Morning everyone and I trust there is a spring in your step this Tuesday morning?
Another pleasant Start to the working week after last night’s demonstration of the football art at its best. You saw it, you coo’ed, you purred, you WOW’ed at Ozil’s back heel to Sanchez about ten minutes before the end. Even Steve Bruce probably WOW’ed at that flick and who could blame him ?
Like most Arsenal fans I suspected a difficult game, with opponents desperate to get at least a point out of the fixture and having enjoyed a couple of decent performances recently. But it was not to be. It was never a contest that would go the distance or require the counting up of points or rounds won. It was a KO. Opponent on the canvas, eyes-rolling, stars swirling, concussed, fight over at the 45. We took control of the game when Mr Mason whistled, and never, as far as I recall, looked like allowing it to slip from our steely grip.
Admittedly the evening got off to a humorous start with Dawson’s slightly unlucky re-direction of Sanchez’s free kick. Having fallen behind Hull knew they were in for a difficult evening. They did try going forward, they really did both in the second part of first half and in the opening phase of the second. But then the sky fell in. Two killer passes cut the centre of the home defence open, the finishing was as good as the passes. The game was decided.
After half time we had our usual ten or fifteen minutes dawdle, by the final 30 we had re-engaged top gear and the only question was whether we might get four or five. Some decent keeping and close misses kept the score reasonable. Harper I thought had a good game and for a 40 year old shows no sign of fading.
Turning to our lads though;
Front and centre stage last night clearly our goal scorers, our German wizard, the French spinal column of Giroud and Coq, and Santi – I must not forget Santi.
And Jack, my goodness that was a great 25 minutes !!
But less obvious was a very good evening from the defenders, all five of them. They concentrated, they marked their men at dead ball kicks, Ospina took the ball cleanly when he could, and punched hard when he was obstructed, they tackled sharply and stayed on their feet, and dealt with every Hull attack. Now very different to the pattern four or five months ago when the likes of Swansea seemed to reduce us to quivering jelly ? A little unlucky to lose a goal but these things happen, a momentary lapse with Kosc temporarily hors de combat thanks to Meyler.
On that point of the occasional overly physical challenge from Hull I must also praise both Kosc and Coq for their high quality efforts at retribution for earlier kicks received. It is not something I often see which makes it all the more welcome when it does happen. Francis’ stamp on Quinn’s ankle was almost Italian in its cynical perfection, and the ginger Irishman departed a short while after. Mason was oblivious. Kosc’s studding of the cheek of Meyler was equally high class and the Hull player did not recover, though stayed on gamely. Again Mason accepted the tangle as a misfortune. It is very difficult to prove intent. Had it been the other way round I would have been spitting. I would never condone a deliberate and violent assault on an opposition player, however the fruit is always sweet.
The Daily Mail has these pictures this morning of the incident and the aftermath.
Reading the mainstream media this morning ample recognition of the dominance that brought us three points. No doubt that will last all of five minutes until the transfer window opens.
For us it must be tracking Citeh and taking the opportunity to secure second place. Onwards to the Swansea game.
And just for you to enjoy one last time, Ozil at his very best;
Positively Arsenal 
Kroos playing at the base of Madrid’s midfield. Ramos vaguely towards the right. Not having watched them play very much I guess that he is the player they’ve used to replace Alonso in that all important role.
LikeLike
Now Keane has joined in !
LikeLike
Poor Scholes – he knows he won’t make the cut – trembling
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not sure I’d go for Pepe over Ramos at CB if I had the option.
LikeLike
“A standard playground response I agree…”
Precisely why I hate it Anicoll. All this talk of retribution and street fighting and violence…well, it just explains to me why I hate boxing, too. It all seems very infantile to me. And a sign that your better judgment has deserted you. It just goes against my gentle nature, I guess. Or, maybe it’s that extra X chromsome (banned smiley).
LikeLike
Great game and I loved that – not a breath between them.
LikeLike
2-1 & the tie is in the balance, 3-1 or 2-2 swings it either way a little bit. Every goal seems to be important in these games. Well, the arsenal have responded well since going out, hopefully they can carry their form onto the final.
LikeLike
That was war
LikeLike
“Bale meh…Madrid playing with ten men” heh.
Özil from Madrid after they signed Bale will live long in the memory.
LikeLike
He was truly non existent, roy is right there
LikeLike
Ah Ag – you assume I have better judgement but I probably don’t ! Just random spot judgement, occasionally rational, sometimes self serving, generally sincere though.
And there perhaps we meet the pivot of our conversation – I really do think that spark of physical violence is integral to football – it may be a smudge on the soul – but it has existed since ever two teams faced each other on a muddy strip.
