tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344721932012-02-17T02:18:04.715ZEat, Sleep, Breathe, Drink, Arsenal.Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.comBlogger1681100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-51354179711319423652007-04-18T22:33:00.000+01:002007-04-18T22:39:53.933+01:00

Thanks for coming to visit Goonerholic on Blogger. I have now moved towww.goonerholic.comCatchy, isn't it?Thanks to everybody who has joined me here on Blogger.I hope you will enjoy visiting the new site.

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-12658423317548042492007-04-18T09:27:00.000+01:002007-04-18T09:30:47.850+01:00

Restricted as I was to the ATVO offering and a quick look at the highlights later I am hardly in a position to offer a fair appraisal of last night’s performance.The important thing is that the three points were secured and our free-scoring midfielders, Cesc and Tomas, scored for the seventy-second game in a row. (OK, the first seventy may have been on FIFA 07).The side even felt sufficiently

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-53818074222911047652007-04-16T18:00:00.000+01:002007-04-16T18:03:19.904+01:00

I am indebted to Kevin Nolan for his insight into Cesc Fabregas, and I quote, “one thing he needs to sort out is he loses his temper a bit too much. He does it at the wrong time. When he is losing he starts to lose his rag”. In order to satisfy myself that Nolan speaks from a position of strength I thought I would check out his obviously exemplary disciplinary record. The remainder of this

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-85269186099727236942007-04-15T10:37:00.000+01:002007-04-15T10:39:10.606+01:00

It’s a good Sunday morning, ‘Easy’ according to Lionel Richie. Arsene Wenger will probably have allowed himself a rare lie-in this morning. Given the opportunity to play what he obviously considers his strongest defence and midfield Le Boss will feel vindicated by the scorers. It was no surprise that before a quarter of an hour had been played that the ghost of enfant terrible had put

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-4958204196806813132007-04-13T12:39:00.000+01:002007-04-13T12:42:38.110+01:00

It must be some time since we went into a home game with a side from outside the other big three with so much at stake, and with so much nervousness about the outcome.Just for a moment consider you are in Sam Allardyce’s shoes as you prepare for a visit to the Grove that could propel your side into a Champions League place.Just how badly are Arsenal playing? Actually aside from the debacle at

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-58205808622746561962007-04-11T09:41:00.000+01:002007-04-11T09:43:38.344+01:00

It was sad to read in the Guardian of the death of John Ritchie. The striker was part of the Stoke side who played such an important role in Arsenal’s 1971 double campaign.The obituary covered the memorable FA Cup semi-final when we came from two down to force a replay which took us to Wembley. It missed the other important clash between the two sides that season.An autumn trip to the Victoria

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-5796000768891563072007-04-09T19:50:00.000+01:002007-04-09T19:51:35.584+01:00

An early trip to London tomorrow morning means I have to make a rapid assessment of what has been served up before me today. The dish may have been a little uninspired, the result perhaps not what was required, but the sour taste from Saturday was thankfully avoided as Arsenal returned from the north-east with what could prove to be a valuable point. The loss of Tomas Rosicky through

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-41497732595852069382007-04-08T12:37:00.000+01:002007-04-08T12:38:11.511+01:00

The morning after the night before has dawned and it wasn’t a nightmare. We really did lose at the Grove for the first time. If there is anything positive to be drawn from the disaster it is that the inept and soul-less display at Anfield was replaced by what has come to be a typical Arsenal performance these days. We dominated from start to finish, created enough opportunities to have

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-63821153814109627922007-04-07T08:42:00.000+01:002007-04-07T08:43:38.938+01:00

Before I get on the train there is just enough time to set out the sort of side I would like to see take the field at the Grove this afternoon. Arsene Wenger has had the luxury of a full week off for his team to recharge their batteries. I somehow doubt that a week is long enough for some, particularly Fabregas and Hleb who would probably be the first to confess that they have looked jaded

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-56902549478460980952007-04-06T10:09:00.000+01:002007-04-06T10:14:27.022+01:00

May I start by wishing you all a very happy and healthy Easter. There is a strange sense of nervous anticipation in the air this morning. We have known for some time that ITV have wanted to offload their near ten percent stake in the club. We have also witnessed the ‘agreement’ with the Colorado Rapids and come to know of Stan Kroenke as a result. It is therefore no surprise that the ITV

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-29642928773412052762007-04-03T21:27:00.000+01:002008-12-10T13:21:10.793Z

The comments attributed to Matthieu Flamini in L’Equipe leave no doubt as to where he sees his future. “I’m playing less these days. It’s not easy to take.” He continues, with admirable ambition, “I want to score more goals, make more passes and finally win the Champions League.”Flamini’s arrival in July 2004 was controversial. In the latter half of 2003-2004 he had claimed a place in the

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-32561851094123753832007-04-03T10:33:00.000+01:002007-04-03T10:35:55.528+01:00

Well, I have to say watching any Arsenal team at the moment should carry a government health warning. It was like groundhog day watching the youth team at Old Trafford last night.For an hour the youngsters put a stranglehold on the contest. The football was typical Arsenal, switching defence to attack with swift, crisp passing, and Fran Merida was at the heart of it.Chances came and went, and the

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-36924296268866669132007-04-02T09:07:00.000+01:002007-04-02T09:08:25.420+01:00

