Tuesday 31 January 2012

From Hampden to Arsenal, It's a Dog's Life!

Hello all on this day of days, yup Transfer Deadline day is here but more of that later!

Well a weekend of football was on the cards for me last weekend with a trip to Hampden in Glasgow, Scotland to watch Ayr United v Kilmarnock in the semi final of the Scottish League Cup. A big thank you to Derek Donaldson for organising and a massive thank you to his parents for putting us up and treating us like kings, or putting up with having four people invade their house! Now this was my first taste of Scottish football and as a new Ayr fan, again thanks to Derek, I was looking forward to the game.

Getting into the stadium was another matter, never have I been body searched and had to put all my items I had with me, into a plastic bag, they were trying out security measures for the Olympics so be warned guys if your going to that. Expect long queues and delays!


So along with Derek's Father the four of us took our seats and it was amazing to see the passion of the Ayr fans, like being with Gooners at an away match, the Emirates could do with having some of that!

As you can see it was cold!

The game had attracted a crowd of around 25,000 so the ground was empty at both ends but the singing sounded double that.

As for the game its self it was pretty clear what tactics Ayr had come to use, with the Division One part timers Ayr looking to Stifle the SLP outfit of Kilmarnock in being heavy on defence.....10 men in defence and a lone striker. So for Ayr it was a case of hoof and hope and pretty much on the back foot but showing a stubbornness not to concede an early goal. Thanks to the Ayr keeper, Kevin Cuthbert, who made a string of saves the first half ended goalless but not with out some niggles between both sides as they are Arch rivals and yellow cards as a result.

Second half was pretty much the same as the first, with Kilmarnock making alot of the running but Ayr dogged in defence, and Kilies right winger Dayton, causing problems, both with his football and his attitude adding to the game ending with his booking and being replaced. With Cuthbert having the game of his life Ayr held out for 90 minutes.

Extra time now and so it went on, Ayr resisting attacks with Kilmarnock pushing on again and again but no break through and penalties looming. But with 109 minutes gone Kilmarnock launched and attack again. Despite two fine saves from Cuthbert ( Man of the match)  he could not stop Dean Shiels on the 3rd attempt and it was 1-0. Ayr did then start attacking for the equaliser but it was in vain and Kilmarnock went through to the final.

I must applaud the Ayr fans for their undying support, even after the final whistle, that they sung on, even in a defeat and that is what it is all about after all. It's your team regardless of what happens!

So with that evening watching Brighton beat Newcastle in a pub in Prestwick, that was strange, it came to Arsenal's turn to show us what they were about against Villa.

2-0 down at half time and the team leaving the pitch to the now all to familiar boos from Gooners it seemed we were destined for a fourth straight defeat due to poor defending yet again. I do not know what was said in the dressing room or who by, press indicates Van Persie but what ever it was it should be said more often as it was a different team second half. Maybe they heard Mrs F "Pull your fingers out of your Arse and do something!"
Some good attacks but nothing and then a glorious seven minutes.Ramsey up ended and we have a penalty. RVP slotting home.
Then Walcott with a run and trying to flick pass Given in goal, it bounced and in off Walcotts shoulder and we were level. Thank you lady luck. Then Koscielny is taken down by Bent and another penalty is put away by RVP and we are ahead 3-2! Apart from a couple of scares that is how it ended so another cup game to look forward to. I know there was allot of fuss about RVP's elbowing but the ref saw it and no charge to be made but the press has to jump on us some how so things are looking up.
As it's deadline day I have to report,,,,,,,,not alot but Arshavin could be on the way back to the motherland, cue finger biting up till 11pm tonight.
Laters,
McDog

Sunday 29 January 2012

Some slacking on my part, but from Arsene 2-nil

Due to a lack of sleep and relentless drinking I've failed the dog in my duty to look after the blog while he went up north to watch Ayr Utd, his blog will be up tomorrow telling you all about it. I've got a lot of making up to do, oops!

Anyway, onto Arsenal.. The draw has been done and if we beat Aston Villa today we will be playing Middlesbrough or Sunderland, I have a friend who is a boro fan who also happens to be my assistant manager so it should be interesting if we get them. That's if we get through.. (or I'll sack her- Boro fan!)

As i write this we've already started playing, the team line up is..

Home Team: Arsenal

21 Fabianski (Why, just why?)
39 Coquelin (Don't see enough of)
6 Koscielny (Future star)
4 Mertesaker (BFG)
5 Vermaelen (TV5 God)
15 Chamberlain (Show Walcott how to play football)
16 Ramsey (Needs a rest)
17 Song (Enough said)
7 Rosicky (Love him and take that)
14 Walcott (Try crossing)
10 Van Persie (What can you say... Sign a contract please)

Subs
13 Szczesny
3 Sagna
8 Arteta
9 Park
12 Henry
23 Arshavin
30 Benayoun

Away Team: Aston Villa

1 Given
2 Hutton
5 Dunne
24 Cuellar
3 Warnock
7 Ireland
19 Petrov
21 Clark
11 Agbonlahor
20 Keane
9 Bent

Subs
22 Guzan
18 Heskey
25 Bannan
26 Weimann (Are you sure it's not wee man from Jackass?)
30 Lichaj
32 Baker
38 Gardner

But I want to talk about the Man Utd match. Me, the Greek and Shortstuff were ment to go up with the Dog but due to lack of communication we couldn't get enough tickets but then found out there were six, thanks Gooner Family shame it wasn't in time.


