Random Football Match Related Stories

Random Football Match Related Storieshttp://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/en-UKhourly82000-01-01T12:00+00:00Random Football Match Related Storieshttp://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/9b/6bfd8e60cd45960fef9a8882fb9ce3_160x200.jpg07/11/2009: Preparing the Christmas Giftshttp://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/11/08/07-11-2009-preparing-the-christmas-gifts-7328651/2009-11-08T01:17:48+01:00 <p>While I was getting started on the festive season (two months late according to Tesco) by preparing mincemeat for my homemade mince pies, Wolves prepared by gift wrapping two goals for us.</p> <p>After the build up of suspense and making life difficult for us, one Wolves defender headed Cesc's corner into his own net.</p> <p>Then Eduardo thought he'd scored the second when actually it had bounced of a Wolves defender's head.</p> <p>The third and fourth were definitely ours, Cesc and Arshy making sure we weren't going to throw away another 2 goal lead.</p> <p>Then right at the end we returned the favour and gift wrapped a goal for Wolves. Vermaelen even bent down to present it to them!</p> <p>After all that we still weren't first in the running order for Match of the Day!</p> <p>I wonder if Mr Greedy is moaning to Man Shitty yet? <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/11/08/07-11-2009-preparing-the-christmas-gifts-7328651/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>While I was getting started on the festive season (two months late according to Tesco) by preparing mincemeat for my homemade mince pies, Wolves prepared by gift wrapping two goals for us.

After the build up of suspense and making life difficult for us, one Wolves defender headed Cesc's corner into his own net.

Then Eduardo thought he'd scored the second when actually it had bounced of a Wolves defender's head.

The third and fourth were definitely ours, Cesc and Arshy making sure we weren't going to throw away another 2 goal lead.

Then right at the end we returned the favour and gift wrapped a goal for Wolves. Vermaelen even bent down to present it to them!

After all that we still weren't first in the running order for Match of the Day!

I wonder if Mr Greedy is moaning to Man Shitty yet?

]]>04/11/2009: Too ill to actually remember anythinghttp://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/11/06/04-11-2009-too-ill-to-actually-remember-anything-7318263/2009-11-06T11:10:24+01:00 <p>Thought I'd post a highlights video instead. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Cesc, you're amazing! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/11/06/04-11-2009-too-ill-to-actually-remember-anything-7318263/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Thought I'd post a highlights video instead.

Cesc, you're amazing!

]]>31/10/2009: Roast Cockerel and Mashed Spudshttp://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/11/01/31-10-2009-roast-cockerel-and-mashed-spuds-7286969/2009-11-01T18:31:03+01:00 <p>On Friday, my Dad sent me on an errand to find some curtain hooks. The first shop I went into had a Sp*rs clock on the wall and gave me 8 curtain hooks for free. (They were probably just lying around for years) I said to myself "wouldn't it be nice if Sp*rs could present Arsenal with a gift or two tomorrow."</p> <p>Well, they obliged. But also took the time to gift wrap it, tie a bow round it and send it straight to Cesc's feet. Thank you very much, Sp*rs. Big team; you're having a laugh!</p> <p>Anyway, those Gooners without tickets yesterday found one of the many Arsenal related pubs in the Finsbury Park area and made sure that they filled every available space from midday well into the evening. (By that time the Sp*rs fans had skulked off to lick their wounds, or something)</p> <p>I arrived at The Arsenal Tavern just as the match was about to kick off. Pushed my way to the bar, bought my drink and found my friends in a corner. What followed was 45 minutes of chants with the basic theme of "We Hate T*tt*nh*m" with 2-0 to the Arsenal at the end.</p> <p>After a first half of missed chances and not much else, Robin was able to put the ball past a diving, but otherwise helpless, Big Nose Gomes. Cue the whole suburb of Highbury erupting in cheers.</p> <p>We hadn't finished celebrating that first one when Cesc intercepted Sp*rs restart, walked right past several Sp*rs defenders and whacked the ball past Big Nose. More loud eruptions, as people in Potters Bar were probably wondering what the noise was!</p> <p>At half time the pub emptied as the smokers all headed for the only place it is still legal to puff. </p> <p>As the teams came out for the second half, my Psychology lecturer friend remarked how the disinterested body language of the Sp*rs players was encouraging. They hardly troubled Mad Manuel (back in goal) during the match.</p> <p>Goal number three, and the gift tag on the present - Ed goes down injured, and everyone except the ref stops. When Sagna, who slowed to a brisk walk (even at that speed, Sp*rs defence still couldn't catch him) got the ref's message to play on, he resumed running and crossed it to Robin for his second. </p> <p>After that it was easy. Sp*rs were pretty much beaten, although no Arsenal player, Gooner or Arsene Wenger dared to relax unless we screw up for the second time in a week. Prompting my friend Adrienne to comment, "this is what happens when you concentrate".</p> <p>At full time, we had more drinks and went to a nice Italian place on Stroud Green Road. Unfortunately, the food stuffs of the title weren't on La Porchetta's menu! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/11/01/31-10-2009-roast-cockerel-and-mashed-spuds-7286969/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>On Friday, my Dad sent me on an errand to find some curtain hooks. The first shop I went into had a Sp*rs clock on the wall and gave me 8 curtain hooks for free. (They were probably just lying around for years) I said to myself "wouldn't it be nice if Sp*rs could present Arsenal with a gift or two tomorrow."

Well, they obliged. But also took the time to gift wrap it, tie a bow round it and send it straight to Cesc's feet. Thank you very much, Sp*rs. Big team; you're having a laugh!

Anyway, those Gooners without tickets yesterday found one of the many Arsenal related pubs in the Finsbury Park area and made sure that they filled every available space from midday well into the evening. (By that time the Sp*rs fans had skulked off to lick their wounds, or something)

I arrived at The Arsenal Tavern just as the match was about to kick off. Pushed my way to the bar, bought my drink and found my friends in a corner. What followed was 45 minutes of chants with the basic theme of "We Hate T*tt*nh*m" with 2-0 to the Arsenal at the end.

After a first half of missed chances and not much else, Robin was able to put the ball past a diving, but otherwise helpless, Big Nose Gomes. Cue the whole suburb of Highbury erupting in cheers.

We hadn't finished celebrating that first one when Cesc intercepted Sp*rs restart, walked right past several Sp*rs defenders and whacked the ball past Big Nose. More loud eruptions, as people in Potters Bar were probably wondering what the noise was!

At half time the pub emptied as the smokers all headed for the only place it is still legal to puff.

As the teams came out for the second half, my Psychology lecturer friend remarked how the disinterested body language of the Sp*rs players was encouraging. They hardly troubled Mad Manuel (back in goal) during the match.

