The Young Ones: Carling Cup Preview.

Another night of stress-free excitement tonight. We love to see the kids play and we love to see them beat PL opposition even more.

Of course we have selection problems due to some of the second string being forced to become first string. For example, who plays RB? Can we rest both our CB? Is Squillaci fit and if so does he play? And what about LB? Dare we risk Santos? In fact I have no idea who AW will play at LB.

Mr. Wenger instructing our new Left Back

If we have selection problems what do Bolton have?  6 points from 9 games, rooted in the relegation zone and away to Swansea on the weekend. Dare they play a full first X1? Cahill was missing when we thrashed them a few weeks ago and I expect he will be absent tonight. And …. what will happen to their fragile confidence should they lose to what will be virtually Arsenal’s C team?  You are right …. who cares!

We have already scored one against them this week albeit through one of our loanees. Nik got a tap-in to consign Bolton to a home defeat versus Sunderland. Bolton have some good players in their squad who didn’t feature at the weekend – Muamba, Klasnic, Kakuta and Tuncay among others

As I said this is a difficult team to predict but   ….

I think this team has a decent mixture of youth and experience  and should win tonight depending upon how seriously Bolton take the tie.  The Ox/Park combo is exciting.

It would be good if the ground was more than half full; perhaps the club could give away tickets to local schools in order to create a decent atmosphere – it would start some kids in their Goonerdom and become a regular feature of Arsenal in the Community.  It worked at Wembley and I believe would be beneficial to the club in the long run.

Is there another inventor from Bolton? Yes there is! Samuel Crompton who invented the Spinning Mule which revolutionised the  spinning industry. No pic because he is too ugly (not even sporting a handsome beard) and would not only frighten the horses but give the more sensitive nightmares. Google him at your peril.

It is 9 years since we failed to reach the quarter finals of the Carling Cup. Let’s keep up the good run.

COYRRG

Big Raddy

286 Responses to The Young Ones: Carling Cup Preview.

  1. California Gooner says:

    Great write-up BR, entertaining as always. Walt Whitman studied in Bolton for a period, although I have no idea if it was day, a week, or several years. I’m sure all the poetry will be written by our guys tonight.

  2. California Gooner says:

    So, in Owen Coyle’s honor (no, not Wenger, you doomers!), I quote Whitman:

    Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,
    The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won,
    The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
    While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;
    But O heart! heart! heart!
    O the bleeding drops of red,
    Where on the deck my Captain lies,
    Fallen cold and dead.

  3. California Gooner says:

    well ok… Bolton haven’t really won anything, so maybe that wasn’t quite appropriate…

  4. Rasp says:

    Morning CG,

    Nice to start the day’s proceedings with a bit of culture, let’s hope we can end it with similar aplomb.

    As AW has said, we have plenty of fresh attacking options but the defence is a bit ‘thin’. TV will feature but who knows whether he will start. The LB position is a concern with no obvious candidates, but we should have way too much for a demoralised and depleted Bolton.

  5. oz gunner says:

    holy moley i should have heeded your warning BR, his side pose is quite funny though.

    great pre-match as always, goodluck to anyone guessing the starting lineup, personally i really love the carling cup matches because it gives me a chance to see those who i really see. In the past we have needed the experience to bail us out of trouble as the reserves have come out very lacklustre. Hopefully with this newly driven squad they will be eager to impress and to show why they should be considered for a starting berth. I really want to see park play as a striker not out wide

  6. LB says:

    “As regards Park v Chamakh, I’d much rather give a chance to a player who is scoring consistently at international level than persist with a player who consistently fails to produce in the premiership.”

    Who wouldn’t?

  7. Gooner in Exile says:

    George Brislen-Hall to start at left back? 19 about time he gets a chance.

    His Twitter bio I love.

    “Breakthroughs…..what we’re all striving for”

    Nice pre match Raddy. Anyone explain why Aldershot v ManU gets live on Sky and we’re reduced to Arsenal Player commencing after finish?

  8. LB says:

    GM

    I must admit I did not do to Seul to see Park play but I did see the goals on TV like most Arsenal supporters.

    As for whether he is more likely to score than Chamakh what has that got to do with anything that I have said.

  9. evonne says:

    Morning King of the PreMatch! I love the front line – The Ox, Park and Youssi. Dying to see Park in action

    Glad you mentioned our Nik, I am delighted that he is doing well

  10. LB says:

    Rasp

    Speaking more highly of manu than Arsenal is somethng that does not sit well with me.

    Sadly it seems there will always be a group of Arsenal supporters who think the grass is redder in Manchester. Fill ya boots.

  11. Red Arse says:

    Lovely post Raddy, altho’ I think you were a bit harsh on the Spinning Mule. He may be ugly, but having ball bearings glued to your hooves can be tricky, even if it helps rotation! 🙂

  12. oz gunner says:

    @ CG

    good call, personally i don’t like his writing, to yankee for me. I do like his quote:

    ‘Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.’

    @ GiE

    it’s a joke, i have to download the game off of the net because bloody manu is on. I hate watching delayed game with a passion, i can never hold back from finding out the score before i’ve watched it

  13. Red Arse says:

    Hi Rasper, 🙂

    That was an ex-cell-ent New Poster announcement. A great comeback by a tried and trusted master — a bit like Vermaelen!! 🙂

    Evonne and the Peacher will have to up their games now! 🙂

  14. 26may1989 says:

    Morning all.

    Good to see London’s off to a typically provactive start to the day!

    Good intro Raddy, but very harsh on Samuel Crompton – Google suggested a Napoleonic visage, not at all what you suggested! I’m sure his mum was very proud of the way he looked, especially compared to what I imagine the average local looked like in Georgian Lancashire.

    I reckon we will see Vermaelen start this evening, and perhaps also Diaby (who’s been in training for about a week now). Good call from Exile re Brislen-Hall at LB. Personally, I’d love to see us start with both Park and Chamakh up front, but it would seem likely that one will replace the other during the game. I think the ongoing attempts to kick-start Chamakh’s confidence will see him start. So here’s my guess re the line-up:

    Fabianski

    Yennaris, Miquel, Vermaelen, Brislen-Hall

    Coquelin, Diaby, Frimpong

    Oxlade-Chamebrlain, Chamakh, Benayoun

    PS: Anyone know if we have ever played two players with double-barrelled surnames in one team before?

  15. Fatgingergooner says:

    For me:
    Fab
    Yennaris (who!?) Squillaci Miquel Coquelin
    Yossi Frimps Rosicky
    Oxo MC Park

    If TV starts at LB then maybe Rosicky can be rested and push Coquelin into midfield.

    I understand what people are saying about pushing Park into the centre instead of MC but AW obviously sees MC as our 2nd choice and he needs games. It’s the perfect opportunity to play him. Would like to see Ryo at some point too tonight if he’s fit.

  16. Fatgingergooner says:

    Good to see that no one can agree on tonight’s line up! It’s been all too easy to pick our starting 11 for the last few months due to injuries and suspensions. I would prefer it if we were choosing between Gibbs and Santos at LB, or wether to play Ramsey, Rosicky or Arteta in midfield, but hey, it’s a start!

