So it’s official, Arsenal have introduced a no drinking zone around the ground to stop nuisance drinkers doing what they do best which is, …well drinking, so I guess that means all areas leading to the ground, which in turn eliminates the road beer we all so enjoy, so no standing, no swearing, no singing and now, no drinking, oh how I love the Arsenal.
However we have added three more highly paid Americans to Ivan’s team of well paid mates, I wonder when we the fans will see any of this reflected in what we all get, my guess? Don’t hold your breath.
Nicki B’s dad says no contract extension has been signed and it was all paper talk but he says he thinks it’s all exciting so at least he wants to stay.
Transfer gossip arose around Steven Taylor of Newcastle, I like this kid, he may not be as big as Sackho, whom I also like, but he is English and has that same fight in him I see in Vermaelen, so I hope there’s some truth in that rumour, although it was great to beat Celtic, it was pointed out by the panel that no Englishmen were involved and that does hurt a bit.
Eduardo’s back for the Pompey game and I have a feeling he’ll involve Wilshere, Ramsey and Gibbs, I believe he needs to rotate his squad to keep them fit, keen and happy, so if you’re going to do it, then do it with a team you expect to beat.
I can’t see spurs staying at the top for too long so they don’t bother me but the chavs are there early and we play them soon, so we need to keep picking up maximum points, we need to get a result when we visit Manchester twice and maybe then we can start believing.
Let’s hope we sign the 2 or 3 players we need to make us the team to beat, imagine fantasy football and resilience, it’s like combining the best of Graham with the best of Wenger.
For those of you going tomorrow, don’t forget to take a carrier bag and good luck with the road beer!
Have a great day Grovers.
I know what you mean. The truth is, if we had only won 0-1, people wouldn’t care who scored. I don’t understand some people’s logic (if you could liken it to logic)
And yeah i agree. It would be much better if we had lost that way Wenger might buy more players so that we can win….. Oh wait …. but if we want to win …. then surely losing is bad …… Oh wait …. I’m confused
bk. I agree he does fuck around a lot and runs in to dead ends. But if he averages two assist a game, he can do anything he likes
*assists
LOL.. It’s amazing how people’s valuation of our opposition fell from ‘very dangerous’ and ‘hard to beat’ to ‘piss poor’ and ‘hopeless’. Could it be that the teams looked poor because we made them look so. Of course not.
the team against everton/celtic would be good enough to win the league,but what are the chances of them being around every week.
RvP and Arshavin(to a lesser extent) are 2 players who’s game depends on the outrageous imo. That’s why when it doesn’t work out they look average. But even so both are great assets even when not playing well as they have excellent technique.
well bill if his job is assists he should be swapin places with nic,dont you think
for me it should be nic or eddie right up front in this new formation,which i like.it makes the best use of the players we have
How about Liverpool buying some old greek fucker. That really came out of nowhere. Were they even linked with him?
bk. I assume that RVP plays the CF role because he is the least adept at defending. You need someone to stay up there, so perhaps It is best that it is RVP, since Nik is very powerful and has been doing really well at tracking back. If RVP is getting two assists a game, and doing well for the team i don’t really mind where he plays. As long as it works.
You’re right though that at some point, not all these players will be available. So i would prefer Wenger to bring in a couple of great players who can cover, if not challenge for a first team place.
Bendtner is suffering, having to play out on the right, just because he has a good work rate. If he was lazy like he used to be then no way he would be on the wing.
I guess thats the curse of being a team player now.
I can understand why VP plays centrally, because of his ability to see passes and execute them etc but i still dont and wont ever like it. I would much rather he be on the right like he has on occasion for the Netherlands but its not like we can change Wengers mind.
Bendtner should be leading the line with rvp playing just off him i cant understand AWs logic can anyone!!!
reggie the logic is that it is easier for nikki b to win headers against the full backs as opposed to CB’s.. and VP’s creativity at its best through the middle.
My KFC lunch / dinner was:
2 Zinger tower burgers.
(maybe not diet…)
3 original chicken. All breast.