Goal number three, and the gift tag on the present - Ed goes down injured, and everyone except the ref stops. When Sagna, who slowed to a brisk walk (even at that speed, Sp*rs defence still couldn't catch him) got the ref's message to play on, he resumed running and crossed it to Robin for his second.

After that it was easy. Sp*rs were pretty much beaten, although no Arsenal player, Gooner or Arsene Wenger dared to relax unless we screw up for the second time in a week. Prompting my friend Adrienne to comment, "this is what happens when you concentrate".

At full time, we had more drinks and went to a nice Italian place on Stroud Green Road. Unfortunately, the food stuffs of the title weren't on La Porchetta's menu!

]]>28/10/2009: Kids stay up late againhttp://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/10/28/28-10-2009-kids-stay-up-late-again-7265038/2009-10-28T23:15:05+01:00 <p>Actually it wasn't just the kids, it was the reserves, those recovering from injury and Nicky Bendtner.</p> <p>Started following the match updates a bit late, as I was busy attempting to make white wine. When I settled down at my computer, the match was about 10 minutes old.</p> <p>1. First goal scored by Freddie Mercury's double.<br> 2. The Jammy ones equalise soon afterwards, leading Gooners to bemoan another lead thrown away.<br> 3. Cue half time, and much criticism of Bendtner on twitter. (Not by me)<br> 4. Bendtner scores what turns out to be the winner, and many tweeters suddenly talk about him in glowing terms. </p> <p>Anyway, kids and reserves perform again in the cup that no-one wants. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/10/28/28-10-2009-kids-stay-up-late-again-7265038/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Actually it wasn't just the kids, it was the reserves, those recovering from injury and Nicky Bendtner.

Started following the match updates a bit late, as I was busy attempting to make white wine. When I settled down at my computer, the match was about 10 minutes old.

1. First goal scored by Freddie Mercury's double.
2. The Jammy ones equalise soon afterwards, leading Gooners to bemoan another lead thrown away.
3. Cue half time, and much criticism of Bendtner on twitter. (Not by me)
4. Bendtner scores what turns out to be the winner, and many tweeters suddenly talk about him in glowing terms.

Anyway, kids and reserves perform again in the cup that no-one wants.

]]>25/10/2009: That's another 2 points dropped!http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/10/25/25-10-2009-that-s-another-2-points-dropped-7243400/2009-10-25T22:45:36+01:00 <p>Concede two late goals at the time I'm no where near my blind, West Ham supporting uncle to verbally abuse him. (Win, lose or draw, I'll still be verbally abusing him because that's the way my family works)</p> <p>Anyway, you've probably guessed that I was at a family event during this match and other people forgot to bring a radio. There was the mobile internet of my cousin's fiance, but the phone battery conveniently died halfway through dinner. (Or switched off!)</p> <p>All I know is,<br> 1. Robin continued his scoring run (and presumably showed off at the same time).<br> 2. Gallas reminded us that Vermaelen isn't the only central defender that can score.<br> 3. West Ham got two goals back, including one possibly dodgy penalty.</p> <p>I don't feel like watching Match of the Day - may just find the highlights on youtube tomorrow. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/10/25/25-10-2009-that-s-another-2-points-dropped-7243400/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Concede two late goals at the time I'm no where near my blind, West Ham supporting uncle to verbally abuse him. (Win, lose or draw, I'll still be verbally abusing him because that's the way my family works)

Anyway, you've probably guessed that I was at a family event during this match and other people forgot to bring a radio. There was the mobile internet of my cousin's fiance, but the phone battery conveniently died halfway through dinner. (Or switched off!)

All I know is,
1. Robin continued his scoring run (and presumably showed off at the same time).
2. Gallas reminded us that Vermaelen isn't the only central defender that can score.
3. West Ham got two goals back, including one possibly dodgy penalty.

I don't feel like watching Match of the Day - may just find the highlights on youtube tomorrow.

]]>20/10/2009: Looks like we haven't learnt!http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/10/22/20-10-2009-looks-like-we-haven-t-learnt-7223251/2009-10-22T15:27:25+02:00 <p>How many more times, Arsenal!? You cannot defend a one goal lead!</p> <p>We had many great opportunities in the second half to score two or three more, and upset the Dutch team's home support. Sharpen up! (Especially you, Van Persie!)</p> <p>That's all really - thanks to work, I've found other things to make me angry. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/10/22/20-10-2009-looks-like-we-haven-t-learnt-7223251/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>How many more times, Arsenal!? You cannot defend a one goal lead!

We had many great opportunities in the second half to score two or three more, and upset the Dutch team's home support. Sharpen up! (Especially you, Van Persie!)

That's all really - thanks to work, I've found other things to make me angry.

]]>17/10/2009: One of those gameshttp://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/10/18/17-10-2009-one-of-those-games-7195551/2009-10-18T18:41:07+02:00 <p>This was one of those games that produces a good result, but not enough major incident to warrant a high billing on Match of the Day. So I had to sit through Chelski (haha!), Sunderland vs. Liverpool (haha. Beach Ball own goal), Manure and Spuds (this is why it's important to have something to read during MOTD. So you don't burn your eyes watching Spuds!)</p> <p>Anyway - Arsenal.</p> <p>1. Brum came, saw and kicked lumps out of Theo Walcott.<br> 2. Van Persie came, saw and stopped showing off long enough to score.<br> 3. Diaby turned up, ran and didn't worry any Gooners.<br> 4. Almunia came, saw and took his place on the bench!<br> 5. Arshavin came, replaced an injured Theo and made sure we won.</p> <p>That sums up the match. Now, onto Holland... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/10/18/17-10-2009-one-of-those-games-7195551/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>This was one of those games that produces a good result, but not enough major incident to warrant a high billing on Match of the Day. So I had to sit through Chelski (haha!), Sunderland vs. Liverpool (haha. Beach Ball own goal), Manure and Spuds (this is why it's important to have something to read during MOTD. So you don't burn your eyes watching Spuds!)

Anyway - Arsenal.

1. Brum came, saw and kicked lumps out of Theo Walcott.
2. Van Persie came, saw and stopped showing off long enough to score.
3. Diaby turned up, ran and didn't worry any Gooners.
4. Almunia came, saw and took his place on the bench!
5. Arshavin came, replaced an injured Theo and made sure we won.

That sums up the match. Now, onto Holland...

