Injuries are no joke at all. Wolves come for a visit.
I THINK INJURY NEWS ARE A FORM OF MIND GAMES.
We know Rooney got an injury in Germany, but he'll be out 2 weeks tops, and will only miss 3 games and be ready for City. Before the confirmation of that news, I think the whole world (esp Chelsea fans) laid in wait for news that he won't face Chelsea. In any case, United will be out to prove that they are not a one man team (they so are lol. Before, it was Ronaldo's team.). Chelsea haven't gone to Old Trafford and got a win in a long time and they're missing quite a few first teamers too, so it might be down to Malouda vs Gary Neville. Um. Is there even a contest there? Malouda is no Ribery but well, we see tonight. Faggotson will prolly play Park and command him to provide support for old Gary. Yet again, Asians and their work ethic.
After United and Chelsea fuck each other up their cunts, Arsenal will face Wolves. Regardless of the earlier result, we need all 3 points, no question about that. Denilson and Clichy who had minor injury complaints were passed fit and I'd expect them to start. Sometimes, resting players can backfire. Have a full team out there to provide continuity for Barca. That game at St. Andrews didn't do much for the teams morale.
Wenger in his press conference has clarified several 'rumours' about Cesc playing through injury with an already broken leg. I think that's pretty absurd, and it's funny how Wenger has MRI scans to back him up. I would think that Arsenal owns their own multi million dollar scanning machine since we use it so often. I can imagine us running a free clinic and still make money. But yes, only one Tony Colbert and I think he is the busiest man in the whole wide world.
More clarification on the Cesc injury is that he'll be out 4 weeks min, and 6 max. Not min 6 weeks. But you know Wenger and how he's obsessed with taking the max and quite rightly so. He gambled with injuries in recent times and I haven't really thought of any that really paid off, save for the Cesc cameo at home to Aston Villa. After that, he was out again.
The other injury we got that night was to Gallas. It sure looked serious and the official site said 3 weeks but Wenger feels it could be longer. And then Domenech comes out bleating and whining. Good Lord. International managers can simply fuck off, just just follow in Capello's footsteps. He doesn't interfere with club selections and minds his own business while plotting behind closed doors. That lousy Domenech, will never win anything for France. And he's too free from having nothing better to do, enough to shit Wenger for playing Gallas. Yo. We pay his wages. And for such a big clash like Barca, which walking wounded wouldn't want to be fit and play. That shit French manager can simply fuck the hell off. Arsene Wenger owes him nothing, and when he returned Diaby crocked from playing for him, there was nothing wrong with that.
Lastly, Mr Arshavin is a pessimist, but is not negative. I don't see how the two are unrelated really. Aren't they almost the same thing? Your poor outlook will add to negativity. He turns 29 at the end of May though, and at that sort of age, you know your days are numbered. Next season could be the last chance to win anything, esp if we don't win anything this term. If he didn't miss a sitter last week then we would be in an even better position now, not having to depend on Sp*rs. We have to beat them after Barca and then pray that they beat Chelsea and United. And it's a double-edged sword at best, because beating those 2 will put them in serious reckoning for 4th spot and CL qualification. I, however, think that it isn't such a bad idea. They don't have the squad capable for challenging in all competitions. When they were in the UEFA Cup, they screwed up the league and was fighting relegation. Then their current twitchy manager managed to haul them back from the bottom end for a mid-table finish, but not enough for Europe. The only reason why they're doing well this term is because they don't exactly have much to play for, just domestic matters. While their players are being awed by Europe's elite competition, they might just be fighting relegation again next season.
Before we can continue to dream again, we gotta do away with Wolves. This month, is going to be fucking crucial, and how many times have we played April with all to play for?
Even the captain himself doesn't think that Arsenal's a one-man team with him being the centre.
He did his research and apart from the Everton game which he missed, we've won the other 4. Nevertheless, we all know that an Arsenal team is better with him in it. There is no doubt about that.
He goes on, keeping both feet firmly on the ground, when broaching the subject of Barcelona. It's going to be a massive game for him and Arsenal, but he's looking more towards Birmingham. According to him, the mark of Champions is being able to look to the next game and focus, rather than the bigger game after that. If you asked any Arsenal fan though, they would rate the Birmingham game as highly as Barcelona. Slipping up in either matches could prove fatal to both of those competitions. Many a times in previous seasons, the team had performed spectacularly in Europe against the big teams but struggled badly in the league when we played the mid-table to bottom-table teams. This season though, with the amount of maturity the squad is starting to show, I hope that wouldn't be the case. The boss did mention in his post-match interview that the fuss of the Barca draw did play into their heads at the beginning, right until they were down to 10-men did the urgency come back. I hope the lads do not need a repeat of that to get things going at St. Andrews.
