Today’s post is by PA regular Anicoll5
Who – me?!
The dust has safely settled on Wednesday and we face a very different prospect at 3 bells on Saturday with the arrival of Sunderland at the Grove. It is good that we have a game so swiftly after Munich and even better it is at home.
It has been a mark of our improvement over the past year that every on-field setback we have suffered has been followed by a performance of tenacity and good quality.
It is the mark of their character that our players respond to adversity. There has been no whingeing, excuses or mysterious ‘injuries’. We have got stuck into the next game. Character without ability is however often unrewarded, and we have invariably managed to claw at least one and usually three points from the next match.
I see no reason that pattern will change tomorrow against Gus’ Mackems. Sunlun have come a healthy distance since the lunatic Di Canio mockingly asked the referee why he did not send him off in the September game, and Martin Atkinson duly obliged the Italian headcase. We played them and they were doomed, Di Canio driving the Wearsiders to Hell with a whip and a chair.
Sadly all good things come to an end. Now they are back with a fighting chance of escape from the drop.
Looking at the Mackems’ away form it is not that bad, a 3-0 thrashing of their neighbours at SJP, a semi-final defeat of the Chosen One’s red and white army and a rare win for any away side at Goodison emphasise they should not be underestimated. For once however the opposition may well have their eyes on Wembley and their tussle for the Capital One Trophy next Sunday.
I have a small but affectionate spot for the Mackems, partly a family thing, partly a game in 1977 at Goodison, which saw them relegated. Sunlun must have brought 10,000 on a Wednesday night. Never seen so many men sobbing.
Memorable.
Other than Gibbs we seem to have got through Wednesday unscathed so Arsene has an almost open choice of who to put in. The intriguing question is who leads the line?
My guess is Sanogo to get another start and I have my fingers crossed he might just pick up his first Premier League goal.
And if we by some strange twist of fate earn a penalty?
Well I know who I would pass the ball to!
You may pass your ball to anicoll5 on Twitter @anicoll5
Positively Arsenal 
Top post cheers mate!
LikeLike
Who?
LikeLike
A sunny day, and perfect conditions promised, so all seems set fair for another bold show. Thanks for such a positive post, and let’s hope the team does justice to your upbeat message. Like your ideas about Sanogo – fingers crossed that he has a glorious career for us.
LikeLike
Just the ticket that Anicloll. Thanks.
LikeLike
Well done COLL. poyet is a good manager and seems to know how to get the best out of them. Some good results lately. The players seem to want to play for him rather than the Ferguson wanabe. They should not be taken lightly. That said in expecting a fantastic performance from the GUNNERS & HOME FANS. hopefully we will walk away with three precious points. And oh. Well done the youts yesterday. I hope someone ( A OR B ) will post the link to the highlights.
UP WITH THE ARSENAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LikeLike
Perfect scene-setter there Andrew. Have learned from hard experience never to expect easy games although our 1-3 up at the SofL was about as good as it gets.
Heading off early for the enveiling of THAT statue and grab some pix which might make their way on here at some point. Maybe a DB tribute post from someone for next week?
Enjoy the game one and all!
LikeLike
excellent early positive post A5, don’t know why but I always think ARSENAL play really well when the sun shines. With the DB statue as well this is a game I’m looking forward to and at the moment the nerves are not as big as they have been. Although Sanogo is exciting I think Giroud will start today but the extra option of a young, full of confidence, willing to shoot on sight, player on the bench is heart warming indeed. These sort of games straight after a hard CL night have been in the past somewhat lacklustre affairs with the team looking tired. Today however we have the squad to refresh enough of the team to really power on. The start today, as always, will be important as the black cats should be given no encouragement but I think with Rosicky, Santi, Poldolski, Arteta, Gnarby, Jenks, Giroud all fresh we should be ready for today.
LikeLike
Good post Anicoll – do you really think Sanogo will play a third game in a row? I guess it all depends on whether OG has got his head straight again. I also wonder if we’ll see Gnabry again today? I do expect Ozil to get a rest today with Santi moving to the middle. If it happens I think that was always the plan and not about Wednesday.
Andrew – I look forward to seeing the photos as I’m not going to be able to make the unveiling, but I’ll be at the game, so I look forward to seeing the great man at half-time.
LikeLike
@ anicoll5
Lovely preview, agree that it’s no rest for the wicked – Sunderland will be tough but we will get there in the end. I think AW has already said Giroud will start. Sanogo must be knackered anyway from the effort and emotion of Wednesday night.
@ ArsenalAndrew
“Heading off early for the enveiling of THAT statue and grab some pix which might make their way on here at some point.”
Hope so! I would love to see them.
@ arse_or_brain
“I always think ARSENAL play really well when the sun shines. ”
ha ha – so do I!
LikeLike
And a pox upon our enemies. But mainly on Chelski.
LikeLike
COYG
LikeLike
Sanogo has had 2 good outings, so no reason why he shouldn’t get a third. Just depends on various factors, mainly Giroud’s “state of play”. Interested to hear le boss compare Yaya to Anelka. Well Anelka was fast, especially at the start (I don’t see that), but also just a handful (yep, that I get), and confident (again, check), and had a knack of popping up in space (check, again).
