Arsenal F C (Pride Of London)

[blightyred]

[SE13]

Barclays Premiership

ARSENAL Vs Bolton Wanderers

[img:50fe1fb531]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/c.johnston570/Arsenal_Crest_New.jpg[/img:50fe1fb531] [img:50fe1fb531]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/c.johnston570/Bolton_Crest_New.jpg[/img:50fe1fb531]

Saturday 20th October 2007

3pm

Ashburton Grove

[img:50fe1fb531]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/c.johnston570/Ashburton_Grove2.jpg[/img:50fe1fb531]

Arsenal returned to the top of the table after a brief absence, and still have the game in hand over the chasing pack. Bolton are thus far not the team they were under Sam Allerdyce, so how do we see this one going?

Presuming that we have an entire squad to play with, and three points are picked up, we start to face the "big boys" after this one in a good position. The gap should be sufficient in case of any screw up. Most definitely an interesting few weeks ahead.

Incidently, I scarcely watch television, let alone films (movies, call them what you will)
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It feels so empty without a signature, so here is some mindless gabble to occupy the space

[SE13]

Arsenal 2-0 Bolton Wanderers

The ingredients were there. Arsene Wenger had just been named Manager Of The Month, and Bolton were in miserable form, and now managerless. Usually this is the recipe for an upset. But this was not to be. Arsenal are on a mission, and that mission is to bring the first title to Ashburton Grove. This is a game we would have either lost or drawn last season, but grinding out results is what Champions are made of. Maybe it is a little early in the season to be talking of winning the league, but the determination among the players certainly makes one sit up and take notice.

This was a game of under 60,000 thanks largely to Bolton not selling their allocation, so could well go down as the lowest attendance at Ashburton Grove. But it matters not, as those who did attend were served up a treat of great finishing, a thunderbolt strike and some of the sweetest, crisp passing in football.

Bolton held out until the 68th minute at 0-0, and that worry of whether we could score was starting to creep in. Wenger himself must have had the same thought only minutes earlier, as he decided to bring on some fresh legs in the shape of Theo Walcott and Tomas Rosicky. The game turned from there, and for the final thirty minutes the supporters were entertained by sheer class and brilliance. Kolo Toure opened the scoring from a free kick, hit with such pace that no one could get near it. Arsenal dominated, and pushed and pushed for number two, which came courtesy of a mazy little run from Theo Walcott, and an esquisite finish from Tomas Rosicky. Walcotts pace and close control was rewarded. Rosicky had made up quite a distance, and read what was about to happen, and arrived on cue to poke the ball past the keeper. 2-0 and game over.

Arsenal retain top spot in the Premiership table, two points ahead of Manchester United, and importantly with a game in hand. Next up is Liverpool, after The Champions League on Tuesday. Arsenal need to keep up this team spirit, and take one step closer to landing the prize.

Next up:

UEFA Champions League

ARSENAL Vs Slavia Prague

[img:db920319d0]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/c.johnston570/Arsenal_Crest_New.jpg[/img:db920319d0] [img:db920319d0]http://prague.tv/images/articles/slavia.jpg[/img:db920319d0]

Tuesday 23rd October 2007

7:45pm

Ashburton Grove

[img:db920319d0]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/c.johnston570/Ashburton_Grove2.jpg[/img:db920319d0]
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It feels so empty without a signature, so here is some mindless gabble to occupy the space

[SE13]

Barclays Premiership

Liverpool Vs ARSENAL

[img:5db6ffe8e1]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/c.johnston570/Liverpool_Crest_New.jpg[/img:5db6ffe8e1] [img:5db6ffe8e1]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/c.johnston570/Arsenal_Crest_New.jpg[/img:5db6ffe8e1]

Sunday 28th October 2007

4pm (Live on Skysports1)

Anfield

[img:5db6ffe8e1]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/c.johnston570/Anfield2.jpg[/img:5db6ffe8e1]

Our heaviest test of the season so far. How do we see this one panning out? Liverpool had the rub of the green against Everton, while we were scraping a result out against Bolton.

Meanwhile in midweek, we thrashed Slavia Prague by seven goals to nil, and Liverpool lost away at a rather hostile Besiktas in Turkey. The bookmakers have Liverpool as favourites for this one, however Arsenal have the momentum.
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It feels so empty without a signature, so here is some mindless gabble to occupy the space

[krt]

I see it panning out 3-0 with yet another Liverpool hat trick, one by Torres this time considering Crouch will probably be left out as a further insult even after what he done in this fixture earlier this year. Or is that too harsh? How about Liverpool winning 3-2 here. And this will be the turning point, then we will have Le Arseanal losing to Man U, then slipping up against some lower teams when they finally start playing their away games throwing them out of contention of the title and ending this rubbish Liverpool will use this game to launch back into winning ways as they always do after the initial hurdles and eventually become champions. Man U are back in form unfortunately and will be our only threat now. Arsenal can fight for the other two spots with Man City and Chelsea.

