Arsenal

[calculus]

On another note what are we thinking about Diarra?

I'm happy with his ability but he seems to be taking too much time on the ball. He's not fitting into our system as far as I can see but time/Wenger will fix that hopefully.

He's strong on the ball but I agree he needs to move the ball quicker! Good engine, and all round good midfielder but without Hleb or Fab we're lacking in creativity.

Do you think Wenger should start with 2 upfront against Middlesborough?

[Dragonfly]

Yeah, he should start with 2. Borough's home record is shit and they have a shaky defence. This could be a good opportunity for Eduardo to shine.

[calculus]

I would go for Bendtner, he looks ready to start upfront and I think him and Adebayor would do well together.

[Jesus]

However shit they have been playing, Middlesborough usually turn up against big teams.

[Nturtle]

Diarra's pretty good for about 60 mins...then his lack of concentration really showed vs. Aston Villa...passing to the opponents...but credit to him...he always fights back for it...not a bad player...but needs to gel and also be a bit more creative and agressive when he has the ball...

Denilson again needs to be agressive...not just shelter and pass the ball sideways...if either one matches Flamini or Cesc in any way...we'll be dead happy with such squad players in rotation...not quite there...but getting there.

Fingers crossed the "crisis" at Boro isn't going to have the same effect like at Newcastle!

[Wan]

However shit they have been playing, Middlesbrough usually turn up against big teams.

Boro 0 - 2 Chelsea
Boro 1 - 4 Man Utd

:rolleyes:

[Jesus]

Yes, that's true Wan but if you didn't know, since a few seasons Middlesbrough has been our bogey team and they usually turn up against the big teams. I said usually not always. ;)

[RB14 ARSENAL]

Yeah, when they had Yakubu and Viduka!!!

They make it a nightmare to play against creative teams, as we say when viduka came on late on for newcastle vs us.

[Meyyappan]

Let me present: EL CRISTIANO THE DIVING TOY-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5njTOhSsdk :D

[beetwee]

:laugh:

[Viperized]

Starting lineup vs Boro:
Almunia
Sagna
Toure
Gallas
Clichy
Eboue
Diarra
Gilberto
Rosicky
Eduardo
Adebayor

Anyone have an idea when Van Persie will return? He was supposed to be back against Villa but seems to be taking far longer.

We're playing Chelsea next week, and I'd love it if he was on the bench today.

[PEM]

Starting lineup vs Boro:
Almunia
Sagna
Toure
Gallas
Clichy
Eboue
Diarra
Gilberto
Rosicky
Eduardo
Adebayor

Anyone have an idea when Van Persie will return? He was supposed to be back against Villa but seems to be taking far longer.

We're playing Chelsea next week, and I'd love it if he was on the bench today.
according to the site i look at for when i need to know the return of an injured player, it says robin van Persie is due to return on 16th December 2007.

the site is this by the way physioroom (http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php=)

[beetwee]

Arsenal behind, what's goin' on?

[Stella Artois]

I've seen one-legged amputee's with downs syndrome, who've been told just two minutes prior to kick-off that their mothers have died, perform better than this.

[beetwee]

:shocking: Okay I think I understand.

[Viperized]

If we're going to play like this against Chelsea then we might as well put our reserves against them.

[Wan]

Gavin Hoyte.
Nacer Barazite.
Henri Lansbury.
Vito Mannone.

Just mentioning some names there.

[Viperized]

2-0 now. To be honest we deserve nothing from this game.

The only player who appears to be playing well enough is Toure.

[Stella Artois]

It's been an absolutely disgusting performance. Wenger has well and truly baffled me today.

I'm fucking glad I said no to going to Boro today. I had a ticket and everything as well.

[Wan]

Great strike there from Tuncay!
On a tight angle.

[Viperized]

Why didn't Denilson start? Gilberto was very poor.

Wenger subbed off the wrong striker too.

[JoeyM]

Woeful. Some awful substitutions by Wenger. Adebayor with the worst performance of his career yet Eduardo, who actually looked sharp, comes off. Then he takes off Diarra instead of Gilberto, essentially making no difference to the shape of the match.

[Wan]

I hope they perform like this against Chelsea.

[Stella Artois]

I hope someone smashes your fingers with a hammer.

[RB14 ARSENAL]

Typical.

Arsenal cannot score in the 1st 89 minutes and then Rosicky scores in stoppage time. Little too late surely for Arsenal.

2-1 FT.

the kids really need to learn to score 1st and keep their leads. terrible week for us in the North-East.

[PEM]

I hope they perform like this against Chelsea.
:banplz:

Eduardo looked good in that game, why the fuck did Wenger take him off?

[beetwee]

I hope someone smashes your fingers with a hammer.

:calmdown:

[mufcsean]

I can't believe he took Eduardo off instead of the woeful Adebayor, Toure was by far your best player. Bloody bad week in the north east for you

[Stella Artois]

Yet we're still top. :)

[Meyyappan]

Next sunday could be the end to all things,when are rvp cesc and helb back

[PEM]

Next sunday could be the end to all things,when are rvp cesc and helb back
we don't know for sure about that.

[Stella Artois]

It's unlikely that any of them, other than Flamini, will be back.

[lfcboy]

Yah, now I can't wait for Chelsea vs. Arsenal. I'm hoping for a draw..

[Meyyappan]

None of em is going to be back.

[Dundon's]

Bad game for us to lose but we really are after getting screwed with the amount of injuries to our midfield. That said I don't think any we're missing any one player in particular there's just so many out it's shocking.

I said it already, I don't think Diarra is ready for our style of play, him and Gilberto are way too defensive to be playing together in the middle and our attacking players haven't got the support to control the ball and find an easy pass, where as when Fab and Flamini are always on for a quick lay off. Add Hleb to that then just floating around doing his thing and that's what we're all about.

[pistolpete]

Adebayor was a joke today, can that guy trap a bag of cement?

Eboue should have been sent off twice, please AW give Walcott his starting place.

Gilberto was as poor as i though he would be.

I thought Clichy was our only player worth mentioning, Toure and Gallas were run ragged by Aliadiere (cripple) and Tuncay (who?), and every the time the ball went up, they lost it.

Whats with all the long ballas straight off the pitch too?

Sorry to rant, i know were still top, but how helpfull that 4pts would have been next week.

Gutted

[somegooner]

Rosicky was trying to be too smart. He had 3 scoring ops and he passed to Ade each time.

[Viperized]

Bad game for us to lose but we really are after getting screwed with the amount of injuries to our midfield. That said I don't think any we're missing any one player in particular there's just so many out it's shocking.

I said it already, I don't think Diarra is ready for our style of play, him and Gilberto are way too defensive to be playing together in the middle and our attacking players haven't got the support to control the ball and find an easy pass, where as when Fab and Flamini are always on for a quick lay off. Add Hleb to that then just floating around doing his thing and that's what we're all about.
There was nothing wrong with Diarra's performance. It was Gilberto who was really poor in midfield.

Diarra is good enough to start for Arsenal. But Gilberto on the other hand seems to have lost it. Then again, he has hardly played any games this season and could be the reason why he is struggling to find his form.

If we want to beat Chelsea, Gilberto MUST NOT start. He has looked poor in every game he has played in this season.

[somegooner]

^^^ I agree. If Fab and Flam arent back play Diarra and Denilson.

[Dundon's]

@Viper: Maybe you're right mate, I just wasn't feeling any magic off our team at all today and I'm really trying hard here not to over react because in fairness what the team has given us so far this season deserves a little bit of slack .

The next game is a monster and we have to move on and put it behind us.

[pistolpete]

@Viper: Maybe you're right mate, I just wasn't feeling any magic off our team at all today and I'm really trying hard here not to over react because in fairness what the team has given us so far this season deserves a little bit of slack .

The next game is a monster and we have to move on and put it behind us.

Spot on, little bit more patience required, myslef included.

[Meyyappan]

Exchange lemon+gilberto +cash for buffon
Sell senderos,buy per metersacker(djourou shall be back)
Exchange eboue + cash For modric or van der vart

WE NEED TO WIN THE TITLE AW CANT BE SECOND BEST FOR EVER.

