via @Arsenal Instagram
I am SORRY for not being about for 2 days, it’s not because I’ve lost interest in talking about the pretty features of Dennis Suarez, NO, it’s because my brother-in-law gave me a HORRENDOUS case of BAD TIMES. I’m sorry to be so vague here… but I picked it up two days ago, but just the fever stage… I managed to fly to Chicago and back, and as I walked in the door it was the worst thing that ever happened to me. Truly tragic… but, but, but… that winter gut has gone… so who is really winning?
#SummerBodReadyThruTimelyIllness
I tell you who else won last night… Unai Emery. The Europa League machine from Spain only went and done it again with a pretty damn convincing win over Napoli.
He brought in the big guns, he shipped the not so big guns to the bench, and we witnessed the destruction of a very limp Napoli who just weren’t up for the test. They kind of reminded me of the period when we stocked up on tiny players… everyone was a LOTR extra, which made for pretty moments, but brute force usually wins out unless you’re Barca.
Aaron Ramsey stepped up for the first goal after some great four-way play between AMN, Ozil, and Lacazette. The final part of the move saw Lacazette thread a pass through a set of legs to AMN, he touched the ball, 180’d and swept it to Ramsey who was ready to poke it past Meret at the far post. Props to Ozil in the move, just couldn’t be arsed to write that many words.
The second goal was a little more fortuitous. LT hounded the ball off Napoli in a pressing move when they were fannying around in their own half, he drove at goal, cut the ball back into space with a neat turn, and struck his shot. Koubililaly, who’d initially looked in control in the Napoli defence dropped an unfortunate knee on the strike, the deflection was pretty beastly and beat Meret (who was very good).
The shame of the game was that we didn’t really capitalize on a very weak performance from Carlo. We dominated possession, we had them beaten for most of the game, but we didn’t make our 16 attempts on their goal count. The shooting boots were a bit dusty and the pessimist in most of us is likely concerned whether a two-goal lead will be enough for next week. Ramsey missed a very simpled chance with a lovely Mikhi cut back, and Auba fluffed his lines.
I did worry that Napoli started to find their way into the game late on, they were getting in behind us and using their pace to better effect. If they start like that next week, it’ll be tough to keep a clean sheet.
The only other groan that you could have is that Aaron Ramsey is in the absolute form of his life and making the decision to bomb him off look a poor one. I mean, even worse was keeping him on the bench when he was fit. But there we go, he’ll be a tough one to replace, and I totally get why the club didn’t want to spend that money on him… I just hope the makeshift recruitment team we have at the moment has a plan to replace his talent.
Once again, it’s odd that we can put in such an incredible showing against Napoli, then tank away from home against teams like Rennes and BATE. It does help when you leave players like Mustafi and Elneny out of the starting 11, but those two names don’t really compute why we lose our spirit and motivation.
At least we’re in the mixer. All we need is one goal. Napoli has to come at us and we should have the tools available to bully them and their flimsy brand of EURO MELT football.
I didn’t realise the semi was already drawn… looking like there’s a low chance of reuniting with Santi Cazorla as his Villareal took a 3-1 beating from Valencia… however, Emery has been at Valencia, so that’ll be a big one for him.
A fun game in Portugal, Joao dropping a hattrick for Benfica as they took down Frankfurt. He looks a very special player. Chelsea took a 0-1 win against Slavia Praha, so things looking good for them as well.
Right, good times, let’s be having you in the comments. x
Marc,
Regarding tickets, there’s always quite a lot of empty seats so are these sold but people not turning up?
I’ll look into membership, thanks.
If anyone here is a member and can but 2 additional tickets, or knows someone who knows someone please let me know.
@BennydevitoBen on Twitter or email bennydevito@live.co.uk
Thanks.
Marc, Lol! Not a bad choice! He’s a really good footballer too but isn’t interested; doesn’t want to join a local team or go training, not interested in joining his school team and I keep telling him he needs to be in a team if he wants to get spotted. Bristol City, Bristol Rovers, Swindon Town and even Southampton regularly scout the local teams around here. I was with Bristol City myself from 14 – 16, but all he wants to do is play Fortnite or be a “You Tuber”. There’s no such fucking thing. Kids nowadays want it all… Read more »
https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2019/4/12/18307807/arsenal-racist-snapchat-video-aimed-at-kalidou-koulibaly-premier-league
Good read
benny It wouldn’t be worth getting a red membership for this season but maybe next? The basic set up is 40,000 ST holders (Gold members) with the remaining 20,000 tickets going on sale to firstly Silver members (only a few thousand of those) 2 months before the match and then to Red members 1 month before the match. If the match sells out then ST holders / Gold members who can’t make the match can put their ticket on ticket exchange where the ticket is resold less 10%. If the match is not a sell out then tickets go to… Read more »
Benny disconnect his internet ASAP. Hard love bud. Try outdoors maybe. Holiday.
