Apr 01
Arsenal absolutely destroy Villa, 5-0. You do not want to play Arsenal right now. Adebayor and Henry in the first half, Henry again, RvP and Diaby in the second.
Spurs lose 1 - 3 to Newcastle and Bolton lose 1 - 2 to Man U at the Reebok.
Arsenal up to fifth, two points behind Spurs with a game in hand, and a match against Spurs still to play.
They can do this. Believe.
45 Responses to “Sweet Jesus (R)”
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April 1st, 2006 at 11:29 am
This brillaint win also means that Arsenal are in devastating form when Arsenal America members are on an official visit to Highbury.
The 3 games this year have resulted in 11 goals for, with Henry getting 5 and Van Persie getting 4.
Maybe the club should give ArsenalAm members tickets for Chelsea, Man U games as well
April 1st, 2006 at 11:57 am
All of our rivals during the fall roadtrip dropped points as well.
So it’d do the Arsenal well to send us American Gooners every week.
I’d break the bank for it!
April 1st, 2006 at 12:53 pm
As much as this board has been painful to read at times this season (!), I was deliighted to hear on ATVO that some of your members were at the game today. What a fantastic memory of Highbury to keep, and fair play for making the arduous journey to N5. That’s true support - well done guys (oh and well done Arsenal btw, I guess the team deserves a mention :P)
April 1st, 2006 at 1:35 pm
I’m moving to a new apartment tomorrow and so won’t be able to watch the game (why is FSC showing it on Sunday anyway?). Is there a kind soul out there who would be willing to tape the game for me? I would of course be happy to subsidize for reasonable materials/effort/shipping costs…
I’m in Seattle, btw, so if you’re local, even better!
Cheers!
April 1st, 2006 at 1:36 pm
Better pray Eboue and Cesc recover in time for the Turin trip.
April 1st, 2006 at 1:37 pm
I’m worried that Fab and Eboue are out for the return leg of Juve. I’m not sure whether Nedved plays right or left (or even switches both sides off an on) but I think only Eboue can hold him at the RB and pose an attacking threat.
As for Fab, we need him as a offensive threat for our 4-5-1 to work. I’m guessing the Diaby is filling in and we are going to play defensive for 90 mins and go through hopefully.
I just hope they both recover. But Cesc looks bad.
April 1st, 2006 at 1:39 pm
I just saw the delayed telecast of the game. Adebayor is my man of the match. The guy is full of running and add a totally new dimension to the Arsenal attack.
It was good to see RvP scoring again. Anybody else notice the shift in the Arsenal scoring pattern this year? Henry, RvP and Ade on top with hardly any contribution from the midfielders. In the past, it used to be Henry, Pires and Ljunberg with hardly any contribution from other strikers (Bergkamp, Kanu, etc.).
With Tottenham and Bolton losing, destiny is in our hands. I strongly feel that our fate will be decided by two games - away to ManU and Portsmouth. ManU are red hot and have got to within 7 points. They have to play Chelsea so they will fancy a shot at the title. Our recent record against them is aweful. Our away record is anyway aweful. Portsmouth are also on the up and look most likely to avoid the drop.
Hope the injuries to Fabregas and Eboue are not serious.
April 1st, 2006 at 2:15 pm
hahaha…i asked for a 7-0 and i got a 5-0 ….you won’t catch me complaining though!
Great result!!!
Especially with Bolton and Sp*rs losing!
As for the injuries….i’m actually a bit more worried about Eboue especially with Nedved coming back in. Djorou against Nedved is a bit too much on the young lad.
As for Cesc: Diaby impressed me today….so i am not too worried. Probable midfield without Cesc on wednesday will just be: Reyes-Diaby-Gilberto-Hleb-Pires
But that said….maybe Wenger is playing games….and then on matchday he unleashes Fabregas on them !
April 1st, 2006 at 3:09 pm
Agreed that if we lose Cesc for next Wed, there is still Diaby to step in. But it will be massive if the impressive Eboue is out. With Lauren and Gilbert out, any other replacement will be a stop gap measure. Nedved and Del Piero (if he is back) will be quite a handful in the wide positions.
