So here we are. About to bully off for the final chukka. The stage has been swept, the lights lit and the fat lady is preparing to gargle with her honey and lemon throat soother before the ultimate performance. Here we stand at the edge of the unknown about to witness the dénouement of what has surely been the most exciting season finale for many a year. Nothing, of course, can possibly match the Mickey Thomas moment (frankly I fail to see how anything ever will) but for sheer bloody determination to drag themselves back into contention this Arsenal squad has cemented its place in our hearts. They have given us thrills and spills and many a weak willed fan has bellyached but here they are in a three way fight, hoping for third but desperate to cement at least fourth.
Warren (a Liverpool supporting friend of mine) and I were chatting the other day about how massive and important an achievement a top four finish has become. We all remember not that long ago of course when his beloved side were breezily mentioned in the same breath as Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City as one of the big four. This despite the glaring fact that Arsenal generally finished above them and they were actually in the kind of situation that pundits and our own alleged supporters seem to think we are in. Wazza would love to see ‘pool fighting for a fourth place finish right now, and if they were he happily admitted all and sundry would see it as a major accomplishment. Remember Harry for Engerland? Remember the media furore surrounding the Spuds elevation to a team challenging for a top four placing? We both agreed it was funny how this target of a Champions League place is an enormously big deal, truly the mark of a fantastic manager and a great set of players. Oh, unless of course you happen to be Arsène Wenger and have done it every year for ever spending a mere fraction of that blown by all the others in the race. Warren could see it, you and I can see it but the football world that describes this as a remarkable feat for everyone else seems to see it as a failure for us.
Well yar boo sucks to the lot of them. It was a target, one of many, at the start of the season and it’s the last one left. Curiously it is a target which comes with a consolation prize. Unlike a runners up medal in a cup final the team to miss out today receives the opportunity to slum it in the Europa League, or Fairs Cup or whatever the hell they’re calling it these days. However, as Chris Tarrant has grown so fond of saying in his post Tiswas days, ” we don’t want to give you that!”. Because we cannot go into this game thinking of booby prizes or a season without the celebration of St Totts. Negative thinking will spoil your morning and ruin your enjoyment of the fun and games this afternoon. On that subject I’m intrigued to know how you all will play this one. I’m considering the split screen approach on my desktop pc with Arsenal v Barcodes full screen on one monitor and the Spuds match in a small window on the other. I could then keep half an eye on the Chavs game on my laptop. Or maybe I should just follow whoever the Chavs and Spuds are playing on Twitter for the day and thus keep up with their scores. The dilemma of the twenty first century armchair fan.
Reading that back, and thinking of Mickey Thomas and Liverpool, I realise just how long ago it was that I watched the remarkable scenes at Anfield that fateful year. Along with a group of like minded artistic friends (and a posse of more practical types we’d corralled for the purpose) we were organising a music festival in the small North Somerset town of Midsomer Norton. Yes they named that show after it, before you ask. Anyway on the Friday night with marquees erected and stages half built we had agreed to camp on the festival site as a kind of security detail and also as an outstanding opportunity to get utterly shitfaced in a field. But this particular bank holiday weekend of course was a little different from most. Not just because we were running an all day music and arts extravaganza on the Sunday but because the football season’s finale was, unusually, being broadcast live on television that very Friday evening. I watched it on a black and white portable , powered by a 12 volt car battery with a metal coat hanger as an aerial. In the middle of a field. Pretty spectacularly stoned and very much the worse for drink. As I said, how times have changed.
