Arsenal Banter Archive December 23 2013

 

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23 Dec 2013 23:18:46
Well my journey to the game was a nightmare on M5, M42 and M40 in the mental weather

Now a journey back to bed at about 2:15 am.

We got a point but it could have gone either way but a draw was better than I epected when I realised Muppet was reffing

They came for a point and tried to catch us on the break. Normal Maureen! Worst thing was there time wasting though!

Finally before I start driving. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night

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Safe journey home Soops and have a wonderful xmas

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23 Dec 2013 22:59:54
A little bit disappointed.
Sure, Chelsea are a very good team, but not impossible to beat.
Do we want to win the league? Well, if that's the case than we better start winning our home games, especially against our main rivals.
The weather was dreadful but that's no excuse. What worries me is we have no plan B. Yes, our normal game(plan A) is great when all the players are up for it and it looks good against inferior opposition but when you come against a stubborn team and its not working than you have to try and change things around.

We only seem to play one way, pass, pass, pass, pass and than pass some more. Teams like Chelsea, with Mourinho as manager, can deal with that all day.
Play slightly defensive, 2 banks of 4 with a holding player in the middle, and one up top.
Soak up the pressure and hit on the counter. I have to admit, 12 months ago we probably would have lost today, but we are defensively more solid than previous years.

IMO, Wenger should have changed things around with half hour to go. Bring on Podolski or Bendtner to partner Giroud up front, lose one of the midfielders and play 4-4-2, at least that way we would have stretched their back four and given us more option in attack.

Plus points.
We are joint top, 3rd highest scorers and only Everton have conceded less than us.
We are still doing ok but we have lost so much of the sparkle that we had 5 or 6 games ago.
Giroud can't buy a goal at the moment, Ramsey has stopped scoring, ozil drifts in and out of the game too much for my liking and we don't seem to have the same cohesion as before.

Rant over, and I will probably feel more happier tomorrow than I am at the moment.

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DG, I know it's a dangerous tactic and its important not to lose but the big teams seem to be able to contain us so do you not think it would be worth it after 60_70 mins to drastically change formation and personal and try surprise them. Really think we'd pick up more points than lose.

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I couldn't have said it better myself. We have a busy period between today and early Jan why are we not substituting players like Arteta, Rosicky when you have players like Flamini and Cazorla to come on with a fresh set of legs.
I love Wenger and what he has done for Arsenal however in recent seasons his on field tactics have not evolved so opposition club's manager 'out smart' him on the pitch. We have to mix up our play. Stop walking the ball into the net. Shoot!

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Hi Belly,
Yes mate, that's what I would do if things were not going to plan.
Change tac-tics and formation, why not? Play with 2 up front for the last 20 minutes, our mids would have more space and it wouls stretch their back four.
I love Olly to bits but he's not cutting the mustard upfront. His work ethic is fantastic but he needs help and I don't think our mids are supporting him as much as they should.

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23 Dec 2013 22:30:02
Someone sack Mike Dean

Great performance tonight

CFC threw the kitchen sink at us

BFG was man of match

Onwards and upwards

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I thought Per too, love how Arsenal get slated for not attacking enough or creating chances yet Cahill and terry get MOTM, 2 things can't add up!

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23 Dec 2013 22:25:38
If we do not sign Konoplyanka and have the chance I will be extremely disappointed.
He is the kind of player we missed out on with Hazard a few years ago.
He can do a Ribery role for us and would be incredible.
What are the chances ED mate?

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{Ed027's Note - not heard anything mate, slim

I agree Wilmslow. The up and coming Ribery

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23 Dec 2013 22:43:59
Have to say I'm gutted about tonight's result. Chelsea were there for the taking and when they seemed to ease off towards the end of the game we should have bought podolski and cazorla on.
Not happy but a point against Chelsea isn't too bad I guess. Especially considering Chelsea's tactics, the weather, the pitch and the fact that mike dean was a blind ass

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Haha worst thing I've read! Blaming the pitch and happy with a point! U got to win these big games at home! Its points dropped for arsenal and point gained for Chelsea

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Yes it baffles me why Wenger did not try and have more of a positive effect by bringing on Carzola and Podoloski. Surely he could see some of the players were running on empty and needed a freshen up, perhaps Wenger was happy to take the draw as much as Moureen.

