Weeimba gilee Positivistas,
A memorable game yesterday at the Ems against a Norwich side who showed great endeavour and considerable footballing talent over the full 94 minutes. Credit to both teams.
Unlike those of you lucky enough to see the game on the TV I had the interesting experience of watching from a seat high up above the Norwich fans and under one of the large replay screens. As a result I had an excellent view of all goings-on in the ground, of which much has been spoken, but never saw one replay or reviewed one incident during the game. By the time I got home I was too drunk tired to watch the match again. That is a task for later today however as the family assure me I have a ‘doppelganger’, a perfect facial and body facsimile elsewhere in the Emirates. I await sight of my reflection with narcissistic enthusiasm. My recollection of footballing events is therefore based on “one take”!
As is our usual style we dominated possession first half but with limited threat to the Norwich goal. When we got toward the visitors’ box we could not slot through the next ball to split the defence, with a Norwich boot or head intercepting. Olivier worked hard against their two centre backs but to no result. There was a lot of sideways Arsenal movement from Mesut, Alexis and especially Alex Iwobi (who was in front of me). The ball moved mostly East to West as the stadium lies, rather than North to South. Now lateral movement can be a great means of testing defences, or identifying and prying open that weak spot in an opponent. In itself though, and with no direct thrust to accompany the sideways movement of players and ball, it achieves little. While the memory is a little fuzzy I think the only chance we had throughout the first 45 that caused a gasp was a Kosc header on half time? Correct me if I am wrong.
For their part Norwich managed to gain control of the ball and on at least one occasion Cech was required to turn away what could very much have been the opener during what for him was an under-employed first half.
After half time I thought we set off at a brisker pace but still the Canaries managed to hold us off, although they began to sweat a little harder. Per departed with a hamstring problem, the first of the afternoon’s substitutions and soon after Danny Welbeck replaced young Iwobi. Thereafter Gabriel was very good yesterday, just the right combination of speed and steel. The latter change was greeted with some consternation but the manager’s reasoning was clear to me. Danny brought that direct “run-towards-the-goal-and-take-on-defenders” that our offensive probing had lacked for an hour.
Norwich were not really ready for that sudden adoption of the North to South movement and within a couple of minutes their defence cracked open and we took what was a deserved lead.
Thereafter the game was exciting. We had chances to increase out lead, a great shot on target from Mo, and two moves in which we opened the Norwich defence only for weak finishing or the offside flag to intervene. Norwich brought on a second striker as well as the most devious of footballers in Naismith (Boo). They huffed and they puffed but we were never ragged and the bit of luck that Palace had with their long range shot never came the Canaries way.
Referee Jones peeped his final contribution and off I went into the very pleasant North London spring evening. I read on here last night that Norwich were rough but I did not notice them being any more physical with us than we were with them. Naismith will certainly still have a bruise on his head.
I hope to see something of Jack and Santi before season end. If not then we have more than enough players to collect the points we need to ensure third place, or even better if Tottingham slip at the Bridge.
Two snaps today – the top one is the Clock End on 78 minutes. It is not a matter of what you can see, but what you cannot see.
And below we have three people who went to the game, met up with their friends, and had a good afternoon watching Arsenal Football Club, their team.
And ‘that’ is what it is all about.
Enjoy your day !!
Positively Arsenal 
who ever thought they would see the day that a manager of man utd would use the term, in an after match interview, “only in sex masochism is it allowed”. Really love LVG interviews
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wouldn’t mind arsenal trying for Kelechi Iheanacho, with Pep coming in he might just be available.
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Memphis Depay has deleted all his Manchester United pictures on his Instagram and unfollowed teammates, which has sparked rumors that he is on his way out of the club.
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Après moi le déluge @double_canister 10m10 minutes ago
Staggering that Drinkwater gets sent off today, when you look back at the attack on Ramsey that wasn’t even given as a free kick.