  17. Gooner in Exile says:

    My team for what it’s worth

    ……………………..Fab……………………………
    Harjovic…..Squid…..Miquel……Brislen-Hall
    ……………………Frimpong…………………….
    …………….Rosicky…………..Aneke…………
    Ox-Chambo…………………………….Benayoun
    ……………………….Park………………………..

  18. kelsey says:

    BR,

    a mention to 2 fine footballers from Bolton that wore the red and white of Arsenal. Tommy Lawton and Alan Ball both fine players.

    Do not laugh but we might see Theo or/ and Arshavin feature.

    Fabianski and Squillacci together doesn’t bare thinking about 🙂

  19. California Gooner says:

    Those line-ups tell me one nice thing: there is a lot of top talent coming through, just outside of the first-team right now. Ox-C (yes, prononce that Oxy), Ryo, Aneke, Frimpong, Miquel and Coquelin all seem like potential A-list players, and Wenger has been talking up Park big-time. Once again, watching the ‘kids’ is exciting. Of course, if we don’t stabilize things above them and keep losing our biggest players, that will me naught — they will come into a mid-table team and be picked off by other clubs. But recently it seems we have done that… in that sense, a bit of longer-term optimism seems justified.

  20. Rasp says:

    Morning LB,

    I quite understand the reluctance to praise any feature of the ‘hated teams’. My main wish recently was for us to develop the resilience, work rate and ‘belief’ that finally deserted manu on Sunday but has been a feature of their play.

    I am more than happy with the way our team is developing, it will take time but the portents are good. I’m with you on the optimism, but maybe diverge a tad on the topic of persisting with players who don’t deliver.

  21. Ibrahim Saulawa says:

    This is a squad of confident boys who are ready for any challenge

  22. Rasp says:

    Morning RA,

    Thanks for shocking me out of my ‘New post’ malaise. The challenge now is to keep innovating new ways to deliver the pronouncement 😆

  23. evonne says:

    Kelsey – you are right, Fabianski and Squillacci together would scare the pants of any Gunner

  24. RockyLives says:

    Well BR
    One thing you’ve guaranteed is that we’ll all look up Samuel Crompton’s pic on Google 🙂

    As it happens, the younger Samuel (to my eyes at least) resembles Owen Coyle. Let’s hope our young tyros turn his men into spinning mules tonight.

    Fab pee-match as always – but you’re going to have to work hard to find a third inventor for the away league game at Bolton.

    Tonight’s game?

    I have a feeling in me water that it will go to pens. We haven’t had pens for a while.

  25. goonermichael says:

    LB
    Earlier you were being ironic/sarcastic (I don’t know the difference) about Wenger not knowing what he was doing by not playing Park. You also said his goals were against teams of the calibre of Stevenage (I think) I was just saying that I thought his goals were well taken. I must have misunderstood your comment. I wasn’t having a go.

  26. Rasp says:

    Morning Rocky,

    If it goes to pens, I back our Parkers to defeat their Bics! I actually think we may have a goalfest simply because our players will have the freedom to express themselves and the motivation of first team football to spur them on (I don’t like using the word spur 😦 )

  27. 26may1989 says:

    The squad for this eve has been announced – no Rosicky, Chamakh, Diaby, Walcott or Brislen-Hall. Vermaelen at LB looking more likely, and Park up front a cert (surely):

    Lukasz Fabianski
    Vito Mannone
    Sebastien Squillaci
    Thomas Vermaelen
    Andrey Arshavin
    Emmanuel Frimpong
    Yossi Benayoun
    Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
    Francis Coquelin
    Ryo
    Ju Young Park
    Nico Yennaris
    Ignasi Miquel
    Jernade Meade
    Oguzhan Ozyakup
    Sanchez Watt
    Chuks Aneke
    Daniel Boateng

    My revised guess for the starting XI:

    Fabianski
    Yennaris, Squillaci, Miquel, Vermaelen
    Frimpong, Benayoun, Coquelin
    Oxlade-Chamberlain, Park, Arshavin

  28. RockyLives says:

    Rasp
    Surely, under AW, our team are Mont Blancs…
    (But Bolton are definitely Bics)

    By the way BR, pee-match was a typo (bloody iPhone) not a comment 🙂

  29. RockyLives says:

    I find the name “Chuks Aneke” strangely pleasing.

  30. Meade is a leftsided player (midfielder but its not unlikely that he could be moved back) and Boateng is a defender.

    Can’t see why you’d ask Vermy to play left back (coming back from injury and then expecting him to get up and down the flank) so out of that squad i’d go for:

    ……………………….Fab………………………….
    Yennaris…….Squid…..Verm…………Miquel
    ……………………Frimpong……………………..
    …………Coq………………..Rosicky……………
    Ox-Chambo…………………………..Benayoun
    …………………………Park…………………………

  31. Red Arse says:

    Kelsey 🙂

    I think Alan Ball arrived from Everton, having begun his career at B’Pool.

    He told me he wouldn’t touch Bolton with a Spinning Mule’s didgerie do dah. 🙂

  32. dandan says:

    Good stuff as always Raddy. TV having a run out would make my day.

    Just got this off my news feed.

    Police cordoned off Bolton station this morning when a suspicious object was discovered in a parked car

    It later turned out to be a tax disc

  33. Rasp says:

    The name Nico Yennaris has suddenly been plucked out of obscurity to be everyone’s first choice for LB. He will not be known to many, here are a few notes on him:

    He’s 18 and 5ft 7ins tall
    He’s English born with both Greek and Chinese nationality
    He’s described as a promising and energetic midfielder by Jeorge Bird – but is listed as a defender?
    He’s thought to be a very promising prospect and a future England player (aren’t they all!)

  34. goonermichael says:

    Quite a few af them do end up playing for England Rasp. Or choose Ghana (wise decision)

  35. Rasp says:

    True GM, I’m shattered that David Bentley never made it to international level, he’d be right at home next to the likes of John Terry 😕

  36. Red Arse says:

    My team? Well I pinched GIE’s and changed it. 🙂

    ……………………….Fab………………………….
    Yennaris…….Miquel…..Verm…….……Boateng
    ……………………Frimpong……………………..
    …………Coq………………..Rosicky……………
    Ox-Chambo…………………………..Benayoun
    …………………………Park…………………………

  37. goonermichael says:

    I thought he was picked for England a couple of times. I’m gutted he’s got a long term injury 🙂

  38. goonermichael says:

    Gutted that it wasn’t life threatening

  39. Red Arse says:

    Rasper,

    Is Bentley a racist? Or are you thinking he is a thug? 🙂

  40. goonermichael says:

    Can a lip reader mistake “blind” for “black”? The police are now investigating terry

  41. Red Arse says:

    GM,

    I see your sojourn in Japan has re-charged your batteries! 🙂

  42. RockyLives says:

    GM 🙂

  43. 26may1989 says:

    Rasp, I claim no special insight into the talents of young Yennaris, I just saw that the reliable Jorge Bird website reported earlier this week that he’s likely to get some pitch time.

  44. goonermichael says:

    Hi RA
    I just took my Sister in law and gooner husband to the stoke match. They loved it. It was one of his life’s ambitions to see the Arsenal play at home.

  45. Rasp says:

    RA, no I’m not suggesting Bentley is a racist – he’s just a Cheshunt chav who has a very high opinion of himself.

    26m, I have to admit to being ignorant about Yennaris. There is very little information about him on the web so hopefully we will learn all we need to know about him tonight.