2 Chicken fillets
small popcorn chicken
2 Hotrods.
Diet sprite
Felt a bit sick since and I’m holding A&N responsible
But we dont usually have the ball in the air when attacking so Bendtner being better against the full backs should have nothing to do with deciding who plays where.
Strangely tho we do seem to be hoofing a lot of long balls in Bendtners direction. Whether that is Wengers idea or just the players lacking ideas is anyones guess tho.
Stu…been on the cards for a couple of days but did come out of left field didn’t it?
But what is the point of having the clubs best header of the ball winning headers against full backs surely the purpose of a striker is to score goals or am i missing something!!
I don’t see that Bendtner is suffering out there. He has put in two very good performance and contributed to the victories as much as any other player. Let’s not forget that he was primarily a bench player last season. I’m sure he will see this as a fantastic opportunity to prove what a quality player he is.
I understand your reasoning though. You would think that the big target man would flourish in a CF position. But as i said it may be Bendtner’s superior power and defensive play which has made Wenger decide to play him out there. Besides he usually looks threatening playing from a wide position and has very good link up play.
Also, VP being in the middle, means he can hold up the ball, and play through the wing forwards. I expect Bendtner to bag quite a few goals this season even if he does play wide
Right off out to have a rogan!!
Bendter’s ball controll has really improved.I initially wanted bendtner to play upfront and VP wide left.But i think there is no point in playing bendtner upfront unless he partners eduardo or vela.He done reasonably well playing wide right
I meant suffering as in his attributes better suit the middle.
Im not questioning his performances out there, he will do a better job than Ebowie or Theo could do there but i just think he is wasted out wide because he isnt a particularly tricky player. Its a bit obvious what he is going to try most of the time.
But it doesnt look like Wenger will move VP out of the middle any time soon so i suppose Bendtner out wide is better than no Bendtner at all.
Rhyle, I felt sick this morning just looking at those KFC menu choices.
They have switched at times but nothing much happened
Does Bendy play straight-up centre forward for Denmark?
Yes Chozzer, i think he does. And his record for them is apparently 1 in 2.
The Liverpool purchase is pure bargain basement stuff cos Agger and Skirtel are fucked.
Stu, the first two goals at goodison resulted in hoofs to nikki b!!!
I have so far not been really happy with almunia’s distribution.I know his quick release lead to cesc’s goal.But overall i think his distribution is poor.
*from hoofs
Stu. Yes maybe his attacking attributes better suit the middle. But his defensive attributes may better suit the wing. It’s probably just an issue of balance. Playing RVP out there may well leave sagna more exposed. I think Bendtner adds a lot to tightening up the wide areas. And as such it may be a good move to play him there.
Besides let’s wait and see how it goes. He’s put in two very good performances and worked very hard. If that changes, then it might need to be reviewed, but while we’re winning convincingly, i don’t see the need to tinker with it
Is alex fit for chelsea?if ancelotti doesn’t rate him we should try to sign him.As a 3rd choice CB it would be nice to have him
Besides which, it is not so rigid as one might expect. Our forward all seem to be given creative license, everyone interchanges and you will often see Bendtner attacking the centre, sometimes it will be Arshavin. It’s more of a fluid system
I know we scored indirectly from hoofs. IM not denying that..
Im not unhappy about where the forwards are playing. Just its not what i prefer. Regardless of it being successful so far. Im not asking for it to be changed now…
I see what you’re saying Stu. Big man in the box, does seem to be the standard. It puts him in the right position for crosses and such. But I don’t really think that’s a massive part of our strategy anyway. We are far more creative in the midfield. and it is our defensive game which needed tightening. Which Bendtner can provide from a wide position.
oh oki… i know we are sacrificing some fluidity of a 4-4-2 but the team looks so much better defensively…
i think it goes down to cesc needing two defensive partners, because we can’t just play one of song or denilson
doesn’t this lad really want to come here:
Chamakh snubs Hammers
The 25-year-old also told of how he is still “in the process of mourning Arsenal” after intense speculation regarding a move to the Gunners this summer came to nothing.