[Barry]

Exchange lemon=gilberto =cash for buffon
Sell senderos,buy per metersacker(djourou shall be back)
Exchange eboue + cash for modric,van der vart

WE NEED TO WIN THE TITLE AW CANT CANT BE SECOND BEST FOR EVER.

This is ridiculous in so many ways.

[Zoolander]

Exchange lemon=gilberto =cash for buffon
Sell senderos,buy per metersacker(djourou shall be back)
Exchange eboue + cash for modric,van der vart

WE NEED TO WIN THE TITLE AW CANT CANT BE SECOND BEST FOR EVER.

This wouldn't even work on Football Manager. :laugh: Or would it...?

[Viperized]

The thing that really pisses me off is that we had a great opportunity to get 4 points clear yet we decided to fuck it up.

[Jonny2J]

The thing that really pisses me off is that we had a great opportunity to get 4 points clear yet we decided to fuck it up.Somehow I don't think you just decided to fuck it up. :rolleyes:

[AgentZero]

the day i dropped downing from my fl he scores. Wide open, If we lose next week and so do u lot, top 4 is split by 4 point

[vanNistelrooy]

Arsenal won't lose. Not at home to a Drogba-less Chelski.

[AgentZero]

word says Robin will be back for chelsea?

[calculus]

I think I must of been watching a different game to everybody else. The whole team was poor. The reason being the passing and movement was poor until the last 15 minutes. Clichy included! And Ade looked a lot more threatening than Eduardo and when you need goals you leave on your top score. Toure gives away a careless penalty and gets plaudits? Diarra holds on to the ball for far too long! Rosicky is not creative he needs someone creative to work with. Please start with Walcott and Bentdner in the next 2 matches if the rest of the midfield is not ready yet. Other than today I think we have done ourselves proud so far this season but like Gallas said it counts for nothing if we win nothing at the end of the season...at the beginning of the season we were not getting bullied but all of a sudden we are getting bullied and harried and hassled and fair play to the teams that do it as it is for us to find the solution :)

[pistolpete]

Thing that confuses me is that although we play a different syle of football, our players are virtually all big and strong, and are well capable of bullying back.

Can anyone explain how Rochemback made 6 or 7 fouls and Clichy/Toure make one foul not dissimilar and go straight in the book?

[Keyser Soze]

Is RVP back for Sunday?

Exchange lemon=gilberto =cash for buffon
Sell senderos,buy per metersacker(djourou shall be back)
Exchange eboue + cash for modric,van der vart

WE NEED TO WIN THE TITLE AW CANT CANT BE SECOND BEST FOR EVER.
Hahahaha, stop posting man.

[Meyyappan]

Made a mistake,shall go and edit it.......

[Viperized]

Van Persie, Diaby and Flamini are all set to return and are able to play against Chelsea.

Hleb and Cesc on the other hand seem to be doubtful.

[Jesus]

Exchange lemon=gilberto =cash for buffon
Sell senderos,buy per metersacker(djourou shall be back)
Exchange eboue + cash for modric,van der vart

WE NEED TO WIN THE TITLE AW CANT CANT BE SECOND BEST FOR EVER.

I wasted my time showing posts(my older posts and some of the new ones) NOT to make, yet you make similar ones. :doh:

[Dundon's]

Diarra holds on to the ball for far too long!


Yeah that's what I am thinking too, when you compare his style to Fab and Flamini's pass and move style of play there's no comparison and the whole machine fails to function the way it's designed to.


For the record I still think Diarra has a future with us, he just isn't a starter right now as we all know already.

[Meyyappan]

Line up for chelsea

Lemon-would have got us a point yesterday

Sangna
Toure
Gallas
Clichy

Denilson
Flamini
Diaby
Rosicky

Eduardo
Bendtner

Subs
Manuel faulty
Van persie
Walcott
Adebayor
Gilberto

What say guys?Thats the best we can get out of our depleted squad and shall be able to change the game from the bench.Dudu and bentds work well(sevilla),second half can bring van on the wing or attack same goes for walcott.

[Dundon's]

That's a better looking side altogether but the Ade on the bench thing is a bit of a shock.

Wonder if this will be the start of Jens getting the number spot back on a full time basis?

Personally I'd still flog the moaning cunt in January.

[Meyyappan]

Hes thriving for a placce,in the big games he performs,the time is right.....

[Dundon's]

Champions league final? :rolleyes:

Only joking, could be a good call. Lets hope he goes on a big hero buzz for the day. :happy:

[blob123]

Line up for chelsea

Lemon-would have got us a point yesterday

Sangna
Toure
Gallas
Clichy

Denilson
Flamini
Diaby
Rosicky

Eduardo
Bendtner

Subs
Manuel faulty
Van persie
Walcott
Adebayor
Gilberto

What say guys?Thats the best we can get out of our depleted squad and shall be able to change the game from the bench.Dudu and bentds work well(sevilla),second half can bring van on the wing or attack same goes for walcott.


Adebayor on the Bench. Unless you read somewhere that that is what Wenger is planning to do, you need to check your glasses. :)
I never imagined Eduardo had impressed anyone until now.

Bendtner and Eduardo might have worked well against Sheffield but Middlesbrough and only Middlesbrough (no offense) kept Eduardo in check. He was so poor he had to be taken off at the interval which Wenger never does by the way. With Van Persie out, Adebayor is Arsenal's top man. If anything he will be rested against Steau so that he is fresh for Chelsea.

And where is Diarra ? I don't think Diaby will get the nod ahead of him. Diaby has just returned or is just returning. He's not fit for full 90 minutes, let alone the challenge that is Chelsea.

I don't think Eboue will do well against Chelsea. Eboue is like the weather. One day he is impressive, the other is rubbish (dives, slaps, whining, faking injuries and all that).

Gilberto isn't helpful and shouldn't be involved. Maybe later at around 75'+ when we are in the lead and need his experience to calm the game.

I'd like Wenger to put out this side...

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/4372/vschelseaba8.jpg

[Dundon's]

Now that's more like it, but I can't see Theo starting. Suppose it all boils down to what formation Wenger goes with.

[LarssonIsGhod]

had a read of the paper, old champagne charlie nicholas thinks celtic should by philip senderos (for around the £5million mark). Think it's a good idea? Think it's at all possible?

[Dundon's]

It'd cut my losses and flog him, I know the kid is a massive potential but he's always going to be lacking a yard in pace and he's only going to get slower.

[LarssonIsGhod]

how you think he would fit in at celtic alongside mcmanus?

[Dundon's]

He'd be fine in there mate. Look at the return you got off Stubbs, I'd put Senderos in the same mold.

[LarssonIsGhod]

That'll do me then :)

We've got bobo balde/caldwell/kennedy/o'dea/pressely who can all play there but
balde cannot play football,
caldwell is better at right back (personal opinion)
Kennedy is injury prone at the moment,
O'Dea is still learning
and pressley is nothing more than a back-up

and of course mcmanus is brilliant :D

reckon we could get him for £5million (assuming we have the money)

[Dundon's]

I'd say Wenger is in two minds regards what to do with him, there was a time when he was playing out of his skin but that all ended when he got roasted by Frogba, saying that Frogba roasts most people.

Not this Sunday though. :sheep:

[Meyyappan]

Rumour is gourcuff to arsenal,any source to this

[Dragonfly]

£5m for Senderos would be a steal for us. I've never really liked him, but he does have his good moments. I would still like an experienced CB to join in January; someone that would sit on the bench and take Toure's place during the ANC, but still has Champs Lg or International experience.

[Tigermen]

£5m for Senderos would be a steal for us. I've never really liked him, but he does have his good moments. I would still like an experienced CB to join in January; someone that would sit on the bench and take Toure's place during the ANC, but still has Champs Lg or International experience.

Someone like...er I dunno, how about...Phillipe Senderos?? :tongue:

[Dragonfly]

Haha. I know, but someone good. ;)

[somegooner]

Mertesacker. He is the answer. Boruc is leaving Celtic and he seems to be the kind of keeper Wenger likes (eccentric, rude, pulls of amazing saves at times etc.). Anyone thinks he will go for him??

[Jesus]

Only seen Boruc, like what, twice! But he seems good.