 So we decided to venture into Brighton and watch the match at the King and Queen. We turned up and were greeted by a mass of Spurs and City fans eagerly watching on the big projectors, I had just placed a bet with my friend for City to win so naturally I was cheering them on and after 90 mins I had my winnings, YES was my thought, now for Arsenal to make a come back and beat Utd.


By this time i'd knocked back quite a few drinks and I was getting more lively, enough to pull out my giant Arsenal flag even though there were still Spurs fans lingering. By the end of the match we had made some new Arsenal friends who tagged along with us to another pub, to carry on drinking to get through the disappointment of losing...


So as I finish my blog, we're 2-nil down.. I am not a happy bunny! Lets hope it gets better.. Come on boys, DO SOMETHING! Don't think smaller teams will be a walk in the park, play each game like it's a final then maybe we might win something...

All my love 
Mrs Fabregas
xxx


A quick one, but a longer one later

Sorry there has been lack of blogging, I've been going to bed at stupid o'clock and the dog is up north so nothing has been done, apologies again as it's me that's been slacking.. We will be having two blogs going up today, one from surfergirl and then one from myself.. Look out for them :)

Mrs F

Wednesday 25 January 2012

Man ure and the Ghost goes aaaaaaaaaaaa

Well here we are again, another loss, that makes it 3 in a row and zero points in 2012. Being the passionate Gooner that I am I had massive hope for the game against United, maybe just maybe we could snatch a win or at least a point. Sadly it was not to be.The first half was dominated by constant United attacks that had Arsenal on the back heal starring down the barrel of that 8-2 defeat earlier this season. The best Arsenal chance of the first half came when Phil Jones badly twisted his ankle whilst jockeying the onrushing Theo Walcott. As Jones backpedalled, his ankle turned underneath him, sending him sprawling to the ground and leaving a plethora of space in behind for Walcott to run into. Theo sprinted towards the goal, with only Van Persie for support. Unluckily the cross ball found Chris Smalling he cleared the ball to Jones who could only kick the ball out as he sought medical attention. He requiring a stretcher to be removed from the field. The brittle Arsenal defence was broken late in the first half with Antonio Valencia heading the ball into the left corner the cross came from Ryan Giggs. It was a well deserved first half lead for United but they wouldn't have it so easy in the second half.
Arsenal had many chances in the second half and fumbled all but one. The Arsenal equaliser came from the combined brilliance of Robin Van Persie and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who played superbly throughout his time on the pitch. Chamberlain cut through United's defence with complete confidence, before slipping the ball inside to Van Persie who slipped the ball through Jonny Evans's legs beyond the diving Lindegaard. Arsenal had their own injury scare when Walcott landed terribly after being beaten to the ball by Anders Lindegaard. The game went on in high tension with both both clubs coming ever so close to winning it.á It was Danny Welbeck who popped up with the 81st minute winner as he applied the finishing touches to a superb solo run from Valencia, who started the move by out dribbling Andre Arshavin. This could have been avoided if Wenger did not replace the brilliant Chamberlain who, in all his confidence and speed would have stopped Valencia. So we face Bolton next week, Lets hope for points.
From a rather disappointed gooner, good bye ! á á á á á á á á á

Tuesday 24 January 2012

Justification? Not him.....

Hello to every Gooner out there!!
I was supposed to go to the game on Sunday, but quite happy I didn't after... The Dog got jumped (and I don't mean in a good way), on way home but got saved by other Gooners. Good 'ol Gooner Family!! But also because of how the fans booed. I know AA sometimes plays shit, but sometimes he plays well too. He's lost his confidence and needs to work on getting it back. I don't think a stadium full of people booing when he is a sub is going to help that. Some people are saying they weren't booing him, it was about Wenger's decision to take off Ox... But if you are the person coming on as sub and the stadium is booing, it's not gonna make you feel very good about yourself, your abilities, or running out on to the pitch. We are stuck with him for now and should, as fans of this incredible, and thoroughly frustrating ,at times, club be cheering him on. I know alot of you won't agree with me and that's fine but I think if he got his confidence back he would improve.

As for Arsene, he stated that he doesn't have to justify who he takes off... What? I think he should have too, it's part of his job to explain to the fans who buy millions of pounds worth of merchandise and tickets. To explain the logic behind decisions like that or others he's made.. like not signing any experienced and established players. He summed it up in a nutshell by saying "We had the chances to win the game quite comfortably but United are a bit more mature in every position then we are"   Isn't that what we've all been saying everytime he gets another 17 yr old??  Don't get me wrong, I am a Wenger fan, I just think he should actually listen to what he says and act on it....

