TV but are we happy? Those cunts will be laughing all the way to the bank while we sit at home and sulk even though we have what we want. It's not like we're pro Starhub. Everything's been pretty okay and comfortable with 1 set-top box and 1 subscription plan. Then Singtel goes and takes the Uefa Champion's League and what did that do? Starhub subscribers pay the same amount as last season for less football coverage. Who the fuck suffers?
US.
It'll forever and ever be us suffering and the big corporations gaining from our misery. Please don't tell us that you didn't forsee such major unhappiness. And they expect us to believe that they'll be charging Starhub's prices when they won the bid with freakin 400 million. Why the fuck would anyone dive right into such a deal which isn't going to bring substantial returns? Just for that statistic on marketshare? Is it just a fucking game?
I am so not amused.
Now, let's examine where the 400 million goes to. The UK. I'm sure we all know we've been a British colony before. Oh Singapura, a bloody fishing village of the 1800s. We're still some feeder country to the UK and we're basically giving all our hard earned money to the Ang Mohs. What a lose-lose situation. Singaporean companies both of which the government have stakes in, attempt to kill each other by raising the bids to epic proportions. I would love to know which other psychotic country will pay 400 million just for football rights to make people downright unhappy. The ang mohs are probably laughing their pink asses off at stupid dumbass Singapore.
It's going to be a week soon from that damned fuckin 1st October announcement and I'm still fucking pissed. I swear, bloody MIO TV is going to be the only fuckin thing I'm getting from that shit company. My handphone and internet plans are going to remain as they are. To actually not be embroiled in their playground squabble, we should just all switch to M1 and let them die.
After Singaporeans have supported Singtel since the beginning of time, when have this shit telco ever given back to us? Ever? All they do is use the resources they've built from ages past to exploit us further. All they think about are profits, profits and profits. They could have just left the bid at 250 million thereabouts as before. There are a fucking load of good things that can be done with the 150 million. They could plant more trees. They could help the less fortunate. Will they ever? I doubt it. They'd rather wire the money straight into the hands of the British without a second thought.
I'm pretty sure elections are coming up next year. I'm sure as hell not voting for PAP. I don't care what opposition, just not PAP. They simply live up to their name of making us pay and pay and pay. This cannot carry on forever. Touch my football and you lose my vote. If they fail to do something about this lame ass shit situation before May 2010, I sure as hell am not voting for you white blood suckers.
There is only one thing I care about in my life and it's football. Pure and simple. Take candy from a baby? You're only courting death.
Being a Singaporean should not be all about being numbed into submission every single time. It really has got to stop at some point. We chased away the communists from before and now their idealogies seem so much more desirable then bullshit democracy because we're not democratic at all. Things just hit us in the face like that and we get pissed but after all that, we can do nothing but accept the situation and life goes on, albeit unhappily. I'm not one who is interested in politics but somehow, getting opposition into parliament might force this white shits to take better care of consumer welfare. Gen Y is all about change and choices, so up your game or you'll lose.
Anyway. Theo has been called up to the U21s. I hate Stuart Pearce. Just when I thought we had a little more insurance over Theo. Rosicky celebrated his 29th birthday on Sunday. He's in his last year of his Arsenal contract. I am utterly gutted. I suppose a big part of getting negotiations started would depend on how much he plays this season. Stay fit my bb. Get that contract and retire at Arsenal please. He's a model pro and one with experience this team needs.
There was so much more to last night's game isn't it. Thierry Henry came onto the pitch before the game. He was in the stands. Contrastingly, Patrick Vieira was at Stamford Bridge for the Chelsea-Liverpool game. I was wondering about that one quite a bit. Whhyyy wasn't he with titi?
Our game was more epic and enjoyable. Why bother watching 2 teams who are chiefs of negative football play each other?
Anyway Torres is such a baby. Such a poor role model for all the kids who are watching. I can't count how many times he showed the wtf sign when fouled. Such a baby. And I thought getting married and becoming a father makes boys grow up.
So. International break. A fortnight long. Meh.
I bring you good news.
Walcott wasn't called up by Capello!!!!!!!!! His chances of picking up an injury within these 2 weeks has been greatly reduced. He can practice one-on-ones with Almunia who should be making his comeback already. I'm still wondering what is going through his head. I expect that he'll be reclaiming his place come the next game.
