via @Arsenal Instagram LOVE THESE TWO
Another Europa night, another devastating pummelling of a prestige team.
The big man in charge, Sir Unai Emery, inflicted defeat over Valencia in a pretty poor match at The Emirates.
Unai opted for what some thought was an attacking formation, with some thinking it was defensive. I thought it looked like a 3-5-2 at home, with 7 defensive players on the pitch, with a view to keeping a clean sheet for the second leg. Others thought it looked like a wrecking machine with two strikers and Ozil free to create havoc.
Havoc we created. The opening 20 minutes were straight out of the dustbin. Matteo and Xhaka were all over the place, the defence was getting pulled every which way and there was no intensity to our play. We even managed to concede from a setpiece (which is pretty rare), a long ball to the back post was nodded back into the mixer, Xhaka was nowhere and he was beaten to ball by Diakhaby who headed home.
The Swiss really isn’t fit for purpose… it makes me so sad that when he has a few ok games and all the usual suspects revert back to him being peak-Gilberto when it comes to football enigmas. He’s not. He’s bang average. There is nothing smart in the long-form editorial suck up pieces that lambast social media obsessed millennials who just don’t understand the beautiful game because they can’t see the beauty in Xhaka. Football fans are OBSESSED with other fans who celebrate shit players in militant fashion because it’s so bizarre, you worry you truly are missing something. You’re not. You weren’t with Senderos. You weren’t with Denilson. You’re not with Xhaka. Move on.
Up the other end, 7 minutes later, Lacazette played a perfectly weighted ball to Auba, he cut back and gave his buddy the gift of an open goal from ten yards. What a gentleman. I love those two. If they had a child, it’d be one helluva striker… would probs dress nice too.
7 minutes later, Xhaka showed why the usual suspects menace themselves to bedroom posters of his radar maps. He whipped a beautiful first-time diagonal ball into the box, Lacazette made a yard on his centre back and headed into the ground, the keeper claimed the ball didn’t cross the line but the refs watch buzzed… techhhhhhnology wins again. Xhaka… what a cross, I really think if you ignore the OTT critique of Xhaka, there’s a great player in there, I guess some people just don’t get it.
The second half just didn’t feel particularly smart. We were chasing the third goal and leaving Laurent Kos and Sokratis completely exposed on the counter. It was really tough to watch, Cech kept us in the tie when he denied Kevin Gameiro with a great block. Kos nursed an injury for as long as he could before limping off, we really have to pray he’s going to be ok. That block where he threw his head at a foot late on was something else.
Late on, Kola found Auba at the back post on a tight angle, the ball was struck awkwardly but crept in at the near post. A real shame most fans had gone home by that point. A sad indictment of the fans? The drab football? The Europa League? Who knows.
3-1. That’ll do nicely. £100m worth of strikers to the rescue. Another example of how dependent we are on superhuman finishing.
There’s no point in analysing the game too much. The football was awful, we looked a mess, but we did the job. We’ll shithouse ourselves to the final and then it’s a coin toss… and there’s no manager that knows this trophy as well as Unai.
Whatever my thoughts on his long-term future, watching him twitching out on the sidelines shows how much passion he has for the project. When that third goal landed at the end, he lost his damn mind. It’s great to see. He’s a hard worker, a trophy in his first season would be epic, it’d be even better if we didn’t have to play Chelsea.
Also… does a cup final count as an away game? Answers in the comments.
I’m getting ahead of myself, let’s see if we can go away from home and not concede 3 goals… not as easy as one would think.
Right, see you in the comments you total meltbags xx
Fucking ref is useless.
Stopped a Bournemouth attack because Son was down, indicated a head injury. Son was holding his chest.
Un
We might have lost one or two other decent non English players.
Pierre
The 22 unbeaten is more inspite of Wenger. A purple patch by changing manager more likely.
OGS had his.
Look at Leicester, they probably have the best results in the league after Brendan took over
Bournemouth keeper having a blinder v The Skid Lids
Banford
Oh you do shock me, chiming in on someone you don’t like. You of all people should keep mum about such things.
Marc
Oh I can’t count, and I’m a liar at your reckoning? I think I’ll manage to fall asleep still.
Fucking ref is a Spud.
UN na
Could have something to do with shipping out all our other world class players too and replacing them with inferior quality, just saying.
If we’re going the cheap and English route how about Lloyd Kelly from Bristol? LB, 20 years old, linked with all the top teams, including us, 10-15 mil price tag.
Plenty of upside there and if he wants to get as many starts as possible we are the best option considering how shite our backline is, he would sit on the bench for the others.
CC
Still won’t answer where you sit?