With regards to the title race, United did away with Liverpool with ease, while Chelsea faltered at Ewood Park. I guess it's not safe to assume everyone's going to roll over at Chelsea's feet. It is however, spot on to assume that they do it at United's feet. Liverpool is really a spent force. Chelsea play their game in hand midweek at Fratton Park with Avram Grant surely out to prove a point or two. Not sure about that game, but if Chelsea still wants the title they have to win it. It's going to be quite tough though, thank God for that.
We gotta continue to grind out results and abandon the showboating. Winning at all costs involves winning ugly and I'd like to see more of that. Finishing of chances as soon as you can, taking the shot first time instead of passing in order to show off our technical quality. A goal's a goal, whether it's pretty or not, and goals win us games. Since we're the Arsenal though, some might argue that showboating is part of the way we play, but I'm sure all fans will agree that it can come after we're at least 3-0 up instead of 1-0. If we had taken at least one of the chances after being 1-0 up in the first half, Vermaelen may not have been sent off at all, and West Ham wouldn't have had that golden chance to pull themselves level, served on a fucking golden platter by the linesman.
I'd rather 5 ugly goals scored than 1 pretty goal. Winning 5-0 is ultimately more satisfying than 1-0.
3-1 it ended, us on the side of the 1. The most in-form team in the league has lost.
There are positives despite all that.
We never looked like winning, even when we threw Arshavin, Eduardo and Ramsey. At 1-1, you'd understand why Wenger would want to go for the win. At that moment, the thought of scheduling a replay in the midst of our congested fixture list was just plain bad. DNW is the phrase. At the end of the game though, I don't know how many of us would have taken that 1-1 scoreline instead of being greedy.
It was all not meant to be because the 3 that came on didn't really impose themselves on the game enough to turn the game around. Instead, our lacklustre attack left us more exposed at the back, and we couldn't deal with it. As it was, the back 5 weren't the first choice first teamers you would have liked and they were always going to have problems. I thought Sol Campbell did well with what he was given to do and Silvestre did ok. Stoke rarely threatened in open play. When we could deal with their long throws and high balls the defence did fine, up until they were left wide open with unsuccessful attacks.
The youngsters did as well as they could. I though fielding Fabregas was a statement of intent and he worked tirelessly for the team but things just didn't fall into place for him. This game ain't a bad thing really. Gives our young captain a little bit more experience. Things will never always be smooth-sailing and you gotta learn how to react.
All in all, either you go through to the next round, or you don't. It's one trophy lost. We're still in the running for 2, the 2 that aren't the most straightforward. Hopefully this doesn't result in a bad run of form and the depth of the squad was tested and they failed. There's still time for that to change but I doubt it, with Bendtner due to return at Aston Villa. Not a lot of time between then and the end of the window for him to screw up just in time for Wenger to realise that he really needs to buy. And this probably gave us a glimpse of how diabolical it'll be if one of Vermaelen or Gallas has to be replaced.
Games are going to come in thick and fast now so there's not time to mope but to look to the Villa game. Till then.
Arsenal beat Bolton at the Reebok 2-0. Ever since Sam Allardyce left, it seems that Bolton as our bogey team has since passed. Actually, it has passed since that 3-2 comeback win 2 seasons ago in the pouring rain, when Cesc scored the winner.
We came away with the points, but it didn't come easy.
Evidently though, it was Arsenal with the shooting boots on. (Thank God for that)
Cesc got us the early goal. I love early goals. In Arsenal terms, early goals means goals in the first half, not in the first 20 minutes. He was magnificent throughout the game and that was probably the reason why he was getting fouled like nobody's business. Nasty stuff really, from Bolton. He should have had 2 penalties as well.
Eduardo did pretty well today, despite not getting a goal to his name. Both goals were a result of his assists and he is growing into this role. He was always dangerous when the crosses were coming in and that isn't easy especially when you're often the only one in the penalty area. Crossing was much better today, and it was down to Rosicky. He adds so much more to the team and he seems to be like the only one in the team who can put in decent crosses.
