Good morning Positivistas and a bright and breezy start to the day in Norfolk. The detritus of cans and empty bottles around the premises reminds me it was a good night. I have a slight haze and a strange recollection of a heated argument about the Queen. It will pass.
I have perused the media this morning, social and mainstream. The content is warm in relation to Arsenal Football Club, its manager and players. Seemingly a light has been switched on among the ignorant and the malicious. No doubt a temporary aberration but it is encouraging not to see the usual clichéd trash of commentary concerning midfield “beasts” and “not liking it Oop North” recycled endlessly.
Turning to matters at hand however eight league wins on the bounce and three points hard earned at Turf Moor in the evening game. I say hard earned because the home side were thorough and organised. We know there recent impressive record against the top four. They massed in defence and made few errors. Boyd and Barnes ran and ran. Their central defenders, Duff and Shackle ( great names for centre backs btw) were resolute. Did you see just how many Arsenal players it took for Ramsey finally to whack the ball into the back of the net ? And if you are aiming to get a goal against a bottom three side, make it an early goal. Burnley were rocked on their heels in the 11th minute, the home crowd quietened, from then we had the 3 points to hold on to. Another fairy tale result was not on the menu for the plucky claret and blue battlers.
The match itself? After an opening phase when it looked as though we would blow the home side away with our speed and craft the game became more difficult, much more of a genuine contest. They did not back away from that effort however for the next 80+ minutes of the game. Not at any stage were we hanging on, not at any point were Burnley creating clear scoring chances, but even so there was pressure of a not entirely pleasant type. HOW IMPORTANT that early goal was !
There then followed 60 minutes of hard work from both sides. Alexis fizzed like a firework all over the pitch, we created a few chances, Burnley dabbled around the edge of the box, Ospina made a good save, Hector looked a little off his game once or twice, referee Dean displayed the patience of Job with players on both sides.
And so we moved into the traditionally tricky final fifteen minutes when I assumed that we would come under sustained high level bombardment, as Burnley pressed for the equalizer. That is after all what is supposed to happen, goal line clearances, finger tip saves, breathless finish, me hiding behind sofa etcetera – you know the form. You have suffered as I have often enough.
Not a bit of it. As the game drew toward the 90 we took total control again and our hosts were barely able to get over the half way line let alone put together an equalizer. As impressive an example of “game management” as you could ever see.
And so Deano blew his whistle and the contest was decided. Three points gathered, the Manchester derby to come with points dropped by one or both of the pursuers, and just a notch more pressure applied to Chelsea today. By 6 p.m. our win at Turf Moor may be an even more satisfactory result than on the day itself.
The Premier League now needs to be put aside by us and our full concentration directed toward Reading. A great opportunity for back to back FA Cup finals is open. As Burnley demonstrated yesterday though an organised, fit team can cause you problems.
Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be.
Positively Arsenal 
I think I will gloat, gloat and gloat a bit more today. Good write up Andrew, that was how I saw it too….
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So what’s the best result for the Manchester derby? Draw w plenty of reds?
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Those first few cans must have been all the sweeter with all three points secure. I imagine the argument about the Queen was whether she was a stauncher fan than AP McCoy. I’m pretty sure she is more AKB than Woyalist Out Brigade.
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best result might be a city win, then for Utd to beat CFC next week, keeps us ahead of both, a draw will do too of course
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Qpr plz do beat chelsea lol,wembly here we come
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What has the Queen done to upset you Andrew?
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She’s blowing bubbles…
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I have read a couple of times today that AW stumbled into the discovery that Coquelin was the answer, in much the same way that a blind pig will discover the occasional truffle. My recollection is that Coquelin was finding his way into the side in 2012/13 (man of the match in a CL match) before being injured by Ramkres at the Bridge.) He spent the rest of that season out of the team and then was sent away on loan, where he spent the entire 2013/14 season. According to reports this loan was not entirely successful but he was still deemed worthy of recall for the start of the 2014/15 season. I remember seeing him play in a pre-season friendly, which suggested that he was part of the plan for this season, but that he still needed some time to get up to EPL match fitness and confidence.
So I choose to believe it was luck (in the form of injury to others) that gave him his chance, but that it was always part of a possible plan from AW. But then I am never looking for a reason to moan at the club or the manager. And I cannot stand those who are.
