In strength-sapping heat and unbearable tension Arsenal lost the second part of what would have been a wonderful double in a penalty shootout in Budapest tonight. The Champions League slipped from our grasp in the cruellest possible way.
What made the loss so cruel was that the crucial penalty was missed by one of the great heroes of the season, Gabriel. Eberechi Eze had earlier hooked a penalty wide but David Raya made a brilliant stop to foil Mendes from the next penalty. Gyökeres, Rice and Martinelli converted their penalties brilliantly but ultimately Arsenal lost their third penalty shootout in a European final. Arsenal had executed Arteta’s game plan brilliantly with huge efficiency, dedication and courage.
Kai Havertz gave Arsenal a wonderful start with a sensational goal in the 6th minute and they remained ahead until deep into the second half when Mosquera, who had an excellent game against Kvaratkskelia, made his only mistake mistiming a sliding challenge on the Georgian winger. Nevertheless Arsenal deserve enormous credit for taking a hugely talented PSG side to penalties and making a side who have been scoring for fun in Europe against all-comers look desperate and frustrated at times.
Arteta had a detailed idea of how to neutralise PSG and this began with his team selection. He didn’t risk Jurrien Timber at right back, preferring Mosquera with the Dutchman able to make the bench (and make a significant contribution from an hour into the game). MLS took the starting midfield role ahead of Zubimendi and Havertz started upfront ahead of Gyokeres with the hope that he could prove to be a match winner in a Champions League Final. PSG’s fitness doubts all resolved with Hakimi, Mendes and Dembele starting. They began with the same ten outfield players who started in the Final last year.
The starting atmosphere was incredible and emotional. Our second Champions League final at the end of a very special season was such an amazing way to climax nine incredible months, and the Arsenal fans who had poured into Budapest, many without tickets, produced a wave of noise and emotion in the hours leading up to the game and as the game began.
Just before the opening ceremony the camera picked out Arsene Wenger, a man who has done so much to build the foundation of the modern Arsenal. A penny for his thoughts. Did he hark back to Paris in 2006?
The Killers did a set climaxing with the iconic Mr. Brightside, they were the smartest looking band I’ve ever seen immaculately attired in evening dress and another reminder if any were needed that this was not an ordinary football match.
Arsenal fans were very much in the majority – it looked as if we covered 75% of the ground. Thierry Henry helped to put the Cup with Big Ears in place and our club was ready to start the biggest match of their lives.
It started tumultuously. After gaining a free kick from the kickoff and then seeing PSG unsurprisingly dominating possession, in the 6th minute Havertz initiated a move with deft control and as it moved left, Trossard blocked a clearance, the ball rebounded into space, and Havertz was in behind the PSG defence. He moved the ball on, looked for support and decided to shoot. His shot cascaded past Safonov into the roof of the net, a phenomenal strike and an incredible start for Arsenal.
Arsenal 1 PSG 0 – Havertz 6
If your game plan involved scoring first and drawing PSG on, that represented a perfect start. PSG dominated possession but we defended the box brilliantly. Gabriel and Saliba both made a number of superb clearances and blocks and Rice and MLS looked to try and get us forward when we could get possession.
The best two moves of the first half came from Arsenal. Havertz slid in Saka whose excellent low cross was almost reached by Trossard but Safonov made a superb block which cost him a painful bang on the head.
PSG were struggling to make chances despite overwhelming possession and were confined to long distance shots. Both Dembele and Doue blazed over in frustration. Just before half time Havertz combined superbly with Trossard and saw Marquinhos block his goalbound shot. The idea that we were going to dominate from set pieces didn’t materialise. We obtained our first corner on the stroke of halftime and the referee promptly blew to signify the interval!
Half-time Arsenal 1 PSG 0
Little changed at the start of the second half although Mosquera picked up the first yellow card of the second half for timewasting. It left him very vulnerable, having to mark one of the finest attacking players in the world in Kvaratskelia. He stuck to the task manfully and the Arsenal defence kept its shape superbly and was clearly starting to frustrate the French champions. Eventually the Georgian played a brilliant give and go and was brought down by Mosquera. I think the penalty award was correct.