And to fail as a football team to withdraw from participating in a game in which if that element of violence is not in your armour then you risk the consequences.
Not everyone is guilty – Messi for example is a peaceable soul irrespective of the kicking he receives. Ozil is another for whom the blade is never employed. Virtually every other player has that edge in their performance, to react, resist, to damage if required.
The rest though ? Our players of great merit in our recent history such as Dennis and Thierry ? ruffians !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well ultimatly 22 men wearing shorts and shinpads chasing a football…while the fans go beserk is infatile no?
LikeLike
I’ve always said that the football is ipultimately for kids. More kids play then adults!
Btw I never raked any ankles! One or two mistimed slides but I managed to refine my judgement (no refs and riots were best avoided).
LikeLiked by 1 person
One of Arthur Miller’s slighter plays, A View from the Bridge, suggests that “all the law is not in a book” and if that is true for the Italian community in Brooklyn then it probably holds for defensive midfielders in a less than perfectly officiated match. Until such time arrives that sees games properly refereed, then I am more than happy to see our lot stick up for themselves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
messi is so quick and agile/skillfull that if you play him dirty he will remember and then will disgrace you stealing the ball from you, zig zaging and scoring..and then he will do it again and again till you want the earth to open up and swallow you.. the devil.
LikeLike
anicoll
Please check at 7:00m on Arsenal player.
The Hull player comes in and drives the point of his elbow into Coq’s head, from the side. There are two replays. This was deliberate.
Commentators blame Ospina despite replays showing what clearly happened.
LikeLiked by 1 person
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252
{\fonttbl}
{\colortbl;\red255\green255\blue255;}
}
LikeLike
Sorry, I’m trying to post a still photo of Dawson’s? (Hull’s captain) assault, but haven’t managed.
LikeLike
I love this one;
http://cache1.asset-cache.net/gc/472153392-arsenals-french-midfielder-francis-coquelin-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=GkZZ8bf5zL1ZiijUmxa7QYQshRkrgkSK78oHeR%2BLkjAVqn9a0bTxylyehPzlQjLCxW3JYFAZEUmq0kHkxt7jyw%3D%3D
Regarding the Coq head injury it is at 6.40 of the first half on Arseplayer and you see he gets a bang on the side of the head from Dawson and a bang on the back of his head from Ospina. Like the commentator says the reason Coq is holding his mouth and nose is that he was pushed into a third player, Chester, in front of him and hit the back of his head.
Not his day !!
LikeLike
When Coq stood up following treatment after the foul he was rubbing the jaw where he was fouled. The point of the Dawson’s elbow thrust hurt more then a glancing contact with ospina’s gloves? It was the kind of foul that Atkinson would’ve called on Tuesday night or in a Gazprom game but PGMO Rules Football results in the consistent observation of a different code, for some reason, in AFC games.
LikeLike
Debuchy – no foul called twice. Out for season.
Arteta – no foul called. Out for season.
Wilshere – no foul called. Out for six odd months.
That’s 2014/15
Bacary Sagna is the strongest man that I have seen play football (that’s just me! I’m sure there are others…) took a pounding during his time and had the respect of all arsenal fans for it, but even the toughest of bones can be broken twice in a season in the same place if the official allows it and offers a player no protection whatsoever whilst they are trying to play.
LikeLike
Still trying to understand how the Sly plundits thought he was fouled by his ‘keeper…!
Very odd.
LikeLike
–
Swansea, that’ll be a good game to watch and could be a vaguely helpful guide on how the team has evolved since the trip to wales earlier in the season.
LikeLike
If Sanchez has to play qualifiers after the Copa then he won’t be in the squad at the start of the season? It’s unlikely. Mid-September/October start for him I guess.
LikeLike
Check how far Dawson ran (charged). I wish I could find a slow-mo .gif file of the 2nd replay shown on Arsenal player.
Anyway, thanks Fins, and anicoll. There are a few great pics of Coq celebrating when Arsenal score. I can’t wait to see him jump over the goal bar when he scores.
Warning: if you can’t stand S Robson/pure crap, DO NOT click on the file beneath.
It’s Talkshite collectively encouraging our Jack to go to ManC or Chelsea. Makes my blood boil. The ******* *******!
http://talksport.com/football/you-must-leave-arsenal-former-gunner-urges-jack-wilshere-join-premier-league-rivals
LikeLike
I don’t want Chech at our club. There’s a reason Chelsea don’t play him, and there are reasons the myth is going around that he’d make Arsenal better.
There’s a reason Wenger bought Ospina, as there were reasons for Arsène buying Kos, Mert, Özil, etc, etc, et al….
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sanogo, Akpom, Campbell and Wellington may be capable of under studying Alexis whilst he’s away. That would be under studying Theo, Danny, Ox and Serge.
