I find myself in a state of conflict.
I am ecstatically happy about results and the general development of the team and club, yet angry at the treatment they were receiving until very recently.
People who have spent years running down the board, manager and players, a situation that reached new heights during the summer, are guilty of obscene levels of revisionism.
The manager was said to be unable to “do” defence. This team has conceded 3 goals from open play in the last 18 games. It had the second best defence in the league last year, whilst still playing attacking football. It contains players of the calibre of Sagna ,Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs and Monreal. Not bad picks for a guy that doesn’t know a defender from his elbow. Are these experts on football holding up their collective hands and saying: “Oops, I was talking utter crap.sorry” ?
Where are the agitators who claimed we would never buy a world class player or ever spend over £20 million on one now? What about those who claimed that big names being linked were just a ploy by the money -grabbing board to sell season tickets? Why are they not admitting to being malcontent idiots?
Here are some extract from a post by ZimPaul that puts some great questions:
“One thing is the frustrated fan hurling cheap insults against any target, including Emmanuel, Aaron, Abou, Theo, Denilson, so many others, and always Wenger by default, to vent their infantile anger at not being at the “top table” of trophies for a rather short spell, without thought of incredible ambitions the club had already achieved, was in the process of achieving, and had set its sights on, and the calm, decent manner it was going about all this. Despicable and stupid.
Then what does one call the informed and erudite fan, who knowingly, willfully set out to manipulate malleable, weak minds with outright lies, selective lies, omission of facts, outrageous claims (often dressed up as modest, humble appeals for change and “end of an era”), manipulating and flinging about all manner of base emotions, with the objective to erode team and club morale, it’s achievements, and get Wenger out?
And then what does one call more influential individuals and journalists, pundits, ex-players, football establishment types, who conjured up and fabricated an entire anti-Wengerball culture, week in week out, appealing to Arsenal’s time-honoured (British) traditions and glories, and so set out and all but conspired to use their influence to destroy Arsenal’s achievements during a vulnerable period of building for the long term?”
That’s at least three categories of idiots who should be scoffing humble pie like there is no tomorrow. But are they ?
The relentless moaning and whinging by fans with an over-inflated sense of entitlement has morphed into “We were only asking legitimate questions.”
Where they? Or were they chatting shit?
All last year some of us were suggesting that when the new arrivals settled in and the young players followed their natural progression, that we would see a very good team.
This was deemed delusional. When we said Ramsey, Giroud, Chamberlian, Podolski, Gibbs and others would be much better, we were told that we were mad. Some of these players were classed “not of Arsenal standard” by expert fans and pundits alike.
Were they wrong? Are they sorry?
People claim their moaning was because they were frustrated. Ignoring that it was them and their fellow halfwits that were speculating about nonsense and that was what was fueling their frustrations.
They claim they were right to question. Well it’s the tone and content of the questions that separate a reasonable fan from a spoiled child.
What about those who insisted that Jack would be sold and we were content to be fourth and not challengers?
Are they contrite?
We bought Ozil and still have huge funds for future purchases. Of course the moaners will say we should have spent more and sooner. Because they would make a better fist of running the club? Right?
Anyone with even half a brain could have seen that 2014 was penciled in as the point where we moved through the gears. It was obvious. But despite the evidence some expert fans won’t accept this.
You can question the club and still be behind the team. That’s true. But you must accept that if the questions you are asking are ridiculous and being asked because you have little understanding of almost anything, then its a hindrance rather than a help.
If you are claiming that our injury crisis is a result of poor management and planning consider this. A fit squad would see, by my calculations, ten full and first choice Internationals not in the starting eleven. So swivel.
Things are going rather well at present, but there will come a point when we suffer some reverses. The wheels might not fall off, but one might come loose, or it might just be a flat tyre. At this point all the good that has gone before us up until now, will be forgotten. Blackburn and Bradford will be rolled out and past perceived failings will be regurgitated by those that are temporarily quiet (and asking for amnesty) and used to back up their wild and ridiculous claims of incompetence by some poor sod or other. Be it Aaron, Arsene, Ivan or Stan.