He insists he is now looking forward to spending the 2009/10 campaign in France and helping Bordeaux defend their Ligue 1 title.
“Instead of joining another Premier League club, I’m going to opt for the very interesting year which Bordeaux is proposing on a sporting level,” he said.
Finally, he dismissed suggestions that he is planning an imminent trip to London to meet with West Ham officials.
“This is just nonsense. I was aware of the West Ham rumours recently but it wasn’t a priority,” he added.
I’ve backed Niki B to be top premiership goalscorer £5 at 100/1 on Betfair. Pigs might fly but you never know!!
Choy. I think we could play the 4,4,2 but if you want to tighten up defensively, then that is not the best formation to do so, given that we are an attacking side who looks to play high up. Our 4,4,2 has always looked more of a 4,2,4 anyway. It basically allows us to drop an extra player back, but requires the wing forwards to track back so as too provide adequate width
*to
100/1?! I got a fiver on at 60/1, thought that was a steal!
I’m liking the 433 HB… has almunia had a save to make?
Choy. Hasn’t been threatened too much. Although he has done very well at coming of the line to gather crosses. But i agree, that’s the beauty of it. We have not looked so strong defensively for a long time. I actually feel confident that we can stay strong and calm. At no point last season did i ever feel that way
so man u start the season like spurs usually do and arsenal start off flying.
I bet man u now panic buy and get some quality players in while wenger will just rest on his laurels
100/1 still available on Betfair. 66s elsewhere.
I have a feeling … chamakh will come in at around 5 mill…
HB.. we haven’t played silvest yet
Tomorrow we must show no mercy. I was to see a of biblical proportions.
i meant to a massacre
Hi Choy and Lg’ers
I too like this 4-3-3. I guess it is the only way to play the genius AA.
My only worry – neither of our front men have really created a chance. 180? minutes and nothing – not even forced a save. A couple tomorrow would be nice.
You mean apart from Eduardos goal and a few shots for the others right Raddy.
Hello BR… hows it going?
Not to mention the assist from Arshavin plus two for RVP
Lifes good Choy.
And another win tomorrow will make the weekend.
Stu, I meant the starting forwards. NB hit one about 10m wide and RvP one at the keeper, but apart from that ….. zilch
Signing off now – hope you have a fine evening (?)
HB. Strikers should strike.
But I am not complaining, just looking for perfection.
I’ll take eight goals from midfield and defense any day. If they can do that all season, i don’t care if the strikers never score again
To me this formation is utterly confusing. Sometimes it looks like 4-3-2-1. And then in attack it looks like an ordinary 4-3-3. I like it. As the opposition our just baffled as to who to mark, as attackers come in from every angle.
Pompey will play defensively, so we need to carve them up early from quick passing or from a set piece. Would like to see Eboue in this game and to seeRamsey play a part. My line up:
————-Al————-
–Eboue—Gallas—Verm—Clichy—-
–Cesc(Rmsey)—Song—-dennilson(traore)—-
–Bendt(Jack)—-Arsh(Eddy)—-VP(Diaby)
From a Pompey blog:
Like most Pompey fans, I’m more interested in who is going to buy the club rather than the formality that should be a Gooner victory tomorrow. This is one game I just want to get out of the way because they could tear us apart going on early season form.
The Gunners have scored 8 goals in two games whereas we have scored none, although the two goals we have conceded can be considered to be very unlucky.
The only real hope we have in this match is if Mokoena, Basinas and Mullins rough up the Arsenal midfield so much that their performances are affected. Our defence is also going to have to be pretty much perfect and we’ll have to take the one or two chances that we’re going to get if we can even fathom an unlikely victory.
Set-pieces are going to be extremely crucial for us so it’s imperative that Niko Kranjcar gets them spot on because I can’t see how else we’re going to cause the Arsenal defence any real problems otherwise.
With Burnley beating Manchester United on Wednesday you never know what might happen but you would have to be a very brave man to bet on us tomorrow. I just want to see a gutsy performance and as little goals scored against us as possible.