]]>04/10/2009: Arsenal = Classy. Blackburn = no supporthttp://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/10/05/04-10-2009-arsenal-classy-blackburn-no-support-7106323/2009-10-05T21:12:11+02:00 <p>Sometimes (when we can be bothered) you don't want to take the lead against Arsenal - it only makes us mad enough to score loads of goals.</p> <p>However, it is remarkably easy to score against Arsenal - as our defence is creaky and more interested in scoring goals than preventing them.</p> <p>Our top scorer currently this season is a defender. Sums up our performances.</p> <p>In terms of attacking Arsenal showed that they are a quality team. </p> <p>The Belgian seems intent on breaking Thierry's goalscoring record. (nice to see him applauding the Gooner crowd)</p> <p>Robin gave up showing off for long enough to score one.</p> <p>Arshy avoided being stepped on, and put us 3-2 up.</p> <p>Cesc controlled the show. Scored and let us know where his heart lies. </p> <p>Little Theo moved off his hospital bed to score number 5.</p> <p>Nicky moved his mind off his insurance claim to score the final goal.</p> <p>Blackburn appear to have less travelling supporters than Wigan. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/10/05/04-10-2009-arsenal-classy-blackburn-no-support-7106323/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Sometimes (when we can be bothered) you don't want to take the lead against Arsenal - it only makes us mad enough to score loads of goals.

However, it is remarkably easy to score against Arsenal - as our defence is creaky and more interested in scoring goals than preventing them.

Our top scorer currently this season is a defender. Sums up our performances.

In terms of attacking Arsenal showed that they are a quality team.

The Belgian seems intent on breaking Thierry's goalscoring record. (nice to see him applauding the Gooner crowd)

Robin gave up showing off for long enough to score one.

Arshy avoided being stepped on, and put us 3-2 up.

Cesc controlled the show. Scored and let us know where his heart lies.

Little Theo moved off his hospital bed to score number 5.

Nicky moved his mind off his insurance claim to score the final goal.

Blackburn appear to have less travelling supporters than Wigan.

]]>29/09/2009: Arsenal make an easy game look hardhttp://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/09/29/29-09-2009-arsenal-make-an-easy-game-look-hard-7065380/2009-09-29T21:54:25+02:00 <p>No matter how easy this game looked on paper, Arsenal will always try to make it look like Barcelona have arrived on the pitch in the opposition's shirts. </p> <p>Having said that, teams of this (low) quality do tend to turn up at the Emirates and only want to defend against the inevitable goal.</p> <p>Not that it worked tonight, in the end. </p> <p>Noticed earlier that some ex Villa player called Mellberg was playing for Olympiacos - so that's why Cazza wanted to go to this match! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Barnet beat Dagenham & Redbridge - double happiness for me.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/09/29/29-09-2009-arsenal-make-an-easy-game-look-hard-7065380/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>No matter how easy this game looked on paper, Arsenal will always try to make it look like Barcelona have arrived on the pitch in the opposition's shirts.

Having said that, teams of this (low) quality do tend to turn up at the Emirates and only want to defend against the inevitable goal.

Not that it worked tonight, in the end.

Noticed earlier that some ex Villa player called Mellberg was playing for Olympiacos - so that's why Cazza wanted to go to this match!

Barnet beat Dagenham & Redbridge - double happiness for me.

]]>26/09/2009: Not much to see herehttp://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/09/26/26-09-2009-not-much-to-see-here-7046352/2009-09-26T23:52:46+02:00 <p>The problem with playing out a scrappy win against a UEFA Cup quality team is that one has to sit through Chelski, Spuds and Manure among others before Match of the Day show the Arsenal highlights.</p> <p>Scrappy, or possibly lucky. All we know is that Mannone is providing Manuel from Pamplona with some competition. Assuming the dodgy haired one is ever recalled to the first team.</p> <p>Van Persie scored his second goal of the season. Imagine if he scored for every time he showed off, he'd be the league's top scorer! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/09/26/26-09-2009-not-much-to-see-here-7046352/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>The problem with playing out a scrappy win against a UEFA Cup quality team is that one has to sit through Chelski, Spuds and Manure among others before Match of the Day show the Arsenal highlights.

Scrappy, or possibly lucky. All we know is that Mannone is providing Manuel from Pamplona with some competition. Assuming the dodgy haired one is ever recalled to the first team.

Van Persie scored his second goal of the season. Imagine if he scored for every time he showed off, he'd be the league's top scorer!

]]>22/09/2009: I should really start remembering these matches!http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/09/22/22-09-2009-i-should-really-start-remembering-these-matches-7020989/2009-09-22T22:26:21+02:00 <p>Possibly our only chance of silverware this season, and the campaign began with the usual mix of Kids (Jack & Sanchez), injury returnees (Carlos) and those not good enough for the first team (Silvester - he's not good for any team, actually).</p> <p>Guess what I'd booked myself into? A spinning class at the gym - 45 minutes of working up a painful sweat is the least we expect from the players (ideally 90 minutes, but that's expecting far too much of Silvester).<br> Fans really do not need to be working up a sweat during matches.</p> <p>Well, I'm a sucker for punishment - that's from supporting Arsenal.</p> <p>Fortunately I didn't miss much. Sanchez Watt(is his name again) and Mexican made sure we at least look like we're challenging for something this season. Even if it is the Cheap Lager Tinpot Trophy. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/09/22/22-09-2009-i-should-really-start-remembering-these-matches-7020989/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Possibly our only chance of silverware this season, and the campaign began with the usual mix of Kids (Jack & Sanchez), injury returnees (Carlos) and those not good enough for the first team (Silvester - he's not good for any team, actually).

Guess what I'd booked myself into? A spinning class at the gym - 45 minutes of working up a painful sweat is the least we expect from the players (ideally 90 minutes, but that's expecting far too much of Silvester).
Fans really do not need to be working up a sweat during matches.

Well, I'm a sucker for punishment - that's from supporting Arsenal.

Fortunately I didn't miss much. Sanchez Watt(is his name again) and Mexican made sure we at least look like we're challenging for something this season. Even if it is the Cheap Lager Tinpot Trophy.

]]>19/09/2009: 4-0, so that's all really!http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/09/19/19-09-2009-4-0-so-that-s-all-really-6997637/2009-09-19T18:43:45+02:00 <p>Well nothing wrong with our scoring, and fortunately our defence didn't need to worry today. </p> <p>No danger of Wigan fans out singing us either - 55,000+ Gooners against 50 Wigan fans. Even Gooners are noisier than that!</p> <p>On the pitch Wigan's game plan involved;<br> 1. Defend with 10 men.<br> 2. Kick any Arsenal player.<br> 3. Hope the ref doesn't book you.</p> <p>Arsenal's game plan;<br> 1. Robin Van Persie has to show off how good he is with fancy footwork, <em>instead of</em> shooting.<br> 2. Diaby has to play like a Vieira imposter, rather than Vieira.<br> 3. Clichy has to crumble every time a Wigan player runs at him.<br> 4. Central Defender has to score more goals than our strikers.<br> 5. Use up all three substitutes before some Wigan player knocks an injury into Cesc, forcing him to jog out the last few minutes before scoring at the end.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/09/19/19-09-2009-4-0-so-that-s-all-really-6997637/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Well nothing wrong with our scoring, and fortunately our defence didn't need to worry today.