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afcstuff @afcstuff 2h2 hours ago
Most PL clean sheets this season:
Cech 15 (32 apps)
Hart 15 (33 apps)
Schmeichel 15 (36 apps)
De Gea 14 (31 apps)
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afcstuff @afcstuff 8h8 hours ago
PL goals at Emirates (by both teams):
15/16: 38
14/15: 55
13/14: 47
12/13: 70
11/12: 56
10/11: 48
09/10: 63
08/09: 47
07/08: 48
06/07: 59
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afcstuff @afcstuff 9h9 hours ago
#afc fewest Premier League goals conceded at home in a season:
1998/99: 5
1997/98: 10
2015/16: 11
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afcstuff @afcstuff 11h11 hours ago
Arsenal in the Premier League since Elneny’s full debut:
DWWDDWDW
15 goals scored
6 conceded
5 clean sheets
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Hi Stewww. Nice reading all the positivity.
Eduardo good point about the division from redaction.
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We’re tighter than a ducks arse but it is having an effect on creativity. Not the only cause in our lack of goals and does actually dramatize the fact that we just have a couple of players out. Still Im not to keen on the idea of coquelin and elneny playing. Regardless of how much arse they kick.
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martin keown seems like a knowledgeable pundit till he speaks
Kevin PalmerVerified account@kpsundayworld
Martin Keown just claimed there isn’t a better left footed player IN EUROPE than……Andros Townsend.
Punditry at its finest! 🙈🤔
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Such a pleasure to meet members of the Sunshine Bus yesterday at the appropriately called Bank of Friendship. Andrew Nicoll is a true gent who made it all happen later to be joined by Passenal and the very generous Rantetta who presented me with a token of appreciation in the form of Theo’s book. Big shout outs to Mel O’Reilly who assisted me with a ticket making sure his mate was their to to present me with the pass he purchased on my behalf even though he must have been getting pissed up in Amsterdam. Georgakos kept clucking over me even though he had another family engagement and Steve was there in spirit having fallen into bad company at the Coronet. The sprit of Positively Arsenal is alive and well, virtual friends who our Blackburn George has brought together in one international community that supports the club for the right reasons. If Zim Paul was alive, he would have approved.
Finally, I did one better than Alabama Gooner and was able to use my presence to help the club eke out a victory in a tense nervy affair, at least I think I did. I can confirm that while the Emirates may not be always be the most positive of environments, those fools who tried to embarrass Arsene and the club at the 12th and 78th minutes were a distinct minority who were drowned out in my section to strains of “We love you Arsenal, we really do.” This left me with the distinct impression that our efforts at PA to emphasize a mature, positive attitude which is supportive of the one of the greatest managers ever in the history of football management is not in vain and is vitally necessary. Where else would those of us who have some experience of the real world have a platform to counter the negative narrative of the mainstream media and of their echo chamber on twitter, blogs and podcasts who want Arsenal to trod the same road as the oilers and oligarchs who are doing so much to ruin the beautiful game we so love.
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That’s brought a tear to my eye, Shotta.
I’d have loved to have been there and met you all too.
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I just read the latest blog by the American guy who does a lot of numbers (name deliberately witheld). It is so sad to see another blogger evolve from being cocksure flag waver who was absolutely sure Arsenal would win 2015-16 title to becoming another bitter anti-Wenger proselytizer. This is a great case study of when bloggers become consumed by their own opinions rather than supporting the club through ups and downs. How can anyone give any credence to his “numbers” when yesterday he spun them in a positive direction and today it is entirely a tale of woe. Major fail!
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Thank you d_c. Andrew, Ranty and Passenal were the real heroes.
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Shotta: I think after a while these bloggers begin to think that they actually do know what they are talking about – or that because they write about the club they somehow have more of a stake in it than someone who just collects programmes (or whatever strange off-shoot hobby people adopt as a side-salad to their main hobby of following the team).
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Here are some numbers: despite the continuous myth that Arsenal have a terrible defense (bar at St. Mary’s) They have conceded a miserly 34 goals so far this season, with only City and Villa remaining.
That’s the same number of goals let in by the Champions elect.
