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The thirty years during which the answer to the question, “Which ship has never arrived in Liverpool” would raise a chuckle have now passed into the depths. The Premiership finally sailed into Albert Dock a week or so ago to be greeted by a crazed multitude of Liver birds and boys, only too delighted in such unique circumstances, to translate ‘social distancing’ as scouse for Party!

Recent times have been tumultuous for tomorrow’s visitors. Liverpool F.C. has veered from the brink of bankruptcy and the relative depths of the EPL to national, global and financial prominence. In doing so, they’ve been sold by two American cowboys to two rather smarter American suits.

They’ve shuffled multiple managers before settling on the heavy metal charisma provided by their new talisman Jurgen Klopp. Theirs is currently a success story, which most would line up to emulate. Arsenal, currently in the down phase of its own tumult, would be very close to the front of that queue.

So will Wednesday be Black Sabbath, leaving everyone of an Arsenal persuasion Paranoid? Or will The Wizard, Mikel Arteta’s Never Say Die attitude transform his Fairies Wearing Boots into War Pigs determined to win this sty? Will power chords be muted for melody, leaving ‘Move on Up’ echoing harmoniously through Emirates’ empty tiers on a warm summers evening in North London?

There’s a danger this may become a ‘no win’ contest for Arsenal.  Here’s why.

Lose and, particularly after Sunday’s visit to the Toilet Bowl, the vultures will circle, crowing tales of ineptitude, deriding and belittling talk of an Arteta renaissance.

Win and the phrase ‘Dead Rubber for the Reds’ will appear prominently in reports from the front, from a game in which ‘Liverpool’s players were already on the beach having won the title weeks ago’.

But there’s an additional ingredient in this mix. A tasty, chewy tit-bit of a morsel that should add even more scouser spice to a fixture that is usually already one of the most competitive and entertaining of our home season.  

Liverpool’s chances of going unbeaten and matching Arsenal’s Invincible season evaporated in the winter sun at Watford in February. Only Wenger’s team holds (and likely ever will) a golden League Title Trophy. However, the BinDippers have three games left in which they can win 100 points to become Centurions, thereby matching the records of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Man City.

And more, should they win all three games Liverpool will match Juventus’ all-time record of 102 points, a remarkable achievement.

But, should Arsenal win, the chance of both of these accomplishments will disappear faster than the wheels off a Ferrari parked in Toxteth. So, in the circumstances, while Liverpool players may appear de-fuzzed, fume free and creamed all over by Nivea, it’s unlikely they’ll arrive ‘beach ready’ for this game.

Some Context

While Arsenal’s games at Anfield can occasionally produce a feast of goals (3-6, 4-4 and 5-5 in recent memory) invariably, fewer goals are scored in London. Klopp’s Liverpool defend well and under MA8, Arsenal have lost the sartorially inelegant “more porous than a string vest” look that Unai inspired.

Chances can be expected to be relatively few tomorrow night and it may well fall to the striking talents of the two golden boot predators, Aubamayang  and Salah to decide which team will emerge as victor from this spicy red rubber.

This season’s earlier fixture in Liverpool ended with the home team in the ascendancy. But many will remember the moment when Adrian’s botched clearance fell to Aubamayang. PEA’s lob at the empty target dropped narrowly and agonizingly wide. Then Pepe squandered an opportunity to write his name across the sky when he had a free run in on Adrian but slid his finish straight at the keeper. It could so easily have been 2-0, setting up the chance of a second away win in the new season.

Put simply, Arsenal can’t afford to miss chances of that quality if they wish to emerge as winners this time around.

And then we need to pass back, and pass back again, to the other end of the field.

The return of Bellerin and Tierney has added defensive quality and attacking potency. Arteta has done a sorcerer’s job of turning leaden feet into, well, less leaden feet with the three-man peculiarity that is Mustafi, Luiz and Kolasinac. Playing together regularly, this back five has added solidity and reduced porosity, contributing to a pleasing number of clean sheets. One happy outcome of the injury to the excellent Leno has been the revelation of the outstanding secret super-sub Martinez.

Sadly, despite the sorcerers’ efforts, the back three is only ever a magic wand wave away from turning into the Keystone Cops, the Crazy Gang, the Marx Brothers or the Three Stooges and providing a comedy act to match the best of them. They can’t and don’t represent the future of the club and, I suspect, won’t make another appearance together for Arsenal. Surely the spell is broken?

Our Opponents

No one needs me to tell them that Liverpool has:

  • An outstanding defence anchored on the Virgil rock that is Van Dijk.
  • Two excellent wing backs
  • Midfield that presses hard and is better than it looks like it should be
  • A very potent front three

In short, they’re dangerous. Enough said?

So To The Game

Many hearts have known since before Emery left that CL wasn’t going to happen this season. With yesterday’s news that FFP is deader than a deceased parrot, it’s also time to concede that our only real chance for Europa is an FA Cup win. So although Wednesday’s match won’t be a comfortable night at the races for Arsenal, its significance is limited in the damage it can do to anything other than pride. Neither relegation, nor qualification will be influenced by the outcome.

Arteta should use the remaining three League fixtures to learn more about the players who will feature next season.  These games provide an excellent opportunity to give young players more first team experience and perhaps even persuade some, like Folarin Balogun, that they have a future at Arsenal.  

Squad rotation has been limited in a successful effort to find some consistency. Consequently those who’ve played in nearly all recent matches looked tired toward the end of Sunday’s game contributing to the result. What better time could there be to introduce some young legs?

I recall Ainsley Maitland-Niles being tasked with marking Salah out of the game in a recent run of this fixture. MA8 should ask him to repeat that performance.

