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 
Thanks Fins, but it’s only the highlights on Arsenal player I’d be surprised if there’s anything “controversial” on there, save for Arsene’s presser, but I’ll check.
I’ve watched the highlights. They only included vP’s 2 yellows. No choke holds or anything from barfa. Song had his horrible blondy dye.
I watched the Ars360 also but apart from Arsène rightly speaking about the ref,which I remember, there was nowt on show as to how we frustrated barfa and buffica.
I think Arsenal have gotten away from tailoring the tactics to suit CF or vP. That’s why almost everybody’s scoring, and team sprit is so good.
Seriously, was Cesc at his best better than Özil?
Not for me,but maybe my memories are tainted. No lack of effort from fab at his peak with us, but brilliance combined with sulks, sucks. Look at Santi in that position, or Aaron, or even Jack. The latter runs England’s midfield,till he runs into vowel-less Skrtl.
Still,credit where credits due – CF has perfected his Daly diving skills, probably after stellar training with Hazard, Willian, et al.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Seriously, was Cesc at his best better than Özil?
hehehehe you devil …..
different players , different positions
i dont classify ozil as playmaker….more like a ‘phantom ten’
xavi pirlo modric cesc i prefer to use the term playmaker for those
LikeLike
carrick too ..more of a playmaker than say rooney (ten) …no?
LikeLike
Seriously, was Cesc at his best better than Özil?
No, never.
LikeLiked by 1 person
opinion or statement?
LikeLike
Nobody has ever been better than Ozil at what Ozil does.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sorry rants I thought they had the full game on there. Arse.
LikeLike
arsenal need a squad overhaul we are told by the AAA, ignoring that at the moment the following are reserves
Szczesny
Debuchy Chambers Gabriel Gibbs
Arteta Wilshere
Walcott Rosicky Oxlade-chamberlain
Welbeck
subs
Martinez, Hayden, Flamini, -out on loan- Campbell, Podolski, Sanogo
for me we have on many occasions in recent years(not to mention for years and years in the 70’s and 80’s) had worse match day squads than that 18 on many occasions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello hello hello
what’s this?
Our sweet “FA told Taylor to not pick too many black players for England”
So he picked Carlton Palmer over Rocastle etc. *weeps*
There’s a shock I can tell you. Nothing I’ve seen since that era would have induced me to to think any different. Not forgetting the, you know, weird self-demeaning xenophobia on display towards the Arsenal manager from the likes of Gary Linekar on BBC prime time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
1886 @1886_blog · 5h 5 hours ago
Seen a lot of CFC fans taunting Rio Ferdinand about the loss of his wife. It’s always fans of that club that sink to new lows. Utter cunts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lucky B – champions of top five divisions this year all begin with letter B
Conference – Barnet
League 2 – Burton
League 1 – Bristol City
Championship – Bournemouth
BPL – Boring Chelsea
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fascinating contest so far. Game is stretched from the off. End to end at pace, not an easy game for the officials!
LikeLike
Superb opening 20 in the Camp Nou
LikeLike
Both sides beautiful with the ball
But when they lose it just watch the energy and concentration employed to retrieve it
I may need to lie down.
LikeLike
Chelsea have used less English players in the Premier League than any other side this season -3 – Terry, Cahill, Loftus-Cheek and that is with Loftus-Cheek only making one sub appearance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought I saw Suarez and Lewandoski miss great chances, but I can’t have, they are the clinical world class striker that never miss good chances, unlike Giroud.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Like I give a fuck about how many ‘English’ players CFC have or have not used.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Probably no coincidence you could count the number of ‘English’ players on the pitch or the respective benches at the Camp Nou on the fingers of a man with no arms.
LikeLike
When did Alonso go to Bayern? Wasn’t he at RM? Damn, I’m really behind the times.
Oops, he just got booked. Double oops, he just got baulked a bit.
German goaly doing a Lehman, up and down the pitch – in the refs face. How’ll that pan out over the match? ooh, its fun.