April 1st, 2006 at 4:13 pm
Gilbert played in the reserves last week. Only one game since his back injury. Djourou could play there.
Other options include Toure at right-back with Djourou or Campbell at centre-back with Senderos.
Do not fancy a Campbell/Senderos partnership at all.
April 1st, 2006 at 6:45 pm
Great game.
Here’s some fun reading:
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1744910,00.html
Amy Lawrence is not the most objective journalist out there, but still a good read for the ‘Positive Petes’ who kept the faith.
April 1st, 2006 at 8:13 pm
Yes that was some weekend. Chelsea lost their first game of the season, Spurs lost as well….
Either ArsenalAm brings luck or the club knows in advance which games it will surely win and only then does it give out tickets..hmmmm..we can only prove this theory if the club gives out more tickets for ArsenalAm members and that to some big games
April 1st, 2006 at 9:23 pm
On a related note… Juve drew 0-0 at home to last place Treviso. Capello, it seems, played 9 of 11 expected to play against us on Wednesday. According to reports, they played a lot of attacking football, but only had 2 shots on target (with a few others hitting the posts).
Juventuz.com is in total revolt, with everyone asking for Capello’s and Zatlan’s heads, and all of them worried that their team looks tired.
It’s hard not to feel confident about the game in Turin, but the possible injuries to Eboue and Fabregas could be a small blow to that confidence.
April 1st, 2006 at 11:37 pm
I enjoyed that! Thanks for the link.
I didn’t mind the lack of objectivity because it was totally Arsenal biased - like watching Arsenal TV. She’s a Gunner or seriously likes someone who is?
She is in agreement with what most of the press and sports media are saying about Henry.
I wonder if at the Henry’s household in Hampstead, they read the Guardian and wonder out loud, how all these people know: why I do what I do and why I do it.
Is life so determined?
April 1st, 2006 at 11:42 pm
Rick you turning religious on us?
What’s with the “Sweet Jesus” and the “Believe”.
I for one already believe.
I don’t know if God really cares for the most “beautiful game” and whose winning, but I thank God / Jesus everyday that Arsenal win.
April 2nd, 2006 at 5:43 am
I pray before every game and leave it in Jesus’s hands. He’s been answering my prayers. Thank God!
April 2nd, 2006 at 5:43 am
I wouldn’t say revolt so much as lining up to jump off a bridge
April 2nd, 2006 at 7:13 am
how come so few comments…remarks
always find it amazing..so many ppl have so much to say after we were losing…all of a sudden most of them have diss :))
April 2nd, 2006 at 7:16 am
Yeah right, and when we lose I suppose it’s nothing to do with them?
The all powerful omnipotent God, who created the entire universe. Apparently they found a star in the universe that is 3,000 trillion times hotter than our Sun, another wonderful creation of God.
Shame he can’t influence a gust of wind in a football match. Maybe we’d be top of the table
April 2nd, 2006 at 7:21 am
I think it’s because we are getting the sort of performances we expect after so much under-achieving this year. It can all change very quickly.
I am curious to see how we will perform away to Juve and Man Utd. This good run of form has consisted of 5 home matches, where we are always strong, and one away thrashing of Fulham and a great result at Madrid. If we win both of these next games, then I think that Arsenal will be ready to fight for the title again next year - presuming Henry stays.
I am still watching and waiting. Not getting carried away. What really interests me is what Wenger will do next year in the Champions League, if we are a lot stronger will he revert back to 4-4-2 or stick with 4-5-1 against the big teams. Will he play 4-5-1 against Man Utd next week?
April 2nd, 2006 at 10:08 am
Arsenal can definitely do this and more next season…side is beginning to blossom and best part is that if Arsenal finish off Juve then for semi-finals we will have apart from Lauren a fully fit squad including Cole and Sol….
For Juve Cesc maybe doubtful although I believe Eboue will be ok but Cesc will struggle…I believe Ljungberg is back for Juve but judging by Diaby’s performance AW may just decide he is good enough to take on Emerson….