At least we are already scaring the opposition…
What are your predictions then lads?
I’m going for a 4-0….
Arshavin
Arshavin
Eduardo
Bendtner the scorers
True Samir. But I just hope that we don’t approach the game with that kind of attitude. We will need to treat this game seriously. And work just as hard as we have in the last two games
Why should we change a winning Team? We need to be consistent and to do this we need to change the Team only if a player is injured or loses form.
I agree el tel. and fatigue isn’t really going to be an issue at this stage of the season. We should just go with what’s working
The thing is if we don’t rotate someone might get injured through that.. It’s a hard decision to make but that’s why we got Wenger there
In Wenger we trust
el tel
fabregas worked like a madman on tuesday. i want him fit for man u doing the same, he should be rested in one of the games, and we can win tomorrow without him
samir
6 – 0
arsh
fabs
rvp pen
verminator
bendtner
fabs
Incesc. If we’re going to rest Cesc, it should be against Celtic where we already have a two goal cushion. We need to pick up three points tomorrow at all costs, therefore we should maximise the chances by fielding our best players. Sure we don’t want him injured, but the only reason we don’t want him injured, is so he can play games for us.
If Wenger suspected that Cesc was not up to playing, there’s no way he would risk it. We need all the points tomorrow
I just thought he looked fucked at the end of the celtic game, but wenger absolutely rinsed vieira when he was captain just because he knew having him on the pitch gave the rest of the team an extra 10 percent. So maybe he will do the same with fabs. I guess we all know fabregas will be leaving one day so why not wear him out.
It was great to see how much fabs wanted every ball against celtic, and the whole team was the same. Have they finally realised after watching Barce last year that you have to work your arse off as well as be skilfull. No wonder wenger sold ade…
Typical night
prawn cocktail
pint
rogan
pint
madras hot bombay
pint
pint
pint
pint
pint
pint
argue about the bill!!
pint (drive home) joke!
back on Le Grove
result!!
I just don’t think this rotat for the sake of it thing works. Fat Frank works his bollocks off every week and he never seems to get a rest.
They play football a couple of times per week and do little else but train. Why should they be rested?
We need to build up an head of steam not take chances.
Cesc or one of our big players will probably get sent off tomorrow anyway as usually happens before we play the Scummers
Incesc. Yeah i’m not surprised he looked fucked. He was clearly targeted for a kicking that night. But he’s young and is used to playing a lot of games. If he’s physically up to it, Wenger will play him. Hopefully we will have a decent lead at half time and then we will have the chance to make some subs and give some people a rest so they’re fresh for Celtic and particularly Man Utd.
But yes it is great to see them working hard and getting physical. Last season, i was not confident in the build up to our games against the top four sides. But this season, I am genuinely confident that we can beat Man Utd.
el tel. Ain’t that the truth.
If Cesc is knackered then let him wear the Portsmouth boys down for an hour by getting them on the chase then send on some one like Theo to rip them to pieces.
Honest Bill
what bit mate the sending off bit?
Or let Ramsey rip into them
reggie
work pint
Pint
pint
mousakka with the misses
pub pint
pint
pint
pint
double jd and coke
pint pint
le grove
when you spell pint out that many times it stops making sense.
its reads more like pinte
Yeah el tel, Any and all measures to make sure that Man Utd get a slight advantage will be taken
I’m pretty sure Walcott is injured.
“Fat Frank works his bollocks off every week and he always seems to get a fat”
honest bill (a your name is an oxymoron)
i agree about frank but cesc did a lot of work for denilson on tuesday. Lampard has ballack and all them cunts. When rosicky is back fabs will prosper…
incesc mine looks like print!!
WWWTTTFFF???
Carlos Vela has been ruled out for a month with an ankle injury.
The Mexican forward did not play for Arsenal in pre-season after fulfilling international commitments early in the summer.
He last played on August 12, coming off the bench to help his country defeat the United States in a vital World Cup qualifier. But Vela returned to England with an injury and is not expected to be fit until September.