No danger of Wigan fans out singing us either - 55,000+ Gooners against 50 Wigan fans. Even Gooners are noisier than that!

On the pitch Wigan's game plan involved;
1. Defend with 10 men.
2. Kick any Arsenal player.
3. Hope the ref doesn't book you.

Arsenal's game plan;
1. Robin Van Persie has to show off how good he is with fancy footwork, instead of shooting.
2. Diaby has to play like a Vieira imposter, rather than Vieira.
3. Clichy has to crumble every time a Wigan player runs at him.
4. Central Defender has to score more goals than our strikers.
5. Use up all three substitutes before some Wigan player knocks an injury into Cesc, forcing him to jog out the last few minutes before scoring at the end.

]]>16/09/2009: Making a stroll look like a trekhttp://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/09/16/16-09-2009-making-a-stroll-look-like-a-trek-6979567/2009-09-16T22:00:38+02:00 <p>It took two dodgy goals (like those against us at Old Trafford), and Arsenal making out Liege were Barcelona but we managed it in the end.</p> <p>After 5 minutes - I was wishing I could hide under my duvet until May.</p> <p>After 45 minutes - What's happened to the team that demolished Everton at Goodison on the first day of the season? Still one goal back is something to smile about.</p> <p>After 90 minutes - Where did those two goals come from? Firstly, Vermaelen is apparently offside and then Ed (fortunately playing) bounces the ball in. Well, take them as you get them!</p> <p>Giving us a bit of confidence after the horrible events in Manchester.</p> <p>And while we're on the subject of Manchester. Gooners at Eastlands - we gave Greedybayor exactly what he wanted. A negative reaction. Now he's happy we were wound up by his stupid actions. You <em>pleased</em> about that?! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/09/16/16-09-2009-making-a-stroll-look-like-a-trek-6979567/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>It took two dodgy goals (like those against us at Old Trafford), and Arsenal making out Liege were Barcelona but we managed it in the end.

After 5 minutes - I was wishing I could hide under my duvet until May.

After 45 minutes - What's happened to the team that demolished Everton at Goodison on the first day of the season? Still one goal back is something to smile about.

After 90 minutes - Where did those two goals come from? Firstly, Vermaelen is apparently offside and then Ed (fortunately playing) bounces the ball in. Well, take them as you get them!

Giving us a bit of confidence after the horrible events in Manchester.

And while we're on the subject of Manchester. Gooners at Eastlands - we gave Greedybayor exactly what he wanted. A negative reaction. Now he's happy we were wound up by his stupid actions. You pleased about that?!

