Napoli away

[bobbybigb]

milesgooner. with you all the way.Hope we win fuck all again this year just to make sure it keeps this positive and happy crew feeling justified and content in the bile they spew. God only knows what they would write if tonight we found ourselves in the thursday cup and less than 5 points clear at top of table. Beggars f-ckin believe.

I'm sure you'll get what you wished for there fella

I'd say from about 10pm Monday 23rd December, it'll be well on its way to being a done deal

well i am sure like me that will only sadden you,however who knows you might be wrong and if you are i hope you will wallow in our glory at least until our next defeat and then you can have even greater pleasure .dont want to have a pop at you but why are you so bitter and negative , it is so self defeating.

[milesgooner]

[quote="BFG4"][quote="topgoon"][quote="milesgooner"]The usual doom and gloom merchants are out again.
We are probably not good enough to win the CL, but who thought we were?
Bring on Barcelona or Bayern, big games, big atmosphere.
Some of the comments are classic on here.

I'd rather be Marseille - err in the Europa league - really I mean REALLY?
Wenger is a dinosaur - who is manager of a team 5 points clear at the top of the table!

If you lot can't see the performances (in general) have been better than last year, you obviously don't go much.

There is the same crowd of 10 people on here that disappear when the good results come in, but are first on when the shit hits the fan.


Get a grip and get some balance, otherwise you will lose the more even minded fans from this site that haven't left already. But maybe that is what you prefer - if so good luck![/quote]

No I said I'd rather be Marseille and completely out of it, because Groundhog day is boring now.

That second half disorganized performance was exactly the same as last year/the one before that/before that/before that......ad nauseum.

Most would say I'm pretty even minded, maybe I've just lost patience in us throwing away good opportunities as we have been doing for 7yrs now.[/quote]
The results have been far better this season, but does any of that matter, if we finish 3rd or 4th, get knocked out of the Cl, and ultimately win nothing again. I hope your willing to defend your point of view, if we get stuffed on Saturday.[/quote]

I think you'll find my second post pretty much said I would.
If we get stuffed by Man CIty by my reckoning we will still be top of the league.
Sure I want us to win the league or CL but my buying a season ticket at Arsenal is not just about seeing them win, it's about the intangibles that I'd need 1000 words to explain.
I would suggest the fact you expect me to lose the plot after 2 defeats in a row probably says more about you as a fan that it does about me.

[dPmunky]

all we had to do was not lose by 3, who here really thought we were going to go down there and push them round like we did earlier this year? especially with city right around the corner!??

[Herd]

Well wasn't a good night but we are through ,I don't really care who we get because if u want to win it u have to beat the best sooner or later ,in this case it's sooner .

Not losing at shitty is crucial but how come its early on a Saturday when we have a Wednesday Game ?

[LDB]

Let's not forget that absolute shitehawk of a ref, the real epitome of European refs that bloke was. Pranced around the pitch getting about 60% of the decisions wrong and buying nearly every Napoli dive. Behrami committed 6 fouls and didn't get a single card but the ref suddenly decided that after an hour he wasn't 'involved' enough in the game so he was going to pick someone to send off. We've got some clowns in this country but in reality we don't know how lucky we are, major enquiry into the standard of European refereeing is needed.

The sending off severely dented our chances of getting a point from the last 20 minutes of the game and I don't know about anyone else but at that point I was willing to take a 1-0 defeat and take our chances of finishing second. The second goal, coming as late as it did was inconsequential really. What was quite surprising though is that Napoli took the same gamble with their place in the competition at stake. I guess they didn't want to give us any hope of an equaliser on the counter-attack and they did that well enough. Still, they put an unusual amount of faith in 10 already-eliminated frenchmen

[northbank123]

all we had to do was not lose by 3, who here really thought we were going to go down there and push them round like we did earlier this year? especially with city right around the corner!??

It wasn't just the fact of the defeat, it was the manner. First half we played well - not really threatened at all and you felt like we might just up the tempo and sharpness in our attacking as the game went on, like we did in Dortmund. Playing in a defensive-minded manner but ensuring we posed a threat on the counter.