And so to today’s opponents. It’s probably a good plan to at least mention the match as this is a match-day preview. Newcastle have had an up-down time of late. Last year they were managed by the greatest manager who has ever lived as they briefly threatened to disturb the top four status quo. This year they are under the control of a sad hapless character, lying in thirteenth place and hoping to finish above the likes of Norwich and Stoke City. So goes the popular narrative. Actually as with all premier league sides (with the notable exception of Queens Park Rangers) they are a team highly motivated by vociferous partisan support, eager to impress in their last home game of the season and featuring some genuinely talented players. They’ve won two drawn two and lost two of their last six scoring four and conceding about a hundred and twenty goals. Roughly. So I think the best way to describe them right now is unpredictable. They can ship goals like a bow legged man trying to stop a pig in a passageway or they can grind out a result. I suppose we’ll know which Newcastle turned up by about six o’clock tonight.
When I hear Newcastle versus Arsenal only one name leaps immediately to mind. Supermac. Malcolm MacDonald. OK so that’s two names but you get my drift. Back when I was young enough and not driven to cynical despair by the transfer circus of these so called enlightened times, I would become genuinely excited by the arrivals of the likes of Alan Ball and Malcolm MacDonald. 
Exotic new faces from far away come to swell the ranks of my sticker collection. Malcolm came doon from the land of coal blackened faces, shipyards, Jimmy Nail and Lindisfarne in 1976, which was officially recorded as the year of the last ever British summer. He loved his time with us and when interviewed for Arsenal TVO was still visibly moved as he recalled the day the doctors informed him his Arsenal playing days were over. However, despite being a Londoner by birth, Supermac writes as if he’s a Geordie so maybe those were crocodile tears I saw welling in the corners of his eyes. Either way he has a timely warning for any complacent Gooners predicting an easy victory to match the six goal thumping Warren’s lot handed out on their recent visit to Tyneside. Writing in something called Chronicle Live he poo-poohs the idea that Newcastle have nothing to play for. In fact he comes up with the kind of stirring guff I might well be inclined to spew when describing our own glorious team. He says “My hope, the hope of every Geordie, is that, freed from pressure and worry, Newcastle go out and play football because, if they do, it will be a terrific match. Arsenal always play that way so we would have a spectacle on our hands.” and when asked if it’s true, as Pardew suggests that it doesn’t matter if Newcastle lose four nil because they now have nothing to play for, Macdonald nearly spits his false teeth into his Vimto crying “I’m not having it. Nothing at stake for United? Just their pride, their reputation. Just the need to repair the damage they have already done.” Well said Malcolm, now sit back down before you do yourself a mischief.
I am probably the only Arsenal supporter hoping that he is right. I don’t want them to play with one eye on the flip flops and the Timothy White’s sun cream. I want them to come out and make a game of it. I want open spaces for Theo to sprint into and if it means we have a few scares at the wrong end then so be it. We can take it. The nervous, nail biting buttock clenching is all part of the fun. Not, you understand, that I’d say no to the four nil of course. I just want the season to end on a fittingly exciting note.
How ever and wherever you are watching, it’s been a hell of a ride and I hope you enjoy this final go round before the roller coaster closes down for the summer. I’ve loved sharing the games here on Positively Arsenal in a properly passionate, supportive and intelligent environment, so thank you, and I hope you all enjoy the close season, whatever this afternoon may bring.
Positively Arsenal 
Koscielny has scored as many goalsas Nasri this season.
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Agonizingly close for the Spuds. HahahHhHahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahHahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahHhHahahajahahajajajajajajajajajajzjzjzjzjzjzjzjzjajajajajajajshshsgdgdgfhgjgj.
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“I wanna dance with Koscielny”
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Fuck Ian Darke and Steve McManaman. I’m glad it’s their last telecast.
Fuck Pierce Morgan for losing his mind after the loss to Spuds and implying the balance of power had shifted.
Last but not least. Fuck all the doomers who were quick to shit on this team even though this is the first season for Santi, Oli and Poldi.
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AAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!
What a fucking relief……now we’re going to see our Arsenal……
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Seventeen consecutive years of Champions League football.
It’s not all bad for the Spuds. I hear Minsk is absolutely beautiful in the autumn.
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New fingernails and heart and I will be ready for next season. Well done lads and AW.
