Like Lazaraus, or Lampard, Rooney, Essien and other normal folks…
I was sitting back this morning, enjoying strong coffee, when down through the intertubes came this picture story about Arsenal training before the match against Barcelona. Here’s the thing, I’ve learned that if you look at the training photos you can learn a thing or two about potential lineups in the next game. THAT IS HOW BRILLIANT I AM.
Anyway, Gallas is in the photos, Diaby is in the photos and Cesc and Alumina are not. And of course, mere moments later, the dot com confirms that Gallas is included for the squad. They must have mended his torn contract ligament this week.
But to be serious for a second, I’m concerned about the lack of Almunia in any photos. I know he is partially responsible for the draw against Birmingham but I’m not sure I want Fabianski in the goal instead of Almunia — unless he’s lost the plot.
Ugh… the keeper situation at Arsenal makes my arsehole itch.
Oh and while you’re looking at those training photos, notice photo number 10…. WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING, DIABY????
Fabregas, 80% of the time he’s 40% fit.
I know there’s a lot of talk about whether Fabregas will play or won’t play, even his dad is in on the act, but here’s all you need to know: if he’s at all able to play, he will. End of.
Arshavin, Nasri, and it seems Diaby are all fit and ready to play. With Gallas “possibly” making the team Arsenal could field nearly our strongest possible team (minus van Persie). That’s exciting, isn’t it?
Remembering Henry
So, I guess this guy who once played for Arsenal now plays for Barcelona. Have you guys heard about him? His name is Henry something? Henry Morris maybe? Anyway, I guess he did some really spectacular things when he was with Arsenal, here’s 10 of them from the Independent. Personally, my favorite was this one:
Barcelona going bankrupt?
We all know that the country would just bail them out (they are too big to fail!) but it is interesting to get Tony Attwood’s perspective on the relative debt levels of Man U, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Real Madrid. I think this Tony fellow might know a thing or two about world football, you should listen to him.
Also, he’s funny.
And finally…
For something totally unrelated, here’s the Mighty Boosh doing their four-way crimp, genius. I have a thing for British comedies, I’ll admit it, if I could I’d marry them.
Arsenal News 24/7
note: in picture ten, the player with the kick is Eboue and not Diaby.
March 30th, 2010 at 9:51 am
@ade, HA! Look at that, Diaby got a haircut!
March 30th, 2010 at 10:05 am
so wat is ur prediction for tomorrow’s game??
March 30th, 2010 at 10:16 am
@ade, I predict that at least 90 minutes of football will be played.
March 30th, 2010 at 10:33 am
@Tim, If Arsenal dont get too cautious and play their game I think we can definitely win.
And Bendtner please show up tomorrow, please!!
Hey, Tim, speaking of Brit comedies, have you watched Peep Show yet? The first five seasons are on Hulu, while season 6 is on YouTube.
It is BRILLIANT. Crude, yes, but brilliant on many levels.
March 30th, 2010 at 10:16 am
@Matt, Nice one, adding to my netflix cue.
March 30th, 2010 at 10:57 am
@Tim, You should watch “Little Britain” and/or “Little Britain in US”. Matt Lucas is a Gunner too (Only Gunner in the village).
I have to admit I too have a thing for British comedies and am a sucker for the english accent!!
March 30th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
@Akash, If its great english comedies of recent time the mighty boosh is def 1 and so is peep show but shameless is the true diamond in the ruff and The I.T crowd (who’s writer wrote father ted).
Comedy and football…two great past times haha
Isnt that Eboue doing acrobatics in photo # 10
Guys take the poll, now that you can easily predict the lineup
cheers
http://socceropera.blogspot.com/
I have to say I don’t subscribe to the idea that Gallas was left out because of his contract situation. It’s a bit to conspiracy theory-ish, and I doubt Wenger would put one man ahead of the well being of the club like that. I also think Gallas is enough of a professional to give his all regardless of the contract situation (I think he proved his professionalism after his captaincy was revoked.
Also, unless Almunia’s head fell off, I can bet you he’ll be playing against Barca.
March 30th, 2010 at 10:51 am
Wenger’s done it before and even commented on it a week ago or so, saying that this time was different and that he wasn’t do it.
March 30th, 2010 at 10:56 am
@Tim, Really?! I can only imagine it was a case of thinking the player wouldn’t give his all with the contract situation not sorted?
Would this mean you guess Galla’s contract issues are sorted? Or that it’s just such a big game that Wenger’s putting the issues aside because he needs Gallas that badly?
March 30th, 2010 at 10:59 am
@Shobo, yep.
Mostly I’m joking but I do think that there’s something fishy about Gallas’ injury and the timing of his return.
So, it’s what we call “joking on the sly.”
Fair play mate, The Boosh rock!
All 3 series are sweet, seen the milky joe episode?