LikeLike
Sanogo s quick, Zim. Like all big dudes, however, his quickness is deceptive.
LikeLike
Thank you for the comments folks – reading the papers this morning I see Arsene just about said Olivier will be back in the starting line up
*note to self to look at Press con before writing pre match review
You never know with Arsene though !
What a beautiful day – Perfect for football
LikeLike
Guessing Sunderland will line up pretty defensively and aim to frustrate, so Giroud is more likely to play as he will be the wall for the little one twos to get our midfield runners in behind. Arsene’s Midfield Runners. Not a bad name for a band, that. They could have a hit with “Come on Ozil.”
LikeLike
thanks anicoll
i like sanogo, works hard and keeps the defenders busy all game. his chest and volley against pool was great as well. but i still want to see him hit the ball hard on the ground.
giroud will start today. and i’m sure he will want to prove a point that he is still the man.
hope everton get a result against chelski today. its about time we went top again. COYG
LikeLike
UTA
LikeLike
So unfortunate that DB’s statue looks the very embodiment of UTA.
LikeLike
Thanks Anicoll.
I do hope that despite all the distractions today, our team concentrate on the task at hand and our fans concentrate on the only job they have to do – support the team through thick and thin.
Staying in contention during the current onslaught against the club from all angles is good enough for me.
A little DB10 magic dust today will do nicely.
UTA
LikeLike
“You had belief in me. And this is how it ends with this beautiful statue”
– DB10
LikeLike
everton without two of their best players this season ( lukaku and barkley) are drawing with the ‘special nut’s’ chelski at half time.
LikeLike
an hour to kick off. hope every player selected today will put up a performance worthy of a statue when they hang their boots.
LikeLike
Nice to see the Chavs resorting to hoofball for the last twenty minutes. What a shit team. If Ross Barkley hadn’t smoked a couple of bong loads before the game, Everton would have beaten them.
LikeLike
Oh what a goal from Rosicky. Comparable to the one Jack scored against Norwich and once again, Giroud played a pivotal role. His one-touch passing is incredible for a big centre forward.
LikeLike
Not only can he finish, but that pivot role really suits Olive.
LikeLike
Arsenal need to give Sagna whatever he’s asking for. He could be making a least £90k a week anywhere else.
LikeLike
COYG ……
LikeLike
Well that was quite easy – totally dominant in the first half and converted the control into a comfortable lead. Feet up in the second half – easy
LikeLike
Smashing game marred by injury. I’m super worried ’bout the boys. Hopefully things dont look too bad. Anybody got some news they can share?
LikeLike
AW says Kosc and Nacho both should be fit for next week
LikeLike
great result today, although we played at a slow pace most of the time today we seemed to be able to click in to the next gear whenever we wanted. I think sunderland are probably a top ten side but we were very controlled today. after a big game and a big disappointment the atmosphere was good. As I said before the game it is testament to the advance of the squad that 3 days after a massive CL game we were able to field such a fresh side and put on a player like Gnarby in the second half.
LikeLike
Wonderful. Way to get back in saddle again and on we f•••Ing go. Till the last ball is kicked in the last game of season. Congratulations all Specialy the team and AW. BOOM…
BRING IT.. UTA..
LikeLike
Nice article, anicoll, and a wonderful game. It’s a beautiful day, that was a beautiful win, and I’m starting to feel the shackles of winter loosen a bit. Spring is on the way. I’m ready to enjoy the ride to the end of the season…what a ride it’s going to be. I love these boys!!
Andrew, can’t wait to see your pictures. Please do share.
LikeLike
yeah… thats the response
LikeLike
Would I trade Arsenal Football for any of those expensive functional machines sluiced by oil? Would I trade Wengerball for any of those expensive tinpots the oilers have bought?
After today’s orgy of Wengerball I am sated.
In the words of the inimitable Frank, “Caarman Arsenal. Caarman!”
LikeLike
I hope someone posts something I can steal for tomorrows post.
LikeLike
That’s how you play football.
I get the feeling that the loss midweek is more of a set up than a set back. I see some great football coming for the rest of the season. The team want to right what happened and are going to step it up big time.
LikeLike
Not sure if I told you guys, but my wife will be giving birth to another little one any day now. Wanted to make sure you all knew.
LikeLike
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-on-the-win-giroud-and-bergkamp
Arsene’s comments about Bergkamp and loyalty….truth!
LikeLike
Glad for u guys… Paul N my brother… twin boys would be nice that would play for arsenal one day… passing telepathically to each other and scoring hat-tricks game after game… Or maybe a Per-Kos type of partnership smashing the then held records of clean sheets together
Jokes Apart… I trust the Lord God for safe delivery!
LikeLike
“Arsene’s Midfield Runners. Not a bad name for a band, that. They could have a hit with “Come on Ozil.”
Post of the day foreverheady!
“Arsenal need to give Sagna whatever he’s asking for. He could be making a least £90k a week anywhere else.”