In front of Martinez, I’d play a back three of Holding, Luiz and AMN.  I’d have Torreira and Ceballos fighting for mid-field control, with our only really creative talent, Saka, providing fodder for Pepe and Auba up front. I’d rely on Cedric and Tierney to provide width and help boss the midfield.

I’d load the bench with our best youngsters and ensure at least three more academy graduates take part as second half substitutes. A high-risk strategy – but worthy for the learning experience.

Arteta deserves credit for forging recovery from the Emery death spiral. He’d probably kill for a win tomorrow night and will be hoping fervently that Liverpool are not in a rampant mood.  The players privileged to take the field in Arsenal red on Wednesday need to be totally committed, proud to play to his game plan and prepared to leave everything on the pitch.

The Holic Pound

Had Arsenal won at Tottenham, I suspect the core of that team would have been retained. The defeat drives the opportunity for change with some associated risk.

Absent Eddie and The Naughty Step Two, options are limited and a relatively untested starting eleven is quite possible. In the circumstances, a win will be a welcome outcome but a draw is a more realistic expectation. Plump your pound on 1-1, unless it’s the very last one you have. And keep smiling, we’ll be back in the top four next season, you can stake your house on that (if you wish J).

And Finally

A ‘Goonerholics Forever’ exclusive. A candid shot of Mustafi, Luiz and Kolasinac leaving the Toilet Bowl dressing room last Sunday.

We’ll never play together again? Who does he think we are, The Beatles?”

Enjoy the game, Holics and COYG!

218 Drinks to “Spicy Red Rubber Nears Final Fences”

  1. 1
    bt8 says:

    Just win this sty. 😹😹

  2. 2
    Esso says:

    Cheers BtM! Cant see Arteta dropping Xhaka.

  3. 3
    bt8 says:

    A masterful write-up, BtM, and astute team selection leaving Groucho clearly grounded. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

  4. 4
    bathgooner says:

    Superb debut BtM. You have provided a fine preview with all the stylistic flourishes that we once enjoyed from our team on the pitch. The extent of our challenge tomorrow is illustrated by your usually cast-iron optimism being tempered to a draw. Hard times indeed at the Home of Football.

  5. 5
    Countryman100 says:

    Delighted to see your superb prose featuring on this new blog BtM. Excellent preview. Love the terrible centre back triplets pic.

  6. 6
    TTG says:

    Masterly stuff Btm and lots of creativity in your team selection. The use of AMN will be interesting. He did a very good job on Traore at Molineux . I will always vote for any solution that removes Xhaka from the team . A friend tells me there is a Twitter page set up to defend Xhaka and his contribution to the team . I’ve met many people who do pointless and ill thought out things with their lives but defending the Albanian Swiss one footed slowcoach, is close to as wasted a life as I can envisage .
    I’d like to see Torreira back and I hope we don’t follow the Emery ‘ strategy’ of letting the two best wing backs in Europe have free rein out wide as we did at Anfield in September. I’m pessimistic we can avoid defeat but I hope we can play with the organisation and spirit over the next two games that may give us some hope for a better 2020/21 .

  7. 7
    OsakaMatt says:

    Great stuff BtM!
    Very enjoyable and I’d like to
    see some young players too.
    2-1 to The Arsenal

  8. 8
    North Bank Ned says:

    Top preview, BtM. Hit all the right notes.

  9. 9
    Doctor Faustus says:

    Wonderful preview BtM! You could charge people for the privilege of reading something of this quality and … fun! If you wanted, which you don’t, fortunately for us.

    Some of us probably have said this before, but we are really missing Gabi at this stage of the season. His uncluttered, direct, high-energy, relentless style no defender likes at the best of the times, and would have had genuine trouble to handle with their tiring legs.

    Eddie would have been a handful as well in this match.

    I like the bold choice of AMN on the right side of the defense. But my guess is Papa will start there and AMN replacing Tierney early in the second half in preparation for Wembley.

    A win will be fantastic!

  10. 10
    bathgooner says:

    In truth, the last time I saw AMN playing anywhere near our central defence, he was a disaster. He either doesn’t concentrate on his task or he thinks his ball control in a danger zone is better than it is. I am always happy to see him at FB – his last contribution at LB was very impressive and I would like to see him get a run as a box-to-box midfielder but I don’t see him being a success in the cenre of defence.

  11. 11
    scruzgooner says:

    lovely, btm. you’re funny, and creative. i agree with baff that amn in cd is a disaster in the making. but i could see him in front of tierney, who has the speed we need for backline coverage. holding/luiz/tierney with saka and amn as wingbacks, lt11 and dani in the midst, or, maybe even willock for dani to start.

    it’s really too damn bad eddie is still suspended; he would have been great against scum, and would be great against the mugsmashers. laca is just not fast enough to pressure van dijk, though a repeat of that goal v scum would be a treat.

    auba/laca/pepe seems to be our front three, or put auba in the middle flanked by a switchable pepe/reiss pair?

    given our injuries, and the suspension, we’ve got such limitations heading into this, not least that we can’t use mustafi and kola again, and we’d kill for eddie and gabi in the squad. balogun and medley on the bench would mean our main limitations can stay home. and rest. until september (or whenever the next season starts).

  12. 12
    TTG says:

    As it happens Ornstein has just revealed in the Athletic that AMN is off because he doesn’t think Arteta trusts him. We can therefore assume limited involvement for him, if any, tomorrow.

  13. 13
    Uplympian says:

    A wonderful preview BtM, a joy to read. Even before TTG’s post above I’ve believed for some time that AMN is well down the pecking order of MA ( he was berating AMN the whole match when we played Sheff United at the Emirates pre lockdown ).He is a very useful squad member but understandably he has higher aspirations than this.
    The main danger from Liverpool is the speed of their attackers in the final third – Salah, Mane & Firmino interchange regularly and can all play along the channels and down the middle. Our CBs are neither noted for their speed of foot or mind – possibly the boss will be checking whose in the red zone before selecting the defence.I doubt if we can stop them scoring so we will need to put their defence under pressure. I would like to see a front 3 of Saka, Auba, Pepe – inspite of the majestic VVD I believe e can score against them so will go with the author’s 1-1 scoreline.