Van Persie has not travelled with the Dutch squad to Australia. His second child is coming. Fantastic timing.
He shall not be crocked.
I hope it's a girl. He has Shaqueel already and he's adorable. I'm thinking about how a Van Persie girl will look like.
So. Picture of the day.
I can die happy. So happy. Rosicky nestling in Fab's armpit. Creating 4 and scoring 1 in a football match. Awesome. Iniesta is back in the Spanish mix so I don't know how that'll turn out for Cesc. If he doesn't play, all the better.
This football-less period is currently greeted with the flu bug. I am killing trees with the amount of tissue I am using. What's brilliant though, is that no one cares about H1N1 anymore ahaha. I already saw a doctor and he sez it's a virus etc etc and gives me medicine I have never seen before. Only to be take twice a day. What's the point? Heh.
Have a great week ahead. It's freakin Monday and the day is ending~
VERMAELEN VAN PERSIE ARSHAVIN FABREGAS WALCOTT BENDTNER
Now isn't that a sight for sore eyes.
Blackburn started well, and got their goal the Blackburn way. A long ball from Robinson to our penalty area and the ball was in the back of our net. The Verminator took it upon himself to put us back on level terms and scored yet another sweet goal with his amazing left foot.
Top scorer.
If you ever only made one signing for the season you have got to sign Vermaelen.
Our defence was the way it always was and David Dunne the cunt got a goal deflected off Gallas.
At that point, I fancied Gallas to put on at the other end but it didn't happen. Instead, Van Persie popped up with the equaliser with his favourite kind of shot - left footed into the bottom corner.
Evidently, he did not hit the post.
Huzzah.
Then Fabregas released Arshavin down that same left hand side and he too tucked the ball neatly in the left side too.
For all of Paul Robinson's heroics, he seems to be vulnerable to the balls into the corner of his net.
Same story for Cesc's goal, and then Walcott's and Bendtner's. Bottom corner, top corner, side. Brilliant. It is too difficult to pick which goal was the best but mine's probably Vermaelen's.
The first goal is always key and he's such a joy to watch.
Cesc + Rosicky made for many many more pretty football with Rosa setting up his bff for that goal which left Robinson rooted. He can put in a man of the match performance against Arsenal but he's always going to concede an epic number of goals.
Robin played very very well and while he seemed to be struggling in the 4-3-3, Arsene knows best and he's doing fantastic leading the line. I guess he's officially the club's vice-captain.
Diaby had such a quiet game it was such a joy. He did the dirty work with Song and did not lose the ball like he normally does.
6-2.
A repeat of the scoreline 2 seasons ago at Christmas.
It is sooo nice to see Cesc being back to being Cesc. He is dictating play and creating like he does best and the support of the rest of the team is fantastic.
The international break looms and we all hate it. It is always the platform where players come back crocked. We have such a full squad now I want it to go on and on and if it could continue it'll be the best case scenario.
It was heart-warming to see Titi in the stands. I miss him sooo much. I bet he'll make an appearance in the dressing room and congratulate the team.
"He takes me to his Czech restaurant, it’s not very good."
I love these 2. Their understanding with each other is superb. I love all their link-up play. More please.
According to young guns, Nasri and Fabianski are due to complete the final stages of their rehabilitation at the end of the month in a reserves friendly.
At this point, I don't think anyone remembers who Fabianski is. Mannone has been excellent so far, from an Arsenal career with no cleans sheets, to one with 3 in a row, including a man-of-the-match performance.
Headache there eh?
In midfield we can start analysing who goes where when all are fit and when Nasri comes back, with Walcott expected to feature tomorrow night, that's a very welcomed huge headache.
May it long continue. Will we finally have a season without crocked players?
I shall stop right here in order not to jinx it further.
That much said, I don't know what Wenger has in store for Sammy. Last season he slotted into that defensive midfield position. With Song going for the ACN, I assume it could be either Diaby or Denilson filling in. I think Nasri might be in the mix as well. Whatever it is, in a 4-3-3, you can have midfielders everywhere. Who needs strikers?