Believe in this team and it’s talent - 4th place is in our hands whilst 3rd place is in God’s hands
April 2nd, 2006 at 10:19 am
Its normal for there to be little commentary after a win. I noticed and stated this last season, when I was a positive pete! (anyone remember that?)
I haven’t seen the match. Its on today… so I will watch and then comment. (something I don’t always do!)… But 5-0 can’t possibly lie. Lots of possession and we finished 5 times!
The Cesc & Eboue injuries are definitely a worry. We need to finish off Juve, AND be healthy for ManU… I’d imagine both Cesc and Eboue will not play against Juventus. Maybe Cole will be back? and Super Matty can play Right back?!!!!!!!!
April 2nd, 2006 at 10:21 am
And today’s a BIG day for Scotty…
as the MIGHTY RED BULL open up their MLS season today. Yaaaaaaaaaaay Red Bull. It gives you wings!
1-0 to the Revs. Undefeated baby.
April 2nd, 2006 at 12:44 pm
For Canadian Gooners, just saw the TV schedule that Foxs Sports World will be showing Arsenal-Villa game at 5pm EST. FSW had in the past posted wrong scheduling so this may turn out to be one of those. If u haven’t seen the game, might want to take a chance ….
April 2nd, 2006 at 1:04 pm
Spot on about the Juve and ManU games. Our away form has been the problem and it’s the correct indicator about our overall progress.
April 2nd, 2006 at 8:44 pm
What makes you think he can’t influence a gust of wind? He used nature many times in the old testament. If he could create all stars why are you surprised there’s one that is “3,000,000,000,000″ times hotter than our sun.
As for top of the table, well maybe God has left that for the deft ability of our club and it’s players to do. That’s why it is sports!
April 2nd, 2006 at 8:48 pm
I just watched the game today here in Canada at 17:00 EST.
I don’t like to gloat but to use a Henry euphemism “Arsenal totally pounded Villa into the turf.” That goal by van Persie was sublime.
April 2nd, 2006 at 9:45 pm
Saw the game and then the EPL games round-up. Adebayoir is such a hard working and skillful player that it is frightening. The amount of ground he covered in attack and defence is simply amazing - comparing him to Kanu is frankly doing him a dis-service as Kanu did not often help out in defence and Kanu does not break as fast as him. 5th goal by Diaby is case in point. Too bad he is cup-tied against Juve. Great to see van Persie back in action and scoring. Diaby had an excellent game too - Villans weren’t exactly **AYE CARUMBA**(censored)-footing in midfield and Diaby handled the hard stuff pretty well. Those long Vieira-like legs are handy in dispossessing opponents so he can fill in for Cesc against Juve if Cesc is indeed out. Pires is also peaking at the right time with his intelligent passes and runs. Interesting to see him helping out more in defence as well. Finally Lehmann has got to be Arsenal player of the year - the man keeps his defence on their toes and is so determined to keep a clean sheet. Good to see him berate Eboue for not putting in a more postive tackle which required Lehmann to save from Moore.
Can’t wait for Wed’s game at 2.30pm EDT. For sure I will be ‘working’ from home.
April 2nd, 2006 at 9:58 pm
I am with you Gerard…
We buried Villa early, and shoveled dirt on them all match long. Extremely impressive match for us, and we are on a ROLL. Adebeyor was excellent, Henry was sublime… Pires made some really nice passes.
I didn’t think Eboue’s injury looked too bad, but Cesc’s? Who knows. Diaby played decently coming on… but we weren’t challenged really at all. Villa looked horrible, as if they really didn’t give a rat’s ass about this match. We dominated with all the possession and control we wanted. They had nothing to play for, and played like it.
Again, long may this form continue. We are in a good position to get 4th place now. I wouldn’t have thought that possible a few weeks ago.
Two BIG matches this week. At Juventus, and then ManUtd, who are the hottest team in the league with 8 straight wins. If Chelsea keeps screwing around, United could really put a scare into them. They are only 7 points back. Wow.