  46. 26may1989 says:

    Rasp, he’s from Leytonstone – isn’t that enough information??

  47. Rasp says:

    I don’t understand the reports coming out quoting AW as saying that Park Chu Young will win over his crtitcs. First I doubt that is actually what AW said but also why would any of us criticise him when we’ve hardly seen him play? – it’s not his fault that he has only been a bench warmer. More Press mischief methinks.

  48. 26may1989 says:

    Rasp, we very reasonable types might not criticise a player before he’s had a chance to show what he can do, but I’m not sure the same is true of some others in the Gooner blogosphere, who wouldn’t let a minor detail like that get in the way of saying Park’s signing represents a failure. I’m still amazed that so many people were writing off Gervinho and Mertesacker after a couple of games.

  49. It would be good to see Vermaelen play forty five minutes tonight, preferably at centre back, it would warm him up nicely in order to be ready to come off the bench if needed against the Chavs.

    I really hope the FA don’t bottle it in the alleged racism claims, if either Terry or Suarez are proven guilty they should be banned from all football activity for a substantial time. Conversely should either Evra or Ferdinand be found to have made false claims they too should be severely punished.

  50. Rasp says:

    Yes I suppose you’re right 26m – sadly. I am very pleased with the progress the BFG and Gervinho have made, we couldn’t really ask for more.

    I am becoming a huge fan of kozzer – he’s got really big balls! In reality, it is not unreasonable to expect it to take a season for any player new to the premier league to find their feet.

  51. 26may1989 says:

    Rasp

    Personally, I’m amazed at (a) the speed at which Kos (who had only played one Ligue 1 season) before joining us has learned, adapted and improved and (b) the fact that Wenger’s scouting team spotted him. Top quality player, and a gutsy one at that.

    If Park shows similar quality at the other end of the pitch we’ll be laughing. Though we’ll also start getting antsy about wanting him to duck out of national service the way his cousin at United did.

  52. Rasp, have you beeen in the shower with him?

  53. 26may1989 says:

    Apols, bracket in wrong place: that was meant to be “(who had only played one Ligue 1 season before joining us)”.

  54. Too many es in been, sorry.

  55. Rasp says:

    😆 LG

  56. TERRY MANCINI HAIR TRANSPLANT says:

    Nice stuff Raddy,

    Its always good to see the youngsters. A lot of eyes will be on OX and Park tonight. Ive seen Yennaris play and technicaly hes very good, lacks a bit of pace though.

    The only depressing thing is ive just googled Samuel Crompton and some girl in the office reckons hes better looking than me. The way its going i might have to start wearing a mask to go along with the wig.

  57. RockyLives says:

    I forgot to say, very funny picture and caption whoever is responsible out of BR and Rasp.

  58. Rasp says:

    It’s all BR’s work Rocky. I love the way there is always a subtle music reference.

  59. dandan says:

    Morning 26. There were those on here who not long ago were bemoaning our signings and forecasting all kinds of dooms for us, the squad and the manager this season. They are now of course steadily changing their tune. It is the nature of the football fan I am afraid, to be most often driven by emotion not reason.
    Better to view us as being in remission and expect a relapse in spirit should we lose to the chavs this weekend.
    Should we win, then no doubt the miracle cure will be celebrated 🙂 both views of course being over the top. But then equanimity was never a footballing viewpoint was it?

  60. RockyLives says:

    Clever old BR
    I always look out for the music references Rasp but I hadn’t realised Raddy can do the picture magic too (which is beyond me).

  61. Rasp says:

    Hi dandan, it’s way too early for either opinion to be expressed as fact or either side to indulge in ITYS’s.

    The feeling of building; improving; growing as a team is fantastic. I think Rocky made the very important point that the Arsenal of last season would not have been as resilient.

    I find all the talk of January signings very unsettling. First I don’t believe there will be any and secondly I doubt it will be necessary unless we have a whole new raft of injuries.

    We know how long it takes for foreign players to settle in – so no point and the idea that we need Cahill when TV will be back and the BFG and kozzer are doing so well is laughable.

  62. kelsey says:

    I know where Alan Ball arrived from, but he was born in Bolton 😉

    Nice place Bolton, if you go there on a Wednesday it’s half day and shut.

  63. Rasp says:

    Hi kelsey,

    I once went on a day trip to France and arrived at lunchtime and the whole country was shut 😦

  64. Red Arse says:

    GM,

    I have just had a chance to look at Facebook. 🙂

    Surely the couple in the pic are too young to be your in-laws, so is that your current missus? If so, you are a lucky sod!! 🙂

    Does she have a sister??? 🙂

  65. Rasp says:

    Rocky, we can’t allow you to become good at the picture stuff too, because then we’d all really have to give up!

  66. goonermichael says:

    Her sister is my missus RA. She’s only 14 years younger than me 🙂

    The picture is my 32 year old sister in law and husband

  67. dandan says:

    Hi Rasp Glad you agree with me. But as always there are those who cannot help themselves.

    Actually though I would not be surprised to see a signing to appease Robin.

  68. LB says:

    Hmmmmm, that is a very interesting thought Dandan, a signing to appease RvP, it has happend before. I remain convinced that Overmars was brought with one eye on appeasing Bergkamp.

  69. goonermichael says:

    Overmars is gay apparently so that sounds dodgy. Maybe a woman for the boy wonder.

  70. Red Arse says:

    Sorry GM, I assumed the in-laws were ‘parents in-law’, I don’t know why!

    I still think you are lucky man, but I had better give the sister a miss as she is Mrs GM!! 🙂

  71. LB says:

    Well he obviously wasn’t gay when he was an Arsenal player so that must have happened at Barça……..makes sense really lol

  72. GM,

    Robin’s wife Bouchra may object to that idea.

  73. LB says:

    “Overmars is married to Chantal Van Woensel, with whom he has two sons: Frenkie and Nick. He lives in Epe, Netherlands.”

    Seems Wiki thinks he is straight.

  74. Illybongani says:

    Greetings – is anyone else a little bit worried about Citeh going throught the season unbeaten? They look like us at our best 2004-style. I guess there’s always someone who has a good day to their off day, but it is definitely on the cards.

    Re: tonight’s game. Rosicky is not in the squad as someone mentioned earlier but keeps getting selected for Best XIs. And…I heard that Yennaris was the player that Wenger said was “technically perfect”. I still think Bunjuku will be the man though…you heard it here first!

  75. MickyDidIt89 says:

    Which one of you bastards has nicked the last of the Branston Pickle?

  76. LB says:

    Ahhhhh, Illy I see what you mean. I was trying to work out how Bunjuku could be playing tonight but you mean that he is your tip for a January signing.

  77. Rasp says:

    Haha Illy, I almost googled that 🙂

  78. LB says:

    Sorry it was me I just had the last of it on my ham sandwich.

  79. Illy,

    There’s no Bunjuku in the squad.

  80. LB says:

    I did google it.

  81. LB says:

    At the speed this is moving the rumour will be on NN in ten minutes and in the Mirror tomorrow morning

    Arsenal to sign Bunjuku, in January transfer window.

  82. MickyDidIt89 says:

    BR,
    Another perfect piece of mood-setting.
    I am so ready for tonight, at least I was, until I just found out its not on liveonline. What to do? Will it be on some dodgy stream?

