Instead of turning things around, it's 2 losses in a row. 4th of the season.
And the boys did put in a good shift, but not good enough to overcome Chelsea.
What hurts is Sp*rs leapfrogging us into 3rd place.
What hurts is the league leaders being 11 points ahead.
What hurts is Ashley Cole having a hand in the first 2 goals, which were decisive to say the least.
What hurts is the team falling apart without Van Persie.
And it's completely stupid to pin it all on Robin's absence. He led the team well and was key in the 4-3-3 formation. Eduardo hasn't been given the time to settle into the role and has been unconvincing so far.
I never wanted to admit it but height is really an issue for Arsenal. Chelsea were coming in with the blocks and defending in numbers and there weren't many clear cut chances at goal. Sure, the second half had more drive to make things happen but after handing a 2-goal cushion to the opposition it's going to be difficult. If there was a time to step a gear up it would have been nice if it were right from the kickoff.
The most optimistic of us hoped against hope at half time that the team would turn it around but it was not meant to be.
Another key incident could be when Arshavin's goal was disallowed when Eduardo managed to knock it off Cech's hands. I believed it should have stood, and getting a goal that early in the second half could have made way for a comeback or so. Honestly though, it would have been difficult.
It's going to get busier and we've got to be able to get through it. I never thought we would be counting the consequences of not signing Chamakh in the summer just so Wenger could spite Bordeaux and not pay a cent next summer. Then again, who knew Bendtner would do his groin either.
November is a horrible month. It's over. December will be here and it's time to get everything back on track.Labels: Chelsea, Robin Van Persie
A Little Drunken Madness @ 1:59 AM
There is an injury hex placed on the month of November. I now believe so.
Gibbs looked to have survived any long term injuries from the international break and slotted right into the squad, with Clichy out. Obviously, Mr Wenger was unconvinced about Traore.
But now, Gibbs couldn't avoid what looks like the inevitable. His first metatarsal is fractured. It should keep him out for 2 months, if you believe the ever reliable estimates thrown at us.
Somewhat fortunately, there is still Traore. Maybe the forces of the universe want to give him an extended run in the team, by crocking the 2 left backs in front of him. What remains to be seen, is if Wenger will go for Silvestre at left back ahead of him for Chelsea.
I'm not sure if the Chelsea game will be the biggest Traore has ever played. He needs to step up.
As usual, thanks to being busy and it down to not being a zombie i.e. alive in the day, I missed the game. Well, I would have stayed up to watch if I had it on fuckin cable TV but it is all not meant to be. I am looking forward to next year when I switch to bloody Singtel and have all my football but not vote PAP at the next election. Hey, someone has to bear the brunt of all these frustrations. They just sat around and did nothing.
Our population is so small and it isn't viable to have multi competitors torturing the minute pool of consumers yet it is still happening.
I shouldn't get started.
So, Arsenal won 2-0 at home to Standard Liege thanks to goals from Nasri and Denilson. These 2 are coming back from injury pretty strongly, if goals were to vouch for them. Denilson's finish was nothing short of spectacular while Nasri looks to be growing into the 4-3-3 a little more.
The downside, was of course, Gibbs.
It's the 25th. 5 days to go. 1 match to see out before December comes. It doesn't look like we'll be getting any of the absentees back in December.
All I hope is that we do not add to the injury list.
Liverpool is probably hogging the headlines now with no good reason. I can't help but feel sorry for them but hey, Benitez and them pool fans have pride themselves as a club who does well in the Champion's League, better than domestically. Now they're neither.
Maybe every season there'll be one of the big 4 fighting with the wannabes for 4th spot. Last season it was us. This time, it's Liverpool. Whoever laughed at Arsenal last term should start eating their words.
I read the match report on Arsenal.com and it was hilarious, particularly the part on the goalmouth melee. Ahaha. Ever seen a funkier match report?
It all started when Fabregas took a corner...