Onward and Upward.
Roll on Wednesday. Another mammoth encounter with Juventus.
April 2nd, 2006 at 10:35 pm
gunner4life
I like your conclusions on Diaby. Van Persie hasn’t even touched his full stride yet. Pires was smiling a lot today for a change; everybody was and it was good to see.
As for Wed. I’m already getting the jitters waiting for it - hope Cesc is okay for it.
As for Villa, a long story shortened; when I was a teen I picked tobacco in Canada, to make a quick buck and go back to Europe. I lived a frugal life on the tobacco farm to save enough.
While working on this farm, there were 3 blokes from Birmingham also working there. They worked hard all day and then “got pie faced” every night knocking back the pints. They all supported Villa but one of them was a true dyed in the wool Aston Villa supporter. So much so that he actually had and wore Villa knickers in blue and crimson - and then the tattoos.
When ever I see Villa play, I think on that young tall, lanky, drunkard singing Villa songs while pissing his pants. I lay there like a church mouse, looking over my book and saw a world of football thuggees unfolding before me those 30+ years ago.
I’m glad we pounded them into the sod and I feel sorry for that acquaintance, as I know he must be disappointed.
April 2nd, 2006 at 11:18 pm
Red Bull update for the Scott-man…
Red Bull blew a 2 goal lead in their opening match and drew with DC United 2-2.
They stand 2 points back of the NE Revolution.
April 3rd, 2006 at 5:11 am
All the talk of injuries should not come in the way of a good 90 min performance.
No matter how poor a team is you still have to play well to score and create chances.
I would like to see Van Persie start on Wednesday, double bluff Juve.
Also on the Eboue injury, Gilbert is coming back from injury so he can play there, or Djourou could play either right back or CB, with Toure moving to right back.
All we need to do is score.
April 3rd, 2006 at 10:55 am
Good news. Fab and Eboue to travel meaning they have some form of fitness good enough to play.
http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=376521&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=Fabregas+and+Eboue+set+to+travel+to+Turin+for+second+leg
April 3rd, 2006 at 11:15 am
Have you ever wondered if you’re insane? You should.
April 3rd, 2006 at 11:19 am
What about all the people praying for Juventus to win? Who does Jesus decide between those who pray to him for Juve to win and those who pray to him and want Arsenal to win?
Is it solely down to Jesus’ decision who wins? Id so, what’s the point of praying at all?
How does Jesus influence how the ball is kicked or how a goal is scored, does he physically control their bodies and movements like a remote control car? What about when all the players swear and blaspheme does he control that too? Or just the physical stuff.
Please answer before the mental hospital comes to pick you up.
April 3rd, 2006 at 11:22 am
After reading this thread I have decided that Henry can leave. After all, apparently it is all down to Jesus if we win or not, so it doesn’t really matter what he does.
If we sell Henry, Wenger can buy another player for 50p and he’ll be just as good. It won’t matter because Jesus is controlling him, and between him and God we will win anyway.
Thank god they’re gooners huh?
April 3rd, 2006 at 11:24 am
Yes, both as an artist and as a person I’ve often wondered if I am insane.
A few years ago, when fighting a terrible bout of depression, I decided to seek out professional advice to see if I really was. I went to a Psychiatrist for about 25 sessions and to get a second opinion I also went to a Dr. of Pyschology for about 50 sessions.
Sorry DannyT, I know you must find this disappointing but neither of them could or would certify me as insane.
I can’t say I wasn’t somewhat frustrated, as I thought insane might look good on my resume as an artist and all. So I’m not so special and just as sane as the rest of us.
April 3rd, 2006 at 11:34 am
I’ll answer that DannyT. Firstly, maybe it’s what you pray. Pray for fair sportsmanship, no injuries amongst players and crowd and may the better team win honestly.
It is patently ridiculous to think God picks sides in any sports. That was the point of my initial post as I felt using terms like “Sweet Jesus” was a little disrespectful of those who do “believe”.
