Ian posted this in the Summer of 2017, the football match he remembered so well from almost 60 years before.
Isn’t it strange that when you cast your mind back over literally hundreds of games that really got you going, drenched with sweat, hoarse, really exhausted as though you’d covered every blade of grass on the pitch yourself, that a lost game is the most memorable?
After all there are 1-0 wins that were so against the run of play but so exciting (as we, the fans, literally tried to blow the ball away from our danger area) that they live in the mind far longer than eminently satisfactory but easy 6-2 wins. Even some 1-1 draws have done that.
So why choose a loss? Simple. It was a game that not only lives; it also showed what Gooners could do when they believed in themselves (something that our recent sides have done so well) and it also had me crying but a few days later.
There was a day in 1958 when League Champions “Manchester United” was simply that…..not MFU or any other other acronym for cheatin’, lucky, dirty bastards.
They were footballing Gods, blessed with skills so far from the norm that they resembled our Invincibles. (Even so they never managed a season unbeaten which goes to show just how good we were.)
We all knew that our side was just there to act as the sacrificial lamb, but in those days watching football played at such a level was no hardship. So they’ve put 14 goals past us in the last 3 games? And, they’ll put 3 or 4 past us again today, so what? Miss this game and you miss out on seeing real skill….and football as it can be played.
Whatever time the kick off, probably 1pm in those archaic days of no floodlights and no substitutes, you got to the ground a good 3 hours before hand for a game like this. Establish your viewing position, programme and a paper to read, big bag of peanuts to hand and then start the ‘how big a crowd?’ game; do the raffle for first person to score….”please let me pull Tommy Taylor!” No, get Denis Evans instead but at least that left you with a chance of just maybe the Arse will get a penalty….if of course we ever get into their area!
At last the game starts. Look at them strut. Colman, Edwards, Byrne…Bobby Charlton , a mere 3 years older than me and playing in this side. And the lucky raffle winner is….Duncan Edwards. They tore us apart, Charlton getting a goal of such frightening power that “maybe”, we thought, “he hits a ball as hard as big Cliff”, and, as we expected they were 3-0 up at half time. We started wondering what was the worst ever Arsenal defeat at Highbury. Horrible as the score was, we were watching a truly great side and there was a sigh almost of contentment as they trooped off. We were lucky enough to have seen greatness in action.
What may have gone into the Gooners tea at half time is a matter of conjecture….within about 10 minutes the crowd was ecstatic. Not only had we scored against these non- mortals, we’d equalised and had them on the run. David Herd and Jimmy Bloomfield (twice) had done the, what seemed, impossible. Our side was level.
Even a crowd as passionate as that can only keep up such a noise level for so long. An injury, treated as usual with a sponge loaded with iced water, two wild clearances into the stands and a bit of other time wasting, left all of us, players and supporters, shorn of adrenaline and realising that there wasn’t much left in the tank.
Had we shot our collective bolts? It would seem so. Another 10 minutes and we were 2 goals behind again. Violett and Taylor for the second time doing the damage. But the lads had realised by now that they could also play. Up went the sleeves, up again went the tempo and Derek Tapscott got our fourth. We were all berserk as the equaliser refused to come, but we were watching a game where the Arse was taking a better side almost to the cleaners. Almost but not quite and, as usual, the clock decided enough is enough.
We had lost but lost gloriously. Any fan having a voice left, even those up in the directors’ box, might be assumed to be sub normal. Mine for sure was some 3 days getting back to normal…..in time to wail “Oh shit” as I saw the headline of the first newspaper I was supposed to deliver on my 6a.m. morning paper delivery round.
It was the first and only time I ever cried for Manchester United.
Positively Arsenal 
Even better reading that review that second time around of a game played 60 years ago. The ‘old fart’ lived a life full of great memories and we are truly privilege to vicariously shared some bits of it.
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Fine write up for the Old Fart on UA this morning;
https://blog.woolwicharsenal.co.uk/archives/19086
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Bit of news – the Newcastle Arsenal game will be one of the15 PL games this season for VAR to be tested in.