Instead we put in the most complacent half of football we have in a long time. It was like we thought it was job done at half time, we were so casual in everything we did and increasingly invited them onto us even though they managed to blow it every time. Wenger just happily sat by whilst everybody could see we were crying out for some pace and a different tactic in attack as the ball was bouncing off Giroud all night. The only person showing any intention to drive us forward was Flamini and for all his good will he is cack going forward.

Fuck me, I was half expecting us to break out into wild celebrations at the final whistle and dressing room shots to rival the great VT celebrations at St James Park last season. If all we wanted to do was avoid getting shafted by 3 goals he should have put out the ressies.

[augie]

Very well put! I too find it hard to fathom why so many negatives when our team is into the next round, leading the league by 5 and have Spurs in the cup to come. I wonder what exactly the moaners were expecting from the team if this isn't good enough.

Because life, not just in football, is about taking the chances when they come along cos they are not gonna come around every 5 minutes - we had a glorious chance to finish top of the group and we blew it. We had a glorious chance of being 7pts clear at the top of the table last sunday and blew it. People like you (and I mean no disrespect) can come on here and be satisfied what your lot but don't you think that you should want more and expect more when it is on a plate there for you ?

Its a matter of perspective - i take the alternate view - we beat Napoli, we beat Dortmund away, we beat Liverpool, we beat Spurs - we are leading, we are alive in the CL. As far as Im concerned that means we are doing what we need to do. Seems to me a lot of people would need us to go undefeated (and probably not even with draws) to be satisfied.
As for CL - many think we can't win it - ok, if that's the case then isn't it better to get knocked out early so we dont waste effort and reduce our chances for the league? On the counter side - if we are actually in it to win it then we have to beat the best so really, unless we can topple a Barca or Bayern (and btw we beat last seasons finalist) then why bother so who cares if we came second in the group. I would also add that the Napoli game wasn't on a plate nor was Everton - who, like it or not, are an entirely different side under Martinez and have had excellent results (they've lost 1 game - and to City - and rolled United and Chelsea and drew with us, Spurs and Liverpool). Im going with glass half full and i accept others do the reverse - just think some set them self up for dissapointment.

So you wanted us to be knocked out last night then ? I can never understand the sentiment of those who keep saying that they want us in the competition and want us to qualify from the group but then proclaim that because we cant win it, we would be better to be knocked out in the next round rather than drag it out - surely if you feel that way wouldnt it be better to be knocked out last night then ? Maybe you saying that it would be as well to get knocked out in the next round, is just a defence mechanism on your part in case we get the tough draw we expect and then getting a dicking for our trouble ? Either that or you were educated in the stan kroenke school of football thinking, because now that we have qualified from the group, we have earned the money that we target every season ?

I should also add that I have not set myself up for disappointment - unlike many on here, I know where we stand in the game and have never got carried away with the winning run we have been on cos I have recognised that it was largely against second rate sides. To be a good side/challengers you need to be able to beat other good sides and we have not beaten 1 other good side this season (please dont mentioned a struggling dortmund side) so I think you will find that I dont have high expections for this team and the disappointment doesnt hit me as hard cos I kinda expected it.
That being said, I know that last nights game wasnt on a plate as such, but all we had to do was draw with napoli and we had topped the group - we yet again balls'd it up and that (the continued lack of bottle) is the most frustrating aspect. What made me really fcuking angry was the ridiculous time wasting from that clown in goals but of course the tactics and mentality of any team is set by the manager and we have an absolute d*ckhead in charge - when you take off rosicky and bring in monreal, you are sending out a firm message to the players that a 1 nil defeat is acceptable and I dunno how anybody can defend that As well as that, if I was a player last night I would feel that the manager had a total lack of faith in the team cos he didnt believe that we could prevent a 3 nil drubbing without going defensive - this with a team that he constantly talks up in the media ? Diabolical management again

[DB10GOONER]

Told you Napoli were gash.

We were just a tad gashier.

TBH it was a shit game, we fucked up the chance to top the group but we are through and there is one less Italian team of divers in the next round. So fuck it not all positives and not all negatives.

Thought Arteta was a fucking arsehole for getting sent off like that. Yeah yeah yeah ref this ref that, but the point is Arteta didn't need to make the challenge. In the middle third, the guy is facing his own goal, you are on a yellow, he's playing for a cheating bastard crowd of overacting divers, European referee, away from home? You don't go in from behind (unless it's with a lady ). Don't get me wrong, I have been one of Arteta's biggest fans since he joined but his decision making last night was schoolboy and nearly fucked us up big time.