  14. 14
    Doctor Faustus says:

    TTG@12: That’s unfortunate. I think AMN will grow into a solid payer. Hope we will not get some Chelsea reject to play for us because of some agent or whatnot. I have had enough of old Chelsea players…

  15. 15
    BtM says:

    Great builds!

    I tried to cast a couple of flies across the pond there. The first was ‘We’re out of Europe unless we win the Cup’ the second was, of-course, AMN for Kola. I’m surprised most have risen to the latter and Ainsley has stimulated much of the follow-up. Presumably everyone agrees with the first?

    In a back three, I think the term centre back is erroneous. Arteta has asked the left of that three to play on the left edge of the penalty box, pretty much in the space where a LB would play in a conventional back four. The left wing back has been tasked with sitting closer to the centre line, supporting the midfield and providing a wide attacking threat.

    Salah will play in the space behind the wing back. Alexander-Arnold will play behind Salah, also over-lapping wide if he’s given the chance. AMN can neutralise much of Salah’s threat. He did it brilliantly the last time he played him. Tierney can cope with Arnold’s pace and cover his attacking moves. More importantly KT can pressure Liverpool’s right side so reducing Arnold’s inclination to get forward. And Tierney can actually cross great balls with his let foot. Play AMN in that position and all we’ll get is 45 degree cutbacks.

    If TTG’s correct and AMN is also near exit, it’s a moot point anyway. That would leave Holding as the likely Kola replacement in a back three; but he won’t cope with Salah. Tierney will need to cover Mo and Arnold’s threat will increase. So maybe a back four (or, the good Lord help us, play Groucho again).

    Now, if Monreal was still available………….

    MA8 has absolutely never followed up on any of my team selections (for very good reason). I don’t expect him to start tomorrow night and on this occasion, I don’t envy him the challenge 🙂

  16. 16
  17. 17
    North Bank Ned says:

    I’d be sorry to see AMN go as I think he has a good future as a player. It had seemed from other reports that he had buckled down and restored himself to Arteta’s good books, but apparently not if Ornstein’s reporting is accurate, as it usually is on these matters. But if AMN thinks he doesn’t have a future at the club, he is at the age where he has to make a move if he is going to establish a top-level career. There will be plenty of takers.

  18. 18
    North Bank Ned says:

    Somewhat reminiscent of the Flamini situation when AW played him at left back because they were few other options. He thought of himself as a midfielder and in the end left the club as a result. Flamini, like AMN, proved to be a rather good full back.

  19. 19
    bt8 says:

    Note to AMN: This going to another club business to jump start your career isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. Case in point is Pepe. Unless we are assuming his full year of transition to Arsenal was to be expected before he bursts out of his funk at some point in the near future.

  20. 20
    Doctor Faustus says:

    bt8: I think Pepe’s career arc in arsenal until now should be seen in the context of everything else that has been happening in the club. He not only changed club but moved to a different league that is faster, more physical and with much higher tactical and technical qualities now across the table. The team has rarely played to his strengths — no overlapping fullback on his right, no creative passing from midfield to get him one-on-one against defense. His game definitely needs to evolve, especially the physical aspects of it. But he has excellent technical abilities, speed and a fantastic left foot. He is only 22. He still has managed around 16 (18?) goals and assists together.

  21. 21
    scruzgooner says:

    damnit, faustus, quit being so reasonable about pepe.

  22. 22
    Steve T says:

    Nice stuff BTM. I must admit, I’m not disappointed that the club will be refunding me my ticket money for this one. I think that if the dippers decide to play then we have real problems. If Kolasinac, Luiz and Mustafi are the answer at the back then I’m really not sure what the question was. Then, if that doesn’t quite work then there is the equally reliable and equally competent Xhaka stationed just in front of them???

    The rumours are that players will be rested tonight with thoughts already drifting towards Saturday. That would make perfect sense to me. Arteta this morning has been quoted as saying that missing out on Europe altogether would be a disaster. Unfortunately, at this given time, mid table mediocrity is about where we belong. There is a long hard road ahead.

    If we can come away with anything tonight I will be delighted. To have everyone fit and refreshed for the weekend will be the biggest bonus.

    I don’t see AMN being here next year. Unfortunately for him I still don’t think anyone knows his best position yet and I’m not sure Arteta is prepared to wait and find out. That said, if there is no European football next season then recruiting replacements will not become easy either.

    Enjoy boys and girls. Let’s hope it’s not as painful as the weekend

  23. 23
    ClockEndRider says:

    Only recently discovered the website after the loss of ‘Holic, and am glad to say it manages to maintain his very high standards. Keep up the good work and thanks for brightening my day.

  24. 24
    OsakaMatt says:

    To be honest I’d go too if I was
    AMN. Even with Guen on the
    naughty step he’s not getting
    a look in for a CM role.
    Seems similar to Hayden rather
    than Pepe and like Hayden I
    think AMN has a shot in the PL.
    His development is a credit to
    him and the Academy, it’s not
    so easy to develop a PL player.

    If MA rests a few maybe he’ll
    get a game tonight and knock
    in the winner against Liverpoo.
    Not a bad way to sign off

  25. 25
    bathgooner says:

    Pity about AMN but he never established his credentials in a midfield role. If Mikel has decided that he doesn’t make the cut then that’s enough for me. The boss has to build his own team.

  26. 26
    BtM says:

    @20 Dr F, I REALLY hope you are correct.

