Road Trip 2010
February 10, 2010 | Leave a Comment
The time has come once again to travel across the pond for the Arsenal America Road Trip. We have obtained 20 tickets for a lucky group of Arsenal America supporters to attend the following matches/events:
Arsenal (H) v. Wolverhampton – Saturday, April 3rd
Arsenal (H or A) v. Champions League (CL) Quarter Final 2nd Leg – April 6th or 7th*
Arsenal Supporters Cup – Date/Time TBD
Legends Tour – Date/Time TBD
*This match is not guaranteed, as Arsenal have to beat FC Porto in order to advance to this stage of the Champions League.
2009 Comes to a Close
December 31, 2009 | 2 Comments
Good morning Gooners! A wet and cold London morning to you. Before I begin, I want to apologize about the lack of “visual stimulation on the past few posts.” I am using the Mrs. computer (which is not a PC), and I have had one heck of a time loading pictures of the Road Trip, updates, and so on. With that being said, please sit tight, and know that I will have lots and lots of pictures for you all early next week.
So, on to Portsmouth. Arsenal took on Pompey last night in what proved to be a great end to 2009. You can read a great write up about the match on Arsenal.com. With Cesc and Robin out, we have had to get “creative” with our goals. November was a tough month for us, with a tough loss to Chelsea at home. Our title credentials were taking a hit from all sides, and you could see that the lads were in need of some direction and support. With some consistent play, and some luck, we have pulled ourselves right back into title contention. With our game in hand to be played on January 6th against Bolton, we could see ourselves within 1 point of the league leaders Chelsea. We take on West Ham in the FA Cup on Sunday. I would imagine that Arsene will rest those players that are not heading off to the African Cup of Nations, and the likes of Song and Eboue will be played to their fullest before heading home.
So, let’s get back to this Portsmouth match. I have been to several home games before, but I have never had the opportunity to go to an away match. What an amazing experience. We had 15 Arsenal Americans heading down for this trip. We went down to Portsmouth on the Arsenal coach buses. We met up at Emirates, got a bit of shopping in (some more than others . . . Arsenal dog bowls, Arsenal garden gnomes, Arsenal tooth brushes . . . that is total commitment, and I love every minute of it!), and loaded up on the coaches.
Half way on our 2 hour journey to Portsmouth, we were offered a selection of hot beverages. When was the last time Greyhound offered you hot English tea or coffee? Exactly. Once we arrived in Portsmouth, we headed over to the Good Companion to meet up with the other Gooners from far and wide. The pub was packed with chanting and singing Gooners, ready to take on Avram Grant’s Portsmouth. When you walked in, you needed no introduction, as your scarf, jersey, or Arsenal pin were all that was required for entrance and acceptance. A few pints were drank, and a few songs were sung (What do you think of Tottenham? . . . ), and we were on our way to Fratton Park. Unlike many stadiums in England, and in Europe, Fratton Park is quite old, and has never been updated or modified. The seats were simply bolted in place over the old terraces. You could smell the musk of the ground as you walked through away supporters gate. Once we got up the unevenly spaced (and sized I might add . . . and yes, I almost tripped going up the stairs twice . . . and no, I was not drunk . . . they were very uneven in size and height . . . it was very confusing . . . and you can stop laughing now) stairs, we found our way to our seats. The seats were small, but we didn’t need them anyway, as we stood the entire time.
The experience at an away game is truly unique, and very different than that of Emirates. I have found that Arsenal supporters at Emirates ride the roller coaster of emotions with the players, which can result in long moments of silence. The Gooners at Pompey did not stop singing until we were on the busses to go home. There was a true sense of passion and purpose with our singing and chants. We learned songs, and even made up a few . . . “We are standing on the new Portsmouth Flats, the new Portsmouth flats, the new Portsmouth flats (this was sung to “we all live in a yellow submarine” by the Beatles)” . . . it was a great night!