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I do feel for the spuds…….a little bit….just a teeny weeny bit…..I mean it is galling….but hey today is not just St. Totteringham’s day…….
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Ok, I need to listen to SANTANA…….happy, rousing music…..they play the rhythm of WENGERBALL…..
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Where is STEWW, PEDANTIC, ARSENAL ANDREW????????
Are they compis mentis,,,,,,?
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I love these boys! I love you guys! I love everybody! Well, except Spurs. Fuck off, Spurs!
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WE ARE THE GREATEST TEAM THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN
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Grinding out a 1 nil victory, yet again. Champions league, increased funds, settled squad. Hmmm…
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a lot of AKB comments on twitter finally maybe the doomers will wait awhile before rearing their ugly heads
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Pedantic is on twitter….giving it LARGE…..
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We do seem to be quite good at this.
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My commentators in Australia were John Champion and an ex-Newcastle player. The former Newcastle player even seemed a bit put off by the so-called anchor’s constant jibes at the manger and the team in general. The anchor fucken talked about Arsene taking his coat on and off and tried to turn it into a joke. I might be watching too much Naruto at the moment, but if I was a ninja, that man would be dead. Fuck them all though, the boys prevailed against Newcastle and against Webb and his assistant fuck-faces. Onwards to next season, and what dreams may await.
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WWWWDWDWWW last 10 results, if we can keep the consistency going next seasons going to be a belter
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For years qualifying for CL has seemed to me like a given. This year it feels as tangible as a trophy. considering what we have been through.
alabama I never thought you had it in you….
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What of th doomers now, are they disappointed Arsenal finished 4th?….how moronic can you be?
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Happy St Totteringhams Day to the PA crew. We stood fast when the chips were down, when many of of our long-held friends lost their heads. That is what supporters are for. That is why we can truly celebrate. The manager and the players made us truly proud.
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I wonder if it still feels like the end of an era on ACLF?
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– We only dropped four points out of a possible thirty in our last ten games.
– We ended up with the second best defence in the Premier League after City.
– We recovered a seven point deficit and overtook the Spuds.
– We have reached the CL for seventeen consecutive seasons.
– We were one of four teams to ever have three players score into double figures.
All of this on the back of having lost an important player and gettiung three knew players to gel with the rest of the squad.
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Lol @ pedantic george May 19, 2013 at 6:29 pm
I always wonder if certain bloggers having financial incentives to pursue certain agendas…or is agendae…I don’t think latin can’t tell the difference. It does seem that with so many people online, some people might find it advantageous to use well read blogs to turn public opinion this way and that. Well thats how I feel anyway – but I’m drunk so who knows.
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St. Totteringham’s and Bale Fucking off day all in one afternoon. Hahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!
Please someone invent a song about Bale ditching Spurs because he doesn’t want to play on thursday nights.
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cesc, judas, girlie judas, judas that caused trouble to get a barca move, would have conceded loads today, this team has balls
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@ Sav
that definitely happens in the world of PR – can’t say if it’s the case re Arsenal, but I have my suspicions…
@ alabamagooner May 19, 2013 at 6:13 pm
“I love these boys! I love you guys! I love everybody! Well, except Spurs. Fuck off, Spurs!”
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Worth missing church for, I bet?
@ G69
great comment about how we have ended the season.
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What a performance this season by Arsenal FC despite the treachery of the skunk. More points, more points, more goals scored, less goals allowed. We came 4th despite a massive transition, something to be absolutely proud.
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oh Wednesday nights
every season in the champions league
that’s the place that I want to be
so fuck this shit im going to leave
im going to play champions league
( to the four seasons oh what a night )
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I am especially curious what those people that always banged on how we needed to get a new goalkeeper, defender and a defensive minded “destroyer” in midfield are making of our defensive record this season. How can we keep clean sheet after clean sheet while being so light at the back?