* Arshavin's point-blank shot was saved
* Then Vela's collected the rebound and planted the ball against the post
* Then Gallas had two efforts blocked by the keeper
* And finally Vermaelen's vicious shot beat everyone, hit Arshavin on the line and flew wide
Stupefying.
I <3 my extremely short team.
I realised we have an additional day of rest, unlike Chelsea. Normally those are the things that happen when Man Utd have a midweek game and face a top 4 team. The fixture list so far, has been very kind. May it long continue. It also remains to be seen, if that extra day to recover makes a difference.Labels: Kieran Gibbs, Liverpool, Neves Denilson, Samir Nasri
A Little Drunken Madness @ 9:38 AM
This loss was always coming.
We have a squad that has strength in depth, but there are 2 positions that particularly, do not have a back up who can do the job like the first choice does.
And you could always put your money on Van Persie getting crocked playing for Holland. It has happened a lot over the years.
With Walcott returning and Vela waiting in the wings, we still had Eduardo. Rosicky, Arshavin and Nasri, all available.
Yet all of them couldn't find the magic today.
Eduardo did the job to the best he knew how. Robin took a few games to get the hang of it and he learnt the position well. Dudu just got thrown into it today and it was clear he wasn't accustomed to the positions he had to get into and lacked the ability to bring the rest of the players into the game. It is no fault of his. I believe, that with time, he'll get it.
In the meantime though, while Robin is placenta-ing, we might have a situation at hand.
The other position is the defensive midfield one which Song currently owns. That's another problem in January.
Looking at the team sheet today, it looked to be set up for an absolute stormer. Eduardo was up front with Nasri and Rosicky flanking. Seriously. I can't recall Samir and Tomas playing on either flanks before. Fabregas was in the heart of midfield with Ramsey starting and Song behind them. It looked so juicy on the attacking front.
I guess one of the problems could be the lack of communication up front. The players train together a lot but it's pretty different on the pitch. The on-pitch understanding has to be spot on when applying Arsenal's playing style. The player's movement and the interchanging of positions have to be very exact. When the regulars are missing the players coming in for them weren't able to string it all together.
At least they couldn't tonight.
The opening minutes were optimistic though. Rosicky's shot from a determined Fabregas cross was a fantastic one but it was met by a fantastic save. Apart from that, I don't remember any other time we came that close. After that Rosicky faded quite a bit and I forgot he was even on the pitch.
I'm actually pretty glad a bad game like this did not end up in a draw. Sure we lose 3 points instead of 2, but when a loss comes, it really forces everyone to sit down and think hard about it. A draw gives them consolation which I think is rubbish. Screw unbeaten runs. I'm only interested in winning streaks. If it takes one loss like this to get it all together then by all means.
And we all knew the day when the free scoring will screech to a halt. I'm sure no one expected it so soon after Fabregas declared his fear.
Meh.
Credit to Sunderland. They did well and deserved to win. Steve Bruce is an impressive manager. To be able to put together a team consisting of that many new players and be successful thus far is no mean feat. I don't need to cite Man City do I? 2-1 and they fucked it up in seconds. It was pretty funny. In the post before I said I'll put my $ on them drawing again. True enough, it happened. Their equalisers sure come at the most painful moments. I kinda thought we got rid of 2 hexes - one of drawing uncontrollably, and the tendency to concede right after scoring. And we shipped 2 players off to them. hah. I kinda watched the game for Adebayor. He's still the same lazy wuse who probably will only work hard when playing Arsenal, and then just wait for free headers in the box to score.
I hope I don't have to eat my words after this. I'd prefer a loss and then a run of many many wins to 5 draws in a row. I realised we play Chelsea next who are in top form.
2 losses in a row ain't what I have in mind. The team has Liege midweek to regroup. I don't want a horror show next week.Labels: Tomas Rosicky, what kind of fuckery is this
A Little Drunken Madness @ 1:25 AM
Ahahaha. Seriously. Just when I thought the international break was just going to be boring and uneventful with a whole lot of our players getting crocked, I was wrong.
So wrong.
The angry Irish people are angry. Angry at Thierry Henry. Oh baby.
