Now, I’m sicked of the sight of Jose Mourinho. And I honestly can’t see how “special” he is for him to achieve what he has achieved given the money available for him in the transfer market. As one Premiership manager once said (I forgot who he is, but I remember he’s an English coach) - with all those money, a taxi driver in London could do a good job with Chelsea.
Having said that, we have to give the credit to the self-proclaimed “Special One” for injecting such an amazing discipline into his mega millions squad. Everyone of them works hard, and fully focused. When the camera zoomed into the two teams waiting down the tunnel prior to the start of the match, you can see the differece. While our captain Thierry Henry was busy shaking hands, being friendly with the opposition players, John Terry, the Chelsea skipper, stood still emotionless, like a statue. Of course, you can translate his body language as being day dreaming, but I saw the determination and 100% concentration towards the task facing upon him.
Chelsea’s game plan was nothing speical. It’s what George Graham often adapted when we were playing big oppositions at the past - Closing players down all over the pitch in the opening hour of the match, try to deny them getting into attacking/passing rhythem. Once taken the lead, sit back, and get your midfielders forming a shell in front of the back four, then attempts to throw a long ball over the top for the speedy forwards to start a counter attack. I afraid to say, in their victory over Arsenal, they executed their game plan into perfection.
I am not feeling too downhearted towards our defeat. Our players did put on a good effort. Make no mistake, with Chelsea denying our space all over the pitch, our room for passing was in the minimum. Yet somehow the team still managed to string a few decent passes together, and created a few good chances. I don’t think we were outplayed, Chelsea’s defence just too good for anyone to penetrate.
I particular like the attitude of young Senderos. Having been made as the scapegoat of our two previous defeats to Chelsea, with the Drogba-own-Senderos talk being blown way out of proportion, the young Swiss central back did not look shy of taking the challenge to handle Drogba again. In fact, he looked hunger to seek his revenge. I like this soft of determination from a young player. It was like when Tony Adams being made as a national scapegoat after England’s Euro 1988 campaign, for being totally destroyed by then the World’s best striker Marco van Basten, Tony did not hide, responsed to the challenge, and went on to prove the whole world wrong by inspiring Arsenal to win their first Championship in 18 years the following season. With the right attitude, this kid is going place.
75 Responses to “Chelsea defeat afterthought”
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December 21st, 2005 at 8:30 am
Andez, I have to say, I don’t get you on this mate.
Why do you continue to slag off Henry for the WAY HE IS AS A PERSON.
Who cares what the heck he’s doing in the tunnel?
He is who he is… he shouldn’t change to suit YOU or anyone else. If he chooses to shake hands and chat with players before a match, why do you care? Perhaps that makes him more comfortable, keeps him loose before the big match.
So, Lampard stares forward not talking to anyone?
That makes him a better player or captain?
That makes ZERO SENSE.
It had nothing to do with the outcome of the match. We could have won, and I could have pointed to Lampard and said he was too uptight about the match, just staring forward.
Thierry Henry is not the problem at the Arsenal.
He’s our best player. He’s our captain. If you don’t like that, thats on you. Its not his fault that Wenger and the board failed to build an adequate team for this season. Don’t try and make Henry the scapegoat and say he’s not doing this and he’s not doing that and he is too friendly a person. It makes no sense and its a ridiculous arguement to make.
Senderos?
He’s got potential. So do all our kids. At the end of the day it means f-all. Drogba makes him piss his pants. It was evident on Sunday yet again. He could be a really good one… or not. The jury is still out on him. I think he’ll be a good player and a contributor to the Arsenal for years, but I’m not quite ready to build his statue and compare him to Tony Adams.
Now get off Henry’s back, please.
December 21st, 2005 at 8:33 am
Andez I agree with your observations on the difference in attitude between the two captains. Sometimes that kind of sportsmanship can translate into a game of pure football on the pitch but in this case it came back to bite us as Essien in particular used this soft cuddly attitude of ours to his own advantage.
I do think that on the whole the team made an excellent effort except for the defence. The midfield was not overrun and Van Persie had a completely legitimate goal dissallowed. Cashea’s defence was excellent but we ARE capable of breaking through it, Van Persie’s effort proved that.
I do disagree on your point of not feeling disheartened about the outcome of this game. For me this was a severe blow. Like I said before in a previous post, as much as I hate Manure I would still prefer them to win the title over Chelsea, and this loss has made it that much harder for them to close the gap. That upsets me a lot.
As far as Senderos is concerned I found his performance impressive and I feel he will only get better in leaps and bounds as his experience stacks up, despite the inevitable setbacks.
December 21st, 2005 at 8:34 am
by the way, I said “Lampard” in my post, and you said “Terry”… I meant Terry… but the point is still the same regardless of who we are talking about.
December 21st, 2005 at 8:42 am
Stag, I think you keep misunderstanding the point Andez and some others are trying to make. No one is saying that Henry is costing us games and that we are better off if we are rid off him.
I agree with your basic premise that there are a lot of other things that can be addressed before the issue of Henry’s performance as skipper. I am still optimistic that eventually with experience he may still rise to the leadership abilities of Tony Adams.
However the one thing that cannot be denied is that on Sunday even though Henry’s playing performance was solid, his leadership performance was not. Essien and a few others should have been put in their place and made to understand that there would be consequences for their actions. However they were not and instead Henry chose to appease them. And that boomeranged against us.