“Carlos Vela has an ankle injury,” confirmed Wenger at his pre-match press conference.
“He was injected [on international duty] in Mexico and came back injured. That’s one of the problems you have with international football.
“To be completely cured he will need one month.”
Whats wrong with theo HB?
“Defensively, number-wise, maybe we could still do with one.”
But it seems as though Wenger is not the only manager in this particular boat.
When asked exactly which position he wanted to strengthen Wenger said: “I must confess one thing.
“I’ve spoken to 10 managers and all 10 are looking for centre-backs or defensive midfielders.
“It looks like the offensive players are the most-paid but at the end of the day, in the modern day, all the managers I speak to ask me the same thing.
“‘Do you know a player somewhere?’”
Theo’s got a back problem…
Looks like I am scaring people off as usual.
I can’t wait to get to the ground in the morning. I will probably be one of the first Stewards to arrive there and I will get some photos of the stadium when empty.
I am working tonight and then I will have to be at the stadium about 12.15 tomorrow. I will get there at about 11 though before the chaos.
I feel a buzz about going there like I used to in the Highbury years, I hope this means something as like most people I know, I always think I have an influence on the results.
I will ride the bike there on the same route as I always take and get my progtamme from the old grey haired guy at the bottom of the stairs near the Armoury. That old guy was lucky at Highbury (outside the Main Entrance) but I don’t get a programme at the Grove untill I am inside anymore. This will change as from tomorrow as I need to do my bit for the Club. Hopefully i will be able to grab a Gooner too but usually I am a bit early and have to ask others if they get a chance to grab one for me.
If any of you have superstitions and believe they help the Club then please stick to them.
Come on you Gunners. Lets do IT
fack me i got put in moderation lol
geoff has sseeriously been struck down with pmt recently
el tel how long have you been a steward mate!!
Honest Bill
Through the Wenger years this has happened very often just before we play those cheating bastards and its usually a big player. IMO its a big advantage.
el tel are you really a steward?
fuck this
moderated on le-grove
its like being thrown out of my favourite pub
Hi Reggie
I got a 15 year award form Gazidis at the end of last season. I fucking hate the job but I love the fact that I see most of our games if not involved in the political trivia that The Arsenal get us to do.
They do look after their staff which is great but the shit we get because of the daft rules is annoying.
There are many rookies since we have moved and most are pretty useless to be honest.
moderation?
moderation?
geoff and pedro are gayboys
Reason why i asked was one of my mates worked there as a steward when we was at highbury tim simoenette was his name wondered if he was still there?
Reggie
I started going to Highbury as a boy from 1970 till today. My dad used to take me my 2 Brothers and a couple of mates back then plus other Members of the family. We were on the North Bank in those days.
Sadly I have 2 adult Sons both Gooners and have only been to 2 games with them. The cost is ridiculous and I understand how most feel when things are not going well.
I am a third generation Arsenal fan and want my boys to carry on from this.
I live in hope.
I only know first names mate and I knew a Tim from when I was on the Clock end track. I think this Tim works full time for the Club now.
Thats some heritage el tel makes you feel proud to be a gooner!!
I predict a 4-1 win tomorrow. I never call a clean sheet for us since Almunia has been in goal.
How old would you say he is el tel about 45-50!!
Reggie
Most die hard Gooners have this heritage and I think other Clubs hate us for this more than anything else.
I am not saying they are better fans than a new supporter just that we have a strong History at the Arsenal.
Hows about you buddy?
Good shout Reggie
48 this year. I remember my first away game was at the Spuds away. we got beat 2-1 and Jimmy Greedy (Greaves) scored for them.
Got to go do some work now. Catch up later.
Same as you really me old man took me as a boy, older brother is a gooner as well, both seasoned north bankers: first game i went to was against southampton a 3-0 loss which was in 1966 i think
again same as you two sons both ardent gooners and you are right once a gooner always a gooner!
So Mexico fucked up Vela, now we’re without him for another month, and England fucked up Theo, we won’t have him back until after the internationals, fucking annoying!