Sorry, I think I've been reading the soccernet forums too much - a troll lurks there spewing out outlandish claims and comments against clubs. I blame his bad influence on what I just said above

[chrisbennett7]

Currently 1-0 to Liverpool yet Arsenal have controlled the game and should be level.

Arsenal put together a flowing move and Eboue smashed a right-footed shot off the post, the rebound fell to the in-form Cesc Fabregas who arrowed his shot wide of the empty net.

[krt]

Kuyt out of position or whatever problem that led to his almost non-existence during the game and an unfit Torres being made to chase long balls that were only headed for the corner flag anyway. Surprised to see the attacking threat coming from midfield - and in the second half, Crouch. Overall, we didn't make near the best out of that game and a lowly 1-1 draw was the result. Shouldn't be too discontent though, after all, the upright saved us twice

[SE13]

To be quite honest, I thought that Arsenal were unlucky not to leave Anfield with all three points. Two off the woodwork a couple of guilt-edged chances spurned, and some quite blatent play acting from certain players to boot.

The unbeaten start to the season continues, and in all honesty, it did not actually look as though it would end at Anfield. Manchester United provide the next Premiership test at Ashburton Grove, more of that later, but next up is the under fifteens in The Carling Cup. Although there is a fair amount of media speculation about Gilberto Da Silva, he will be in the squad, and Arsenal are playing down all these reports of a rift between him and manager Arsene Wenger. Gilberto has had to play second fiddle thus far, but knows himself he can get a starting place against anyone, it is all a question of tactics, and whether he would be the more suitable starter, such is the wealth of talent just now.

So, to tomorrow....

Carling Cup

Sheffield United Vs ARSENAL

[img:4d4c4e96c3]http://www.halifaxsearch.co.uk/s_logos_f/Sheffield%20United.gif[/img:4d4c4e96c3] [img:4d4c4e96c3]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/c.johnston570/Arsenal_Crest_New.jpg[/img:4d4c4e96c3]

Wednesday 31st October 2007

7:45pm

Bramall Lane

[img:4d4c4e96c3]http://www.fanzone.co.uk/Images/Stadia/English_Football/bramall_lane.jpg[/img:4d4c4e96c3]
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It feels so empty without a signature, so here is some mindless gabble to occupy the space

[SE13]

Well, the youngsters scored three times against Sheffield United, and march on to the quarter finals. The draw is a while away as yet, so the Premiership is the place to be.

Barclays Premiership

ARSENAL Vs Manchester United

[img:d07924a2f0]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/c.johnston570/Arsenal_Crest_New.jpg[/img:d07924a2f0] [img:d07924a2f0]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/c.johnston570/ManUtd_Crest_New.jpg[/img:d07924a2f0]

Saturday 3rd November 2007

12:45pm

Ashburton Grove

[img:d07924a2f0]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/c.johnston570/Ashburton_Grove2.jpg[/img:d07924a2f0]

And a 2-2 draw with the current Champions in a game we could have easily won. When the chips were down, Arsenal turned up the heat, and William Gallas pops in an injury time equaliser, preserving the unbeaten run, and importantly keeping Arsenal top with a game in hand still.
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It feels so empty without a signature, so here is some mindless gabble to occupy the space

[SE13]

UEFA Champions League

Slavia Prague Vs ARSENAL

[img:24cbaa3fca]http://prague.tv/images/articles/slavia.jpg[/img:24cbaa3fca] [img:24cbaa3fca]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/c.johnston570/SAMAvatar.gif[/img:24cbaa3fca]

Wednesday 7th November 2007

7:45pm

Stadion Evzena Rosickeho

At the start of the campaign, we all wanted qualification to the next stage, and last night that goal was achieved, albeit in less than spectacular fashion.

In absolutely dreadful conditions over in Prague, Arsenal ground out a goalless draw, keeping the unbeaten run going, but meaning that they have failed to score in a game for the first time this season. There was driving rain, cold and wind to contend with, alongside a far more organised outfit than the one that shipped seven goals at Ashburton Grove.

Arsene Wenger rang the changes for this one, Cesc Fabregas and Alex Hleb did not even travel, and with alleged injuries to Tomas Rosicky and Kolo Toure, the starting eleven resembled that of the Carling Cup team a week previously. Theo Walcott was given a rare start as was Gilberto Da Silva.

In all fairness, while Arsenal never really threatened, and never really looked like scoring, they certainly never looked as though this was a game they were going to lose. Almunia had to produce a couple of smart saves, but overall was rarely troubled.

Given the conditions, the improvement from Prague, and the fact that only a single point was required for qualification, the 0-0 scoreline reflected the game, and gave the supporters exactly what they wanted. Although there are two further group games to go, Wenger can dabble around with the team at will, safe in the knowledge that The Gunners are in the next stage, while other big name European teams still have to earn that right.

Arsenal ...........4 3 1 0 11 0 +11 10
Sevilla ............4 3 0 1 8 6 +2 9
Slavia Prague ....4 1 1 2 4 12 -8 4
Steaua Bucharest 4 0 0 4 2 7 -5 0
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It feels so empty without a signature, so here is some mindless gabble to occupy the space

[mellymoo]

oi - what's with all the triple posts?

