Who is it we are playing today?

Posted on by Tony Attwood

Editorial note: I can’t get in touch with Dom at the moment re his normal pre-match article, so I’m putting my jottings up.  Hopefully Dom will be along in a moment – Tony

Chelsea v Arsenal hasn’t exactly been lost under the excitement of the 1000 games, but a lot of the focus has been away from the actual match for once.

We’ve got Mr Wenger saying (what we already knew) that of course he will sign a new contract – it was ever thus.   He has even talked about doing a second 1000 games which will take him up towards the age of 80, so is perhaps unlikely.

Sir Alex has paid his tribute, Lee Dixon says that Wenger makes football exciting, and Mourinho suggests that the FA treats him differently.   That is akin to saying that the FA is corrupt, which will make any response from them interesting.

And elsewhere what we all thought was likely to happen, has happened.  RVP is out, possibly for the rest of the season.  I never want anyone to suffer pain but hey ho – it did seem a very large salary for a man with such a history.

Oh yes and Mr Sherwood is taking anger management and clothes abuse advice.

So what have we got today?

Arsenal under Arsène have failed to win against Chelsea under José.   Chelsea are unbeaten at home.  A win today and on Tuesday takes us top.  Chelsea lost to Villa and everyone got very agitated for a while.  Willian and Ramires are suspended, Cole is on the phone.   And there is that little matter of the FA Cup (for us, not for them).

Szczescenzcsnzyz

Sagna Mert Kos Gibbs

Arteta Flamini

Podolksi Cazorla The Ox

Giroud

I think Rosicky has a bit of an injury, and could be held over until the Swansea game.  We could see Kallstrom come on – but again that might be for the next match.

So also lurking we have: Fabianski, Jenkinson, Sanogo, Vermaelen, Zelalem, Kallstrom, Gnabry, Hayden, and maybe Rosicky.

Whatever the result, thanks for the 1000 Arsène.  I was there for match number 1 – sorry I can’t make it today, but I’ll be there for 1001, and a few more after that.

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128 Replies to “Who is it we are playing today?”

  1. Super Post, Walter.

    Oh and thank you for helping me out with the spelling of Szczescenzcsnzyz, although I think you might have missed out a couple of ‘zee’s. 🙂

  3. Boy do i wish for a good game today, for us all, and especially to Arsene Wenger for his 1000th match.

  4. The neutrals would be happy if Chelski were to drop points today and make it a final day of the season drama.
    May their wishes come true starting today !

  7. More backhanded compliments at the BBC coverage, bleech!

    I hope the water has boiled, still coffee yet (this morning 6:45).

    COYG!

  8. Bloody hell what a poor start. We just seem undercooked in these 1245 starts. Both goals from bad mistakes we have to do better than this

  10. And Marinner had blown for a goal kick, but changed his mind after being confronted by cheatski players.

  12. It seems like there was a foul in midfield up to the chance that led to the penalty, no?

  13. Pathetic refereeing but has to be said when this team are bad, they are very very bad. No excuse for a start like this the media and aaa will be unfortunately in their element. That said questions need asking about our prep for 1245 games against the big boys as this year something clearly not good enough. Why why against Jose of all people

  16. What a weak ref, he didn’t see the offence, signalled for a goal kick only to change his mind after getting mobbed by chelsea players. His linesmen didn’t see the incident too, that’s why they sent the wrong player off, despite pleas from The Ox to say it was him that handled. Why do such things only happen to us????

  17. This is sickening. I am not arguing about the handball, but this clearly shows the ref and his assistant didn’t see the ‘offender’ and went by what the chelsea players told them. Surely that should not be acceptable?

  20. Al it seems anything and everything is acceptable when it’s against Arsenal.

  22. Watching the EPL is like going to a bad restaurant and getting food poisoning, and then going back again and again and again….

  23. Yes marcus, it defies logic really, but we still do it. I guess more in hope than anything..

  25. It was quite clean that we do not have a team to compete for the league, we has fan have to support the team but with the club not putting our best foot forward. the epl is physical, fast, technical and tatical how many of these boxes do we tick as a team.

  27. Well Arsene only had 1000 games to get the team exactly how he wanted, maybe he’ll finally be able to beat Mourinho after another 1000 – hopefully Klopp is brought in before that

  29. Dan,

    I was thinking the same thing. The ref can’t tell the difference. That’s embarrassing on so many levels.

