Dec 21
Hands up if you turned this off early thinking the Arsenal had lost. Liars. Unbelievable goal by Gilberto deep, deep, deep into extra time takes it to penalties where Almunia stands on his head.
This will be the spark that sets the Gunners off on a 25 match winning streak! Ok, I’m getting carried away. Exciting win though.
38 Responses to “Doncaster 2 - 2 Arsenal (AET) 3 - 1 Arsenal on Penalties”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
December 21st, 2005 at 7:22 pm
With seconds remaining in the extra time, my head was down on the computer desk. The BBC online signal fades, and then the next think I hear is, “what do you know, Arsenal have levelled!!” I know it’s the CC, but when the boys/girls win, I’m happy. Kudos to Almunia!!
December 21st, 2005 at 8:45 pm
For this competition to have any meaning teams like Arsenal should play the kids as far as they go and that means in the final if we get there! Yes it might be the best chance for silverware, but to reach the final (hopefully) and then put out the 1st team would diminish its value and lessen the achievement. Kids all the way and lets hope they win it, up the Gunners!
December 21st, 2005 at 10:32 pm
For me the game was 1-2 at 120 mins and I kept switching from website to website as if that made a difference. (Dont listen to commentaries, they tell you nothing and too much tension). Then I saw Soccernet Gamecast, 2-2. I thought it was a mistake and switched back to BBC. That’s when I knew the game was ours. A Gilberto goal in the last minute. How probable was that?
December 21st, 2005 at 11:23 pm
I was listening on radio via Internet on BBC Five Live. I was really feeling low that we lost to Doncaster. That would have been a blow to the confidence of these young players.
When we levelled at the death, the announcer of the match said it in a talking manner, no change of tone… I wasn’t sure we had even scored!
OK, questions for some Londoners in the know.
How likely is it that I am going to be able to get a ticket to REAL MADRID in the CL at Highbury, and then LIVERPOOL a few days later.
We have talked about a Spring trip on ArseAm… and I’ve heard nothing much about it… so I am trying to make the last trip to THOF, and get in 2 matches there… this might be the only chance to do so… figures its 2 huge games.
I “think” I can get one of my mates to give up a ticket for me for perhaps Liverpool? maybe? But the CL v. Madrid, I guess follks have been waiting for this match up for their whole lives!
Whatcha think?
December 21st, 2005 at 11:26 pm
Not bloody likely mate!
December 21st, 2005 at 11:52 pm
I was lsting to game, but unlike most of you, at 120 I turned the volume down, and I did something with no soccer in it for 20 minutes. when I checked the score at BBC I couldnt beleive it. …
I think that we should let the kids finish the job. …
December 22nd, 2005 at 12:15 am
Thats what I believe my friends with season tickets will say as well!
December 22nd, 2005 at 12:15 am
Anyone noticed that ALumnia Rocks in Penalty shoot outs. If he does not save, he at least goes very close to it. Not the first time he does it .
December 22nd, 2005 at 12:21 am
I think Wenger will play the stars in the semi-final. I remember him doing it against Boro two years back. Boro went on to win and I couldn’t help but laugh that their first trophy in 125+ years was the worthless league cup. How times have changed. This year, the league cup could be our only hope for silverware.
December 22nd, 2005 at 1:48 am
Let’s not beat about the bush here. We were just a few seconds away from one of the biggest embarrassments in the club’s history. Alright so now everyone on here is going to bombard me with posts saying what do you expect when we field a bunch of kids. But let’s look at the big picture for a moment. What disturbs me was the lack of passion the team had today. There was no committment, no tempo and no endeavour from us. I watched the match at the pub and I for one thought I was watching a game from Hackney Marshes….it was that bloody awful!!!! To think that there were “professionals” earning six figure salaries wearing yellow shirts who as Nigel Winterburn said at half-time were treating the game as a “five-a-side training session”. They were an embarrassment to Arsenal Football Club. One also has to question the benefit of having an Academy when our future “stars” hail from every other country except for England itself!!! The starting line-up consisted of a Spanish ‘keeper, a back four containing two Swiss central defenders, a Cameroon right back, and a French left back. The midfield consisted of a Brazilian, Belarussian, Dutch, and another Cameroonian. Up front we had another Dutch international along with an Italian!!! What I’d like to know is where is all the local talent??? When I started watching Arsenal, the club was grooming such greats as Charlie George, Peter Storey and Pat Rice….all of whom lived and grew up in and around Highbury. Seems to be that we are signing just any Tom, Dick or Harry from overseas without actually looking first in our own backyard!!!!! And those local stars we do sign end up elsewhere. Take a look at Reading for instance!!!! They have several former Gunners apprentices (all English btw) on their books who had Arsene Wenger had a bit more faith in could’ve been the answer to our problems!!!!!
December 22nd, 2005 at 2:07 am
Stag,
I’m not sure about the R Madrid game but might be able to help you with the Liverpool game.
Hmm and not to forget with all their money Madrid lost again at home.