Arsenal 1 PSG 1 – Dembele penalty 64
Arsenal responded by bringing on Gyökeres and Timber for Ødegaard and Mosquera. Arsenal were not able to retain the ball well enough despite a monumental performance by Havertz who moved into midfield. We needed better offensive possession to reduce the pressure on our defence. Nevertheless we didn’t lose composure or shape and stayed in the game although the game became increasingly stretched as players tired. We created very little, and Kvaratskelia, their substitute Barcola, and Vitinha put in dangerous efforts. Arsenal took off Saka who had put in a tremendous defensive shift and Trossard and replaced them with Martinelli and Madueke.
PSG had to take off an exhausted Kvaratskelia and Dembele as we approached extra time. Arsenal were threatening less but a long throw from Rice caused chaos in the PSG defence but we could not take advantage. Unfortunately Gyökeres couldn’t replicate the impact that Havertz had produced and was unable to hold the ball up and the game moved into extra time but not before Barcola hit the post in the last minute of normal time.
End of normal time – Arsenal 1 PSG 1
Arsenal brought on Eze for Havertz and extra time was more even though the exhaustion was coursing through both sides. In the 102nd minute Madueke raced outside Mendes and appeared to be bowled over. It was every bit as much a penalty as the one we gained in Leverkusen. It did not appear to attract much attention from VAR even though Rice was livid and was booked for his protests. Zubimendi came on for MLS who had been excellent in such a challenging situation.
One telling statistic that flashed up in extra time was that PSG’s passing accuracy was 92% as opposed to Arsenal’s 72%. It told a story that we had not been able to retain possession against such an outstanding opponent but our defensive discipline and spirit were wonderful.
Losing in such a heartbreaking and narrow way is a sad note on which to conclude the season but let us not forget what a wonderful season this has been. Tonight I was so proud of our team, our coaches and our fans who provided wonderful support. We have moved into the executive suite of international club football and are now a powerhouse in England and Europe.
It seems invidious to pick out heroes from tonight but I thought the two centre backs were immense, Hincapié, though crippled with cramp, was magnificent and Declan Rice showed the stature of a special leader. Arsenal will come again but this loss should not tarnish our parade and celebrations tomorrow in any way. This was a monumental effort and caps a great season.
We will reflect on the season over the next few weeks but we can all be very proud Arsenal fans tonight. Mikel Arteta and Declan Rice gave dignified interviews biting back their disappointment but vowing to bounce back stronger. Arteta has engineered a progressive improvement in our performances season-on-season and we are now incredibly well placed. A loss on penalties to an outstanding PSG side should not diminish our admiration for what has been achieved.
I’m very disappointed with the result but onwards and upwards. I’m very proud to be an Arsenal fan 😎
It meant to say Gooner up north. Apologies for my typo
Gooner Up North
Don’t feel the need to apologise for typos. They are my stock in trade ! Thats a great response
Thanks for such a speedy and clear-eyed report, TTG. You have rapidly got us moving through the five stages of grief.
We were always going to have to be the very best version of ourselves if we were to win. We managed that superbly for 99% of the game and made, as you rightly describe them, an outstanding PSG side look ordinary for 120 minutes. We fell short only in a very few key moments, but as we all know, this is a game of fine margins. Luis Enrique will know in his heart of hearts how close his team came to losing.
To the deserved names of those on whom you bestow flowers, I would add that of Saliba, who played a big part in keeping PSG’s five-star attackers as what I have read somewhat grudgingly described as unusually subdued.
Sunday’s parade should be a celebration of one of the great Arsenal sides and the wonderful league-winning season they have delivered, regardless of how it ended.
Cheers TTG. An excellent report and tonight, of all nights, your speed is incredible, and incredibly appreciated. Writing about a tough loss in a measured way after such a short time is just massively appreciated, and one of the main reasons I come to this bar. I need the sanity hit.