  30. This is BT we’re talking about Dan – correct me if I’m wrong but it’s only free with broadband – no broadband no BT Sprout.

  31. Feel very sorry for Arsene Wenger however this is the 3rd time we have witness this type of calamity questions really do need to be put to the players what a dreadful performance I’m very disappointed .

  32. @Gooneress Is BT Sprout free? I need to check that out.

    Watching a heavily depleted Arsenal 2/3rds of the way through a war, I mean, EPL campaign year after year…..

    I’m sorry folks, I can’t take it seriously. And as the song says…

    “You have to laugh, or else you cry”

  34. 6.3 v City “we were knackered after Napoli and had to play sat lunchtime”.5.1 v Liverpool “just one of those things” “4.0 v Chelsea and counting whats the excuse for this? EVEN THE TEAMS AT THE BOTTOM PUT UP A BETTER SHOW THAN THIS PATHETIC EXCUSE FOR A TEAM. SEE YA WENGER.

  35. Marcus it’s sport… anything can happen and quite often does. We can’t afford to take it too seriously, enjoy the good times because we all know bad will inevitably follow.

    It’s good to know the away fans are in good voice.

  38. This has really shown the Premiership up for what it is.
    Who makes the decisions in these games.
    The ref didn’t see the hanball because he signalled for a corner. The linesman did not have his flag across his chest so he didn’t give it.
    Was it the Chelsea players who gave it, or maybe the 4th official who was another 50 yards away from the action? Would the ref take the word of the 4th official who was much further away from where the offense occurred ? Or did the 4th official see a video replay of the incident.
    Or maybe at the end of the day it doesn’t really matter which Arsenal player you send off along as you send one off.

  40. I have been an Arsenal fan for 38 years I used to have a season ticket till I got priced out and I will say what I like and no wengerbot 5 minute fan like you can stop me. Oh and its 5 now.WENGER OUT A DISGRACE TO ARSENAL FOOTBALL CLUB.

  41. GooneressNo1,

    Of course, it is only a game. That is how I follow football. I don’t get overly excited at good times and I am NEVER despondent at bad times. As an Arsenal fan, there are much more of the former than the latter and I am grateful to Arsene for that.

    Those who will whine will whine like they have no life and are using Arsenal’s exploits to fill the void. For such sad souls, today is the end of the world. We can only shake our heads for them in sympathy.

  43. The ref is mega shit, but, this does highlight the problems the big games just seem a step to far for us at present.

    17 goals conceded against the big boys away form home.

  45. Linz,

    We are all so grateful that you can no longer afford to go to the Emirates anymore. We can only for more of your type to fail meet that obligation.

  47. yeah, when grandpa crying as if like life is over…. it’s shame.
    arsen is THE BEST ARSENAL MANAGER. was and will be for a long time.
    and it’s just a game.

  48. my worst Arsenal memory! last time at liverpool I was sober enough to turn off the TV T HALF TIME and go watch Homeland instead

  50. Arsene wanted to win, and players let him down, Ox was such a waste
    this game was about experience and gut, Ox was a waste
    sooooooooooooooooooooooo fucking sad!

  51. Without a doubt we have seen probably some of the worst performances of any Arsenal team in our history this season. For all Wenger’s strengths he really lacks when it comes to tactics.

    I for one hope he does not sign another contract at the club. He’s day has passed and now it’s time for someone else to take the reigns. Martinez anyone?

  52. Terrible score. Streams go up and down after 30 minutes till now. Almost see nothing.
    But cannot leave it. Somehow I just can’t.

  53. bootoome
    I can’t afford losing AND being outplayed mate
    we were so soft in the middle, first 3 goals was unbelievable! loosing the balls that easy and taking 3 goals on 3 easy strike! common!
    this has to be the special game for Arsene Wenger!

  54. ‘Or maybe at the end of the day it doesn’t really matter which Arsenal player you send off along as you send one off’
    Exactly Micko. I would like to know who decided(suggested to Marinner) what type of offence it was and who had committed it. Clearly he and his assistant had seen something else. Or rather, they were not going to make that decision on their own.

