Dec 19
The Fog attacks Anfield, and forces this evening’s League Cup 1/4 Final to be postponed. No details have been released regarding a re-arranged fixture.
UPDATE 12/20 - Just received this from AFC:
Please note that as a result of last night?s postponement, a new date has today been set for this fixture. Details are as under:
Liverpool v Arsenal
Tuesday 9th January 2007
At: Anfield
Kick Off: 7.45pm
Live on Sky Sports
35 Responses to “Liverpool v Arsenal”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
December 19th, 2006 at 3:25 pm
This is probably a blessing for December - one less game to play and the squad should be fully rested for the Rover's game at the Grove this weekend.
It would mean some fixture congestion in the first couple weeks of January, with two EPL games before the Carling Cup Semis on Jan 10, which means this tie will have to be squeezed in somewhether in the first week of Jan 2007. By then we should have more players returning so we'd have more players to choose from.
December 19th, 2006 at 3:37 pm
Fixture congestion is a lame excuse for anything.
I don’t remember it being a problem when United won the treble.
You just have to deal with it… the good teams overcome the obstacles, the not so good make excuses.
December 19th, 2006 at 4:44 pm
Ferguson, Wenger, Mourinho had all complained about the fixture congestion from time to time. Those who never complained - were those who usually went out from the cup competitions in the early rounds, and not involved in European competitions. Clubs like West Ham, Man City, Charlton etc.
So are they the “GOOD” teams, and Cheslea, Man U, Arsenal are not?
The fact is - for the majority of European leagues, there is only ONE domestic cup competition.
- and for the majority of European leagues, there are to the most 18 teams in their domestic top flight.
Man U’s achievement in 1999 was remarkable. But it also coincident with the fact they had a rather injury-free season.
Besides, if you remember, Man Utd actually pulled out from the very next season’s FA Cup partly due to the FIXTURE CONGESTION.
Based on ur theory stag, were they a “good team” or “not-so-good”?
December 19th, 2006 at 4:44 pm
Well, it wasn’t a problem when United won the treble but perhaps it is a problem considering the treble has been done once in how many years? So more often than not, it seems it’s a problem, dont’cha think, bosco?
December 19th, 2006 at 5:07 pm
rightly so Curt. It also coincident with the fact when the next two English sides Liverpool and Arsenal reached the CL final, they were virtually given up on their domestic league (Liverpool finished 5th, Arsenal 4th).
And a club as rich as Chelsea also found it a struggle trying to advance in all fronts.
Chelsea last season and Arsenal 2004 were just as good as anybody in the world. When we went out from the CL in 2004, i remember we had to play 4 big games (Vs Newcastle, Man U, Chelsea and Liverpool) in a spell of 10 days. And it was during the same period we went out from both FA Cup and CL. I would say it’s 100% due to fixture congestion, but we can’t deny there was a FACTOR there.
If anyone has played football before, he would testify how physically exhausting a sport it is.
December 19th, 2006 at 5:09 pm
correction: I WOULDN’T say it’s 100% due to fixture congestion…
December 19th, 2006 at 5:25 pm
Wenger blamed fixture congestion for our defeat in the second leg against Chelsea in Champions League. That was false; we bottled it. I think Arsenal, and Wenger, more than every other club make a meal out of the fixture list. The players keep hearing it and they start to believe it. It’s amazing how our players seem to tire so easily under Wenger.
Look at Lampard, he plays basically non-stop and you never hear a groan. Fixture congestion is just an excuse, and can only be used as an indirect reason, such as injuries picked up as a result of a heavy schedule. Even then it’s hard to prove an injury was for that reason.
December 19th, 2006 at 5:39 pm
Mazza, I never heard any players groan because they are playing a lot of game. NEVER.
But that’s not the point. We are talking about the PERFORMANCE. When a player is tired, he IS TIRED. He DOESN’T FEEL TIRED because the manager said so.
Just look at those players in the World Cup, particular those played for the big clubs. Did they look fresh or tired? And in particular Frank Lampard.
December 19th, 2006 at 6:15 pm
I’ve seen some negative postings but this one takes the cake. You are telling us how great Manchester United were at handling obstacles and how Arsenal just makes excuses for everything. 1 We beat Man U! 2 There are key injuries on the squad. 3 The men are overworked, that is a fact, just look at the lineup to be put on the field today. 4 look at the record against the big 3 2 wins, 1 draw and no losses. As fans you just have to be tough and stop the crying, please.
December 19th, 2006 at 9:39 pm
Definitly a blessing. We play Charlton 1/2, Liverpool 1/6 in the FA, then Liverpool in the CC on 1/9-1/10, and Blackburn again on 1/13. Wenger’s squad rotation will be key in this period obviously. With our inconsistency, I would not say Charlton or Blackburn will be ‘gimmees’. They should be though.