There is a welcome distraction from the Premiership tonight as the latest bunch of Liam Brady’s charges attempt to ‘graduate’ at Old Trafford.The young Gunners take a slender one goal advantage to Manchester United for the second leg of the FA Youth Cup semi-final. The winners will face Liverpool in the Final.Kieran Gibbs netted the all important winner three weeks ago in front of a crowd of over

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-49071369969531430742007-04-01T09:56:00.000+01:002007-04-01T09:59:00.745+01:00

Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say the better team won. Usually we can look back at lost matches and find the moments when we could and should have swung things in our favour. Those moments cannot be found in yesterdays performance. From the third minute when Peter Crouch opened his account for the day we were clearly second best in most areas. Like most I was a little

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-38159584939802481452007-03-29T15:45:00.000+01:002007-03-29T16:09:08.189+01:00

Sorry for the late post today. The attraction of a golf course on a wet and windy day is not what it once was, but as I had arranged this some time back I found myself performing a zig-zag stroll across five miles of sand and water infested countryside this morning. The bonus is that I get to comment on a couple of articles from the official Arsenal site which have appeared today. Keith

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1961053218773741092007-03-28T08:45:00.000+01:002007-03-28T09:30:31.060+01:00

At last there is some news, of sorts, to comment on this morning in relation to Arsenal.There is a degree of indignation in the air that both the Gunners and Chelsea have been fined £100,000 for their respective contributions to the world handbag throwing championships at Cardiff.Double standards at the governing body are coming into play here as people who have criticised the small fines that

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-84123404083191939632007-03-27T08:45:00.000+01:002007-03-27T08:49:01.620+01:00

Listening to the radio phone-ins for the last couple of days a familiar picture is beginning to emerge.“How can we expect to win when we are playing defenders out of position?”“The situation with the midfield is depressing. We have all these highly-rated ‘stars’ who cannot score.”“Without the top striker we are left with forwards who couldn’t hit a cow up the backside with a banjo”“The opposition

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-65424064134520136892007-03-26T10:11:00.000+01:002007-03-26T10:13:40.542+01:00

I’ve just got time for another ‘quickie’ this morning, the reasons for which will shortly become apparent. There’s just one significant Arsenal story emerging from the weekend.Emmanuel Adebayor has been axed from from the Togolese national team following a report that he was considering his international future after he received a death threat prior to his team's match with Sierra Leone.“Before

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-75582804927130262792007-03-25T10:17:00.000+01:002007-03-25T10:43:40.594+01:00

Sorry I have not been around for a couple of days. That's not strictly true of course, I have been 'around' and working on the next move for Goonerholic. More of that over the coming days.Just time for a quick update this morning. Congratulations to the Irish teams and Scotland, although the report card for England and Wales will read 'must try harder'. I watched the Ireland victory over Wales. I

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-6872283786391515462007-03-22T08:58:00.000Z2007-03-22T09:19:47.251Z

Arsene Wenger has been talking of the frustration caused by the groin injury which ruled out William Gallas from November until last month.“He was out for three months at a very important period of the season,” said Wenger. “For me he is very big player for us. Firstly because he is a winner and he is ready to die on the football pitch to win.“Secondly because he is good reader of the game, good

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-5945111535539464152007-03-21T08:31:00.000Z2007-03-21T09:11:35.371Z

Following on from yesterday's blog, I am still vexed by the criticism of Arsene Wenger by my peers. I have managed to satisfy myself that I'm right. See what you think of this logic.Rewind to 1986. George Graham has just arrived and the culling of the experienced big names starts in earnest. The kids suddenly find themselves promoted. Adams, Rocastle, Thomas, Merson, Hayes and Quinn are given

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-33286512420292417482007-03-20T09:29:00.000Z2007-03-20T09:32:21.903Z

I enjoyed a conversation over a pint the other day with the man who runs the excellent Arsenal-Land site. He asked me if I thought Arsenal had made progress this season.Now you will have worked out that I look at life through spectacles so rose-tinted that my eyebrows have greenfly! ‘No question’, I assured him, pointing out we had more points on the board than at this stage last season. ‘Look at

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-74550180586706287352007-03-18T21:18:00.000Z2007-03-18T21:32:23.721Z

What could have been a near perfect weekend turned into the worst case of deja-vu in the last minute at Goodison Park. Following late defeats to Chelsea and Blackburn, we once again hit the last gasp self-destruct button.As usual Arsenal produced a stylish passing game with Fabregas at its hub, though in fairness Everton too showed a willingness to attack, which would have surprised those who

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-62087584873004751012007-03-17T09:15:00.000Z2008-12-10T13:21:11.435Z

I am indebted to a friend for the snap of the ground at Wednesday's FA Youth Cup semi-final (thanks Dave). For those who haven't seen any coverage of the game it does give you an idea of how much space is left when you fit a Highbury-sized crowd into the Grove.The column inches this morning are largely devoted to Arsene Wenger's comments about strikers, and two in particular.Nicklas Bendtner,

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-17057189655579974662007-03-16T10:21:00.000Z2007-03-16T10:27:07.881Z

Old Holic is not a happy bunny this morning. As expected the amateurs that run the FA, having not acted on the Mourinho slur of a week ago, have charged Arsene Wenger with improper conduct and/or bringing the game into disrepute following his comments after the Carling Cup final.The Gunners boss was asked to explain his claim "the whole system is not honest", in reference to the disciplinary

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-89520209705375033402007-03-15T07:23:00.000Z2008-12-10T13:21:12.292Z

SuperAboufragileBapandAliareatrocious! (Sorry about that, my sub-editor will be severely reprimanded).The recent disappointments were, if not banished, certainly put to the back of the mind by the double triumph of last night.Those who have wanted to see the Arsenal win ugly got as close as they are likely to get to their wish.I had to chuckle at the people who bemoaned the fact that Abou Diaby's

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-58413550188426457032007-03-14T09:29:00.000Z2007-03-14T09:32:38.718Z

It’s a busy day for Arsenal. A trip to Villa Park provides us with a chance to bear out Arsene’s claim that ‘there is more than third or fourth place up for grabs’. It is Lord Wenger’s four hundredth Premiership game with the Gunners. Bon anniversaire, and all that.Flamini, Hoyte, and Rosicky return to the squad, although Wenger has intimated that this may be a match too early for the latter.

