For those who travel to Arsenal games by canal there is great news, the Department of the Environment have banned water fern, parrot’s feather, floating pennywort, water primrose and Australian swamp stonecrop from these shores. Don’t put your machetes away yet though, these plants are pretty prolific. Only last Sunday Camden looked like a scene from ‘The War of the Worlds’. And several dogs, children and small adults have gone missing whilst walking beside the Serpentine and the lake in St James Park….though the latter might be down to pelicans.
Liverpool next, which is always special and full of memories, like the time I almost got divorced over that bottle opener that came as a ‘gift’ in the season ticket pack a few years back. I am told that a woman can only take so much of, ‘…Thomas its up for grabs nowwww..Thomas..’, every time her worst half opens a bottle of beer, which happens quite often. Either way even now, after my bottle opener was found broken into four pieces in a fish pond four houses away, she goes into an uncontrollable rage at the mere mention of the name Michael Thomas and it has wrecked our relationship with close friends John and Tina Thomas and their son Patrick……..oh and their youngest son, Michael..
Anyway that was an away game and the last time we played Liverpool, at Anfield (on September 2nd 2012) I remember wishing that I could watch the game in Saint-Denis in Paris, or Aubervilliers to be precise. Not far from the Stade De France. The game would have been screened in any number of bars in the area. There they love their football, particularly games featuring Parisian players and this game starred one of their own, for Aubervilliers is where Vassiriki Abou Diaby was taught to play football.
What a player. The last of the old French guard, Abou has restored my faith in football players. Although I have to say there were many new heroes on display that Sunday and I thought they were all superb. Abou though, has a special place in my heart. I was as enthralled by his display that day as I was in the games preceding the May Day match against Sunderland in 2006. I think it was David Pleat, but I might be wrong, who was waxing lyrical about Arsene’s ability to find ‘another Patrick Vieira’ just minutes before that horrendous Dan Smith tackle. ‘Dan went for the ball, unfortunately Diaby was quicker than him’, was the pathetic response of Kevin Ball. Unfortunately several other Arsenal players proved to be ‘quicker than’ their opponents in the seasons following including Eduardo and Aaron Ramsey, the career of both of whom was adversely affected by horrific leg breaks. The effect on Abou’s career has been palpable and is well documented and painfully followed by me and thousands of other Arsenal supporters.
Abou was imperious at Anfield. The whole team were superb and every one of them deserved a mention, including Olivier Giroud, whose movement was very impressive even then, of course we now know that he is a superb finisher and maker of goals and his ability to head the ball on is second to none. Vito Mannone, Carl Jenkinson, Thomas Vermaelen, Per Mertesacker, Kieran Gibbs, Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain, Mikel Arteta, Santo Cazorla, Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny, Aaron Ramsey, Andre Santos all stepped up that day. But for me, that Sunday, Abou was back, though not for long as it turned out. The imbalance caused by the leg break leaves him susceptible to muscle injuries, a condition which, I am advised, need not be permanent but requires a huge amount of hard work and patience.
In the event I watched that game in Pimlico, without my passport. Sorry about the passport bit but Pimlico always conjures up images of that film. Never fails. On TV in an apartment near to Tate Britain, that is where I watched the game. After and much later I came upon a fellow from Liverpool sitting on the kerb outside of a Peabody Trust building. He was singing ‘Ferry Cross the Mersey’. I could tell he was lost and looking for Victoria Coach Station, they always are around those parts. I’ve lost count of the number of people who have asked me the way to Victoria Coach Station. They come from all corners of the world, even Liverpool.
‘Where are you heading’ I asked, with a wry smile on my face and feeling generous, as I always do when we win.
‘Home’ he said
‘Where’s that’ I asked, knowingly, fiddling with my long johns which I always wear to watch games even on TV and noting that I had put them on back to front again.
‘Camden…..now fuck off, Gooner’ he replied
I could just hear the strains of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ fading into the distance as he wandered off into the night weaving his way down the middle of the street to the tube……alone.
I seem to have told this story without mentioning a single Liverpool player, not even S….or G….and I am not going to because this game is about my team. I hope Abou will be playing he is improving by the game and is part of a fabulous group of players who to me look set to achieve greatness. Don’t care where Liverpool are in the table or where we are in the table partly because it is still January but also because playing Liverpool is always one of those special occasions particularly as they have performed very well in recent fixtures only conceding three goals to Oldham Athletic who are in…errrr…League 1. I think that Liverpool will know they are in a game.
I love going to the football to watch Arsenal.
Frank
Positively Arsenal 
Nice one Frank, very timely.