December 22nd, 2005 at 2:36 am
A win is a win but I agree with Anonymous Gooner’s comments above. There are more serious questions to asked and Wenger’s face and comments says it all. Even ex players are start getting worried with the club. Excuses have to stop.
Is not even funny anymore and if these kids are the future of Arsenal then this club of ours is in deep trouble and don’t forget we have 5 first team players out there too.
N. Winterburn was right they looked like a team from the pub 5 side without any local kids. Arsenal youth team or reserve without a Brit troubles me.
The foundation of the club depends on bring in local kids. Pls and before anyone come jumping out of their pram I’m not saying Arsenal should buy only british but a big club like Arsenal with it history needs some local lads.
One day Wenger will leave and without any foundation for the new manager we will be like Leeds. Building a big stadium will means f all if the foundation is not right. We saw it yesterday and can’t live in denial about it.
December 22nd, 2005 at 4:52 am
They are playing for Reading! Its not as if they’re setting the world alight! If they’re good enough they’ll make it. Who really cares if they’re english?
December 22nd, 2005 at 4:54 am
20 years ago the club might have depended on local kids. Football has changed from then. Its not the way it works anymore.
December 22nd, 2005 at 7:02 am
I wouldn’t read to much into this result. Football is a psychological game, this was Doncaster’s chance to make the semi-final of the Carling Cup, many of their players were in tears after losing - do you understand how big this game was to them, how they will fight for every single ball?
To Arsenal it is a nothing match, and the team was very young - just kids mostly. You throw all these players together and expect them to click just like that? It’s not going to happen. Yet they still managed to get a result, so in the end, I say well done. You cannot expect them to win 3-0 on every outing in the Carling Cup.
My real concern after watching highlights of the game was the quite dreadful Phillipe Senderos. His errors at the back were laughable - this kid will never amount to anything in my eyes, he has been at Arsenal long enough to show the potential everyone dreamed of - but at the moment he looks like a donkey.
December 22nd, 2005 at 7:46 am
Thanks LoveG…
I’ll let you know if I need anything as the date approaches…
I might even try January.
Gotta find out if we are HOME in the first leg v. Wigan in the CC?
December 22nd, 2005 at 7:52 am
OK… never mind where the young Brit players are in OUR team, where are all the wonderful young British players? If they are littered all over the league and we don’t have any, then thats one thing, but they ARE NOT.
Wenger has bought foreign for the most part, and until now its been pretty successful.
There are not a lot of young British players pushing through and into the EPL at a young age.
There’s ROONEY. Who are the others that “WOW” you?
December 22nd, 2005 at 8:15 am
injuries… INJURIES!!!!!
Bad news on Quincy, he’s out 4-6 weeks with a knee injury. He was just starting to get playing time as a sub for the big team.
RVP? We don’t know how long… also suffered a knee injury, very swollen (per AW on Arsenal.com)
Henry is IN for Charlton, but if he goes down, who the hell do we start up front.
NOW is the time for Dennis to contribute.
Perhaps Lupoli will get some playing time.
Geee… we could use Michael Owen, is he available.
Troubling times at the AFC.
We can’t catch a break at the moment.
December 22nd, 2005 at 8:32 am
Hi Stag,
I saw the schedule for that week and thought that a trip would indeed be hitting 2 amazing birds with one stone! I went into the BigSoccer messageboards and it sems that Rick B can be of help in getting tickets…I myself am hoping for tickets to both matches. What a first visit to Highbury that will be…I hope!! Good luck!
December 22nd, 2005 at 8:59 am
The English thing’s just old. Give it a rest. Who do you want, Joe Cole? SWP? Rooney? Got 500 mill? If you don’t you might want to blow your smoke up Bentley’s arse. Same old story.
Wenger knows talent. Anyone who argues that has a very short memory. What I think he’s getting wrong is trying to get these kids to a level and style of play that they just can’t do yet. It takes time, and we don’t have the right mix to bide it. The vets are laming around because there’s no bridge between them and the youngsters. Its lots of experience with total inexperience. No middle ground.
It may have looked like they didn’t want it last night, but I think Wenger’s got them in their heads too much. Quincy’s fiftieth crap through pass told the story for me. They put the fine point on everything and they’re not at that level yet. The raw material’s there, but its not polished enough. Hate to say it, but we’re seeing too many growing pains. That stuff needs to happen more gradually but we don’t have that luxury.
Doncaster are what they are, but they beat Man City on penalties (who reside above us on the table at the moment) and Villa who are, well, crap. But they also had more experience to a man out there and that means something in a cup tie. We sneaked it and played like dregs. Its a sad day when I’m happy about that, but I’ll take it.
And yes, I turned it off. Oh, and eff Sky and the Beeb, darkhorse fawning slags.
December 22nd, 2005 at 9:01 am
Let’s hope he looks like THE donkey.
Adam’s said that in the second year of every defender they take a hit. They’re no surprise anymore and lots get thrown at them mentally. Its how they bounce out of the year that shows their mettle.
Its almost impossible not to expect too much from the kids right now. All I know is, sometime, somewhere, the’re going to benefit from the experience.