Traore was getting owned on the left side by South Korean winger Lee Chung-yong, probably because Arshavin wasn't really supporting him. I suppose that's the difference between playing centre forward and on the wings. You have defensive duties as a winger, even though we all know that Arshavin does what he does best, goal side of the pitch. Clichy then came on and he brought more defensive stability on the left side. A good comeback from him after being out for so long.
Latest injury news see Ramsey and Nasri joining the list. This isn't good because we're wearing really thin in midfield. Diaby sure does look like a 90-minute player now and he definitely is Wenger's starter, making him and Fabregas 2 out of 3 in midfield. Song is the third but he's away so there's a chance for Eastmond and Fran Merida, who did very well to get on the scoresheet. I'd imagine Merida to play higher up in the pitch with Rosicky dropping deeper in the centre of the park. The only problem is, Mr Tomas Rosicky cannot be trusted to stay fit just yet. I'm so thankful he's back, but I feel like it's all borrowed time. Need to get that feeling out.
I think Wenger will sign someone. He knows his team and he has ambitions too. And of course, Sol Campbell and Galindo do not count. We really need someone who can slot right into the team and make an instant impact. Time is running out. We may have beaten Bolton, with another game against them still to come, but I don't think we are able to match Chelsea like for like. That run of games against the big teams is going to shape the title race drastically and might put us out of it so we need reinforcements for this crucial period.
Bolton again on Thursday morning. Owen Coyle hasn't had a chance to bring any of his teams to the Emirates. Make no mistake - they're going to come at us as they did last night.
It has been a long time coming, yet I'm still surprised.
It's our manager really. He puts faith in his players and make them want to repay him. It seems like all about repayment huh.
I'm happy the deal has been inked. What's left is to hope against all hope that Tomas will make a big contribution in this second half of the season. He has goals in him too and is a model pro and has experience. When he is playing Cesc sparkles that little bit more because he has his buddy on the pitch and their telepathic waves are second to none. Well Cesc is building that kind of understanding with Mr Arshavin too.
Speaking of Arsha, he's going to be on the front cover of the February issue of Arsenal Magazine giving an interview about his first year at Arsenal. Pansing, the company that imports foreign magazines, have significantly lowered their prices. I got my Jan issue for $12.50 which is like 5 bucks less than usual. For once, prices are going down. I don't know the reason why, but it is welcomed.
I've more or less devoured the Jan issue and it's Alex Song on the cover and his cover story gives a few insights on how the players develop. He went on loan to Charlton and I suppose, that really helped with his development. There is a difference when you play regularly as opposed to coming on as a second half substitute. I hope little Jack will be able to go on loan because I think that is the last hurdle he has to cross before staking his claim on the first team.
Bolton in 2 days time. There's a lot going on with Owen Coyle and him taking over as manager at Bolton. If that is the case, it sure does make the 2 upcoming Bolton games more tricky ties. So far, he has masterminded a few upsets against Arsenal and he is a good manager.
Arsene Wenger said that we'll get news on Fabregas on Monday. Heeeey. It's Tuesday in London already.
And the websites out there are all reporting the same shit, twisting Wenger's words from the post match interview on Sunday. That's old news ya know? We want the latest!
I think most certainly though, we will be without Fab for Portsmouth.
This is a tricky tie. When Portsmouth visited the Emirates we dismantled them. Now, under new boss Avram Grant, they have beaten Liverpool and will look to take at least a point of us too. I think we may be too much for them but there's still a lot of football to be played so we can only hope.
Statistics wise, during Grant's tenure at Chelsea, Arsene Wenger has never beaten him. Things might be different though, because it's not Chelsea we're facing. Somehow or another, Grant probably got his formula right on those occasions with Chelsea and we should be in for a tough game.
The lads know that they have to fight on, even in the absence of Van Persie and Fabregas. It will be down to Arshavin to carry the weight of the team.
By some twist of fate, Clichy and Gibbs are both out meaning Traore has had an unprecedented run in the first team and will make the trip to Fratton Park, where he went on loan there last season.
When is Clichy coming back? He seems to be out for an awfully long time. We haven't been talking about him because his deputies have been putting in good shifts. Gibbs took over for a couple of games before getting injured and Traore is doing a pretty decent job for us now. What remains is Bendtner's return. We do need his height and physicality so I hope he's close.