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-28916573712493590162007-03-13T09:42:00.000Z2007-03-13T09:50:24.852Z

Some football is on the horizon at last. Tomorrow nights trip to Villa Park brings to a close the longest week of the year. There are worse places to be going as we seek to extract something from a season that fell horribly flat over ten awful days.Villa, under the highly regarded Martin O’Neill, have been as inconsistent as can be. There is little doubt though that they are slowly moving in the

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-55072861067210619302007-03-12T09:14:00.000Z2007-03-12T09:16:36.679Z

Well if Sunday was a slow news day for Arsenal, Monday has positively come to a halt. The lack of weekend action means there are no injury updates, no heated debates about conceding the first goal, and no abuse for the scapegoats of the day.We are signing the next big thing from the Caribbean, maybe breaking employment law with our one year deals for over thirties, and Arsene is being given £20

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-39581500799748293362007-03-11T09:25:00.000Z2007-03-11T10:50:32.161Z

Sunday mornings are usually mixed affairs. The joy of forced labour not being required is tempered by the dull ache that attacks the head and stomach as the previous evenings food and wine begin to produce a chemical reaction in all points south.Often the mood is lifted by reading reports of the previous days exploits. Today that comfort blanket has been removed. I am fully exposed to the weakly

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-21753880773263561682007-03-09T11:35:00.000Z2007-03-09T12:03:43.649Z

After all the wailing and gnashing of teeth it is now back to the Bloggers nightmare, a weekend without a game. That's not my only gripe of the day.We now face a gap of a month without a home game between the draw (yes, we did not lose!) on Wednesday and the visit of West Ham on April 7th.. There is a fixture to be arranged with Manchester City but with an international weekend in a fortnight it

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-76537092764942217432007-03-07T23:19:00.000Z2007-03-07T23:22:58.454Z

I have been pouring over the forums in the wake of the Champions League exit to PSV Eindhoven. It’s not easy, and you can see the point at which reasonable people gave up the ghost and went to bed. The lunatics took over the asylums.In fairness it cannot have been easy being a teenage Arsenal supporter these last couple of years, never knowing what it was like to follow players of obviously

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-7005989679547460902007-03-07T09:20:00.000Z2007-03-07T09:26:25.897Z

The first time I saw a Dutch team at Highbury was the great Ajax side of 1970 in the Fairs Cup semi-final. Arsenal won 3-0 at home and lost 1-0 away. That was the Ajax of Cruyff, Neeskens, and Krol. This PSV team is not Ajax.‘Ah yes’ said cousin Clogholic, ‘but this Arsenal team does not have a John Radford to terrorise the defence in the air! For sure you have real quality, but scoring goals

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-51656538352916527902007-03-06T12:22:00.000Z2007-03-06T12:26:49.765Z

The PSV game looms large in our thoughts and I am indebted to another of my continental cousins, Clogholic, for his update on the situation from Eindhoven.‘Hey man, defensively we are in the deep doo-doo. Kromkamp, Da Costa, Reiziger, and Alcides are all out. That leaves just Alex and Salcido and Koeman will have to play reserves like Addo, Lamey, or Sun Xiang, unless he drops someone like the

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-58901255247159928902007-03-05T09:30:00.000Z2007-03-05T09:32:57.999Z

For the second Monday running we can discuss a last gasp winner in a Cup Final. Thankfully this time around we have an Arsenal triumph to celebrate following Jayne Ludlow’s last minute winner against Leeds.The Ladies Premier League Cup is now in the trophy cabinet, but the single goal victory was much closer than the five goal drubbing handed out to the same opponents in last seasons FA Cup

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-69667927768242281862007-03-04T10:43:00.000Z2008-12-10T13:21:12.815Z

I suppose I am not alone in my sense of relief this morning. Reading have been stubborn opponents to many this season but thankfully offered little yesterday, apart from a late rally that caused a few flutters.The major surprise was that the margin of victory was not significantly higher. The hosts produced some wonderfully fluent football in the opening half yet were let down by some profligate

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-52652633719533626632007-03-02T10:49:00.000Z2007-03-02T10:50:52.932Z

You could be forgiven for forgetting that Arsenal are facing two critical home games given the furore surrounding the fall-out from the Carling Cup Final. Arsene Wenger can expect to be hammered by the FA for telling the truth, and Eboue has received a thoroughly earned three match ban. Messrs Lampard, Drogba, and Essien are breathing a huge sigh of relief.Anyway, it’s the next few days that

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-38671564837635498742007-02-28T23:52:00.000Z2008-12-10T13:21:13.223Z

Just when we thought it was safe again to go back to the north-west for a late kick-off up pop Blackburn to win over 180 minutes with just about their only shot on target!Arsenal’s ‘week horribilis’ that started in Eindhoven, continued in Cardiff, and hopefully ended at Ewood Park, has resulted in three defeats in games we could, and should, have won.The Gunners huffed and puffed at Blackburn,