December 21st, 2005 at 8:51 am
FloridaG…
I completely DISAGREE with you on the premise that his leadership was lacking in any way?
Why? Because he wasn’t staring straight ahead in the tunnel and he was talking and shaking hands?
Are you serious?
Ronaldinho is the best player in the world. He is always smiling and laughing and having the time of his life playing football. Doesn’t seem to negatively impact Barcelona in any way.
In my opinion, its CRAP. Being serious and nasty and not enjoying yourself on the pitch does NOT translate into leadership.
Henry is a STRIKER. He is somehow supposed to put players in their place from the opposing team?
Should he make hard tackles in our defensive zone too? Run back into our side of the pitch to hit Essien with a hard tackle… take the ball from him… run up the pitch through the entire Chelsea team and score?
He’s not a hard man. He’s not Roy Keane or Vieira. Wenger knew this when he made him captain. If thats what you want from Henry, you’ll NEVER be happy… because he loves the game, loves being a sportsman, and thats who he is. He’s not going to snarl and crunch someone with a tackle. If he did and he got injured, we’d all think it was STUPID.
His actions did NOT boomerang against us. We gave up two goals and scored zero.
We got outplayed. It was not due to Thierry Henry chatting in the tunnel and John Terry not.
December 21st, 2005 at 9:07 am
Andez, I’m not down on our player’s efforts either. Things just went up a notch and we’ve been trying to negotiate the tide all season. We may have been bringing a beautiful sword we haven’t mastered using yet to a gun fight at times, but I relish the experience they’re getting.
And I wanted to respond to Stag’s Teflon Henry Bubble? and talk about how Wenger may have created a weird and somewhat negative situation by making him captain and that being one requires you DO augment the way you act on game day and in the tunnel if you have respect for the position and the club’s history, etc. but I won’t for five distinct reasons:
1) After the birth of his daughter, he, like Bobby, have taken a different tack in approaching a game. Its to be loose and have fun and its counter to what Terry and his brood might be trying. Its not working, but it’s not right to assume he’s not trying something.
2) He’s hurt again, and one can only hope that we will respond the same way we did last season with Freddie feeling the need to step up and getting some gutsy, ugly results. Some are suggesting he’s making a meal of it, but I won’t go there.
3) I don’t think Henry was ever seriously thinking of staying and has been coaching Ashley on how properly to leave a club by saying all the right things in the press in an attempt to preserve a positive reputation. Plus, he’s always hurt these days, and among other things, he may think he’ll have it physically easier to play elsewhere. Wouldn’t blame him either if he was thinking that.
4) I like Stag and I don’t want this to turn into a verbal abuse session over a player we both love. Plus, if we do manage to meet up at Highbury, I want to be sure he buys a round.
5) My new TH14 replica arrived last night and I’m wearing it and its excellent.
Doncaster away is a huge tie. Never thought I would ever say that, but that’s football and that’s how much I’ve been spoiled by what The Arsenal have achieved under Wenger. May we rise again.
December 21st, 2005 at 9:26 am
Andez let get straight to the points and facts. Adams was not made a scapegoat but the national manager who quit his post.
We lost on Sunday to a better team and if you can’t accept those facts fine. I know there are about 1 million conspiracy theories why we lost and you can blame anyone else apart from the man in charge.
At the end of the day is very simple. The crap stops with the manager not Henry or the team. Wenger picks the team and the captain not the special one. As written in most of the national papers today this whole crap about Chelsea and their boss is getting boring now.
Arsenal have to sort their house out. Doncaster or no other team is going to give us an easy ride or special treatment and if we going to complained with excuses each week then that is also ok but no one is buying that.
You mentioned George Graham - Well he said Arsenal have no one to blame. Is the job of the manager to sort things out? Mourinho is in charge of Chelsea and why should he care about Arsenal.
I?m not getting all your excuses. Arsenal have the money in the bank so why not used it. Money helps but you need someone to manage the team and as George Graham said Mourinho had done a good job with the money. Asked Real Madrid what happen to all their billion dollar star players? They still needs a manager? Money without a manager means f all.
December 21st, 2005 at 9:27 am
U said it right Stag. Yes, Titi is Titi, that’s the way he is, friendly and full of sportmanship. Yet at the same time breath-taking when he’s on the flow. Now you understand this.
Then what about Wenger? Did you realize Wenger being Wenger, he’s never a manager who loves to spend big. He loves to buy unknown players and atttempt to turn them into diamonds. But that didn’t stop you complained a half season that he did not spend in the summer did u?
December 21st, 2005 at 9:31 am
love G, Stag, have you guys ever read the complete article of ppl before making comment?
I couldn’t accept Chelsea play better than us? Please, read the article again.
December 21st, 2005 at 9:33 am
I am not at all saying that Henry should be serious and nasty and belligerent, but I am saying that that he ought to be aggressively defensive, just like Tony Adams was.
When I say that his actions boomeranged against us what I mean by that is that because he chose to play the role of nice guy, Chelsea, instead of reciprocating the attitude, unsurprisingly used that to try and outmuscle Arsenal.
Listen dude, I am all for sportsmanship and fun and maybe when we play Real Madrid or Milan it will be fine. But that attitude will never work against Chelsea or Tottenham.