Only Spurs and Man. Utd have let in fewer goals. in LVG’s case that is explainable as he set up the entire team not to conceed at OT, as for Totts, the reasons are inexplicable.
Suffice that Arsenal have done better at the back since 07-08, when Arsenal were on the verge of winning the title – until outside forces stopped Wenger’s new team in it’s tracks.
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Heady @ 9:20 am – Yep. Yep and Yep. Shouldn’t be surprised. Two years ago he had a number of pieces saying we needed to spend £200m annually to compete.
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Very sorry I missed you Shotta, just couldn’t make it up to Village London this weekend. Glad you met the lovely Passenal, Andy and our other leading lights!
Great also that you could see and hear with your own eyes and ears the less than tepid support for the backfiring ‘protest’.
Although a disappointing season overall, a sober assessment of the very mixed fortunes of all the previously dominant sides will show that, as has been discussed here previously, a new era of competition is sweeping over the EPL; wider appreciation for Wenger to have weathered this particular storm is just one reason why the malcontents were left disappointed at the weekend.
And next season is unlikely to be easier for any side but with Arsene in charge of ours, our prospects can only be enhanced by the continuity he offers and the plans he already has in place.
When the transfer window closed last summer we only had one player signed but we end the season with Campbell, Welbeck, Elneny, and Iwobi set to take next year’s footballing stage by storm.
The inevitable retirement of one or two players makes this summer an absolutely fascinating one for all us Arsenal watchers. Development at Arsenal is constant and this summer will be no different.
I’m also looking forward to the inevitably entertaining social media meltdowns as Arsenal quietly go about their business secure in the knowledge that, as proven by this weekend’s non-events, the majority of the fans are in fact fully behind the club and the manager.
We love you Arsenal, we really do.
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Not being able to watch the team play at home doesn’t bother me, but not being able to meet up with the PA crew, upsets me.
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DC 9.30
yes we have only let in 34 goals, and in fact have kept 17 clean sheets so far, so the defensive problem seems to be that when we concede we often concede more than one goal
with 36 games played we still have only lost one game on a scoreline of 1-0, that was v CFC when Per was sent off.
this season has really been one of small margins, for example as little as scoring 3 more goals and conceding 3 less could have seen us now sitting 2pts clear at the top of the table
3 more goals –
LFC(H) 0-0, when we had Ramsey goal wrongly ruled out for offside
SFC(H) 0-0, when we totally dominated, and had at least 10 great chances
SCFC(A) 0-0, when we had a couple of clear penalty shouts turned down
3 less conceded –
LFC(A) 3-3, let in last minute goal
WHU(A) 3-3, had a two goal lead
CPFC(H) 1-1, let in late goal
thats 12 points right there, and there are another half dozen games that 1 more or one less goal would have seen a 12 point swing to us. So small margins have really made a massive difference to our season. I suppose that is a reason why so many are frustrated.
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Eddy has a point you know ?
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Ranieri and LVG had this little exchange at yesterdays game
Claudio Ranieri: “You are doing a fantastic job”
Louis van Gaal: “I am”
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pg you don’t seem sure ?
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Problem with the fine margins is that every other team in the league could tell a similar tale and present a very different table at the end of it all. What the fine margins mean to me is that football is such a precise sport and those smallest of decisions can have a massive effect. So small margins should almost never require massive changes to get a different result. Why would anyone call for an all new management and coaching staff if we were that close to a title, and have been on multiple occassions. Over the last three years small changes to youth football have been made and certain responsibilities have been moved away from Wenger. Perhaps a few minor alterations in the daily running would be more than enough to fire us to the 16/17 title.
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http://dailycannon.com/2016/05/two-things-the-failed-arsenal-fans-protest-achieved/?
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It’s unusual it get slightly positive articles about Arsene – but this one fits into that category.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Arsene Wenger not planning to try for 26 years as Arsenal manager
By Andy Charles (Sky Sports)
Last Updated: 02/05/16 10:09am
Arsene Wenger says backing from the majority of Arsenal fans will not tempt him to try and match Sir Alex Ferguson’s 26-year Manchester United reign.