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1856993750387872452007-02-28T09:33:00.000Z2007-02-28T10:37:14.339Z

The FA have acted and decreed, as we all expected, that Adebayor’s appeal would be rejected and he would face a further charge which will doubtless result in a six match absence. We can’t argue he reacted badly to his dismissal, but six games for mistaken identity. I have to accept Paul Merson’s assertion on Sky at the weekend that the appeals committee consists of a couple of ninety year olds

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-40767451657075348022007-02-27T09:32:00.000Z2007-02-27T09:37:31.875Z

The fall-out from the Carling brawl continues as the FA delay and procrastinate, so no surprise there then. I think we all know what we can expect. Adebayor lost all chance of justice with his reaction to his red card and will be caned for an official’s mistake.We continue to wait for the most important news to emerge from the Highbury treatment room. Diaby, we know, is ‘gone in the fetlock’, but

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-3504285098556369222007-02-26T09:33:00.000Z2008-12-10T13:21:13.435Z

Where to start. The mixture of emotions is still powerful this morning. Yesterday was a day that brought with it travel frustrations, new friends, pride at a fantastic performance by the 'Young Guns', and complete and utter disgust at the assistant referee. Finals should not be decided by incompetant officials.Let's start with Great Western Trains. I don't know who runs the planning department,

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-57242855883870525782007-02-24T15:54:00.000Z2007-02-24T16:12:40.224Z

Just time for a very view brief rambled thoughts as I begin to worry more about our travel arrangements for Cardiff. I am starting to visualise a mad scramble for cars if First Great Western fail to honour the tickets they have sold us for tomorrow. We'll worry about that in the morning!The news is dominated this afternoon by John Terry's miraculous recovery. I'm not unduly concerned by that,

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-71337605364062556802007-02-23T07:29:00.000Z2007-02-23T07:37:09.895Z

So it’s the last trip we’ll be making to Cardiff for a Cup Final (because Wembley will be open for business in May, right?) We are putting a relatively inexperienced team up against the reigning champions, so Arsene Wenger must be edgy and nervous, must he not?Well, judging by yesterday’s press conference, no he isn’t. The creator of all things bright and beautiful in English football smiled and

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-11037671846513504222007-02-22T07:29:00.001Z2008-12-10T13:21:13.775Z

The last two matches haven’t happened. We are now fully focused on the Carling Cup Final this Sunday, which incidentally is sponsored by that damned fine brewer, Carling. (Ok, I’m not a lager drinker, but their act of returning their tickets to the competing clubs means that Arsenal’s allocation has stretched to us mere mortal silver members!)Of course it’s not our first meeting with Chelsea in

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-50114592408595173102007-02-21T09:35:00.000Z2007-02-21T09:37:08.040Z

A second consecutive poor performance has brought the nay-sayers out in depth again. Frustrating as it is to read much of the negative attitudes on the various forums one has to consider that some of the points being raised may be worth further consideration.I have no time for those who just keep on saying player x is rubbish, but there is now a growing acceptance that some key players are not in

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-65218529094320815132007-02-19T15:31:00.000Z2007-02-19T15:34:07.268Z

It is Carnival time in Eindhoven on Tuesday but the party atmosphere that will hopefully sweep over the rival fans at the Philips Stadium will not extend to rival coaches Arsene Wenger and Ronald Koeman.They are currently pre-occupied with the question of what formation to use in order to secure an advantage in their Champions League encounter. Both men have utilised a pair of options during the

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-84756986304829346292007-02-18T21:12:00.000Z2007-02-18T21:38:15.271Z

Just time tonight for a few brief words about the non-event that was the goal-less clash with Blackburn yesterday.If you are looking for positives then clearly the depth of the squad is now being demonstrated fully. Nine changes were made from the triumph at Bolton, and by and large the 'fringe players' are proving their value.What is of more concern is that Henry and Fabregas, the most valuable

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-50330368579352183912007-02-16T09:57:00.000Z2007-02-16T10:00:43.268Z

Little more than sixty hours after both sides have faced stiff tests away from home Arsenal and Blackburn Rovers lock horns in the televised FA Cup fifth round tie at Ashburton Grove tomorrow.Blackburn will be buoyed by the two away goals they grabbed in a narrow UEFA Cup defeat in Leverkusen, whilst the Gunners will be on a high having overcome bogey side Bolton at the Reebok.Arsenal face a

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-63556167757339110142007-02-15T00:13:00.000Z2008-12-10T13:21:14.625Z

It's impossible not to rave about the midfield quartet that started for Arsenal at the Reebok on Valentines night. I suspect most have now ceased to be surprised by the quality that Hleb and Rosicky bring to the side, but Diaby and Denilson, with barely thirty-nine years between them, were simply awesome.It took just thirteen minutes for a breathtaking move, featuring two moments of control from

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-38983543606469233392007-02-14T09:50:00.000Z2007-02-14T09:53:59.676Z

It’s FA Cup time, so we must be playing Bolton again. Predictably Sam Allardyce is trying to raise the temperature ahead of the contest, picking up on the theme of the moment and accusing Arsenal of time-wasting.While we as supporters can enjoy and react to the mind games that are a feature of the contest, I cannot help but think that the Bolton boss is not holding a full hand. Kevin Davies, his