Blob, that formation template is nice, looks like a decent side you'll field against Chelsea though Chelsea, if the correct formation/tactics are used might edge you, no offence meant. Though, I'd like to see Hleb included in it. Is he injured?

Chelsea have more experienced players than you and that would be to them a vital asset, especially with Drogba out. This match looks like it would be a close one.(Like most matches involving the 'big 4' facing each other)

[LarssonIsGhod]

Mertesacker. He is the answer. Boruc is leaving Celtic and he seems to be the kind of keeper Wenger likes (eccentric, rude, pulls of amazing saves at times etc.). Anyone thinks he will go for him??

the rumours about boruc are always flying. He want to leave in the summer. He want to stay forever. The best one is the we've apparently slapped a £10million price tag on him. I hope he doesn't go though, he has saved us (excuse the pun) soooo many times

[somegooner]

Only seen Boruc, like what, twice! But he seems good.



He is free too. He wants to buy himself out.

[Adammce05]

He is free too. He wants to buy himself out.


Where'd you hear these rumors about Boruc ? :S.

[Don Sweey]

Rumour is gourcuff to arsenal,any source to this

Yeah...for £15m! :laugh:

[Meyyappan]

How much did you guys buy him for?

[Jesus]

It wasn't much. He's got talent, I'd rather see him remain at Meelan than bugger off to Le Arse. You've got enough CMFs.:)

[Meyyappan]

I was thinking of using him as rm/lm.

Guys know any quality under 23 or 23 wingers(not cm),le arse can snap............


P.S : Dont tell me qaureshma(spelling?) hes 24,modern wingers who are 24 are usually playing close to their full potential.........

[somegooner]

I was thinking of using him as rm/lm.

Guys know any quality under 23 or 23 wingers(not cm),le arse can snap............


P.S : Dont tell me qaureshma(spelling?) hes 24,modern wingers who are 24 are usually playing close to their full potential.........

Arda Turan is good and he fits the bill. (Wenger likes right siders that play on the left)

[mufcsean]

Hatem Ben Arfa, he is good and i'm sure he is a winger

[Dragonfly]

I'd love Ben Arfa at Arsenal, but he'd be really expensive.

[blob123]

Would Lyon really be willing to sell one of their upcoming players. It's funny how Arsenal always go for the small/short players. i.e. Hleb, Rosicky, Fabregas, Diarra, Modric, Mputu and now Ben Arfa.

[Dragonfly]

Adebayor, Diaby, Toure.

Anyway, Hleb isn't short. He's over 6ft tall.

[somegooner]

Adebayor, Diaby, Toure.

Anyway, Hleb isn't short. He's over 6ft tall.

Seriously??

[Dragonfly]

Seriously??

Yep. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aliaksandr_Hleb

[pistolpete]

CAnt quite believe that.

Not much of a physical presence though. Fastest feet ive ever seen though.

I think he got a lot of stick last season, when to be fair his performances and decision making were poor, but now he seems to be playing with confidence and we really miss him when he isnt there.

think he made 1 uncompleted pass vs Villa out of 50 odd.

Till he was cut down that is.

[Jonny2J]

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4FVeMcgJs-U&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4FVeMcgJs-U&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

[Phatmann]

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4FVeMcgJs-U&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4FVeMcgJs-U&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

4FVeMcgJs-U

[Dragonfly]

I think someone else posted that a few pages back. It's very funny.

[Phatmann]

I think someone else posted that a few pages back. It's very funny.

Yeah I thought so too. I was just helping Jonny out as his embedding went a bit wrong :doh:

[Joel]

WEE_E90COwA

[Stella Artois]

Didn't get to watch the game last night, but I heard Walcott was terrible - is that so?

How was the game anyway?

[Viperized]

Walcott had a few good patches, but his end product was very poor and his decision making at times was questionable. Played some ineffective nice stuff, if you could call it that. Had a golden opportunity to score near the end, but I wouldn't say he was terrible.

We were quite good in the first half but as soon as Van Persie and Diaby came off we lost momentum and pretty much got out played by Steua, who played really well in the second half.. but we were also pretty crap.

Btw when is the CL draw?

[Miggy]

Btw when is the CL draw?

21st, next Friday.

[Tigermen]

Didn't get to watch the game last night, but I heard Walcott was terrible - is that so?

How was the game anyway?

I know Viperized already answered this but you really need to disregard the opinion of whoever told you that Walcott was terrible. He was a little inconsistent but gave their left back a torrid time throughout and showed great power, speed and determination, not to mention a few classy touches. I was at the game and thought he was excellent.

Too many Arsenal fans are just moronic beyond belief. These would be the people who scream at players after one misplaced pass. These would be the people that forget that Walcott is EIGHTEEN fucking years old and is going to make mistakes. These would be the people who say things about Adebayor which are bordering on slander, forgetting the fact that he's the Premier League's top scorer. These are the kind of people that could lose a pound and find a fiver and complain about losing the pound. In short, these people are cunts and I'm fucking sick of them.

If Adebayor and Walcott are not good enough for them they are welcome to build a time machine and head back to when luminaries such as Chris Kiwomya and Ian Selley would have been playing for us. Oh except these people would probably have been Man United fans at that time.

[JoeyM]

^top post. Agree completely.

[Stella Artois]

I know Viperized already answered this but you really need to disregard the opinion of whoever told you that Walcott was terrible. He was a little inconsistent but gave their left back a torrid time throughout and showed great power, speed and determination, not to mention a few classy touches. I was at the game and thought he was excellent.

Too many Arsenal fans are just moronic beyond belief. These would be the people who scream at players after one misplaced pass. These would be the people that forget that Walcott is EIGHTEEN fucking years old and is going to make mistakes. These would be the people who say things about Adebayor which are bordering on slander, forgetting the fact that he's the England League's top scorer. These are the kind of people that could lose a pound and find a fiver and complain about losing the pound. In short, these people are cunts and I'm fucking sick of them.

If Adebayor and Walcott are not good enough for them they are welcome to build a time machine and head back to when luminaries such as Chris Kiwomya and Ian Selley would have been playing for us. Oh except these people would probably have been Man United fans at that time.

Great post. I wish you'd visit more often.

I'm absolutely sick of our fans to be honest. As you say, they moan and bitch about everything. Nothing you can do anymore though, it'll always be this way. :realmad:

I remember Charlton away last season, when they were giving it "Siiidddddaaahhhn" 30 seconds into the game.

Oh, and Ian Selley is still out there plying his trade. He's currently at Grays Athletic. :laugh:

[Billy Minof]

Great post. I wish you'd visit more often.

I'm absolutely sick of our fans to be honest. As you say, they moan and bitch about everything. Nothing you can do anymore though, it'll always be this way. :realmad:

I remember Charlton away last season, when they were giving it "Siiidddddaaahhhn" 30 seconds into the game.

Oh, and Ian Selley is still out there plying his trade. He's currently at Grays Athletic. :laugh:

Agreed, a great post indeed, And Ian Selley, what a legend...:laugh:

About Hleb, he doesnt look 6ft because of his stance, he is always sloutched over but he is as was said above one of the quickest movers of the ball I have ever seen and seems to be able to do it with both feet.

Anyway, Hope we(Madrid) dont get ye next round as I would be fearful of Arsenal out of all the 2nd seeded teams although we owe you from last season, lets keep that for the latter stages,Arsenal... great team, great players and great manager.

[pistolpete]

Good article from the gooner.com.

http://www.onlinegooner.com/exclusive/index.php?id=481

Especially like the point about Hleb>Pennant!

[Viperized]

I was at the game and thought he was excellent.
Was it me or was the atmosphere absolutely crap?

Oh and the fact people leave 10 minutes early is madness. Pisses me off to see this happen.

[Tigermen]

Cheers Stella, I guess what we have to keep in mind though is that the time you start supporting a club does have a great effect on your expectations. Because we've seen the rough it gives us more of an appreciation of the smooth but others will have only started supporting in, say '98 (which may be simply down to age and not any kind of glory hunting) and so have higher expectations. Don't get me wrong we all criticise from time to time and I think we're all sometimes guilty of impatience but most of the time this is knee-jerk and most of us are intelligent enough to take a step back, appreciate the bigger picture and see just how far we've come.