LikeLike
Chelski have used less decent human beings since 70’s Leeds
LikeLiked by 2 people
Lewandowski has been formidably crap tonight in the first half by his own usually high standards
How about taking off the stupid mask ?
If you nose is bust a silly loose leather patch will make no difference if you get a thump – is it psychological ?
LikeLike
ranteta When did Alonso go to Bayern? Wasn’t he at RM?
hahahahah oh mate… my dad last night after the 56th stray pass from ramos stood up and shouted at ancelotti on the screen …’alonso !!! xavi!! put in !!! ‘ … i just laughed … you two would make great friends i think
eduardo
May 6, 2015 at 8:15 pm
lol..step out the classroom please…a snide unnecessary commment to make..indicative of ignorance… and because you deserve it : cesc scored penalty with broken foot/ and in semi of world cup against buffon! shhh ….ozil crapped it against neuer and fucked our momentum :p booohoooo
LikeLike
How about taking off the stupid mask ?
he is playing ‘zorro’ with pique…..
LikeLike
cannon
I’m just lagging a bit, like my stream.
LikeLike
No sweat bro …great minds think alike.
On lewa ..did you all hear titi being strict about that chance..hehe someone should have immediately put a replay of how he cost us the cl and a copy of the letter he gave to the sun
LikeLike
Did you see that edy?????? Messi dispossessed?????? And then shooting like a wimp straight at neuer…disgrace!!!!
LikeLike
Bayern have the grip of the 2nd half so far – even Barca wilting
LikeLike
Haven’t heard Titi. Only read bits an pieces. I’m still recovering from from his four players needed stance.
LikeLike
Anicoll stop fidgeting!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
At this pace I fancy Barca to wilt in last 15. If BM score first, surely they’ll have paler sent off? Tbh I’m somewhat indifferent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Flash of genius from the great man !
LikeLike
Satanic satanic messi …haha neuer cunt
LikeLike
Muller off ?
” you don’t know what yer doing”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Speechless
LikeLike
Muller off, not for me.
–
Messi as he often is in these games is the difference!
LikeLike
Oh bloody hell
LikeLike
I mean..whoever favours the crying7 over messi is like those 12 year old chavs in fulham who only know mourinho
LikeLike
Aha. Not as wilty as I thought, given the turn of events. (Though I did specify, “if BM score 1st).
I cover my tracks better than you, better than you. La la la.
LikeLike
Bayern would have to give up us one if their kidneys for Giroud.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Right then
If we are looking for a top top quality world class striker who would add to the squad
I have a name for Dick Law
LikeLike
4 minutes?
Seems a bit mean.
LikeLike
Eh-up, wheres Tommy V? Doesn’t he play for Barca? 5’4″ Mascapano playing centre back. (I do know he’s been playing there, honest).
LikeLike
Bend it like Bendtner?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Der keizer wont let pep back in the country
LikeLiked by 1 person
Disaster in Bavaria
I know the feeling !
LikeLiked by 1 person
#PepOut
LikeLike
Tie over. Not even a goal for Munchen.
Unfortunately seems as if tv5 has never been able to recover completely from that original ankle injury. Going to the WC inbetween niggles probably didn’t help with picking up a rude tear during a game but it seems harsh to be critical of a footballer wanting to go to a WC. He’s been out for the whole season.
LikeLike
Hey anicoll see how the emirates teaches camp nou on fan support…them classless catalns trying to catch the train… avanti
LikeLike
A shocker of a 3rd goal to concede which alters the tie – it was Monaco all over again – and Bayern the season before !
However do not – for one minute- write Bayern off – they will tear into the Catalans in the 2nd leg
LikeLike
Goes goal down, takes off best player. He didn’t start Muller in the tie last season and almost paid for it. The responsibility for Özil’s pelanty rests with his teammates, what were they thinking letting him take it against his former youth team colleague? Nothing is the answer. A ‘keeper would always have the advantage in that context. CL knockout round it’s a no brainer. Özil might have insisted on it but the ball should’ve been given to Santi or Arteta if he was playing (don’t think he was). That was the error & the game changer (along with losing an in form Gibbo) there.
LikeLike