  55. Persian – you can’t afford losing and being out played – that doesn’t make any sense.

  56. I simply can’t believe how an away win against a weak tottenham made us this proud and careless
    I can take loss, but I do really hate to confess Chelsea is a better side!
    They are

  59. “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.”
    that’s the difference between us and Chelsea

  62. That’s a good point Bootoomee, but I suggest boundless self delusion keeps them in their current rut.

  63. Bootoome
    🙂
    Yeah at last we have a life out there!
    a life full of friends who are other teams fan, lets go out and embrace the MOCKING! 🙂

  66. Persian Gunner,

    It’s called banter and without it, what’s the point of following teams?

    We beat the Tots, we mock them. We lose to the Chavs, the mock us. That’s just the way it is.

    It is key that we don’t lose our shit and all sense of perspective on days like this.

  67. A horrible match and result unfortunately. As for the ref – what a dork.

    We will get over this and very soon we will stuff the Chelski scum, their classless owner and equally classless git of a manager.

  68. Persian Gunner,

    I’m glad you are feeling better if even only a little. Believe me, I am greatly pained by this loss but I have been made very happy by the same team and manager.

    Keep the faith my brother!

  70. Bootoome – Myopic? – “I didn’t see it” – Wenger after numerous games and obviously this one!

    Like everything in life things change and perhaps it’s time we admitted Wenger moves upstairs and new blood comes in. How on earth is signing Kallstrom on loan when he’s knowingly carrying a serious injury smart? It’s now the middle of March and he’s yet to kick a ball despite our midfield frailties.

    We were lucky against the Spuds and this season alone we have conceeded 17 goals in 3 games!

    I want whatever your drinking mate!

  71. Yes Chelsea is a bettet side, now Wenger should start selling those players like Ozil, Ox and Cazorla, and buy players with more physicallity, cause it seems at the EPL, it just doesnt work to be better with the ball, its better to knock the player off and get the ball.

    And no I wont blame Ox, it was a fcking foul, the fact is that they started their attack with a foul. Instead of getting a yellow on their DMF, who kept fouling all game, they got a goal, plus a player semt off. I again wont blame any player and wont accept any blame to our club until the ref get on tbe field and be unbiased. U either let the players be physical or u call a foul. What he did was give it to one team and not the other. The players are there to play with the ball and score the goal, pushing and hitting arr not accepted in any other league, except here. Their players can hold the ball, look up and pass cause we cant pressure them, we either win the ball or we take a yellow..they can go insane, either win the ball or make a foul, win the ball and get a goal.
    utter disgrace. Any fan is biased to their team, except Arsenl fans, they are biased against their team..Man up and stand for that disgrace against ur team. But no lets blame Wenger and Ox

  72. Bootoomee for you it’s banter for others… well I don’t know how a psychologist would label it.

  73. The ref was awful and we do seem to get some bad decisions but let’s put into perspective, if any other ref was on the pitch we still would have lost 6-0.

  74. Bootoomee

    Thanks for that. There will be another day and we will be stronger – for now we stand firm behind the manager and team – they need to see our support.

  75. About the red card and other things, you can read it in the next article that is already on line now.

  77. We do have a mental block against our rivals, we need to be better prepared for the epl because it is not the technical league it claims to be.

  79. Come on everyone, now is the time to stand behind the team. Yes, we made mistakes, but lets not underestimate the cost of the error by the ref. Such an error can have a drastic influence on the final outcome, especially if it occurs with only a few minutes on the clock….

  80. 5th Gen Gooner,

    You clearly don’t understand what ‘myopia’ means. And it was used in a metaphorical sense here.

    It’s means you are a “here and now” person. Perspective, history and context fly over your head.

    And I don’t drink or take any stimulant.

  81. Myopic

    Q: What do a nearsighted gynecologist and a dog have in common?

    A: Wet noses.

  82. Beer Goggles

    Joe stopped at his favorite watering hole after a hard day’s work to relax. He noticed a man next to him order a shot and a beer. The man drank the shot, chased it with the beer and then looked into his shirt pocket. This continued several times before Joe’s curiosity got the best of him.

    He leaned over to the guy and said, “Excuse me, I couldn’t help but notice your little ritual. Why in the world do you look into your shirt pocket every time you drink your shot and beer?”