@ Viperized - it's hard for me to judge cos this was only the second match I've been to at the Emirates. It wasn't as quiet as I expected it to be but I think perhaps if I had been to more matches maybe I'd notice it a bit more. I did notice that when Steaua scored the noise generated by their fans was, relatively speaking, deafening compared to what the home support mustered. But a lot of the time I found myself just sitting and watching in awe and not making any noise.

I agree with you about the people leaving early though, think one guy who sat near me summed it up perfectly when he sneered "don't miss yer train". The irony is, of course, that with so many people leaving early, there really is no advantage in terms of queue jumping...to me it's just ridiculous...it's like buying an album and not listening to the last song or leaving before the end of a film, but that's the kind of people we're dealing with here.

[Billy Minof]

I agree with you about the people leaving early though, think one guy who sat near me summed it up perfectly when he sneered "don't miss yer train". The irony is, of course, that with so many people leaving early, there really is no advantage in terms of queue jumping...to me it's just ridiculous...it's like buying an album and not listening to the last song or leaving before the end of a film, but that's the kind of people we're dealing with here.

It happens alot though in midweek games, I personally wouldnt do it and I dont like it...

[somegooner]

Arsène Wenger has been handed a major boost ahead of Arsenal's clash with Chelsea, after midfielders Cesc Fábregas, Mathieu Flamini and Aleksandr Hleb all resumed training.
Fábregas, who has been key to Arsenal's spell at the top of the table, has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury against Sevilla in the Champions League on November 27, Hleb has been nursing an achilles problem suffered against Aston Villa on December 1 while Flamini has been out with a thigh injury picked up in the same game.

All three players took part in the session at Arsenal's training ground on Friday and could make a timely return in Sunday's England League game. Chelsea are third in the table, three points behind leaders Arsenal.
Wenger is keen to see his side return to winning ways after their first league defeat against Middlesbrough last Sunday and knows the importance of having his key players back. "Fábregas, Flamini and Hleb were back in training and I will make a decision on their fitness on Sunday morning," said Wenger. "I want to leave it as late as possible before making a decision on if they will play but the signs have looked very positive in training. If Fábregas is fit, he will play."

Despite the optimism, the Arsenal manager is well aware of the risks involved in players returning from injury. "It is always a kind of gamble when you bring players back because they could suffer a recurrence of the injury," he added. "That is why we have to sit down and make a decision.

"We know the importance of this game and playing against direct opposition is very big. But we have shown since the start of the season that we can compete with the top teams."

After playing in the 2-1 win against Steaua Bucharest in the Champions League on Wednesday striker Robin van Persie could be in line to start and Abou Diaby is fit again having also featured in that match. Theo Walcott, however, has been ruled out with a knee injury.



Oh Yes!!! Fab Hleb and Flam are almost back. Too bad 'bout Walcott.

I'm expecting (hoping):

-----------------------Almunia-----------------------
---Sagna--------Toure---------Gallas---------Clichy--
---Hleb---------Fabregas------Flamini--------Rosicky--
----------------van Persie-----Adebayor---------------

If he cant field all three due to gambles I expect Flamini to be replaced by Diarra.

[Stella Artois]

Tigermen: I understand about the age thing, but even those who are old enough to remember the George Graham days of having to watch the likes Glenn Helder, John Jensen and the like, still seem to moan a great deal.

Too much of a good thing at times I reckon.

The ground seems to literally be empty by the 85th minute. It's incredible. It's worse at the weekend because chances are an extra half-hour onto your journey will hardly make the world of difference.

[Meyyappan]

Oh Yes!!! Fab Hleb and Flam are almost back. Too bad 'bout Walcott.

I'm expecting (hoping):

-----------------------Almunia-----------------------
---Sagna--------Toure---------Gallas---------Clichy--
---Hleb---------Fabregas------Flamini--------Rosicky--
----------------van Persie-----Adebayor---------------

If he cant field all three due to gambles I expect Flamini to be replaced by Diarra.

Hmmm,why dont we try hleb on the left and rosicky on the right.......:mellow:

[Jesus]

Hmmm,why dont we try hleb on the left and rosicky on the right.......:mellow:
:doh:
'You' won't simply because these aren't there natural positions.

[Meyyappan]

:doh:
'You' won't simply because these aren't there natural positions.

well hleb plays better on the left and rosicky isnt happy to be stuck out on the left so..........:unsure:

[Joel]

:doh:
'You' won't simply because these aren't there natural positions.

Well neither of the two are wingers, so they are already playing out of their natural position.

[Wan]

Both of them are actually attacking midfielder.

[K.1.N.G.]

If he cant field all three due to gambles I expect Flamini to be replaced by Diarra.

I doubt he'll gamble with all 3, even tho they were badly missed.

Wouldnt be surprised to see hleb on the bench tbh, flamini is the closest to being ready but if fab is able to give 60-70 mins then i can see him starting in the centre alongside flamini.

[Meyyappan]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pique

'You' won't simply because these aren't there natural positions.





Well neither of the two are wingers, so they are already playing out of their natural position.



Agreed:)

[Jesus]

As Wan pointed out, both cunts are attacking midfielders. Then again, Hleb has been playing as a right midfielder since he joined Arsenal, for 2 seasons that is. This being his 3rd, may I add.

Joel, them not being natural wingers, are playing out of their positions(as you say). They have been playing(most of the time) on the right(Hleb) and Rosicky(on the left). So according to you, them playing in the opposite wings is better!? That is, Hleb on the left and Rosicky on the right.

[RB14 ARSENAL]

what positions do Hleb and Rosicky play in for their national sides, Belarus and Czech republic ? ? ?

[mufcsean]

Attacking midfield isn't it

[Meyyappan]

As Wan pointed out, both cunts are attacking midfielders. Then again, Hleb has been playing as a right midfielder since he joined Arsenal, for 2 seasons that is. This being his 3rd, may I add.

Joel, them not being natural wingers, are playing out of their positions(as you say). They have been playing(most of the time) on the right(Hleb) and Rosicky(on the left). So according to you, them playing in the opposite wings is better!? That is, Hleb on the left and Rosicky on the right.

Yes.Hleb plays better on the left whilst we can try rosicky on the right thus allowing him to use his stronger foot more.

[Jesus]

Gambling isn't a right choice, not against Chelsea anyway, especially when you're 1 point clear.

[JoeyM]

Gambling isn't a right choice, not against Chelsea anyway, especially when you're 1 point clear.

Give it up. It's hardly gambling having your wingers switch sides, especially considering Rosicky's pretty ineffective on the left and Hleb is ace on both.

[Wan]

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has hinted at a move for Lyon striker Karim Benzema. (Observer)

Arsenal are leading the race to sign Crystal Palace midfielder John Bostock. (Observer, News of the World)

.

[The Stig]

That tacke from John Terry on Fabregas was an absoloute disgrace. Fuckin' cunt.

[vanNistelrooy]

John Terry being an absolute cunt? Well I never.

[The Stig]

John Terry being an absolute cunt? Well I never.
Fabregas was on the floor and he fucking lunged in with two feet. As always, He got a yellow.

[Jonny2J]

Fabregas was on the floor and he fucking lunged in with two feet. As always, He got a yellow.You're quite clearly talking shite as it was nothing of the sort.

[ThierryHenry14]

can anyone give me the link to the video streaming on the internet??

[vanNistelrooy]

It wasn't two footed, but he knew what he was doing.

[The Stig]

You're quite clearly talking shite as it was nothing of the sort.
Ok so it wasn't "two footed" but both feet were off the floor and the way he charged in was a disgrace. Your pickiness at me is getting annoying. If you have nothing good to say don't say fuck all.

[mufcsean]

Terry is a cunt full stop, it's not surprising, anyway he's hurt himslef so :tongue:

[Jonny2J]

Ok so it wasn't "two footed" but both feet were off the floor and the way he charged in was a disgrace. Your pickiness at me is getting annoying. If you have nothing good to say don't say fuck all.Shall I just fabricate statements instead then?

It wasn't two footed, but he knew what he was doing.OMG! Premiership in seeing real tackle shocker!! \o/

[vanNistelrooy]

You know what I mean. There was no need to go in like he did.

Not like he's going to get sent off mind you, after the big hoo-ha last time he got sent off.