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-33217251589680605102007-02-13T08:51:00.000Z2007-02-13T07:12:14.730Z

Forgive me for contacting you via this medium, but it would appear your spam filter is preventing our direct negotiation. My name is Charles Holic, my mother died when I was a baby, and since then my father was poisoned to death on October 2006, by his business associates in one of their outings on a business trip. My father was a very wealth Cocoa merchant business man and before he passed on he

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-84552998480764032612007-02-11T19:33:00.000Z2008-12-10T13:21:15.162Z

I'm not sure if passing my ticket up to enable someone else to experience the Grove on matchday was my best decision of the weekend. I was fortunate enough to meet yet another Gooner in the local as I took up my position in front of the big screen, and less than two hours later I was thinking I had missed something quite astonishing.From my viewpoint I have to accept that Wigan came to play in a

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-22470302249772023132007-02-09T15:06:00.000Z2007-02-09T15:06:46.446Z

One wonders what the Wigan fans will make of their surroundings on Sunday. The Latics last visit to N5 was of course on the historic occasion of Highbury’s final hurrah just last May, and most of the visitors stayed behind that day to share in our celebrations.They will, like the rest of us, be in awe of the comfortable big seats and excellent sight-lines at the Grove, but the pie gourmets may be

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-7233115219225461762007-02-08T08:53:00.000Z2007-02-07T22:02:21.950Z

Hello ‘holics. At last the international week is coming to a close, which will be a delight to bloggers and club managers alike. Today is the big day for bosses as they assess the damage done to their expensive charges in meaningless friendlies. Let’s hope we are luckier than most.For those of you in the UK make the most of the snow that has turned up overnight. The weather forecast suggests a

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-51546424086868474852007-02-07T09:13:00.000Z2007-02-07T12:01:27.206Z

The takeover of Liverpool leaves Arsenal as the only one of the ‘big four’ without a significant backer. I’ve seen the current influx of investment described as ‘Premiership monopoly’, an interesting analogy.The difference between the board game and the current high stakes contest is that success is not guaranteed by who has the most houses and hotels. The key assets are the sixteen players that

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-62373075247496377902007-02-06T09:10:00.000Z2007-02-06T09:11:12.833Z

How I would love to have been a fly on the wall when Raymond Domenech phoned the Training Centre yesterday.‘Good Morning,Arsenal Football Club’‘Bonjour, this is Raymond Domenech. Could I speak to Matthieu Flamini please?’‘One moment sir’…………’Call for Matthieu Flamini on line one’…..‘Ello’‘Bonjour Matty, ici Raymond’‘Ah oui!’‘I need you to get out here for the friendly with Argentina’‘Piss off

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-3546338666642508972007-02-05T09:21:00.000Z2007-02-06T07:27:22.090Z

The news that Thierry Henry has entered into a mega-bucks sponsorship deal with Tiger Woods and Roger Federer for Gilette has given me yet another headache at the shops.I am one of those for whom market forces cease to apply when companies are pouring pound notes into the coffers of my club and favourite players.Since the days when JVC proved to be a loyal and generous sponsor of an inconsistent

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-83622067041480218832007-02-04T09:44:00.000Z2007-02-04T10:16:26.300Z

It's one of those mornings where we are trying to convince ourselves that all is well. The unbeaten run now extends to nine as a result of coming from behind at a tricky venue with only ten men. Yet somehow it all feels a little bit flat, doesn't it.The less said about the match, the better. I could be a little churlish and question Mike Riley's classification of what does and doesn't constitute

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1170425018062025962007-02-02T14:01:00.000Z2007-02-02T14:07:05.123Z

The hangover from Wednesday is now, thankfully, firmly in the past. Time to turn our attention to Middlesbrough in the Premiership Plus encounter on Saturday.Hopefully the ‘it’s 5.15 in the north on Saturday so Arsenal will lose’ jinx is a thing of the past following the magnificent cup triumph at Anfield.That said, there is a touch of the ‘Boltons’ about Boro at the moment. Unbeaten in seven

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1170322813974268492007-02-01T09:36:00.000Z2007-02-03T14:24:58.903Z

Through bleary eyes it is a pleasure to reflect on Arsenal’s march to the Carling Cup Final. On Tuesday I wrote of great expectations and the Gunners gave a dickens of a good performance to leave the next door neighbours in a bleak house.The atmosphere at the Grove was electric, with most of the crowd on their feet all night, and the tension was also evident on the pitch as Senderos suffered a

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1170241847315093052007-01-31T10:58:00.000Z2007-02-01T01:46:56.220Z

This will have to be a real quickie. There is a pint calling out to me as I prepare to hit the train to the match.The last twenty-four hours have brought about a slight amendment to yesterdays preview, in as much as Baptista has failed to recover in time for the contest. No drama as far as I'm concerned. It just means that Spurs will now face the full force of Adebayor, who has a more confident

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1170149174342313732007-01-30T09:22:00.000Z2007-01-31T10:05:31.986Z

The chances of me being able to pen a column prior to setting of for the Grove tomorrow are slim, so it’s preview time on Goonerholic this morning.The injury situation appears to have improved according to reports yesterday, with Eboue, Djourou, Aliadiere, and Baptista apparently fit to play. Tottenham are not so fortunate, with King and Berbatov definitely out, and question marks hang over the

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1170066203537340292007-01-29T10:21:00.000Z2007-01-30T01:38:31.226Z