Thanks Marc, yes, will still try for Brighton but next season will probably be more realistic and he’s 13 in September so would make a good present.
I’d take just the 1 ticket for Brighton if anyone could sort that? But preferably 2.
benny It might be worth contacting the club re club level tickets – the rules might be a little more flexible for those but of course you are looking at serious money per ticket. One of the benefits of being a season ticket holder is you pay out a lump sum in June and then forget about it – so when I cost last night I look at £13 travel and then a few beers etc. When it’s a one off it’s £30 – £whatever per ticket, plus travel, with kids he’ll want a programme so that’s a fiver and… Read more »
benny
I should have thought of this earlier – are they having an Emirates Cup this year?
If yes then that’s a good day out. In previous years a ticket gets you both matches on the day, I took my nephew a couple of years ago and got club level tickets for £40 odd each – the food at club level is stupid expensive (about 12 quid for a hotdog) but a day out in the sunshine and a couple matches makes it reasonable value – tickets in the lower or upper stands would be a good chunk cheaper.
Guns SF, I thought that article was shit.
‘Through no evidence, I am going to suggest that racism is a problem at Arsenal, but people don’t report it’
Guy who wrote it isn’t even based in the UK.
Pedro
I don’t’ know about your personal experience but for me – 3-4 seasons towards the clock end and then the 6 odd seasons I’ve sat upper tier North Bank the only racism I’ve ever heard was a guy who used to shout “get that French tart off the pitch” every time Giroud went near the ball.
Every club will always have the odd idiot who see’s another idiot do something and then copies it but I firmly believe that Arsenal do not have any sort of issue with racism in the stands.
Pedro why is it bad? Just coz the guy doesn’t live in the uk? He is advocating for action when confronted with racism and we should work towards zero racism
Take action and do not sit quietly
I’m disappointed this happened at our stadium and I’m not from the uk
Yet I still feel this is our team and feel that we need to have the best and be the best always.
Marc
Did anyone say or do anything about that guy ? Curious
Two might or might not be enough.
But frankly, before the game, we were not sure if we could beat Napoli 2-0. So let’s support the lads that they would get through the second leg at Naples.
We are all hoping we have done enough but, in the scheme of things, does it really matter? For the past 2 decades we’ve fallen behind in the TW market either in our Highbury days when United would buy players for £30million and us £10 million to Wenger squandering money wholesale on useless/talentless/crocked players with the exception of the David Dein days when Dein controlled every aspect of player acquisition and Wenger toed the Dein line. Once Dein was unceremoniously dumped out of the club Wenger’s poor myopic transfer dealings went into further free fall with the odd rare exception,… Read more »
What is it about Le grove and Africans?
Pedro isn’t popular in Britain is it
Tony Some on here assume I hated Wenger, which was not the case. I Just lost respect for him. When certain posters take joy in blaming and ridiculing Emery for everything, after such a short period in charge, my anti-Wenger mode though rises naturally to the service. Let’s look at the Ramsey scenario, which, according to some, is all down to Emery. Of course, we all know that it was Emery who ran down players contracts and inexplicably allowed players to consider leaving on a free, losing vast sums of money in the process and consequently jeopardising the clubs future… Read more »
Graham AKBs and similar a constant source of hilarity if not taken seriously as they would like us to. CG is just the new breed of nutter to swell Le-Grove’s ranks. Mind you I actually miss CC tearing it up on here. Him, Marko and Bamford were good value for money! Have a good weekend It’s Song Kran: Thai New Year celebrations here, which sadly I’m not allowed to take part in as still in recovery from my coronary heart ballon and tent work. 2 more weeks of rehab to go, then normal service will be resumed in the gym… Read more »
In short Wenger did an incredible amount of damage in the final 10 years but most noticeable and most damaging was the attitude and the know knowledge of the prem league at all infrastructure he surrounded himself with .the guys on hear who still keep talking about wenger as some sort of messiah are totally brain dead. wenger new the Kronke team were hands off just like he wanted it and if it was not for the fans wenger would still be here after all that was his plan he wanted to control everything .not a great manager at all… Read more »
Rambo’s on it again today!!!
You up white hall for the brexit demonstrations today Rambo?
Bennydevito
“Anyway, who can sort me out 2 tickets next to each for the Brighton match for me and my son”
Graham should be able to sort you out there, him being a Brighton supporter , will probably with the away fans though .
On a more serious note , my son often gets tickets on facebook( I think) normally cost price , I will get you the link if possible.