Before the champagne corks pop however VAR officials, based at Stockley Park near Heathrow, will not be in contact with the match referee on the day. And any decisions made at the VAR hub will not be communicated to the official.
Small steps though.
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Going to read this properly later.
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Little note about the Football is Fixed guy and the fake Halsey quotes yesterday.
Surprised and disappointed to see anyone believing they were real quotes.
Now see the FIF twitter account posting them in typical pretentious style.
How are we supposed to believe someone/people with unbelievable behind the scenes knowledge know anything when they can’t recognise such obvious falseness?
They claim to have dedicated servers on corruption, use of advanced algorithms or something about black market gambling worldwide,etc,etc– but can be duped by someone slapping together a pic of Halsey with some made up words?!
And post it a day or two later when a rudimentary check will show it is bullshit, with Halsey himself directly telling someone it’s the case.
No chance. Looks to me like they just scan the internet for any allegations of wrongdoing, promote them without even sound judgement of what is particularly believable, then chuck in fancy-sounding stuff about servers, algorithms, black market, betting, insider knowledge etc.
A phony or phonies.
If there really is anything wrong in the way pgmol operates they don’t help at all.
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So what difference will VAR make in those games?
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To the games themselves absolutely none at all. To the process of bringing on VAR to a PL start, hopefully, in 2019/2020 it is a step in the right direction.
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can they give a sneak peak to let pple know how the ref differs in decisions and also where VAR would have made a difference
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That was a great account of the last time anyone watched that great side, ARSENAL did have the signed match ball displayed in the shop although I think it’s in the museum now.
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Rich
Even more surprising than the BS on FIF is the number of conspiracy orientated blog followers who actually believe in it, and what’s more regularly quote from it.
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regularly reference it would be more appropriate.
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Self Righteous
Suspect it was poor of me to bring it up on this particular posting so I’ll try not to say too much more about it here.
Was on my mind,is all. I’m irked by that stuff in football and well beyond it.
Poster I have a lot of time for on here has mentioned them a few times and we’ve discussed it before that I don’t find FIF at all convincing.
This was just one of the better examples of them behaving-amateurishly and with,seemingly, little understanding of basic logic (as if Halsey would drop himself and all his former colleagues into the legal shit like that!)- in a manner someone with the kind of expertise and knowledge they claim surely never would.
Not conclusive proof they are weird fantasists, but not good either.
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Hope our ex player Hinds can get career back on track.
Has had contract cancelled by Wolfsburg having been awol for weeks.
I liked him as player but worried his habit of going in with full commitment to very single challenge, including ones where he may just get a touch of ball but opponent likely to absolutely smash him, would cause big injury problems. Saw it- severe hits- happen about three times in the 10-15 games I watched him, and other close calls.
Anyway, hope he turns it around, as imagine it must be very tough to go from earning excellent money for your age to nothing and an uncertain future.
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I saw the FIF thing yesterday Rich (again) and, as Halsey said, it was pure invention and damages efforts to pressure the PL to improve refereeing. Why does it happen ? Because some people, football fans apparently, actually enjoy stoking the hatefest toward referees and pouring petrol on the flames.
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Guendouzi wins the Arsenal Player of the Month for August
I wonder what the odds on that were in early August ?
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I have been swamped of late and hadn’t visited this blog in a while. So it was to my obvious consternation that I had to read about the ‘old fart’s’ passing a few minutes ago. I couldn’t help but well up.
Being a respiratory physician, I understood how difficult his health challenges were. gf60 wouldn’t let the small matter of his health get in the way of his zest for life. Oh, how he proved his doctors wrong! Severally too.
Andy Anicol was right that we were in touch via mail and it was always a pleasure to hear from him whenever I could find the time to respond to his mails. We counted every month as an absolute bonus. Gf60 will always be remembered with fondness for his optimism on all things Arsenal and life in general. In the few years I got to make his acquaintance, I was buoyed by his ardent support even when things weren’t exactly looking up. He always kept the faith and taught me to do likewise. As his article reminded me, there’s always something positive to enjoy when Arsenal play, even in defeat.