Portsmouth will be the last game of 2009. The transfer window then opens but I don't think we'll sign anyone until it is closing. We like to haggle a lot I think.
Here's to a win. And all those suffering from gastic flu I hope we all get well soon. It's the Cesc Fabregas fever. He sent all of us into raptures and we injured our digestive system in the process.
So, I waited till now to celebrate an earlier result, from last night.
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA CHELSEA.
You see, if we didn't beat Villa, it would be pointless to be happy about Chelsea drawing.
But we have. I am proud of the boys.
Villa has taken the scalp of Chelsea, Man Utd and Liverpool (at this point, I don't think we need to bother about them). They don't have Arsenal's. That's a really good thing.
Villa matched us pretty well after the first 5 minutes where the boys started well. As the game wore on, they got tired. The lads trained over Christmas and were focused, and that's all down to how Arsene Wenger operates. Then Cesc came on and the team stepped up a gear and Villa simply couldn't cope.
Finally, a sign of a top top team that can challenge for the title.
I thought Wenger has became a lot less patient with his subs. Before, he would give the players on the pitch more time to make something happen. Sometimes, that proved a little too late to really change the game. So thank you for putting players on early, players that have the flair to create something magical. It was 28 minutes of magic, enough for the man of the match award I reckon.
And then there's Diaby. We've all asked for a little more consistency and he really showed up. Outstanding. Even in the absence of Cesc, he was the man driving the team forward and Denilson and Song supported him nicely. The midfield trio are really gelling together and you have another 3 goals to credit the centre of midfield for.
Thank you for the sweet Christmas present Arsenal.
I hope Cesc didn't aggravate his injury and the team gets pumped for Portsmouth.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
A Very Welcomed Game at Home, with a Very Welcomed Win
Business as usual?
Quite rightly so. A 4-0 win at home to Wigan and it was the kind of result we should be hitting. Might get a little bit more insight as to how Man Utd can win so many titles - a fluke win does increase belief, and they've had plenty of that. I can hardly count how many we have.
Everyone collectively played better, and Eboue was staking a genuine claim for that first team spot on the right of a 4-3-3 attack. Performance of his career. Never have I witnessed a better display in any game. He was hardworking and got his head down to the job and dribbled like a master past defenders and he didn't dive - he got the genuine fouls. A pity we didn't profit further from those delicious freekicks.
One reason for this spectacle is probably the reception he got from the corresponding fixture of last season, where he was brought on as a sub and subsequently booed off. This time, when he got off, he got off to an entirely different response from the Emirates crowd and he'll be contented that he did the best to his abilities to earn it, unlike the one who calls him his brother.
Defensively, it was still quite scary. Our win was never in doubt, but the clean sheet was. Mannone should be keeping his place in goal for the visit of West Brom in the Carling Cup on Wednesday morning so this would do a world of good for his confidence. This is probably the longest run in the first team he'll be getting in a long long while and so far, he's been scary but generally up to task. One for the future.
Don't get me started on Almunia. He seems like he's embarking on this unfortunate decline and he needs to step and and show that he is worthy to hold the fort between the sticks for a club like Arsenal. Adorable as he is, sometimes he's just not good enough and I hope that goalkeeping position isn't the weakest link this season.
We've had enough of weak links here and there. The season is now. Make it happen.
Robin did his fair share up front and being the lone striker in a 4-3-3 can often be frustrating. Eduardo did very well on the left side and Cesc was constantly pumping balls for him to run onto and he looked dangerous throughout. They key to every good attack is the ability to get in behind the defenders and we sure managed a good deal of that today. Really pleasing to watch. I just think Robin deserved a goal for his troubles but hey, he did provide that delivery for the Verminator to score.
He happens to have very good tongue action. Just look out for it. It's what the girls call tongue porn.
What an asset to the club he is turning out to be. He was denied a thunderbolt of a goal at City and this time he made no mistake and provided the second, that gave the defence breathing space, the defence being him. It is little wonder why he was the Ajax captain. He is a person who doesn't speak much and does the talking on the pitch. Gallas looks like he's enjoying himself having him as a centre-back partner, at least way more than Toure. Verm took charge when it was 1-0 (thanks to him too) and made it 2-0. He did both defending and attacking to perfection.
How much more can you ask of a player?
I wouldn't be surprised if he takes player of the month for the second month running. If he keeps this up, player of the season maybe, just like how my bff managed to say 'player of the season' when she meant month.