Wenger went into Saturday evening’s clash with Norwich City, which ended in a 1-0 win for the Gunners, facing a backlash from supporters tired of waiting for the end of their 12-year Premier League title drought.
But the protests at the Emirates, in the 12th and 78th minute, were largely drowned out by Wenger’s backers who still believe in the Frenchman as he closes in on 20 years with the club.
Wenger is out of contract at the end of next season, but has consistently said he would like to stay in the shorter term if offered another extension.
He said: “I give my best for this club. You don’t spend 19 years at a club – like Sir Alex Ferguson spent 26 (years) – without every minute of your time, you give your whole life for that and try to do as well as possible.
“One target is to keep 100 per cent of people happy. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to do that this season.”
Asked if he was even thinking he could match Ferguson’s longevity, the 66-year-old said: “No, no, never. Don’t worry.”
Wenger also said he would have understood had the protests been louder, as he had been expecting, and said the disappointment at their Premier League failure this season was felt just as much by staff and players as fans.
“I am not in a democracy. I am in the next game, perform, try to do as well as you can and accept people’s opinions. That is what it is about,” he added.
“From what I was told, I thought the whole stadium would be white (with ‘Time for change’ posters).
“I think I can take that. I am in a public job and I have to live with judgement as long as it is respectful. If it is only opinion, we all have to accept that because we are in a public job.
Arsene Wenger described their 1-0 win against Norwich as a very difficult game and
also said sorry to the fans that he ‘cannot make them happy’
“We are here to give our best. We have been remarkably consistent at the top.
“There are disappointed people because we didn’t win the league. Believe me, we are as well. Like any Arsenal fans, we have to come back and win it and that is all we can do.”
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
From what I understand there were also a few scuffles between the pro and anti Arsene groups. Maybe somebody should start an anti “Black Flag” group .
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Fine margins indeed Eddy
Unfortunately the margin that matters is that Leicester will almost certainly lift the PL trophy as worthy champions. On occasions they have played some great football. On others, and this is probably the biggest difference from us, they have conjured up a little bit of magic and/or luck to snatch a win from a game they were drawing or a point from a game they were on target to lose. They have exemplified that for all the hysteria about “world class” signings and the transfer window, with fans poring over the accounts of this club and that endlessly, football is a fairly simple team game. This year their team has been better than our team.
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I agree anicoll5 Leicester have had a very fortunate campaign. Still can’t be taken away from them what a massive massive achievement it is though. If we’d have had their luck on occassion I’m sure we would have been a couple of titles up. I wonder if there’s anything to the saying you create your own luck? Perhaps due to the fact that the tick-list of traits Arsene likes our players to have includes above average intelligence there’s a lot more of dwelling on what-ifs. What if I get injured, I have a confidence slump, I miss this or that. Perhaps that type of thinking can leave the team susceptible to crushing losses of form? I can’t imagine Robert Huth ever falling foul of over thinking can you?
They say that intelligent people aren’t as good lovers for similar reasons. Where as Robert Huth can make a full street of ladies orgasm by simply combing his calf hair.
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Here are the goals for and against in each of our seasons in the PL after 36 games – it’s self explanatory where our problem lies – our lowest amount of goals scored in 18 seasons.
Season – GF – GA
1992/3 – 35 – 33
1993/4 – 48 – 21
1994/5 – 42 – 44
1995/6 – 47 – 31
1996/7 – 59 – 30
1997/8 – 68 – 28
1998/9 – 58 – 16
1999/0 – 68 – 36
2000/1 – 61 – 35
2001/2 – 74 – 33
2002/3 – 75 – 41
2003/4 – 70 – 25
2004/5 – 79 – 34
2005/6 – 61 – 28
2006/7 – 62 – 34
2007/8 – 72 – 31
2008/9 – 64 – 36
2009/10 – 78 – 39
2010/11 – 69 – 39
2011/12 – 68 – 44
2012/13 – 67 – 36
2013/14 – 65 – 41
2014/15 – 66 – 34
2015/16 – 59 – 34
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To put our lack of goals scored into a sharper focus – if we had scored one goal more in just 6 of the10 games that ended up as draws we would have another 12 points and would lead the league by 2 points – and be 10 ahead of the spuds.