But I like someone’s suggestion that Alexis should have an “injury” so he doesn’t go away.
Didn’t Gilberto get caught up in Copa/Brazil during his last seasons, and then come back a tad slower?
And for cripes sake,keep your hands off Gabriel, Dunga. You’ve got the wonderful Luis and stuff.
LikeLike
If it makes you feel better Ranty, Limestone and others started an online petition that got Robson the sack from the Arsenal website. Replaced by a grittish Gooner Adrian Clarke who played with Bergkamp no less. Another good breakdown up on the website. People do not need to waste their precious time with the Slysports gibberish when you can get such good analysis elsewhere.
You can imagine the final convo. between Robson and his former employer:
“Hi Stuart, as you know here aboard the good ship Arsenal we like to look after own. Family. Warts and all.
And you’ve been with us for a while.
However. The fans have written in, in large numbers. This does not hap[pen often. They even made a petition seen by many that states, and I quote: “Robson is a racist **** who knows sweet FA about the Football. Get. Rid.” I’m afraid, with regret, that we’ve no option but to let you go. This is the club that let Pat Rice walk in off the street to join the staff in the fifties, it’s not Leeds Leeds Leeds. Sort yourself out.
But, nevermind, you can always go and hang out with the gorgeous and exotic sounding Alan Brazil and your pal Durham. It’s got to better then interviewing Alex Scott and having a proper footy chat whilst not being interuppted by ads longer then your broadcast? Good luck, I think. You can have a go on the buffet on your way out.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Re: Sanga, strongest man, I agree, particularly over the period he played for us, and that’s why I don’t begrudge him moving. It’s a bigger pension pot for Bacary and a chance he won’t be crippled for his retirement.
I won’t forget what he done for us, and his expressions at the final whistle of our FkCup victory. Sagna stands to make an added fortune whilst not playing too much, and if there’s some ongoing niggles with his foot, or he knows he’s slowing down a tad, surely his decision to move was inspired?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Fins at 11:03
Brilliant. Thanks.
Only, I wouldn’t let him have any cold buffet. He’d probably have stolen stuff on his way out, anyway.
And yes, I do feel a little better. Much appreciated.
LikeLike
Silly season is truly here. Has it ever gone away?
We are good. We need do very little other than hope our players remain injury/niggle-free. If there is a hole that needs filling in the squad then I have no concerns about it and that any worrying/speculating/second guessing as to how it should be filled on my part would be fruitless.
(I don’t believe there is a hole of any significance that needs addressing by the way. Any extras added are surely prophylaxis against unwanted/unexpected absences)
If I need to fill any holes at home in a DIY style, I reckon it would be with a nice new tube of filler that I could mould easily into the hole shape – not a pre-used lump that I’d have to bash and squeeze and force into a hole it’s not the right shape for, however useful it may have been in a different hole elsewhere before.
I’ll remain my optimistic self and continue to enjoy the ride and let others, more able than I, to do any hole identification and subsequent filling. I’m off to secure my bamboos which seem to have gone askew in the wind. Give beans a chance, I say.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Gabby will have to bide his time before he can get a run, knowing AFC’s luck with injuries both the BFG and Koscielny will be fighting fit all season long next year!
In the meantime, fortunately for the Arsenal, his agent is not as savvy as…Paulinho! Ha. Ha. Ha. *wipes a tear*
Remember the halcyon days when Levy signing the uselless lump was the straw that broke the Mule’s back (not another one of Mendez’s mules this time) for some as they flip flopped on the “Vengarrrgggghhhh Out” fence? No wonder people who embarrassed themselves in such a way will:
Still be groaning. Otherwise they’d have to admit that…
Actually I’ve been able to identify the final meme of the WOB. The last step in the devolutinary process:
Nine years without a trophy
Fourth place is a trophy (but it’s not “our everything”:One Club Spud quote )
Won’t spend money because he is a scrooge,
Won’t buy big players
Big players won’t come to Arsneal
Doesn’t coach tactics
Doesn’t coach defence
Doesn’t know how to listen to medical people…
…there may be some other rubbish that i have, understandbly, forgotten
And the final step, the missing link
Arsenal can’t win the title under AW / Won’t beat the Soecial Agents Specialist
What we saw when we witnessed people clapping the F Word, the worst captain in my lifetime at the club (well as long as I can remember, since before Adams), was the spectacle of those who’ve been pining for Gazprom, the money, the lack of style, over the long years finally applauding a Gazprom player whilst they were playing against the Arsneal. The act made them happy? I understand that they’ll say he gave his all during his time, but he didn’t, RVP left with more credit and the F Word left as he left. Yet these very same people do not appear to respect the managers’ efforts as much, or the opp. and coaching that he gave to the F Word (& others). It’s true. Like many many AFC fans i was disgusted by the clapping. At least my pal Shona who still adores the snake, she could control herself and not clap. And I didn’t boo either. As I said before, Cazorla’s reaction to the diving cheat said more then I ever could!
