Legends Game

[goonerdan]

Anyone know why Wrighty not involved at all ?

He's down as a pundit for the England game in Slovakia. Though so is Dixon.

[supergeorgegraham]

Arsenal have a lot of class. It started in the 30s and has never left. I really enjoyed the game but shame some bigger legends were missing. I know why Henry wasn't there but what about Adams, Wright, Thomas, Bergkamp and Alan Smith.
Raised 1 Million for charity and a full house.

[VoiceOfReason]

Heard a few people that went said Wenger was booed today in various blocks.

I was in the "North Bank" lower, and when they were running through the teams just before kick-off, every player got cheered, and then when it came to the manager, the announcement was met with silence... which slowly turned to boos. Watched it back on TV though, and it didn't come through. Did think he might be in for some stick yesterday though, as there was definitely a large old-school fanbase there (evidenced by all the JVC shirts), but sadly not.

Agree with DB10Gooner about the commentary though. Been watching it back this morning, and the entire ITV crew (other than Kevin Campbell) were complete tossers. Jacqui Oatley laying into Lee Dixon had me understanding why AW had issues with her a few years back; it's not that her questioning to him was unreasonable, but she has a pretty bad attitude all around. And then Matterface taking the piss most of the game. Accusing Pires of diving (in a charity match!), criticising Limpar's speed, Overmars's weight, and Lehmann's goalkeeping. And his facts were wrong too - said that we won our first European trophy in 1995 against Zaragoza? Fucking hell.

Really enjoyable day though. Was great seeing Petit and Overmars linking up on the left, and Pires and Ljungberg on the right... lots of memories of the 1998 and 2002 double seasons on the same pitch at the same time. Even seeing Seaman and Lehmann knocking it around in the pre-match seemed rather novel.

This was my first game at the Emirates since 2012, and not much has changed. What's up with the multi-faith prayer room though, is it necessary for all PL clubs?

[gp543]

The biggest result from yesterday was seeing Bob Wilson pitchside and looking well.

[Perryashburtongroves]

A sell-out for a veterans charity match. If that had been Newcastle or Sunderland or the bin dippers, we'd be hearing about how amazing the fans are and how they 'love their football'. Reminds me of when we got 19,000 for an U19s game and 45,000 for a youth cup match and neither was mentioned by the press.
On a more positive note, Bob Wilson is an absolutely wonderful man and should be knighted for his charity work. He should also have been on our board for the last 25 years.

[Non flying Dutchman]

Really enjoyed it yesterday (my Son took me as a 50Th Brithday present, he also wanted to go himself )

I swear Pires and Freddie could still do a job for someone, Great crowd too, "proper" Gooners, not so many tourist types,

Great day out, my head hurts now though

[VoiceOfReason]

Yesterday's game also got me thinking about Arsenal.com's list of the Greatest 50 Players: http://www.arsenal.com/history/gunners- ... 50-players

Seem to remember them coming up with it around 2008-09 ish (not much else going on that season), so wanted to see how it stacked up with the benefit of hindsight. I'm pretty okay with the list, in general, but would probably question a few of the following:

- Was Ljungberg really our 11th best player ever? I mean, he was a great player, but does sound quite high. Ditto Kanu in 13th.

- I wouldn't have Overmars ahead of Ray Parlour. Obviously he was a better player, but Parlour served us for 12 years, whereas Overmars was only with us for three. Surely it should take longevity into account?

- I'd probably push Sol Campbell a bit further down, likely underneath Merson. Again, due to lack of longevity and his murky final season in 2005/06 (excluding the brief return).

- No Steve Bould? Sure, he's a non-entity as an assistant manager, but as part of the back four, surely he warrants an inclusion here.

Would imagine that many will put Bergkamp ahead of Henry, but that argument's probably been done to death. Would anyone put Pires above Vieira?

[Rugby Gooner]

Great day. I took my Uncle,(who came down from Scotland), and my Niece. It was the first visit to the bowl for both of them.I made sure that they saw the old East Stand frontage though. I also offered Keown my seat when he was "struggling" warming up.
It was good fun and a bit of old skool at the "Corporate Bowl."

[Ben Diesel]

I booked up for this in May, primarily because I wanted to see Dennis in the shirt again.

When he and Henry were withdrawn, I switched to looking forward to seeing Maldini; and as it turns out, he didn't appear either.