I was at Sunderland for the Dan Smith tackle, no need for me to go over old ground but its pointlessness in a game already lost to the home side and in a neutral part of the pitch still resonates poisonously all these years later. That Smith started a trend born out of the ‘they don’t like it up ’em’ mentality can only be regretted, the victims, in the case of Eduardo, remembered, and the come backs, in the case of Ramsey and Abou in particular, celebrated.
Looking forward to more celebrations tonight!
Come On You Gunners!!
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Wonderful stuff from Frank.
I really hope we carry on from WHU and repeat the Anfield performance.Every excited with the teams progress ,especially Jack and Aaron’s recent form
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Bloody hell. I was hoping to write for this blog but how on earth can anyone hope to match that? Brilliant. Simply brilliant.
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Frank, you are a star. A wasted talent elsewhere.
Like you, I am a Diaby-ist. I expect him to play today. It is a toss up with Ramsey but I think Arsene rates him higher and will gamble that he can do the same damage at the Emirates as he did at Anfield earlier in the season. I doubt the Scousers will be happy to see him ambling on the field.
Come On You Reds!
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Morning Frank,
The effect on Dan smith’s career was not all that great, shunted out of Sunlun to Aberdeen, then to Darlington, then into non league and a job in a call centre, by 2011 turning out for Millview SC in the Sunlun Sunday League, and still in that call centre. (TMobile in case you are wondering)
I hope you are watching tonight Dan – if you are not at work
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Ruddy marvellous. Thanks Frank. Love the reference to Passport to Pimlico, one of my favourite Ealings. You guys are on a roll here this week.
“Dan went for the ball, unfortunately Diaby was quicker than him’, was the pathetic response of Kevin Ball”
I recall the similar craven responses to the assaults on Eduardo and Aaron. Disgraceful.
Here’s to a cracking game anyway. And three points of course, footballing gods willing.
ARSENAL.
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Fantastic stuff, Frank. A supporter’s supporter.
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Excellent Frank. Wonder if that supporter found his train home at Euston ? Oh.. Camden ? LOL
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The bottle opener?, Peabody buildings?, Longjohns to football? I’m gonna ask my mum if she had twins (in Peabody buildings) on sept 10 1970, and I bloody love going to watch the Arsenal!. Can I also say your very lucky that Liverpool fan spoke to, those scousers have a wonderful sense of humour you know,even the ones from Camden.
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But don’t you wear your long johns OVER your M&S elasticated slacks Mel?
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It depends on the weather Andrew, in summer I wear socks and sandals off course, no need for slacks.
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No, that would be entirely different.
John Cross has just retweeted a tweet from Keys and Gray suggesting Bob Wilson and he are taking over from them on the 10 – 1pm slot on TalkSport; asssume it’s a ‘joke’ but one lives in hope …
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I was at the last Home game that Arsenal won against Liverpool. A towering header for Diaby from Rosicky’s dreamy cross. A friend has been dragged off to Amsterdam on a work trip (!!!!) and I’m lucky enough to have his ticket today. Very excited.
I love watching Abou Diaby play football. Sensational player. Worth every damn funting penny (even when I’m going on a freebie!). And in the feints and pauses of Carzola, Jack’s growing skill set. The others. It’s enough to make you dizzy with delight.
(Is Rosicky some kind of unofficial Player Coach? Enough players have picked up hints of skills from him over the years).
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Szceszny; Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Sagna; Diaby, Wilshere, Cazorla; Theo, Giroud, Podolski
Ramsey has been looking very good for the past few games but I suspect Diaby will be preferred if he is fit. If Arteta is also available then it represents an interesting headache for the manager. When fully fit our midfield is the best in the league I think.
Looking forward to today’s game.
COYG!!!
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Bob would be great.
Who do we think will start in the MF tonight?
And where is everyone today?
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Mikel is not quite ready
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Arteta definitely out?
Sahil’s line up looks good – is Vermaelen out? Wonder whether he might interchange with BFG …
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Another superb offering from Positively Arsenal. Frank, you have nailed this one.
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Yes Andrew Tommy V is back
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It seems Vermaelen is fit for today, so we may see Verm and The Kos in the center of defense today although I would prefer Vermaelen and BFG.
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Will Rambo start as our deepest MF again tonight? I think he’s found himself a place where he can thrive there.
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I agree bradyesque… He has always done the simple things well and his time out wide has given him composure and improved his decision making
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Will Rambo start as our deepest MF again tonight? I think that’s a position where he can thrive. He can look for the simple pass and have several options in front of him. I’m excited to watch his latest transition.