[SE13]

Barclays Premiership

ARSENAL Vs Wigan Athletic

[img:618a48f6e7]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/c.johnston570/Arsenal_Crest_New.jpg[/img:618a48f6e7] [img:618a48f6e7]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/c.johnston570/Wigan_Crest_New.jpg[/img:618a48f6e7]

Saturday 24th November 2007

3pm

Ashburton Grove

[img:618a48f6e7]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/c.johnston570/Ashburton_Grove2.jpg[/img:618a48f6e7]

Sweet!! A 2-0 win, coupled with Manchester United dropping three points against a struggling Bolton Wanderers means that Arsenal have a three point gap at the top, with a game in hand. Goals from William Gallas and Tomas Rosicky late on secured the win, in a game Arsenal totally dominated, and never looked likely to lose.

Next up.....

UEFA Champions League Group H

Seville Vs ARSENAL

[img:618a48f6e7]http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Clubs/Crest/2003/11/04/seville_c.gif[/img:618a48f6e7] [img:618a48f6e7]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/c.johnston570/SAMAvatar.gif[/img:618a48f6e7]

Tuesday 27th November 2007

7:45pm

Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán

[img:618a48f6e7]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ee/EstadioRamonSanchezPizjuan-SevillaFC.JPG/250px-EstadioRamonSanchezPizjuan-SevillaFC.JPG[/img:618a48f6e7]

Already qualified, a win would see The Gunners go through as group winners, and avoid some of the stronger teams. That said, there is no such thing as an easy game in this league!
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It feels so empty without a signature, so here is some mindless gabble to occupy the space

[SE13]

Arsenal had already qualified for the latter stages of The Champions League, so the result was fairly irrelevant. Win, and Arsenal top the table and avoid the bigger names, lose and there is still a chance of that happening, but either way, to win the biggest competition in domestic football, you have to beat the best to be the best.

So, Arsenal travel to Seville, no real pressure, nothing much to lose, yet after ninety minutes that long unbeaten run had gone. Whether that will unbalance the team remains to be seen, a victory at Aston Villa will soon put this game into the distance.

Arsene Wenger rang the changes, and allowed several players to have a rest, and fielded a team without the like of Captain, William Gallas, and Adebayor not even travelling, and Flamini plus Hleb not even making the pitch. Gilberto was recalled, and Niklas Bendtner was given a rare start.

Croatian International Eduardo was given the job up front, possibly as a result of his performance against England, and rewarded with an early strike, set up by strike partner Bendtner, and all seemed to be going well for Arsenal. It was at around this time that The Spaniards seemed to have difficulty keeping their feet. Indeed some of their more elaborant diving would not have looked out of place in an Olympic swimming pool! That said, the goal seemed to push Seville on, and although they knocked at the door several times, it seemed almost certain that an equaliser was to follow, and so it happened. Phillipe Senderos miscued a clearance, and despite the lunging challenges, it was 1-1.

Worse was to follow, as Seville began to take control, with quite a helping hand from a referee who couldn't quite see past the diving. Eventually it was a freekick awarded after yet another dive, that resulted to Seville taking a 2-1 lead into the break. We can blame sloppy defending, in fact we can blame whatever we want. The fact was that although a terrible decision was given, Arsenal seemed to switch off, and allow the goal to be scored.

In truth it could have been worse, but Arsenal kept themselves in the match, especially after the introduction of Theo Walcott, Tomas Rosicky and Sagna.

Then came the most bizarre thing I have seen in many a year. Senderos cleanly took the ball in the box, but the referee thought he saw a hand and awarded a penalty. Arsenal, and in particular Senderos was irate to say the least. Somehow the official was forced into consulting his linesman, who cleared Senderos. The penalty decision was then reversed, and a drop ball outside the box was awarded. For me, it reflected the nature of the officials over the course of the game.

The game by now had become a more even affair, but with Arsenal squandering chances, and Seville unable to hit the target, it was looking to stifle out. However, the referee much at the centre of some quite awful decisions finally stabbed Arsenal in the back with a penalty award at the very end of the game. Replays suggest he was wrong, but then replays suggested that most of the decisions given over the ninety minutes were wrong..... Ex-Spud, Kanoute netted from the spot, and the proud unbeaten record was at an end.

On wards, and upwards, players will be returning for the trip to Villa this weekend, and as long as the defeat does not affect the players too greatly, the unbeaten run in The Premiership can continue.
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It feels so empty without a signature, so here is some mindless gabble to occupy the space

[krt]

[krt]

Disregard my last post, the last line proved true as I made little sense and was even talking about two English clubs meeting in the round of 16 (not possible). Now that it's over and Liverpool made it and now only have a simple task of disposing of Milan, Barca or something like that, I think there are more timely issues. Keeping this on topic, I enjoyed Arsenal slipping up yet again and with a few more away games this month after Chelsea, it's not looking good for them. Well done though, I wasn't expecting this much from Arsenal this season. Just kidding, there's still some hope yet, albeit very little!