Mr Low Gravity with excellent backlift has been backed by Wenger to be like Ronaldo and Messi. Uhuh. He's really happily married with 2 beautiful children. I don't think Ronaldo will ever have offspring he knows of. Messi on the other hand, is definitely a better player to emulate. How come I only remember him sulking when Chelsea made like 5 players mark him in the UCL semis?
Arsha will make them bite his dust while he dinks a defender and scores the goal.
No football tonight, no Arsenal at least. Sp*rs will play Bolton tonight, not like anyone cares, unless they lose of course. Blackburn and us tomorrow, with a 7.30pm kickoff. Splendid. I shall savour every last game I get to watch in my room before the tyrant of all tyrants hijack even my BPL coverage and leave me with nothing.
And I've just called Starhub to check when my cable plan will be over and it has already been overrrrrrrrr. This means that I can cancel the damned buggers in May 2010.
After which I will decide if I'm going to subscribe to the bloody MIO. I swear I will deface the bloody box until I don't see the word 'MIO'.
The Scottish whine-men drew 1-1 with Rapid Vienna.
I laughed my ass off at that one. I mean, firstly, I never knew that there could be sooo much rivalry between lower level sides. They aren't fighting for much. And then when Arsenal kicked them out of the Champion's League, all they did was whine and whine.
It's little wonder why they're underachieving. I never thought Tony Mowbray was their answer.
Back to me whining, cursing more likely, it's still all about Singtel isn't it? Starhub's shares plunged 7% from the announcement and their future is rather bleak. Everyone using Singtel broadband disses their internet service in some way or another. Starhub was good initially but I'm kinda suffering a great deal right now with it being extremely slow especially at peak times where there are more internet users.
Instantly, just by losing their football coverage, they could lose their broadband users as well, just because the service they offer isn't any different from the lousy shit Singtel offers anyway.
I am still super peeved by the whole thing but what can we Singaporeans do?
Just accept it.
I'm definitely getting rid of my Starhub cable by May next year. Screw the penalty. It's way cheaper than paying for nonsense I don't watch.
After which, I don't think I'm going to make a switch to MIO. Internet streams are getting better and better and more reliable and I'm going to stick with that.
This makes watching football absolutely free. And of course, there's the Liz too.
I think the TV in my room is going to become a white elephant.
In this time and age, it is highly ridiculous that we're not moving away from regulated industries and monopolies. It's just superbly retarded that one stinkin telco holds all the power to the only thing I live for. Just because football is the sport that has the widest audience in our tiny country the big firms have chosen to exploit football fans for their own personal gains. When have you ever seen Singtel ever giving back to society? Even hosting F1 was solely an attempt to cement their name on the world stage. I hope the world knows that they're a bunch of sick cunts who jump at the nearest opportunity to gain profits at the expense of Singaporeans.
And the world should know that our statutory boards are just for show. The Media Development Authority can simply be bought off and they'll stay quiet over this issue.
We could organise a street protest and we'll be the ones behind bars without any effort on anyone's part to better the situation.
Football is a pretty strong thing. We can all easily not vote for PAP just because. This single political party shit has got to stop right now. I am severely displeased and if putting more of the opposition in parliament is going to get me a fair deal for football my vote will go to them.
And trust PAP to release rumours that if you don't vote for them you'll be blacklisted forever and ever.
What a joke. Did I mention that Singtel is owned by the government?
And people wonder why civil servants are feeling way happier than employees in the private sector.
You knew someday that you'll be reading shit like that.
And then?
During my marketing lecture, my lecturer brought up stinky Singtel and how they've hijacked the Champion's League. She said that Starhub should be doing every fuckin thing they can to preserve their rice bowl, which is the holy grail of football - the Barclay's Premier League.
Nice. Real nice. So I've just renewed my Starhub cable subscription in May for another 2 years and then they drop a bomb like this. From August 2010, i.e. next season onwards, all football will be shown exclusively by MIO TV.
This essentially means that I will cancel my Starhub Cable. I seriously don't want any TV besides football.
This doesn't mean that I will sign up for Singtel.
Starhub should be issueing a statement soon enough to actually give us a picture of what remains for their sports group.
I am pissed because this tug-of-war between those 2 idiots in a fuckin playground do not benefit football fans one bit.
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