It's not like a whole lot of whining and anger will get them to the world cup. You're out of it, suck that. I look at the Irish team and there's Robbie Keane and I have zero sympathy.
So, the angry Irish have written to FIFA to request a replay of the play-off in France, one that is so not happening. I mean, even the Irish prime minister has chosen to intervene. Lol at Football mixing with politics. They're going to start bombing each other soon. Or start a world war.
Why are the Irish angrier than the Scottish?
Because that goal Gallas scored sent them out.
Why weren't Celtic as pissy after the Eduardo dive?
No matter what they did, they were never going to win.
These are just the horns of the lesser nations blaring at their inability to win the game. We can all whine and scream about all the injustices on the football pitch but ultimately, the ref's decision is final. That's the part that hurts, but that's just part of the game. Kill the ref, not the player. If Robbie Keane was in the same situation he would have used both hands.
Titi is still my hero. Everyone has a point in Arsenal history where they started becoming a fan and mine's Titi.
Oh and part of being Irish is being a little bit on the cuckoo side. Henry currently plays for Barcelona. Why is Arsenal even in the news?
He didn't cheat while at Arsenal. Use the brains God gave you.
On the Arsenal side of things, if there are to be positives from this horrible 2-week break, it has got to be certain injury news. I was incensed to find out that Cesc and Vermaelen played 90 minutes in a pointless friendly. Srsly. Gallas playing 90+extra time is for a good cause. (HEH) Arshavin did 90 too so I don't know if the boss will be resting these guys at Sunderland. The positives come from players returning to fitness. I think Gibbs got crocked at a very stupid timing. Traore is fit and ready and probably hungry to take that left back spot and I think the boss will go with him ahead of Silvestre. Hopefully, I'd say. All that is associated with Silvestre is his experience.
After that, it'll be interesting to see who takes the left back position against Liege since Gibbsy is earmarked to be ready for that game.
Denilson is back too, so is Vela. Timely for the both of them. I'm hungry to see Vela play in our 4-3-3.
That's about all, besides giving Eduardo the time to sign a new contract. He's one of those players who are extremely settled over here.
The true tests of the season starts tomorrow. It'll be playing every 3 days soon enough and still grinding out important results.
Liverpool play Man City. hahaha. srsly. I think I can put my money on a draw.
Lastly, the charity video for the Great Ormond Street Hospital is the love. Cesc as a bunny couldn't be more apt. And Arsharkvin. Sagna is cute too. And Theo as a lion hitting on a girl? Awesome.Labels: Eduardo Da Silva, French National Team
A Little Drunken Madness @ 10:07 AM
It's midweek. The pointless international friendlies aren't all over yet, some still to be played tomorrow and all. Only France and Russia have good reason to play football with their World Cup playoffs.
I think the November international break is the sickest of its lot.
Gibbs is the latest casualty while Robin probably the most severe. He's going to seek alternative treatment with placenta fluid and there is a whole lot of misinformation about that one. I don't know if it's COW/HORSE or HUMAN placenta. It's just placenta. Hope it helps.
I think we were harping on how gifted Arsenal is at the left-back position. And Kieran goes down. I think that there's a possibility that Tom Vermaelen might deputise there while moving in Senderos or Silvestre to partner Gallas. But in view of Wenger's recent comments about not breaking up the centre-back partnership, I think Silvestre will just slot in at left back.
Bad news all around.
It would be quite fantastic though, to see how the Verminator plays as a full-back. He is quite a complete centre-back with goalscoring ability. I think I want to see his crossing. Our left-backs can't cross even if their lives depended on it.
But of course, the heart of the defence should still be top priority. I think playing Silvestre there instead would be diabolical. Senderos I don't know. I kinda feel that he should be given a chance to come on again. I don't think featuring in the Carling Cup is enough. At this stage in his career, he should be playing more. I would be sad to see him leave. If not for Djourou though, he could well be at Everton.