  83. Rasp says:

    Let’s start a massive internet wave of hysteria about the fact that AW won’t give the new 16 year old goalscoring prodigy Emmanuel Bunjuku a chance in the first team.

  84. Rasp says:

    Great minds LB

  85. LB says:

    I should just quit now………….there are two Bunjukus: Alban and Albert.

    The first is an Arsenal player the second is a Swiss attacker.

    Doh.

  86. Rasp says:

    OK it looks like I’m going to the game tonight despite only having 50% lung capacity 😳 , who’s for a small libation at the rub-a-dub?

  87. Rasp says:

    No – he exists?

  88. LB says:

    Alban Banjuku is an attacking midfielder of great promise.

    Another talent to come off the Hale End production line, the Romford-born teenager possesses great skill while his quick feet and awareness allow him to both score and create goals.

    Alban, who first played for Arsenal at the age of eight, was a regular for the Under-18s last season and made his debut for Neil Banfield’s Reserves when he came off the bench against Wigan.

  89. Rasp says:

    No, you mean Bunjaku, I knew all about him 🙄

  90. Illybongani says:

    Oh you crazy fools…Alban Bunjuku to be the next Zidane – he just happens to ALREADY play for Arsenal so we’ll soon knock that out of him. Don’t bother googling – Youtube it

  91. LB says:

    One Alban Banjuku
    There’s only one Alban Banjuku
    One Alban Banjuku
    There’s only one Alban Banjuku

    I always said he was going to make it, never doubted him for a minute.

    LMAO

  92. Rasp says:

    Its Bunjaku LB – get it right 🙄

  93. Illybongani says:

    you say Bunjaku, I say Bunjuku – let’s call the whole thing Kosovan

  94. LB says:

    I blame Illy for spelling it wrong in the first place. By the way does anyone know if Albert Bunjuku is any good? lol

  95. LB says:

    Illy obviously I don’t know anything about him, what can you tell us?

  96. Illybongani says:

    I take full responsibility…now don’t anyone DARE make a typo as I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger!

  97. Rasp says:

    Oooh, he does look a bit tasty, silky skills, my kinda player.

  98. MickyDidIt89 says:

    LB,
    I would have put my money on you, but it is a Big Man who can fess up. I don’t forgive you though. 🙂

  99. Rasp says:

    …. quote from Pulp Fiction Illy?

  100. Illybongani says:

    I did hear he got a bollocking after coming on as a sub after the Stoke game for neglecting his defensive duties – are Arshavin in disguise???

  101. Illybongani says:

    And you will know my name is Illybongani when I lay my vengeance upon thee

  102. Rasp says:

    😆 If you say ‘what’ just once more

  103. Illybongani says:

    What?

  104. Rasp says:

    Bang bang!

  105. Rasp says:

    Short for Bungani Bungani

  106. Illybongani says:

    Rasp – Have you ever given a foot massage?

  107. TERRY MANCINI HAIR TRANSPLANT says:

    Ive also seen Bunjaku play, his tecnique and vision is incredible, but like Yennaris lacks a bit of pace. Alban could be the next Zidane, that would be nice.

  108. Rasp says:

    Nah, 8 inches is the most I can muster

  109. Illybongani says:

    TMHT – you make an interesting point for all those (including our leader) you say pace is everything. Who would you rather have in your side, a “plodding” Zidane or the pigeon-catcher that is Theo? Trouble with Theo at the moment is that once he catches the pigeon he doesn’t know what to do with it.

  110. Illybongani says:

    Rasp – and I thought Vaudeville was dead!

  111. Illybongani says:

    TMHT – those WHO say pace…sorry mucker

  112. Rasp says:

    The ball can travel much faster than anyone can run, so intelligent use of the ball, quick control and an eye for a pass added together will always be more effective than pace alone. If you add pace to the aforementioned you get Henry/Messi

  113. Illybongani says:

    Bergkamp wasn’t the quickest – but what price someone of his quality today? Boy did that Bruce Rioch fella have an eye for a bargain…

  114. TERRY MANCINI HAIR TRANSPLANT says:

    Illy & Rasp

    Pace and strength does seem to be a vital ingredient in the modern game, but when you see players like Zidane its nothing short of breathtaking. Watching Bunjaku, he was by far the best player on the pitch and (unless he has an attitude problem or is injury prone) it will just reinforce the notion that wonderful ability without high levels of athletisism is not enough.

  115. Rasp says:

    Twice recently I have seen Theo push the ball one side of a defender and skin him on the other side. This is good news as it means he is finally having the confidence to use his pace to good effect.

    Unlike Capello, I’d like to see him cut inside more often and bisect the oncoming defenders (particularly when he swaps to the left), once he’s in the box he’s in the safe zone and he should make the most of any incoming tackle or he can pull the trigger/make the pull back pass to an arriving midfielder.

  116. TERRY MANCINI HAIR TRANSPLANT says:

    Just like to add that out of our academy, Bunjaku, Aneke and Ozeygup are probably the most talented, but none of them are the quickest. Interesting to see wether they will make it?

  117. Rasp says:

    TMHT, I’m confused by your @ 3:38, why does that reinforce the notion that wonderful ability without high levels of athletisism is not enough? Surely a minimum level of fitness is a prerequisite but beyond that, strength and technique, certainly in midfield are more important than pace.

  118. TERRY MANCINI HAIR TRANSPLANT says:

    Rasp,

    You make a good point about Theo cutting inside more.

    I believe Theos main problem is that he is to one sided and defenders know it.

  119. Gooner in Exile says:

    Afternoon all seems I’ve missed the insanity hour…

    Anyone see Arsenes comments about Aneke?

    “Chuks is a bit like Yaya Toure – he has body power and good technique, We had Yaya here [on trial] and for me Chuks is a bit similar because he can play behind the striker or in a deeper role as well. ”

    Now I thought at first (and indeed said so on Twitter) well Arsene will let him go then.

    But in the article there is some text in red type (I’ve put it in italics below):

    Wenger would have signed Toure had it not been for red tape.

  120. TERRY MANCINI HAIR TRANSPLANT says:

    Rasp, i know what your saying, but i like to use JET as an example. He wa fantastic at Youth and reserve levels in nearly every position of the pitch, but had no pace and ended up not making it. You dont have to be lightning quick to come through but without some modicum of speed its going to be very tough.

    There are of course exceptions to this, but it does seem to be a general rule

  121. Rasp says:

    True TMHT, although I think JET’s problem was more to do with his attitude. I can’t deny that added pace will improve any player, but also that pace is god given whereas technique can be learned and strength developed by any player that has the determination.

  122. Rasp says:

    Hi GiE, I wonder what the ‘red tape’ was, and if we overcame the same red tape to sign Kolo. It’s a real shame because the Yaya at his peak could have made a huge difference to our fortunes.

  123. Gooner in Exile says:

    The Ipswich fans I know are unimpressed with JET altho Jewell will hope he can deal with high balls but seems to forget he was raised on Wengerball

  124. LB says:

    Wilshere is not the quickest niether is Ramsey, speed will always help but these two show that talent and ball control may be slightly more important.

    If you added ball control to Walcott you would have Messi.

    I am not convinced that talent can be taught.

  125. Rasp says:

    Hi LB, didn’t I say that @ 3:23?