I’ll miss him, definitely. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this trying time.
Adieu, old fart.
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Nice one iDibs!
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I loved reading this piece first time round – and it meant even more this time. As I get older I find myself increasingly inclined to sentimentality, so loved this little movie that features Matt Busby. If any of you have children or grandchildren that need entertaining then I thoroughly recommend it.
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seen a report(sorry not got the link) the other day about fears the BPL and FL clubs have over Brexit, it claimed that many fear that the FA and FL see Brexit as a way to get rid of foreign players in the English game. Not instantly of course, as most of those already here would be ok, but over the course of a few years some in the FA and FL want to curb the influx of foreign players and see Brexit as the means to do do. EU players would no longer be free to move and play here.
The report suggested that the BPL have already started to campaign the government to make sure that the freedom of movement enjoyed now by players continues. That a “special case” be made for football.
The BPL think that the little Englanders in the FA and FL are already using Brexit as the main tool when drawing up plans as to how to rid the English game of foreign players, and will ramp up the usual stuff about how foreign players are holding back English talent and in turn is stopping the England national team winning the WC and Euros, and that we will see more media coverage of the young English players moving abroad cos they can’t get game time here. — of course this freedom for them to move to Europe can easily disappear if the UK don’t come to an agreement on workers rights and right to free movement for EU and UK citizens.
The BPL really fear that its Brand could be destroyed very easily and very quickly.
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As matters stand after Brexit and with the UK no longer allowing freedom of movement for EU nationals the criteria for a player from, say, France seeking a work permit in the UK would be the same as one from Gabon or Chile. Under existing immigration rules, non-EU players have to secure a governing body endorsement (GBE) to receive a work permit from the Home Office, using a points-based system relating to a player’s transfer fee, wages, international caps and his national team’s Fifa ranking. That will be extended to EU players wanting to play in the UK. There is no reason why that change in itself would lead to fewer EU players. It would probably make the players signed more expensive and older, but the PL is hardly short of cash.
In response the PL have said they want exemption for all football clubs to allow the signing of any player, from anywhere, as long as he has a contract. Pep and Citeh were banging that drum about Luiz a few weeks back.
It is not really a matter of the FA but for UK immigration law and how that develops post Brexit. A lot of industries are queuing up to argue that they require an exemption, from farmers to fast food moguls to football owners. I think a few are going to be disappointed.
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thing is anicol all work permit need the backing of the FA and the PFA for them to stand a chance and the BPL and FL clubs are worried that some in the FA and FL want to use Brexit to force a limit on the numbers, with it rumored that some want it limited to no more than 4 players per club.
Young players from the EU might be a thing of the past, many come in with family members coming to stay for the initial few months to help them settle, but like we already see with the problems bringing in young players from Africia and South America, its sometimes possible to get the permit for the player, but family members are just not allowed in.
Even big stars sometimes can not get visa’s for their relatives to visit, Kanu being one such big name who had massive problems getting relatives allowed in.
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Good interview with Santi in the Guardian online tonight – Sid Lowe
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Sums up Wenger, a very loyal man, with immense human qualities where people can count for more than money
Cannot express the joy of Santi Caz being able to play again, he is one of the finest I have seen wear the shirt, and convinced, like others our little mini decline was in no small part down to losing his services, players like him, and the likes of Rosicky are so vital for wengerball to function properly, players of the very highest bravery and technical ability. Such players are not easy to find and in this league are a near extinct breed as the ranks of journeymen cloggers are set to them
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Incredible what Santi had to battle through. I tuned out at one point when the bombardment of medical issues got too much (think it was when blood vessels came into it)
To paraphrase, bits of his body in the wrong places, was an extremely evocative line.
Would be a tough time for someone who wasn’t a professional athlete!
Every game he plays now is testament to his determination to play and, i think, considerable love of football. Seems unwise to name any numbers for how long I’d like to see him carry on, but obviously I hope for a decent amount for him.
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Of many points of interest, really grabbed my attention that he had been badly affected by injury since 2013, something suffered on international duty.