Okay so there'll be a return to real football action this weekend at Sunderland. Can't wait. Then Liege again midweek. A good chance to all but seal qualification and be a step closer to taking the top spot in the group. Then Chelsea will come along and it's a good chance to see where we all stand after that. So far, Chelsea have been seen as solid title contenders. We'll find out if we're at their standard too.Labels: dying from the lack of Arsenal football, Kieran Gibbs, Robin Van Persie
A Little Drunken Madness @ 11:52 AM
is what Robin says when he watches other teams on TV.
Imagining him saying it in his Dutch accent makes it funnier.
He had some tough choices to make at 14 and he chose football over drinking and smoking and stealing candy so that's a good thing.
This dude is desperate to win trophies with Arsenal, having only won 2 in his Arsenal career, a meaningless community shield and the FA Cup.
And we all know how Cesc is on the same frequency with this.
It's FABPERSIE!!
The way these 2 link up is awesome.
So anyway, the Wolves game was a good win. Yes. Now it's time to examine the other positives. They were all wet from the heavy rain and there was Ramsey. And then Nasri came on. Did you notice all the cute faces on the pitch?
Arsenal ain't just a team that plays beautiful football. They are beautiful.
And Nasri's English lessons have paid off (assuming he hired a tutor). His English is sexy.
So, last night, Chelsea and Man Utd played the ugly game. I mean, I got so bored I went to watch How I Met Your Mother, switching after each episode to check the score, not that it matters. HIMYM is friggin hilarious. Neil Patrick Harris FTW srsly. Anyway, I still managed to catch Johnny Evans' double kick on Drogba and his theatrics. Give that guy an oscar!!!!! He totally vibrated on the ground like he was reaching orgasmic enlightenment. If anyone didn't know, like the blind referee, he's just trying to get the player sent off that's all.
SAF probably thinks the ref was blind too. Everytime they lose, it's the usual complaints and the blasting of the referee. It's so typical it's boring now.
So Chelsea go 5 points clear and then the press has decreased Man Utd's title chances. That is purely lame. It's as though they have nothing else to write. Maybe their naive minds believe that Chelsea, after beating United, will go on to win every damn game this season so the 5 point gap is enough to win it for them.
So, Man City seems to be on a downward spiral. They should know that the rest of the world will laugh at them when things go wrong. And the City fans are labeling Mr Adebayor a lazy sulk. It's sooo funny. It's funnier when his last goal was against Arsenal. I mean, after he started the season with aplomb, scoring in every match leading up to the face off with us. And then his motivation went out the window.
Again.
I think he'll stay at Man City all his life. I don't think the clubs he dreams of joining (Milan, Barcelona) will want him now. He is a quality striker but his attitude is not there. He ain't gonna get more money for playing better really.
At this point in the season, Robin has 7 league goals while Cesc has 6. Adebayor has like, 4? That's on par with Arshavin who probably hasn't even kicked into top gear yet. And somehow, that's not down to being lazy.
Who, at the start of the season, would put $ on Cesc scoring more goals that Adebayor at this point?
Now, I read the City fans and how proud they are of Adebayor after that win against Arsenal and I really want to laugh. Guilty as charged. Counting chickens before they hatch. Celebrating a player not worth celebrating. Then 5 draws in a row. Hilarious.
Man Utd has lost a great player in Ronaldo. (Nobody mentions Tevez either) Arsenal ain't whining about losing Adebayor. In fact, he was a weak link. I mean, he was first choice at Arsenal and he had Fabregas and Van Persie providing good service to him. Yet he only moaned about how it sucks to play in the lone striker role. Look at Robin now. He is thriving. He had a rough start while adapting to this new role and now look at what hard work does for you. Peak of his career, scoring more goals than ever, enjoying his football, and of course, fatherhood.
I love you Robin Van Persie.Labels: Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea, Emmanuel Adebayor, Man Utd, Robin Van Persie, Samir Nasri
A Little Drunken Madness @ 12:12 PM
Hah. Once again, the boys let the talking be done on the pitch.
Mick McCarthy set out to attack or whatever he calls they did and was soooo sure he'll get something out of this game. Didn't try to park the bus but play a really high line and press high up the pitch.