December 22nd, 2005 at 9:07 am
“Geee… we could use Michael Owen, is he available.”
Heh. I’m sure he would have been willing to sit and wait for his big chance.
And Quincy is no real loss right now. I wish Lupoli would eat him and get bigger. He’s someone with talent that could end up in Spain if he doesn’t bulk up a little.
But these are troubling times. Its up to Wenger to guide the experience to make us stronger. We’ll see. So far, we’re like a bunch of accountants out there on a training mission. Scary thing is, I’m willing to bet NO ONE is 100% fit. You just know we’re playing a few guys into the ground. Henry being one of them.
I’m just happy we got 2 goals.
December 22nd, 2005 at 9:09 am
It was a nothing match to Arsenal, a fact which got me bothered by the way our players celebrated like we lifted the Jules Rimey trophy. I hope Wenger, a man who is truthfully quite modest, has a private word with them. They need to learn a bit of humility.
December 22nd, 2005 at 9:20 am
What surprise me was it took Wenger most 20 minutes before he took RVP out and the same with QOA. Knowing Henry is not fit.
December 22nd, 2005 at 9:20 am
We got 2 goals against Doncaster.
One was a deflection, and the other took 123 minutes?!!!!!!
December 22nd, 2005 at 9:37 am
RedShark,
while I am not that concerned about getting into the Liverpool match… I am not sure there will be anybody that can help us with tickets for Real Madrid!
There are problem 200,000 wanting tickets and 30,000 available!
Because of signs, there is LESS capacity for the CL matches at Highbury… I think?!
These tickets will be EXTREMELY tough.
December 22nd, 2005 at 9:50 am
Scotty/ Stag,
I think you missing the point. No one in their right mind is saying Arsenal should sign only British lads or guys but talking about the foundation of the Club. Remember when Wenger took over this club. We had some good players and a better foundation and he used that to build a better team. We had the best back 5 in England if not in Europe.
Now that foundation is not there anymore or is history. Look at the subs. I remember the days when we had Edu, Kanu, Ray and others coming on to change the game and now we don’t.
As African Gooner mentioned and a lot of ex players said even including Henry and DB10 you need some british blood with passion and grit and fighting spirit in the team. Look at Chelsea and tell me how many people will have J Cole or Reyes in their team. Look at Owen. We let him joined other club then Wenger come out with another classic we wanted to signed him and we have heard that about lots of other players.
And there are lots of kids in England playing in league 1 and 2 who could have done a better job yesterday. Did anyone watch our reserve or youth team against Brentford.
One day Wenger will leave and if you think these kids are going to be the future of the club think again. Yes I want to us winning now but also to think about the future. And Because Donnie beat City and Villa does not mean Arsenal should drop it standards.
The kids are not good enough - facts. Like everything else some folks don’t look at the big picture till is too late. I remember those folks who were saying Wenger knows and we will be fine now singing a whole new tune.
December 22nd, 2005 at 10:17 am
I think ArsenalAmerica is BROKE AGAIN!
December 22nd, 2005 at 11:05 am
So does that mean all of you now forgive Gilberto for his recent non-performances in the EPL?
December 22nd, 2005 at 11:14 am
If you go to video.google.com and search for Arsenal you can see some great Arsenal goals. Try this:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1923561486264837447&q=arsenal
December 22nd, 2005 at 2:01 pm
What’s up with this site? Yesterday was all about the KKK and the fascist mob so don’t tell me the Chelsea Russian mafia have hijack this site today
December 22nd, 2005 at 4:04 pm
I’ll keep looking but it looks like this site is under attack from Tottenham ‘Blog wipers’!
December 22nd, 2005 at 10:54 pm
I’m with you I only see 4 posts and this your reply.
Damn those Spur hackers and for that matter the Chelsea wankers too.
December 22nd, 2005 at 11:28 pm
Its their version of the Arsenal offside trap…… demonstrated so well in which movie? Your starter for 10! as Banbar Gasgoine used to say.
December 23rd, 2005 at 12:10 am
I am annoyed that Wenger played RvP in the Carling Cup knowing that Henry had a scan on his achilles and Reyes was still injured.
December 23rd, 2005 at 7:44 am
I keep reading we’re linked to the 16 year old Southampton prodigy. Though signing him would show we still have immense pull in the transfer market, for his sake I hope he stays right where he is. And I mean I hope Arsenal doesn’t sign him, Chelsea doesn’t sign him, Spurs doesn’t sign him, well you get the picture. Soton have just signed a top class manager in George Burley, and there Theo will be a regular starter. Anywhere else he’ll be a Carling Cup regular, and possibly a late, late start. Other than that, he’ll be in the reserve teams. If you’re reading this, think about it, Theo!
December 23rd, 2005 at 8:09 am
I agree, and hope that the site will let me tell you.
December 23rd, 2005 at 11:39 am
Hi Stag,
You are probably 100% right about lots of people wanting to go, figure that it doesn’t hurt to try. Good luck to us!