So, we have Villa on Sun, let's trying and concentrate on good vibes for the boys!! I know Arsenal can drive ya mad, pull your own hair out frustration, but they're are more wonderful moments than bad.. and to tell ya the truth, you should all be used to it by now!! :o)

As I saw in a twitter comment  earlier, Arsenal is for life, not just for trophies!!


Signing off,
Surfergirl xx

Monday 23 January 2012

Not on this given Sunday

Happy New year and happy life to the people born under the dragon, I am the year of the Rabbit, explains alot! Was I there yesterday?  That has been a question I have been asked on Twitter today and yes I was! Where? West Stand behind the the bench? Why? thanks to @clockenders, you really should follow this man on twitter, top Gooner! My opinion on the game? Let me tell you.

Now for those who read you will know I am a very Old School Gooner, I have views, you may not agree but let me tell you, never have I ever been so sad to be an Arsenal fan.I will say this to the Johnny come lately to the Arsenal family, read up on our history, support your club, disagree sometimes yes, we all have reasons to be cross, angry etc but above all it's your team, and to the idiots at Finsbury Park Tube, hows your nuts today? Scumbags nuff said!

The game review is coming from the Ghost and SuferGirl has something to say too so guys keep your eyes peeled and a previous writer has a new name. Look forward to the Arsenal history spot from Statto.

But above all this, and a dam good chat at the Herbert Chapman and Horatio bar, I am proud to know so many top Arsenal fans, long may that continue!

Laters, a bruised Dog

Thursday 19 January 2012

An empty day, PHW says nothing, Please where is my Arsenal?

I first start by thanking Mrs F, well written an chin up. Some people have no idea when you are going for a goal. Nuff Said!

So onto today, there have been some transfer rumours from a couple of sites today, Arsene wants bar, etc but as usual there is no substance in any of the rumours. To be very honest I doubt that we will sign anyone by the end of he transfer window. So much on line is being said that with the return of JW and Sagna and blah blah blah that we need no signings! PHW has come out to say that missing out on Champions League this year is not a problem as they have planned for that! What does that kind of message say to Arsenal fans?

Now we seem to be hit with injuries, mostly in the second calf of games we play. (Sorry about the pun) but this seems to be a regular feature of Arsenal of late. Then there is this constant moaning that we do not get the decisions we deserve. Well that is football, it happens to all teams and we cannot cling to that excuse, in fact the words from the internet, twitter etc are now backing this up. We as a team have to stand up and be counted, be a team that wants trophies, compete for titles, but a message from a team board that says we are not worried shows a lack of desire, a want of profit, and thanks fans for your money!

So, where has my Arsenal gone? Down the route that Manure, Shiteh, Mugmashers and the Russian playboys have gone before us. I am now dreading the loss of RVP, OX, JW et all in the summer as we seem to have no drive and no passion at the top end of the club.

So, where is my Arsenal? It's in my memories of my Dad back from 71 to 89, with my mate Chris from 99 to 2005, yes it was only an FA cup but we did rob Manure. It's in my heart as a committed Gooner and proud badge wearer. It is not at the present with the Numpties at The Grove, or the tickets prices or the amount of tickets on online ticket sites. £270 per ticket for a Manure game?

Laters,
The Dog

Wednesday 18 January 2012

Our Say Says????????????????????

My blog is going to be a little different today, it's going to be about something that has been on my mind for a few weeks now..

I got told by my friend that a post had been put up on a site indicating that I was having an intimate relationship with my co worker and that he was a fraud and a bullshitter, and should not be trusted. This said person doesn't know anything but what is being shown on the surface. We want people to know that what is happening at the moment is entirely professional and will remain to be. As a result of these malicious rumours several meetings so far have been damaged to the extent where we lost 3 banks: the embarrassment of which cannot be measured. This upsets me greatly as i know this said person, and wouldn't of ever thought this would happen.

Mrs Fabregas

Monday 16 January 2012

The Ghost returns, Swansea V Arsenal 3-2

I'm back after a long and restful holiday, hope you all had a splendid Christmas and new year ! My come back today won't be such a happy one as I expected, but being a die heart Gooner, my glass is always half full ! We started good with Van Persie scoring a stunning goal from inside the box, assist came from a disappointing Andre Arshavin. Swansea's first goal of the match came when  Nathan Dyer was fouled inside the box by Aaron Ramsey, the Penalty was awarded. Scott Sinclair made no mistakes and brought the teams level, Szczesny could have saved it, he dived the right way but the ball was just out of his reach !