It worked for the first 20 minutes.
Or you need to play well only for 28.
Until Zubarrrrr hipped the ball in for our first goal, courtesy of pressure from Eduardo. I think after Eboue stole his goal the other time he decided to let the team know that it wasn't his before they started celebrating. The thing is, it is OKAY to celebrate an own goal like it's yours. Everyone does that.
After the first goal, you get the feeling that Wolves were falling apart. They lost their zest and determination to keep Arsenal at bay. But aww, these sort of tactics aren't going to work for the whole 90 minutes because I'd like to think that Arsenal have this gear shift and they can up one when needed.
Eduardo got a goal finally but it was thanks to a deflection off a wolves defender. Haaar.
Ramsey had a part to play and he did pretty well today. He has such a pretty face.
Jokes aside, the first 20 minutes saw Song relegated to the bench with Rambo coming it. Then Diaby had to limp off and Song came on and resumed his shift in the holding role. I think this has totally showed us how important he is to the team. He's doing so well and it his strength and presence which allows the rest of the team to play that swift attacking football we only know how to play. It was pretty diabolical without him and I'm looking towards January and it might be hell for us when he's gone. Or even if he (NONONONO) picks up an injury. I read this before the game (from Arseblog) and it's a really endearing article. I like him so much more.
Now that Diaby is probably going to be out injured, Ramsey has a chance to prove himself in the first team. His energy is fantastic and he's so cute to look at. Wrong reason I know. And then we have an international break and that's 2 weeks. 2 weeks for the national teams to crock our players, 2 weeks for the injured players to come back. Moo. They're the 2 sides of a freakin coin really.
Fabregas continued his scoring run in injury time of the first half when Wolves were just waiting for the whistle. Haaaaaaaaaaaaaa. Srsly.
The lads then strolled through the second half with Arshavin adding a fourth and then we allowed them to get a consolation.
The commentators were a load of crap to say the least. I don't get why people are so anti-Arsenal. These shits can just fuck the hell off because as a bloody commentator you're supposed to be bloody objective, otherwise just shut the hell up. Who says that at 3-0 up, Wolves will master a great comeback worthy of going into the premier league history books?
You can only say that at the City of Manchester Stadium. No wait. They weren't 3-0 up. The came back from being 2-0 down and then scored 3 and fucked it up. Oh yes. I have been waiting a long long time to say this. 3-3 it ended with Burnley equalising.
Another huge haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
that's 5 draws in a row for them. 10 points dropped. I guess we got rid of Adebayor who brought on the knack for drawing except that he is no artist.
HEH.
That's all folks.Labels: Aaron Ramsey, Abou Diaby, Alex Song, Man City
A Little Drunken Madness @ 3:32 AM
I rarely get a good chance to sleep in and then I do, and then some numbshite upstairs decides to do construction work.
It's such a lovely rainy Friday morning. What are the odds?
Thanks to technology though, or whoever who invented in-ear ear phones, I'm pumping music into my eardrums to kill off the shitty construction NOISE. They're working very well.
Okay so, there's a game tomorrow. The lads travel to Wolves, while Chelsea meet Man Utd. I've always wondered about the fixtures. It's pretty darn amazing. It probably happens by chance but hey, look at the situation - the top 2 clash, giving the 3rd in the table a chance to make up some ground should one of them slip up, which is bound to happen. Of course, the ideal result when big teams clash is a draw, so both teams lose 2 points. But whatever, this is a situation Man Utd got into so much last season. They had no lack of opportunities to "make up ground". I kinda like our fixture list this campaign.
Confidence should be high and Fabregas is banging in the goals like nobody's business to be on par with Van Persie in the club's scoring charts. I suppose the final layer of his development does lie in goalscoring and he's developing well. It's pretty scary to know that he's just 22 and has a long way to go in his footie career and his potential is boundless. He sure if enjoying his football and his captaincy. I still find it hilarious that the captain gets to decide short sleeves or long sleeves every game and the rest of the team will have to comply. I mean, Arshavin in short sleeves with gloves is pretty hilarious, and Song with long sleeves rolled up just as much.