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Excellent write up, thanks.
FH
I agree entirely. That’s very much how le Coq panned out and I believe that Arsène is being modest when implying he didn’t know Coq could do what he’s doing, cos he was doing it before, only not quite as well. And as you say, FE, Ramires fkd Coq’s foot, and that was that. I’m sure Coq lost a lot of confidence, having been bandjaxed, with not even a foul called, and the resultant attack spawning the goal that won the match.
Come on QPR. How about another sublime goal from Zamora, or a proper 90 mins from Tarbuck (Trabeck, whassisname), and a hat trick from Austin). All my Austin’s were effing useless. Time to step up.
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It was a nasty little stamp from Ramires on Coquelin, blatant yet uncalled, and of course it led to a Gazprom goal. Will he survive the clumpings to come, will he be singled out for the “Arteta” treatments the next league game, further evidence of his arrival? When Gazprom players target an Arsenal player for injury, Alexis, Arteta, Coqelin, Diaby, etc. it’s fair to say they are good players! And three from that list play in CM.
That was the injury that was a set back for Coquelin, but I guess all those revelling in the D**M of their own Confirmation Bias have edited the impact of Riley’s Crows out of the equation when remembering the sequence of events around the position of D**M at the Arsenal.
I saw Coquelin take charge of a fixture(the midfield) against league one opposition on home debut. If I could see it then fair to say that others at the club could too…!
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Excellent Andrew. You never disappoint with your brand of nonconformism and subversive humor. A bit Wenger-like if I might say so.
8 wins in a row, how sweet it is. But like I predicted, it was difficult. No way were they going to allow us to cut through them as we did Liverpool. Predictably the triumphalists in our ranks are disappointed it wasn’t a ton king. I have news for them; it will be a slog to the end. This is a marathon, not a sprint. You all know where I put my money a long time ago.
Come on Queen’s Park Rangers!
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Who will take Arshavin’s place in the upcoming encounter with Reading, he had a big impact upon the last encounter. Walcott had a role to play in that epic game too, will he get a chance?
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Nice write up Andrew.
2nd place is looking fairly good now, tho’ still not a given. Most importantly, as you say, it is not something to concern ourselves with as Reading at Wembley is all that matter from now until next weekend.
I have to be fate temptingly honest here and say that my main challenge is to try and project a less than confident response to any who ask me how I think Saturday might go. A difficult thing at present given I have little – in fact NO fear as I type. No doubt all will change come Saturday but at present I’m annoyingly smug (according to my daughter anyway)
You there on Saturday Andrew? Others?
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Superb stuff Andrew,I never liked Queen either,saw Roger Taylor once in a pub in Wapping giving ‘Charlie Big Potatoes’ with his supermodel girlfriend & Aston Martin outside..I think I let his tyres down.
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Mel, the name dropper, I love your stylee. I see you are giving it large on Twitter as well.
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The three goal score line in the home fixture did not flatter the Arsenal but Burnely played well and a few of their players impressed on the day. The return leg against a tightly knit squad was never going to be an easy fixture, they played well. Thanks to Ian for the pitch side report too, on a small narrow pitch it won’t have been easy to get past ’em. The Arsenal had to use up most of their shots at goal in one move in order to breach the Burnley back line:
At first Coquelin made the interception and I thought to myself “oh, this could be fun”
But then the pass to Alexis was hit with a little bit too much power. And I thought: “Oops. He’s arsed up that pass, there goes the chance of an attack”
Fortunately Alexis is not bad at the old football and he managed to somehow retain possession and the ball, though a little momentum in the move or break was lost. “there was a chance of an opening, but it’s gone now” that was what I was thinking.
But the tricky trickster, he tricked his way towards the area, forwards. “He’s done well but he’s going to give it away with a slightly tired pass after that tiring looking run” I thought.