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Ah crap. I didn’t think the first one posted. Apologies everyone.
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Exactly, Adi. And I think the more he plays there, the more clinical he’ll become. He’ll learn better when there’s a counter to be had or when it’s time to put his foot on the ball and retain possession. Ramsey is smart enough for the role.
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So is it between Diaby and Jack? or Jack and Santi? What about Rosicky? and will Mikel walk back in?
We dont need any signings 🙂
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Brilliant, Frank!
Yes, one can only imagine what Diaby’s career could have been if not for that clown Dan Smith. Like Andrew, what I still cannot get over is how the game was won, only thing left was for the ref to blow the whistle. But, it is good to see him playing again, the young man has the potential to be one of the best, if not the best Mid in the game. His game really has no weaknesses. I remember he used to hold the ball for too long but he has improved on that big time and now he keeps the team flowing beautifully. What a player!!!
I just found these highlights of the the win this season.
http://videa.hu/videok/nagyvilag/liverpool-0-2-arsenal-pl-uS8FIfGuulcs9XA4
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George…the only midfield signing I’d like right now is a backup for diaby who can provide similar drive and power…Diame is an ok option for that though I don’t think he is as good as diaby yet
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Saying that though…right now if all the guys stay fit we don’t need anyone when we have Santi, Jack, Rosicky, Arteta, Diaby, Coquelin, Ramsey and even bright youngsters like Ox and Eisfeld who can play through the middle if needed
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It was a pleasure. Spent the morning putting red and white braids into Lady Neena’s and Peter’s hair, they like to look their best on match days. We will be heading off shortly if we are to miss the rush hour.
Carmon Arsenal, Carmon Arsenal, Carmon Arsenal
Abooouuuuuuuuuuuuuuu……………………………….
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Frank, fantastic piece. Really enjoyable read.
…I think I’m going to like it here.
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What a fantastic post, Frank. Thank you very much for that.
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As for the video (tell me one Gooner who can’t watch it over and over again!) I think it’s sacrilegious that some people say last season’s finish tops this. City did it against 10 men that had nothing to fight for as they had escaped relegation. We did it against the dominant team of the 80s at their own ground in a match where they had all to play for. City’s victory had plenty of drama but better than 89? Never.
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Yes Evil .City would have to have beaten United at Old Trafford 2 0 ,for it to have been comparable.
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But also, weren’t City largely expected to win that game?
I don’t think anyone expected us to win at Anfield in ’89,
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Perhaps we need some doomers to argue with?
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As a member of the 4000 club who was at anfield that night, nothing in football has ever come close in domestic football, think it’ll be tight tonight 2-1 to us, a positive 1st result for this positively arsenal blog, enjoy the game everyone,speak later and remember Come On You Gunners!
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I’d start Cazorla behind the striker and have Diaby come on as a substitute for him in the sixty fifth. I like the way Rambo drops back to receive from the defenders. He does that better than Arteta or Diaby. He makes our transition from defence to attack run smoothly.
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great idea! well done to the creator/s ..i was getting sick of all the blogs with their wenger bashing agenda and demands for change!
4*ck them all…
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I have just approved Hunter 13 and his post has gone? WTF ? I love Hunter
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Gains69.I think Ramsey’s ability to cover the ground a bit quicker than Mikel is a plus.But Mikel is a top player ,cant see him being ousted as first choice anytime soon.
I have just seen Zim Paul ,he may soon be with us
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We expected to win at Anfield – we never expected to win by 2 goals – not Liverpool, not at Anfield, full strength, not with the Championship resting on it
Impossible
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Evening Hunter; nice to see you.
Col you’re right; it was the need to win by two clear goals away from home that made it appear Mission Impossible. It was a stunning result.
Liverpool still not over it.
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Will be good to see ZP; I’m off to the game right now – enjoy, everyone!
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G69, what the dilly yo?
What happened to FunGunner? does she know about this?
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Enjoy, Andrew! be safe!!
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nice to see youve gathered all the good supporters george! all the best!
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Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Ramsey, Wilshere, Cazorla, Walcott, Podolski, Giroud
Arsenal subs: Mannone, Koscielny, Jenkinson, Santos, Diaby, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Rosicky
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So Aaron gets the nod.Diaby to be saved for the Orks?
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Mikel adds his own quality to the position, but the way Aaron drops back and relieves the pressure on Mert or Sagna, when they try to bring it out from the back, is the best I’ve seen of any of our central mids. I know it has only been two games, but I love the way we transition from defense to attack with Rambo and Jack in the middle.
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