Understand this, Chelsea and Tottenham are not just our opponents, THEY ARE OUR ENEMIES. It is crazy to think that a sportsmanlike attitude will ever result in a quid pro qou.
One of the Arsenal-Chelsea derby’s that has lived long in my mind was all the way back in 1998 when Gullit was still their manager. This was the game when Stephen Hughes scored a brace to notch up a 2-0 home win for Arsenal. Both halves of that game at all times pretty much teetered on the brink of disciplinary anarchy with bouts of football occasionally breaking out among the punching, kicking, flying headlocks, foot stampings, and not to mention the yelling and screaming recriminations. It wasnt pretty, but it was still an attacking game and thats how the Blue Scum have to be played.
WITH CHELSEA THERE IS NO ROOM FOR SPORTSMANSHIP.
December 21st, 2005 at 9:45 am
Stag this article above is addressed to you.
December 21st, 2005 at 9:56 am
loveG, u mentioned George Graham, didn’t u remember after Arsenal’s 1991 winning season, GG himself was accused of “failed to build onto the team’s success” (for did not spend big to bring in more quality players) by media and fans likewise?
In terms of spending policy, GG and AW are surprisingly very similiar. Apart from Alan Smith, Ian Wright, David Seaman, you can say GG did not bring in too many other established “star” players. Like AW, he likes to buy CHEAP. Turing the solid professionals into great or very good one.
I’been keep on defending AW is not because i think he did everything right, it’s simply because i don’t think all the blame on AW is justify. Likewise, I would defend GG had him be our manager today. I don’t care whether they are English, French, Scottish. All I know is they are ARSENAL manager. IF Jose Mourinho is our manager, I’d probably think, sh*t i don’t like his f*cking face. But hey, he’s OUR manager, so I got no choice but to support him with all my heart. But now he’s NOT, so I’d love to have a go on him anytime i want.
I don’t want to be NEUTRAL. I’m an ARSENAL fan, not a bloody hell football analyst who would talk about facts and stats. I’m biased, I’m passioned, because I LOVE ARSENAL FOOTBALL CLUB.
December 21st, 2005 at 10:01 am
Arsene NAMED Henry captain.
If you have a problem with him as captain, blame the guy who MADE him captain.
Wenger gambled on kids and potential.
He totally screwed up this season. I am sure he told Henry to be patient, that the kids would come true… they haven’t. If Henry leaves its WENGER’s FAULT. He failed to meet Henry’s talent level and ambitions, and what were ONCE Arsenal’s ambitions, to challenge for every trophy. Now we are hoping to win the Carling f’ing Cup?!
He chooses not to spend. Wonderful.
If he doesn’t spend in January, he’ll have a team of kids and be mid-table. If thats what you hope we acheive and have no problem with that, fantastic for you. To me, these results are not acceptable.
December 21st, 2005 at 10:03 am
This isn’t 1970 or 1980.
The players don’t HATE each other the way they used to back in the day. That goes for MOST sports. It doesn’t work like that any more, especially when some of the players play on the same national team… or are friendly off the pitch.
Wrong era.
December 21st, 2005 at 10:06 am
I’m sorry Stag but you are the one in the wrong era. 1998 was still the Arsene Wenger era just like 2005
December 21st, 2005 at 10:28 am
Andez why do you bother to even explain yourself to this guy love_gunners.
What kind of a person would actually claim to be an Arsenal fan and then come on this site on Monday and actually GLOAT about his own teams defeat. He was GLOATING about the fact that he won money betting against Arsenal. He actually had the GALL to say: “Thank God Chelsea Won”.
Common sense should illuminate how much of a fan this guy really is.
Did you even read what he said to you yesterday, these were his exact words: “Andez you are one of the few people that I respond to on this site”.
DID YOU HEAR AND UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF THAT?
His Royal Highness Mr Julian aka love_gunners actually deigns to lower himself to speak with a naive commoner like Andez.
Give it up Andez, your intelligent thoughts are wasted on this traitor. HE IS NOT A FAN.
December 21st, 2005 at 10:38 am
You really think that Henry has already made up his mind to leave??
December 21st, 2005 at 10:54 am
If you think players are going to HATE each other because they play against each other or wear a different color shirt, you are crazy!
Thats the essence of Henry. He’s a sportsman.
He doesn’t HATE Chelsea because they wear blue or are trying to win a football match. His campaign is all about fighting that type of crap.
STAND UP / SPEAK UP.
There is no room for hatred in football. Maybe when the hooligans were running wild and giving the game the black eye it still has, and the violence and stupidity that went along with that era is OVER.
Henry dares to play the sport right. Stand up and speak out against Racism, hatred, and all the bollox that goes along with that ilk.
There is no reason to hate Chelsea’s players. They come and play football. Its not thuggery that you might get from some teams.
December 21st, 2005 at 11:00 am
There are many types of fans/supporters. I believe LoveG has been a supporter longer than most of us have even watched the sport. You may not value his opinions, but he also makes some vaild points and has the right to express his opinions.
Sorry we don’t all run with the ARSENAL ARE WONDERFUL banner… the team has gone from INVINCIBLE to MEDIOCRE in less than 2 years, and there is more than enough blame to go around. Some want to point the finger at Thierry Henry and say its his fault, or other players. Some realize that they only PLAY FOOTBALL. They aren’t responsible for selling important players and putting kids on the pitch that have never won a damned thing before.