I was thinking the same thing Gains, but you beat me to it! He played 3 different positions in one game and played each one with the same level of quality. He is worth every penny for his versatility. I hope Arsene gets him to sign on and finish his career with us. He has been a very loyal player and has had his leg broken twice in our colours too.
“AW says Kosc and Nacho both should be fit for next week”
Great news, because as good as Bac is, he can’t play all 3 positions at once!
“Not sure if I told you guys, but my wife will be giving birth to another little one any day now. Wanted to make sure you all knew.”
Congratulations again Paul – quite a collection of young gunners you’re putting together there!
Anyway, onto my belated match thoughts. Arse_or_brain, I thought the atmosphere was a little flat today. Maybe it was just where I was sitting in the Clock End. The North Bank sounded more lively – I thought I heard them doing the Ozil chant and a few others that never really got going around me. I kept getting funny looks from the people in front every time I was yelling for the team as they seemed to be going into slow motion! It was so quiet I could even hear Maria, and I don’t usually notice her!
I think Anicoll mentioned in his post today that Sunderland might have half an eye on their CC game next weekend and I think that was the case. First half they had no clue what to do against our movement. Second half I wondered if Poyet reminded them that they needed to earn their place at Wembley as they were a bit more threatening. I could see why they have been doing well lately, but we were just too much for them today.
It was really lovely to see Wengerball back in full flow. We appeared to carry on from where we left off in those first 30 minutes on Wednesday. I hope this means that we are starting to click into gear again and that we are going to be treated to more quality ‘team’ goals like the first 2 today. I also thought Jack played well today, I might even suggest he was MoTM. He’s starting to be more consistent, making better decisions with the ball and not giving it away so much. Hopefully he’s ready to ‘do an Aaron!’
LikeLike
I meant the first and 3rd goal! I forgot the second goal was the gift from a generous Sunderland! It had nothing to do with us harrying them into a mistake and OG being sharp enough to capitalise on it!
LikeLike
Congrats PAUL. happy days. You might consider the name AARON. very nice. Or even JETHRO. super. WOJO. AHHH maybe.. 😉
LikeLike
Before it slips my mind a huge congratulations and a thousand thanks to the real Dutch master of the sublime DENNIS ‘ the menace ‘ BERGKAMP. Truly one of the most gifted footballers that graced the landscape of the sport and now permanently honored with his own statue outside the new HIGHBURY stadium. Will never forget your class, steel and magnificent skill on the field of honor , and your contribution to the greatest club that ever was in writing part of its history. Truly a source of great pride for all lovers of the beautiful game and all gooners worldwide.
ALL HAIL MASTER BERGKAMP.
See you in the ARSENAL red&white very soon I hope as one of our coaches.
ALL HAIL THE INVINCIBLES.
ALL HAIL ARSENAL!!!!!!
LikeLike
@Paul
So happy for you! Congratulations!
LikeLike
Hey guys, just been mulling over a piece about AW. Which e-mail ID should I send it over to? That is, in the unlikely case you’d want to publish it 😛
LikeLike
Vida I will Email it to the address you used to post here. Otherwise follow me on twitter and let me know its you ,and I will DM you
LikeLike
@Passenal I’m normally north bank lower and in the so called lesser games it can be flat. yesterday I was in the upper tier just above where I normally sit and I was surprised just how much singing there was. When the ground was built the acoustics were supposed to be such that the noise would roll around the ground however I don’t think this is the case and so small pockets of singers are not affecting the crowd in the next block or being heard by the fans around the stadium. This is making it very difficult for a collective sound to raise the roof. I know there are many schemes being looked at by some of the more forward looking fans groups e.g. A.I.S.A, Red Action, the teenage section is certainly a success. Safe standing will definitely make a difference but although the campaign, led by the Football Supporters Federation, is gathering pace it is still a few seasons away.
I don’t know why the stewards will make people sit down and are very prevalent in some games and in others are conspicuous by their absence. It is almost if there is a policy in certain games. The other thing that troubles me is, why in the lower tiers can people not sing while they are siting down, the upper tier seem to be able to do this, and in tense moments of the game do they continue to sit motionless as if they are watching a film they have already seen and know the outcome.
Back to the game and although Arsene may have been worried about petrol in the tank, the amount of minutes played on Wednesday by the players in starting line up meant this would never really be a problem. ARSENAL were professional, controlled and beautiful as Shotta says there is one particular oil baron who is still chasing that dream and with his currant manager no nearer to realising it, and jt was offside cheating bastards!
We now have a week to patch up the lads to go and win another important game before possibly the hardest run of fixtures any team has every faced everton, Bayern ,spuds, oil 1, oil 2, manure, everton . Get through those in tact and the pots of silver could be very close. .
LikeLike
Congrats Paul, I think GK wants you to name the baby Dennis or Dennie for a little girl.
LikeLike
Yup it’d great if you could mail it to the ID I use to comment on this site with George. I’m honestly not much of a twitter kinda guy. Never adjusted to it. And all the deluded Arsenal fans don’t help either.
LikeLike