Don’t worry I’ll get Bamford or Marko to call you out when you’re commenting on here tomorrow during the match.
I would but I’ll actually be there.
Should be a pen to Bournemouth and Dier sent off.
Lucky lucky Spurs again.
If the Poch has any sense he’ll sub Dier at half time. Guy’s on a tight rope and the Bournemouth fans are baying for blood.
woaw
that was a pen and Dier should be off
Son red card
lol
nice one Son
haha
Dele Ali is off the boil big time, looks out his depth which is odd. Fully expect him to drop a brace or something now, but still. Wtf is Son doing there? Lol.
Marc, you’re clearly a loon. The fact I’m in the same city as you is enough to take.
Violent conduct as well.
Craig Pawson is having a freaking nightmare
What appalling officiatingc
He had no choice but to give Son the RC
3 match ban for Son?
Also, RB Leipzig wants ESR on another year long loan since he barely had time to recover from his injury. A couple of players there we should be in for if we’re doing them a favour including their 2 CBS.
That was comical, but still shoddy refereeing. No wonder the game is mocked when guys are getting red cards for a one armed shove to the torso. Absolute fannies
I’ve always wondered why the game does not have two referees
It’s too fast for one person to cover the entire field
CC
60,000 stadium and you can’t answer Clock End, North Bank etc. It’s not as if you’re giving out your address for fuck sake. Caught in another lie.
Son won’t play against Everton next week at home
If only Bournemouth can find a winner here then Spuds will be in trouble
Dissenter
Not sure I could handle twice the incompetency.
It makes the AMN yellow cards look farcical
Dissenter
You have to wonder the point of linesman half the time, seems awfully limited a role and a more “active” help to the ref wouldn’t go amiss.
Marc
Let me spell it out for you. You came here dick swinging that I’d never been to a game, and I replied that I have a season ticket. If you think I’m then going to bow to your interrogation on here you’re thicker than I thought. I don’t give a fuck what you think mate, sit stroking yourself to your comically incorrect assertions about me.
Dissenter
At least the Spud’s can look back on their record of not bottling it on the big day.
Bournemouth need to make the most of this.
We could overtake Spurs if they lose this then draw against Everton
As long as we don’t play like spastic against Burnley, which we will.
CC
Getting angry because he’s been called out again.
Just like last weekend.
CC
They can have a system that both officials have to blow simultaneously for key events to happen.
The game is too fast for one official, half the time, hey decisions are thwarted because the official is not sighted or is 50 feet away.
gambon
Hoping we’ve got our shit together and Burnley have half an eye on their summer holidays.
Would love Wally to get a winner / equaliser that denies the Spud’s top 4. I think he’d enjoy it as well.
That last comment was to Marc, not CC
You guys ought to call off this blood feud. It;’s a feud because it’s carried on beyond one day.
Really hoping B’Mouth can do the job here because a depleted and tired Spurs have to face a resurgent Everton side next week.
We have to win our remaining games and just see how the cards fall next Sunday.
Marc
Angry now am I? You couldn’t be more wrong about literally anything you state about me. Keep it going Sherlock, don’t quit your day job however.
CC
“You have to wonder the point of linesman half the time, seems awfully limited a role and a more “active” help to the ref wouldn’t go amiss. ”
Now for once I agree with you 100%. Half the time they wait for the ref to indicate what way a throw in should go.
I can see Spurs losing today and against Everton now. Everton have 7th place to play for which is likely to give them a place in Europe. Spurs will now be missing Son again.
oh my lord, just watched endgame and I think it must be the best MCU movie ever.
Spuds one man down, how many games will Son miss for that red ?
Dissenter
There’s no feud, Marc has a crush and can’t help himself. He’s talked height, dick size, job, character, you name it. Bit of an oddball at 46
This Bournemouth goalkeeper kid has the makings of a great keeper.
Dino Zoff used to say the biggest game of the goalie is the first day he steps between the posts. You can tell how good the keeper is on the day of the debut.
Why don’t we get these types at Arsenal?
Quick peruse through the comments and apparently Tony who I’ve never commented towards thinks I don’t use paragraphs (like that’s important) he seems to be best buds with a fella now who used to give him dogs abuse. And Don talks about me while I sleep. And Charles given a 46 year old shit for how he acts on a blog is hilarious. Charlie unless you’re about 16 years old and a prick to your mother there’s no excuse for your persona
MarcMay 4, 2019 13:09:49
Fucking ref is a Spud.
___
Yep that’s why he gave Son a red card. Genius.