Wenger has no intention of rotating the centre back positions, allowing Vermaelen and Gallas to own. I think stability in that position is pretty important. Everytime Gallas starts limping or is tackled roughly my heart sinks quite a bit. Last season, after he got over the whole loss of captaincy thing, he really stepped it up and played really well. Then when he had to go off injured and miss the rest of the season it coincided with that horrible slump. Nevermind that Djourou who came to fill in got injured in the following game. Without a doubt, Gallas is a top class defender and a model pro. The way he's handled the events in his career is admirable. His partnership with Vermaelen is fantastic. They kept Peter Crouch quiet even with the difference in height. You know, Crouch who got his first career hattrick against Arsenal. Of course, he was playing for Liverpool, who practice long balls only every training hence their service was definitely waaayyy better than Sp*rs can ever be.
So, no injuries to Thomas and William please. They're doing so well. I hope Wenger talking about it didn't just put a hex on them.
In other news, I have Football Manager 2010! It's kinda crappy so far. I mean, Hull City is really strong in there. That's shitty.Labels: Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Vermaelen, William Gallas
A Little Drunken Madness @ 10:50 AM
What a game.
Fabregas on the double, while Nasri made it through 90 minutes and had a goal to his name too. And Diaby? I asked him to shut me up and he got a goal.
Right after the boss says Cesc has grown up a lot in the past 2 years hence the goals at Sp*rs, he bags a brace this time. ILU Cesc Fabregas.
The only thing is, I only caught the game after 75 minutes because I was asleep. Games at 3.45 am are difficult to stay up for, especially when there isn't guaranteed coverage thanks to two telcos. This is where game theory is relavent. The twosome are engaging in zero sum game where one cannot be better off without making one worse off. The pool of football fans will remain the same, regardless. Singtel having exclusive rights will not create more football fans. These 2 parties don't seem to realise the inconvenience and undue stress they're causing people like me, as if being human is not enough to deal with already.
The online streams are pretty good though, but being me, I get very stressed before the game while waiting for one of the streams to work, especially one with English commentory. No to Chinese please. It's cheesy and just wrong.
Ya, I know I am Chinese.
So, I guess it's how the universe works. I watched the game when it was 3-0 and then Diaby scored. I woke up for Diaby's goal.
Ha ha ha.
How hilarious.
Arsene Wenger should drag him to press conferences more often.
A good 4-1 win against AZ and we look good value for top spot in the group.
I wonder how it's like, when it's crazy noisy at the Emirates and dead quiet across the street, you know, the douches who want to build a new stadium to match ours but fall short at a 57,000 capacity only. They're the nutjobs who want to tap into the pool of North London fans as well, when it is fixed and I don't see how anyone in the right mind will ditch Arsenal for Sp*rs. Perhaps they want to attract the impressionable youth and give them a one-way ticket to becoming losers.Labels: Abou Diaby, Cesc Fabregas, one of my many theories
A Little Drunken Madness @ 7:32 AM
It's funny how the next game is coming, yet much hype is still coming from the Sp*rs game.
It's even funnier when there are people out there with common misconceptions about derby rivalries. Sure, we do not live anywhere near Ashburton Grove, in the thick of the action but we sure as hell understand the importance of a big game like that.
It's kinda like before, when it was Man Utd vs Arsenal, and living next door is my devil brother.
But yes, we all grow up as the years pass by and it translates into mutual respect.
I don't think that will ever happen with Sp*rs because they will never match Arsenal's level.
But in Derbies, what makes it exciting is how lousy players (Sp*rs shites) can find it in their engines to step up their game just because it's Arsenal. Not that they managed that sort of gear shift last Saturday. In fact, they didn't. It was kinda like a walkover, but evidently, ol Harry didn't agree. He only harped on the goalless 42 minutes. That's all. It was like a desperate attempt to search for posivites from a match that had none for his team.