1@ Groomer Up North. Thanks, you perv. Made me laugh out loud, which I kinda needed.
2@ Grooner up norther. Just brilliant. All typo apologies accepted.
Arsenal. Please win this sometime. Losing on pens when our goalie was the only keeper to make a save in the shootout kinda sucked.
The team have been amazing and I love them all. The manager is outstanding, just one of the best in the world. Keep going, Arsenal.
Losing on pens when we had not lost a single game in regular time during the whole competition kinda sucked, too, GSD
Ned,
I totally agree about Saliba. I did pick out both centre backs. They were brilliant as they have been all season and did not deserve t9 be on the losing side .over the next few weeks we are going to review the league and European seasons, how Arteta has managed this season , have a lighthearted look at the supporters songs, examine our discipline and our squad as well as review how Arsenal players are doing at the World Cup.
Let’s enjoy this season and celebrate the good bits as much as we can
Thank you ttg. You are our rock. Great performance by all the players even as we struggled to make chances we managed to defend well from start to finish, and could just as easily have won the penalty shootout. COYG
A tough way to lose*. Despite all their possession, there was not much between the teams. Note they did not score from open play against us. Proud of the lads, great season. Two cup finals and Premier League Champions. I think we will be even better next year.
*I remember the 1980 Cup Winners Cup Final which also went to penno’s and our two star players (Brady & Rix) both missed and we lost to Mario Kempes & Valencia. That was compounded by the loss to WHam a few days earlier in the FA Cup Final and more salt in the wound because it was Liam’s last game for us. Now that was a kick in the nuts that still hurts! We were not very good for several years until Stroller came in and righted the ship. So yes, this squad has a much brighter future.
Well, that was a real bastard but thanks
TTG, it’s been a great season and I’m
proud of us all 👍
Some refreshingly blunt commentary by The Independent’s Miguel Delaney on sportswashing
Masterful report TTG. You’ve said it all. There will be none better in print or online.
My own take is that the officials had a clear agenda. Whether bought by Watar or influenced by UEFA who could not live with all three trophies going to the PL makes no difference. The ref wasn’t even subtle. Look at the yellows for eMosquera and Saka – outrageous and unmirrored for QSG in similar circumstances but weakening the resolve and strength of our right flank defensively.
Emotionally drained and physically exhausted here in part because of a 2.5 hour walk back to my hotel because the police closed the direct route roads. Mercifully I didn’t encounter any hostile PSG fans or local villains.
This is not done!
Well done, TTG. The game that I saw, enjoyed and suffered. Set up a sports quiz question for the ages “Which is the only team to be undefeated in the CL but not win the trophy?”
Splendid day to be in North London – albeit impossible to get into the usual watering oases if you hadn’t planned ahead or started camping out around 7.30am. The line to get into Kolasinac’s place (Faltering Fullback) must have been 600 yards long. Steve T and I discussed ‘width’ at our favoured Italian before sauntering along to the Stadium of Stone.
The atmosphere in the stadium itself was outstanding during the game, each and everyone responding to the on screens events as if they were in Budapest. Surely Arsene must have heard the choruses of “One Arsene Wenger” from his lofty perch in the Puskas? And the Parisiens the chorus of boos each time they appeared on screen? The Kai Havertz song has never been sung so gustily – what a superb goal and superb opener.
A disappointing end, but what a fantastic season. Mikel’s boat sails proudly onward. I’m very happy to be on board and my red and white Sou’ Wester and wellies are polished and ready for the high rollers we’ll confront and conquer next season.
Further notes on the stadium event.
I had imagined one huge screen on the Clock End penalty box. In fact, there were three large screens facing three sides of the ground.
It worked well and was obviously very enthusiastically enjoyed by everyone who was fortunate enough to get a ticket. However, ticket availability ceased after silver holders were satisfied. Very few red members were successful. (When I entered the box office queue on red day, I was 25,752 in line – granddaughter Stella didn’t get to go sadly).