Nothing personal against Arteta but for me Flamini should be a starter as when he is in the side there is more aggression and more energy and drive in midfield and Ramsey and Rosicky would have got more invloved further foward with Flamini in behind them.

To be fair Giroud works his socks off, but that chance at the end shows why to take us to the next level we need that top class striker. If only we could have got Saurez we would have been well clear on top by now.

I think we would have got him if We really went for it with a 50Mill plus bid, he is true class despite his antics and worth the sum. Will Never get him now as he on 200k/week.

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Waq, totally agree with bringing on Podolski and Cazorla.

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Wtf pinky did you only read 2 words from the post?
I didn't say I was happy with the result, but anyone with a brain can realise the weather and pitch conditions contributed to a poor poor match.
Id rather drop points v Chelsea then any of the lower teams.
I wonder who you support?

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Well said RyanP.

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Lol waq1, you go mate

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23 Dec 2013 22:23:24
Mike Dean amazes yet again

Arteta's leg could have been broken like we have already seen w Eduardo and Rambo

He was looking right at the challenge, not even a yellow

Forget the Theo penalty, Arteta's career could have been ruined. 32 yr olds don't just pop back up after leg breaks

Take a bow Mike, consistently one of the worst referees officiating in any sport today

Moving forward

If you look at next 3 for us, Liv, City and Chelsea, I like how things look for us

Handle biz against West Ham, tricky one against Newcastle and beat Cardiff and we should be top of table after match 20

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I'll take the result today even though I feel we got unlucky.

Now, we pen the check marks on West Ham, Newcastle, and Cardiff.

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USG, totally respect your opinion mate but I thought the challenge was pretty much 50/50.
The ball was there to be won and they both went for it. Ok, Mikels foot was slightly raised but I don't think there was too much in it mate.

I guess we all see things differently though.

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Dagz, I simply believe you go in studs up like that, horrible things happen

But respect your opinion buddy

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Respect to you too my friend but I think Arteta and mikels feet were pretty similar mate, both slightly studs up, they were both coming in at speed and made contact at the same time, so in my book 50/50.
Now USG, if you mentioned Mike Dean missing the Walcott "penalty", than that's different lol.

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23 Dec 2013 22:23:05
OK seems I've been wrong we do need a top striker, Olly's work rate and team contribution are unquestionably but we need a natural goal scorer to at least play with him, hands up peeps I've been wrong on this one

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I hate to say I told you so, but i'm not going to G62 because I have too much respect for you and your opinions.
BUT I TOLD YOU SO NER NER NER NER NER.
(Sorry mate, that's just the kid trying to come out of me lol)

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100% agree, Giroud cannot be expected to do it every game.I hope Podolski can come back with the same form that he started the season with, but he's going to need time, so we really do need a fox in the box.

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I'd love Diego Costa. Only 24 and an absolute beast!

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23 Dec 2013 22:18:14
Chelsea were predictable in the way they approached the game and why not. Put ten men behind the ball and tried to do us on the counter attack. It's how mourinho plays against us, and bearing in mind Wenger has never beaten him why would he change his set up.

As far as we're concerned we looked tired, lacked creation and penetration. I have nothing more to add.

If I don't post before crimbo I wish the regulars and the not so regulars, the ladies and the gents, and the one's inbetween a very merry Christmas.
P.S
If you find a big fat bearded man with a sack in your house in the middle of the night. Then your being burgled! Your welcome :-)
Flybo

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Lol, I love that end bit.

Flybo, hope you and your family have a great xmas mate.
PS, if you are adopted, than I hope you, daddy bear, mummy bear and baby bear have a great xmas mate.

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Have a fantastic Christmas Flybo and thanks for all the great laughs mixed in with some really good posts too mate.
Hope you and Olly have a great one

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23 Dec 2013 22:10:38
Well a 0-0 bore Draw, Moureen set up for conjesting the space and play on counter. We lacked the energy and drive to really create enough chances . 0-0 was the fair result as neither keeper really tested that much.

I think Flamini should be playing as our midfield has more energy and drive and with him in the side. Ramsey and Ozil look jaded, Do not understand why Cazorla was not brought on?.

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23 Dec 2013 22:05:06
Well that's 90 minutes of my life I'll never get back!