    At the moment Pepe is a lesser Walcott. He has a much better left foot than Theo, can score some great goals with that when allowed, predictably, to cut inside, and I’d back him over Theo on a RHS free kick. His dribbling is also better than Theo’s when he’s ‘on’ but his tendency to lose the ball or pass to an opponent is much greater overall.

    I’d back Theo to score over Pepe in a straight run in on goal, cross the ball from the RHSl and (incredibly) Theo is the better of two poor defenders – a role that’s becoming increasingly important under MA8’s pressing game.

    To be honest, I had Laca to start on Wednesday with Pepe as a second half sub until it dawned on me that the result won’t influence Europa. I switched to Pepe because he needs game time and Laca looked very heavy legged at the Toilet Bowl.

    But to repeat, I REALLY hope you are correct and that Pepe will grow into his price tag and perform at world class level.

    @25 He never really got a run there, Bath, but I suppose that’s reflection of what happened behind closed doors in training. And yes, Arteta’s focus on what he wants reflects is perfect, a hallmark of an excellent coach.

  27. 27
    BtM says:

    @ 2, Esso. He won’t. No matter how hard TTG tries to persuade him otherwise 🙂

  28. 28
    Steve T says:

    Pepe. The one legged Theo??????

    Where did it all go so wrong????

  29. 29
    BtM says:

    🙂 🙂 🙂

    Are we actually agreeing on something, Steve? Is this a first? I suggest we celebrate with sherbet. Your round as I recall?

  30. 30
    Steve T says:

    We agree on a lot of things BtM. Where we differ is your selective memory when it comes to attending the bar!!!

    😉

  31. 31
    Steve T says:

    Welcome ClockEndRider.

  32. 32
    Trev says:

    BtM 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

    I like the cut of your jib, Sir, even in Albert Dock. Superb stuff full of punny plumptiousness – to quote, give or take the odd possible spilling mistook, another old Scouser.

    ClockEndRider – welcome (back) and a lovely comment the old gaffer would be pleased to see, for sure. 👍🏻

  33. 33
    Trev says:

    I remember seeing AMN play in a central midfield role at Old Trafford at the end of the season, a couple of seasons ago now. He looked like a budding Patrick Vieira that day and I had massive hopes for him.

    Unfortunately for him, most of his early first team career was spent fighting fires in fullback positions and he never seemed to get the opportunity to develop as a box to box player. He also had Xhaka in front of him in the pecking order. It is a mystery to me that coaches with the varying qualities of Arsenal Wenger, Unai Emery and now Mikel Arteta have all decided that, if fit, Xhaka plays. Every. Single. Game.

    However, if AMN has not managed to convince any of those managers that he is worth a try in midfield, in this poor a squad, there must be a good reason for it. If he can’t dominate the midfield area in training with our current squad, he certainly isn’t going to dominate many competitive Premier League matches.

  34. 34
    Doctor Faustus says:

    BtM@26: I too, seriously hope, that I am right about Pepe. 😂

    The comparison with Theo is fair to a degree. Theo for much of his Arsenal career played with some superb creative midfielders and a brilliant right back in Sagna to support him. Anyway, hopefully next season we will have some players in the midfield who can deliver a forward pass to him from the midfield. In a team that is otherwise so poor in its overall technical quality (it’s scandalous how Arsenal so rapidly became a poor technical team) we need players like him to deliver consistently.

    Welcome ClockEndRider. Please spread the words around. 🙂

  35. 35
    bt8 says:

    Welcome back CER!!

  36. 36
    North Bank Ned says:

    What bt8 said @35.

  37. 37
    North Bank Ned says:

    The key question in the comparison between Pepe and Theo is, which has the better football brain. I always thought that Theo made lots of wrong decisions on the pitch which undermined the effectiveness of his technical skills and speed.

  38. 38
    Doctor Faustus says:

    In all domestic matches across all competitions in 20-21 season 5 subs will be allowed. All the more reasons to have a deep squad to effectively use rotation and subs. If we are to play the high energy pressing game this should help.

    NBN: spot on. I thought too that Theo was restricted by the erratic nature of his decision making in the final third. Also, his short one-two quick passing wasn’t up to the standards of the rest of the team back then. When he made up his mind he was a very accomplished finisher.
    Pepe has been used by both UE and Arteta to drop back and provide a pressure releasing outlet on the right from our own half. He hasn’t been able to do that well consistently but his tactical starting position is often too deep.

  39. 39
    BtM says:

    Dr F :’It’s scandalous how Arsenal so rapidly became a poor technical team.

    Arsenal plonked the April 2015 home game on my FB page today. Result was Arsenal 4 – Liverpool 1. Our master technicians on that day were Ozil, Cazorla, Sanchez and Ramsey and, in comparison with today, we had technical quality in nearly every position.

    The divergence in the fortunes of these clubs presents a salutary lesson on investment in players and player’s wages. Liverpool have shot the lights out while Arsenal have shot shit in comparison. A subject for a book perhaps?

    Heh, Trev. Always a pleasure.

  40. 40
    TTG says:

    Re the Pepe debate I was thrilled when we signed him , disappointed when I first saw him, spotted green shoots with my friend Scruz back in the late autumn in the Europa and spotted a real player at Bramall Lane in the Cup . I am comforted by the memory of one of my favourite players , Bobby Pires who also had a pretty slow first season with us but would have definitely scored at Shite Hart Lane as he always did . I live in hope .
    As for Theo he was a perplexing player. He had so many false dawns and was physically what is technically known as a ‘ big Jessie’. But he scored against big teams often and although he would have shied away from running through a rice paper curtain he had some great moments . I largely took against him to wind up Cynic and Chris ( Oskar) . We got good money for him and Iwobi for that matter . Thankyou Mr. Moshiri .