LikeLiked by 2 people
< devolutionary!
LikeLike
i didnt do anything..didnt boo or clap …. but i can understand why some did ..either the booing or the clapping. i was too disappointed we didnt beat them to worry about anything else.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Fins
Gallas was surely worse?
I have no love for Soler since he forced his move to Barca.
LikeLike
I think the clapping was a anti-reaction to some of the bitter cunts telling the rest of us what to think all the time.
There was a banner at the away end, at Hull protesting about the price Hull were charging Arsenal fans for the match ticket.
All well and good – until you zoom in and see the same shitheads holding up that, who also have the Wenger out banner under their mattress at the moment.
LikeLike
Gallas nearly lead his team to a title regardless of how people interptet certain of his reactions. In his last season when he was stripped of the armband when we all knew he was off he played like focused commited warrior till the very end (one with some respect for his opponents alabama! Expect for, understandably, Nani!). Props where they are due, Gallas also went on to totally rip off Levy with an extortionate contract.
Fabregas made that strange backheel.
There’s no comparison there for me!
LikeLike
The WOB banner will be back out after the next draw. As it was last week after the last draw. Brave souls that they are.
LikeLike
I think the clapping was a anti-reaction to some of the bitter cunts telling the rest of us what to think all the time
That’s true too
LikeLike
Henry is right up there. A young team looking up to him and all he could muster was a poor Stevie me imitation, constantly sulking, shaking head and waving arms.
LikeLike
Henry might not have been everyone’s ideal but he’s not even close to the backpassing Webster Rule card playing, striking, shirt besmirching, slithering slimeball. For me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
heh:
LikeLike
& Someone sent me a link to the Arsenal Gents two recent poems, a master at work:
https://twitter.com/ArsenalGent, i was a fan before he found arseblog fame.
including:
hymn 456, Oh When The Saint Goes Marching In
&
Twas the night before St.Totteringham’s
Very funny, great stuff. You won’t read much better anywhere this week. Except here of course.
At one point in the past I thought that Anicoll might be the Arsenal Gent (IBSF)
LikeLike
fins i make you 100% right about the boy with barca dna but left them twice anyway. he is just a mercenary that happened to be talented and no more. legends are made of more much more. i would be very suprised if he has ever shed a tear at anyone he left personally or proffesionally.
LikeLike
Fabregas made that strange backheel.
ok granted, but have you seen what occured before that backheel? i think ive mentioned a few times clichy
cesc also scored penalty with a broken foot…just saying…
is it his fault he got totally dispirited watching that chesney costing us an easy trophy? you reckon konscielny prefers to play with ospina or wojo?
what would you do if you were playing in valencia and arsenal was winning trebles with your mates jack aaron theo etc and came asking for you ?
if he wanted to go ok…but get the price right…wenger got sentimental there. he shouldnt. let him rot in the bench till barca pays 70m ..minimum.
LikeLike
You can’t ignore the Webster Rule. it’s why things happened as they did. The club had no choice. The clubs no longer have say in these matters!
We’ve been over this before. it’s not why you leave but how you leave that matters.
RVP played the Webster ruling too, we knew he was off by Xmas that season. But at least he did his job on the pitch till the end (well, the last two games…). Following on from your comment Hunter, bearing that consideration in mind, the F Word looks even worse.
Every time someone even attempts to make an excuse for his conduct, he looks even worse! The more you dig, the more shite you unearth. Don’t waste your time or energy in attempting to defend this man. He’s not worth it haha!
LikeLike
Clichy made the assist for RVP that put Arsenal ahead in that tie. No comparison with the backheel!
LikeLike
im not defending anyone
i just note that clichy had more input in conceeding that goal seconds from half time than cesc did in that particular game.
and i simply ask as a theme for discussion what would you do if you played in valencia and your mates/country club/family were winning trebles, were in the pantheon of the world and came asking for you right after youve won the world cup and euro with them.
youre saying youd treat valencia like a ‘gentleman’ ? you wouldnt force a move?
why did we sell him so low? why not play hardball? its not as black and white as suggested i think.
LikeLike
I’m done with fabregas, any Arsenal player that moves to manure or chelski is a closed chapter. But as I remember it he always gave 100 percent on the pitch.
LikeLike
what assist ? rvp got sent off …nasri-abidal own goal it was. we were going through at 1-1 and busaka that cunt gave second yellow to robin?
are you talking the first leg of the tie?
LikeLike