Let's be clear about this. We didn't deserve to win this game. But, equally, we didn't deserve
to lose.
And what struck me most about the game was what a pathetic bunch of cheating babies the United
players are.
More about that in a moment, but first a word for Howard Webb:
.
Being Arsene's number one apologist there is a question that has been floating around out there
that has been bothering me for a while: why did Wenger play a weakened side against Shakhtar and
Braga away? His critics accuse him of arrogance and obstinacy; the fall out of these decisions
being that we came runners up and now, unnecessarily, have to face Barcelona.
The frothing fury of those who feel personally betrayed by Arsène Wenger's recent comments on
the January transfer window have had me splitting my sides.
You will recall that our leader seemed to categorically rule out taking the AFC wallet out of
the club strongroom (where it is permanently protected by Peter Storey and some ‘friends') to add
to our squad this January.
The frothing fury of those who feel personally betrayed by Arsène Wenger's recent comments on
the January transfer window have had me splitting my sides.
You will recall that our leader seemed to categorically rule out taking the AFC wallet out of
the club strongroom (where it is permanently protected by Peter Storey and some ‘friends') to add
to our squad this January.
Many would argue that the last genuine "Mr Arsenal" we had was TA06, that rare breed of a one
club man, while others would say that PV04 and TH14 were club heroes in their own equally memorable
way. To me such a player is someone who you cannot imagine playing in any kit other than our red
and white, can we say that of any of our current squad?
Yesterdays blog saw some great discussion following the defeat at Old Trafford and
SharkeySure picked out a couple of comments that spurred(!) him on to the following rant.
26 May – "it really annoys me to see our players not matching the energetic determination of
their opponents"
Mike – "Thirty minutes to go and I see very little urgency or intensity from any of them.
Firstly, I would like to thank all those who wrote such kind words regarding my piece in the
Arsenal in the Community book. Secondly, I would like to thank Peaches and Rasp for establishing
such a hotbed of creative activity.
Which has nothing whatsoever to do with Stoke, particularly the "hotbed of creative
activity!
Written by gunnern5
We all have blood running through our veins; I'm just the same with the exception that my red
and white cells equal Arsenal. You see Arsenal is as much a part of me as my blood we are totally
inseparable, one without the other is simply impossible.
My family ties with Arsenal go back to 1913 (almost a century) when my maternal Grandfather
witnessed the first game at Highbury.
The thing about Christmas gifts is that they often tell you more about the giver than the
receiver.
Like when your wife gets you a set of DIY tools even though the only thing that's 'handy' about
you is the pair of appendages at the end of your wrists. Basically, she's telling you to fix the
broken curtain rail, or else.
Second in the league
Semi final of the Carling Cup
Through to the last 16 of the Champions League
Yet to play in the FA Cup
The best stadium in the Premiership
Zero debt
The only way is up.
Written by 26may1989
The important bit is that we are through to the League Cup semi-finals and now stand as
favourites it's no longer a case of a good opportunity to win the trophy, it will now rank as a
significant disappointment if we don't lift the League Cup in March.
Written by peachesgooner
Arsène has already lit the touch paper 'I won't be looking to buy in the January
window'. So, let's discuss this and think about if we were Arsène Wenger whether we would
be thinking of buying in the January transfer window.
We have talked about the lack of depth of our squad for nigh on five years now.
Two certainties this afternoon. Firstly, that Sparky will be telling his midfield to "let them
know you're there" and secondly, that Mark Schwarzer will have an outstanding game. In my opinion,
it is upon these two personalities the game will hinge.
Hughes is man under pressure, having seen his team fall to one point above the relegation
zone.
Written by SharkeySure
I started to write this on Sunday evening, and have also read through yesterday's debate without
getting the chance to comment much. So now my rambles have been requested by Peaches for a post in
Song's defence. I make no apology for the biased reporting and rewriting of recent history that
follows.
Written by MickyDidIt89
Here's an idea. Lets not bother with the Champions League, and concentrate on the League and
other domestic trophies. One problem. That idea was not mine. Another problem is that I want the
Champions League more than anything. I am getting older and I am a chronic hypochondriac.
By Richard Clarke
Arsenal took their place in the last 16 of the Champions League for the 11th straight season thanks
to a 3-1 win over Partizan Belgrade on Wednesday.
Arsène Wenger's side only needed a win to secure safe passage but it turned out to be a rather
nervous night against the bottom side in Group H.
By Richard Clarke
Arsenal took their place in the last 16 of the Champions League for the 11th straight season thanks
to a 3-1 win over Partizan Belgrade on Wednesday.
Arsène Wenger's side only needed a win to secure safe passage but it turned out to be a rather
nervous night against the bottom side in Group H.
Written by kelsey
In all probability most thought it would be a foregone conclusion to sweep Partizan aside and
therefore qualify as runner up in our group. What we didn't expect was a flat lacklustre
performance, which I can only put down to nerves and the nagging thought in the back of the players
mind that to make sure of qualification we just had to win.
Written by gunnerN5
January 20th 2006 was an exciting day in our history; Arsene Wenger secured the signature of
Theo Walcott on an initial pre-contract agreement to sign a professional contract on his 17th
birthday. Even at the tender age of 15 Theo was touted as one of, if not the, best youngster in
English football and he was now an Arsenal player.
Thursday morning and the inquest into Arsenal's latest big match disappointment rumbles on.
Arsenal fans the world over are rightly disappointed that we have now gone 11 games without victory
against either United or Chelsea. Whilst I find it difficult to say that you can take positives
from any defeat, I do think it's worth noting that we didn't lose in the same manner as we have in
many of those 11 games.
Written by Rasp
It's easy to forget that Arsenal is more than just a football club, particularly when we have
recently suffered disappointment on the pitch. Arsenal is part of the community and affects
people's lives worldwide. Peaches and I were reminded of this last night when attending the book
launch of Arsenal 'Til I Die at the Emirates Stadium.
Written by MickyDidIt89
Boxing Day and the visit of Chelsea marks the beginning of the second half of term, and I have
some thoughts on the way that half may pan out. Should Utd win their game in hand, then in points
speak, we would be as close to 1st as we are to 5th.
Every team is always open to criticism in some quarter or other.
Written by dandan
Football is no longer a team game, nor in many ways is it just a squad game either, unless we
are prepared to accept that all the behind the scenes experts that drive the club are squad
members.
The fact is that the sports psychologist, dietician, statistician, lawyers and fitness coaches
are as important to a top club and its manager as the players that wear the shirt on the pitch or
warm the bench.
Where are they now then, the doubters and doomers, the carpers and cavilers?
There'll be barely a squeak from them today and what little there is will be drowned out by
another sound.
Do you hear it?
That low, grinding rumble?
It's the sound of tectonic plates shifting; of seismic change in the English Premier League.
Here we are still wallowing in the glow of Monday's memorable night, and yet forty eight hours
later, it is once more ‘over the top' and into battle. I do have a problem with inking a
pre-match. From a footballing standpoint, I take a great interest in all things Arsenal. However,
I take none whatsoever in any other team, which leaves me with a big problem.
Written by SharkeySure
Most Arsenal fans don't really like the 'R' word, but accept it as a necessary evil when the
games come this thick and this fast. We'd all lauded the herculean efforts of our heroes only 48hrs
earlier and knew that changes were afoot for the trip to the Sports Shop that is Wigans home
ground.