Over the last 3 weeks or so we have sort of slipped back into the Arsenal of the last few seasons albeit against very good teams. We've went from being top and 5 minutes away from going 7 points clear to being back in the tightly squeezed pack. We blew it in Naples as well and go the hardest draw possible in the CL too. The signing of Ozil gave us a massive boost and we could be doing with that boost again from another big name or two in January. Vermaelen's confidence looks in bits and Giroud needs help, he's blowing out his arse.

We did nothing to deserve a win tonight nor did Chelsea. I hate playing Chelsea at home, especially a Mourinho Chelsea. They always just set up defensively and to turn the match into a nothing game. Completely ruins the game as a spectacle and to be honest we didn't do anywhere near enough to even try and break them down. We laboured all night and not a sub was used.

Don't want to seem all doom and gloom but the last few weeks have given us a bit of a reality check and has shown we must strengthen in January. It is imperative that we take maximum points from the next 3 games.

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Great post G95, totally agree.

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23 Dec 2013 22:02:59
Feel like really going into one after that. Wenger fails again to beat mourinho. And the reasons are
- failing to change a set up that created nothing
- persevering with a very average striker
- and, when you look at the bigger picture, an epic failure of a transfer window.

This needed to be three points. I never expected us to win the league but I'd like for us to at least get a result against our so called rivals at home. Mourinho set his team out as we ALL KNEW HE WOULD and Wenger again had no answer, like he never does.


And Ozil needs to man up a bit. The honeymoon is over, he wants to be labelled world class, he needs to perform in these big games. All Ozil has done so far is push Cazorla out if position, our head and shoulders above everyone last year best player isn't a touch on what he was last year ans even after a crock of rubbish like that can't get on the pitch because we haves stubborn manager with no clue.

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Original, I think you wrote that post in a bit of a temper but fair play to you mate because I think you made some very good points and I found myself agreeing with all of it.

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23 Dec 2013 21:31:57
Today a draw is simply NOT ACCEPTABLE and the way we are playing is also NOT ACCEPTABLE.
We are now paying the price of not getting a decnt dynamic midfielder in and not buying a class striker.
Flamini shouts a lot and organises but that's it.
Giroud simply not good enough and it's plain to see

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Flamini didn't play today fella and a month ago everyone was in love with Giroud and Flam was the signing of the season? Remember Manchester United were 8 points clear with 5 games to go then City won the league on the last day of the season anything can and will happen! Lighten up man we are challenging for the first time in years we are joint top of the league and Manchester United are in 8th things could be worse :)

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23 Dec 2013 21:02:00
Since the last few games, Ramsey has been playing poorly. Needs to pick it up in the second half as he is vital for our possession. I like the runs he makes but we must realize that if he does these runs, there's going to be a large gap in the midfield only for Arteta since Rosicky, Ozil, and Walcott don't tend to track back very well (Rosicky being the best at this, however.) Nevertheless, maybe this is a risk we have to take? Maybe these Ramsey runs are necessary to counteract Chelsea's defensive numbers?

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Really mate? Ramsey was the one who tried to give some decent balls to Theo. And it was Theo who was never present in the match. Looked like we played with 10, and they played with 12 (including Mike Dean). :)

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He proved me wrong in the second half. I applaud him for that! He was energetic and dangerous.

But there's no doubt he was sloppy in the first half. His passes were off. I believe 2 passes to Sagna were too far in front of him, and after our corner, he also played a chipped ball backwards, which Torres collected and almost ended in a goal for Chelsea.

He's lost his consistency in the past few games. I'm confident our next fixtures will get him back up to where he was at the beginning of the season.

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About Theo, he was dangerous today. I loved how he pressures the back line.

Criticism on Theo:
- Needs to play more defense and help Sagna (He did make a nice tackle on Hazard)
- On our counters, he needs to burst forward at an angle and get width. Especially on a field as wet as that, to play a ball over the centerbacks heading toward goal is impossible. I'd like to see him get wider when sprinting forward. This makes it a heck of lot easier ball to play

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23 Dec 2013 19:31:39
Merry xmas lads and lasses, hoping for a draw tonight, keep us on the top of the pile hehe from a very happy scouser!

Ian the red

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Lol, happy xmas ian the red, to you and your family.

Think positive mate, you will go back into 2nd place tonight, but that's still good mate lol

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Where ever you are today, it not going to be the same. You are going to face City and Chelsea next, mate! So you are sure going to drop down! ;)

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23 Dec 2013 19:19:42
Time for Tommy V to rediscover that form

This is the match to do it

Time for Ozil to show exactly why he is the best number 10 in the world

This has got to be our best 90 of the year. Nothing less will do.