Was I disappointed? No, not at all. Understandably, the pace was down, a few were huffing and puffing, but as some wise man once said, class is permanent, and by that I mean Alessandro Costacurta, served 20 years at Milan, won 5 European Cup winners medals, is now 50 years old, but such elegance and leadership from him yesterday, effortless, and played with a smile on his face. To me, that's what makes a true legend and it was a privilege to see him play at last.

Other highlights - Freddie to Bobby for the fourth goal was magical. It was great to see Gilberto Silva strolling the midfield again. Nutty Winterburn was as active and committed as when he was playing for the first team. Kanu hat-trick. And (time to duck, probably - but with gritted teeth) Pascal Cygan did not have that bad a game in defence....

Felt sorry for Overmars when his hammie went twang but at least he lasted longer than the Romford Pele.

Overall, a good day out, I'm glad I went.

[g88ner]

watched it on Arsenal player last night.

Great to see Pires and Freddie linking up. Overmars was a favourite of mine so great to see him rolling back the years, cutting in from the left and getting a shot away. Gilberto looked quality, Winterburn as energetic as always and nice to see Seaman and Jens back at the club

I guess Henry and Vieira are busy in management/coaching positions this week, but shame there was no Bergkamp, Wrighty or Adams Merson, Bould and Thomas missing too.

As for Milan, great to see some of the top players but no Maldini, Baresi, Weah, Rijkaard, Gullit and Van Basten. Greedy I know, but would have been great to get them all involved!

[MrT]

Heard a few people that went said Wenger was booed today in various blocks.

I was in the "North Bank" lower, and when they were running through the teams just before kick-off, every player got cheered, and then when it came to the manager, the announcement was met with silence... which slowly turned to boos. Watched it back on TV though, and it didn't come through. Did think he might be in for some stick yesterday though, as there was definitely a large old-school fanbase there (evidenced by all the JVC shirts), but sadly not.

Agree with DB10Gooner about the commentary though. Been watching it back this morning, and the entire ITV crew (other than Kevin Campbell) were complete tossers. Jacqui Oatley laying into Lee Dixon had me understanding why AW had issues with her a few years back; it's not that her questioning to him was unreasonable, but she has a pretty bad attitude all around. And then Matterface taking the piss most of the game. Accusing Pires of diving (in a charity match!), criticising Limpar's speed, Overmars's weight, and Lehmann's goalkeeping. And his facts were wrong too - said that we won our first European trophy in 1995 against Zaragoza? Fucking hell.

Really enjoyable day though. Was great seeing Petit and Overmars linking up on the left, and Pires and Ljungberg on the right... lots of memories of the 1998 and 2002 double seasons on the same pitch at the same time. Even seeing Seaman and Lehmann knocking it around in the pre-match seemed rather novel.

This was my first game at the Emirates since 2012, and not much has changed. What's up with the multi-faith prayer room though, is it necessary for all PL clubs?

Just seen the video of this, wasn't loud but definitely noticeable.

[Henry Norris 1913]

maldini was there g88ner. he was a sub, pretty sure he shared a photo with kanu after the match.

btw was in block 7 of the "north bank" and there was some booing when wenger's name was announced

well it's better than nothing i suppose

[DB10GOONER]

Watched it live on ITV4 with the shittest commentary I've ever heard by some cúnt called Mattaface or something, trying to be funny and take the piss. Arsehole.

The game was fun to watch. Freddie setting up Bobby for a classic side foot finish was brilliant. And Nutty re-enacting the infamous push on referee Paul Alcock with DiCanio was hilarious. They reckon a million was raised for chaaarrrrritttyyy so that's good.

Who was in the commentary box with Mattaface?

Bloke who used to play for Stoke, Throw some names at me and I'll pick him out! Danny something northern, Higginbottom?

It was Higginbottom. In fairness to him he was quite complimentary of The Arsenal and the legends in attendance and kept reminding Mattaface that those lads on the pitch were top top players.

[flash gunner]

Watched it live on ITV4 with the shittest commentary I've ever heard by some cúnt called Mattaface or something, trying to be funny and take the piss. Arsehole. :

Mattaface was married and therefore boned Rodders girlfriend Natalie Sawyer

Enjoyed the game but am struggling more and more to enjoy games, Wenger makes me sick even can't watch the old players as it's all a kind of moonie type brainwashed clique down there

Sorry don't want to put a downer on it. Time I got into something new maybe

[OneBardGooner]

http://www.itv.com/hub/arsenal-pre-seas ... a4720a0003

Here's a link for the game on ITV4 Hub if anyone hasn't seen it.....