As for your comments, you can “straw dog” any argument and I think your questions are rhetorical as you already know the answers. What does common sense tell you?
This is a forum on soccer and not theology maybe we shouldn’t mix them up.
I’m sorry your so offended that I would politely point that out.
April 3rd, 2006 at 11:43 am
You’ve taken your hate and pessimism to a new level DannyT. Shame on you!
Your the only person who said all of the above nonsense in this thread and no one else. I and a “anonymous” simply said we prayed and you wrote all the other stuff. I think it’s funny that you use your own arguments to make fun of others when its really just making fun of yourself.
You really want your cake and to eat it to. Now I’m praying for you to DannyT.
My initial point and I tried to make it with dignity and respect was that “Sweet Jesus” might indeed be that to some people who do believe. The vitriol has come from you sir.
April 3rd, 2006 at 12:17 pm
You know what I liked best about the game Stag133. Yes of course winning but it was such a pleasure to see everyone on the pitch smiling with one and other except the sad Villa’s.
Wouldn’t that be the jewel in the crown of Moronho if ManUre actually inched by them in these last 8-7 games. They won’t of course because they still have to play Arsenal. What a week this is going to be.
April 3rd, 2006 at 1:05 pm
Maybe God’s like the U.N.- supposedly has all this power but in the end does nothing of any consequence… or waits around until the Americans foot the bill or do something.
April 3rd, 2006 at 1:08 pm
And practically all geniuses that have ever lived were labeled “insane” (in a lot of cases put to death as well) by their contemporaries… heck, even Socrates, arguably the most brilliant human ever (save all the technology talk, people, using computers that do all the processing work for you does not make you brilliant), was put to death b/c of his mind “distorting the youth.”
April 3rd, 2006 at 1:15 pm
I’m not going to pray for anything, I’ve never heard anything so ridiculous in my whole life. And anyone who does needs their head examined.
It’s an insult to the players that train every day and have sweated blood to achieve some magnificent results lately that some weirdos honestly believe the result is a by product of prayer and not the players and managers efforts alone.
April 3rd, 2006 at 11:57 pm
It was a about a couple of months since i got to see an Arsenal game cause the cable reception at my home was pretty bad…..and we all know it wasn’t the prettiest state of affairs back then…
So then out of the blue, cable reception has improved and I see ESPN has the Aston Villa game live…..and boy was I happy I saw the game…..
I was disappointed though that Henry and Fabregas were starting as I remember saying at BigSoccer that i hoped for them to be rested considering we had Juve and then Manu coming up.
Even more disappointed because the midfield looked a little tired at the beginning of the game and Aston Villa tried to press their luck.
And absolutely gutted when Fabregas went off.
Then though the Adebayor show started and it was time to sit back and enjoy. Must say that up until now i hadn’t been convinced by the clumsy movement that he seemed to possess.
He’s wiped out that thought though. This guy is proving to be good buy and seems to like the system that Wenger employs. Connects well with Henry, can win headers and run his legs off. Good enough for me.
First goal, Henry wanted and Adebayor seconded the thought.
Second goal was classic Henry.
Third one was simply arrogantly establishing to Villa players that they did not belong on the same pitch as the Gunners. An audacious backheel from Adebayor and Henry out does that wis a signature curler.
Robin v.Persie simply wanted to let everyone know that he was still around and that got him the goal.
The fifth from Diaby was the legendary fast break. The Villans were simply left for dead. Adebayor again provider.
What i really wanted to say with this post is …Hmm…..Wengerball seems to be back big time…..and I’m lovin it…..
April 4th, 2006 at 5:08 pm
Dude, you’re sharp as a tack but sometimes you can be a real sonofabitch. Doesn’t bother me in the slightest, tbh. In fact, I find you entertaining. But are you in chronic pain or something? Daaay-amn.
I happen to not side with the prayer thing outside of its meditative qualities, and fully believe religion to be an invention of man that at times can be brilliant, and at others embarrassing. But loads of those blood-sweating players you speak of make the sign of the cross all day long on the pitch.
Besides, everyone knows God is a Gooner.