It was obvious that the authorities were concerned regarding control of the concourse. Entry was permitted only via the two bridges and to enter those, narrow gate passage was in place, tickets shown to permit entry (a worthy but completely ineffective effort – try reading phones in the sunshine with a multitude waiting in boiling heat to get in).
The front three rows in the stadium were covered reducing capacity further. This I assume was again control driven to prevent a field invasion in the event we won. A very large body of stewards stood in front of the screens base, presumably for the same reason.
The crowd was very exuberant but extremely good natured. The Clock End was completely empty. Installation of a fourth screen there would have been easy and would have enabled many of the poor souls struggling to get into the pubs to be in the stadium. The appetite to be present was certainly there.
Loosen the reins for next year’s final, Arsenal. We’re the best behaved supporters in the land (official).
I’m coming out of my normal post loss defensive crouch much earlier than usual. Why? Because of my immense pride in this team and because of my huge gratitude for the season we’ve all just watched. So, so close last night. We took on an oil doped team packed with attacking talent and took them all the way, only to lose on penalties. How about young Myles Lewis-Skelly and the performance he put in in midfield? How about 21 year old Christhian Mosquera and the way he shut down the best left winger in the world until he made his first mistake of the game to give them their (justified) penalty. How about the immense back three of Raya, Gabriel and Saliba? How about the sheer quality of that goal by Kai Havertz? How about our fans? Bravo to those ‘holic’s who were in Budapest, “over land and sea”.
We are the Champions of England. As the ever inspirational Declan Rice observed “ next year we’re coming back to win it” (the Champions League). Now for a summer of further adding to the squad. A World Cup. Probably an early season denuded of some of the stars from last night.
We go again. I’ve already renewed my season ticket.
Wayne Rooney on Twitter.
https://x.com/trolltouchline/status/2060811368325087651?s=61&t=cVFjCyGkt4y-Ne45LtfqkQ
@11 Ned, thanks for sharing Delaney’s summary. I haven’t heard from him before, was in harmony with his conclusions and empathised with his comments on the front three we finished the game with (on which more to come in TTG’s promised season’s review).
And while on that subject, HUGE THANKS TO YOU (and of course the squadrons of monks who strive at your behest to satisfy the every wish of GFH contributors worldwide) for all of your efforts on the Predictathon. I have to admit that, having set out the perfect prediction, I’m completely befuddled by the fact that so many teams (one excepted) got things so hopelessly wrong that I lost out in the final phase relegation battle to my learned friend from Bath, who was probably as completely befuddled as I am, to find himself in a Spuds vs Hammers vs ManU kind of play off for relegation in the latter stages.
For nest season, is there any truth in the rumour that the monks are susceptible to the occasional bung? (Asking for a friend).
It’s so obvious UEFA and FIFA have their favourites. Real Madrid, Barcelona. QSG, Bayern Munich. They can’t give blatant biased decisions but they can help to turn the tide with yellow cards and fee kicks and smaller decisions to help influence the game.
I knew at half time the game would go the way it did because we don’t yet have the forward players to give us more control of the outcome.
The same will happen in the World Cup with the rub of the green going to the usual suspects.
BtM@17: Delaney is a recent discovery for me, but he seems to talk a lot of thoughtful common sense (ie, I agree with his views!). His podcasts suggest that he spends time in the company of Spanish-speaking journalists, so he may have some inoculation against the insular tropes of the English press.
Your comments on the Predictathon are generous and appreciated. A full report on the season is forthcoming. If it is any consolation, you are now a member of the record-breaking cohort that made the joint worst prediction in Predictathon history. The integrity of the game is, of course, unimpeachable. It is not run by UEFA or PGMOL, you know.
BtM@17 – are you suggesting that I am not a footballing genius of the highest order? I for one can vouch for the complete unimpeachability of the monks.
Thanks TTG – excellent speedy work.
I’ll be back with a proper comment which your report deserves. I’ve also recently found a request to write something for a week or two’s time – sorry, I’ e been busy, as per. I’m happy to do it but could you please re-send the brief as I apparently issued the first request ?