Swansea's second goal came when Nathan Dyer fired the goal into the left corner from deep inside the penalty box, a moment where I jumped off the couch screaming like a demented cheerleader. Arsenal's second goal came when, Djourou assisted  Walcott who was rather disappointing in the match, set aside his disappointing game he made no mistakes with the chip over the keeper ! 45 seconds later Danny Graham fired a shot into the left corner, once again I jumped up and screamed like a demented Cheerleader just harder this time, Graham was assisted by Gylfi Sigurdsson. The last 4 minutes of extra time was scary and close but we couldn't get a goal, so the game ended 3-2 !

 One of the main reasons we lost? Arteta was out with a calf injury we certainly missed his passes. Gervinho will be missed as well thanks to the Africa cup of nations ! Anyways Man U later this week, they will have to watch out Arsenal come a long way from that 8-2 defeat of last year, we will certainly go into that one as under dogs but if we start with Henry ( hopefully his fit enough to start ) we could surprise everyone ! Just please don't start with Arshavin, I'm a big fan of him but he lost his form, Theo Walcott needs to step up his game as well. Now I come to the part where I have to give a massive thanks to the Dog and Mrs F for my Arsenal shirt, I'm totally in love with it and I noticed the Authentic sign on the bottom of the shirt, will be wearing it with pride. PS I loved the little note you sent with it !

 Laters

And spend some money Arsene !

Sunday 15 January 2012

As my Dad and Chris would say. What? Where is my Arsenal!

To be honest I have been a very quiet Gooner for some time, I even took a holiday from the blog because of the crap written by a nobody, wanting to damage me, sorry blog proved you wrong. I even broke my promise to my self. What ever happens we will turn all things around, we will be OK, we will win through. Now I am leaving the game report to the Ghost, he does this well and you will understand from his writing what happened in the game but I really have to get this off my chest today!

I watched the game today with such high hopes that I really thought we are moving on regardless of the press stuff today, "Arsene, January window should be scraped" I am not going into the game its self as The Ghost is writing later on that but having sat watched the game today, after supporting alot of fans with the banner argument, rowing with Spuds, Manure, Shiteh, Toffee, and my worst nightmare, Swans fans on the win today where the fuck has my Arsenal gone? Now I have been a fan since 1970 when I first went with my dad to a Leeds game, then watched us lose an FA cup but I have watched us slowly, and oh so so slowly get better and better. Now I have no time in this blog to explain it. Most Arsenal fans these days have no time for it, so will not waste my writing. Today however I am one disgusted Gooner. Why? Did you watch the game? I have been talking to some very committed Gooners, including Arseblog and Ladyarse, but I have to agree with @shewore (BSM is nothing without its backing and proved it has that, if only more was done on last walk)  We need one of two things, Arse kick or New owners to sort stuff out. Arsenal at the moment means profit to some. Arsenal fans want trophy's, is not going to happen. Sort it Arsenal or walk away as we fans will tell you how we feel and judging on results we could do a lot better!

Laters? No Just an Angry Dog

Saturday 14 January 2012

Fans in love with Spurs? Spurs fans are...

Just goes to show what utter shite the newspapers write these days.... The Sun published an article from paddypower, (free advertising for both I guess! Sorry guys).  Anyway, saying it was going to make Arsenal fans sick everywhere but the fans love the Spurs?  Yea, the Spurs fans love the Spurs, and anyone else betting on them doesn't mean they like em, they just think they'll make em some money.. Good 'ol 'arry and his merry men are doing well, so now even die hard Man U supporters are betting on them to win this or that. BUT that doesn't mean they love or even like Spurs they just want some mulla!!!

Anyway this is an Arsenal blog so enough bout the team we won't mention anymore!! Hee hee hee!!

So we got Swansea tomorrow and I'm going to be at work, AGAIN, so will have to listen to it on 5Live.
My comp has now gone to pot again and I am typing this without a monitor so please excuse the typos as I can't see a thing!! Oh bugger, I gotta sign off for now.. I'm really sorry GFS

Surfergirl

Friday 13 January 2012

A heroes return

Last week when when signed a 34 year old MLS player as the only back up to RVP (I don't count park as I've resigned myself that he was bought merely to boost revenue I'm Asia) I must admit I was worried.
But that was washed away as I stood at The Grove listening to the bench; number 12 THIERRY HENRY.
I had to reach for the Kleenex.
Our favourite son, club record goalscorer and all round legend returned.
It was written from the off, and I love a bit of sentiment. We were going to play shit (Chamack was heading the line) us fans left to watch a boring Monday night 3rd round FA game tussle back and forth but then boom.
On he came, sporting a refined scrap of facial fluff, dotted about around the box (I loved the overcooked pass from Rambo and the trademark moody head shake) until he got his chance and banged in a most Henry-Esq goal. The Grove went mad. I got shivers all over (as well as texts off half the GFS team telling me exactly how much of a cunt I was for being there) I wont be forgetting that for a long time. Also how fitting on his return for a 1-0 to the Arsenal.
Now I'm not expecting him to save us week in week out and I'm still waiting for a new signing (please Arsene) but that was magic.
I'm still grinning like a Cheshire cat and will be until he goes.