Oh for 6 more goals in the right games at the right time ………………….damn – it’s only a dream………….
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As much as I would of liked Arsenal to win the title, it is only because of the values the club has (at present) and the ideal of football. Naturally, for Arsenal to play football the way they do, I totally understand why clubs such as Leicester and Atletico play the way they do as a way to win and counteract the more possession based teams. What is unique about Arsenal and Wenger, is the way I see it, that Arsenal are a club that if one were “realistic” – “could/would/should” be playing the defensive way, but instead have become a club that emulates the “pure football, beatiful game aestethic” and have become a big club by doing so! And that is also why they are so loved – and will continue to be – winning is not all there is to football.
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If it wasn’t for the fact our play actually merited those goal, it would be a pipe dream. But its reasonable to suggest a little luck with injuries and officiating, could easily have yielded them.
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Arsenal fans often criticize officiating ans use it as a key reason for us dropping points. While I share some the dismay over dodgy decisions I also know that every other club in the PL also think that they are hard done by.
It’s a swings and roundabouts type of discussion that goes on endlessly.
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Yeas GN5, but when we are officiated with the rules being applied differently that’s not swings and roundabouts.
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I’m pretty sure over the seasons we’ve had similar statistical ‘what if’s-style’ analysis’ when we’ve come close to winning the thing. What these stats all show, without too much debate required, is how fine the margins are at the highest levels of the game. For example, I’m pretty sure Spurs fans will have their own list of missed opportunities this season.
Which is why the contemptible minority who prefer the role of Critical Gooner rather than old fashioned, unconditional, unbridled, up and at ’em fan have plenty to answer for. How many can’t even get to their seats on time, leave at the end, or sit inside the stadium without disappearing every five minutes missing goals galore as they avail themselves of the facilities never ceases to amaze me.
The idea that Wenger was expecting a wall of white card on Saturday truly defies belief and it is tragic that as a fanbase we deny ourselves the margins that can be delivered by a fully engaged home crowd acting as 12th man.
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Andrew,
It’s shameful that on the occasion of his 750th PL game in charge a minority of neer do wells spoiled what should have been a momentous occasion for Arsene.
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Hey George
We could try a PA away day special next season – how about Everton?
There aren’t too many Oop Norf teams left, a dying breed.
Burnley is in your neck of the woods too, isn’t it?
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This might be a day that we can celebrate an annual occurrence that is unusually late this season – I’m going to name it “St Totts Bottlers Day” – the day that Tottenham blew their hopes of winning another League Trophy. Their 55th consecutive…………
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Burnley is about 4 miles from me DC.
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Tim Stillman @Stillberto 1h1 hour ago
Buzzing for the ‘oh look at us Arsenal fans, cheering on Chelsea, we’re shit’ misery wank brigade to be out in force tonight.
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Chels the devious, evil bastards we all know and love
Diego at his satanic best
0-1 down but I fancy a CFC win
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0-2 ! Tricky !!
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I still fancy a home win
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Supporting Arsenal is shit now, only to those who are shit supporters
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can’t see a home win in this anicol, especially with spurs players immune to any sanctions from the officials.
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Winks loudly ! Spuds rocking on their heels at the moment
No way will this carry on 11v11
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so why is it only Arsenal are accused of bottling a title challenge, spurs in their best chance of a title in 55 years, have let LCFC win the title with two games to go. Two goals up tonight, a ref turning a blind eye to their thuggery right to the last seconds of the game, and they throw away the game and title chance with a 2-2.
Wenger out
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Tottingham unable to clamber over the final hurdle. A punch up at the end, typical of both clubs. That will do nicely for now.
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Tim Stillman @Stillberto 2m2 minutes ago
Hahahaha! Spurs meltdown! #61NEVERAGAIN
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