Henry? Never heard of ‘im
What time is the game tomorrow? Has Europe switched to Daylight saving time yet?
March 30th, 2010 at 11:08 am
@Akash, 11:45 am PST, yes, Europe has finally caught up with trendsetting America.
If Bendtner & Eboue both play I’ll have a bet we lose 4-0…god help us all if they play!
March 30th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
So we should play you instead?
March 30th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
ROTFLMFAO….. thats a sweet
)
March 30th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
change your hate music .Eboue has been amazing evrytime he play this year and bendy has done alright
That’s a great goal — here’s a great one, with absolutely the best commentary you will ever hear…
Damn 5″ into and Man U up 1.
March 30th, 2010 at 6:57 pm
@ctpa, 5 seconds?
March 31st, 2010 at 5:34 am
I turn the game on late.
That goal still gives me goosebumps.
Lyon are absolutely shredding Bordeaux. 2-1. Bordeaux defense has been invisible.
Bordeaux tightening up in the 2nd half.
I like this Chamakh dude. Nices touches. Good efforts. Good strikes on goal that Lloris has had to make saves out of his ass to protect Lyon’s lead. Chamakh is wearing the captain’s arm band as well.
Man U trying to ride Rooney’s goal at 2″ to a win. BM has been knocking but Van Dar Sar has made some solid saves. Valencia and Berbatov on so maybe Man U will get a 2nd.
BM 2-1 Man U.
Ivica Olic takes the ball off Evra in the box and runs past Vidic, jinks Van Dar Sar out of his jock strap and scores!!!
The best part is Rooney hobbling off with 2 trainers and his (R) boot off. Chelsea will have a “lean and hungry look” if Rooney’s injury is the dreaded “M”* word.
* metatarsal.
Wayne Rooney hobbled off at the end.
Ferguson is going to wear that kid down. He’s limping after every game.
March 30th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
@Patrick, Looked like a twisted ankle thats it!!
March 30th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
do i hear a tone of sympathy for rooney? say it aint so.
March 30th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Let’s just say I respect his talent and hate to see talent wasted.
March 30th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
you are a better man than I… i have no qualms about seeing his diving ass rot in a hospital bed.
March 30th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
@nycgunner, YES! That is all.
Tim, Tony’s been talking of financial woe for years. The fact is that Spanish clubs are intrinsically tied to their localities, and they won’t be allowed to fall over. Madrid’s pretty much owned by the banks now, but they’ll never recall their loans because of the public backlash. If Barcelona crumble, the Catalunya government will prop them up because they’re the best advertisement for the Catalonian way of life.
I think football clubs have been in debt and losing money all throughout history. That’s why most Spanish clubs were social clubs, and most English clubs were the playthings of millionaires. It’s a mug’s game, football ownership.
Almunia missed training due to a clash with his Morris dancing practice.
Ooooh, I have a bad feeling about tomorrow’s game. Help me out!
March 30th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Reporting from the future: Barca 1 – 3 Arsenal
March 30th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
too far in the future
today is arsenal barcelona but i take 1-3 at barcelona too
The perfect ending to the slow work day. I sneak out of the office at halftime, walk down to the one pub downtown that shows football, sit, in my red sweater (unintentional choice of clothes today) mind you, amidst a cadre of United fans, and watch Bayern score the final 2 goals. While I didn’t cheer out loud, I was beaming on the inside, watching those smug bastards look the way we probably all looked this past Saturday when we got the gut punch at the end. Does it make up for this past Saturday? Not completely. But damn it felt good.
March 31st, 2010 at 12:38 am
@ArseChicago, I agree with those sentiments 100%!!!!!!!
Aw says winning is an art. Try telling that to the red faced.He only believes in winning.IF AW were not so obsessed with pretty soccer Arsenal could have won more honours.MU won the 1999 cl final thru grit and determination. I think AW would rather lose than win in this fashion.
It’s about time he acknowledges all coaches play to win. The manner of the win doesn’t matter.The important thing is to win.
How many many times have Arsenal lost while tring to play pretty soccer.If Arsenal lose tonight playing beautiful soccer we all know hwere the finger shd point.
March 31st, 2010 at 6:33 am
@Andrew, can’t you at least wait until they lose before you gloat about it?
Man that goal was unreal, it just gets better with each viewing. He did a similar thing in his goal at the Bernabeu in 2006 that will always be special. Then there’s the cheeky back heel against Charlton. But his screamers will always leave a lot to be desired with our current crop of strikers. Shame. I hope he fluffs his lines tonight or fakes an injury or something. If he scores against us I think I’ll cry to be honest. I dunno who I’d like to see in goal, probably Mannone but I don’t think that will happen.
Mighty Boosh was something different, it fluctuated between utter crap and genius, but most of them settled somewhere in between.
I’m expecting a goal outburst from our side tonight. 3 at a minimum.