Chesney was back to his arrogant, smiling at the oppo, trying to be too clever, fucking worst last night. I was hoping he had grown out of that shite but it seems it's still there under the surface.

Mert and Kos were outstanding. Yes both could have done better for both goals but fuck it otherwise they dealt with huge pressure extremely well and really are becoming a very good partnership. Mention for Giroud too, worked his socks off feeding on nothing from midfield but constantly running and harrassing the oppo. He will be burnt the fuck out by February though - nothing surer.

Best thing about last night was watching Jamie "da big man went and passed it to da little man 100 percent init" Redcrapp and the Spiv Neville kiss the living arse off Henry.

Positives and negatives but to be honest we cannot win the CL and it's mostly a shite bloated competition. The game on saturday against the Arab's plaything is far more important to me.

[augie]

Told you Napoli were gash.

We were just a tad gashier.

TBH it was a shit game, we fucked up the chance to top the group but we are through and there is one less Italian team of divers in the next round. So fuck it not all positives and not all negatives.

Thought Arteta was a fucking arsehole for getting sent off like that. Yeah yeah yeah ref this ref that, but the point is Arteta didn't need to make the challenge. In the middle third, the guy is facing his own goal, you are on a yellow, he's playing for a cheating bastard crowd of overacting divers, European referee, away from home? You don't go in from behind (unless it's with a lady ). Don't get me wrong, I have been one of Arteta's biggest fans since he joined but his decision making last night was schoolboy and nearly fucked us up big time.

Chesney was back to his arrogant, smiling at the oppo, trying to be too clever, fucking worst last night. I was hoping he had grown out of that shite but it seems it's still there under the surface.

Mert and Kos were outstanding. Yes both could have done better for both goals but fuck it otherwise they dealt with huge pressure extremely well and really are becoming a very good partnership. Mention for Giroud too, worked his socks off feeding on nothing from midfield but constantly running and harrassing the oppo. He will be burnt the fuck out by February though - nothing surer.

Best thing about last night was watching Jamie "da big man went and passed it to da little man 100 percent init" Redcrapp and the Spiv Neville kiss the living arse off Henry.

Positives and negatives but to be honest we cannot win the CL and it's mostly a shite bloated competition. The game on saturday against the Arab's plaything is far more important to me.

Exatly the same sentiment as I expressed in the citeeh thread and I too am a big arteta fan - it was a stupid lunging tackle from a guy that had been booked just minutes beforehand and I really expected more from him tbh

[Tomáš]

Sorry guys, did not wanted to create a 'shit storm', was just online and expressed my point of view.
Like I said, BVB was out 3 minutes before the end of the game with a lot's of chances and one men up. Also Arsenal was playing it hot, looking at the goal difference and the direct comparision (wondering if Manager are good with the mathematic )

Like I said, good luck with the draw and the next round!

Cheers,
Thomas

[SteveO 35]

Not seen any of it as thankfully I had a work Christmas function last night and quite frankly watching a recording of Gogglebox is more stimulating than this bore of a competition, but all I will ask is this?

Is anyone remotely surprised that There's Only One has fucked another 'pole position' in the Group by flopping miserably on matchday six?

Will anyone be remotely surprised when Barcelona or Bayern come out of the hat and blow us away in the first leg?

People wonder why I have no love for this competition and why I say there has been no tangible progress this season. I have a feeling that when the inevitable zero points return from the next 2 league games occurs (will have a wager on that with anyone) some of the 'Turn Coats' might start to realise that Arsene's flat track bullies are basically the same 4th placed trophy winners of last year +1 player

[BFG4]

The usual doom and gloom merchants are out again.
We are probably not good enough to win the CL, but who thought we were?
Bring on Barcelona or Bayern, big games, big atmosphere.
Some of the comments are classic on here.

I'd rather be Marseille - err in the Europa league - really I mean REALLY?
Wenger is a dinosaur - who is manager of a team 5 points clear at the top of the table!

If you lot can't see the performances (in general) have been better than last year, you obviously don't go much.

There is the same crowd of 10 people on here that disappear when the good results come in, but are first on when the shit hits the fan.