Merry Christmas folks

Coyfg!

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Amen USG

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23 Dec 2013 19:00:13
Good Luck Boy's Tonight.

Also a big shout out to all attending the game tonight in the mental weather. Would have loved to been there tonight.

MerchyBoy

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23 Dec 2013 18:39:16
Hey DG,

The pub crawl was Friday and what a black one it was, believe it or not I'm in construction and it was either pints or doubles and Jack D and coke won.

Hand on heart though makes me say 3rd but at the same time other than City I don't know who else will be above us.

Hand on heart I still find, despite the arrival of Ozil, that I'm disappointed with our summer window. I just think we could and should have got more.

Hand on heart as much as I want it I don't see Arsene adding in January.

I think I'm like all Gooners in that I want silverware this season, I want someone like Flamini to drag us kicking and screaming to something, get the winning mentality not just into the team but Arsene to get it back too.

Tonight is huge we really need to win and get on a roll.

Saint Arsenal, just a note to say I do get banter, lots of it, it's other cr4p I'm not struck on. In fact I now know more words for a va Jazzle than I thought possible.

Flybo I can confirm that Bendtner is hopeless around any box!

Have a great one all

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Lol Jenny,
A great post as usual and I understand where you are coming from.

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23 Dec 2013 16:41:17
Being a Chelsea supporter I would be a lot happier if Walcott was not playing tonight, just got a feeling he might score. Just to get our excuse in early, if we lose it's because the weather is so bad. If we don't win the league this year it would be nice if your boys do.

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Thanks sid, let's hope Walcott terrorises you lol

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It defo doesn't MATA! LOL!

Hope he doesn't play! Like Theo, he always scores!

Chelsea there for the taking I think! They can't score and struggling to defend at the mo!

We are always fresh and do well after a nice break!

The nest 4 are very winnable though so its OK!

Cammy out!

xxx

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23 Dec 2013 16:21:04
Wishing u all the best luck for tonight lads.

Hope u all have a merry christmas and the new year brings u some cheer :)

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Thanks CTR,
Hope you and your family have a great xmas, all the best mate.

PS, up the Gunners lol

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23 Dec 2013 16:19:06
Christmas greetings everyone,

don't want to put a dampener on proceedings [no pun intended] but in my part of North London, it's been blowing a hooley all day and lashing down.

Don't want to be all bah humbug but I can see tonights game getting called off.

Anyway thank you all who have constantly put a smile on my face with your posts.

Makes me proud to be part of the best effin football team and supporters in the world.

Be Lucky all and have a peaceful Chrismas and New Year.

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Blowing up a Hoolie?
Blimey, that brings back memories. One of my old mates, I haven't seen him for about 10 years, he was from Cumbria, he use to use that expression, love it.

PS, let's hope the game goes ahead.
Merry Xmas to you and your family Old Ignation.

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23 Dec 2013 14:53:15
Settle for 1-0 94th minute winner from BFG backside if it meant jose has a rotten christmas

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Definitely Wellbeaten

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23 Dec 2013 14:50:31
merry Christmas to all the eds and fellow posters

peace to you and your familys

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23 Dec 2013 14:07:34
Is it just me buzzing to see podolski back tonight! A massive relief to see him back and a much more of a threat to see him come off the Bench then bendtner. Said and done I think it will be 2-0 to the Arsenal! Walcott and giroud!

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Absolutely, the pod is a top boy, so glad to have him back.

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I too am buzzing to see Poldi back in the fold! He's so underrated in my opinion. He weighed in with valuable goals and assists last season and will be very much needed over the next few months. Let's hope he's ready to go!

It means we have even more strength wide left (or upfront) if needed and our squad depth looks good whilst everyone is fit!

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23 Dec 2013 12:25:46
Ok ladies and gents.

Let's get the excitement rolling for tonights MASSIVE title challenger match up. Predictions and scorers please.

If Koscielny was playing I think we'd win hands down with a full strength (bar Jack) team.

I can't get 1-1 out of my head and I fancy Ramsey to score as he's gone a few games without hitting the back of the net.