    The man replied, “There’s a picture of my wife in there, and when she starts lookin’ good, I’m headin’ home!”

  83. Bootoome – On the contrary as stated before; History: we have seen the some of the worst performances this season compared to any other.

    Perspective: Wenger’s tactics are consistently flawed and show a lack of vision. e.g. Flamini is by far a better DM than Arteta and the Kallstrom signing?

    I truly appreciate everything Wenger has done for our club and believe he’s the greatest manager ever to grace the marble halls but unfortunately all good things…

  84. Brickgfields 🙂 🙂
    What type of doctor are you by the way, not a gynecologist by any chance? 🙂

  85. 5th Gen Gooner,
    Flamini was the DMF in the 5-1 loss to Liverpool, just an info to share.

  86. 5th Gen Gooner,

    Ok, you are not myopic at all. But Wenger has lost heavily away to Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea this season so he has to go.

    You’ve got a beautiful mind.

  87. Bootoomee – I’m not anti-Wenger I just feel he’s taken us as far as he can. Remember it’s been almost 9 years since we won a trophy and our current squad is consistently showing deficiencies. Do you seriously think under his management that we’ll return to ‘the good old days’?

  89. 5th Gen: We have no divine right to win anything. We have been consistently 3rd or 4th – Man City, Chelsea and Man Utd had vastly superior resources – and still are significantly ahead.

    With greater resources now being freed up I would back Wenger as (by far) the best option to bridge the remaining gap. The next 2-3 years will be very interesting with Wenger.

    If he did leave how do you know his replacement will be better? How many managers have the Spuds been through? The strong likelihood is that Wenger’s replacement would not be as good as he is. Unless you would be happy doing a Man Utd? The difference being that MU are financially strong enough to weather a year or two out of the CL whereas we are not (yet).

  90. @pete – spot on (apart from Man U being financially strong. IMO they will go bust).

    Wenger is still better than all the other managers. He has worked with the board and strengthened the club. The team is brilliant & will learn how to cope with the PGMOL cheats over time.

    English Football is physical and that is why technique does not survive. It is also the reason World cups are outside the scope. PGMOL does not extend to FIFA (the corruption does without coordination).

    The referee nor the assistant saw what happened. They reacted to instructions from some God to decide the totally wrong punishment and subsequent wrong player. Fouls leading to the breakaways were ignored. PGMOL are corrupt and incompetent.

    Incidentally Gerrard should have had a second yellow in the Cardiff game (mid first half).

  91. Untold folks really make delusional an understatement.

    Your unyielding faith in Wenger is beyond believe. Reminds me of Hitler and Stalin… their hold on people in astonishing.

    And to think you folks are from a more advanced country… free thinking, democratic … Any criticism of Wenger is taken as personal insult and…

    Just curious.. do you folks get shafted down with unpopular policies from your country and you blindly accepted that? Cos any criticism of the government will be deemed unpatriotic.

    Yes, extend Wenger by another 3 or more years. That’s what all rival fans are clamouring for; just like they are rooting for Moyes to be given more time.

  92. @Nick Lee, don’t waste your time, you can’t argue with this lot because they despise logic.

    If you dare suggest a change of manager you get the usual childish response about pissing off and supporting another team. Some of these people seem to be confused and actually support Wenger before the club. Hopefully when AW goes they can all piss off and support him, wherever he may be.

    It was quite clear that we do not have a team to compete for the league, we has fan have to support the team but with the club not putting our best foot forward. the epl is physical, fast, technical and tactical how many of these boxes do we tick as a team.

    That was said by Charles at 1.43 pm and he sums it up nicely. Wenger is obsessed with his ponderous tippy tappy style and no amount of humiliations seem to persuade him to change.

    So that’s now 17 (SEVENTEEN) goals conceded away at the top three clubs in one season. Is that a new record?

    And how come Liverpool who have no sugar daddy are now leaving us in their wake? What excuse is there for the fact that we have vastly superior resources and yet we don’t have one striker as good as the two they’ve got. It beggars belief.

  93. @ AL March 22, 2014 at 3:18 pm –
    Sorry just saw your comment . Am in general
    practice and just like as on this site ,see all manner of cases .
    Many often get the dreaded finger !
    Laughter ,as you know IS the best medicine.
    And humour slays the AAAAs .