These stupid know-it-all fans haven’t gone away, they are just lurking and waiting for their next chance to express their football know-how.
So don’t ask me to just enjoy the football.
Did they want to allow me to just enjoy the football?
Bollocks to them and any appeaser.
Now I will be accused of not being positive, and for creating more divides with this post. Well I am sorry, but these people make me sick.
Does that make me a flawed individual?
Probably.
Positively Arsenal 
Ah well, it was good while it lasted.
He’s back to usual kop tinted glasses.
“There’s no outstanding team in the Premier League at the moment apart from Liverpool. There’s no reason why they can’t be top for ages yet.”
Have a look over your shoulder Larow, and see the Arsenal ready to a 1989 on your Kop asses once more.
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Ooops
Benitez < Martinez *coughs*
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George,
The worst crime ever permeated on this blog was playing Phil Collins.
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Just to throw you all a curveball…I have a great deal of respect for Dawkins and find his logic impeccable. Where he goes wrong is in failing to realise how much religion means to some people and that many of us are hard wired to need it. I also disagree with his contention that religion in itself is harmful. I think it is certain ways of thinking that are harmful, ways which are not confined to the religious. Belief in a religion gives comfort to believers and a moral framework to those who need their moral frameworks backed up by a belief in higher powers. I also believe firmly in the separation of church and state.
…and what Georgaki-pyrovolitis September 21, 2013 at 12:04 pm said.
I usually steer clear of politics and religion on football blogs, but just wanted to say that much.
***
So anyway…back to the football. I reckon ZP is right about how the match will go. Looking forward to the dancing on the neck bit.
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I think Harry thought I was advocating that people don’t visit both sites,Where as in fact I have recommended it.
Oh well,what can you do?
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Arseblog reporting Bentner will be in the squad for West Brom on Wednesday night.
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Dawkins.? I agree with him.
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DC: Re Bendtner – Wenger said as much in his presser.
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George, grateful if you could let this comment through to address any misunderstanding.
It will be the only time I will post on here.
Double Canister – the person who posted the cancer comment directed at ACLF was Hunter13 not Goonerkam. My bad.
It was on September 2, 2013 at 11:26 and is there to be seen.
Sincere apologies to Goonerkam, but it does say his name in capital letters at the top of the post, hence the mistake.
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Anicoll
Wasn’t it supposed to be Plato using the slaves in a cave as an analogy for using a-priori based evidence?
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Shotta, Yes indeed, and Arseblog quote him, but for your benefit I noted it here.
In general the comments too are quite positive and supportive, not what you may have expected; some of the usual knobs have the usual doomer comments of course, but the consensus is to support Nik.
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Benteke out. Groin injury. A difficult start to the season for Villa, save for the result at the Ems, has gotten. As I type the sub scores. So for my prediction.
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Plato was quite good at football
He also invented the football pitch. Before Plato people just used to play on any old grass. After one kickabout the clever bugger possibly suffering from some mild concussion whipped out his protractor, started to draw some rectangles and circles, and the rest is history. If he hadn’t hurt his head whilst heading that bladder we could have ended up playing and watching games on square pitches.
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@ finsbury September 21, 2013 at 1:15 pm
(chuckle)
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Jonny
Look at hunters 11:28 post, two minutes later.
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Also I’m kind of liking Ram Raider as a new moniker for AR. Anyone else approve?
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Fungunner,
He is being called the best midfielder in Europe right now.
Early days.
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DC,Who is saying that?
I think he was called “the most in form player” Which he is,not the best.That was just poor headline writing.
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Passenal,I hadnt realised that type of behaviour had gone on.Yogi told me you and the other girls had stopped posting because you didn’t like my aggressive posting style.
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Errrr. Arsène Wenger, George.
He does talk up our players in public does Mr Wenger.
He is always there to support the lads.
WHICH IS A BAD THING. To the doomers who’d prefer a cunt like moan-e-no.
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Ah Socrates in a cave … thinking, thinking … I imagine him outdoors, in rain and sun.