If we win our last two PL matches and Spurs draw or lose theirs, we will finish level with or above Spurs and the great Pochettino. After all the shit Emery has taken and all the praise Pochettino has gotten, that would be quite a turn of events.
“He’s talked height, dick size, job, character, you name it.”
That was Marko, wasn’t it?
Would be good if Palace win later meaning Brighton are safe and not fighting for their lives tomorrow.
Hope CG is right about Bournemouth getting a couple of goals today. 3rd place is still up for grabs if they do!
Bournemouth giving Spurs a hard time is yet more proof of what we have been saying: the PL has improved; teams 7-13 are good teams and tricky fixtures.
That Son challenge wasn’t even a red card, had the ref not bungled the previous Dier’s challenges.
Son pushed the player on the chest, right in front of the ref.
It wasn’t the face and the ref buckled because he had been shite for the obvious Dier challenges.
It should have been a YC, not complaining though.
Dissenter
The guy starts throwing out insults to other poster (sometimes racial slurs) and then get’s fucked off when he’s pulled up on the stuff he says.
We were going round and round last night. This morning he jumps into a conversation between me and Pierre – something he accuses others of. I hadn’t even given him a thought.
The guy can’t handle being shown up – really bad case of little man syndrome.
Marc “I loved Wenger and what he did for the club but he stayed on too long and did a huge amount of damage to his legacy – which I think is a terrible shame.” Same ….but Emery is not the man to replace him ..He is making similar mistakes to Wenger . I don’t go to as many games now but it doesn’t make one less of a supporter ..I’ve done my time , first in the schoolboys , then up the North bank , then on to the clock end Highbury( before all seating) . If I was… Read more »
No to Zaha he only performs in fits and bursts and is better suited to the big fish small pond routine he’s got going on
Dissenter
I thought Son throw a left so to speak as well?
And Don talks about me while I sleep
Marko
Most of the morning then….?
Thomas
Sod off
What are you doing here?.
You’re not a gooner. What a wasted life you have, coming here to lounge o a rival club’s blog.
Hahahaha oh Spurs
That was a NASTY tackle
Second Spud red.
Could be about to see a meltdown.
oh boy spuds having a meltdown. Surely Bournemouth can beat 9 players.
Shut up Poch’
Souds should be down to eight men by now
Now they will really be run ragged for Ajax to apply the final touch
This is amazing. 2nd red!
Where’s Un na, the local spuds pompom waver
I bet he’s crouched in a small corner right now 😊😊😊
Charlie
“He’s talked height, dick size, job, character, you name it.”
This from a guy who has talked about my job — who gives a fuck? — endlessly, and who has called me “fat” and a “yank cunt” despite not knowing me from boo. He’s probably made stupid dick-size quips as well; I’d have to go back and check.
What a complete and utter hypocrite.
Pierre
Attending matches is bloody expensive. One of the things that I like about a season ticket is you get the payment out of the way in one hit. Match day is then about travel costs and a few beers / bite to eat etc. Add £40 odd quid to the cost of the day out for a ticket and you’re looking at £70 plus easily.
I really don’t know how someone with kids etc can afford it.
Reports of interest from Barcelona in Lacazette possible swap discuss. I like Laca but you’d be talking about a much needed boost to the warchest or the possibility of getting in someone much needed. I’ve only seen Umtiti and Andre Gomes mentioned. Given the game time of Malcom and Dembele they might could be persuaded
Freddy I honestly can’t say I’ve heard of the kid let alone watched him but as you know I’m an advocate for the development of home grown talent. It’s cheaper and connects with the fans in a way that the Elnenys, Ozils and Mustafis do not. I’ve got much more of an emotional stake in AMN than I do our underwhelming over seas signings. Obviously I’m not asking for a team of Carl Jenkinsons but there is talent on these isles just beefing to be hoovered up, honed and set loose. We need to be the tip of that spear… Read more »
Guns of HACKney must be seething right now.
(((OH NO NO NO NO this can’t be happening muh special sauce and pizzaz, our best squad ever la, muh new stadium.)))
Banford
I don’t care what he’s said moron, he’s free to be as laughably wrong as he likes. I was jesting with Dissenter that he has a crush, keep up.
Ryan Fraser is at best a Shaquiri style squad player. Might not be as good though
Charlie
No, he thinks you’re full of shit and a bully, and he calls you out on it. He’s right, and he goes about it without resorting to insults bullying (your domain).
If Spuds drop points TR7 and Un na will be disconsolate 😉
Marko
Dembele overrated. Kick and run merchant
Come on Bournemouth
Bournemouth aren’t going to score, are they?
Banford
I don’t care what some stranger on the internet thinks. Yea, I’m a bully for not tolerating shit off of faceless folk like you. You’ve already laid it out on here numerous times, change the record you fucking sped.