]]>Jenni's Football Surveyhttp://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/09/13/jenni-s-football-survey-6956240/2009-09-13T18:52:36+02:00 <p>Pinched from her facebook notes.</p> <p><strong>1. What team do you support and why?</strong><br> Arsenal. Because who your parents support has a big influence over you. My parents used to live in Islington, and I live less than 20 minutes by train from Arsenal.</p> <p>|<strong>2. Any other teams you follow, and why?</strong><br> Barnet. Because I live 15 minutes walk from Underhill. (They are doing quite well at the moment)</p> <p><strong>3. Which team do you hate the most and why?</strong><br> Ooh...Let's make a list. Manchester United. Manchester City. Chelsea. Spurs. </p> <p><strong>4. Which other teams do you dislike and why?</strong><br> Real Madrid (for fascism and arrogance)<br> Lazio (see reasons for disliking Madrid)<br> Beiter Jerusalem (for being racist pillocks)<br> Leeds United (for winding up the locals in Istanbul, and then acting all innocent when the locals reacted)<br> Millwall (for being thugs. Although I did want them to beat Man United in the FA Cup final a few years back - but those were exceptional circumstances)</p> <p><strong>5. Favourite all time player</strong><br> Dennis Bergkamp. And Thierry Henry.</p> <p><strong>6. Favourite current player for your club</strong><br> Cesc Fabregas, and Andrey Arshavin.</p> <p><strong>7. Favourite current player not at your club</strong><br> I've long admired Samuel Eto'o. But also still respect Thierry Henry.</p> <p><strong>8. If your club had to sell one player, who would you sacrifice?</strong><br> Sylvestre. Didn't Arsene realise that if Sour Alex is <em>selling</em> you a player, there must be something wrong!?</p> <p><strong>9. Current favourite goalkeeper</strong><br> Crazy Jens Lehmann</p> <p><strong>10. Current favourite defender</strong><br> Kieron Gibbs. A star in the making.</p> <p><strong>11. Current favourite midfielder</strong><br> Cesc Fabregas </p> <p><strong>12. Current favourite forward</strong><br> Andrey Arshavin</p> <p><strong>13. Current favourite manager</strong><br> Arsene Wenger (despite all his dodgy decisions and strange eyesight)</p> <p>I'm not biased towards Arsenal, honest! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><strong>Who do you prefer…</strong></p> <p><strong>14. Arsenal or Spurs</strong><br> Silly question. Arsenal.</p> <p><strong>15. Liverpool or Everton</strong><br> Neither. I know people who support both.</p> <p><strong>16. Man U or Man City</strong><br> Neither. I despise them both.</p> <p><strong>17. Real Madrid or Barcelona</strong><br> Barcelona</p> <p><strong>18. Milan or Inter</strong><br> I can't decide.</p> <p><strong>19. Celtic or Rangers</strong><br> Two little, sectarian Scottish teams! </p> <p><strong>20. Rhyl or Bangor</strong><br> Two tiny Welsh teams.</p> <p><strong>21. Linfield or Glentoran</strong><br> Two Northern Irish teams. Which one is nearer to Portlaoise.</p> <p><strong>22. Dinamo Zagreb or Hajduk Split</strong><br> Dinamo <del>(so Jenni doesn't kill me)</del>. </p> <p><strong>23. Legia Warsaw or Wisla Krakow</strong><br> Hmm. Polish teams. Don't know much about them. Now, if there was a question about Moscow clubs I would say Spartak, because they weren't affiliated to any part of the Soviet state. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><strong>24. Describe yourself as a supporter, in ten words or less.</strong><br> Patient. Appreciates the great manager. Likes reading about football culture. </p> <p><strong>25. Favourite national side and, if it’s not your country, why?</strong><br> None. I can't stand international breaks because an Arsenal player always comes back injured.</p> <p><strong>26. Who will win the 2010 World Cup?</strong><br> England or Spain, going by their recent form.<br> Brazil possibly - because I don't want to rule a quality side out.</p> <p><strong>27. If you could watch any football game in the world, what would it be?</strong><br> Barcelona vs. Real Madrid in the Camp Nou. Ideally with the Cules.</p> <p><strong>28. List some of the other fixtures you’re interested in.</strong><br> Is this a marketing meme? Any Turkish match. Any match in South Africa, or any where in Africa.</p> <p><strong>29. Favourite… Championship team</strong><br> Reading. Inoffensive.</p> <p><strong>30. …League One team</strong><br> Southend. Because my Auntie supports them.</p> <p><strong>31. …League Two team</strong><br> Barnet. (See earlier answer)</p> <p><strong>32. …Non-league team</strong><br> AFC Wimbledon. </p> <p><strong>33. Which is your nearest club, of any size?</strong><br> Barnet. Small club. Too small stadium. And very small minded council who won't help them!</p> <p><strong>34. Favourite… French team</strong><br> Isn't this like asking for a favourite Scottish team?</p> <p><strong>35. …German team</strong><br> Any German team that isn't Bayern Munich.</p> <p><strong>36. …Italian team</strong><br> Whoever Lazio are playing.</p> <p><strong>37. …Spanish team</strong><br> Barcelona (for having a relaxed attitude to who can be a Catalan, and for fighting Franco).</p> <p><strong>38. …Polish team</strong><br> Can I change this question to favourite Moscow team? Okay. Spartak.</p> <p><strong>39. …Croatian team</strong><br> Dinamo. I read a story about them recently - Dinamo's "Bad Blue Boys" fought in the war against Serbia.</p> <p><strong>40. …Dutch team</strong><br> The former team of Dennis and Cruyff - Ajax.</p> <p><strong>41. …MLS team</strong><br> Colorado Rapids. (Hi Adrienne!)</p> <p><strong>42. Any other teams you like from unpredictable countries or just those I haven’t mentioned yet?</strong><br> Spartak Moscow (Russia) - I've mentioned them already.</p> <p><strong>43. Best match you’ve ever been to or watched on TV and why?</strong><br> The 2003 FA Cup Final. The roof was closed and Arsenal won.</p> <p><strong>44. Worst match you’ve ever been to or watched on TV and why?</strong><br> Charlton Athletic at home. That's all I need to say.</p> <p><strong>45. How many games do you go to per season?</strong><br> Don't count. Not all of them, though.</p> <p><strong>46. Would you go to more games if you afford to?</strong><br> Yes. This sounds like a football supporting questionnaire!</p> <p><strong>47. How do you think the atmosphere could be improved at football games (especially if you follow the Premiership)?</strong><br> Vuvuzelas and earplugs. </p> <p><strong>48. Do you envy any other club’s supporters, and if so why?</strong><br> Probably the Spanish (and Catalan) supporters for being able to choose who runs their club, and not put up with Mr Oily MoneyBags taking over.</p> <p><strong>49. Have you ever joined in a football related protest?</strong><br> I did sign a petition to stop that Watford player being deported.</p> <p><strong>50. If you had a time machine, what football related thing would you do?</strong><br> Go to the future to find out how much damage Chelski's, Manc MoneyBags and Jabba the Usmanov have done to football. Then come back and try to stop it happening.</p> <p><strong>51. Do you play?</strong><br> Not seriously.</p> <p><strong>52. What position do you play/did you play at school?</strong><br> Goalkeeper, because it doesn't involve running.</p> <p><strong>53. How good are you?</strong><br> Okay. Considering I'm shorter than Arshavin!</p> <p><strong>54. Who was your childhood idol?</strong><br> Football related? Probably Dennis Bergkamp.</p> <p><strong>55. As a player, what are your strengths and weaknesses?</strong><br> No strengths, plenty of weaknesses. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><strong>56. What problems does the team you support have (i.e. money, administration, board issues)?</strong><br> Arsenal. Unable to shift hundreds of flats in the old Highbury. So probably no money.<br> Barnet. The council.</p> <p><strong>57. What problems do your club’s supporters have (i.e. racism, apathy)?</strong><br> Short memories, because they all complain about not winning a trophy for a few years.<br> Unable to think of songs to get us through the whole match.</p> <p><strong>58. Everyone answer this question, even the straight boys, for a laugh… if you had to date one player from your club, who would it be?</strong><br> Cesc Fabregas. </p> <p><strong>59. Same question, but with a player from another club?</strong><br> Can't see that happening.</p> <p><strong>60. Ever had a serious crush on a footballer?</strong><br> No.</p> <p><strong>61. Which club side has the most attractive players?</strong><br> Arsenal. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><strong>62. Which national side has the most attractive players?</strong><br> Portugal</p> <p><strong>63. What do you think of your team’s current kit?</strong><br> What was wrong with keeping the yellow away kit from last season?!</p> <p><strong>64. Do you buy the kits? If so, how often, and how many do you own?</strong><br> People buy them for me, usually. Four (Fake and real)</p> <p><strong>65. What’s the most random kit you own?</strong><br> I don't own any that aren't Arsenal.</p> <p><strong>66. What do you think of your club’s current sponsors?</strong><br> Not sure. Never had reason to fly with them.</p> <p><strong>67. Funniest thing you’ve ever seen at a football match?</strong><br> The Highbury Squirrel.</p> <p><strong>68. What would convince you to streak at a football match?</strong><br> The reassurance that I won't be banned from football stadia.</p> <p><strong>69. Who will win… the FA Cup this season?</strong><br> Arsenal. (All we need is luck, and for Man United, Manc MoneyBags, Spurs and Chelski to be dumped out in the third round by League 2 opposition)</p> <p><strong>70. …the League Cup?</strong><br> Arsenal. Give the Kids something to smile about.</p> <p><strong>71. …the Premiership?</strong><br> Liverpool</p> <p><strong>72. …the Champions League?</strong><br> Arsenal. Cup treble coming our way. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> (I'll wake up when I've finished this beautiful footballing dream)</p> <p><strong>73. …the Europa League?</strong><br> Fulham.</p> <p><strong>74. What would you really, really like to happen in football this year, even though you know it won’t?</strong><br> Arsenal to win the Premier League, and Barnet to be promoted to League 1.</p> <p><strong>75. First match you went to:</strong><br> The north bank. 1993. Early on in the season. Can't remember who we were playing (might have being Villa). </p> <p><strong>76. Last match you went to:</strong><br> Arsenal 4 - Pompey 1</p> <p><strong>77. Favourite stadium visited:</strong><br> Highbury. Both of them, but especially the new one. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/09/13/jenni-s-football-survey-6956240/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Pinched from her facebook notes.