  94. Oh and expect an article about the AAA. That usually happens whenever we suffer a disastrous setback. Helps deflect the attention away from the real issues.

  95. Lest we forget – AW’s list of shame as you AAAA would see it .

    2 doubles – 1998 & 2002
    1 unbeaten EPL season – 2004 .

    FA Cups in 2003 & 2005.
    FA Cup runners up -2001

    League Cup runners up -2007 & 2011.

    Champions League runner up – 2006

    UEFA Cup -runner up – 2000

    FA Community /Charity Sheild –
    Winners – 1999 ,2002 & 2004 .
    Runners up -2003 & 2005.

    Numerous manager of the year awards , player of the year awards for his players.

    AND THE BIG DADDY ITSELF – ONE BRAND NEW SPANKING OUT OF THIS FUCKING WORLD STADIUM !!

    Sit back ,think about it and do also reflect on what YOU have achieved in that time .
    It it don’t sober you up , it’ll drive you losers to drink !

    OH YEAH ,IT WILL ! CHEERS !

  96. THIS WILD LIFE LYRICS
    “Re: Snakes And Rats”
    ( Some mighty fine lines in these lyrics !)

    We were the first out of the gates
    And so you learned from our mistakes
    You know it’s me you’ll have to thank, but you say
    You’re dead to me

    You sing of ships like the son of a sailor man
    Paying your dues is easy when you own land
    You never say it to my face man to man cuz
    You’re dead to me

    I’m over it you never quit talking shit
    And lately I’m getting tired
    Of taking the high road when you’re so low
    You’ve got to let this go
    I’m over it you never quit talking shit
    And lately you’re such a liar
    Sometimes I wish that you’d just explode
    You’ve got to let this go
    You’ve got to let this go

    You’ve gotta learn to mind your own manners
    You rat that slanders
    So watch your words and I’ll watch mine too
    You’re dead to me

    It’s such a joke when your words all blow out like smoke
    I’ll let this go when you hang it up by the ropes
    See how it goes, there still may be some hope
    You’re dead to me

    I’m over it you never quit talking shit
    And lately I’m getting tired
    Of taking the high road when you’re so low
    You’ve got to let this go
    I’m over it you never quit talking shit
    And lately you’re such a liar
    Sometimes I wish that you’d just explode
    You’ve got to let this go
    You’ve got to let this go

    Call it an ender
    We’ve said what we wanted to say
    Well drop the anchor
    Until our words wash away
    Call it an ender
    ‘Cause you’ll always be a friend to me

    I’m over it we’ve gotta quit talking shit
    ‘Cause lately I’m getting tired
    Of taking the high road and feeling so low
    You’ve got to let this go
    I’m over it we’ve gotta quit talking shit
    ‘Cause lately I’m uninspired
    What will it take for us both to grow
    You’ve got to let this go
    And I’ve got to let this go
    Let this go!

  98. @Brickfields

    No one is doubting the PAST achievements. What about the future?

    Do you seriously think Wenger is the manager to lead us forward? U don’t have to answer me; the bomohs don’t have to answer about the methods of MH370 search..

  101. Nick Lee, course he won’t lead us forward. This club is rooted in a fourth place philosophy and a manager who is not very good at tactics. The club is swimming in money and yet it won’t spend when it needs to. A better striker was imperative in the summer and Suarez would have been ours if we’d gone to 50 million but no we spent it on another midfielder when we needed a proven goalscorer. Wenger is utterly bewildering at times.

    The irony maybe that we win the FA Cup and by doing so lose out on fourth, thereby sacrificing the one tenet that dear old Wenger held dear, the League is more important than the FA Cup.

  103. @Brickfields

    you are a funny doctor. I suppose you have to have a sense of humour in KL little India.

    Cheers

  105. @Rupert

    to be objective, Wenger in his initial years was very refreshing in his approaches to football. What happened after the move to Emirates is baffling to say the least.

    Just look at the composition of the midfield. It used to be lanky, athletic and technical players. What do we have now? Nothing wrong, I think, if you are in the European league but EPL is a different animal – fast, furious and physical. Yesterday, we fielded Arteta and Chambelain. One is a man boy and the other an aging player whose form is on the down.

    Another baffling thing is that Wenger is opening up an investigation on injuries NOW. Either he don’t read or just … there are tons written on this in the past few seasons.