[ThierryHenry14]

he's off anyways
ps. ive got the link now

[vanNistelrooy]

I smell a ban coming.

lol @ Cech.

[ThierryHenry14]

gallas you sexy beast!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mufcsean]

Gallas again, against his old club no less.

[beetwee]

Pretty suprising to me.
But then again who am I?

[vanNistelrooy]

Pretty suprising to me.
But then again who am I?
Wan?

[ThierryHenry14]

yeah who are you lol??
just as i got the livefootytv thing working bang! gallas scores

[beetwee]

:laugh:

[blob123]

Eat that you unambitious chel$ea lot. So much for having the world's best keeper.

[The Stig]

They haven't though. Buffon is better and Casillas is just as good.

[ThierryHenry14]

why the hell have i been booked

[Zoolander]

why the hell have i been booked

http://www.pesgaming.com/showpost.php?p=1182016&postcount=12138

[ThierryHenry14]

why did i get booked for putting the link up when other people have before and not been booked

[Zoolander]

why did i get booked for putting the link up when other people have before and not been booked

Because the Premier League lawyers have been in touch recently.

[ThierryHenry14]

do you have any proof of this statment ???

[Zoolander]

Yes. :smug:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6192264.stm

[ThierryHenry14]

anyways back to the game , we have now had 2 disallowed goals

[Zoolander]

You've won now. I thought Van Persie was gonna score!

Ohh err! Hand bags.

[ThierryHenry14]

1 minute left

[TheAlchemist]

Fabregas is a little Shit.

[Miggy]

He's a wind up merchant.

[vanNistelrooy]

Anyone else enjoy seeing Cashley get smashed at the end?

Dunno why he kicked up a fuss though. I thought he enjoyed getting taking from behind? Maybe he's worried his boyfriend is watching?

[Joel]

Anyone else enjoy seeing Cashley get smashed at the end?

Dunno why he kicked up a fuss though. I thought he enjoyed getting taking from behind? Maybe he's worried his boyfriend is watching?

You love bumming Arsenal, don't you? You can't get enough of them.

Anyways, kind of a scrappy game, but I guess the result is pretty fair. Well done.

[Barry]

Got a little ugly at times, but the ref kept it pretty close. Both Fabregas and Cole should have had a red card though. Eboue is a bit of a cunt as well.

-Arsenal's positional play was superior to Chelsea's
- Shevchenko gets very little support from his teammates, in particular Wright Philips who couldn't pass it accurately to save his life
- Cole still is a quality back

Just some personal conclusions, perhaps obvious to you English.

[nath_scfc]

Arsenal want their arses kicking for not wrapping it up with a few of their counters, tbh.

Fabregas' tackle was disgusting and ought to face punishment. If not for the tackle alone, for the pathetic actions after Cole 'confronted' him.

[Stella Artois]

Bullshit. Cole raised his hands and struck him. The letter of the law demands that a red card is shown, yet it wasn't.

Terry should have been sent-off too. Obviously its only foreigners who are allowed to be sent-off for two-footed dangerous tackles.

[Joel]

Bullshit. Cole raised his hands and struck him. The letter of the law demands that a red card is shown, yet it wasn't.

Terry should have been sent-off too. Obviously its only foreigners who are allowed to be sent-off for two-footed dangerous tackles.

It was a terrible challenge, but it really wasn't two footed.

[wrathchild_uk]

Couldn't really see Chelsea scoring in that game....they should of signed Santa Cruz instead of Pizzaro.

[spoonzwba]

Pizzaro is truely shocking. Anyone instead of him.

Really fancy arsenal this year :D keep it up gunners

[vanNistelrooy]

You love bumming Arsenal, don't you? You can't get enough of them.
Not just Arsenal, any team that trys to win by playing stylish football and doesn't have to resort to selling out.

[Joel]

Not just Arsenal, any team that trys to win by playing stylish football and doesn't have to resort to selling out.

Are you serious? How could you possibly use that as an insult to Chelsea, when your team owned by Americans?

And I'm pretty sure it is just Arsenal, because if it wasn't you'd be in the Barca thread as well.

[Stella Artois]

He just loves bumming me. That's the cold hard truth.

[vanNistelrooy]

Are you serious? How could you possibly use that as an insult to Chelsea, when your team owned by Americans?

And I'm pretty sure it is just Arsenal, because if it wasn't you'd be in the Barca thread as well.
The thing is we actually had a bit of history before that ;)

Not a huge fan of Barca to be honest.

EDIT: And yes I love bumming Stella. I've got him a special gift for Xmas, but I fear he already has it (AIDS)

[AgentZero]

go on CESC!

[pistolpete]

Couldn't really see Chelsea scoring in that game....they should of signed Santa Cruz instead of Pizzaro.

Everyone should have tried to buy Santa Cruz, the guy is class, a proper centre forward.

wouldnt mind having him with us.

[mufcsean]

Bullshit. Cole raised his hands and struck him. The letter of the law demands that a red card is shown, yet it wasn't.

Terry should have been sent-off too. Obviously its only foreigners who are allowed to be sent-off for two-footed dangerous tackles.

:erm: WHAT, he didn't strike him, he went to grab his throat, though i'm sticking up for the cunt, but to say he struck him is a bit farfetched

[AgentZero]

if scholes was sent off for a phantom swing surely one that connects is in the same category as violent conduct

[gollan]

just returned home from a 10 day vacation to the uk. been to the emirates last night, too. what an atmoshphere, nothing like that walk in the park thing on wednesday. poetic justice for gallas to score, and all in all it was a very good match. how about aluminum performing for us, huh? not too bad I must say.

[blob123]

:erm: WHAT, he didn't strike him, he went to grab his throat, though i'm sticking up for the cunt, but to say he struck him is a bit farfetched

I don't know which match you were watching but he struck him at the throat. If that isn't striking then I don't know what is. And grabbing his throat is even worse. What did he want to do ? Choke or strangle Cesc...

It could have been worse but he hesitated a bit. That's probably what saved him from getting sent off. The foul wasn't that viscous but his intentions were malicious.

[nath_scfc]

Tickled Fabregas' throat, at most. Then again, it's Cole so I hardly expect a rational Arsenal view.

[Dragonfly]

It was a light choke. I'm not the kind of person that will claim for red cards to be shown for a little argy-bargy, only career threatening tackles and intentional hand balls that prevent goals. However, the rules do state that hands raised to intentionally strike someone is a red card, so he should've gone, but I ain't going to lose sleep over it.

Although I think Eboue is quality, his behaviour still disgusts me. I thought he was lucky not to get sent-off for his challenge on Terry. Not that I think he deserves it, just that I've seen people go off for less.

Anyway, we're going to win the league and that's that. :smug:

[Dundon's]

Terry should have been sent-off too. Obviously its only foreigners who are allowed to be sent-off for two-footed dangerous tackles.

What comes around goes around, ever hear that one. :)

[Jonny2J]

The thing is we actually had a bit of history before that ;)

Not a huge fan of Barca to be honest.

EDIT: And yes I love bumming Stella. I've got him a special gift for Xmas, but I fear he already has it (AIDS)Even though they play the best football on the planet?

[Stella Artois]

Although I think Eboue is quality, his behaviour still disgusts me. I thought he was lucky not to get sent-off for his challenge on Terry. Not that I think he deserves it, just that I've seen people go off for less.

He wasn't even looking at Terry! People have made far too much of that challenge.

Nath, are you being serious?

[Dundon's]

It's just because Terry got injured, the big dope is made of glass.

[Stella Artois]

Even though they play the best football on the planet?

Who gives a toss about the football when they're a club with absolutely no class?

[Dragonfly]

He wasn't even looking at Terry! People have made far too much of that challenge.

He wasn't even looking at the ball. He stuck his foot in there in a cowardly way - closed his eyes, looked away and chucked in his studs. He even put his hands over his eye-line towards the direction of Terry's foot in fear of blood splattering on his face.

But yeah, like Dundon't said. Terry is made of glass. That's why I find it funny commentators say, "you know it's something bad when Terry goes down".

[Jesus]

Stella Artois, Barcelona play beautiful football. Whether you think they are classy or not is none of my concern. It's the football they play that counts. End of.