But no! Not just a pass, but some kind of reverse angle on it too to find of all people the pass master Özil himself. One well measured assist to Giroud and now he’s making reverse passes past several defenders? Maybe there is hope for Alexis? Hehe. “This move is working it’s way out the wrong way around, Özil should be passing to Alexis. Let’s see what happens…”
Those of us who like to listen to the players and not the plundits know that Özil came to the Arsenal as a part of his ambition to reach the heights of his own heroes. He’s already got the WC, not bad, and we can also already see that after one season unlike say Silva he has adapted better to the PL and is showing more strength and stamina and can hold players off with more ease now*. And also, crucially, is trying to get more goals. So my first thought when he received the pass from Alexis was “he is going to look for another pass.” But no! He gave the shot some welly, and the ‘keeper made a decent save though unfortunately for him the rebound ricocheted into a crowded pelanty area. Would the luck be with the Arsenal? The ball fell to Alexis, “he’ll score!” most would’ve thought. But he doesn’t as the shot hits a defender and rebounds again. “Arse, that’s it then,” the chance has finally gone, should Alexis’ have buried it there? But wait, what’s this, the ball rebounds again and seems to suddenly be following a magnet that has been hidden in Ramsey’s boots as he finds the space for another shot inbetween the legs and arms of several flailing defenders. It looked like there was no space left for him to get away a shot. But he does. And he scores. Somehow!
“Did you mean it?” Henry asked Ramsey after the game. Those magnets worked a treat.
*Özil looked a bit knackered for that final ten, but I guess he can still pass a little better then Alexis and that’s why Sanchez came off for the closing period.
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You know me Shots,I love self important twats!
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Fantastic stuff Andrew. Exactly as I saw it. Mel – I think Brian Moore has been sound on the whole badger debate but he never really got over Dirty Den dumping him at Christmas.
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for anyone thinking Arsene just stumbled into Le Coq and his place him in the team should revisit the words he used when he first arrived. Arsene always held him in high esteem and said he would be big at the club. When he was first introduced in the cup game at stoke as a right back the usual doubters slatted him and again Arsene backed him and said when he was able to command a starting place in his right position he would be big for the club. it may have taken a little longer for Le Coq to arrive but I think I know one man who always knew he would get there.
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Very good write up, the only aspect of the game I was really nervous about was Mike Dean’s ability affect an Arsenal match. I somehow managed to convince myself he would give a 90th minute penalty to Burnley, but thankfully that didn’t happen.
I think Coquelin was MoTM but Ramsey was a close second, as even though he was not playing in his favoured central position he had an excellent game. As did the much maligned captain in defence.
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I recall HM Regina Elizabeth II; of the United Kingdoms of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, Titular Head of the Church of England and Defender of the Faith professes to being a Gooner.
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Speaking of Coquelin, my earliest recollection of him was after that 8:2 shellacking at United. He was a little green then but he impressed me with his tenacity and determination. Shortly thereafter he virtually disappeared, derided by the realists, who by then were in full revisionist mode declaring project youth a total failure. Now that he is excelling, its purely an accident, another example of lucky Wenger.
The lengths some people will go.
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….”we know what you are, we know what you arrrre, John Terry we know what you are”. Being sung very loudly at the ‘R’s. With an old stadium like that it’s going to be difficult to mute them on TV, the terraces have had a few beers so this could get interesting haha.
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Wasn’t it the Queen Mother, first(ly)?
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anyone that thinks Wenger did not rate Coquelin needs to realize that FC is 24 years of age next month, which suggest that Wenger could see massive potential in him, you don’t get new contracts for being French, no matter what the AAA like to say, he has always had the ability, and he always had the work ethic, as others stated, he was making progress till ramrod took him out with one of his nasty assaults, he was then sent to Freiburg to gain experience and it just did not work out, as they used him more often at left wing than at CM. Wenger still seen potential in him and he was sent to Charlton to get match sharpness in one last effort to help him fulfill his potential and it has worked.
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Kind words and thank you.
Just back for the 2nd half of Rangers v CFC – c’mon you hoops
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Shotta
My memory of Coq at OT was that he was doing pretty well, but was substituted for some reason.(injury, lack of fitness?). Our team didn’t so so well after that.
But that defeat was set up in advance: Gervihno was sent off at Newcy (Peter Walton, ****!), after Barton hauled G down and S Taylor joined in. Finger brushing the face. Welcome to the Prem. Barton continued to shitkick everyone, and in trying to Fk up Song’s ankle, Alex lightly stepped on Bartons ankle, showing what could’ve been. Barton rolled around like the prick he is. (Did he roll sound when he kicked the shit out of that Asian guy in Leeds, or when he stubbed the cigar out in the young trainees eye, or when he busted out his teammates eye?)