  107. So who do you think should replace Wenger then? Stop looking to Klopp hes not coming to the insel,so who is it then? Martinez, top manager like Moyes eh?
    Perhaps its the team and not Wenger that are utterly bewildering at times, they proved the could hold out against a tough Tottenham side and beat Liverpool twice, and the lads played really well(again)against Bayern not to mention being top of the league for a long time. Our Cup run so far hasnt exactly been against poor teams has it?
    The lads were shite yesterday but the real problem is that Arsenal fans become jealous of the oligarchs money and the lack of sportsmanship from a wanker like Mouriniho, who is nothing without his petro dollars and feeling the like losers on what was supposed to be a great day out for Wenger and then adopt the loser emotion.
    I think until this season started swinging a bit more to Liverpools way, Suarez was seen as a liability.What short memories fans have!
    Walter continually points out stats and time and time again how good Wenger is its ignored by people.Everyones an expert these days, playstation managers.
    So if Wenger cant lead and build us forward who is it then? Anyone from the double side of 71? or perhaps John Bull? Mr Egg and chips? perhaps someone with British steel from Stoke City or even Michael Caine?

  109. Its not up to you folks or me to decide who is the manager to bring Arsenal forward. We can only offer our opinions. If the board thinks that Arsene is the best there is, so be it.

    Having said that, posters who utter that fans are plastic, jealous, play station managers et al … now who are the childish ones? where is independent and objective thought process?

    Maybe Brickfields can offer his professional help.

  110. @Nick Lee, Just look at the composition of the midfield. It used to be lanky, athletic and technical players. What do we have now? Nothing wrong, I think, if you are in the European league but EPL is a different animal – fast, furious and physical. Yesterday, we fielded Arteta and Chambelain. One is a man boy and the other an aging player whose form is on the down.

    Another baffling thing is that Wenger is opening up an investigation on injuries NOW. Either he don’t read or just … there are tons written on this in the past few seasons.

    THIS! Been saying the same as your first paragraph for several years. I think Wenger got totally hooked on Barca style football forgetting that Barca have a team full of world class players plus Messi.

    The sad thing is that on the whole our football isn’t even very exciting anymore. Liverpool and City seem to have adopted our old style of football and that’s galling. Plus Pool have two strikers that are better than Giroud who has steadily got worse.

  111. @Kenneth Widmerpool, I think Wenger could lead us forward if, and it’s a big if, he went back to the style of football that won him trophies. Fast athletic players, strong yet skillful. This was a winning formula.

    Unfortunately he’s got so many players that don’t fit this description it would need a major overhaul to implement this change.

    As for another manager, well I’d take one that analyses the opposition and uses a bit more guile. Ex players said AW never studies the opposition. Maybe that’s fine when you have better players but not when you’re facing superior opposition.

  112. Rupert fair enough points, still what baffles me was the Ox, what was he doing? It was like all the lads had been out on the razzle(etc) the night before and couldnt be bothered and the Ox thought lets have a go at being in goal.

    Hey Bricksfields, liked the cartoon, Ive shut the restaurant down!, too much food poisoning, going to get an ice cream van instead!COYB!
    COYG! Aha and Amen

  113. All I want to ask real Arsenal fans is ,”Are you hurting because your club lost or is it that you are being or going to be abused by ‘friends’
    and workmates today and most probably tomorrow ?”
    If it the first ,you are a true fan .You’d pick yourself up and get on with supporting YOUR club .
    The rest don’t matter.

    Take a deep breath and try to understand this.

    If

    If you can keep your head when all about you
    Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
    If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
    But make allowance for their doubting too:
    If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
    Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
    Or being hated don’t give way to hating,
    And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise;

    If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
    If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim,
    If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
    And treat those two impostors just the same:.
    If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
    Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
    Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
    And stoop and build’em up with worn-out tools;

    If you can make one heap of all your winnings
    And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
    And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
    And never breathe a word about your loss:
    If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
    To serve your turn long after they are gone,
    And so hold on when there is nothing in you
    Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on!”