The art of negotiation isn’t dead, but my skills are slipping a bit these days. Take this transcript of my discussion with Mrs Holic last night as an example of how not to do it!Holic ‘Sweetheart, do you remember when we went to visit the boy when he lived up north?’Mrs H ‘What’s brought this on then?’Holic ‘I was just thinking about that little break on the end in Blackpool’Mrs H ‘How could I

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1170015873460525682007-01-28T19:46:00.000Z2007-01-28T20:27:26.456Z

In order that I can go on Wednesday, I struck a deal with the dearly delightful to watch todays contest in the local. It's sometimes a blessing in disguise to watch games in the pub. The level of noise means you have to concentrate on the football a little more because the commentary is drowned out. This was one of those occasions.Thus my take on the contest may differ from whoever was the

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1169980121374549822007-01-28T10:10:00.000Z2007-01-28T10:28:41.386Z

Lots to do today, so it's just a quickie this morning (how Mrs Holic hates those words!). I have been trawling some of the Bolton sites to get an idea of how they are approaching this afternoon, and shock, horror, they are human, just like us!There is an equal mixture of confidence and nervousness, and the plea of the persecuted that whatever happens the game does not end up being labelled by the

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1169914467629389442007-01-27T15:43:00.000Z2007-01-27T16:14:28.413Z

Cast your mind back to the late seventies and early eighties. Do you remember singing 'You are my Arsenal' to the tune of 'You are my sunshine'? The last line was 'Please don't take my Arsenal away'. Did you ever imagine you would see Highbury looking anything like it does in the snap above?I'm indebted to another Gooner, Dave, for the photo. Last Sunday I couldn't bring myself to walk round and

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1169736304258028852007-01-25T14:42:00.000Z2007-01-26T09:10:16.573Z

So after the caviar that was the two goal comebacks against Manchester United at home and Tottenham away we are back to far more basic fare against Bolton Wanderers on Sunday.The team selection will be fascinating. Has ‘the Beast’, after notching six goals (make that seven!) in two tough Carling Cup ties in enemy territory, earned the right to a rare start alongside the skipper? Possibly not, but

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1169678808076944642007-01-24T22:43:00.000Z2007-01-26T08:37:26.563Z

Oh my thumping head, my churning stomach. Last night it hurt with laughter, this morning the distillers finest is definitely extracting full revenge for the way I glugged back the Glenmorangie, rather than savouring it.Yesterday I thought we might be good enough to get a draw at the Lane, and after a shaky start I thought we played some tremendous football. Fair play to the hosts, who played

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1169631484372179752007-01-24T09:36:00.000Z2007-01-24T09:38:04.446Z

Well, the day has arrived. Once again the young Gunners have reached a Carling Cup semi-final, but this time, with all due respect to Middlesbrough and Wigan, the opposition provides some added spice.Tottenham, for all the ridicule we heap upon them, are developing. There has been a predictability about them in the last decade or so that has meant easy pickings for the big clubs.There is now a

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1169555919111350172007-01-23T12:34:00.000Z2007-01-23T13:17:53.066Z

It’s a mixed blessing being a Gooner of advancing years. The downside is I can remember, all those years ago, when we used to go to White Hart Lane thinking we could be beaten, and sometimes having those worst fears confirmed.For the main part though there have been many great memories at the home of our neighbours. The first time I can remember being there when we won was THAT night in May 1971

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1169471174276317762007-01-22T12:28:00.000Z2007-01-22T13:06:14.316Z

Want to see the view from the top tier when Manchester United come to town. Here it is. I have to report though that the climb up the stairs should be avoided if you are carrying a few extra pounds of Guinness with you!Surprisingly though the memory has survived the pre-match refreshments with Paul and Tim, and the post match celebration with Wiltshire's finest. Actually that's not quite true.

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1169299259976991812007-01-20T12:45:00.000Z2007-01-20T13:24:04.690Z

Time is a little tight this morning. Mrs. Goonerholic has decreed since I will be at Arsenal, or the pubs in the environ of the Grove, for most of tomorrow, I have a large number of tasks to perform today. This pennance lark isn't all it's cracked up to be. So I'm being decidedly lazy and looking at what my fellow bloggers are reporting this morning.I can kill two birds with one stone, so to

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1169207774483842102007-01-19T11:47:00.000Z2007-01-26T11:53:51.256Z

Some interesting news stories broke yesterday so the last instalment of our previous clashes with United can go on the back burner until we draw them in the FA Cup!Talking of the United game Le Boss strongly hinted that Matty Flamini would get the nod to replace the suspended Gilberto on Sunday. That makes good sense. The Frenchman has shown some similar qualities to Bert this season, including a

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1169121386031178502007-01-18T11:52:00.000Z2007-01-18T23:03:55.616Z

The build-up to Sunday’s eagerly awaited clash continues with a look back to another double-winning season for the Gunners. The trip to Old Trafford in 1998 was a pivotal moment as Arsenal reeled in the reigning champions on their way to a first Premier League title.From the beginning the Gunners most prominent forward was Marc Overmars, who tormented Curtis throughout. The Dutch winger was

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1168983143207882772007-01-16T20:50:00.000Z2007-01-16T23:05:42.923Z

Time for the second look this week at a previous meeting of next Sunday's heavyweight opponents. I'm going back to May 2002 and the game that clinched Arsenal's third double. Could it have come anywhere better than the home of their greatest rivals of this era?Arsenal were weakened by the absence of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Tony Adams, but the travelling fans were in confident mood,

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1168902860418936732007-01-15T22:28:00.000Z2007-01-16T23:19:03.273Z