And then we have Rosicky. Oh gawd. I love him to death. And the funniest part of the game was when Melchiot caught his shirt with his studs and managed to rip it apart. I laughed till there were tears. And there he still went about, with his shirt flapping, playing the game he so loved. Cesc looks so happy when Tomas is on the pitch.
What if Cesc had both Arsha and Tomas?
Cesc and Tomas jig the ball to each other with such understanding it's something we so sorely missed ever since he was out. I get the feeling that he never formed such telepathy with another someone in Arsenal except when Arsha came in. Those 2 still have more to work on but Cesc and Tomas are so slick I just love how they know each other want the ball to be played to them. It's as perfect as the pieces of a jigsaw.
More of the two of them please.
So back to Manu Eboue. He is a goal stealer. If dudu is a goal poacher, Manu is a goal stealer. He stole Arsha's goal. Now he steals Eduardo's goal. I thought it was hilarious. I mean, I would give it to Eduardo but the club has credited Eboue. Dudu prolly kicked his ass on the way to the dressing room.
Cesc wrapped up the win with our fourth but he didn't celebrate. It looked as though he had a little knock and was quite sulky. Perhaps he's feeling a little frustrated at how everyone tends to target him in challenges since they probably have id-ed him as the chief string puller in the team. Probably have to find a good way to deal with that.
Chin up, bb.
I have to mention that Diaby played well and Song was solid as ever.
The upcoming game should feature a very very young squad in the Carling Cup. Don't know if Bendtner will be part of that, but Rambo and Wilshere sure will be. And I'm putting money on Sanchez Watt too. It seems like Wenger is starting to ease him into the first team as well. Would be lovely to see Gibbs play.
Okay so I've gotten all my wisdom teeth out. Turns out, there were 3 instead of 4. I didn't have a left upper. It required normal extraction anyway.
I'm only been sleeping since the minor surgery so, if anyone needs a break from work, get your wisdom teeth out and you'll be blessed with a 1-week MC which simply spells goodness and you get to catch up on sleep etc etc.
And shows probably.
It's 16 days to the premiere of season 6 of Grey's Anatomy. The promo video is as equally heart-wrenching as the finale.
I got lots of time to re-watch season 5 which I have already. Well.
Once again, there isn't much football stuff or Arsenal stuff thanks to the internationals. I think they're pretty lame and we only want our players to come through unscathed. As per normal.
I suppose most of the drama is surrounding the whole Chelsea transfer ban, where now, both Manchesters are being accused, with United threatening to take legal action for Le Harve's apparent sweeping statements about them inducing Paul Pogba to terminate his contract at the French side to join the devils. I can only laugh really. It's how big clubs eat small clubs with their lawyers. Doesn't it remind you of Usmanov who threatened legal action too against Arsenal bloggers?
Evidently, bullies and red devils take the same 'course of action'. Usmanov is a United fan yeah.
I think, if these clubs did their business cleanly, such allegations wouldn't appear out of nowhere. Granted, the whole Chelsea thing has made the smaller clubs bolder in voicing out any disparities and the lack of compensation when a youngster for the future is stolen.
Maybe Arsenal is the only club that pays good money for youngsters. 5m for Ramsey. Close to 12m for Walcott, from all the bonus payouts. And there's Luke Freedman, who dazzled in the recent reserves game against Birmingham City.
Retards out there will definitely bring up the case of Cesc Fabregas. We induced him to come, but not to breach his contract. At the end of the day, it was his decision. And if he weren't the one who made the choice he would be back at Barcelona now. He chose Arsenal. End of story. If anyone wants to open that book they can stick it right up their arse.
Anyway, with the whole transfer ban rubbish, it's getting absurd. It is human to want to take advantage and the smaller clubs seem to be jumping on that bandwagon really fast.
UEFA decided to open 2 cans of worms at the same time, with the Eduardo diving ban and now this. They've got a lot to deal with, imo. For what it's worth, them banning Chelsea is a bigger issue and it might take away the spotlight on dudu. Which also can be a bad thing. If after a while, this becomes water under a bridge, then Shrek will forever go unpunished.
Actually, just because he's English, he will go unpunished even if he dives in every game he plays.
Okay. Time for porridge and then to load up on more painkillers. I am starving from a lack of solid food for like one meal. This is the part I hate most. Besides the part where I can't laugh or I'll most probably burst a stitch. Lols.
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