[Wan]

So you rather a football club that plays beautiful football but is not winning rather than plays ugly football but is winning?

[Cannon ball]

He wasn't even looking at the ball. He stuck his foot in there in a cowardly way - closed his eyes, looked away and chucked in his studs. He even put his hands over his eye-line towards the direction of Terry's foot in fear of blood splattering on his face.

But yeah, like Dundon't said. Terry is made of glass. That's why I find it funny commentators say, "you know it's something bad when Terry goes down".

Rooney is like that aswell, his feet are made of glass, yet every commentator makes him out to be made of steel.

[Dragonfly]

Rooney is like that aswell, his feet are made of glass, yet every commentator makes him out to be made of steel.

It's not his feet. They're the slippers he nicked off Cinderella.

[Keyser Soze]

But yeah, like Dundon't said. Terry is made of glass. That's why I find it funny commentators say, "you know it's something bad when Terry goes down".
Because it is; he doesn't go down unless he's actually injured?!

Fabregas/Flamini/Eboue take note. :coffee:

[Stella Artois]

Stella Artois, Barcelona play beautiful football. Whether you think they are classy or not is none of my concern. It's the football they play that counts. End of.

Are you looking to win an award for the worst posts of 2007? No-one has to respect Barca. I couldn't give a fuck if their football is the best on the planet, the club itself is a disgrace and I have no time for them.

Honestly, try engaging your fucking brain then posting.

[Jesus]

I do.

Your balls taste bad rent boy. They're like sour grapes.

Barcelona play beautiful football and are a big club. That's it. I can't be arsed reading history to you.

[Stella Artois]

I'm sticking you on ignore. Your stupidity is reaching new levels and I can't stand it anymore.

Honestly, what a fucking idiot you are. You make Wan look good.

[Jonny2J]

Who gives a toss about the football when they're a club with absolutely no class?Well he said that he basically bums Arsenal for the football they play, then says he doesn't like Barca.

[Jesus]

That's good news for me, I didn't want to stick you on my ignore list simply because I like having a laugh at your silliness. Don't get me wrong, if you do read this(my) post, silliness in you being the hard-girl of an internet forum. :laugh:

[Stella Artois]

Well he said that he basically bums Arsenal for the football they play, then says he doesn't like Barca.

Maybe he has a reason? Bit easy to jump down his throat, let him give you an explanation first.

As I said, a club with absolutely no class and I'll never respect them.

Pique obviously doesn't know what ignore does. Then again he is a child so what do you expect?

[Jonny2J]

Maybe he has a reason? Bit easy to jump down his throat, let him give you an explanation first.

As I said, a club with absolutely no class and I'll never respect them. But my comment implied on how the team plays their brand of football.

[Stella Artois]

There's more to a club than their football.

You can respect their football I guess, but perhaps he was talking about them in an overall sense?

[Jesus]

I do know what the word ignore is, low ranked rent-boy.

Me being on your ignore list, means you not seeing my posts.

I just said I still like seeing yours because you have the peculiar quality of making me laugh.

[JoeyM]

FA may finger Cole over gesture to Arsenal fans
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=50 2734&in_page_id=1779

Someone's had a bit of fun with the headlines...

[ThierryHenry14]

ha ha ashely cole and the headline of the story

[vanNistelrooy]

Even though they play the best football on the planet?
Since when?

Arsenal's football > Barca's football

Not saying Barca's football isn't classy, but Arsenal's is a joy to watch.

[ThierryHenry14]

i think barca are a wee bit over-rated

[vanNistelrooy]

i think barca are a wee bit over-rated
True, even Liverpool managed to beat them ;)

[Jake Small]

Barca's is every bit as exciting and flowing, but Arsenal has been more consistent this year. Barca has been stifled in a few games so far but their good ones are still brilliant.

[Jonny2J]

Since when?

Arsenal's football > Barca's football

Not saying Barca's football isn't classy, but Arsenal's is a joy to watch.Since the last four years.

[vanNistelrooy]

Since the last four years.
I'm sure a lot of people would argue with that, especially as Arsenal are playing better football than they are nowadays.

[Zoolander]

The kids are showing Blackburn up. Should still be 0-2.

[Jonny2J]

I'm sure a lot of people would argue with that, especially as Arsenal are playing better football than they are nowadays.How much of Barca do you watch? As they're still as fluent as anyone in my eyes.

[vanNistelrooy]

So their fluent football has got them to the top of the league has it? Arsenal play quality football AND get results. I'll give you the fact that Messi is pure sex to watch at times, maybe where this argument has come from on your part, but they don't seem as good as they have been in the past.

Hopefully Arsenal will get Barca in the CL draw, and we can put this one to bed ;)

[Jonny2J]

So their fluent football has got them to the top of the league has it? Arsenal play quality football AND get results. I'll give you the fact that Messi is pure sex to watch at times, maybe where this argument has come from on your part, but they don't seem as good as they have been in the past.

Hopefully Arsenal will get Barca in the CL draw, and we can put this one to bed ;)And what have Barca been doing over the past 4 seasons? :laugh:

[Viperized]

Eduardo has shown why he should never be stuck on the left. Diarra was quality. Denilson played some good stuff, especially in the first half. Diaby was also very good though he seemed to have drifted in and out later in the game. Fabianski was a bit hit and miss. He made several good stops but was also rather shakey when dealing with high balls or set pieces.

I thought Blackburn were going to win with the way they were playing in the second half but it showed great spirit and determination to continue battling still with 10 men to eventually grab the winner. The 'kids' are getting better and better each time from what it looks like. We played some absolute quality football in the first half. A joy to watch.

Other than Spurs and Chelsea/Liverpool, who else could we potentially face in the Carling Cup?

edit: It's Everton.

I'd probably like Everton tbh.

[JoeyM]

Song is a monster.:smug:

Two more Romario goals for Eduardo.

[mufcsean]

Got to give it up to you lot, your kids are brilliant, shame Denilson was sent off but apart from that it was a good game

[pistolpete]

Song is a monster.:smug:

Two more Romario goals for Eduardo.

Agreed, song was emmense. Could be playing himself into contention for Toures place when he go's to Africa.

Got a feeling AW will go with Gilberto's experience.

Hoyte had a good solid game too.

Great performance from the lads, Blackburn are a tough team.

[martin_cranie]

I noted the BBC website's text coverage said that Barazite went off with a serious injury: would anyone be able to enlighten me further as to what happened?

[Viperized]

I noted the BBC website's text coverage said that Barazite went off with a serious injury: would anyone be able to enlighten me further as to what happened?
He dislocated his shoulder after falling awkwardly.

[JoeyM]

I noted the BBC website's text coverage said that Barazite went off with a serious injury: would anyone be able to enlighten me further as to what happened?

Dislocated a shoulder after a fall.

edit - bastard

[martin_cranie]

Thanks. That's not so bad, I guess.

[Original?]

Thanks. That's not so bad, I guess.

I believe that's what he said! ;)

[Jesus]

Is Almunia eligible to play for England? I heard he can get English citizenship. :erm:

EDIT: Never mind, I found out.

SkySports Link (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_2950474,00.html)

[Meyyappan]

Youngguns VS Blackburn 3-2 :shocking:

Blackburn came into this game looking to restore some pride after some recent poor performances. Consequently Hughes put out his best 11 with McCarthy on the bench in case things got rough.
Arsenal on the other hand arrived up North on the back of an impressive win against Chelsea. Brimming with either confidence or madness Wenger fielded a side containing none of the starting 11 who featured against the blues.
On paper this seemed like a very bold move. We were up North on a cold winter's night playing against a physical team. Three things we were supposed to bad at coping with.

Despite all that Wenger fielded a team who's average age was n-n-nineteen and included players who had never played a single minute of a England League game (Fabianski, Randall).
Randall in fact, has never started so much as a CC match.
None of this would matter too much if we had Toure or Gallas at the back but that was deemed an unnecessary luxury by Arsene. Nevermind I'm sure they'll be on the bench along with RVP or Adebayor I thought to myself.
I wasn't even close. With the bench being made up of Barazite, Gibbs, Mannone and Gavin Hoyte many fans would be forgiven for thinking that we could be in for a proper spanking. Even Walcott was missing from this one.