Up the Arse

Tuesday 10 January 2012

Henry vs Cantona

 I know baby's can't support a team but I will happily say I have been a gooner since before I was out of my mum's tummy thanks to my dad, growing up he would be screaming at the TV.. I always thought he had a screw loose until I started watching that is! I remember him giving me his yellow away kit with the three cannons, and I was so proud to own a kit and had a fight with my mum every week to get it into the wash!

 Now we have our highs and lows as a team and last night was most definitely a high. The same night Mr Cantona announced he wants to run for the french presidency the king came back to claim his crown.. now what do you think got more attention? It took Henry under ten minutes to feel at home again and home he definitely is! As Thierry walks on the pitch you could have climbed the wall of defence Leeds tried to put up but it was no match for our king!
Not to put a downer on it but with Henry coming in and scoring the winning goal I can't help but feel that people are going to have high expectations of him, maybe a little too high. Obviously everyone wanted him to come on and put it into the back of the net but the chances of it actually happening where a shot in a million. He got that shot because he's a fan and legend to Arsenal and just a god among men really, haha but in reality we have to realise he won't come on and do that every time.

Just to finish I would like to get really really excited, and scream and shout about going to see Arsenal vs Man Utd at the Emirates stadium, I've only been to see Arsenal play once and that was at Highbury so a few fellow supporter's and good friends of mine are taking me up to see them play..

Adios amigo's..
 we will speak again soon,

Shortstuff  :)

Monday 9 January 2012

Thierry's first game back, I wonder how he'll do?

So, it's the FA Cup tonight.. Hmm I wonder how everyone is feeling?

 So we're meeting Leeds again for the second time in two seasons of the FA Cup, but I'm sure we'll do better than just getting through from a nail biting late penalty from Cesc Fabregas.
 We have the return from Thierry Henry to help us out, he will most likely start on the bench and will be a late sub, but I'm sure his presence alone might get the Leeds players hearts pumping with fear, lol! I'm sure everyone is expecting Henry to be how he used to be when he played with us before, but you must remember that it's been almost 5 years since he's been playing for Arsenal. He's alot older with less pace than he had before, please don't think that I'm not jumping around my room with happiness, because I am. I'm really excited about tonight's game, and hope that he'll be playing on the 22nd so I can see him play in Arsenal colours again :)

Anyway, less talk about Thierry and more about the Arsenal team! RVP has said that he's "re-charged his batteries" so he should be back on it tonight. Theo has come out saying that "this cup is as special as ever" which i agree, because right now any cup that Arsenal can get ahold of, we should grab and hold on to it as hard as we can.
 If we beat Leeds tonight, we have Aston Villa waiting for us in the wings, at least we didn't get a team like the unstoppable Man City, oh wait, hang on a second, they got booted out my Man Utd. Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Sorry it just came out, oops!


Here's Some Fun Facts For Ya:

Arsenal have scored 12 goals in their last 13 games against Leeds

In the season of 2003/04, Arsenal scored 13 goals in 3 wins over Leeds.

Thierry Henry scored four goals in his last match against Leeds, which was a 5-0 win at good old Highbury on the 16th April 2004


See you on the other side
Love
Mrs Fabregas
xxx

Sunday 8 January 2012

Why Arsenal?

Well guys GFS is always looking for new writers so today is a piece from a top Gooner, friend of Mr Winstone (those who are regulars will know who I mean) a season ticket holder but I will leave Daniel to tell you all about his love of Arsenal. Enjoy as I did and Villa next? Lets hope so.
Laters,
The Dog


Why Arsenal?




The story goes back to the early 70’s. Dad introduced me to the game, he was a Chelsea fan following the likes of Osgood, Hutchinson, Harris & Hollins when they were the trendy team. However, he put no pressure on me to follow them. Kevin Keegan was the Beckham of the day so Liverpool were the boys for me. I actually remember cheering on Ipswich in the 78 cup final (shame on me and to this day I still feel a lot of regret for that). Liverpool were clearing up at home and abroad and all was good.




Then on 23rd December 1978, I was watching MOTD with dad as usual when I saw, what to me was the best ever team performance I had seen up to that point, Arsenal stuff Sperz 5 – 0. Bearing in mind I’m from an Irish family, to see Rice, Jennings, Nelson, Stapleton, O’Leary and Brady in all their pomp, it was a no brainer to switch allegiances. The fact that they were only down the road from I lived just sealed the deal. I got plenty of stick at school as a result as everyone else was either Liverpool or Manure (nothing changes much in North London primary schools – does it!).




Then May 79, that epic 5 minute final, the joy of Alan, Alan Sunderland.




We then moved to Ireland and I missed a lot of the games including the heartbreak of losing 2 finals in the space of 4 days (1980). So I can appreciate what Sheff Wed fans must have felt in 1993 after we done them in two finals – love it!!!