Frankly, its a matter of opinion. All opinions are welcome on the site. The debate and battles back and forth are what make us… Arsenal America… what we are. By the way… we are ARSENAL “AMERICA”. So thats why I don’t want to hear some donkey slagging us off about not knowing football because we are from the wrong continent. We only need intelligent debate. Not painting the world with a broad brush.
December 21st, 2005 at 11:05 am
If what you say is true then that means the rivalry between Arsenal and Spurs or Arsenal and Chelsea is over and no longer exists.
I think thats about as far from the truth as you can get. I and ten of thousands of other Arsenal fans like myself HATE these two teams and every sub-human who associates with them.
If any Arsenal player wants to have a sportsman like attitude thats well and good when we play Bolton or Liverpool or Madrid. However when we play a derby game in my humble opinion they need to reply with a level of force twice over.
By the way what Essien did on Sunday was not playing football. It was thuggery.
December 21st, 2005 at 11:11 am
I have no idea either who you are quoting on the London Taxi driver and Ambamovich’s dirty money (a transfer budger - in excess of Arsenal’s entire new stadium?) but my money would be on Harry Rednapp.
December 21st, 2005 at 11:12 am
If what you say is true, and His Royal Highness Mr Julian really is a supporter, then how come he said these exact words: “Thank god Chelsea won”.
You can try and paint it any way you want stag but those are not the fan.
Therefore it goes to follow that loveg is infact not a supporter and you may delude yourself into thinking that he has ever even once made an intelligent point, but I find his posts about as intelligent as the brayings of a retarded donkey.
As far as painting the world with a broad brush that might be something you want to take up with TRAITOR whose advocate you have decided to become.
December 21st, 2005 at 11:27 am
I’m leaning hard that way, yes. Otherwise he would be angrier. I know he’s got a new perpective on life, but I think its all part and parcel.
He’s hurt now, so we might not see him out there for awhile. Some suggest that he’s pulling up a little, phasing out. I won’t comment on that cause its just not nice to speak ill of the dead or injured.
Hope I’m wrong.
December 21st, 2005 at 11:34 am
I hope that you are wrong too. And Yeah it would be wrong to say that he is not giving his all if in his heart he does not feel that way at all.
Fundementally though I still dont think that his playing performance can be criticized it is only his leadership that has some people asking questions.
December 21st, 2005 at 11:48 am
Well thats a sad commentary on you and tens of thousands of Arsenal supporters. If you “HATE” teams and players and “every sub-human who associates with them”, then you are pathetic. You are no better than the facists and the nazi’s who hate for no real reasons…
This is “FOOTBALL”. If you HATE people whom you’ve never met before, thats your problem.
That is EXACTLY what Thierry Henry stands against… and why I like Henry the man so much. I stand along side him in these beliefs.
People are people so why should it be… you and I should get along so awfully?
-Depeche Mode
Calling supporters of any team “sub human” is beyond ridiculous. There is nothing more to discuss with commentary like that.
I wish you well in your hatred, if thats what makes you tick.
I prefer to love football and the beautiful game.
Its about tolerance and celebrating people’s differences. That, is what life is about for some.
December 21st, 2005 at 11:53 am
It’s not about hate. It’s about playing hard and shaking hands “AFTER” the game.
December 21st, 2005 at 11:55 am
I would agree with that. My view is that he plays with a focus on conservation and bursts of effective action. He gets unfairly criticized in my opinion for being lazy when he’s reading the game and being economical with his movement.
He’s the anti-Flamini!
December 21st, 2005 at 11:57 am
The Chelsea game is gone. Now we have to concentrate on the 22 league games we have left.
December 21st, 2005 at 11:58 am
Right on and excellent observation. Henry is all about poised calculation and brilliant and incisive movement.
December 21st, 2005 at 12:07 pm
AN EMOTIONAL OPEN LETTER
to all the idiots out here
well to start with i think u people don’t love arsenal,u people don’t like the way we play football
u people hate wenger and all his policies.well U PEOPLE THINK THAT U KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT HOW TO MANAGE
A CLUB .IT IS EASY TO SIT HERE AND COMMENT ON THE EVERY MOVE THAT MR.WENGER AND ARSENAL TAKE.BUT TO ACTUALLY
MANAGE A CLUB IS LIKE SITTING ON A TREE FULL OF SNAKES AND STILL GET OUT WITHOUT A SINGLE SNAKEBITE.
there are only a very few people out here who really really like ARSENAL,and i am proud to say that i am
one of them.
u wretched snakes do u know the load that wenger bears at this very moment.
i suggest that u people take out the log in ur own eyes before
taking out the speck from MR.WENGER’s eyes.U PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT UR A BETTER MANAGER THAN MR.WENGER HIMSELF.
IF U THING LIKE THAT PLEASE GO AHEAD AND PROVE URSELF,U THINK THAT U KNOW THE FINER POINTS OF MANAGING A TEAM
DON’T U???????????
I AM PROUD OF A TEAM WHICH DOES NOT ADPOT A RACIST POLICY IN ANY WAY OR ANOTHER.I AM ALSO PROUD OF
A MULTI-CULTURAL,MULTI- COUNTRY TEAM.ON THE LAST COUNT THIS TEAM HAD A “BELIVE IT OR NOT”PLAYERS OF13 COUNTRIES PLAING IN ARSENAL.