Fratton Park is a very small stadium, so the away supporters are very close to the action. The players could see us and reacted to our songs. We even got Arsene to give us a wave in the middle of the game. You could feel the tackles, and could see how truly fast Premier League players are. It was truly amazing to see how fast and powerful each of our players are. At one point in the second half, Traore was running straight at us, and I thought to myself, “if he doesn’t slow down, he is going to end up next to us in row N.” Arshavin had a glorious chance in the beginning of the second half, and was blocked soundly by the Portsmouth defense. In a moment of sheer amusement, he turned to the away supporters, smiled, and shrugged, as if to say, “Niet . . . I will score next time . . . dosvedanya.” He’s five foot four, he’s five foot foooooouurrrrr, we’ve got Arshavin, $&#@ Adebayor!
We got to experience two goals at the far end of the pitch (Eduardo and Nasri), and two more right in front of us (Ramsey and Song). Portsmouth pulled back a goal late in the second half, but the damage was done, and we were only minutes away from our forth and final goal of the night. Portsmouth have much bigger issues to worry about now, the least of which is a loss to Arsenal. It was truly awesome to see the Portsmouth defense scrambling to cover our players, as they moved the ball with such mastery, it was as if they were painting the very pitch beneath them. I would say football, much like many sports, is straight forward to play, but very difficult to master. Arsenal make it look so easy, which reminds us all as to how truly difficult it is to be a professional footballer.
Ramsey was so precise with his movement on the pitch, it was as if he could have done the very same move with the lights off, and blind folded. You could see in person how powerful and important Song is to our team. He marshalled our midfield with strength and spirit. Patrick Viera would be proud. About an hour into the game, we started singing my new favorite Christmas song, which I thought you all might enjoy:
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle All The Way
Oh What Fun It Is To See Arsenal Win Away, Eh!
Once the game had concluded, we marched back to the bus to embark on our journey home. The game was a fantastic display of the ability and prowess our team possesses, and an indication of the months to come. I for one believe that this is our year! This is the year that we win some silverware! This is the year that we say started our run of silverware. 2010 and beyond is for Arsenal.
Well, I must get cleaned up. We are off to the Armoury to spend more money on stuff that I don’t really need . . . Arsenal bath mat anyone?
From all of us at Arsenal America, I wish each of you a very prosperous New Year. The decade wrap up will be awaiting you tomorrow! Road Trip Day 6 . . . here we come!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
Captains off the Bridge – Road Trip Update
December 30, 2009 | 4 Comments
Good morning Gooners! I had grand aspirations of blogging every day while we were here in London for the Arsenal America Road Trip. What has been stopping me you ask? Beer, and lots of it. I will admit, I don’t drink this much . . . ever. I am married, and if you read the fine print when you get married, there is some clause in there about not coming home drunk, not going to England, and getting pissed . . . yada, yada, yada. My good friend told me to begin practicing for this trip (drinking that is), much like an olympian practices for the olympics. He was right, and I was . . . well . . . foolish enough to think that I would get in an out of a pub without downing at least 3-5 pints of English beer that has significantly higher volumes of alcohol than beer in the US. You may draw your own conclusions from here . . . as I sit in bed, smelling stale beer, a dirty pub, with random scratches and cuts on my hands and arms. Viva la England!
We are into the 5th day of the Arsenal America Road Trip. What an amazing group of ladies and gentlemen we have as Gooners in the US. Since it seems that Arsenal always win when we are in town, the local Gunners faithful have requested that we come over for every game of significance and importance. I told them that we would be more than happy to oblige.
I have so many pictures to post . . . well, we are going to have to do a separate post just for the pictures . . . and that settles that. So the post Villa commentary and stories will have to wait until tomorrow. Portsmouth awaits us now.
Much like the match against Aston Villa, our match against Portsmouth has taken on a tremendous amount of significance. Villa were the litmus test for our continued ascent to the top of the league. Pompey signify our ability to stay there. With our 27 minute wonder sub, Cesc Fabregas, out for an additional 1-3 weeks, the lads will have to cover and compensate in order to take the 3 points from Fratton park. Diaby, Song, Nasri, Arshavin, and Eduardo will need to step up to the plate. We cannot rely upon one singular player. We have found out the hard way . . . that does not work. With Robin gone for the season, we have got to fill in the gaps, and the answer is not for Cesc to carry us all the way. Championships are won as a team. If every player could carry on until the end of the season, that would be great. The reality is that the EPL is the most physical league in the world, and the truth of the matter is . . . in today’s highly competitive game, players get injured much more frequently, and teams need to guard against that. Cough . . . Cough . . . Arsene, you can buy players . . . no really . . . it’s OK to buy a lad or two.