  41. 41
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    Excellent post BtM! Made me laugh and I loved the photo.
    I like your team ideas and your follow up @15, although I expect you are right that MA8 will do something else.

    Excellent drinks in the bar. Cheers everyone.
    And good to see CER here too.

  42. 42
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    I have watched literally 15 seconds of Burnley v Wolves and Mike Dean has already had a word with a player and then given him a wink.
    And he still has his attention-seeking beard. (Not ‘bears’ as my autocorrect wanted it to be. That would be an entirely new style of reffing)

    Have I mentioned before how much Mike Dean winds me up?
    Lockdown is the least of the reasons I would not go within 2 metres of the man.

  43. 43
    OsakaMatt says:

    Spuds winning at Newcastle
    unfortunately and undeservedly

  44. 44
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    I like the novelty of watching a Premier league match on free tv. But after ten minutes I’m somewhat over it. There is only so long that novelty can sustain my ability to watch the antics of Sean Dyche, Mike Dean and two average teams being narrated by Dion Dublin.

  45. 45
    Esso says:

    @42 GSD

    You are so right. Mike Dean is a massive, massive cunt. I have only to glimpse him before staring at very clear, precise and violent fantasies in my head about his ending. Permanently.

  46. 46
    Esso says:

    Re the AMN situation – Clive Palmer on an Arsecast Extra some weeks ago gave this away. Saying he had very recently changed his agent to be a guy expert in moving players out of Arsenal. Turns out its same guy who fixed the Ox’s deal to Liverpool.

  47. 47
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    Yes Esso.

    I couldn’t care less about this match but I see Dean on my screen for 5 seconds and find myself yelling abuse at him. Almost the exact words you posted above. And many more.

  48. 48
    Esso says:

    I’m disappointed about him (AMN) going tbf. But if we can get some bunce for him and Arteta doesn’t really rate him, probably best for all.

  49. 49
    OsakaMatt says:

    Flicking between channels I
    also noticed Shitty have rested
    Laporte, de Bruyne, Mahrez and
    Sterling tonight.
    Following GSD@44 I flicked
    quickly past the Burnley game

  50. 50
    OsakaMatt says:

    anyway Deans a cunt who should
    be eaten by bears if I’m following
    right – Paddington & Winnie if it’s
    a violent fantasy I suppose

  51. 51
    Esso says:

    Heh!

  52. 52
    Esso says:

    Plan was to stay dry Monday to Thursday. That’s already well out the window tonight.

  53. 53
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    OM @50. Spot on.

  54. 54
    North Bank Ned says:

    Martinez
    Holding, David Luiz, Tierney
    Soares, Xhaka, Torreira, Saka
    Pepe, Nelson
    Lacazette (c)

    Bench:
    Macey, Bellerin, Sokratis, Mustafi, Kolasinac, Ceballos, Maitland-Niles, Willock, Aubameyang

  55. 55
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    Barcodes level it up.

    Get in.

  56. 56
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    No Mus or Kola!

    Although it looks like MA8 has his eye on the cup, no?

  57. 57
    North Bank Ned says:

    Ozil still backing out and Guendouzi on the Naughty Step. And a lot of resting on the bench.

  58. 58
    Esso says:

    Arsenal: Martinez, Holding, Luiz, Cedric, Torreira, Xhaka, Tierney, Pepe, Lacazette, Saka, Nelson

  59. 59
    Esso says:

    Cheers Ned!

  60. 60
    bt8 says:

    Up the Arsenal but down the chute with Spurs. That is all.

  61. 61
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    @55.

    Bugger

  62. 62
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    We face premier league winner Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain tonight. That’s a bit of a kick in the balls.

    My autocorrect is on top form. It changed that to ‘lick’.

  63. 63
    ATG says:

    COYG!

  64. 64
    ATG says:

    A bit late with the line up 👆

  65. 65
    Esso says:

    What Arthur said.

  66. 66
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    This game could go one of a few ways. Not many of them are good. I think we are throwing a hail mary tonight holics.

    Let’s hope we make it.

  67. 67
    scruzgooner says:

    welcome, clockendrider. glad you could join us, even for just a hello. do stay a while!

    COYG

  68. 68
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    Emi got away with one there

  69. 69
    ATG says:

    Come on Martinez wake up….

  70. 70
    ATG says:

    Agreed GSD we can’t seem to string few passes together at the moment

  71. 71
    OsakaMatt says:

    Thanks for the heart attack
    Emi!

  72. 72
    OsakaMatt says:

    what the fuck

  73. 73
    ATG says:

    Laca did well there

  74. 74
    TTG says:

    This midfield just aren’t going to get us up the field . It may get embarrassing

  75. 75
    ATG says:

    Yep it’s one way traffic I’m afraid

  76. 76
    ATG says:

    How fucking easy was that

  77. 77
    ATG says:

    Xhaka is raising his hands up complaining, he was jogging and never marked anyone what an idiot.

  78. 78
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    Xhaka has a look. Sees Mane. Ambles back, letting Mane go. Hesitates instead of making an interception. Mane scores.

    How many times do I have to watch him do that?

  79. 79
    scruzgooner says:

    what a sad thing to see. we were just ripped apart. i do hope we get rid of xhaka.

    then we get a break, and we can’t get the pass to score. come on, reiss. you can do it.

  80. 80
    Uplympian says:

    Painful to watch so far…..boys v men. 😩

  81. 81
    TTG says:

    I said that just before they scored . Who on earth is going to get close to controlling midfield for us ? You know who I am particularly going to point out. He will give us nothing in a game like this tonight .Roll on 10pm ASAP .