I’m not sure that was publicised, or at least can’t remember it.
Went so far as to say he really struggled in 15 minutes after half time each game.
Another big moment to remind ourselves of how much we don’t know at any time, about injury issues and no doubt plenty else.
Mentioned before it took me a long time to grasp the truth and the implications of that.
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Hector Bellerin is rapidly becoming my favourite player, not least for the way he winds up those fans who take so little winding up.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/hector-bellerin-act-differently-and-it-makes-you-a-target-its-dangerous-nv9qfnsbm
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Great article that on Bellerín. Very articulate and positive young man. The part he said about all the new staff at Arsenal highlights how on top of getting used to Unai Emery bringing in new idea, the players are also getting used to working with new people. Him and the players understand that this is a process and as he said, in a few months time when things start to take shape… this team will do much better than they currently are.
Its a shame that he has to deal with so much nastiness. His detractors would be so much better off if they stop conforming and use his example of being comfortable with whomever you are and whatever your thoughts are.
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Granit Xhaka is captain of Switzerland in their game v Iceland.
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That’s really flipping one to Stéphane Henchoz.
Just discovered that none of these games are live on terrestrial TV, unless I’ve overlooked something.
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Torreira on the subs bench with an ice pack on his leg after coming off at half time in today’s game for Uruguay
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the Swiss game in on live here in Ireland, its on Virgin Media 3,
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At least commentator for Swiss game (Tony Gale, I think) has admitted Xhaka is a good passer of ball.
Still the ultra familiar struggle for him/them to reconcile watching Arsenal player do well on international duty with the negative perception of player in our shirt.
He went for the ,equally familiar, suggestion that the player is used differently for National team. Followed by suggesting Xhaka isn’t good at closing people down nor getting back at people when they are passed him. Can be got to,as well.
Should just trust his eyes. Xhaka’s vital for Swiss and normally plays well. Same as with us.
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Looks like I’ll be able to watch England v Spain on Sopcast; two streams up so far. It’s pretty reliable if you can get it.
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6-0 win for the swiss, and it really could easily have been 10-0
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The court ruling that could totally change football
By
Lee Hurley –
Sep 8, 2018
On Thursday afternoon it was reported that a ruling has been handed down in Brussels that could change the face of football as we know it in the same way the Bosman ruling altered the game forever.
In an historic judgement, a Brussels Court of Appeal ruled that football’s governing bodies insistence on the obligatory use of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is illegal.
The ruling, dated 28 August and stretching to 25-pages, holss that FIFA and UEFA’s rule that legal disputes must be heard exclusively by the CAS violate article 6 of the European Convention of Human Rights and article 47 of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights.
–– ADVERTISEMENT ––
This opens up the possibility that clubs and players can take legal action against FIFA, UEFA or other clubs using the domestic courts of their own country.
The legal battle was started in 2015 when a case was brought by Jean-Louis Dupont, known for his work on the Bosman case, and Martin Hissel. It all started in relation to FIFA’s prohibition on the use of investment funds for the ownership of players that blocked Belgian side, RFC and investment fund Doyen Sports doing just that.
In short, FIFA and UEFA used to insist that all legal disputes were settled by the CAS and nobody else. The court in Brussels found that this is illegal.
With the possibility that old cases, already heard by the CAS, could be reopened, this is one can of worms that is just bursting and, at the time of writing, the UK press doesn’t seem at all bothered.
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Sounds like Danny Welbeck had a perfectly good equaliser ruled out
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He did Mandy, it is still unclear why Danny’s goal ruled out as the behind the goal official seemed happy. It looked fine on TV and De Gea dropped the ball under a mild challenge. Dutch referee unfortunately, probably waiting for the VAR official to tell him what to do.
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Oh well, a shame for Danny , he often does well for England
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Yeah! Danny holding his ground & having De Gea all over him, hit his head with the ball, dropped it & Danny reacted quickest & knocked it in from close range. No foul!
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VAR is not use in the Nations League/Cup. It’s gonna be interesting to see whether the home of football’s media and pundits may pause for thought that its not such a bad innovation after all. To quote Bellerín: “VAR can remove the injustices”. Smart young man.