Portsmouth are at the bottom of the table. They are precariously close to the point of no return, having only secured 14 points since the start of the season. It is most likely that Avram Grant will have his lads park the bus in front of the goal, and our Gunners will need to find a way past a team that has conceded 28 goals this season. It won’t be an easy game, but I for one think the Road Trippers will be up for the match . . . oh, and the payers too. We leave Emirates on the coach buses at 3:00PM London Time, and head to the coastal town of Portsmouth for a 7:45PM kick-off.
There will be more on the Villa match, Supporters Cup match, and the Portsmouth game on Thursday, so stay tuned. Don’t forget to check with your local Branch Managers for game times and TV viewing schedules.
4-0 to the Arsenal . . . just because we can!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
No one likes Villains & The Road Trip BEGINS!
December 26, 2009 | 2 Comments
Greetings Gooners! It is cold and damp here in London (shocker). Apparently every sick person was flying out of Dulles International Airport on Christmas Eve. Upon our arrival into London I noticed that I could not swallow, and that I was sweaty, sticky, and generally very uncomfortable. Christmas morning came, and Santa had visited. I must admit, that 2009 was a rough year, but I could have sworn that I was not on the naughty list. I mean, I pay my taxes, I am nice to the elderly, and we give to the poor. Heck, I even started recycling this year . . . I mean, that has to count for something.
So, back to Santa. He came alright . . . and slapped me in the face with a sickness unlike I have ever seen. Did I ask to be sick . . . NO. Did Santa get me sick . . . possibly. That is an item for discussion on another day. So off to the Chelsea Westminster Hospital. The Mrs. kept me focused, as we headed into unknown territory . . . international healthcare. Yet another discussion for another day, but they saw me, masked me . . . and the Mrs. . . . prescribed some sweet drugs, and I was on my way.
So, I am alive and well, and ready to face the Villains of Villa. Am I playing? Absolutely not. Am I going to be singing, and cheering . . . absolutely. So why is important that I am better, and that the amazing English drugs that I was prescribed have gone into effect? Because I have all of the tickets . . . ah, now you see the connection. So it really isn’t about me, and much as it is about everyone else . . . I mean come on . . . I’m not that important. I believe that our Road Trippers are going to provide that extra bit of support that is needed for the 3 points tomorrow. With 30 Americans singing and cheering, that has to count for something.
Villa will be in full strength, and are riding high after their impressive win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. If you remember our fixture against them last season . . . well, it didn’t go too well. Almunia saved a PK in the 1st half, only for us to drop two goals in short succession, and loose the match. I am hoping that the lessons of last season will ring in the lads ears as Arsene prepares them for battle. Villa are playing in form, and were at one point last season a clinch to kick us out of the Champions League this season. I for one am sick of fighting for 4th. We can win this league. Chelsea are dropping points, and Manchester United are not the same without Ronaldo. Our time is now, and Villa are standing in the way of our first title since 2003/2004. We do get some relief with the return of Armand Traore at Left Back. Silvestre is old, and needs his rest. Cesc is 50/50, and I for one am hoping that the 50 that gets him on the pitch for a full 90 shows up. Beyond that, we are still dealing with a multitue of injuries. Arshavin, Diaby, Eduardo, and even Theo (yes Theo, you will need to score one of these days to show your worth . . . how about tomorrow) will need to link well, and smother the Villans on defense. Our back line will need to be smart and strong. All in all, we must treat this game as if we are playing . . . well, Villa.
The Road Trip started off with a bang at the Meet and Greet in London this evening. 15 Americans took The Sports Cafe by storm. There were a few London Gooners at the pub, and were surprised to see so many Americans ready to take on the mantle of supporters extraordinaire for tomorrow’s match. I can say with pride that our debates about players, positions, Arsene’s tactics, and more put even the most ardent Gooner at a place of respect . . . “I’m Arsenal Till I Die, I’m Arsenal, Till I Die, I Know I Am, I’m Sure I Am, I’m Arsenal Till I Die!”