“…failing to realise how much religion means to some people and that many of us are hard wired to need it. I also disagree with his contention that religion in itself is harmful. I think it is certain ways of thinking that are harmful, ways which are not confined to the religious. Belief in a religion gives comfort to believers and a moral framework …”
Tuppence, contemporary science and religion debate tends to be about science and Christiandom. Africa presents a contrast, where “religion” has been, socially, a vital means of retaining history and social collective memory in the absence of printed word, orthography and print technology. Hence it’s social use-value became (and remains) tangible, and, its confluence with medical sciences quite real. I use the words religion and science broadly. A visit to a genuine and expert traditional medical practitioner can be surreal because body/mind is treated as one indivisible entity.
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There are 72 points available from the following teams:
Stoke
Newcastle
Everton
West Ham
Southampton
Cardiff
Fulham (3 away points already)
Norwich
Hull
Palace
WBA
Sunderland (3 away points already)
These are the teams to systematically destroy to win a title, this was Fergies greatest trick. Of course, that points total is improbable, but that’s the way manure won so many titles, especially with half of them playing like rabbits in the headlights at the old toilet, with some friendly reffing thrown in for good measure too.
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Ok, George – the journos have slightly twisted Wenger’s exact words to come up with that headline.
Hmmm. I wonder if they do that sort of thing any other time??
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double canister September 21, 2013 at 2:27 pm and 2:43pm
Exactamundo. I just think this squad is tough and battle-hardened and won’t be throwing points that easily. Villa was a wake-up call.
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Arsenal’s home form is going to be critical, as is the health (injury-wise) of the Arsenal midfield engine. We may or may not emerge top of the points pile, so many factors, its early; but one thing is already certain, the shape of that pile is showing every sign of changing, as AW observed, to a more open six-way affair. A resurgent Arsenal and Liverpool will see to that. Question marks remain over Spurs, but I see no reason why they should not be in contention. I also see no reason why ManU, City counterparts and Chelsea should retain or claim the title, they all look vulnerable and less consistent.
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Well, some time in future I am sure people will look back and find a balance in their views….I too find it annoying (and maybe these persons that hold these views actually do set out to be annoying?) when they say AW is now changing his policies and is now wiling to bu experience? Really… I think he has always done, not just too many at a time and I do not see any deviation this season either… Not too many at a time!
On another note, Do these persons actually believe what they write? I firmly expect pool to draw and we to go top tomorrow with a 5-0 win.
Mark Lawrenson, BBC Sport pundit
FOOTBALL FOCUS
“There’s no outstanding team in the Premier League at the moment apart from Liverpool. There’s no reason why they can’t be top for ages yet.”
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DC twisted? he said nothing like that.
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Good grief. What a day it’s been on here. Hunter’s gone nuts (a bit understandable; when you’re being bashed, you’d like to defend yourself somewhere) run Harry off (not a good thing; please come back Harry), Jonny has posted, and we’re talking about religion. That won’t go well for me, I’m afraid, so best I drop back for a bit. I’ll be back when there’s football, but not during the match tomorrow, unfortunately, as I’ll be in church… (haha…that was an attempt at a joke. Anybody? No? I’ll get my coat…)
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Hi Team Spirit.
PG, Steww, PosA founders, it’s been said, I just want to say it again. This site is a joy.
The role of Arteta is going to get interesting. On the face of it, it’s Flamini or Arteta, and Ramsey, with Mesut advanced and Jack wide, or vice versa, but I wonder if the manager has bigger or other ideas. At some point, players need a break. It seems TV, Jenks, Arteta, NB, Nacho, potentially Ryo, more likely Serge, will get game time.
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Very good Ala.
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I cant get my head around people who object to our door policy.If we wanted to have endless stupid debates about perceived failings we could pop onto any one of numerous other “debating” blogs.
This is a refuge from that.That was the plan and I hope it has become the reality.
I would rather close the site down than allow it to become a haven for discontent and cowardliness.
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ZimPaul September 21, 2013 at 3:39 pm
Like you Zim, I am as snug as a bug in a rug when it comes to PA. I come here to enjoy the positive vibes from people whose virtual company I have grown to love and enjoy for years. People who talk sense and have the wisdom to understand “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” At the old place I was virtually tip-toeing on egg shells as the hostility to Wenger and old-timers like us became palpable.