1. What team do you support and why?
Arsenal. Because who your parents support has a big influence over you. My parents used to live in Islington, and I live less than 20 minutes by train from Arsenal.

|2. Any other teams you follow, and why?
Barnet. Because I live 15 minutes walk from Underhill. (They are doing quite well at the moment)

3. Which team do you hate the most and why?
Ooh...Let's make a list. Manchester United. Manchester City. Chelsea. Spurs.

4. Which other teams do you dislike and why?
Real Madrid (for fascism and arrogance)
Lazio (see reasons for disliking Madrid)
Beiter Jerusalem (for being racist pillocks)
Leeds United (for winding up the locals in Istanbul, and then acting all innocent when the locals reacted)
Millwall (for being thugs. Although I did want them to beat Man United in the FA Cup final a few years back - but those were exceptional circumstances)

5. Favourite all time player
Dennis Bergkamp. And Thierry Henry.

6. Favourite current player for your club
Cesc Fabregas, and Andrey Arshavin.

7. Favourite current player not at your club
I've long admired Samuel Eto'o. But also still respect Thierry Henry.

8. If your club had to sell one player, who would you sacrifice?
Sylvestre. Didn't Arsene realise that if Sour Alex is selling you a player, there must be something wrong!?

9. Current favourite goalkeeper
Crazy Jens Lehmann

10. Current favourite defender
Kieron Gibbs. A star in the making.

11. Current favourite midfielder
Cesc Fabregas

12. Current favourite forward
Andrey Arshavin

13. Current favourite manager
Arsene Wenger (despite all his dodgy decisions and strange eyesight)

I'm not biased towards Arsenal, honest!

Who do you prefer…

14. Arsenal or Spurs
Silly question. Arsenal.

15. Liverpool or Everton
Neither. I know people who support both.

16. Man U or Man City
Neither. I despise them both.

17. Real Madrid or Barcelona
Barcelona

18. Milan or Inter
I can't decide.

19. Celtic or Rangers
Two little, sectarian Scottish teams!

20. Rhyl or Bangor
Two tiny Welsh teams.

21. Linfield or Glentoran
Two Northern Irish teams. Which one is nearer to Portlaoise.

22. Dinamo Zagreb or Hajduk Split
Dinamo ~~(so Jenni doesn't kill me)~~.

23. Legia Warsaw or Wisla Krakow
Hmm. Polish teams. Don't know much about them. Now, if there was a question about Moscow clubs I would say Spartak, because they weren't affiliated to any part of the Soviet state.

24. Describe yourself as a supporter, in ten words or less.
Patient. Appreciates the great manager. Likes reading about football culture.

25. Favourite national side and, if it’s not your country, why?
None. I can't stand international breaks because an Arsenal player always comes back injured.

26. Who will win the 2010 World Cup?
England or Spain, going by their recent form.
Brazil possibly - because I don't want to rule a quality side out.

27. If you could watch any football game in the world, what would it be?
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid in the Camp Nou. Ideally with the Cules.

28. List some of the other fixtures you’re interested in.
Is this a marketing meme? Any Turkish match. Any match in South Africa, or any where in Africa.

29. Favourite… Championship team
Reading. Inoffensive.

30. …League One team
Southend. Because my Auntie supports them.

31. …League Two team
Barnet. (See earlier answer)

32. …Non-league team
AFC Wimbledon.

33. Which is your nearest club, of any size?
Barnet. Small club. Too small stadium. And very small minded council who won't help them!

34. Favourite… French team
Isn't this like asking for a favourite Scottish team?

35. …German team
Any German team that isn't Bayern Munich.

36. …Italian team
Whoever Lazio are playing.

37. …Spanish team
Barcelona (for having a relaxed attitude to who can be a Catalan, and for fighting Franco).

38. …Polish team
Can I change this question to favourite Moscow team? Okay. Spartak.

39. …Croatian team
Dinamo. I read a story about them recently - Dinamo's "Bad Blue Boys" fought in the war against Serbia.

40. …Dutch team
The former team of Dennis and Cruyff - Ajax.

41. …MLS team
Colorado Rapids. (Hi Adrienne!)

42. Any other teams you like from unpredictable countries or just those I haven’t mentioned yet?
Spartak Moscow (Russia) - I've mentioned them already.

43. Best match you’ve ever been to or watched on TV and why?
The 2003 FA Cup Final. The roof was closed and Arsenal won.

44. Worst match you’ve ever been to or watched on TV and why?
Charlton Athletic at home. That's all I need to say.

45. How many games do you go to per season?
Don't count. Not all of them, though.

46. Would you go to more games if you afford to?
Yes. This sounds like a football supporting questionnaire!

47. How do you think the atmosphere could be improved at football games (especially if you follow the Premiership)?
Vuvuzelas and earplugs.

48. Do you envy any other club’s supporters, and if so why?
Probably the Spanish (and Catalan) supporters for being able to choose who runs their club, and not put up with Mr Oily MoneyBags taking over.

49. Have you ever joined in a football related protest?
I did sign a petition to stop that Watford player being deported.

50. If you had a time machine, what football related thing would you do?
Go to the future to find out how much damage Chelski's, Manc MoneyBags and Jabba the Usmanov have done to football. Then come back and try to stop it happening.

51. Do you play?
Not seriously.

52. What position do you play/did you play at school?
Goalkeeper, because it doesn't involve running.

53. How good are you?
Okay. Considering I'm shorter than Arshavin!

54. Who was your childhood idol?
Football related? Probably Dennis Bergkamp.

55. As a player, what are your strengths and weaknesses?
No strengths, plenty of weaknesses.

56. What problems does the team you support have (i.e. money, administration, board issues)?
Arsenal. Unable to shift hundreds of flats in the old Highbury. So probably no money.
Barnet. The council.

57. What problems do your club’s supporters have (i.e. racism, apathy)?
Short memories, because they all complain about not winning a trophy for a few years.
Unable to think of songs to get us through the whole match.

58. Everyone answer this question, even the straight boys, for a laugh… if you had to date one player from your club, who would it be?
Cesc Fabregas.