Lauren will be up and running by then. We need better D than O from that RB position when you consider the Matt Taylor goal.
I hope Diaby is close by then.
Henry is targeting the 1/6 game but who knows what that will translate to on the field.
Ljungberg should be back by January but who cares. His season has been marred by injury and ineffectiveness. His aged body is now betraying him and unfortunately for us he is still with us. We were more fortunate in the timing of Edu and Pires departures. Both are out injured with long term injuries.
December 20th, 2006 at 7:57 am
Folks if you coming to the game on Saturday against Blackburn please do wear your national colors. The Arsenal I used to loved and support 30 yrs ago is turning into a joke and now this ban on national flags says alot about the Arsenal. Wonder why the game is dying. What next don’t speak English because the French will not like it. Come and join us to turn 02/01/07 into a national flag day.
As for Mr Wenger he is losing his balls and respect even among Arsenal fans. Last weekend as a typical example. I really hope he and Mourinho will shut the f* up. Them 2 should stop all these silly and childish comments. Coming to think of about it losers always have excuses.
And thanks for the nice and not nice private messages. I do log onto this site sometimes to read some of the excuses
December 20th, 2006 at 9:44 am
“Look at Lampard, he plays basically non-stop and you never hear a groan…”
Poor Comparison.
Lamprard plays in a team with an experienced squad, naturally his workrate is lower than someone (at Arsenal) who plays in a transitional squad where one not only has to work hard on their part, but must also drop back to cover for his mates and help out chasing down the ball all over the field.
Put Lampard in the current Arsenal squad playing free flowing football with constant movement and Lamps won’t even last 45 minutes. Free flowing football requires players to be sharp and pacy for 90-mintes, which is difficult to do more than a couple matches a week.
Chelsea’s industrious style of play will allow all of their players to play a full 90-minute without being burnt out. The depth their squad also means they have 2 first-choice players for every position, something most clubs will never have (or be able to afford).
So in the end, fixture congestion for Arsenal is currently a problem. It won’t be a problem if we have no injuries to our key players. The only other plausible thing is for Wenger to adpat his playing style to our current squad options - since we don’t have enough players to be playing full-attacking free flowing football for 90-minutes, we should adopt to more direct football at a slower pace so our squad doesn’t get burnt out so easily.
December 20th, 2006 at 10:14 am
2 matches at Anfield in 3 days? Can't say it won't be interesting…
December 20th, 2006 at 11:03 am
I agree with the club, National flags should be banned. They have no place at Arsenal and have nothing to do with Arsenal. I am proud to support Arsenal NOT England.
This sporting infatuation with flag waving is not only divisive but profoundly immature behaviour from thoughtless and mentally regressed individuals.
December 20th, 2006 at 1:26 pm
Greetings LoveG…
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
Wish I was able to be there for flag day.
Next thing they’ll do is ban wearing bright colors.
December 20th, 2006 at 5:41 pm
I see nothing wrong with supporters waving flags that
(1) are their own national flag which they have brought to show that Arsenal have supporters in that country or
(2)the flag of one of the players to indicate support for that player.
I do acknowledge there is a problem with some flags (usually outdated ones) such as Nazi Germany flags, old South African Flags etc. However, there are other measures short of banning all flags which could address the problem. As with racist chanting, stewards and police could evict those responsible if they put some effort into it.
December 20th, 2006 at 6:36 pm
Henry groans every other week about how he played in two finals blah, blah, blah.
On the case of Lampard, I think it’s more of a case he just plays crap for England.
Of course, fatigue is an issue, but it’s hard to tell how much of an issue it really is. Some players play better when they participate all the time and find it hard to get form when they’re in and out.
December 20th, 2006 at 7:40 pm
LoveG, if what u said is true - that AW has lost respect among the Arsenal fans, then the Arsenal fans really got a hugh problem.
Immediately swing into mind how a few section of Charlton fans booed Curbs during his last few couple seasons in charge of Charlton. Their fans were not happy that Curbs failed to take the club to ANOTHER LEVEL. Now they got their wish - they are looking very likely to play in ANOTHER LEVEL - the Championship next season.
Personally, i have utmost respect to Wenger. And feel very lucky that I have actually lived through the Wenger era as an Arsenal fans. I have watched some beautiful football and saw the team lift so many trophies which I never even dare to dream about when i started to support Arsenal.
If i fail to respect a manager like this, just because our team are not flying high at the moment, then I would lose the respect to myself.
December 21st, 2006 at 6:51 am
Andez,
Winning games does not equal to respect. If that is the case 100% of Chelsea fans and others will respect Mourinho and lots of folks will dislike Curbs as you are trying to say.