A, What a surprise
thats not good news
poor Vela
If it hadn’t been for Mexico, then I firmly believe that Vela would be at a similar stage in his development with us as Theo was at the start of last season, but just playing for them has held him back massively, and now their injecting him so he can play silly little internationals, fucking him over for a good while for us, bit of a piss take!
England too having Theo playing u21 and for the full team, certainly not gonna be letting that happen with Wilshere, Gibbs, Lansbury, JET, Murphy, Bartley, Ayling!
you cant stop players playing for there country A!
any manager gets in a world of shit for doing that …
its ok if the player retires from football as jamie C did for liverpool . but i do agree injections are taking it to another level , no player should be asked to play thru the pain barrier .. at that point the player himself should speak up ..
not arsene / the manager .
Another positive piece.
1st of all I want to say well done England, too good for us, far too good infact.
Now to more pressing matters. Go Go Gunners, lets kept the momentum going, onwards & upwards.
Now judging from a good many of the comments on here so far, the drinks ban announced concerning a cleansing ale or 6 on your way to THOF has been greeted with much distain, well I feel for all beer drinking Gooners, so I hope its not too long before you all get back to the good ol’days again
http://www.constitutioncenter.org/timeline/flash/assets/asset_upload_file998_12215.jpg
A message to those sterile minds running The Arsenal, as anyone will tell you, who loves the taste of an ice cold, frothy ale…….
http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/history/e1930/ProhibitionRepealPoster.jpg
How is this website so popular?
I’m Trash. Gutter trash.
I’m glad there’s no drinking now because that way I won’t get attacked when I dress up in my mums clothes.
Sorry to share that with you but I do have gay issues. And I live in a caravan.
So, have we signed anyone?
Yea,apparently a new tea lady.
I am getting a tad annoyed and frustrated,that with ten days to go we haven’t bought at least the minumum of one defender.
We could win the league no doubt in my mind,but as with the past few seasons,we are reliant on players remaining fit and the squad is just not big enough with quality.
Nasri,Rosicky,and Fabianski are already out for at least two months,vela, who knows,Theo was out for days,now weeks,Djorou is not fit and Diaby is injury prone, and remember eduardo has to be eased in very slowly.
it’s a huge risk by Wenger to rely on this squad,but it would be partly resolved if he played Ramsey and Wilshere a bit more from now.
nice edit there Geoff/Pedro
Johnno I really think you need help my pikey friend, I would prefer you told your cross dressing problems to a gay site though, we frown upon that kind of stuff here on Le Grove, we are a hetrosexual site, sorry to disappoint you.
Morning Suga3, that’s what happens to pricks like that, they get outed!
So are we signing Taylor then? anybody knows something?
morning, Geoff, good man
you made a very good point earlier – stadium has been ‘in the hood’ since 1913, which is (well, most of the cases) longer than anyone lives there…
if you can’t live with a few louder days every now and then, then you can move somewhere else – I’m pretty sure properties in North London still fetch handsome fees…
plus, it’s not like it is middle of the night or early morning, is it?
anyway, I’ll be off to London to leave my car at my mate’s and head to the Grove – anyone up for a few beers?
in a few hours, of course
Suga3 there’s a bunch of Grovers meeting up today.
is it at S+B or somewhere else?
Yes it’s at the S&B
Evening Geoff
Nice editing x 2, I wasn’t going to reply to that stick puller coz it might have made him feel noticed.
cheers
Todays game may be the type that Pompy park the semi trailer, but 4-3-3 may be just the tonic for 4-0.
Morning Gnarley, yes I agree, they come on as Trojan horses, I bet he was masturbating after that, he won’t be now the stupid cunt.
My post talks a big ‘un today, I expect nothing less than a tonking.
New post.
Morning all.
So whats up with Theo then? DDM has sources saying he’s not injured.
Is Wenger so fucked off with him for not saying he got injured against Valencia, and for Englan fpr selecting him that he’s keeping him out until after the next round of internatinals?