59. Same question, but with a player from another club?
Can't see that happening.

60. Ever had a serious crush on a footballer?
No.

61. Which club side has the most attractive players?
Arsenal.

62. Which national side has the most attractive players?
Portugal

63. What do you think of your team’s current kit?
What was wrong with keeping the yellow away kit from last season?!

64. Do you buy the kits? If so, how often, and how many do you own?
People buy them for me, usually. Four (Fake and real)

65. What’s the most random kit you own?
I don't own any that aren't Arsenal.

66. What do you think of your club’s current sponsors?
Not sure. Never had reason to fly with them.

67. Funniest thing you’ve ever seen at a football match?
The Highbury Squirrel.

68. What would convince you to streak at a football match?
The reassurance that I won't be banned from football stadia.

69. Who will win… the FA Cup this season?
Arsenal. (All we need is luck, and for Man United, Manc MoneyBags, Spurs and Chelski to be dumped out in the third round by League 2 opposition)

70. …the League Cup?
Arsenal. Give the Kids something to smile about.

71. …the Premiership?
Liverpool

72. …the Champions League?
Arsenal. Cup treble coming our way. (I'll wake up when I've finished this beautiful footballing dream)

73. …the Europa League?
Fulham.

74. What would you really, really like to happen in football this year, even though you know it won’t?
Arsenal to win the Premier League, and Barnet to be promoted to League 1.

75. First match you went to:
The north bank. 1993. Early on in the season. Can't remember who we were playing (might have being Villa).

76. Last match you went to:
Arsenal 4 - Pompey 1

77. Favourite stadium visited:
Highbury. Both of them, but especially the new one.

]]>12/09/2009: Greedy Git Starts Mini Riot in Manchester!http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/09/13/12-09-2009-greedy-git-starts-mini-riot-in-manchester-6951102/2009-09-13T00:01:39+02:00 <p>Adebayor. Once had his name sung from the stands at Highbury. Now seems determined to win the Anelka/Cole Award for most despised Ex-Arsenal player.</p> <p>1. After a particularly reckless challenge from Van Persie he retaliates by stamping on Robin's hand and grazing his head. Alan "I stamped on Neil Lennon" Shearer seemed to think it was deliberate, and he should know. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>2. He scores. Runs the entire length of the field to celebrate in front of the Arsenal fans. Classy. Well done, you caused a full scale riot! If you'd have run like that in the Champions League semi final last season, you might just be playing for a bigger club (ie, Barcelona) now. Referee Battenburg was very sensible and gave him a yellow card.</p> <p>Anyway...</p> <p>1. Can our back four and goalkeeper write out on the blackboard 100 times - "I will not defend like that." And don't rely on Bart Simpson to do it, either.</p> <p>2. Anyone who isn't Cesc, Van Persie or Rosicky learn to tackle.</p> <p>3. Robin. Quit showing off, and start scoring a bit more. You're a striker, your job is to score. Save the clever trickery for when we are 5-0 up.</p> <p>After two bad results in Manchester, I may be paying a visit there with a box of matches. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/09/13/12-09-2009-greedy-git-starts-mini-riot-in-manchester-6951102/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Adebayor. Once had his name sung from the stands at Highbury. Now seems determined to win the Anelka/Cole Award for most despised Ex-Arsenal player.

1. After a particularly reckless challenge from Van Persie he retaliates by stamping on Robin's hand and grazing his head. Alan "I stamped on Neil Lennon" Shearer seemed to think it was deliberate, and he should know.

2. He scores. Runs the entire length of the field to celebrate in front of the Arsenal fans. Classy. Well done, you caused a full scale riot! If you'd have run like that in the Champions League semi final last season, you might just be playing for a bigger club (ie, Barcelona) now. Referee Battenburg was very sensible and gave him a yellow card.

Anyway...

1. Can our back four and goalkeeper write out on the blackboard 100 times - "I will not defend like that." And don't rely on Bart Simpson to do it, either.

2. Anyone who isn't Cesc, Van Persie or Rosicky learn to tackle.

3. Robin. Quit showing off, and start scoring a bit more. You're a striker, your job is to score. Save the clever trickery for when we are 5-0 up.

After two bad results in Manchester, I may be paying a visit there with a box of matches.

]]>29/08/2009: I think I might be paranoid!http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/08/29/29-08-2009-i-think-i-might-be-paranoid-6850578/2009-08-29T23:04:16+02:00 <p>Firstly, it took TKK 30 minutes to gloat after this one. Hope he's happy now! </p> <p>Secondly, Moan United wouldn't have won if we hadn't of handed them the second goal. (nice work, Almunia. Not.)</p> <p>Thirdly, Ed dived and deserved the UEFA charge for diving on Wednesday. So why no charge for Wayne Shrek for his <a href="http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/4720/rooneypenalty.jpg">tumble in the box</a>. His foot had already decided to go down before Almunia made contact. Oh, right, one rule for United, and one rule for everyone else!</p> <p>Excuse me while I go and swear!</p> <p>F#^&&((*(&^%$$%$$&%*&*^%%$</p> <p>And another thing. Spurs fans - enjoy the good stuff while it lasts, because you'll run out of steam like Villa soon. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_twisted.gif" alt=":>" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/08/29/29-08-2009-i-think-i-might-be-paranoid-6850578/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Firstly, it took TKK 30 minutes to gloat after this one. Hope he's happy now!

Secondly, Moan United wouldn't have won if we hadn't of handed them the second goal. (nice work, Almunia. Not.)

Thirdly, Ed dived and deserved the UEFA charge for diving on Wednesday. So why no charge for Wayne Shrek for his tumble in the box. His foot had already decided to go down before Almunia made contact. Oh, right, one rule for United, and one rule for everyone else!

Excuse me while I go and swear!

F#^&&((*(&^%$$%$$&%*&*^%%$

And another thing. Spurs fans - enjoy the good stuff while it lasts, because you'll run out of steam like Villa soon.

]]>26/08/2009: Little Scottish Club to play in little UEFA Cuphttp://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/08/26/26-08-2009-little-scottish-club-to-play-in-little-uefa-cup-6829638/2009-08-26T22:12:16+02:00 <p>It took a little favour from Lady Luck (about time she did something for us!) and some beautiful football, but we sent the little Scottish club to play fellow small clubs from around Europe.</p> <p>1-0. Okay, Eduardo dived or fell over too easily. Either way, it was still the cheapest penalty you'll see given. Unless you're going to go on about Cheatiano Ronaldo's frequent dives, then there's no need to make the topic of Ed's dive last the whole match. <del>ITV Manc-loving bastards</del></p> <p>2-0. Good goal Eboue. From the man who many people booed last season.</p> <p>3-0. Three minutes on the pitch, and a midget Russian called Andrey pops up to score a Bergkamp-type goal.</p> <p>3-1. Couldn't let little Scottish club go back to Glasgow with nothing, could we. It was late enough to not be too costly, anyway. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/08/26/26-08-2009-little-scottish-club-to-play-in-little-uefa-cup-6829638/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>It took a little favour from Lady Luck (about time she did something for us!) and some beautiful football, but we sent the little Scottish club to play fellow small clubs from around Europe.