  82. 82
    ATG says:

    How did we not get rid off him when he was hanging by a thread I do not know, we obviously have people in mgmt who like him and what he offers on the pitch. Shocking….

  83. 83
    OsakaMatt says:

    wasted our opportunity, they
    were more clinical

  84. 84
    ATG says:

    Sad thing is we are miles away from Liverpool

  85. 85
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    TTG is spot on about our midfield. We have no control, no assurance on the ball. Never in space, never with time.
    Obviously Pool press very well but we are doing nothing and hoping a Luiz punt up field will fall kindly to someone.

  86. 86
    Countryman100 says:

    We look bang average. Get your boots on Miquel.

  87. 87
    ATG says:

    I really miss Cazorla 😒

  88. 88
    ATG says:

    Even at his age he would offer a lot more than Xhaka

  89. 89
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    Yes!

  90. 90
    TTG says:

    Blimey!

  91. 91
    scruzgooner says:

    artur, even at ttg’s age he would offer more than xhaka.

  92. 92
    ATG says:

    How did we manage that fuck me at least it puts a smile on my face ☺️

  93. 93
    Countryman100 says:

    Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!! 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣❤️❤️❤️

  94. 94
    scruzgooner says:

    outstanding. another robbed goal. if nothing else, that’s a highlight reel on its own. and virgil making the mistake…classic.

  95. 95
    Countryman100 says:

    How did van Dyke have the brass neck to claim a foul there? Reiss just breathed on his neck!

  96. 96
    scruzgooner says:

    atg, if that’s how we have to manage to score, i am all for it. while i’d love to see the wündergoals of the past, the hard work they’re putting in up front is paying dividends for all to see.

  97. 97
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    It sounds weird to say given how poor we have been… but we have really made very little of a few promising situations.

  98. 98
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    Pressures the defender…

  99. 99
    ATG says:

    Scruz I’m all for it too more of these please lads

  100. 100
    scruzgooner says:

    bang!

  101. 101
    scruzgooner says:

    excepting xhaka in the midst of mane’s attack, i can’t fault our energy.

  102. 102
    bt8 says:

    Looking for a stream at the moment due to a snafu with NBC sports streaming service, the one I paid for

  103. 103
    ATG says:

    Holding doesn’t even play to Xhaka he knows he will play it right back 😂

  104. 104
    TTG says:

    We need to sacrifice Nelson or Pepe and bring on Willock in midfield to give us more legs . We have two wing backs if we need width. Nelson really doesn’t look likely to do very much

  105. 105
    scruzgooner says:

    rob goes in on mane. was that a kickout? he’s saying fuck that to them…get in.

  106. 106
    ATG says:

    Mane tried to kick Holding wanker

  107. 107
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    Mane with a vicious kick at Holding. VAR does not even look at it.

  108. 108
    TTG says:

    Nelson bloody hopeless😃😃😃😃

  109. 109
    Countryman100 says:

    Oh my aching sides!!!!!😂😁😂🤣

  110. 110
    scruzgooner says:

    agreed, ttg, though he did press van dijk to get the ball back, and now scores. YES!

  111. 111
    ATG says:

    TTG

    What about Nelson? 😂😂😂

  112. 112
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    YES

  113. 113
    scruzgooner says:

    reiss now is a huge fan of elvis costello…listening to “alison” and “my aim is true”…

  114. 114
    ksn says:

    Liverpool in a giving mood and Laca and especially, Nelson took it really well.

  115. 115
    ATG says:

    good save Emi

  116. 116
    OsakaMatt says:

    well I never

  117. 117
    ATG says:

    Hopefully we finish the half on the high

  118. 118
    ATG says:

    How was that a foul on Laca and Mane the tosser

  119. 119
    scruzgooner says:

    whoda thunk, going into halftime leading 2-1 from two pressured mistakes? ttg’s useless nelson with a goal and an assist 🙂 same as laca!

  120. 120
    TTG says:

    As I pressed the tit to send the ball hit the back of the net! I’m beyond gobsmacked .
    I’ve been sitting here wondering what wouldn’t be too embarrassing as a score line .
    Liverpool played as arrogantly as their fans have behaved since they became champions in that last quarter of an hour

  121. 121
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    I did not see that coming. I’m still not sure I believe we are actually winning

  122. 122
    ATG says:

    Despite our very obvious to the eye shortcomings we seem to be two nil up against Pool, who would have thought. Well played lads more of the same if not a better second half please.

  123. 123
    OsakaMatt says:

    Lulled them with the old
    rope-a-dope then the 1-2
    hit 😄

  124. 124
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    We score goals when TTG presses tits?

    Just one more reason…

  125. 125
    TTG says:

    I’ve just been asked to write a regular column in the new Gooner , presumably because of my vast knowledge of the club😃😃😃😃. Goonerholics have just had a practical demonstration that I know less than f*** all

  126. 126
    ATG says:

    TTG

    I have done the exact same so many times especially on Xhaka then he scores but that doesn’t happedln very often.

  127. 127
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    I thought I might listen to the half time waffle for once. But its Sounness.

  128. 128
    ATG says:

    Didn’t know you press tits and submit a post on a blog 😂

  129. 129
    ksn says:

    Lulled them, OM but they would be awake in the second half. COYG.

  130. 130
    Bosnian Gooner says:

    A win tonight would be great for our self confidence before the weekend. I have this little belief that in these extraordinary times we can do something extraordinary and win the FA Cup. COYG!