This may, or may not, be a quiet news week. It doesn't stop the excitement from building though as we eagerly await the first visit of Manchester United to Ashburton Grove this coming Sunday. An apt time I thought to look back at previous meetings between the clubs, starting with one of the most astonishing games I ever experienced when the two sides met in the FA Cup Final in 1979.Wembley was

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1168857192787925982007-01-15T10:29:00.000Z2007-01-15T10:33:12.800Z

To round off the almost perfect weekend (Gilberto’s harsh sending-off apart) I sat down last night and put the dvd of the Highbury farewell on the box.The memories came flooding back. On that remarkable day in May I was determined to take in as much of the day as possible. Getting to the ground in late morning I was staggered to see so many people had the same idea. There would be no mind numbing

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1168725266718140362007-01-13T21:51:00.000Z2007-01-13T21:54:26.736Z

For the second Saturday running the impressive Gunners have laid to rest the bogey that has affected them in 5.15 kick=offs in the north-west.Arsenal overcame the early dismissal of Gilberto, and the incompetence of Rob Styles, to secure an impressive 2-0 victory over in-form Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.The visitors found themselves a man down in only twelve minutes when Gilberto was subjected

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1168523140456119862007-01-11T13:42:00.000Z2007-01-11T13:45:40.483Z

I’m celebrating today, not just because I’ve racked up another year on this mortal coil, but I’m still drunk on the double cup triumphs at Anfield (and a liberal intake of IPA!).It has got me thinking about the moans and groans when we come unstuck in those games we expect to win comfortably. More particularly the oft heard comparisons with Wenger teams mark one and two.To relate the performances

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1168380650752830232007-01-09T21:40:00.000Z2007-01-09T22:12:45.456Z

I try to keep my daily entries about the same length, so sadly no report on the Carling Cup quarter-final at Anfield. Space restricts me to a brief resume of the goals tonight and a proud observation. Well played lads!(Lads being the operative word as six teenagers were in the starting line-up.)26 minutes. Jeremie Aliadiere gets on the end of a through ball from Kolo Toure and slots it home from

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1168333298533899562007-01-09T08:59:00.000Z2007-01-09T20:11:12.073Z

Newspaper reports linking Freddie Ljungberg with a move in the January window are picking up pace. Depending on what you choose to believe he could be heading for anywhere from AC Milan to West Ham. What is now becoming apparent is that the stories would appear to have some grounding and one of the key components of Wenger’s reign is probably on his way.Freddie arrived at Highbury from Halmstads

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1168118333892724382007-01-06T20:40:00.000Z2007-01-08T09:01:17.620Z

Last week I came back from watching the game and ranted about Arsenal's performance at Bramall Lane before taking the time to cool down a little.. It's only fair I should do the same this week.Hands up, who gave us a chance of returning from Anfield with a two goal winning margin given their home form, our away form in 5.15 kick-offs in the north, and the absence of Fabregas? Well fair play to

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1167997862291686502007-01-05T11:48:00.000Z2007-01-05T11:51:02.313Z

Arsenal will be without suspended Cesc Fabregas for tomorrow’s FA Cup third-round tie at Liverpool. Good news though is the improving situation with regard to the injury list.Full-back Emmanuel Eboue (knee) should return, while Julio Baptista (ankle) as well as fit-again veteran Lauren and centre-half Johan Djourou are also in contention.Theo Walcott (back), Togo striker Adebayor (thigh), Freddie

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1167816860134421302007-01-03T09:31:00.000Z2007-01-03T09:34:20.156Z

The closing fixture of the holiday period yielded another three points and lifted the Gunners haul to nine points out of a possible twelve. More importantly the gloom of Sheffield was lifted by the return of a fit and refreshed Thierry Henry, who played a full part in the four goal cuffing of Charlton.In truth the visitors arrived with limited ambition and the churlish would point out that

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1167730334863520212007-01-02T09:30:00.000Z2007-01-02T09:32:14.880Z

The new year has arrived and brings with it a new sense of realism around Ashburton Grove. Stand-in skipper Gilberto is sounding the warning bells, pointing out the need to ensure Champions League qualification.After eight years of finishing in the top two Arsenal had to content themselves with a last gasp fourth place last season, and this term is looking somewhat familiar.Tonights clash with

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1167579874826327702006-12-31T15:26:00.000Z2006-12-31T15:44:34.893Z

Well the new day has not improved my view of yesterdays events, but I am once again glad to be a Gooner. Compared to most we suffer relatively few of these bad days, and if we didn't have them we would not appreciate the golden days as much as we do. That's the beauty of football isn't it? The full gamut of emotion is experienced from complete euphoria to utter dejection.The world will seem a

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1167508821596591482006-12-30T19:29:00.000Z2006-12-30T20:00:21.646Z

Normally I would allow myself to cool down after the game before commenting on the performance. I have just arrived back from a pub full of celebrating fans of other clubs having seen Arsenal humiliated by a side that surely cannot cling on to its Premiership status this season. As you can imagine I am not in the best of moods.Questions have been filling my head since I first took my seat in

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1167408762466615442006-12-29T15:57:00.000Z2006-12-29T16:12:42.506Z

A new spate of injuries, and a virus attack on both squads, means there will be much rotation for the trip to Sheffield United tomorrow.Long term absentees Henry, Gallas, Ljungberg and Eboue are still missing. They have been joined on the treatment table by Adebayor, Djourou, Hleb, and Walcott.Arsene Wenger is being philosophical about the losses and explains 'Lauren is in the squad tomorrow