    Are you going tonight? So far peaches and I have no takers to meet for a pre-match bevvy at the Tavern although I’m hoping Harry may oblige.

  126. TERRY MANCINI HAIR TRANSPLANT says:

    I was at the same school as Martin Hayes and Mark Flatts, (who both played for us for all you younger posters) and boy were they quick. Mind you, didnt take much to go past me.

  127. Illybongani says:

    LB – if you added ball control to Walcott you would have Oxlade-Chamberlain!

  128. Rasp says:

    I agree talent can’t be taught any more than it can be in music or art, by definition it is inherent. But technique can be learned by those not blessed with natural talent and strength developed through hard work. It is obviously natural talent that our scouts are looking for and then they hope to hand the player over to AW to work his magic.

  129. LB says:

    Illy

    Comment of the day mate, top drawer.

  130. LB says:

    Rasp

    I am going tonight, I was going to pay on the door, do you have tickets?

  131. Rasp says:

    Yes, I didn’t know that paying at the door was an option – are you expecting a low turn-out? I thought that tickets were reasonably priced for the game.

  132. Illybongani says:

    There must be some kind of formula for a top player. Let’s look at the best I’ve ever seen…Thierry Henry. Pace + technique + height + strength + attitude + ability to handle himself + desire + a little bit of luck = the full package. can a player reach the top without all those attributes? Probably. Big Tone didn’t have all those (especially pace), Messi isn’t tall, Vermaelan doesn’t have much luck, Balotelli doesn’t have a particularly good attitude.

  133. Rasp says:

    The two things the all great players share are a hatred of losing and self belief bordering on arrogance.

  134. LB says:

    Rasp

    I wasn’t expecting a full house, so there shouldn’t be a problem with tickets on the night.

  135. kelsey says:

    “if you added ball control to Walcott you would have Messi” good idea and throw in Albert as a first name 🙂

  136. LB says:

    Maybe

    Although some seem so talented they give the impression of trying to exude humility………Messi

  137. goonermichael says:

    Is the game on TV tonight?

  138. Rasp says:

    Good point LB, it’s almost like his name should have an ‘ah’ at the end.

  139. LB says:

    Throw in the name Albert? You mean like Albert Bunjuku the well known Swiss attacker that Arsene will be chasing in the January window?

  140. Illybongani says:

    A bit anorak-ish I know but…Perry Groves 120 starts for Arsenal 28 goals. Theo Walcott 187 appearances 34 goals. Quid Pro Status Quo…Grovesie is better than Theo. Kind of…

  141. goonermichael says:

    I’d sell Walcott tomorrow

  142. Illybongani says:

    GM – think you’ll have to wait for the transfer window like everyone else!

  143. goonermichael says:

    or the day after 🙂

  144. TERRY MANCINI HAIR TRANSPLANT says:

    I agree about the hatred of losing and arrogance thing. I wonder if Pschopaths make good players?

  145. Illybongani says:

    GM – it’s not on telly and now Gooner Gaddaffi is no longer with us it might be hard to get a live stream off Libya TV. I wonder if he had a season ticket…

  146. LB says:

    Just found out I have to take care of children, so I won’t be making the Tavern Rasp……………..another time.

  147. dandan says:

    kelsey stop picking on my man Theo 🙂

  148. Rasp says:

    OK LB, no worries, hopefully next time, enjoy the game.

  149. kelsey says:

    Albert Tatlock for us old uns

  150. Rasp says:

    Hi dandan,

    Another pathetic capitulation in the cricket I see. An impressive middle order collapse even by our standards, although we did send out a weakened side etc etc.

  151. Rasp says:

    Wasn’t he shagging Minnie Caldwell – or was it Ena Sharples?

  152. dandan says:

    Rasp

    No excuse we capitulated to spin again,

    The ICC have got to do something about Doctored wickets all round the world. We are as bad, India have just got their own back.

  153. goonermichael says:

    I have to sort out a rat infestation in my kitchen tonight.

  154. kelsey says:

    I think he was always to old to shag anyone Rasp.

    GM< rat a chinese speciallity isn't it ?

  155. dandan says:

    Rasp now you have done it, slagging off Cory, you have upset my wife. Last time that happened was in a Restaurant, she threw her prawn cocktail at a bloke and screamed and thats just for Starters, 🙂

  156. goonermichael says:

    You’ve lost me kelsey. I hate rats. Couldn’t sleep last night because of it. I killed 4 of them last night. I’m going to plug the hole that they used to get in with wire wool and cover the plasterboard with something stronger that they can’t chew through.

  157. goonermichael says:

    I stopped watching corrie when Eddie Yeates left. It was never the same after that.

  158. dandan says:

    Gooner dont waste your time they will find another way in, either put poison down or get the council pest officer in before they chew through something important

  159. kelsey says:

    Seriously the Chinese eat rats.If RA was on he could write a book about the benefits.

    Me, I would call Pest Control.

  160. kelsey says:

    1974 I was in Malta on honeymoon in february (not recommended) The hotel was half full but there was Annie Walker sitting two tables away with her lover.She was a lot younger than Annie. Anyway the image didn’t last long and neither did the marriage.

  161. goonermichael says:

    I saw a video of a chef skinning one in a restuarant in taiwan. Disgusting.
    There is only on place for them to possibly get in dandan. It is a small piece of plasterboard between my bathroom and kitchen.

  162. goonermichael says:

    Annie Walker was a carpet muncher?

  163. goonermichael says:

    They stink for ages when you poison them.

  164. Rasp says:

    LB, I’ve just heard that the box office for ticket sales is closing at 5p.m. – lunacy if true! Apparently Harry phoned them up and a not very helpful person said that they may or may not close at 5, on arse.com it says closing at 5.

  165. Rasp says:

    😆 dandan, I’d hope to get on the wrong side of your missus

  166. goonermichael says:

    Alex McLeish, Phil Dowd and Alan Hutton
    It was, as Roy Hodgson, raged “a wicked tackle”. And then, to listen to Alex McLeish, it was like February 2008 all over again. “Shane Long was maybe favourite to get it, but Hutton’s gone from the ball and he’s collided in the follow through and that’s what’s injured him. Everybody doesn’t get injured from these challenges.”

    No, they don’t, but that’s not the point. The point instead is that players sometimes do, and when they do, the results tend to be horrific. Just ask Eduardo. Remember him, Alex?

  167. Red Arse says:

    GIE,

    The reason we did not sign Yaya, and I had this in confidence from the bloke running the burger bar next to the stadium at Barnet, was that we could not get a work permit for him.

    AW had managed to get him into our Belgian ‘feeder’ club (Beveren) but Yaya became impatient and buggered off to Eastern Europe (I’m not sure but Donetsk rings a bell).

    At the time I was disappointed (he played in pre-season friendlies for us) and also that he was a pillock for not waiting. Ermm … proved me wrong didn’t he? 🙂

  168. Gooner in Exile says:

    Doesn’t matter if box office is closed, as long as you are online and have a printer you can buy ticket and print out there and then.

    Bad planning means my regular monthly visit to Chalfont is tomorrow and Thursday and do couldn’t make game tonight.

  169. Red Arse says:

    GM,

    Your ratty problem reminds me of some audit work I did in the West End, some years ago.

    I was pondering a problem, nibbling on the end of my pencil, when I realised that the chewing noise continued after I had stopped!