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Have you noticed SelfRighteous the number of times nowadays that if a player is “fouled” (I use the term very, very loosely with De Gea’s “foul” when he dropped simple cross last night an example) he immediately clutches his head and the referee will swiftly blow up because they have to. Never seen so many head injuries.
Yet another form of f****** cheating by players imo.
The answer is if a player sustains, or says they have sustained, a head injury they go off – and receive a thorough medical assessment.
End of problem.
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I sort of agree Andy, but in the rare case of a proper player being injured, he might get up and carry on when he shouldn’t.
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Hey Fins, I found this, my favourite ever cricketer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ47bVWWBVc
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Quite right George but players have to be taught that you need to be checked if you have had a serious blow to the head, you must not try to “run it off”. There have been instances of players trying to carry on with a fractured skull. The clubs, as responsible employers, need to enforce the rule.
I’d reckon it would be easier if fewer players rolled around on the turf clutching their heads when the TV shows it was their shoulder that was knocked.
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For those who don’t hang out on Twitter, you may be unaware that I, with the support of a few mutual friends, have decided to launch a non-partisan blog dedicated to the earliest possible implementation of VAR in the EPL. Tomorrow is the launch of UniteforVAR.com. You can bookmark that page in advance.
I am convinced from the data I have published here at PA that too often the refereeing in the EPL is inconsistent and biased. This new blog is dedicated to improved, accurate unbiased refereeing with the use of VAR. In my opinion this will level the playing field for all PL clubs.
BTW, I am fully aware that in an already crowded blogsphere this new venture runs the risk of disappearing in early oblivion like many others. But in my overly long experience of trials and errors, nothing worth pursuing comes with a guarantee of success. I remain committed to PA but obviously my blogging will be limited as the issues at UniteforVAR are of a non-partisan nature and not appropriate for a club-specific blog. Hopefully some of you will join me over there.
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Yes Andy, I agree in principal, but I worry about the few. I’m a super hero you know? Its my job.
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Bookmarked Shotta.
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Anicool5
Yes, it’s a most effective way of stopping play when there is pressure on your team. De Gea (on this occasion) didn’t even get hit on his head; if anyone did it was Danny. Very poor decision.
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A Xhaka one again.
There are others out there besides us lot who are fed up with the absurd criticism of him and one of them did a thread on twitter about it.
The critics quickly leapt in and one of them listed the key, insurmountable flaws, in their mind, which prevent Xhaka being a good dm (or cm, can’t remember). Prominent mention of lack of speed to recover.
Got me thinking especially after discussion here the other day about deep-lying playmakers…who among the best midfield passers is excellent physically, especially in terms of speed?
Difficulty with any defence of Xhaka is you invariably talk about the very,very best midfielders and, internet debate being what it is, that opens the door to ridicule and suggestion you are saying Xhaka is as good as them, when that’s not necessarily the case (for instance, he’s class, but yes, Iniesta,Xavi, Pirlo etc are that last level above)
Anyway, great midfield passers- Busquets, Pirlo, Alonso, Cazorla, Modric, Kroos, rakitic, Fabregas, Verratti
Other great or very good ones, somewhere in mid areas, past and present- Boban, Prosinecki, Hagi, Riquelme, Arteta, Redondo, Banega, Thiago Motta.
Most of that lot are not great athletically, either in size, speed or both.
In fact I find it very hard to think of any quick or very quick midfielders, central especially, who are great passers.
Makes perfect sense as well. Smaller or less quick players must, from a very early age, hone skills, techniques and their intellect to allow them to shine amongst competition who have some physical advantage over them. Conversely, the best athletically will live to at least some extent off their athleticism.
Again not coincidentally I think three of the cleverer English central midfielders of last 15 years were Carrick, Barry and, yes, Murphy. None were quick. None any more likely than Xhaka to recover when someone’s got passed them.
All would, naturally, have been happiest and best able to thrive with midfield partners who could help with the things they aren’t strong at.
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