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A job was required of us today and we delivered – ten Cup finals – eight wins two draws – character in barrow loads and no let up over the past three games
Not as twitchy as I was expecting tbh
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@Michael
“alabama I never thought you had it in you….” Ask those who follow me on Twitter. I’ve been known to let fly on more than one occasion. (winkey smiley)
@FG
“Worth missing church for, I bet?” You’d better believe it. As soon as next season’s schedule comes out, I’m putting all Sunday match days on the calendar. They’ll have to do with one less soprano in the choir!
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Jen says I’m simply pleased as punch. I say st. Tott’s day is a little late this year. What a wonder, wonderful, extraordinary and most beautiful fight by our guys, so proud of everyone of you all. I also think arsenal did well. Go posa go arsenal.
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Fantastic resilience shown by the squad. Once the new signings were properly bedded in and Wilshere and Rosicky came back from injury, about halfway through the season we turned into a results machine, winning 12 and losing just 1 of our last 16 league games. That’s over 2.4 points per game, which would deliver 92 points over a whole season. That’s what this squad, before any additions are made, is capable of. The hunger of these players to achieve something together is palpable.
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pedantic george at 6:29 pm
“I wonder if it still feels like the end of an era on ACLF?”
I still can’t believe how guys I had so much respect for could so quickly throw one of the greatest ever managers under the bus. When the chips are down you discover true measure of a human being.
There is Only One Arsene Wenger!
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I want my KOSHER sandwich!!!!!!!
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Hi folks
Just finished our St Totteringham’s day feast at home. Wouldn’t mind betting the train down from Newcastle is a fun place to be right now. Well done all of you. Feels weird it’s all over but we kept the faith, stayed positive and got our reward. Ten unbeaten is a pretty good way to start 13/14 wouldn’t you say?
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Congratulations everyone. great times ahead. Next year ? Totally different kattel of fish…
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Well done boys proud of you. If spurs have to build a new ground, it will be a miracle if they can sustain momentum. Can only think of one manager capable of doing that and he is ours
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“Once more unto the breach” was also used in my favourite Rogue Trooper story (I was/am a big fan of 2000AD).
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After pulling off third last season after what was in Arsene’s words an even more traumatic summer then the last (I don’t agree with the gaffer there but I guess he’s entitled to his opinion) I figured he deserved the benefit of the doubt this season. tbf
🙂
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Happy Saint Totteringhams day my friends, I’m a little bit drunk but I think I love all of you, our positive, supportive nature appears to pay dividends,lets enjoy it, we deserve it- a big mention for the main man who’s bought us lot together, he is Elton John to my David Furniture (without the bumming) raises glass to my mate George.
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Andre Village Idiot, see that negative spiral? Sit on it and rotate.
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@ Mel
ha ha I see you have stolen a march on the rest of us!
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steww : but I bet we’re all wrong
heh… totally wrong….
2 months ago totenahm was being hailed, now champions league qualification wasnt really ever in their plans , just a bonus in the season if achieved….heheheh…
a big fuck you to all the media and trolls, arsenal or otherwise with their critique and negativity all season. victory for george.
konscielny what can i say…GOD.
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Andre Village Idiot, see that negative spiral? Sit on it and rotate.
ha ha brilliant….! and ade can sit on the rotating canon
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Top top quality basslines
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ARSENE KNOWS!
Our boys pulled it off.
To the faithless…..FUCK YOU!
Hope you’ve learned the big lesson, and if you have not please feel free to move your “support” on to another club.
Never ever give up on the red & white.
Never ever give up on hard work & honest toil
Never ever shirk principle when the going gets tough
NEVER EVER DOUBT AW TO THE POINT OF ASKING FOR HIM TO BE SACKED
UP YOURS boo-boys, and keep those garbage bags over your treacherous heads!
IN ARSENE WE TRUST!
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Fins – nice to know another who appreciates the bass!
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MOTM @ Arse.com,
Laurent Koscielny…92% !!!
“..must be the thumb-in-the-mouth celebration…that really turns voters on”..
Too immense
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