    Out of the corner of my eye I saw an 18 inch long rat, sitting on the next desk and chewing the end of my ruler. I flapped my arm and yelled at it, he just sat there and looked bored. I fled! 🙂

    Dandan is right, blocking a hole does not work, they simply chew another one. The problem probably lies in the sewer junction with the plumbing/sewer outlet of your house (that was the problem with the store in the West end).
    The local council (I think) fitted a rat proof trap at the sewer end and all was well. Give them a call! 🙂

  170. Red Arse says:

    Two noteworthy comments today.

    Rasp bragging/lying to Illy: “Nah, 8 inches is the most I can muster”.

    And on the use of the word “muster”:

    Chas said: “I thought Eboue was the pass muster”.

    Made me laugh! 🙂

  171. gooner lost in cornwall says:

    TMHT,
    I listened to you on Talksport today, on the Key`s and Gray show between 12 and 1pm, you were very funny. How did you manage to sneak out of the “bin”. 🙂

  172. dandan says:

    Rasp you poor deluded man, you have no idea about my missus, she is one tough cookie, Kelsey will tell you she kicks starts Jumbo.s down at Stanstead Airport when she is in the mood. 🙂

  173. evonne says:

    Hiya, does anybody know who is broadcasting tonight’s game?

  174. Big Raddy says:

    Very entertaining days blogging.

    Banjuku looks superb.

    Surprised no-one took up the free tickets suggestion. Made much sense when writing the post after most of a bottle of Valpolicella.

    No TR in the squad! Perhaps he will start at SB? And TV played LB a few times in his first season so perhaps he will be the solution.

  175. gooner lost in cornwall says:

    On Talksport today, Terry Mancini said the best player he played with was Liam Brady (and Alan Ball ). A few months ago , John Hollins said the same, Liam Brady. There have been a few Player`s leaving, who have made me feel gutted but when Brady left, It took ages to get over It. Young Jack is the nearest I have seen to Brady and I think he will be better. So Jack, dont break our Hearts, you are destined to become a Legend !

  176. Big Raddy says:

    GM. Killing 4 rats is colossal IMO. I would n be staying in a hotel and have the house on the market. Yuuch.

    Evonne. Cannot find anyone showing the game. Sorry.

  177. harry671 says:

    nice pre match as usual, difficult to call the line up.
    Just At the ground got my ticket and got the seat next to rasped and peaches!!!! Ok I knew the block but bizarrre.
    Hoping for a great game, park exciting prospect and the ox is probably raring to explode.
    Fancy 4-2 to us…..ox bag a brace and park and a rosicky howitzer.

  178. Big Raddy says:

    GLIC. Cesc leaving was very difficult, as was Rocastle, Kennedy, Henry, PV4 and many others, but Brady leaving was a kick in the kischkas,

    Did us proud though and is still a Gooner. Shocking to see he is 55 y.o. 😎

  179. chas says:

    Thanks for the pre-match, BR.

    CMON you Gunners.

    There was a link earlier on LG, but I doubt it’d be working.

    Here it is,
    http://www.livefootballol.com/streaming/epl/league-cup-r4-arsenal-bolton-25-10-2011.html

    It suggests Bwin and Bet365 might have it. Good luck.

  180. evonne says:

    GM – rats in your house?????????? Get a cat!!

    Raddy – no, me neither 😦

  181. gooner lost in cornwall says:

    Raddy,
    I know what you mean. I look in the mirror and I`m shocked to see a 55 year old ! 😆

  182. gooner lost in cornwall says:

    You know that standing Joke that “Wenger didn`t see It “, well I think I know why, watching Arsenalplayer yesterday, I noticed the size of Arsene`s watch, It`s massive !, It`s like the clock-end clock!. When you see him talking constantly to Pat Rice, thats Ricey giving him a comentary!. 🙂

  183. Irishgunner says:

    Evening all.

    BR – Didn’t get all the Brady conversation, but I do have the pleasure of watching him on tv for most Arsenal CL games, Gooner through and through.

    So no live footy for us tonight – I’ll not be watching Aldershot vs Mancs.

    Actually, do ye know the way the Marseille home game has gone on General Sale, do ye reckon the Dortmund game will do the same? I’ve never been to a CL game and might be able to get time off to go to that one.

  184. gunnern5 says:

    Why are scientists switching from rats to lawyers for their experiments?

    Lawyers are more plentiful……………

  185. Irishgunner says:

    Arsenal: Fabianski, Yennaris, Squillaci, Vermaelen, Miquel, Frimpong, Coquelin, Benayoun, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arshavin, Park.

    Vermaelen 😀

  186. gunnern5 says:

    What did one rat say to the other?

    I’ve got my lab technician so well trained that every time I press the buzzer he brings me food…….

  187. evonne says:

    Hi Irish, long time no seen 🙂
    Vermaelen 🙂 🙂
    Where are you watching the game?

  188. dandan says:

    Evening Irish how you doing, wet enough over there for you

  189. dandan says:

    We have no rain but a spectacular electrical storm bouncing around the clouds.

  190. Irishgunner says:

    Hi Evonne 🙂

    How are you?

    The game isn’t on tv nor any stream 😦 Suppose will just listen to the live commentary on Arsenal.com

  191. Irishgunner says:

    Evening Dandan,

    Ha ha the country is getting a bit of a battering alright. Wet where I am but nowhere near as bad as the floods in Leinster, especially Dublin. Meant to be okay for next few days and more bad rain then over the weekend.

  192. harry671 says:

    In the pub pre match with peaches and rasp. Great team that. Looks exciting, so up for it…….

  193. evonne says:

    I’m good, and you? Did you see the floods at Dublin? Bloody hell

    I am still looking for a stream, if I find one, will let you know xx

  194. harry671 says:

    Message from peaches, match report volunteer needed 26may…..!!!!!

  195. Irishgunner says:

    I did Evonne, glad I only saw them and didn’t have to experience them ha ha

    Thanks, but I’m near on certain there is no stream out there, just the audio commentary.

  196. VCC says:

    Are there any streams guys?

  197. VCC says:

    Cheers Big Raddy.
    Wanted to watch tonight at 10pm on Arsenal site but have to get up early for work tomorrow.
    I’m interested to see how all the changes play, especially Park and Vermaelen.

  198. Gooner in Exile says:

    Well as no one has mentioned the score think I’ll stay in the dark and watch as live on Arsenal Player.

    I was one out in team selection (my second one after knowing squad)

  199. Rob Lucci says:

    Bogdan the Bolton goalkeeper having a really good game in the first half. Saved Vermaelen freekick and twice denied a very good shot from Park.

  200. FrothingInarticulateLoon says:

    One down, two to go for Arsh’s hat trick !!!

  201. Rob Lucci says:

    0-1, Fabrice Muamba

  202. evonne says:

    what is the score????

  203. evonne says:

    Park scored!!!!

  204. Big Raddy says:

    Good to have an Arsenal bias in the commentary 😉

  205. Irishgunner says:

    Nice little finish there from Park

  206. Carlito11 says:

    Evening all- Cheers for the link irish- lovely finish from Park. Arshavin’s been the man tonight by the sounds?

  207. evonne says:

    No Carlito, Fabianski is 🙂

  208. Rob Lucci says:

    That was a superb goal by Park. Speed n precision.