The Charlton fans booed Curbs because they think the club was under-performing but that doesn?t mean they don’t respect him. That is the great difference there. I have been in the game for a while now and any ex-players or old head will tell you there are lots of good managers out there but that doesn?t guarantee respect. Is a case of you are just good at your job period.
There are lots of respected football managers out there but none of them have win a things. Stuart Pearce is a example. People like him but not and will never be a great manager. Is all about how you carry on. If you get your chance asked any ex-players? Yes football has changed and is all about winning at any cost or by any means necessary.
You earn respect by respecting the game not excuses and bitc%ing week in week out. Is becoming a joke and people like Wenger, Mourinho are turning the beautiful game into a joke. Is not all about winning?
Henry is not playing to his best this season but lots of people up and down the country respect him but you can?t say the same about Rooney. I asked you why that is the case. Henry does his talking on the field and Rooney chat sh%t on the field.
December 21st, 2006 at 7:00 am
What?s next - Arsenal and England hats / caps? Sorry but Arsenal is an English club. Then what next No more Arseanl football kits because that will piss off folks around 7 sisters and the Spurs fans who worked for London underground.
Yes and banned any advertisement about holidays in any country as well. and take the word Emirate from the kits
Politically correctness gone mad.
December 21st, 2006 at 7:03 am
You can’t used the word Merry Christmas Stag. It will pis% some people off. When are you coming down for game?
Anyway enjoyed your christmas holidays.
December 21st, 2006 at 7:08 am
True,
There are problems with some fans and as you mention but to banned all flags is a joke.
What next banned all Whites guys because one man was causing problems. The world of PCness gone mad.
December 21st, 2006 at 8:03 am
Just remind people who say “Happy holidays,” that the word holiday comes from “holy day.” Then sit back & watch the open mouthed stare… it’s fun…
December 21st, 2006 at 8:05 am
Love_G, what’s crackin’? I think it’s really a shame to ban flags. Having a whole bunch of different national flags in the stadium could and should represent the cultural diversity of the club. I say as long as they’re respectful, the more the better. If a man can’t show his national pride then how can he show his club pride? How many Togolese, Spanish, Ivorinian, Dutch, Brazilian or Belarusian fans are rocking Arsenal gear simply because their national heroes play for Arsenal?
This completely undermines the club’s anti-racism and Henry’s “Stand-Up, Speak-Up” campaigns as they sought not to try and make everyone the same but respect people’s cultural differences. Football is THE world game, not just Arsenal or Enland or anyone elses. It should be a celebration and not something so cumbersome and stressful. Someone’s really needs a stick pulled out of their ass.
December 21st, 2006 at 8:06 am
Agree Andez… a lot of supporters reek of the selfishness of the microwave generation- if something is done & won & done perfectly & instantly, then it’s “off with his head!,” “fire him!,” “impeach him!,” “bench him!,” etc. etc. etc.
The irony of which most of these same peole cry “where’s the loyalty?!” when somebody bolts…
December 21st, 2006 at 8:07 am
Of course I meant : “If something is NOT done & won…”
December 21st, 2006 at 8:10 am
But do not mistake “respect” for “being liked,” Love_g.
You don’t have to like someone to respect them, that’s a big misconception a lot of people have. I can’t stand most of Chelsea’s players, however, I respect their ability to go out & win games consistently when on their extraordinary wages they could go out & lollygag & still not have to work another day in their lives if they were released tomorrow. I don’t respect the manner in which they conduct business but I do respect their ability on the field as well…
December 21st, 2006 at 8:17 am
I agree… I don’t equate good ol’ “national pride” with a fascistic sense of the word… to do so is to go against every thing open minded people are supposed to be about.
It always fascinates me how the open-minded, “compassionate” & “tolerant” people love to engage in censorship (non-offensive p.c. talk) & suppression of ideas (i.e. no national flags)… the very things they’re supposed to be against…
Now, they’ll argue but some people use these vehicles for hate, blah, blah, blah… But for something to be truly FREE or OPEN, you have to conside ALL possibilities, not limit them… If you do so, then it’s just all matter of differing opinion(s)/world view(s)/etc….
E.g., I do not agree with Communistic, Leftist, anti-capitalist rhetoric, however, I will argue (& possibly even fight for) for a person’s right to choose to believe in those ideals or have those opinions.
Just my dime store philosopher take on the matter…
December 21st, 2006 at 8:20 am
Football is about entertainment, it’s about kicking a ball between two posts. What is the one thing that ruins football? Crowd hostility, racism, fighting and vandalism. Why do people usually do that? Because they’re bored and therefore deliberately associate this “entertainment” with their country and end up wanting to fight for it. How pathetic.