As for those who think Arteta will struggle to regain his 1st team place, I have news for you. He may not start tomorrow but once he is fit, no question who runs this team on the field.
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I think you are right about Arteta Shotta, hasn’t Arsene used words to the effect that he is his on field general? I can’t see him dropping out for long periods although Flamini has his place for the right games.
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Liverpool 0 Southampton 1
Countinho out a big blow for ‘pool?
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Half an hour to go at Anfield and matters progressing nicely – Liverpool unconvincing thus far
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Passenal,did you see my post to you earlier?
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I agree.
I wonder about Serge from the right. The lad has been getting plaudits from Marseilles u-19, and had already impressed. AW confirmed the reason he didn’t travel with the first team was CL numbers/limits, a defensive bench was taken. He’s going to make his real first team debut sometime soon.
Santi is next back, we are told. eta 3 weeks.
And NB, that’s going to be interesting. He’s close.
All of a sudden the numbers don’t look perilously thin. With the current starting 11, a bench of Arteta, Serge, Jenks, Nacho, TV, Ryo/Akpom, Fab/Viv is very presentable.
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Except for calling Arteta an leader (moral), Wenger also referred to him as the teams technical leader. I assume that means with Arteta in the team our fluency increases. A Wengerballer. Or a wengerball enabler. Or both.
That said wouldn’t mind Flamini starting the game against the orcs, and pace Artetas return. Think it’s a good chance they will retort to rugby facing us away, despite recent claims of being a football team. Its Mark Hughes after all, his balls will be screaming for some illegal treatments.
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Crisis at Anfield – Lawro will be on tonight sucking his misshapen teeth and predicting Rodgers’ exit
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By the way, great work with the site. Used to be a long time lurker at aclf. Can’t go there anymore thou, too depressing. Think the blog the day after we signed Mesut was the final straw. Total lack of joy.
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Welcome on-board Apropos
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George, my departure fom that site had nothing to do with you, or I would not be here. It was the same culprit who caused the banning of G69. It seemed to be one rule for him and another for the rest of us. If you are going to jump on a PC horse, at least be consistent in your application of the rules.
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Hahaha to you joany.
I don’t need a damn apology from you and at any rate it isn’t accepted. Sincere?? you don’t know the meaning of the word or else you would post you fake sorrys in the same cesspool you propagate your lies and schemes. Try your hand at politics . They are always looking for a young man with your qualities, mainly being a two faced backstabber.
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Apologies to the good folks here reading that. The prick was asking for it.
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I agree Apropos, tomorrow is too soon for Arteta – that game is probably more suited to Flamini’s style. Perhaps we’ll see an appearance from the bench and a start at WBA for him.
Looks like Lawro spoke too soon. That Marseille game was tough, so I hope there is enough feel good factor around to see the boys over the line tomorrow and that we don’t come a cropper too soon as well.
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Sorry Kam,I have edited that out.That was a step to far mate.
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Thanks George. Appreciate it.
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Karma is a fucking bitch, isn’t it? From the earliest days of this site I backed George (and Adi) to the hilt. I told him don’t watch the quantity of posters, it is the quality that counts. Just like Wenger’s recruitment policy, innit. I can only imagine the whingers and moaners flailing around in the spam bin dying to defend, what Goonerkam just described, their two-faced back-stabbing of those who defended Wenger and the club.
Anyway’s it was interesting to see Brendan Rogers poverty of coaching laid bare for the world to see. Four central defenders to start and eventually had to substitute the the two center halfs. Unheard of. Completely negative. But then he is from the Mourinho school of coaching. Liverpool’s loss must be laid solely and completely at his door.
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Pasennal,I knew that,I was just pointing out how YW liked to blame me(us) for the failings of others.
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No problems GEORGE. you house , your rules. We go way back and I knew your probable reaction. Hell, I was of two mind thinking of not posting it but someone had to do what his dad should have done a long time ago. Teaching him to be a stand up person. Its all good on my end mate. I can’t wait for the lads to do their thing tomorrow and I hope the exertions of mid week haven’t taken too much out of them.
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