  209. Irishgunner says:

    Evening Carlito.

    Hard to know really, hate not seeing the game. Arshavin seems to have been quiet first half and then exploded into it second half. Apparently himself and Park are linking well.

  210. Carlito11 says:

    Alright folks! 🙂
    Have we been under siege then Evonne?

  211. Carlito11 says:

    Irish- Arshavin looks particularly twinkle-toed in those two clips but maybe it’s cos the picture’s sooooo small 😉
    Where does one acquire such teeny tiny instant goal clips?

  212. evonne says:

    last 20mins, yes, defending deeper….3mins left

  213. Big Raddy says:

    Evening Carlito.

    Sounds as though Klasnic has been our best defender 😉 (hope we don’t pay for that is the lst few minutes)

  214. evonne says:

    4 mins extra fecfk

  215. SharkeySure says:

    Hola Carlito….

    Many thanks Irish….we all owe you one

  216. Carlito11 says:

    Commentators on Arseplayer are dull as dirt- no knowledge and can’t paint me a picture of the game at all 😦

  217. Carlito11 says:

    miyaichi defends a goal against Cahill??!! I understand nothing!

  218. Carlito11 says:

    Alright Raddy? Great pre-match- and the pre-Stoke one too! Top work as per…
    Hello SS 🙂
    A win! Again! I could get used to this 😀

  219. VCC says:

    2-1. Mighty Gunners

  220. evonne says:

    we won, that’s all that matters 🙂

  221. Big Raddy says:

    Is that 6 home wins on the bounce?

  222. SharkeySure says:

    Carlito 9.35…lol

  223. RockyLives says:

    OK, just landed in LA in time to follow the last 15 minutes on the internet.

    So, who would like us to win this competition this year?

    And by the way, we are now 7 wins from 8… not bad for relegation fodder 🙂

  224. Irishgunner says:

  225. Big Raddy says:

    Palace at home would be nice but I bet we end up at OT again

  226. Irishgunner says:

    SS – you are welcome 🙂

    Carlito – just put up a video of Park’s goal that seems to have been shown in Korea. Not sure why we couldn’t find streams if all these clips are online :-/

  227. goonermichael says:

    that was a confident finish from park. off to sort the rodents out now.

  228. Big Raddy says:

    It was a lovely finish but dreadful defending – where was the full back?

    What numbskulls on Arsenal radio ….

  229. Carlito11 says:

    I can watch that goal again and again- love the way he opens up his foot on the shot!
    Nite all

  230. Carlito11 says:

    Before I go- the other best thing about that clip is the commentary! Crazy over-excitedness! Listen how they pronounce England between 9 and 10 seconds in! The wonders of the internet 😀

  231. RockyLives says:

    Rats?
    Pshaw!

    A couple of weeks ago I woke up to find three racoons in the bedroom – and they’re mean buggers.

  232. VCC says:

    Rocky, I would love Arsenal to win anything this year.
    Results are on the up.
    Pleased Wenger gave our first team a rest tonight.
    Big test on Saturday.

  233. RockyLives says:

    VCC
    But at least we can go to the Bridge with our tails up.

  234. VCC says:

    Definitely. Chelsea don’t look the all conquering as they were a couple of years back. Maybe they are ageing, lets hope so.
    Will be interesting who Wenger picks as his back four.When we get all our players fit it will be a nice headache for Wenger.

  235. VCC says:

    Going to bed a happy chappie.
    Night all.

  236. pat says:

    ARSENAL MARCHES ON!!!!

    Park got some big ups – now for the as live and can see for ourselves

  237. pat says:

    GOOD TO SEE THAT MAN VERMAELEN ON THE PITCH. SO GOOD.

    Forgive the caps – but so good to see that man back.

  238. pat says:

    aha ha ha Stu Robson makes a great call “Sam Allardyce can do his growling in the Championship”

  239. LB says:

    Fabby: usual box of tricks, one minute he flaps the next he makes a match winning save.
    Yanaris: difficult to tell, didn’t make any mistakes which is a good thing.
    Vermaelen: class
    Squillaci: surprisingly good.
    Miguel: superb, very pleased the way this young man is progressing.
    Coquelin: he was ok against Shrewsbury but nothing more and that’s where he carried on from tonight, poor passes, responsible for their goal, where that performance against spuds came from I just don’t know.
    Frimpong: average, nothing special, nothing bad.
    Ox: one of those Walcott supporters should do a post with a picture of Theo sticking two fingers up and smirking, because the Ox has been reading too much of his own press, poor is the only word to describe his performance.
    Arsahvin: looked like he couldn’t be arsed in the first half and then out of the blue almost he scored which seemed to shock him back to life.
    Park: great that he got on the score sheet, but still absolutely no where near being ready for the EPL.
    Benayoun: ran his heart out, you gotta love him for that.

    The first half was pants, the second was obviously better but not by much, still a win is a win is a win as they say.

  240. Hi all

    Just in from the game which was a very enjoyable experience. That Park goal was perfect from my seat in the North Bank.

    I have an early start tomorrow but if anyone wants to do a little write up of the game please send it through to arsenalnuts@live.co.uk and I’ll try and sort it before I leave. Failing that Rasp will have a go ………. 😉

    Fantastic to have Vermaelen back – he is one classy player 🙂

  241. Oh dear LB, sounds like you didn’t enjoy it that much 😦

    Coquelin had a bad day at the office, nothing really worked for him tonight but he didn’t stop trying.

    I was so looking forward to seeing the Ox again but you’re right he was nothing special.

    20 seconds before Arsh scored Rasp said that he owed us a goal for his first half performance and there it was 😆

    You’re so right about Yossi, you have to love him, he’s a bit of a Flamster with that engine.

  242. LB says:

    Hi peaches

    I did enjoy the game I always enjoy games in which Arsenal win, it’s just that I am a bit disapointed with the Ox and Cocquelin, they let themselves down I felt and becasue of that we the supporters were a bit short changed on the entertainment front.

  243. Coquelin looked particularly crestfallen I thought when he went off 😦

  244. MickyDidIt89 says:

    Just finished watching on iplayer.
    Much to discuss tomorrow. For me the Park/Chamakh debate is dead! Sorry LB.
    Great to see Verm back. Just read AW hopes he’ll be ok for Chavs.
    Ozyakup I must do some research on. Liked the look of him very much.

  245. MickyDidIt89 says:

    Ox just had a bad day. Big deal. Still loved watching the game.
    Keep on winning 🙂
    Nite all.

  246. pat says:

    bring on the Park!!!!! He looked great to me!

  247. RockyLives says:

    Current Form (last 8 games):

    Man Utd: WDDWDWLW
    Man City: DWWLWWWW
    Chelsea: LWWDWWWL
    Liverpool: WLLWWWDD
    Spuds: WDWWWDWW

    The Arse: WWWLWWWW

    City, Spuds and us are in form…

  248. Rob Lucci says:

    His first shot outside the penalty area was so unChamakh.. 🙂

  249. oz gunner says:

    great goal by park, well taken and loved how he re-set his positioning.