C100 – those that know about these things assure me that that glowing tribute from Rooney is a fake account. “ Trolltouchline” evidently gives it away.
Chins up, Gooners – we scored from open play yesterday – PSG could not, they needed a pen. And somehow the referee, illegally I’m told, denied us our only first half corner by blowing for half time as the ball – out of play – waited to be crossed !
And yes, congratulations Potsticker ! Two in a row takes some doing !
Trev at 21 – maybe so but I prefer to take it at face value. It fits entirely with his tone on MOTD and other programmes. He is, for sure, a big supporter of Arteta’s team and the work he has done.
Potsticker@20: 👍
Thanks a lot TTG for being the rock of reason, clarity and perspective that you are. It was a difficult day, but I believe — and feel, and think — that we are just getting started and we will be back at this stage soon enough. This was a far cry from the 2006 final loss — I understand how the dark years of mediocrity in Europe haunt us as much as the trauma of that Paris evening — as that was a team at the very final point in their arc in time, and this is a squad that’s still on their upward journey.
That tactical sophistication, the defensive discipline and workrate, the structural and positional maturity were outstanding, and while the army of anti-Arsenal wild comments (I suppose mostly from a large part of English fanbase of other clubs) completely ignoring the core strengths of this team (I read some genuinely shocking personal attacks on Gabriel in The Athletic that celebrates his miss as some kind of justice for a criminal) may create the impression that this was somehow a “footballistically” (to quote a Wengerism) inferior performance, anyone who actually understands the game could clearly see what a remarkable defensive display that was. Reminiscent of great Italian club and national sides of the past, lacking just that extra edge in counterattack when we did create a few moments in their opposition box.
There would be lot of discussions in the coming days, and thankfully in here it would be constructive and celebratory (with the occasional therapeutic sharing thrown in), so I would keep this comment short. I would just like to mention Mosquera and acknowledge and credit his performance. Before he was restricted by an unfair yellow card — there were worse infraction of the law from the QSG side, including throwing the ball away — he did a masterful job on the Georgian. Mosquera is 22 I think, it’s his first season in English football, and except for the odd mistake here and there he has been absolutely brilliant. And he is not even a natural RB.
My only minor regret from this match is not seeing Calafiori coming on. I understand the rationale for starting with Hincapié against Hakimi-Doué et al., but I felt Ricky against a tiring backline could be genuinely difference making. Hindsight is 50:50, but I wonder if keeping MLS on and bringing Ricky on for Hincapié would have seen us gain that marginal advantage.
Proud of the team and that performance!
Couple of brief points Dr F @25. Calafiori, I understand, was injured in the pre match warm up and so was not risked. Hincapie was badly struck with cramp in late extra time, but by then we had used all our subs.
Christhian Mosquera is still but 21. He turns 22 on June 27.
While I am here, let me say that I spent several hours watching the parade this afternoon. I am so uplifted by the warmth and joy shown by over one million people (according to the Met) on the streets of North London I know so well. All the players cheered to the echo. Drifts of red flare smoke everywhere.
All the players interviewed made the point, this is just the start. They will go off to their national teams with spirits raised and newly determined to coming back next season and adding new glories to this already glorious club. All that turned out, well done and congratulations.
Just to say that C100 is absolutely correct about Calafiori . For the third time this season he was injured in the pre match warm up and they couldn’t risk him . I absolutely agree with Dr F that he would have been an interesting addition and s potential game changer
Trev
I will resend my note to you but don’t worry about time pressure I know you are a busy guy .
Berta was very animated on the bus today jigging around with Arteta . He did an excellent job last year but we could be the team to join in the summer . One HUGE issue is the impact of the World Cup and who goes right into the end stages . One theory is that Zubi is struggling with homesickness and the intensity of English football . I know Peter Wood suspects he may leave
@20 Potsticker – That you are a footballing genius of the very highest order was never called into question. Congratulations on your success and the excellence of your prediction skills. My question directed toward Castle Ned was inspired by one closer to the lowest end of the footballing non genius spectrum who is prepared apparently to attempt ansolutely anything to achieve a higher standing in this deadly difficult world of Predictathon. I am reassured by the response from Castle Ned and your good self that any endeavours along this wayward path will be destined to fail.