Don’t waste your money on the spineless corporate fat cats
So if we win the EL, will everyone say they were wrong about Emery or will they wait till next season to start their bashing of every thing and every one at the club ??
Bd
“”””Anyway, who can sort me out 2 tickets next to each for the Brighton match for me and my son””””””
I am heading over for this game.
Mark my words- I’ll get your little lads attention – and off Fortnight- computer games..
It’s called discipline.
How about – take their computers away and throw them into the rubbish.?
And dont allow tantrums either.
Pierre
Ah yes, just think, if Monsieur Wenger had still been at the helm, I would have been sitting with the Brighton lot eating my fish and chips, whilst you would have been sitting at the opposite end of the ground still gloating in the knowledge that we were falling further behind the rest of the pack.
The really funny thing is that the latter part of this story would be true.
Bd “”””I fear CG is going to drive everyone else away. I honestly believe he is from Untold Arsenal and has come here to infiltrate …””” I sincerely hope- this is not the case. But If it is – and other posters are disappearing like the Grove veteran BD is saying…because of me… I suggest a Charlie George Referendum. And we stick by the results. Charlie George To Remain Charlie George To Leave. If the consensus from regulars are I leave ( or stay) PEdRo will invoke article 5 of The Grove constitution. And I go for good. Or ,obviously… Read more »
Tony Let’s be frank Arsenal are never going to spend mega bucks in the transfer market. This has been our philosophy long before Wenger arrived at the club. Even Spurs in the 1960s onwards were more likely to spend mega bucks on a high profile player. Arsenal’s transfer dealings have always been more speculative either bringing in players who have failed at other clubs e.g. Bergkamp, Henry or Sanchez or going for young unproven talent e.g. Vieira or Fabregas. Personally I am in favour of our policy so long as we have a competent scouting system in place and the… Read more »
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8851964/arsenal-ozil-blind-fan-napoli/amp/
Poor little fella
Utterly heartbreaking
Un
Don’t Fat Cats fly first & upper class and stay in 5* hotels free?
You know the types of perks you’re getting!
Maybe you’re going to do a Cat Stevens or Peter Green and share your wealth with the poor of your adopted country and definitely reserve your seat next to God!
What a genuine, 24 carat BS merchant you are 🙂
Love your Worlfie Smith characterization when in full Che Guevara argumentative mode.
So you’re a fat cat revolutionary Un – got it. Took some time to work out bro.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMKsR_wUSfA
Un continued
One with a big heart by the sound of it.
CG, a CG referendum lol! People come people go. There will be others, you carry on good sir unless Pedro says otherwise. There’s something about you CG that disarms me every time and makes me genuinely laugh in endearment. You carry on and ignore me. “Charlie GeorgeApril 13, 2019 08:38:29 Bd “”””Anyway, who can sort me out 2 tickets next to each for the Brighton match for me and my son”””””” I am heading over for this game. Mark my words- I’ll get your little lads attention – and off Fortnight- computer games.. It’s called discipline. How about – take… Read more »
*Neo-liberal.
TonyApril 13, 2019 05:14:49
Absolutely brilliantly put. 100% nailed it.
Graham62April 13, 2019 06:34:30
Another brilliant post. 100% nailed also.
ES “Personally I am in favour of our policy so long as we have a competent scouting system in place and the manager makes the correct decisions.” That is the main gist of my post; not spending huge sums on players, although there is another proverb: ‘Pay peanuts get monkeys” Right now we have a peanuts & monkey’s budget with no authoritative TD/DoF and worldwide scouting team in place. We need to spend decent money on our first XI key spine positions at least because of the aforementioned. These player do not come cheap and Begkamp wasn’t cheap when Rioch… Read more »
Tony
Getting a free holiday is a far cry from being a corporate elite. How exactly is that bs? Never claimed to be a revolutionary either but while we are on the subject this country is in dire need of a political and cultural revolution.
Brenny D Seems like you’re doing the right thing with your son. Kids even today need boundaries set with white lines not to cross. I had a really tough hormonal, adolescent 5 years with my daughter where she jokes with me now that I had her iPad and iPhone more than she did in her teens. She tells me now my doing that hurt her more than any other form of punishment would have. We use it as a template for our 10 year old son. My daughter currently has a 3.3 GPA in her Aerospace Engineering BA degree in… Read more »
Un
The more I read about the U.K. the more I know I made the right decision to leave for good in 1999.
You said before you’ve got your sights on Canada or Australia.
Personally I’d head for western Canada either in or close to Vancouver.
Easy access to Seattle, Portland and Nevada as well as California with all that PCH1 offers down to Mexico and not forgetting Hawai etc.
At least you have many choices Un when you have enough money to make the move with a reasonable financial security blanket.
BTW does your mum call you Foxy? 🙂