Get a grip and get some balance, otherwise you will lose the more even minded fans from this site that haven't left already. But maybe that is what you prefer - if so good luck!

No I said I'd rather be Marseille and completely out of it, because Groundhog day is boring now.

That second half disorganized performance was exactly the same as last year/the one before that/before that/before that......ad nauseum.

Most would say I'm pretty even minded, maybe I've just lost patience in us throwing away good opportunities as we have been doing for 7yrs now.

The results have been far better this season, but does any of that matter, if we finish 3rd or 4th, get knocked out of the Cl, and ultimately win nothing again. I hope your willing to defend your point of view, if we get stuffed on Saturday.

I think you'll find my second post pretty much said I would.
If we get stuffed by Man CIty by my reckoning we will still be top of the league.
Sure I want us to win the league or CL but my buying a season ticket at Arsenal is not just about seeing them win, it's about the intangibles that I'd need 1000 words to explain.I would suggest the fact you expect me to lose the plot after 2 defeats in a row probably says more about you as a fan that it does about me.

This attitude of, if your a fan you dont criticise anything or anyone is ridiculous, I would argue that if your happy with the club, no matter what then you dont have passion for the club. The reason people on herwe criticise, is because we can see how poorly the club has been managed at all levels over the last eight years, though if you are contented with how things have been going in that time period, then good for you.

[Theoperator]

don't you think that you should want more and expect more when it is on a plate there for you ?

That being said, I know that last nights game wasnt on a plate as such :

Augie, I respect your posts a lot mate but sometimes things tend to go awry

[milesgooner]

[quote="BFG4"][quote="milesgooner"][quote="BFG4"][quote="topgoon"][quote="milesgooner"]The usual doom and gloom merchants are out again.
We are probably not good enough to win the CL, but who thought we were?
Bring on Barcelona or Bayern, big games, big atmosphere.
Some of the comments are classic on here.

I'd rather be Marseille - err in the Europa league - really I mean REALLY?
Wenger is a dinosaur - who is manager of a team 5 points clear at the top of the table!

If you lot can't see the performances (in general) have been better than last year, you obviously don't go much.

There is the same crowd of 10 people on here that disappear when the good results come in, but are first on when the shit hits the fan.


Get a grip and get some balance, otherwise you will lose the more even minded fans from this site that haven't left already. But maybe that is what you prefer - if so good luck![/quote]

No I said I'd rather be Marseille and completely out of it, because Groundhog day is boring now.

That second half disorganized performance was exactly the same as last year/the one before that/before that/before that......ad nauseum.

Most would say I'm pretty even minded, maybe I've just lost patience in us throwing away good opportunities as we have been doing for 7yrs now.[/quote]
The results have been far better this season, but does any of that matter, if we finish 3rd or 4th, get knocked out of the Cl, and ultimately win nothing again. I hope your willing to defend your point of view, if we get stuffed on Saturday.[/quote]

I think you'll find my second post pretty much said I would.
If we get stuffed by Man CIty by my reckoning we will still be top of the league.
[b]Sure I want us to win the league or CL but my buying a season ticket at Arsenal is not just about seeing them win, it's about the intangibles that I'd need 1000 words to explain.[/b]I would suggest the fact you expect me to lose the plot after 2 defeats in a row probably says more about you as a fan that it does about me.[/quote]
This attitude of, if your a fan you dont criticise anything or anyone is ridiculous, I would argue that if your happy with the club, no matter what then you dont have passion for the club. The reason people on herwe criticise, is because we can see how poorly the club has been managed at all levels over the last eight years, though if you are contented with how things have been going in that time period, then good for you.[/quote]

I have no problem with criticism of the club (as my other post on this thread mentioned). Where I take issue is with people saying the wheels have off after 1 defeat. The fact is we are through to the next round of the CL and are 5 points clear at the top of the table. Who knows,we could beat everyone else in the league apart from the 3 big boys and still win the league. When we get to February and we are down in 4th feel free to moan (as I probably will). Otherwise in my humble opinion it's just reactionary bollox!

[Steve_I]

Otherwise in my humble opinion it's just reactionary bollox!

it's certainly reactive in part, some of the vitriol that oozes through this forum, as last night's game and comments have shown.