So, the Arsenal America 2009 Road Trip strategy session has been mapped out. Sing and conquer! Don’t forget to check with your local branch managers for TV channels and kick-off times.
3-Nil to the Arsenal
3-Nil to the Arsenal
3-Nil to the Arsenal
To the Arsenal 3-Nil
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
Who was at the Roma game?
March 28, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Were any of you at the game in Rome a couple of weeks ago. If so, were you in the Arsenal section? We had the most ridiculous wait in the stadium and then standing by the closed doors of the buses. Then that slow, slow procession back to Termini. In retrospect the whole thing was so absurd, disorganized and cumbersome that its now quite funny. I’m sure you will concur with me that it was not funny at the time. I hope its better organized in May!!
Roma v Arsenal Roadtrip?
January 29, 2009 | 3 Comments
I find the prospect of a roadtrip to Rome (March 11th) and Emirates (March 14th) too good to pass up. Anyone else planning on going to either game? Not sure where possible roadtrips are discussed here so I’ll just post and see what happens.
Tickets for 2009-10
December 28, 2008 | 1 Comment
As many of you know, we have available a bunch of tickets for almost every game at the Emirates and sometimes even some away matches. This comes from a collection of season tickets and occasional spares that are thrown our way by other supporters clubs or arranged by Arsenal for visiting Americans.
However, the management of this system is incredibly labor intensive. Our ticket masters in London do an absolutely tremendous amount of work just to get tickets for those Americans who are coming over. It requires a lot of time, and more important, a large pool of cash so we can buy tickets in bulk (sometimes we buy as many as two dozen for a match). Our attempts to build a system that is far more automated and streamlined have failed due to a lack of time and computer skills (and trust us, we’ve tried, nearly every year we try).
For those that do not know, Red Ticket members with the Arsenal are eligible to buy tickets through the ‘ticket exchange’ system run by Arsenal. Season ticket holders who are away, sick, or just can’t make a game will ‘exchange’ their tickets through the club’s automatic system, enabling the occasional Red Member to see a game. In fact, Red Members have been able to buy tickets to EVERY game this year (yes, including the ‘big ones’).
Red Membership is £30. It’s a bit more than we charge for our membership scheme that enables you to have access to our tickets, but it also gives you a slew of Arsenal stuff in the mail every now and then and access to some features on the Arsenal site that you might not get to as a casual visitor. It also gets you on Arsenal’s ticket exchange system, which is a pretty easy and reliable way to get tickets too.
As you budget your finances for the Spring, and think about attending a match next year in London, please seriously consider a Red Membership as an additional way to secure match tickets.
We’re not trying to drive you away–far from it. We’ll still be here next year, at some level or another, but you have to understand our ticketing ability is entirely the result of volunteers who have many other demands on their time (and money). We just want to help you get in to see a game without having to deal with the touts, and any way you can secure tickets without going to them is a plus in our book.
Meet the Roadtrip Crew
November 18, 2006 | Leave a Comment
For those in London this week, you can meet up with the ArsenalAmerica roadtrip crew before and after each game at a pub called ‘The Tavern’ on Blackstock Road near Gillepsie. We’ll be ‘in the back’ by the giant ArsenalAmeria banner, and most of our crew will be sitting in …. ummm… I wanted to say North Bank but I’m not sure what they call it now. Oops.
Anyway, the crew will be taking a tour of AG on Monday at 11:00, and some will be going to the Fulham reserve game on Wednesday.
ArsenalAmerica Roadtrip invoices sent
October 19, 2006 | 2 Comments
Invoices for the ArsenalAmerica roadtrip (Newcastle and Hamburg) have been sent out. If you didn’t get one, check your email. If it isn’t there and you want to go (or you haven’t told me yet that you want to go), let me know and I’ll see if we still have room (right now, we may have a few spaces left).
andrew@arsenalamerica.com
ArsenalAmerica Roadtrip CONFIRMED!
September 18, 2006 | 11 Comments
We're all going to London!
I've lost track–is this the fourth or fifth Roadtrip to Highbury…ummm….ok…let's start over.
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