I AM SURE THAT BECOZ OF WENGER’S POLICY WE WOULD BECOME A FINCIALLY INDEPENDENT TEAM WHICH WOULD BE SUCCESFULL IN
WARDING OF THE DEBTS OF THE NEW STADIUM.
1. first we were talking that we will not be able to play the physical kind of football against chelsea was so quiet during the game that he was almost invisible.
then when we did play the physical game against chelsea ,u started moaning about the loss to chelsea.
HOW MANY PEOPLE HERE FELT HAPPINESS IN THEir HEARTS,WHEN THAT FCUKING CNUT DROGBA was crying and complaining to
the ref about the way senderos was playing .i absolutely loved senderos in that game .he gave his everything to that game.he ddn’t
allow drogba one inch of space . HOW MANY PEOPLE HERE felt that MR” RUNNER UP OF THE WORLD PLAYER
of the year” award
I felt utmost pleasure when he had his head heavily bandaged and i WAS thoroughly laughing AT thE very thought that
MR. LAMPARD was even a contender for that award.i absolutely loved it when henry gave a piece of his mind to that CARVELHO
2. now think of this U have just bought a new home with 40% of the finance coming from
a financing company. we all would be first looking to somehow finish off the debt
and then only we would be at piece of mind.now if alongwith this debt if u are given the responsibility
of managing a family of 5 members ,u people would thoroughly suck at that idea.
NOW PICTURE THIS …….
MR.WENGER IS ON THE VERGE OF A SWITCH OVER TO A BRAND NEW STADIUM .HE KNOWS THAT BUILDING A NEW STADIUM
WOULD BE A GREAT RISK ,BUT HE STILL SUGGESTED THAT MOVE.AND NEXT YEAR WE ALL WILL LOOK TO THAT
STADIUM AND PROUDLY SAY TO OUR COMPETITOR’S “HEY DO U SEE THAT ,THAT IS OUR NEW STADIUM WITH ALL THE
MODERN FACILITIES AND A 60,750 SEATING CAPACITY” SOON WE WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE ELITE GROUP
OF FOOTBALL CLUBS.
MR.WENGER KNOWS THAT THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF THE DEBT PROVING TO BE A FUTURE BURDEN TO ARSENAL
HE THERFORE KNOWS THAT EVEN IF DD SAYS TO HIM THAT U HAVE 60 ODD MILIION TO SPEND-HE CAN,T ACTUALLY SPEND ALL THAT MONEY
.HE ALSO REALIZES THAT TIHS YEAR IS A YEAR OF TRANSITION ,even though he has not admitted it.
so he thinks that that it would be raather foolish to spend a lot of money on a single player.
he also realizes thet he needs to keep henry and iam sure he will do his best to keep henry.
3.BUT I THINK THAT IT WOULD BE RATHER FOOLISH TO THINK THAT WE COULD KEEP HENRY .IF HE HIMSELF
HAS DECIDED THAT HE SHOULD LEAVE ARSENAL.
BOT NONETHELESS IAM OPTIMISTIC THAT HE WOULD NOT LEAVE ARSENAL.
4. I SERIOUSLY think that if cole returns and even if we could get a single player in th transfer window
then we could become the old arsenal.
FINALLY THERE IS ONLY ONE WENGER AND HE IS THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS OTHERWISE HE WOULDN’T
BE APPROACHED BY REAL MADRID, JAPAN OR FRANCE
HE IS A MAN OF GREAT VISION ,A PERSON WHO IS HOLDING THIS TEAM TOGETHER.A PERSON WHO IS WITH ARSENAL
EVENTHOUGH HE CAN GO MANY PLACES.
A PERSON WHO ,LIKE US CAN’T GO TO SLEEP WITH PEACE.A PERSON WHO HAS TO ANSWER AT LEAST 100,00 FANS
AND STILL TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE OF MANAGING A CLUB LIKE ARSENAL
WELL TAKE MY RATINGS OR DON’T TAKE IT….. BUT THIS IS HOW I SAW THAT MATCH AGAINST CHELSEA
LEHMANN 10C
LAUREN 8
SOL 8
TOURE 10B
SENDEROS 10A
FLAMINI 9A
HLEB 10A
CESC 9B
LJUNBERG 6C
HENRY 9C
PERSIE 9C
the only thing we lacked was coordination and lack of organization.
and yes…….from the lack of captaincy
seeing toure play i again felt that it woulld be ideal to pair him and hleb upfront.
we can allow senderos and cambell to be in the centre of the midfield
i hope WENGER DOES TRY THIS OUT
i had always hoped that before the transfer window opens we should go through such a
tough and trying time thus it will bring out the shortcomings in this team and wenger makes surethat he would
get some good players.and
iam most happy that we face manshit on 3 jan at highbury
DON’T LOOK AT CHESEA AS THE MOTHER OR FATHER OF FOOTBALL.
I AM SURE THAT ONE DAY THEY WOULD SUCCUMB AND FALL IN THE PIT ,WHICH THEY THAMSELVES HAVE BUILT.
CHELSEA WOULD SELF-DESTRUCT THEIR OWN TEAM.also,a team which is made up of money will not be as
succesfull as a team which is built on team-spirit,hardwork and the passion to play the beautifull game in the beautifull manner.