    If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
    Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,
    If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
    If all men count with you, but none too much:
    If you can fill the unforgiving minute
    With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
    Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
    And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!
    Rudyard Kipling

  114. @Brickfields

    Some good contributions. I certainly hurt when we lose but I must admit I also detest the way the backstabbing inhabitants from the underworld turn up, predictably, each time we lose or even when we draw. When things are not going well we need to support the team not undermine them – however we have been through that point many times and the undermining underhand scum from the underworld gleefully continue unabashed.

  115. @ bjtgooner – Don’t fret the little stuff ! Having AAAAs only means that we are doing something right The ask only stupid questions but give no answers or solutions themselves .
    It would probably be funnier than anything I could post !
    Martinez ! Moyes ! Klopp !

  119. We used to get 1st.Division games from BBC Midlands with Hugh Johns commentating in the late sixties.I used to know the Wolves , WBA, Villa ,Derby and Birmingham teams by heart. But not until the 1971 FA Cup did something click (Snap ?)and after watching that game and reading all about how the double was won ,did I know that Arsenal was the one .
    Despite waiting 17 years to see Arsenal win (my first) the title in 1989 , there was no wavering in support .
    Can anyone who saw that game ever forget it ?
    10 years ? Pshaw ! A blip in time !

  120. At that time Man Utd , Leeds and Liverpool had the most fans ,while Chelsea and Spurs were the stylish teams and had some hard core supporters .
    Arsenal ? Too far and few to count !

  121. Bricks-so did you used to listen to the BBC world service broadcast link to the games later on when football was still on BBC radio 2? Thats why I was asking about the BBC World service yesterday.Although its getting on in the night for you I suppose. If the Arsenal arent playing I still like listening to it,(WS) funny all those years as a kid I wondered who the world service listeners were, now Im one of them!Peter Jones, what a commentator!

    Remember this?

    http://youtu.be/iszTZ8MSq7Y

  122. @ Kenneth – I used to listen to the BBC World Service in the seventies right up to the late eighties. From 1975 to 1984 , when I was studying in India , there was no tv coverage ,no reports in the papers or magazines.
    The BBC was our only link to football.
    From the time I subscribed to our cable channel in 1997 ,we have all the games of the EPL live as well as from the other major leagues but I only watch the Arsenal games.

  123. My first trashing ,and the core of the double winning side still intact as well as Alan Ball playing.
    Over they years this patten has often been repeated .
    So no big deal for me.A loss is a loss ,and three points as Bootoomee pointed out!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g69HXQ5qiRM

  124. Brickfields–I dont have cable, and although I have internet, I still love the BBC radio sports commentaries, although it mostly World service now due to the contract restrictions on 5 live and Talksport is really awful. An early girlfriend dumped me after a bit of afternoon nookie she became really offended as I asked to her to put the radio on( she was nearest!!!!) to hear the football results!!( LMFAO!!)Im still with the Gunners though after all these years and she probably married a chicken or something worse!!
    You and Boo are right about the 3 points!

  125. @ Kenneth – Have to agree with you that 2nd half commentaries were very descriptive and the individual end of the game comments were first class .
    Articulate ,eloquent , humourous and with so many literary ,cultural, geographical and social references that entertained us as well as educated us.
    Now we have posters with negative IQs teaching us …..not too sure what they are supposedly be teaching us !
    Catch up with you guys later .

  126. @ Kenneth – Nice one about the afternoon nookie ! The secret is to cuddle first ! Then ask for the radio , remote , sandwich,back scratch , massage , phone or Ipad or whatever is now in vogue !
    As for me no radio listening other than when driving – even that is faulty !
    Somehow I don’t feel I ‘m missing with the crap that is on !
    Later dudes !

  127. Brickfields awesome in those days. Peace, clean, quiet and really good place to dine. I usually finish school in nearby Kampung Pandan and take a bus to Brickfields just for lunch. That was in 1994. Now when KL Sentral came in, everything is just so busy there, even at night. And Seetharam is still surviving. Now only go there for prayer items.

  128. @ Micheal – To us who were born there it was heavenly. Home ,friends ,school,food stalls ,places of worship and play were walking distance .
    My father never owned a car and thank god for that! The only memory I have of him driving is in 1963 when he backed into a tree – and luckily it was in my uncle’s compound and his car ! The damage was minimal.
    I left in 1985 when I was posted away to the town of heavenly peace ,and my family moved when my father passed away in 1994 .His little building built in 1963 still stands today.

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