Understandably Rabiot hasn’t moved because apparently they’re insisting on the mother getting paid millions. Being a mummy’s boy is costing him
B’mouth do not look like taking advantage which would be pitiful given the circumstances
If Bournemouth can’t beat a 9 man Spurs I am committing ritual suicide at full time.
I will bludgeon Unais USB stick collection into my eye sockets.
Bamford
Says you ya little pussy. Talking of dog piling, you and your motley crew of effeminate lady boys consistently nip away at TR7 Pierre and Charlie George who never swear, never insult, never stoop to your level. You’ve been mugged off all week by anyone with sense, even Pedro and Gambon have owned you.
You’re a jellyfish Bamford.
Umtiti would help. How good is Gomes, though? Can’t say I’ve watched him carefully.
Waiting for Pedro to appear with his lube!
Where’s Un na, the local spuds pompom waverI bet he’s crouched in a small corner right now 😊😊😊
Dissenter
Actually chuffed to bits. We aren’t in contention for the champions league but we are for 3rd place and this plays nicely into our hands. Pray that the chavs drop points and that emery doesn’t revert to type AGAIN.
Game of le grove up in here
Who’s the king of the North?
Marko
I thought Rabiot fired his mom after the Barca debacle? The move to Madrid fell through as well so he’s still up for grabs, if we can get CL we have a chance. Even with the rumoured 15m signing on fee he’s a bargain, we’re not getting anyone better in for twice the price.
Marko
Rabiot’s reputation is not a secret anymore. I hear he’s seeking a 300k weekly wages and the mother want’s to seal her pension with this free transfer deal.
Can I get in on that ritual suicide. I’m thinking sound bites of Arsene Wenger till my ears bleed out and videos of Xhaka’s defending till I gouge my eyes out
Samesong
Don’t you mean North Bank?
Samesong
Banford is Reek, only thing nailed on.
Rant King of the North bank?
Is that better😀
PedroMay 3, 2019 19:53:25 Benny, it’s a nice theory… but it doesn’t really map with the narrative. Emery came in with a masterplan that apparently blew everyone away He said we’d be protagonists He said he’d sort the defence He said he’d make us mentally stronger Hard to see where he’s made an impact anywhere. What we needed was a coach… what we got, it appears, is a chequebook manager who is struggling to deliver on his objectives. PedroMay 3, 2019 19:54:13 Not only that… but your theory is a busted flush anyway… Emery has less money to spend this… Read more »
Bournemouth are really shite
They are playing 9 men like it’s still 11 vs 11.
Spuds should even have up to 10% possession again if Eddie Howe knows what he’s doing.
Freddie I don’t know if he properly got rid of the bitch but apparently he’s insisting on her getting a fee for deciding where he moves. He’s a giant pussy for letting her fuck his career up so much
Samesong
I hoping that it won’t apply tomorrow!
Don
Insulting someone isn’t “owning” them. If you paid closer attention to the arguments — instead of the insults — you’d see that it is quite the other way around.
Further, I am not a part of some gang-up on this or that person team. Indeed, I am often unfairly hanged-up on. And I don’t resort to crude and petty insults, as you (“pussy!” and certain others do.
So, ummm, no.
Bam is Lord veris…..hands down.
Look forward to the breakdown of why one of these so-called “good teams” middle of the league aren’t yet cunting 9-man Spurs like they have 11-man Arsenal…
Bournemouth same points as Palace currently.
Benny
They can’t even identify the XI he should have played in that match, and this because he had no other real options.
Their argument is completely devoid of substance.
Bam
Yes you do. I’ve seen you insult people countless times.
You told CG to crawl under his rock, called Pedro stupid, I’ve seen you call posters a Cunt.
Pull the other one Lord Jellyfish
Spurs can defend against these inadequate attacks all day, ponderous in position with very slow build up.
Where have I seen this before?
UN na
How else is CG going to get under his rock? Bamford is just being helpful giving directions, we all know CG is not all there.
Bournemouth just need that little bit of quality in the final third.
Get a goal and it might force the Spud’s to chase a little harder.
Bamford
As I did yesterday it’s not so much about the selection as it is the tactics, motivation and set up implemented.
The team selection for palace should have been enough to win. There was no drive and no link to the forwards. No passion. No commitment. That comes from the manager. It wasn’t there against palace but it was v Valencia
Charlie
Better, maybe you could explain to us why Spurs are struggling with 14th place Bournemouth?
Un
“as it is the tactics, motivation and set up implemented”
The real issue is it wasn’t only vs Palace.