I AM SURE that next year ..if not a C.L. SPOT,we would atleat get a UEFA cup spot and that is
not as half as bad as the humilitian that manure are going through right now< no uefa cup spot>.
the present year is the transitional year but the next 2 years will see the revival of arsenal
also,do not forget the future is what we all must look forward to.
YOURS FAITHFULLY,
ALEX < ARSENAL AND ARSENE TILL I DIE >
December 21st, 2005 at 12:08 pm
I would agree 100%
December 21st, 2005 at 12:10 pm
Welcome to the site.
Who are you and what are you on about anyway?
What a load of drivel.
Yes, here its a FAN’S SITE, we can and do 2nd and 3rd guess managers, players, owners, and other members!
If Wenger is such a mastermind “THIS SEASON”, why are we 20 points out before Christmas???
So we shouldn’t question him at all?
Please, if he loses Henry and the team finishes below 4th, he’ll probably be OFF anyway… so then you can praise him when he’s coaching Real Madrid or the French team…
and when he does go, Arsenal FC will still be here and continue for many many decades to come.
And so you are another one of those on your HIGH HORSE. You are a fan, and the rest of us surely are not. Do you live next to Highbury as well? Or in North London? I’ve heard that crap too… that you can’t REALLY be a fan if you don’t live within 50 yards of the stadium, or in North London, or in London, or in England, or in the UK, or in Europe…
What utter RUBBISH.
But thanx for the input, and again, welcome to the site… go slag off some Brits if you wish, but we don’t take non-sense lightly here. It doesn’t usually go un-punished.
Cheers
December 21st, 2005 at 12:14 pm
I am amazed at some of the stuff I have read on this site recently. Truly, it makes me wonder and ponder.
I have just read a diatribe of HATE, and calling players & supporters of some other teams “subhuman”. Spewing the word HATE in the description of football… sorry, there’s no place for it.
It wasn’t but a few weeks ago that I read folks going on about women footballers… and how they should be back home or in the kitchen. absolute RUBBISH and NON-SENSE.
So we have SEXIXTS, FACISTS, and HATRED.
Brilliant Brilliant stuff… and this is supposed to be in the name of loving Arsenal Football Club?
December 21st, 2005 at 12:19 pm
I think I read this earlier today.
December 21st, 2005 at 12:50 pm
I know what you mean stag and its sad it truly is.
However I think yet again you are missing crucial points, which incidentally has become a regular habit of yours.
The site Arsenal America is a site for FANS AND SUPPORTERS of Arsenal FC. I define this as those who love the club and are its hardcore partisans.
For me at least this means that Arsenal to me are everything, and it is Arsenal that I love above all others. Now that does not mean that I hate everyone that is not Arsenal, but yes by god do I HATE AND DESPISE CHELSEA AND SPURS.
Now I can accept the fact that such emotions do not jive with your LOVEY DOVEY KUMBAYA view of the game, which incidentally you just started espousing today. However yesterday you said you wanted to kick Wenger’s arse all over the pitch. So in point of fact your LOVING FEELINGS are actually directed towards the non-Arsenal entities while towards Arsenal you demonstrate only belligerence and hostility.
Now I will write off the fact that you called me a fascist as something uttered in the heat of the moment because if you knew anything about me and could remember any of my rare political discussions with the other members of this site, then you would know that thats about as far from the truth as you can get.
December 21st, 2005 at 12:51 pm
I dont know why this posted anonymously, but the above post is mine.
December 21st, 2005 at 1:48 pm
I agree Stag… so why then did you dump all over me when I said I liked a number of past Manchester United players?
December 21st, 2005 at 1:48 pm
?John Terry, the Chelsea skipper, stood still emotionless, like a statue. Of course, you can translate his body language as being day dreaming, but I saw the determination??
* I thought he had a problem with flatulence and didn?t want anyone to know it was him that let one go.
?Thierry Henry was busy shaking hands, being friendly with the opposition players??
* I thought the captain was going around asking ?Was it you?? that is why Terry was looking outwards, trying to ignore the answer.
Funny how you can view the same things in different ways isn?t it.
I thought his self proclaimed ?Special One? was an apology ? Special One as in Special Education. If you ask me most of what comes out his mouth is so damn stupid - you can see why I thought he was proclaiming that he was special, as the word ?Demic? or retard is probably not in his lexicon.
I think my view of things while not refreshing (stale air) is very plausible because Chelsea stinks.
December 21st, 2005 at 1:59 pm
Funny Post. I like your way of reading the situation.
December 21st, 2005 at 2:04 pm
I think love_gunners probably is a fan, otherwise why post here.
I think he doesn’t think before he speaks (or writes) and thus the hurtful comments about how he at least made some money out of the loss -> a brash comment to make on the fan site of the lossing club and one that shouldn’t of been made at all.
I don’t talk about my sex life and how my lovers must be wearing a team jersey before I can c…. It really has no place here. Neither did his comments.
December 21st, 2005 at 2:07 pm
freedom of speech is a beautiful thing but not always free.
December 21st, 2005 at 2:17 pm
His Royal Highness Mr Julian posts here probably because no other fan-site would allow him to post what he posts and get away with it.
Its no excuse to say he doesnt think before he writes. Sure, once twice thrice maybe. But every Fucckking time!!!
No way this guy is a fan.
December 21st, 2005 at 2:28 pm
A few short years ago, I was alot like you. Now I thank God I’m no longer that lame.