So yes, the boss says that Cesc would never be able to score that Sp*rs goal had he been 2 years younger.
Yup, I concur.
Injury news consists of Clichy being out with a possible stress fracture to his back. Once again, it's a matter of weeks. The boss reiterated that Bendy's injury is quite severe but it's just 1 month. Not a matter of months. The good news is, we seem to have a lot of back up in the left back position and I'd love to see Gibbsy play more. He's growing on me. His goofy smile especially. I feel so old.
The other good news is, Rosicky is back. Like HA HA HA. OMFG. Most unbelievable piece of news for the day really. Now I figured that being a negative arse when it comes to Rosicky helps a great deal. At least you're not looking for him to come back when the boss says it's a 'matter of days'. If you expect weeks or months then when he comes back in less, REJOICE!
When it comes to Champion's League press conferences, I am rather intrigued at how they pick who the bring along. Do they draw from a hat? Or does the boss decide?
It's Diaby this time, and he talked about why Wenger was frustrated during the Sp*rs game. I mean. It was simply because of youuuuu. Lol.
Maybe that's why he was chosen.
And probably to shut the fans up for giving him stick when the boss thinks he has a whole host of attibutes that can make valuable contributions to the game. Apparently he has a good attacking instinct from the deep positions and needs to find the balance between attacking and defending, somewhat similar to what Robin said about himself here.
I hope Diaby shuts me up. I really need him to. He has the boss's backing and all but he really needs to step it up all the time and not when he feels like it.
I shall end off with Arsha. He's soooo happy at Arsenal.
♥♥♥♥♥
I need to parade my arsha jersey more often. It's gorgeous and downright $ sucking.Labels: Abou Diaby, Andrei Arshavin, Arsene Wenger, Cesc Fabregas, Gael Clichy, Kieran Gibbs, Tomas Rosicky
A Little Drunken Madness @ 10:59 AM
I turned on the TV yesterday when I got back from the Liz and I jinxed Liverpool. Normally, when I do that, I have to watch them win. But nooo, everything went so well on Sp*rs demolition day I decided to try my luck again, with Man City.
They got a draw. I watched from the hour mark so I missed the penalty save by Shay Given. Damnnnn. Should have started watching waaaaaaay earlier. A draw nonetheless, their 4th in a row. Their drive to go forward only lasted the initial stages of the season. Adebayor didn't play and I guess that made a difference (no compliments to him tyvm).
It is interesting to note that there is a Ferguson and a Benitez in Birmingham City.
I had a great time reading all the Arsenal blogs after the Sp*rs win.They were epic and awesome. Much of it was centred on Keane's comments before the game, talking up Sp*rs to Arsenal's level. He claims good ol sp*rs have strength in depth even though Defoe, Lennon and Modric were unable to participate.
And then after the game, Sp*rs started moaning about their injury woes.
Nothing like finding excuses really, just like ol Harry's game of football. If you played in Harry's football league, every game comprises only of 42 minutes. If you hold off the team you're playing against for 42 minutes, keeping the score goalless, you're on your way to pulling off a 'great result'. All you need to do, is play well for 42 minutes.
Sad to say, Sp*rs are playing in the Barclay's Premier League, and like all other football games at the top level, the game lasts a minimum of 90 minutes.
I guess, for teams who come to the Emirates, we are such a formidable team to beat, hence keeping it goalless for the first 42 minutes is a mean feat you can be proud of, regardless of the final score with 90 minutes have passed, plus added time.
Hold off Arsenal for 42 minutes and you're guaranteed a win. They should have a sign somewhere to motivate the away teams.
Sad ol Harry. He couldn't come up with more creative excuses.
I'm going to watch Cesc's goal again and laugh some more. I don't know if he has any idea what he did to all of us, fans at the Emirates and fans catching the game elsewhere. I think we went bonkers for the next 5 minutes in utter disbelief yet complete joy which words can't describe.
Oh right. I got the word.
It's pandemonium.