  131. 131
    Countryman100 says:

    TTG is a lucky old man. They can’t touch you for it mate. More power to your elbow. 🤣🤣

  132. 132
    scruzgooner says:

    gsd@124, i just reread his comment and fell out of my chair laughing, IN A ZOOM MEETING. with a liverpool supporter who has “you’ll never walk alone” as his image. i did have to tell him the score. 🙂

  133. 133
    scruzgooner says:

    atg@128, that’s how you keep a marriage going all these years…no football widow she…

  134. 134
    TTG says:

    GSD 😃😃
    Mrs TTG has given me THAT look and I don’t know the girl next door that well ( and her husband is a policeman) so we will have to find another way to score

  135. 135
    bt8 says:

    Streaming snafu looks to be fixed for the second half. Can we repeat those last five minutes though? Congratulations TTG. Well done on every score.

  136. 136
    scruzgooner says:

    looks like klopp was given lemons at halftime, not oranges.

  137. 137
    Countryman100 says:

    So how exactly is Nketiah a red and Alexander Arnold not?

  138. 138
    ksn says:

    How is Trent Arnold still on the pitch. That was similar to Eddie’s challenge.

  139. 139
    ATG says:

    Got away with that one 😳

  140. 140
    Uplympian says:

    If the foul on Saka was the other way round it’s a straight red – as it’s a scouser just a yellow. Good to see the refs r3msin inconsistent as ever.

  141. 141
    ksn says:

    They looked and looked at Nketiah’s challenge and didn’t at all here. VAR is biased.

  142. 142
    ATG says:

    Emi kicked out Pepe and Laca not happy

  143. 143
    ksn says:

    Another good save by Emi.

  144. 144
    scruzgooner says:

    whew, emi comes through.

  145. 145
    ksn says:

    Torreira, Laca and Nelson off for Willock, Ceballos and Auba on.

  146. 146
    ATG says:

    Interesting subs

  147. 147
    ATG says:

    I have to say Tierney has been solid so far

  148. 148
    scruzgooner says:

    alox couldn’t beat saka. the old vs. the new, the new is winning. alox on the bench for minamoto.

    tierney has indeed, just one mistake i saw, and that was minor. he’s shutting down their egyptian magician…

  149. 149
    ATG says:

    We two attempts and two goals come on lads need to do more we are chasing the ball right now.

  150. 150
    scruzgooner says:

    ksn, it certainly gives us more creativity in midfield. i’ll assume willock is playing in nelson’s position. maybe mikel learned from the leicester game not to shut up shop and go defensive.

  151. 151
    ATG says:

    Mininamino has already picked up bad habits from his team mates

  152. 152
    ksn says:

    We can’t hold the ball for long. Something Arteta will have to work on. We are defending deep and Pool is doing all the attacking as if we are a mid table team.

  153. 153
    scruzgooner says:

    our defense just now was pretty impressive. then we give the ball away in midfield and they keep coming… rob getting every header, too.

  154. 154
    ATG says:

    If that was one of our boys fouling surely we would get a yellow

  155. 155
    Steve T says:

    When are we allowed to play with the ball????

    Does Pepe cover more ground waking than running??

  156. 156
    ksn says:

    That is the theory Scruzgooner, but in reality Pool have had 90% possession in the last ten minutes and even when we get the ball we are not able to hold it. We are punting it forward as if we don’t know how to move the ball forward.

  157. 157
    scruzgooner says:

    lol, just saw the “is yours gold”…i can’t tell you how much i’d love to win this game, then they could say NOTHING.

  158. 158
    scruzgooner says:

    yep, then to allison, and recycle, ksn.

  159. 159
    scruzgooner says:

    amn out to the wing. come on, lad, do us a solid out there. show us you want to stay and fight for your place.

  160. 160
    OsakaMatt says:

    AMN on for Cedric who did ok I
    thought.
    Be nice to have a shot this half.

  161. 161
    ATG says:

    I honestly think Xhaka just needed a breather there

  162. 162
    ATG says:

    How on earth is that a yellow card ffs

  163. 163
    scruzgooner says:

    they’re pushing hard down the right, and yet i think our defense there is doing well, by and large. they keep having to recycle or cross deep. salah has seemingly changed sides of the pitch.

  164. 164
    scruzgooner says:

    sorry, why was that a yellow on xhaka?

  165. 165
    Countryman100 says:

    Oh God. Kalamity Kola on.

  166. 166
    OsakaMatt says:

    Kola on – a show of faith?

  167. 167
    scruzgooner says:

    at least it’s one of the two stooges, not both. thank goodness.

  168. 168
    ksn says:

    Kola the disaster, on for Saka.
    Mane falls over and expects a penalty.

  169. 169
    scruzgooner says:

    you know they’ll target him. they’d be foolish not to. off comes saka. sigh. good game, if quiet, bukayo.

  170. 170
    scruzgooner says:

    i am more and more impressed with tierney as he keeps playing for us. quiet, solid, and fiery.

  171. 171
    ksn says:

    What a mis by Willock.

  172. 172
    scruzgooner says:

    oh, joe, that should have been 3.

  173. 173
    ksn says:

    Both Tierney and Saka are impressive, Scruzgooner. Both need to put on some muscle to withstand the constant physical test that is the EPL.

  174. 174
    scruzgooner says:

    five minutes of stoppage?

  175. 175
    scruzgooner says:

    agreed@173 ksn. they’re both young, they’ll get there. neither is much of a speedster, more all-rounders, so muscle shouldn’t take much out of that part of their games.

  176. 176
    ATG says:

    Cebalos rugby tackling WTF?

  177. 177
    Countryman100 says:

    What hay! Invincible my arse! Defeats three!

  178. 178
    Steve T says:

    The scousers, robbed in London.

    The irony.

  179. 179
    ksn says:

    That was a great opportunistic win. Doesn’t matter how that comes, it is good for three points. Arteta does the job for his old boss and City whose points tally Pool won’t be able to overcome now.

  180. 180
    TTG says:

    Good news- a glorious win
    Bad news- three local ladies are alleging indecent assault against me during the second half

  181. 181
    scruzgooner says:

    brilliant save, emi.