December 21st, 2005 at 3:15 pm
Hmmm… seems like you missed what I said.
I actually said if Wenger allows Henry to leave Arsenal, by not buying talent to compete, I would stand outside Highbury with a bullhorn… etc etc.
Yes, he’d deserve as ass-kicking… or just fire him if Henry goes.
You were the one that espoused HATRED and said people were “subhuman”. I didn’t mistake that quote at all…
December 21st, 2005 at 3:26 pm
Even Don United is using Cygan as a weak point … what a shame ! ….
December 21st, 2005 at 4:04 pm
Arsenal trail Doncaster at the half 1-0.
Oh freaking my dog…
I heard Thierry Henry was sitting in the stands, and he was smiling and chatting with people.
Its gotta be Henry’s fault, even though he’s not even playing tonite.
If he would just stare straight ahead and snare a little, it would set the tone for the team.
He’s gotta go man.
Seriously… DONCASTER?
yes are kids are wonderful aren’t they… VanPersie went off injured after 33 minutes.
The positive stuff just keeps on coming here at the Arsenal Football Club.
December 21st, 2005 at 4:12 pm
Spoke too soon
Are you listening to the match Stag?
December 21st, 2005 at 4:15 pm
QUINCY O-A to the rescue!
1-1!
December 21st, 2005 at 4:26 pm
I am listening to the game and Cygan is driving me crazy !
Even its not the full Arsenal team, those kids should be up to beating the Don…
1-1 … lets wait and see
December 21st, 2005 at 4:35 pm
Ok Clarkey I guess you also want to join in the festivities.
You know Clarkey ever since the day that you first started posting here you always struck me as a snivelling little worm. Back then you were posting as a Chelsea fan. You later on recanted that confession and blamed the postings on an erstwhile friend but we we both know now that it was you all along. I mean come on Clarkey, you in your current incarnation have all the same attributes as the previous one did.
Whats the matter Clarkey, you dont remember, here let me refresh your memory.
Here is an excerpt from the post you made back in June. For the benefit of other readers I have also added the link to that very page.
http://www.arsenalamerica.com/new/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=2185&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
Excerpts:
“Well the cat is out of the bag: I support Chelsea. Now that the truth has set me free, I think I need to set the record straight as to my exact thoughts on a few things Arsenal.”
“I’ve been supporting Chelsea for 9 years now, so that far predates Abramovich’s takeover.”
Here you go Clarkey this should refresh your memory and SET YOU FREE. I am glad to establish without a doubt which club you actually support.
Another thing Clarkey this unhealthy fawning and fussing affection that you display for your friend Julian is really making you look like a lovestruck little girl. I mean can you be ANY MORE OBVIOUS ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS for this guy. Dont pretend like you dont know what I’m talking about Clarkey because I am here to refresh your memory again.
Excerpt:
“I’m sorry Julian mate, for being a knob and not showing you the respect you deserve.”
http://www.arsenalamerica.com/new/modules.php?op=modload&name=NS-Comments&file=index&req=showreply&tid=22050&sid=2489&pid=22047&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0#22050
You know Clarkey its so obvious that you have feelings for this guy and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that except that everytime you come prancing over to Mr Julians defence like a love struck puppy dog, maybe you should think about posting a disclosure statement. You know one that explains the conflict of interest inherent in your opinion.
In conclusion MR BLUE SCUM LOVING SCUMBAG aka Clarkey, I would like to say something somebody said to you once before:
ARSENAL AMERICA IS A FREE THINKING MANS WEBSITE NOT A FREE SPENDING ONE’S. You want to FUCCCKK WITH ME, that fine. Be prepared for a counter-attack.
December 21st, 2005 at 4:47 pm
The Chelsea one was a mate playing a prank on me. Don’t believe it? Meh.
My apology to Julian was in reference to when I attacked him as less than an Arsenal supporter, as I then defined it, under a different identity altogether. (CanadianGooner or something like that.)
What you are doing is lame, pure and simple pal. All this “traitor” talk is silly. Julian says some stupid stuff at times, but don’t we all in life? I’ll say again, I know I did. But the difference between him, and the Me of back then and you is that we aren’t talking fascistic rubbish. You did the same stuff with DannyT, and now with Stag. I’ve disagreed with both, but when I say “don’t talk bollocks” to them, I’m against what they said, not that Stag or Danny are “traitors,” again whatever that means.
December 21st, 2005 at 4:48 pm
FloridaG…
Seriously mate, we have this section on the site where you can post to members DIRECTLY.
Your attacks are just fine, I don’t really care… but why not keep it OFF the site, and directly to the person you are attacking. We don’t care about your non-sensical attacks.
Keep it football, not HATE.
December 21st, 2005 at 4:49 pm
Fascist
December 21st, 2005 at 4:50 pm
Extra Time at Doncaster.
From what I have heard, (its on Five Live BBC radio on the internet)
Doncaster has played better than we have, and have created better chances. Quincy’s tying goal was deflected in… another poor performance for the Arsenal, and this time for a lower division team.
We are creating chance after chance late, and in extra time, but haven’t gotten the winner yet!
December 21st, 2005 at 4:54 pm
The commentators are making me laugh with all the talk of the viking helmets the Doncaster supporters are wearing
December 21st, 2005 at 4:55 pm
Probably a Lazio supporter.