My first game was the FA cup 3rd round against Bolton in January 1983. We won 2-1 (goals from Paul Davis, which I missed as we were late and a pile driver from Graham Rix got us through)




Between moving back from Ireland in 1983 and 1987, my love of football had waned badly. Then in April we played Liverpool in the Littlewoods cup final. The story goes that they never lose when Rushie scores. One thing you learn about the Arsenal, we always like to create new history. I had suddenly re engaged my enthusiasm for the Gunners and I went as often as I could.



Anfield 89, a north west London pub with my mates, the only Gooner there! (mainly Mickeys and Manure fans.) It;s up for grabs now..........oh what joy!





I started seeing a Sperz fan around 95 and she was a nanny for an Arsenal season ticket holder. When he couldn’t make the CWC final in Paris, he said I could have his ticket. That was one of the low points (Nayim from the half way line).




I thought to myself, after paying the money for the ticket, flight & hotel, surely it made sense to get a season ticket.



So in early June 95, I made an application to the club and got accepted in the Clock End (£246.00 – what a bargain). 2 weeks later, we signed, what turned out to be (in my opinion), the most important signing at Arsenal since Alex James in the 1930’s. Ladies and Gentleman, I give you, Mr Dennis Bergkamp!




Safe to say, that since then, I’ve bit on a constant high. Granted Arsene, has a lot to say about that. But I honestly believe that DB10 turned us from a decent English club to one of The Premier sides in Europe (we just need the CL to seal that deal!).



Happy New Year to you all.



Daniel Riordan


Friday 6 January 2012

The deal is done...Monday is FA Cup 1970

So, like you all I have been waiting for the end of the loan signing saga, bit like watching, Tenko, (showing my age here) Colditz (and again) XFactor (how much for a text?) Strictly come pay our licence fee (See X Factor) I wish I was a celeb, get me a career et al. Mr Henry finally becomes an Arsenal player again an twitter goes mad with the king is back and return of the king, Arsene is yet to sign any Hobbits, Lion King, oh really please for god sake, welcome the legend home, (Brad Pitt? think movie here) and we have our saviour! Arsene finally signs Jesus so God is a Gooner! Never have I seen so much excitement of a signing of a 34 year old MSl player. Well there was Beckham but the French shot their PR bolt on that and Robbie Keane? It has been my childhood dream etc etc, please insert the team of your choice in here!

Now you will know from my previous blogs that I thought TT was a god at Arsenal and will forever be in his debt for the fantastic football he gave us, but I really do think that a PR machine has been at work on this and some Gunners will believe this is the answer to our Arsenal prayers and we march forward! Well just a quick reality check for all, Arsene has said today that he is at least two weeks off of match fitness, that gives us six weeks then, but also Arsene said he is here to help but will be on the bench and may not feature, well rule out another 2 weeks worth of employ there then. From what I am hearing we may not see him often (Prove me wrong Arsene......Please) an as a Investment it will get us lots of money in shirt sales. Funny that a reporter from NY radio had his comments used to say that the NYRB were going to sell Arsenal, Henry shirts and what a good idea. I only have to say, time will tell, if it does not go well then back off the hysteria on, why did we sign and much sniping from all areas. For me better that we spend money on a player that can give us something long term but will eat sardines if I am wrong.......I really do hate them and I wish TT all the very best for the next to months.

LEEDS, Dirty Leeds, Dammed United, that horrible 70's smiley club badge, Billy Bremmner, the banner with Norman bites ya legs, yes happy memories of a young Gooner, watching his team on TV in their first final before the double year, switching between the BBC and ITV for the all day coverage..... aah happy days. Yes we are on ESPN on Monday. Park looks set to play as does the Ox and RVP to be rested. If only we had a Charlie George. I really do wish to the gods of football that we beat them and we beat them well. After Fulham I need a rest from the JD. Have a good weekend all.

Laters,
The Dog

Thursday 5 January 2012

The Waiting Game, and waiting for the game....

Happy New-ish Year to everyone! Did everyone see the London fireworks? They were AMAZING!!

So.... I think the wait for the insurance or whatever papers from the NY Red Bulls is like reading War & Peace, will they ever get here? Hopefully! As Francis Coquelin says, the impending signing has already given the dressing room a huge lift. It is rumoured that the Bulls want him back earlier than the 2 months they agreed on earlier.  Which I for one think isn't fair, as they're stalling, and if they keep doing so, they should extend the time, not shorten it. Or knock some of the money off!! He won't be on the pitch for the Leeds FA cup, so lets hope he is for the Swansea game. We're all going up for the Man U game so hope to see him then!!!

RVP is EA Sports Player of the Month with his completion of a hat-trick of Club awards!!!  Congrats to you Robin!!!  It's amazing how he equalled Henry's record of 34 Premiership goals in a calender year, and Henry is back and they'll be playing together... How cool is that!!!!