  182. 182
    ksn says:

    Steve T 😀

  183. 183
    ATG says:

    Lost my stream towards the end here, I take it we won?

  184. 184
    North Bank Ned says:

    That was a weird three points. But three points it is.

  185. 185
    scruzgooner says:

    great win. you couldn’t have assaulted them, ttg, we didn’t score.

    emi was solid as a rock. the back three were excellent, salah didn’t have a sniff, and mane’s goal was more on the midfield. love seeing holding’s anger and willingness to go body to body. he has to keep his place.

    less impressed with our front half, but what the hell, well done nelson and laca. impressive as hell to win us the game playing on the front foot like that.

  186. 186
    scruzgooner says:

    lol@178.

  187. 187
    OsakaMatt says:

    great result.
    And I nailed the score.
    😁
    Just to mention it

  188. 188
    Countryman100 says:

    The unexpected wins are always the most enjoyable aren’t they?

  189. 189
    Countryman100 says:

    Anyone know a decent brief to help TTG out? 😂😂

  190. 190
    ATG says:

    I agree Scruz weird game indeed but I don’t think we will play any different against City we just can’t match these teams in terms of personnel.

    Hopefully this will be a great boost of confidence for the lads.

    Well played 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

  191. 191
    ATG says:

    C100

    😂

  192. 192
    Steve T says:

    I will just leave that here.

  193. 193
    'desi'gner gooner says:

    That was a mammoth defensive performance in the second half. They had chances but none of them clear cut perhaps barring the Salah header on the far post which he wasn’t expecting. Arteta can set up his team to defend – just give him the right players. Just the kind of win that was needed after the North London Derby. Bring on Citeh now…

  194. 194
    scruzgooner says:

    c100 there have to be some keen arsenal fans who are women. though, to be fair, some men would qualify as tits, too.

  195. 195
    Countryman100 says:

    My client, a magistrate, a Member of the British Empire, a pillar of goonerholicsforever.com and a regular columnist on the Gooner magazine, claims there has been a terrible misunderstanding.

  196. 196
    Uplympian says:

    Gotta pick a pocket or two 😹. A gutsy performance after the first drinks break. Martinez, Holding & Tierney big pluses. Well done to the team for 3 very good points however they come.

  197. 197
    scruzgooner says:

    😂😂 @195

  198. 198
    Pangloss says:

    Let the good times roll

  199. 199
    Pangloss says:

    Is there a lurker in the house?

  200. 200
    scruzgooner says:

    just call me reiss.

  201. 201
    Pangloss says:

    CBA memorial self-assist

  202. 202
    Pangloss says:

    WIth a tip of the hat to tabs.

  203. 203
    scruzgooner says:

    and a tabs at that, pang.

  204. 204
    bathgooner says:

    Cancel the match report.

    Steve just won the internet @178.

    👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

  205. 205
    Countryman100 says:

    Mikel speaking loud and clear to Silent Stan and Josh there. Back me by investing in the squad. How is Kroenke pere or fils going to react?

  206. 206
    bathgooner says:

    Second gauntlet thrown in 24 hours. Loved that interview.

    How will the Kroenke’s react CM100?

    Silence. No cash.

  207. 207
    scruzgooner says:

    they’re going to forward him a copy of this, c100: https://youtu.be/4fWyzwo1xg0?t=1

  208. 208
    bt8 says:

    Sounds like grounds for optimism to me:

    “Reiss Nelson netted his first Premier League goal for Arsenal, becoming the fifth different player aged 20 or under to score for the Gunners in the competition this season along with Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli and Willock.”

  209. 209
    TTG says:

    Very enjoyable to win albeit rather surprisingly. For a club like us our heritage encourages us to believe that we need to contend better and more equally than we did there. Arsenal, especially the Arsenal of Wenger need to be more complete than that. Ironic that I asked us to summon the spirit of Copenhagen a couple of days ago and with a much inferior defence we did .
    Some great efforts. I like Tierney enormously. He has the right stuff .So has Martinez . I thought Holding was very decent but I thought Pepe was diabolical and I really don’t see much in Willock . Cedric did ok as did Saka . I hope Stan realises he is going to have a depreciating asset without investment

  210. 210
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    Great result.

    Laca took his chance well and his pass for Reiss was excellent. 3 goals and an assist recently. Not bad at all.

  211. 211
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    Ref ignored Mane with a nasty kick out. So did VAR. Robertson made a tackle similar to Eddie’s (except he could see the player he hurt) and VAR did not even look at it.

    All we want is consistency.

  212. 212
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    Arteta with another excellent interview. He is the mutts.

  213. 213
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    I could not be happier with the three points tonight. Incredible outcome.

  214. 214
    North Bank Ned says:

    Tierney was impressive. Holding looked calm and Luiz looks a lot better when there is calmness and competence around him. Martinez solid again, although he got away with the clearance that bounced off Firminho and then the outside of the post. The whole team put in a shift, especially in the second half. Yes, we received gifts but we defended them well. Always nice to see Klopp lost for words. Apart from the goal, their feared front line never really managed to rip our defence apart. i do, however, share some of TTG’s misgivings about Pepe. He runs about a lot, but not to much good effect.

  215. 215
    Countryman100 says:

    Goodnight all. Yours, happy of Cambridgeshire tonight.

  216. 216
  217. 217
    OsakaMatt says:

    Mane’s “little kick out” seems no
    different in intent to Soyunco’s
    sending off for Leicester against
    Bournemouth.
    Petulant in both cases. One
    punished, one not. Mané does
    have a short fuse, as does Vardy
    for that matter, they play on
    the edge and over it. Why are
    they given the benefit of the
    doubt?

  218. 218
    scruzgooner says:

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>