The commentators cried, oooooh, they’ll have to have a look at that. Much more noise than that made about Barton and Taylor on Gervo. Injuries inflicted on Arsenal players in the first couple of games too, so that’s why we ended up with so many youngsters playing. Thing is, “Thems” HATE the fast season starts we had in 06 – 10, what with young players and new stadium.
Walton got job as head of refs in the MLS, mid season! Plucky Peter. How’s that going?
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Fucking Rob Green. Way to hand Cheksea the three points, you Idiot.
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Green you arsehole
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So Rob, how do you feel that went ?
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Gutted.
What a way to screw up a match.
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Such is the game.
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The Mancs are tearing into each other.
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Lucky with hull…lucky with qpr…. disgusting
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Another good day for Brendan Rodgers
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Man City look like tired old men…..
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I’m cool with this result. City have a pretty tame run in.
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And now Carrick is fucked.
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begovic handed cfc the win last week and green hands them the win this week, but its lucky Arsenal
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Arsenal broke man city, since we beat them they have lost 7 of their 14 games
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“Arsenal played a young boy in midfield; Francis Coquelin,” wrote Ferguson. “He was completely out of his depth. I had hardly heard of him and he barely played again.”
“He was a bit in between [being in] the playmaking position and a box-to-box player, he is not that – he’s a sitting player who can win the ball. He restricted his game to that and you make success in life with what you’re good at.”
Ferguson and Wenger!
Eduardo’s old stumping slagheap, had a piece on the 25th July 2013, in praise of the young Frenchman. The thread was raised by a xxxxxxxxx!
A nice piece by our resident hater (?) of Queen?
Rangers v CFC? I did not know that Glasgow Rangers were playing Celtic!
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So what sort of line up do we expect from Arsene next weeken, our strongest 11 with Szczesny in goal, or will it be full on rotation such as
Szczesny
Debuchy Chambers Gabriel Gibbs
Coquelin Ramsey
Walcott Ozil Alexis
Welbeck
subs
Ospina, Bellerin, Koscielny, Monreal, Cazorla, Wilshere, Giroud
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notoverthehill what does “The thread was raised by a xxxxxxxxx!” mean
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so if Cech leaves CFC this summer which of Begovic or Green has been promised to be his replacement, or are CFC being smart and have most of their upcoming rival goalies sounded out.
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Eduardo, Tigerline or ??? Sorry 25th July 2012 not 2013.
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My guess at a team for Wembley:
Sczcesny
Debuchy, Per; Gabby, Kieron
Arteta, Wilshire
Walcott, Özil, Rosicky
Welbeck
Subs: Ospina, Bellerin, Chambers, Monreal, Alexis, Santi, Giroud
Probably miles off, but what the hell – it’s just a bit of fun. I’m going to miss most of it anyway – on my way back from London to Copenhagen. And the Final maybe – my god-daughter has decided to get married on 30 May.
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S**t – I missed Ramsey out completely – what an amazing squad we have.
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I was just remembering all those years ago when Man U were also allegedly after Aaron and they invited him to Old Toilet and he was shown round by Roy Keane or some other nonentity. Arsene invited the whole family to join him in Switzerland, I think it was. Class.
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yeah dkg I think it was one of the Neville’s that showed him around, but Arsenal flew him and his family out to meet Arsene at the Euro Finals in Switzerland, AFC used Danny Fiszman’s private jet to fly the Ramsey’s out.
as for the team for the semi, I think that if Debuchy starts then Theo stands a much better chance of starting too, Wenger will be happier to start Theo if he has the experience of Debuchy at RB
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What shit results today! Unfortunately it looks like the luck is with chelski and it will probably see them through to the PL trophy, but we will be wrenching it away from them next season, no doubt. I can’t believe how badly the man city mercenaries have fallen away this season. They are going to need to do some serious shopping in the summer to rebuild their team. I bet they’re sorry they don’t have someone like Arsene who is planning not just for now, but for the medium and long term.
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