As usual Arsene knows better.
Right from the kick off the 'kids' showed their intent and displayed the beautiful one-touch pass and move that we've become accustomed to watching the first team display.
It was only six minutes before Diaby opened the scoring much to the delight and disbelief of the fans.
Some lovely one-touch passing followed by another superbly measured cross from Bendtner found Diaby in space on the opposite side of the penalty area. Diaby chose to hit it first time with his left foot and the ball curled over the keeper and into the corner. 1-0.
Coming from a player who supposedly has no left foot that was a seriously sublime finish - how much of it he meant is debatable.

The flowing wave of attacking moves continued as Bendtner dropped deep to draw his defender off the back line, a quick one-two with Diaby then he used his pace to create space for himself and carve out a chance in which he chipped the ball over the keeper.
It was a beautiful shot but came back off the bar with no-one there to slam it home. A classy shot though and if it was a couple of inches lower....

Seconds later Diaby threaded a curled ball through the Blackburn defence that almost reached Eduardo and resulted in a corner. Two things were clear at this early stage: Diaby was on fire, and Blackburn were being roundly humiliated by a bunch of kids.

They didn't let that get to them however, and started some slick attacking moves of their own, the second of which forced a superb save from Fabianski. Lord knows how he got down so quick.
The gunners then took charge again with more ball retention resulting in a superb long distance through ball from Denilson which found Eduardo who slotted the ball past Friedel, cool as a cucumber. 2-0.
"He just DOESN'T miss does he?" was the commentators reaction and I thought that summed it up perfectly.
When Eduardo gets through on goal there seems to be only one outcome. This is a proper finisher with an impressive strike rate. One that puts some of our other strikers to shame.
Friedel was left swearing in disgust at his players.

2 - 0 up with less than half an hour played?! Were we dreaming? This was an incredible start and definitely not in the script. What happened to that spanking everyone was talking about?
The Arsenal crowd started singing "Aaaaare you Tottenham in disguise?" and I was joining in at home.

Minutes later Eduardo had another chance from a tight angle after another great cross from Diarra.
Seconds later, Bendtner then cued up Denilson who had a crack but his effort went over the bar.
Blackburn were still under pressure.
Their response was swift and decisive as Derbyshire (offside) whipped in a dangerous ball for the in form Santa Cruz who prodded it home from close range. 2-1.
As in the Chelsea game we were not getting the best of the ref's decisions so even more mental strength was required.
Was Traore at fault for that goal? Occasionally he does come forward a bit too much which can result in him getting caught out of position. Too late to worry about that now though.

Half time score 2-1.
This took the shine off of our first half performance somewhat and didn't really reflect the run of play. We completely dominated that half and although the stats said that we had 60% possession it felt more like 90% as Blackburn couldn't get near us.

After the break Blackburn came on the attack again as Savage pumped a long high ball forward to Santa Cruz which left our back four stranded. He only had the keeper to beat so a goal looked inevitable but Fabianski did just enough to put him off and then somehow palmed the ball away from him.
The ball didn't go far though and Song had to get back to make a superb last ditch clearance resulting in a corner.
Song and Senderos seemed totally unaware of Santa Cruz's position and they were lucky not to have been punished.

They kept up a sustained period of pressure but we defended well and kept them at bay.
Not satisfied to sit on the lead we turned defence into attack and set Bendtner up with another shot on goal which was blocked this time.

Randall then added to our expanding yellow card tally with a late challenge on Warnock which resulted in a free kick.
Ex-gunner Bentley curled it into the box and up popped Santa Cruz again to head past Fabianski. 2-2.
All the fabulous work from the first half was undone and we wondered if this signalled the beginning of the end.

Song was having none of it though and began a one-man revenge attack which saw him rushing towards Friedel chasing a back heel by Denilson. Song bearing down on goal was not a sight I thought I'd ever see but a good sign of his fighting spirit.
Then came the succession of yellow cards as NewBolton took a leaf out of Villa and Newcastle's book by deliberately fouling whichever Arsenal player happened to be at the spearhead of a promising counter attack.
A shrewd and infuriating tactic which never seems to backfire as the carded player is always careful not to pick up another yellow, and the ref is always reluctant to issue it.

Denilson then picked up a yellow closely followed by a red and we were down to ten men with time still on the clock. Things were going from bad to worse.
The resulting pushing and shoving got Savage a yellow card which was the least he deserved. He did well to confirm his reputation as a complete twunt.

End of normal time 2-2.
We now faced the prospect of playing extra time with one man down and the possibility of penalties if the score stayed the same.
Shortly after the restart the talented substitute Nacer Barazite went down injured and was clearly in pain as he appeared to have dislocated his shoulder. He was stretchered off wearing an oxygen mask and was replaced with midfielder Kieran Gibbs. The poor showing of Blackburn fans politely clapped him off the pitch.

The brief rest obviously did us some good as Song came running confidently out of defence looking for a useful pass. Eduardo sensed his intent and began an intelligent run across the defenders, Song seemingly having the game of his life threaded a perfectly weighted pass through their back four and Eduardo took the ball on confidently and once again slotted the ball past a hapless Friedel. 3-2.
The Crozillian surely now has nothing left to do to prove his finishing ability to the delighted Arsenal fans.
Adebayor and Walcott could learn a thing or two from this guy whose calmness and composure in front of goal is simply epic.

What came next was Blackburn's strongest and most sustained period of intense pressure. McCarthy came on to strengthen their attack as they repeatedly crossed dangerous balls into the box.
A goal mouth scramble with 2 shots on goal was closely followed by a Pedersen cross which found Samba at the far post. His header came back off the bar as Arsenal were helped by divine intervention.
Possibly the two most criticized players, Song and Senderos, managed to somehow keep Blackburn at bay for the tense twenty minutes after Eduardo scored, thus enhancing their reputations quite considerably.
When the final whistle blew the gunners punched the air with delight and relief as they had somehow achieved what on paper was impossible.
What a game! What a rollercoaster ride! What a performance!

For me the standout performances came from Song, Diarra, Diaby and Eduardo but I won't give player ratings as I'd only end up giving everyone a 10.

Sky Sports asked Wenger after the game:

"Whoever you face in the next round will you keep playing these kids?"

AW: "You know my answer."


Got it from goonersworld.Very good match report while for jan king song ,next maldini* shall cover just need to buy a winger:cool:












* JUst kidding

[K.1.N.G.]

What comes around goes around, ever hear that one. :)



Awesome!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeBvje-X26E

[Stella Artois]

Blackburn Rovers:

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[RB14 ARSENAL]

Almunia > Robinson

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

if Almunia was granted to be able to play for England, who would Capello pick and who do you think is the better keeper and in the best form???

I think Manuel is better, no doubt. glad he has taken the no.1 spot off Lemon and Manuel has took it with both hands. he has been excellent and he was gr8 against chelsea.

Please Discuss . . .

[Meyyappan]

he thinks this guy is a nasty piece of work...

I remember when Arsenal equalised against United earlier in the season - he screamed "Eff Off" into Rio Ferdinand's face - for no apparent reason.

He is obviously a very good player, but he has a nasty streak too; he was the infamous "Pizza thrower"; I saw his histrionics against Ashley Cole the other day; and I didn't like that one bit...

Arsenal fans will probably make light of this, and think "good on him". But seriously, he thinks the guy has to learn some respect and values to go with his talent.http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A30304234

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvlsEbcZq98

well he might be a bit nasty hes young

[gollan]

It was a sweet, sweet game. Thumbs up to Blackburn for not bumming up the game since 1st minute, and actually trying to play for the majority of the match. Couldn't help themselves in the end though. Fabianski was a bit 50-50, as he made some great saves on the one hand but looked shakey for some really simple stuff. Good stuff from Hoyte and Traore. How about Dr. Song and Mr. Bilong? How awful was he in the past few games, and then last night - what the hell was that? Amazing stuff. Diaby is annoying me. On the one hand - great touch, soft lofty ball to the top corner, amazing close control, shields the ball like no one else. On the other hand - let go of the ball you dumb shit! What is he thinking? The guy doesn't seem to understand when to pass the damn ball and it's very, very un-arsenal-like.
Eduardo is a clinical finisher, something we missed for the past few years and as soon as he gets used to the Arsenal system he will flourish. I love his killer instinct thing, just simple, sweet goals from a hard-working striker, who should definetly not be employed as a winger.