Monday it's away at Leeds for the FA Cup, let's go boys and try playing the WHOLE game like you did the first half of the Fulham game. Cause I gotta say when you came back out it was like watching Space Jam but in football form... You guys all looked the same, but you were playing like a second standard pub team. Step it up!! We know you can, and love ya all the same!!!

Go Gunners!!!!!!

Signing off,
Surfergirl

Wednesday 4 January 2012

Festive period over, and i'm on the detox till the 22nd!

 I know I've been quiet for some time and the dog has been holding down the fort, as I've been to busy working and then when i do have time off, I've managed to consume enough alcohol over this festive period to fill a whale!
 So I'm on a detox till the 22nd Jan, I'm sure your all familiar with the date as we will be hosting at the Emirates to the Red Devils. I shall be attending that game and don't think it's very fair on myself to not enjoy a drink or two (or three, lol) while I'm there. I'm on day 4 and holding out strong, I'm just waiting for the weekend to come and then that's when it's going to get tough.

 Anyway enough about me. So Arsenal, now this festive period is over and the transfer window has opened up, are you going to do anything?
 Well a shocker for me was Emmanuel Frimpong going on loan to Wolves. I didn't see that coming, as he has so much heart and soul for Arsenal that I'm sure it hurt him to have to go. What i don't understand is that we could of sold someone else, or had one of our older bunch or useless/has-beens go on loan. Lets take Andrey Arshavin or Marouane Chamakh or Sebastien Squillaci for instants, the list could go on. But no we take a player that hasn't had that much game time to really show his colours and what he's made of, even though Arsene keeps preaching out about the youth of today, with the majority of our team being youths yet we don't play them, we play the has beens. You might hate me for saying it but I'm sure some of you agree..

 Then, to throw things into the mix, the mighty heroic Thierry Henry could be making his way back into the team he loves most. So really that's me eating my words in a way, he is "old" (in football terms, that is) but still a world class player. Some other teams fans probably don't like him for what he did in the World Cup but to me he's still the same amazing player that hopefully I'll get to see him play in our colours, rather than the NY Redbulls.
 To be honest though, I've been talking to a few fellow gooners that i have drinks with in the pub who think likewise. The idea to them of his return is a waste of time, they in their own opinions think that we shouldn't be wasting money on insurance fee's when we could be getting in younger fresher blood.
 To me though, I think the opposite. Do you know why? Well, because when he's there on the training pitch his presence alone to the younger side is enough to maybe give them a bit of back bone on the pitch. I'm not saying that he's going to over shadow RVP, he won't, he'll be more of a sub or could we say, super-sub maybe.. But with the confidence he exuberates on the pitch, it should wear off onto the other players and help them in the long run.

 With the transfer window being open an all, I would still like to see maybe a couple more players coming in, but at the moment with our spending being suspended shall we say it doesn't look like it's going to happen at all. Unless that is, we sell some players as we have to big a team.. Hmm... So we're in a pickle, cos to me it doesn't look like we're going to sell anyone the fans want to sell, but instead put good players on loan. Who knows, lets just see how the rest of the week pans out.

 Now for me, I'm off to see if i can fix my boiler, as I'm fucking freezing!

Love from

 Mrs Fabregas
xxx

Tuesday 3 January 2012

A tale of two teams and where do we go from here?

Hi all, well the dust has settled and I am still in a state of numbness. What Arsenal was I actually watching yesterday? Anyone? Well first half and all seemed well with us at The Cottage. We had pace, passing well and generally giving Fulham a bit of a go as results were for others at odds with the bookies, even Wolves were unlucky at Chelski. This was a big chance for us to make a statement. Possession looked good too and Ramsey and Gervinho having chances.

Senderos was lucky with his trip of Gervinho but I have seen them given and not given in other games so that is footballing life I suppose. Then with 20 minutes clocked Ramsey sends a cross which is met by Koscielny to head home. 1-0 to The Arsenal and I really thought this was going to be our night. Then some fine goalkeeping from Stockdale kept us at bay, stopping both Ramsey and Song and Gervinho not really doing anything with the follow up. Fulham were not without their chances and Ruiz was a handful but we looked in a good position come half time. I would love to know what was said during the break......."Keep that going, keep calm and the goals will come?" Seems not.

Second half it seemed a shadow of Arsenal we had had in the first. Fulham full on at us, Song seeming to be worried about getting booked again, Szczesny being called on to do more and more we looked weak and disorganised and it got worse as the game wore on.
I have seen many 1-0's at one time or another but this had a feel that we would throw away our good work and then it came. Djourou booked for the second time and it was the long walk off. Now there has been some debate over this but when your on your possible second you need to be sure of what your doing, do not give a player a chance to see you sent off. his sort of sealed our fate, with Walcott , a big disappointment, and Gervinho, wasteful, it was Benayoun and Rosicky in to replace but neither offered anything more than those who had gone. With Szczesny making a meal of a corner Sidwell gets Fulhams goal, always hurts when it's an ex-Arsenal man. Finally to add to the pain on comes Squillaci and guess what, he does what he does best, blindly heads across goal to gift Zamora with the second and it's game over!