I just think Wenger won't get the better of Mourinho again and both sides don't want to lose. We'l take a point against Chelsea and Mourinho will take a solid away point against a rival.

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3 -1 with Walcott 1st goal scorer.

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I'd step over the my gran, sell my brother to human research. I'd trip up my sister and pull faces at my nephew for that result.

In short, I don't like my family very much.

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Greeny, its nice to see the spirit of christmas is alive and well in your household lol.
i'm going to go 2-1 Arsenal, Ozil and Olly to score.

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90/1 worth a quid

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DG I only jest. I don't even have a sister!

But seriously, I really want us to put one over Mourinho! Being top at Christmas would be a lovely bonus present and a good bit of momentum going into the next five games, four of which are away.

West Ham (AWAY)
Newcastle (AWAY)
Cardiff (HOME)
Aston Villa (AWAY)
Southampton (AWAY)

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Definitely dw71

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Being a classless Chelsea fan think we will win 3 v 2

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Totally agree Greeny mate, all winable so we better start winning them.

Random, I hope not lol

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23 Dec 2013 11:14:30
Merry Xmas, Dags, G62, Goldboy, Paul, Jenny, Flybo and all the regulars, not forgetting Ed 07 of course good luck tonight, and here's hoping to a fruitful new year for both our teams, obviously I'd prefer to be top for xmas but seeing the smug look knocked off of TSO's face wouldn't be bad either lmao. On a footballing note the best footballing sides at the mo are us, you, city and everton so that would be my preferred top 4 come the end of the season. In that order of course lol.
Have a safe xmas wherever you are.

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And a merry crimbo to you as well mate :-)
Flybo

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Simonpw,
You Sir, are a true Gent. Coming here and wishing us all a merry xmas.
I wish you and your family all the best for christmas and the new year.

When we win the league I would be so happy for you boys to finish runners up lol.

Merry Xmas mate, YNWA (lol)

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Ha ha Dags, no worries mate we're all footie fans at the end of the day no matter where our loyalties lie. I used to live in Manchester. A particular local working mans club in Blackeley was half utd and half city. I was often in there on matchdays with my pool jersey on in the middle of the whole lot. Never any hassle even though most days we were well tanked up. It's about love for the game, respecting each other and letting everyone have their own point of view. We all think our own team are the best in the world mate no matter who is at the time. Manners don't cost anything as far as I'm concerned, best thing this site ever did was register users in my opinion.

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U are aware ed007 is a celtic and united supporter yes Si?

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{Ed002's Note - And are you aware he is covered completely in thick ginger hair - including the soles of his feet and the palms of his hands.}

Totally agree Simon,
Less war more peace lol

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@CTR sure mate, but I won't hold that against him ha ha, I'm a celtic fan too lol. Like I said earlier each to their own. It's just they are the most frequent ed's on the site. Ed 002's a chelsea fan but ya got to luv the sarcastic and knowledgeable responses, have a gud un mate

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23 Dec 2013 18:00:00
Thanks Simon have a great one yourself and take care

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23 Dec 2013 09:59:05
I do think we are going the right way but a couple or three TOP class players will ensure we are at the top. Tonight is a real test so shout your heads off for the lads! Whatever happens, a merry christmas to you all and a prosperous and healthy new year and keep winning you gunners!

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Pete b, merry xmas to you too mate

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23 Dec 2013 09:26:08
Hi guys Everton fan here. Just a quick one to say good luck tonight. Always impressed by the way you play football and if there is any justice in football you will be lifting the trophy aloft at the end of the season. Merry xmas boys.

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Mickey, you are a true gent.
May I just return the compliment and say your boys have been amazing this season. You have always been hard to beat but have added some attractive play to your game, very very good team IMO.

Merry Xmas to you and your family.

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23 Dec 2013 06:00:00
I really hope we don't play Flamini and Arteta together. That's our worst center-defensive pairing to be frank

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I would rather have Rambo and Flamini in the middle. Cazorla Ozil and Walcott behind Giroud for me.

Just like Mertesacker and Vermaelen seems to be a little bit less effective that when Mert is with Kos, I think it's the same with Arteta and Flamini. Some players just have a better understanding of each other.

Koscielny is the biggest loss tonight!

Still hopeful though! If we draw or win we go top (albeit joint if we draw) for Christmas and it'll be a nice boost going into two tricky away games.