Football should have nothing to do with countries, International football is so vulgar, it should be scrapped as crowds are too immature to sit there and watch a game without being racist, shouting abuse or waving dumb flags that signify nothing except which lump of mud they were accidentally born on. Anyone who goes to a football match and waves a national flag is an immature, insecure, mentally lost individual, and life, never mind football, is better off without them.
December 21st, 2006 at 12:19 pm
The simple fact that Wenger has lost his cool more than ever this season says it all. He is so frustrated by the fact that this team is underperforming that it is getting to him. Why else would he complain (bitterly?) to the ref about the free kick that led to Pompey’s first goal? I haven’t seen a single website talk about it (and fans as usually the first to jump on if there is anything at all).
December 21st, 2006 at 1:01 pm
Off with your head, for that Typo.
December 21st, 2006 at 10:50 pm
btw, LoveG, glad to see u dropped by again. I think I must have disagreed with u on 99% of the issues here over the years, still, in u I found a real match to debate about! If u talk about respect, I do have quite a lot on u. You are a hard nut to crack. Stand your ground very firm. But I respect that.
December 21st, 2006 at 10:56 pm
One more thing LoveG, when i said i had the utmost respect to AW, u ought to know I didn’t just mean the trophies.
Everyone has a different philosphy in life, I guess my mentality is just quite similiar to AW. A lot of things he did, and the way he manages the team I drew a lot of inspiration from it. For instance, the way he protected his players, IMO, it’s one important attritube of a good leader. And many more. I m not going to list it here, but i think u got what i mean.
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:32 pm
How is a national flag different than any other flag? A flag is a flag. So how is national identity any different than club identity & people hating other club supporters who are only miles apart? Is it only better b/c Arsenal & Spurs have never fought a war?
Danny, you’re obviously entitled to your opinion but to label people as idiotic or immature b/c they wave a flag, any flag without knowing them is about as idiotic as you think their behavior is. B/c to me it’s the same mindset as a bigot or racist, it’s just your avenue for expressing it is people who wave flags or emote nationalism.
B/c everyone knows there was never any fighting or wars until nations were created… There were only these perfect, innocent tribes who lived in harmony with nature & all the birds in the sky & the fish of the seas lived in harmony & sang songs with the beasts of the fields & they all played footie in a garden full of lilac & lollipops & John Lennon’s “Imagine” was played before every match & the referee always officiated the game fairly & evenly & at the end of each match, even though someone had to win, everyone shook hands, hugged & yes, even kissed each other in the cheek in the ancient way. I’ll blame the wine on that! Ha! But then along came man with his greed & led his orcs of industry to defile the Ancient Football Garden with his cars, tvs & nationalism. Lo, the cursed man & his evil would plant flags with different colored threads which arranged to signify which plot of mud they came from. It was thus that soon the Garden of Football would die & the furry little football animals fled into the hinterlands of Nod & still wander to this day, except for the time when Wenger tried to sign Yomo the Wombat to sure up his defense but the board of directors couldn’t pony up the money to build a lair for the wombat, so the deal fell through. Man & his evil begat this crime & thus were destined to create message boards & bicker at each other for the rest of time for it is written thusly, “Man & your evil have begotten this crime, lo, you are banished & will create message boards & you will bicker with each other forever & ever.” Oooooooooohhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmm
Either that or I could’ve gotten the translation wrong from the Cuneiform & it actually states, “The feel good ideal of the noble savage in his little tribes living in harmony with the environment is a fallacy & that many tribes & their leaders throughout the world were nothing more than the ‘industrialists’ of their day.”
That’s my take on it.
December 22nd, 2006 at 7:04 pm
I take it that you have no problem flying the Nazi Germany flag? Or the Confederacy Flag? Or the old South African Flag? If you don’t you probably have a problem with the hammer and sickle. As I have pointed out already, it is not about flags, it is about motivation. Some people fly flags because they are proud of where they come from and want to show in that place there are Arsenal supporters. Others wish to show support for a particular player. Fly his flag (French, Swiss, German etc.).
Unfortunately, there are another group - those who fly flags to provoke. National flags provoke more than any other flag. Look at the list above. To an Arab, an Israeli flag is provocation. To some Irishmen, the St. George’s cross is a symbol of nine hundred years of oppression. It doesn’t matter whether they are right or wrong but if the flag is flown in the wrong place at the wrong time, the intention is to provoke. You cannot simply say that “A flag is a flag”.
Racist chanting and racist flags should be banned. However, banning all flags is not an option, neither is banning all chants. I can see Arsenal’s difficulty though. Banning the Turkish Cypriot flag and the few at the top of this comment is fairly simple, but you will always will have other flags that provoke and where do you draw the line? Partial censorship is always difficult, but I see no other option. Those that bring flags to provoke should be evicted from the ground as should those that engage in racist chanting. It is difficult to identify those who offend but we shouldn’t restrict everyone’s freedom just for the few.