Could even be Paulo DiCanio in disguise?!
December 21st, 2005 at 4:57 pm
Now THAT was funny!
Are You DiCanio In Disguise?
December 21st, 2005 at 5:00 pm
“Between the two of them, what must Arsene Wenger be thinking?”
Blah
December 21st, 2005 at 5:01 pm
Stag you know that is really disingenous on your part. Because you started to attack me today even though I had not done so. And now you are doing the very thing you are asking me not to do.
December 21st, 2005 at 5:02 pm
SENDEROS GAFF at the back…
Arsenal trail mighty DONCASTER 2-1 halfway thru extra time.
We are a pathetic bunch right now… regardless of the outcome tonite. These kids simply are not as good as some make them out to be. This is proven tonite for sure.
December 21st, 2005 at 5:04 pm
He’s thinking:
wow, these kids are wonderful, how can they possibly be losing to Doncaster. I can’t be wrong about them…
December 21st, 2005 at 5:05 pm
Hey Clarkey you if you dont want to be involved in a spat, than DONT FUCCKKING COME AT ME WITH YOUR CONDESCENDING I AM SO MUCH BETTER THAN YOU ATTITUDE.
I am not one to back down, especially not against a snivelling worm like yourself.
December 21st, 2005 at 5:11 pm
No FlaG.
I am asking you to SEND IT DIRECTLY TO ME or ANYONE ELSE if you are going to post this long diatribe in which the whole thing is a direct attack at me or whomever.
The site doesn’t need to see it.
You want to put in a subtle or not so subtle dig in the midst of a post, thats fine… but a whole diatribe? Send it direct. Then it can be hashed out one on one if needed.
Seriously.
December 21st, 2005 at 5:13 pm
Pity and condescenion are two most natural reactions to little Adolphs like you.
I don’t care if you back down or not, you’re a ponce. Don’t you have to go stop black people from getting to voting stations or something?
December 21st, 2005 at 5:21 pm
Arsenal score in time added on, in extra time…
Gilberto scores very very very late…
and we are going to penalties.
December 21st, 2005 at 5:32 pm
Almunia saves 3 penalties in the PK competition.
He saves the day after Gilberto tied it at the death.
We move on to the next round after a poor performance against Doncaster… how many levels below us are they?
A win is a win I guess.
Carry on mates.
December 21st, 2005 at 5:48 pm
Accusations of Fascism are rich especially when coming from a Chelsea fan. What with your rich history of an overwhelming commitment to racism in the game.
December 21st, 2005 at 5:56 pm
Jawohl, mein Herr!
December 21st, 2005 at 6:05 pm
Wow Clarkey you can speak German, I am sure your Cashea Chums will be mightily impressed when you hook up with with them at the British National Party meeting in London.
Very Impressive.
December 22nd, 2005 at 2:26 am
Yes, i think it was harry rednapp.
December 22nd, 2005 at 2:45 am
“The site Arsenal America is a site for FANS AND SUPPORTERS of Arsenal FC. I define this as those who love the club and are its hardcore partisans.
For me at least this means that Arsenal to me are everything, and it is Arsenal that I love above all others.”
Well said, floridagunner.
December 22nd, 2005 at 6:53 am
You haven’t explained why Wenger sold Patrick Vieira and didn’t buy a replacement? So yes, if I was manager I would have got one or not sold him - and I would have been right and a better manager than him in that respect. I also would have sold Pascal Cygan 6 months after I bought him - that would have made me a better manager than him too.
Of course, there are a millions things that he is better at than me when it comes to football, which is why he is the manager and I’m not.
However, if he makes a mistake then it should be discussed, that’s why this site exists. To talk about Arsenal, positive and negative.
In your strange world, even when Wenger takes a crao it smells of roses. You don’t live in reality - we do, therefore we are in a better position to discuss things, you’re not. In fact, you’re opinions are quite useless.
December 22nd, 2005 at 8:29 am
Thank You Andez. I am pleased that at least one person agrees with my point of view.
December 22nd, 2005 at 1:52 pm
Do us all a favour mate, go away.
Go find a site where you can spread your message of hate without involving people who are too intelligent to enjoy your idiot discourse.
Yes, I hope Spurs & Chelsea lose every game - I laugh when they mess up louder than most. But do I hate them? No.
What is so sad about your life that you have to hate people you don’t even know. Tottenham supporters have little cute children and love their friends and family to - just like ordinary people they do nice things for eachother, and sometimes they do bad, naughty things, just like you. They are really no different to you, they are human beings - the only difference really is that most of them are probably a little more intelligent than you and do not spout racist crap.
Go and live in middle America with all the other fascists, they would welcome you very much. Don’t come here with your potty mouth, I’m sure I can speak for almost everyone in saying that we’re not interested in anything you have to say as long as it asscoiates the words “hate” with “football”.
Or at least just bloody grow up. Educate yourself, read some books or something, get a social life. All I know is, something isn’t turning right in your brain.
December 23rd, 2005 at 1:01 pm
Take your own advice on your middle America comment, Danny.
Also, have the foresight & open-mindedness to also realize that even rascists & haters & fascists also have children & friends & ” just like ordinary people they do nice things for each other, and sometimes they do bad, naughty things, just like you.”
Open-mindedness & truly educating oneself is about considering all possibilities not just the ones you agree with.