Now alot has been said about the ref, Mr Probert, probably to much from Arsene, another FA rap due? He did miss some things, the two handed push on Walcott for example but I really feel it was Arsenal who let themselves down. RVP was not in the game and looked leggy and when you look at bench there was not a game turner amongst them. What has happened to Park who Arsene said was now ready? Or for the matter Oxlade Chamberlain? The only bright spot being Coquelin who had a good game but at fault for the Zamora goal. I have said in previous blogs we need to buy and wisely but to be honest I cannot see Arsene spending anything in this transfer window so guess we will be looking at loans as our best option. I am often told that we have to be positive and think positive and good things will come. All I can say is it's going to be along wait!

Laters,
The Dog, now on ipad 2 lol

Monday 2 January 2012

A Happy New Year and a happy new year?

Well that's another Christmas and New Year over and where ever your are I hope you and your family had a wonderful time. We also had the added celebration of Surfer girls birthday on Boxing day so you can imagine the sate of us all over the Christmas period so yes we have not written much but a rest does us all good once in a while.

As for the football over Christmas, what a weird run of results we had seen. Depression in Manc land. Blackburn ruining Fergies Birthday, 2-0 up at one point but well done to them for hanging on in and getting a result. The silence at Old Trafford was deafening. As for Rooney? Well take on your boss at your peril mate!

As for Shiteh, well laughter all round. You can pay all the money in the world for a team to win things but just once in a while the gods of football have a way of biting bums all round, loads of chances but The Mackems prevailed.

The Chelski also manage to make a hash of what one pundit described as a walk in the park against Villa. Perhaps AVB is not the man the Kings Road Ruski's thought he was as they were a shambles and were on the end of a 3-1 whopping. Where were Chelski? Well back in 2002 when this last happened.

Sadly my afternoon was spent watching Spuds play. Our local now has a Spud running it so the Arsenal game was taken off and the Spuds put on..............
Well big Ray, Myself and The Stone enjoyed ourselves immensely, giving a bit of banter to the watching Spuds but also willing on the Welsh Wizards to win the game. When Swansea equalled it was shots all round with Mrs F joining in, and thank god for Mobile phones so we could keep in touch with the beloved Gunners progress, more in a moment, but I think it was the best final whistle I have heard since we beat Barca last season. Apologies to Paul, The Landlord but it was very, very funny! By the way, is it me or does Bale look like the children's puppet from TV in the 80's called Pob, Google it and you will see what I mean!

So to The Arsenal, after the "One of those Games" against Wolves we were looking for a response to show that we could still strive for a top four place and with the results happening as they did, a chance to stay in touch with those above us. Rumours abounded before the game that Captain Fantastic would be rested but at least that was unfounded. Now I know that RVP was on for a record and legend status but to me the 3 points is was counted. A record is lovely when your winning every time so forgive me if it was not that important to me.It was great to see Tony Adams back home, with a shout of come on the Arsenal, god love ya Tony.Thierry back too but more of that later.

Once again our finishing lets us down. RVP with a header wide and two shots, which in other games, he would have buried Our stats bear this out. 4 shots on target, 8 off target, 6 blocked and 12 corners. Theo was yet again guilty of a poor finishing. Lets face it, we were playing a team that has only picked up 10 points from a possible 30 shows our lack on a cutting edge and putting teams to the sword, especially at home.

But RVP was able to score with a very neat pass from Arshavin yes I know and he equalled Henry;s record.

So three points taken though Mr Warnock was not really impressed with RVP, "a good player but he gets away with murder with those elbows". Mr Warnock you got away with handball so guess that evens it out eh? Joey Barton was man of the match, according to the Sunday Mirror. That's says everything you need to know about QPR.

Now the transfer window is open and our first signing in tothe club is a two month loan of a 34 year old striker who has been playing in the States. Now most fans would be laughing their heads of at that kind of business. Yes it's the return of the King as some have said. Mr Henry returns to The Arsenal to, as Arsene put it, help out the club he loves. Nothing to do with a quick large pay packet that goes with it. Mrs F has called me a killjoy for not welcoming him back with open arms. Yes I know it's Henry. I saw him when he was in his pomp for Arsenal at Highbury, I know how good he was but I have this to say. The top six are looking to invest and kick on in January. But if our investment is going to be a bit of a plaster over a sore, my words, than we will be in trouble come March when Henry leaves. We cannot keep relying on RVP to do all the work so Arsene and Silent Stan, pull out the wallet and do what you know all Arsenal fans have known and said since the last game at Fulham last season, I was there, and spend some money, wisely please but spend.I really want this to be a happy new year for Arsenal and all Gooners, what ever your thoughts on Arsene etc and lets have another 3 points at Fulham, a nice ground but a Statue of Micheal Jackson?

 Finally good luck to Mr Frimpong on your loan to Wolves. You will be missed!

Laters,
The Dog