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1167306268513058592006-12-28T11:24:00.000Z2006-12-28T11:45:31.636Z

Well, I hope you have all had an enjoyable holiday. The Goonerholic Boxing Day open house was made all the merrier by the result, if not the performance, at Vicarage Road.My eighty-four year old father was once again in fine form, espousing the obvious. 'Why don't they tell Henry he is now club captain, and let Gilberto be the team captain on the pitch?'The Brazilian has been wearing the

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1166954500570820052006-12-24T09:32:00.000Z2006-12-25T06:01:02.006Z

Just got time for a brief 'Happy Christmas' and a review of what turned out to be an excellent day.The draw for the Carling Cup Semi-Finals couldn't have been better (what do you mean, you wanted Wycombe, shame on you). If the minor hurdle of Liverpool away can be safely navigated we have another two opportunities to rub shalt into the woundsh of Tottenhamsh very own Chrishmush turkey, Martin

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1166820424107928312006-12-22T20:30:00.000Z2006-12-22T20:47:04.123Z

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my readers, and their families, a merry Christmas.This is a time for kids and families, and it will be no different for Goonerholic. I hope to be able to bring some news after the Blackburn game tomorrow, but the centre of my media empire will then be unavailable for a few days as my Dad comes to take over the spare room! (Yes, even old boys like

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1166716940932156352006-12-21T15:42:00.000Z2006-12-21T16:02:21.033Z

Thanks goodness it's a quiet day on the Arsenal front. We are only due to sign three goalkeepers and a left-back in January. Oh, and I nearly forgot, we are going to sell Jose Antonio Reyes and send Julio Baptista back to Real Madrid.Baptista is a strange one. So eagerly hunted by Wenger eighteen months ago, he has arrived via a convoluted route, and yet has struggled to prove something or

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1166561401134338942006-12-19T20:48:00.000Z2006-12-19T22:18:58.376Z

All my thoughts are with the Arsenal fans who were either already in Liverpool, or who were sitting in traffic jams worrying about getting to the ground in time. The late postponement (6.45pm) of the Carling Cup quarter-final at Anfield has generated much anguish. I remember travelling to Bolton once for a League Cup semi-final (It wasn't even Arsenal playing!) and suffering a similar fate. We

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1166477159022225762006-12-18T20:53:00.000Z2006-12-20T21:26:45.796Z

I have an awful admission to make. I don't know who is responsible for PR at Arsenal these days. I should know, but I don't. Whoever it is regularly has my sympathy as he battles to try and cast a positive light on negative press, often self-inflicted.Take today. The media, written and broadcast, have feasted on the clubs decision to ban national flags from Ashburton Grove. Some of the spin

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1166364408626084292006-12-17T13:37:00.000Z2006-12-17T14:06:48.653Z

Just what is it about this Arsenal side that renders them incapable of dealing with bread-and-butter opposition (sorry Pompey fans, but it's true!) yet pit them against the Manchester Uniteds, Chelseas and Liverpools of this world and they show themselves to be extremely capable.Once again Wenger played the rotation game. He seems to have done this more this season than in any other I recall.

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1166121446414646472006-12-14T18:26:00.000Z2006-12-14T18:37:26.473Z

What a strange message the Football Association have sent out with todays £10,000 fine for Arsene Wenger following his spat with the now unemployed Alan Pardew at West Ham. He was also warned as to his future conduct.They have given the green light to other attention-seeking, second rate coaches to leap up and down in the Arsenal technical area spouting obscenities as they do so.Now I’m not

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1166049046430211872006-12-13T21:58:00.000Z2006-12-13T22:30:46.450Z

Well the recipe for consuming the pie-munchers proved to be almost indigestible. Full marks to the side for keeping going to the end, but it has to be said that Arsene Wenger's experimental midfield almost backfired.Those who have screamed almost daily for the introduction of 'the Beast' have their answer. I have no doubt that Julio Baptista will settle and find his role in the Arsenal set-up.

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1165949166953644882006-12-12T18:07:00.000Z2006-12-12T18:46:07.253Z

It’s off to the excellent pie-makers of Wigan on Wednesday for the game in hand that a few short weeks ago was supposed to propel us into the fight for the Premiership title. Now the ambition is perhaps a third place finish but the result is none the less important for that.Last season we enjoyed a rare Premiership triumph in the north-west, winning 3-2 in the corresponding fixture. Revenge was

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1165872190233403392006-12-11T20:42:00.000Z2006-12-11T21:23:10.990Z

As the events of the weekend unfolded Arsenal supporters were given proof, if any were needed, that there is real strength in depth in the Gunners squad. Nobody typified the battling performance at the Bridge more than Matthieu Flamini and Emmanuel Adebayor.I can sense some raising of the eyebrows when Flamini's name is mentioned. Whilst it's true he's unlikely to nail down a starting berth in

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34472193.post-1165781266658084712006-12-10T19:33:00.000Z2006-12-10T22:25:56.266Z

I don't mind admitting I spent 78 minutes praying for Robin Van Persie to strike. The odds on the man who could reasonably have been thought to be our likeliest scorer at the Bridge, allied to an Arsenal victory, were too tempting to resist.Step forward Matthieu 'the maligned' Flamini to put the final nail in the coffin of my hopes to win a grand! What a run I had for my money though, and how

Goonerholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11335456845139064337noreply@blogger.com0