Keep smiling, COYG and NLFE
Dino you crashed the party didn’t you!
https://x.com/samjdean/status/2061166669595103527?s=61&t=cVFjCyGkt4y-Ne45LtfqkQ
C100 – those celebrations were indeed something else. I was in the town centre here in Welwyn Garden City this morning and it was more like walking down St Thomas’ Road.
C100 and TTG – Calafiori is a terrific player when fit but going off three times in the warm up in one season is a huge concern. This is two seasons running that team selection has been largely dictated by injuries / availability. I did a piece last summer on injury prevention and the possibilities that exist for monitoring risk and fatigue levels. Broadly this season nothing has changed. It will be interesting to see what happens this summer although it will be one massively complicated by a World Cup which will involve it’s own special challenges in terms of temperature and distances to be travelled across three huge countries.
Regardless of any possible operational changes within the club it looks like it could be a very busy few months for Messrs Arteta and Berta. Sadly, there could well be several departures which is a pity as we have a wonderful group of players who have grown so close. Still, to coin the cliche, standing still is going backwards at the top of this sport. Interesting times ahead.
Firstly thanks to TTG for a masterful report of the final – a perfect tone was set. Everyone at the club has been magnificent this season and heartbreaking to lose the final on the lottery of penalties, it’s been an unforgettable climax.
Today’s parade around Islington was just brilliantly organised by the club and for a native of this borough to see all my old haunts saturated with hundreds of thousands of supporters gave me an immense joyous pleasure.
The club is set for a great period ahead, the management correctly stating further improvements required and they have the impetus to carry this out. What a time to be a Gooner.
Trev@30: Standing still is indeed going backwards at the top of this sport. In the video @11, for those who haven’t looked at it, Delaney questions whether the front three we finished the game with — Martinelli, Gyökeres and Madueke — was a strong enough trio to bring on in a match at the level of a CL final. It is a valid point to raise, albeit the three are internationals going to the World Cup with Brazil, Sweden and England, respectively, and finding three better players willing to sit on the bench a lot might be challenging. However, there were a couple of moments when we broke on the counter in the second half, but the decision-making or execution wasn’t at a sufficiently elite level at the crucial moment, and the chance to go 2-1 up was lost. Such moments are rare enough when you are playing the top teams in Europe and have to be taken.
@20potlicker?😜
Impeachability?
How is the monks correctly scored me in first place after match day 2, and DFL
in the last several match days? Could it be that everyone else forecasted our team to be
the best as well as me?
I guess my disdain for the also-rans was a tad too flippant? Who cares how anyone else finished in the league – only one team counts!
Well next year I can’t do any worse (unless of course there are more combatants?)
Many thanks to Ned and the monks – much appreciated. It’s great to feel part of
this community from afar. Wish I could meet you’all some day.
Next year we need more than the league. From losing semi final to losing final; the obvious next step is winning the final. Progression.
Oh yes – Potsticker – congrats – I almost caught you! NOT!
COYG
Cheers TTG!
What BtM said about the screening – but word is Police absolutely shit themselves after that impromptu Tuesday party and read the club the riot act!
Yesterday was truly one of the greatest days of my life! Just fucking phenomenal!
I love my club so much!
Sitting in work but I might as well be in hyperspace.
21CG and I only made it back home around midnight last night. My first parade was in 1971. This was the first one I’ve missed. Budapest was great though. We outnumbered the French by a margin. It seemed to me that in the ground alone it was probably 2 to one. I suppose many of them decided to stay at home so they could set fire to things. Strange people.
I have to say that post-match, the anger at what seemed like yet another interesting refereeing display subsided on the 35 minute walk back to the bar and quickly became reflective, considering the whole season. At the same time, I’m not sure those tequilas at midnight are indicative of the top rank of decisions I have ever made in my life. Live and learn, I suppose. Or not.