    Rat problem jesus, never seen one of them before. Only problem we’ve ever had was when we lived next door to a farm. It was a new housing estate and apparently all the vibrations in the groud upset these huntsman spiders so they would make their way into your house (not a good thing when spiders with a wingspan the size of your hand pop up in certain spots of your house). When i was younger i had a waterbed so when one got behind my bed i couldnt move it away to squash it so i resorted to trying the swat it with a pool cue. To no avail. We didn’t have a insect spray so no help their either. The battle ensued for 3 hours, i couldn’t bare the thought of sleeping with it in the same room because if i woke up and it was on me i would have exploded!

    So i exited the room and put a towel under the door frame. The next day i wandered on down to the local supermarket and bought a bug bomb. I let it off in my room and slept in the lounge room for 2 nights until it was safe to enter again. 6 months later i was cleaning out my closet and there it was dead folded up and white! CHECKMATE!

    Oz gunner-1
    Big spiders-53

  250. Gooner in Exile says:

    Morning all, I fell asleep watching the As Live coverage on my laptop, i blue the commentators and the fact I knew the score because they bolted the as live coverage on the end of the phone in following the match.

    Now off to watch highlights, but as others have said a win is a win, on the march with Arsene’s army!

  251. Gooner in Exile says:

    blue = blame

    Anyway just watched them, seemed ok but obviously all the dodgy bits were cut.

    Interesting to see AA23 after his goal, after the celebrations he is having a lot of communication with Ox-Chambo, and good to see the young man listening.

    Nice finish by Park.

    Looked a poor Bolton side though so did we really learn anything?

  252. evonne says:

    LB @ 10:56 – thanks, I like short summaries like this one.

  253. evonne says:

    OMG – I have just seen THIS goal on a proper link, OMG !!!!

  254. If anyone could write a few words about last nights game that would be fantastic as is gives a starting point to any discussions we want to have. Doesn’t have to be a minute by minute account 🙂

  255. evonne says:

    Hi Peaches, very few of the authors had actually seen the game, could be tricky!
    Hey, what’s that with you car rolling down the hills of Barnet 🙂

  256. Hi evonne – daft daughter!!!!!!!!!

  257. LB says:

    Ahhhhh, I think I see where and how some people have picked up the wrong end of the stick.

    I have never and do not think Chamakh is more of a first team player than Park.

    My arguments have always been separate:

    Park is nowhere near ready for the EPL.

    Chamakh my never be again……………but to find someone who is prepared to sit on the bench for the best part of the season playing second fiddle to RvP is not easy. Bendtner is a better attacker than Chamakh and he chose to leave, never mind the Dane’s ego that has nothing to do with it.

  258. Rasp says:

    Morning all,

    It’s sad that so few managed to see the game on stream but let me tell you it was ‘littered’ with positives. I shan’t discuss them in detail as I am hoping someone will step up and produce a brief match report.

    GiE, it was pretty much a full strength Bolton side against an Arsenal 11 none of whom will start on Saturday, manu on the other hand fielded Berbatov, Vidic, Owen and several other first team regulars. Once again, Arsenal are not getting the credit for a very good performance.

  259. Rasp says:

    Morning LB – do you jest?
    Park played against a full premier league strength Bolton yesterday and did everything that could have been asked of him – or were you being ironic?

  260. MickyDidIt89 says:

    Rasp,
    I have never done a match report as I never remember a thing about the opposition, but if no-one else does, I will scribble a general overview my way, but I need to finish a couple of things. You would have something by 9:33 ish.

  261. Rasp says:

    Thanks for the offer Micky,

    I believe peaches is half way through penning (keyboarding?) a report so we’d better not let her efforts be in vain 😆

  262. MickyDidIt89 says:

    Thank God for that. A Professional at the helm!

  263. MickyDidIt89 says:

    Rasp,
    I 100% agree with you. I was mighty impressed with a few performances from a side that has never played together. As for Park, he fits our style of play perfectly with fabulous movement and an eye for goal.
    I will wait for the report. Benny looked great and my wonger says Ozyakup will be a very very good player.

  264. Rasp says:

    I’m keeping my powder dry until the report is published Micky, but suffice to say, I came away from the game last night feeling happier than I have for a long time – even though it was only the Carling Cup.

  265. MickyDidIt89 says:

    LB,
    Given that you were less impressed than I was with Park, I would have thought he would have become an ideal bench warmer for RvP to your way of thinking. Suppose for a moment that he had been superb last night, then he would have wanted to go to Man City this morning. Obviously 🙂

  266. Red Arse says:

    Morning Micky, 🙂

    What’s a ‘wonger’?

    — “my wonger says Ozyakup will be a very very good player.”

  267. harry says:

    Morning all, sorry Rasp / Peaches just got into office and have a meeting at 10am, so havent time to write anything……

    Shame because comments like Park isnt ready for the PL yet, are so far of the mark……….

    I have read a couple of write ups and comments across the blogs, I am amazed of some of the comments………

    So many positives out there last night……………….

    I read somewhere that Benayoun was quite and had an ineffective game? what match was he watching……….?

    The only player who had a poor game was Ox, he seemed to get annoyed with himself when he messed up a chance and he didnt regain his composure, his time will come…….

    All others had good games, yes made some mistakes and misplaced passes which was our biggest weakness last night, but overall, everyone for me gets a 7 minimum except Ox probably a 6.

    TV gets a 9, outstanding display………MotM, dynamic and powerful, name me a better defender in the premier league……?

    Miquel and Yennaris both get solid 7.5………Take into account age and out of position for Miquel…….Squillaci gets a 7 for me, for all his criticism did ok………

    Fabianski, did ok, some good saves, got down well and quick, one swerving shot was vicious and nearly caught him out. His weakness was his distribution which was scattergun affect…….gets a 7.

    Frimpers and Coquelin, both get 7.5, hassled and worked hard throughout, soem great tackles, both were guilty of giving cheap possession away at times……..which is where their goal came from.

    Arshavin is an enigma, desperately lacking interest one minute to the sublime, stepped up when needed, gets a lucky 8 for me…..

    Benayoun, was excellent throughout, gets a solid 8. always probing and driving forward.

    Park was excellent, his movement excellent and if the linesman knew the offside rule would have more chances. His touch was sublime and his goal, well if messi had scored it, the media would be creaming their pants…………

    Subs didnt have time, but Ozakup looked as good as the reviews I have heard about him……..time will tell. Ryo is so fast and will definitely add a dimsension to our squad. Boateng was only on for minutes……

    Overall, a good team performance by a mixture of youth and experience, held their own and rarely looked troubled…..Goal against was unfortuante, perhaps didnt quite get into gear from the whistle. But apart from that, the team defended ok. some great blocking and tackling,led by the imperious Vermaelen…..

    Next up, Quarters, Palace at the Emirates would be nice with United playing City……….

  268. MickyDidIt89 says:

    RA,
    Oh here we go! 🙂 Is it my spelling again, Wonga?
    And Good Morning to you too.

  269. MickyDidIt89 says:

    Rasp,
    I avoided this site so that I could watch it Live on Iplayer. Afterwards, I briefly scanned the comments before turning in and was staggered at the general reaction. I really enjoyed the game and thought some of the interplay, movement and spirit was superb. Players have off days and when that includes two of your midfield then generally you will not win, but the team grew as the game went on.

  270. Rasp says:

    Hi Harry,

    I’ll move your comment to the new post when it comes up. It was a pleasure to dine, drink and spectate with you last night as always – I’ve never met a mor e fervent supporter.

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