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They have only been started together once - against Man U, where we lost to a goal from a corner. We concede about 2-3 times more goals without Arteta and look lenient in the middle without Flamini. Last week Flam and Ramsey got overpowered by Toure and Fernandinho. Chelsea's power is their attacking midfield - we'll need at least Arteta, probably Flamini too, to contain that.

I know having both of them makes the midfield less creative, but if Ramsey, Ozil and Walcott are ahead of them then we will catch Chelsea out. Arteta and Flamini have only been used together to kill out games so far - I think they could win us the game this time. But Walcott must play ahead to give more goalscoring threat.

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Sorry excuse my error they were also started together 1-1 with West Brom, 4-1 Norwich (although Flamini came off early), and 2-0 win against Napoli. The last one shows in particular that a goalscoring threat alongside this solid pairing can make us very strong, even against top teams.

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Well said Oleg!

You're close to convincing me to your side but I still feel Flamini and Ramsey is better than any pairing with Arteta. I love Arteta; he's a great leader. However, I feel he won't be able to contain the quickness of Oscar, Mata, and Hazard quite like Ramsey and Flamini could do. Plus, Ramsey, who's quicker and stronger, can arguably do any job Arteta does. If Ramsey remains in the middle, similarly to how Arteta stays put, and doesn't make lengthy runs forward, Chelsea's counters will seize to exist.

I think the reason why we couldn't stop Toure and Fernandinho was because our entire midfield shape was off. Both the center-defensive mids and outside attacking mids were out of shape and didn't provide quick pressure to the ball (Walcott needs to work on his defensive side especially, but that's a whole different story.)

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23 Dec 2013 00:17:04
Ok gents and lady,

Its one of my usual "hand on heart post"

Hand on heart, based on what we have seen so far, and let's assume we won't buy anybody in January, where do you think we will finish?

Im going to be honest, that's the whole point of a "hand on heart post" and I think we will come 3rd.
Man City scare me to death, huge squad and they will probably strenghten and as long as they improve their away form, I can see them finishing 1st.

Chelsea worry me too. Their strikers have about 6 league goals between them this season, which is absolutely sh*te, yet if they beat us tomorrow they go above us, crazy. I think they will improve and finish 2nd.

So, for me, its us in 3rd. that's an improvement on last year and a step in the right direction, but I think this season may be a season too soon.

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We scrape for 2nd right in front of Chelsea with Man City in first

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23 Dec 2013 06:10:33
DG,

That is a great question but if it's cool I'll answer it later as a busy day on the road.

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Hand on heart I think Arsenal will finish in top four but maybe behind Man Citeh Chelski and Liverpool.

Suarez is a phenomenon and is playing out of this world. If he keeps fit then it should be top for Liverpool

It is a tough Christmas for Liverpool with trips to Citeh and Chelski but in the second half of the season each of the current top 7 have to come to Anfield.

If Arsenal make a good signing in January then that could make a difference but otherwise top 4 is as good as it gets I think.

Happy Christmas and let's hope both Arsenal and Liverpool are still in the mix come the last 5 games of the season

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September I would have agreed with you DG, then I really started thinking umm we're capable of wining it but now?
Let's wait and see what happens today and at West ham and Newcastle because at game 19 all will be much clearer picture on us and others

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At the beginning of the season I said third, and nothing has changed in my opinion. But it's such a tight season that we'll either be fighting for the title or fighting for fourth yet again.
Flybo

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If we sign no one I think it will be very tight to get into 4th spot. United in recovery mode and Evertyon and Liverpool looking strong. If we sign another striker (Pato, Costa) and a central defender (Zouma) we should make top 3.
City should walk away with the league with their squad.
Chelsea are inconsistant but are still a very strong team.
If we can beat Chelsea tonight (Praying to all the Gods I know including all the Hindu ones) then this will keep the confidence high and we can push on. If not I feel we could be in a bit of trouble.
I find it strange how we are playing better than we have in years but this could be the year we struggle to make the CL as other teams are performing.

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I think we'l finish third (especially if we don't buy in January).

Hopefully with a couple of TOP TOP quality players in the summer we will challange completely for the title next season.

City have an awesome squad with so much depth and Chelsea have the hoodoo over us and Mourinho knows how to win trophies (the ugly way).

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Great answers and certainly a mixed bag.
Thank gents, and yep Jenny, you can reply when you have finished your pub-crawl lol.

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