Labels: Cesc Fabregas, Man City, one of my many theories, Sp*rs
A Little Drunken Madness @ 2:15 AM
Sooooo.
Got back from the Liz where it was the most happening it has ever been. Or at least when I'm there. The atmosphere was fantastic and so was the game. What a splendid pairing.
The signed Arsenal ball went to someone who didn't know Cesc Fabregas' previous number before he got the 4. Hell. I even know the number he first got at Arsenal. MEH.
We should have an Arsenal knowledge quiz instead boy.
The game. It started quite badly, we thought the lads were doing badly. They weren't going for the ball as much as we expect them too and Sp*rs were getting on really well with the interceptions and the disruption of our flowing attacking football. They probably spent too much time doing that until they didn't have much chances in front of goal. At one point we had 6 shots on target already and they were still at zip.
At that point, I feared the worst. Things like this are typical of Arsenal. Lots of shots on target, while the other team had none. I was expecting Sp*rs to hit that one shot on target and the ball going past Almunia.
But it was all not meant to be because Robin did very well to get at the end of a Bakary Sagna cross to guide the ball in while he was half in mid air. It was like leaping and hitting the ball, somewhat like a volley. You'll have to watch the replay a few times to actually see that the goal wasn't as easy as it looks.
While we were busy screaming and celebrating, we were watching the replay of a Cesc Fabregas goal. LOL. I think at that moment, we all went utterly nuts. Bonkers. It was as though screaming was friggin overrated.
When Sp*rs kicked off, Robin got somewhat in the way and Fabregas capitalised by surging forward with the ball, cleverly going past Ledley King and then driving the ball past Gomez into the back of the net. We've always known Fabregas as the type of player who passes and passes and rarely dribbles and takes on his man. He isn't known for his pace too. Today, he showed that he has the technique and the intelligence to do it all. He is such a complete midfielder it's really very scary that he's only 22.
Also, that kind of thing where you nick the ball from kick off all the way into the back of the net only happens in a FIFA game. Hell, you could even take the goalkeeper and make him dribble all the way to the other end and score too. Little did I know, our lil captain could do it. Goal of the season so far for me. He took on at least 3 players and of course, any goal against Sp*rs will be in the running for goal of the season.
3 goals. And sore Harry has described them as...scandalous. I lol-ed so hard at that one. Plus, the comment that none of our goals were good. Sour grape.
Robin got a brace today and did really well. I think it'll be quite the contest for player of the month of October. That is such a good thing. Robin's first goal was good technique. The second? Really scandalous. Not regarding the ref allowing play to go on, but Gomez actually missing the interception.
Getting home, it's instinctive to turn on the TV and track the other matches. Oh Liverpool. They're really funny. They beat Man Utd and was on a high. Midweek, Arsenal kids did them in. Rafa Benitez hailed a good performance from his side, despite losing. He probably assumed that the lads will play the same way again today but it didn't happen. And then he took Torres off. Grave mistake dude. It gave Fulham the drive to go on. It was 2-1 and then that was when the drama happened and the ref gave a series of reds, reducing pool to nine men. Pool can whine all they want at the decisions but Fulham played well and did fantastic to get to 2-1 when it was 11 v 11.
Now I am so grateful we managed to carve out a 1-0 win at Craven Cottage. Clearly, it's not an easy place to go to.
Refs today have dished out a whole lot of wrongful red cards it seems. And then Mark Clattenburg that douche, failed to dish out more cards. David Bentley had a deliberate handball and he wasn't carded. After that, he went in really hard on Vermaelen and didn't get punished at all. Bummer really. He shouldn't have been on that pitch.
Not that it made any difference.
Lastly, the Arsenal kids travel to Man City for the Carling Cup quarter finals. This is all fated. The kids beat Liverpool, when Wenger found the right balance of experience and youth. I'm sure he'll be doing it again. An opportunity to put certain people in their places but let's not get too far of ourselves. Heh.Labels: Cesc Fabregas, Liverpool, Man City, Robin Van Persie, Sp*rs
A Little Drunken Madness @ 12:26 AM
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