[Jake Small]

he thinks this guy is a nasty piece of work...

I remember when Arsenal equalised against United earlier in the season - he screamed "Eff Off" into Rio Ferdinand's face - for no apparent reason.

He is obviously a very good player, but he has a nasty streak too; he was the infamous "Pizza thrower"; I saw his histrionics against Ashley Cole the other day; and I didn't like that one bit...

Arsenal fans will probably make light of this, and think "good on him". But seriously, he thinks the guy has to learn some respect and values to go with his talent.http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A30304234

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvlsEbcZq98

well he might be a bit nasty hes young



Perhaps you should try mentioning the name of the person you are talking about, so that people can begin to comprehend your post.

[Bammers05]

It would appear we have Tottenham in the league cup Semi-final AGAIN :smug:

North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham will meet in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup.

Chelsea, the last team in the draw after beating Liverpool 2-0 on Wednesday evening, will play Everton.

Tottenham, who play Arsenal on Saturday, have a poor record against Arsene Wenger's team and will have to overcome his impressive youngsters.

The two-legged semi-finals will be played in the weeks commencing 7 and 21 January 2008.

Source (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/7153068.stm)

[JoeyM]

Two CC finals in a row now.

[somegooner]

Yesssssssssssss!!!!!!!!! Spuds!!!!!

[Meyyappan]

Were arsenal interested in wayne rooney when he was at everton?

[Quote:
One club who will not be making a move is Chelsea, who could certainly afford to join the auction if manager Jose Mourinho wished to.

But Mourinho said: "Wayne Rooney is a good player. Newcastle and Manchester United are fighting for him because they have the sport and economical potential and the club who wins the fight will get a good player. That's normal.

"Maybe they do it because they are not happy enough with what they have but in my case, I am more than happy with the strikers I have at the club."]

That fool:huh:

[ThierryHenry14]

i reckon they keep pitting us against spurs on purpose but then again its just another chance for us to beat them !

[wrigh2uk]

Yes Wenger admitted he was interested in Rooney at Everton but Man Utd priced us out the runnings.

[Meyyappan]

Oh nuts come we could have paid that 30m for him,that kind of talent only comes in a while and also i suppose wenger would have hidden him from the media attention oh rats...............


Edit:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfZm-MCYa-w


Hes terrific
on this hes already looking like a dennis bergkamp nearing his prime at the age of 20!!!!!!!!

[Tigermen]

We weren't exactly flush with cash in those days, and never really have been the kind of team to drop 30 million on one player, though apparently it's a drop in the ocean to you.

[ThierryHenry14]

and also i wouldn't really compare rooney and Bergkamp together

[Meyyappan]

Come on guys dont tell you guys would have been unhappy if we had bought him for 30m at that time....

Just think about it

rooney and cesc in the same team,also i feel he would have improved better under wenger at speed they read the game................

[Bammers05]

To be fair, if we had spent 30 million pounds on Rooney, it would have put our finances in jeopardy just for one player. You, also, have to remember that, at the time Man Utd bought Rooney, Henry was scoring for fun, Bergkamp was playing well and Jose Reyes was looking as if he would be the next big thing, so there would have been no point in buying Rooney for that amount of money.

[Meyyappan]

Oh well you are right,shame reyes was home sick wenger knows better
Looking forward to seeing walcott play hear the max the fee can rise is 15m,pretty big for wengers standards

[wrigh2uk]

To be fair, if we had spent 30 million pounds on Rooney, it would have put our finances in jeopardy just for one player. You, also, have to remember that, at the time Man Utd bought Rooney, Henry was scoring for fun, Bergkamp was playing well and Jose Reyes was looking as if he would be the next big thing, so there would have been no point in buying Rooney for that amount of money.

Plus we were building a stadium!!!!!

[Meyyappan]

Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes has tipped Arsenal's youngsters for greatness.

Hughes' side were sent crashing out of the Carling Cup on Tuesday evening after Eduardo da Silva netted an extra-time winner.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger chose to implement an entirely different starting XI to that which defeated Chelsea last Sunday, involving many of his youthful stars.

And Hughes has admitted that he can see a strong resemblance between Wenger's squad and Manchester United's class of '92.

"They have the same mentality and they are very competitive. I think they can do very well, too," he said in The Sun.

Pass and move

"Their mentality is that they expect to win games and they don't just hope to win games.

"At United, lads such as (David) Beckham, (Paul) Scholes, (Gary) Neville and (Nicky) Butt all had that mentality.

"You could see it in them right from the time they were in the youth team. But I look at Arsenal's young players and I see that in them as well.

"They will always get the ball down and pass and move and create opportunities."

Hughes went on to highlight the depth of Arsenal's squad, while admitting his side were made to look second best on Tuesday.

"What Arsenal have are two excellent teams," he continued.

"They have a first-choice team and another one which is made up of all the other exceptional players they have.

Talented

"It's not a case of a first team and reserves - they are all talented players. This team we've played are a talented side of individuals.

"They're maybe not as strong or cohesive as the first XI but that's because they have not played as many games together.

"They are very athletic and they can retain possession really well. We set out with a gameplan to play at a high tempo and put them under pressure.

"But we had to change because they were so impressive in the first 30 minutes."

[somegooner]

Flamini is going to Juve. Nooooooooooooooooooo.
(But this might satisfy Diarra).

[Bammers05]

Source?

It's not on skysports.com, bbcsport.co.uk or Arsenal.com

[somegooner]

Source:
http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=5212 35

[Bammers05]

If I'm honest, I wouln't pay too much attention to goal.com. It's a bit hit and miss with that site.

[ThierryHenry14]

well connsidering on bbci i saw something which suggested that flamini is discussing a new £44,000 pound a week deal

[mufcsean]

Seriously when will people learn goal.com is a bullshit sight.

[Dragonfly]

Does anyone think Vela will get called back in January once he gets his Spanish passport?
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_2995645,00.html

[mufcsean]

I think Wenger will leave him there till the end of the season, i saw him play against Madrid last weekend and he absoloutly ruined Sergio Ramos, he embarrassed a few others aswell

[Meyyappan]

Vassiriki Abou Diaby: Your Opinion.

Abou Diaby is a 21 year old midfielder who was brought form auxerre last season for a fee of 2m. In france, he is regarded, along with nasri, benzema, and sagna, as a future france regular and a fantastic prospect.

Brought to replace vieira, he has similar physical strentghs and was often deployed as a central midfielder last year, but this has changed.

he is now used as a left sided midfielder, who cuts in and is not afraid to dribble. his attcking sense is better than that of vieira, and so powers forward when having the ball. great controller of the ball, he is sure to become an arsenal great.

what do u guys belive about him? is he good enough to play week in week out? what is his best position? how long can we wait to give him a regular starting place before he decides he may want to leave?

imo: hes the best young talent we have at arsenal. will become great, great on the ball, and now is scoring goals. ultimately his best position may be central, but he is very effective on the wide positions drifting in. great potential, lets hope he stays!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A30332468

This guys right,hopefully our future midfield shall be

Fabregas diaby=starters

Flamini Denilson=subs/cover

[JoeyM]

He's very talented, but his passing is erratic and he holds onto the ball for far too long.

[Meyyappan]

He's very talented, but his passing is erratic and he holds onto the ball for far too long.

You talking about diaby or diarra

[AgentZero]

what are the odds for RVP starting against the yids?

[Meyyappan]

No odds,i am pretty sure he will start.....................

[RB14 ARSENAL]

Doesnt look good for us ahead of the First K.O Round Draw. We are in pot 2 as we finished 2nd in our group and our possible opponents are:

Real Madrid,
Barcelona,
AC Milan,
Inter Milan
Porto

Of course we would be very happy if we got Porto but I just cant see that happening. tbh, if we got Barca then that would be an amazing contest to see who plays the better football and who is the most creative and offensive side in Europe.

Please Discuss ....

[ThierryHenry14]

Hmmm.... i personnally wouldn't like Barcelona this early in the knockout stages i would prefer either Porto or Ac Milan , i would wonder what reception the arsenal fans would give Henry if we played Barcelona