Onwards.
And I forgot – great to see Cent yesterday – Top Boy!
Esso – good to see you – at least virtually. Are you well, mate ? ❤️
Cent hasn’t dropped into the bar in a very long time. Hope he’s well.
I realise I’ve not commented on my near but yet so far second place in the Predictathon . Ned tenlls me I was the only competitor to fail to get any specific club prediction right so make of that what you will. Anyway huge congratulations to Potsticker ( bastard 😀) who completed a monumental double . Arsenal need you on the staff in an advisory capacity soon .Well done mate , a great achievement
I have a superstition that I never predict Arsenal to come first and I did think they would win it but that would have been my only correct prediction!
Above all we wouldn’t have a Predictathon without the hard work and brilliance of Ned who runs it so brilliantly. Thank you so much for everything Ned you’ve created a really enjoyable way to support Willow. And congratulations Ned on your double win in the Holic Ropey League . I didn’t knock the skin of a rice pudding this year and failed to defend my league title but you smashed it!
Now it’s time to review a wonderful season and let’s revel in the joy of supporting a very special club !
Boff@33: Remember that form is temporary; class is permanent.
TTG@39: I am humbled by your words. None of it would have happened without you getting the ball rolling initially — and then delegating the details — truly the touch of a captain of industry. :). In all seriousness, I enjoy doing it, and it is gratifying that others enjoy it too. When you compare ‘Holics’ performances to those of the experts, pundits and influencers, ‘Holics clearly know their football better than most — but then we knew that!
Let’s crack the £1,000 mark for Willow next season.
This is a great piece:
I wasn’t there – just heading home this pm, but I suspect it captures the vibe!
Ole ole ole ole
Ole ole ole ole
Ole ole ole ole
Ole ole …. 🏆
Looking at Ned’s Predictathon chart, it seems that Potsticker flatlined in first position for nearly the entirety of the second half of the season if not longer. Either the man is a genius or he’s slipping some illicit goods to the monks, so I do hope Ned will increase the half tea spooonful of gruel that the monks are allowed so as to cut down on the temptation and/or the appearance of corruptability in future seasons. 😉
But I must offer my wholehearted thanks to Ned for running the contest so well, and to Potsticker of course for completely acing it two years running. 💪🏻💪🏻
Bt8
I think Potsticker overtook me in Match Week 32 – perfect timing for a fast finisher . Ned makes an interesting point about the quality of our predictions compared with the experts. The Aficionados who were the forerunner of our competition used to have an ongoing competition where cumulative performance was measured . However as we’ve had the same winner in two out of three years ( bastard 😀) there isn’t much doubt who’d be on top and it would be unfair to burden the monks further
The big question is – can Potsticker monetise his genius?
Thanks Ned for the predictathon 👍
The parade looked fantastic, we are everywhere!
No wonder the other clubs envy us, they will never have
a turnout anything like that.
TTG@44: Fear not, the new GHF Predictaultrathon leaderboard has been calculated and will be included in the forthcoming season review. No prizes for guessing who has moved to the front…
Bath@41: Thanks for that link. Simply a great read.
And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accursd they were not here…
Mike McDonald’s highly positive view
And here’s Frank Stubbs. Another great piece.
Two great posts a well deserved 50 and might I say massive respect to Steven Gerrard
Thanks C100- enjoy your holiday !
Well in for the half-ton, TTG.
Thanks to C100 for links to two great reads. Mike McDonald is in particularly sharp form. His hint that all may not be well in the state of refereeing when it comes to PSG and CL games is, shall we say, intriguing, in the context of the head of referees for Serie A and B and one of the league’s VAR supervisors being placed under criminal investigation in April for allegedly influencing VAR decisions and altering referees’ match assignments. The Italian league is among several — including those in Turkey, Greece, Russia and China — where there has been suspected match-fixing in recent seasons.
Surely, no state-owned club would be involved in underhand practices to win trophies…
>>>>>>>>>>>>