1-0. Okay, Eduardo dived or fell over too easily. Either way, it was still the cheapest penalty you'll see given. Unless you're going to go on about Cheatiano Ronaldo's frequent dives, then there's no need to make the topic of Ed's dive last the whole match. ~~ITV Manc-loving bastards~~

2-0. Good goal Eboue. From the man who many people booed last season.

3-0. Three minutes on the pitch, and a midget Russian called Andrey pops up to score a Bergkamp-type goal.

3-1. Couldn't let little Scottish club go back to Glasgow with nothing, could we. It was late enough to not be too costly, anyway.

]]>22/08/2009: Boring Arsenal. Not.http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/08/22/22-08-2009-boring-arsenal-not-6797097/2009-08-22T23:13:21+02:00 <p>Thank you, Red Action for the scarves on the seats. They looked fantastic at the start at the match, and on MOTD. Makes it looks like we've got more atmosphere than Wigan or Bolton (okay, bad examples).</p> <p>Pompey didn't really play up, except for their rather dubious, was-it-a-foul goal. He was in the way of Mad Manuel, so possibly.</p> <p>Other than that, they left enough holes for Diaby (of all people) to run into. And Diaby being the known goal poacher that he is....<img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Billy Gallas made sure he's our current topscorer for this season, and the little Welsh Wizard Ramsey made sure we won without actually doing too much. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/08/22/22-08-2009-boring-arsenal-not-6797097/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Thank you, Red Action for the scarves on the seats. They looked fantastic at the start at the match, and on MOTD. Makes it looks like we've got more atmosphere than Wigan or Bolton (okay, bad examples).

Pompey didn't really play up, except for their rather dubious, was-it-a-foul goal. He was in the way of Mad Manuel, so possibly.

Other than that, they left enough holes for Diaby (of all people) to run into. And Diaby being the known goal poacher that he is....

Billy Gallas made sure he's our current topscorer for this season, and the little Welsh Wizard Ramsey made sure we won without actually doing too much.

]]>18/08/2009: A Football Fans Favourite Birthday Presenthttp://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/08/18/18-08-2009-a-football-fans-favourite-birthday-present-6755022/2009-08-18T22:36:01+02:00 <p>Apart from the money (which went to a few independent bookshops) and the birthday drinks, the best birthday present a football fan can receive is a 2-0 win away from home in a Champions League qualifier.</p> <p>Two away goals - one from the backside of Gallas, and the other from a Celtic defender. If that's lucky, I'll take it. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Back to Highbury then. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/08/18/18-08-2009-a-football-fans-favourite-birthday-present-6755022/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Apart from the money (which went to a few independent bookshops) and the birthday drinks, the best birthday present a football fan can receive is a 2-0 win away from home in a Champions League qualifier.

Two away goals - one from the backside of Gallas, and the other from a Celtic defender. If that's lucky, I'll take it. :>>

Back to Highbury then.

]]>15/08/2009: Back with a Barbecuehttp://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/08/16/15-08-2009-back-with-a-barbecue-6737600/2009-08-16T17:06:07+02:00 <p>How appropriate that the weather was roasting, and the chicken legs were charcoaled, because that's what happened to Everton.</p> <p>Start as you mean to go on? Maybe, but this is Arsenal and we could easily screw it up again. Better start to the season than last - six fine goals instead of one scored early and mess about for 90 minutes (be thankful that was only West Brom).</p> <p>Anyway, due to the barbecue and Dad's current refusal to pay for any proper channels (and Sky's refusal to contact us) I had to make do with listening on the radio with a few other fellow Gooners and a seven year old Sunderland fan. </p> <p>Listening to football on the radio is tedious, especially when a goal is scored. Fortunately, due to be six up before the toffees troubled the scoreboard it wasn't the anxious occasion it normally is.</p> <p>Top of the league. We'll enjoy this while it lasts! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/08/16/15-08-2009-back-with-a-barbecue-6737600/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>How appropriate that the weather was roasting, and the chicken legs were charcoaled, because that's what happened to Everton.

Start as you mean to go on? Maybe, but this is Arsenal and we could easily screw it up again. Better start to the season than last - six fine goals instead of one scored early and mess about for 90 minutes (be thankful that was only West Brom).

Anyway, due to the barbecue and Dad's current refusal to pay for any proper channels (and Sky's refusal to contact us) I had to make do with listening on the radio with a few other fellow Gooners and a seven year old Sunderland fan.

Listening to football on the radio is tedious, especially when a goal is scored. Fortunately, due to be six up before the toffees troubled the scoreboard it wasn't the anxious occasion it normally is.

Top of the league. We'll enjoy this while it lasts!

]]>Ade on his way to a large paychequehttp://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/07/15/ade-on-his-way-to-a-large-paycheque-6520812/2009-07-15T18:16:19+02:00 <p>Looks Adebayor is joining Carlos Troll by moving from a club with European prospects, <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/8149488.stm">to one with zero</a>. Clearly not going for the football, then!</p> <p>In the words of Gooner blogger <a href="http://eastlower.co.uk/?p=880">East Lower</a> (and quoted by <a href="http://www.oleole.com/blogs/arseblog">The Arseblogger</a>), </p> <blockquote><p>To ‘reward’ Adebayor for scoring 30 goals, Arsenal doubled his salary last summer.</p> <p>And now, to ‘reward’ him for being 50% as prolific, City intend to double it again.</p> <p>Half as good – twice as well rewarded. </p></blockquote> <p>Basically, a-couldn't-be-arsed and would-rather-be-elsewhere attitude, summed up in the Champions League Semi Final Second Leg. Now, having decided he wants to be elsewhere, chooses <em>not</em> Barcelona, a Milan club or A N Other good team - he goes to Mid-table Moneybags City. I always thought a quality football player would want to play at the highest level (meaning Champs League or UEFA Cup), but I'm just silly and naive!</p> <p>Still, 25 million to play with. What do we spend it on?<br> 1. Decent central midfield partner for Cesc?<br> 2. Arshavin's tax bill?<br> 3. GCSE text books for our youth team?<br> 4. Decent goalkeeper?<br> 5. 60,000 vuvuzelas (and earplugs) to improve the atmosphere at Highbury? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/07/15/ade-on-his-way-to-a-large-paycheque-6520812/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Looks Adebayor is joining Carlos Troll by moving from a club with European prospects, to one with zero. Clearly not going for the football, then!

In the words of Gooner blogger East Lower (and quoted by The Arseblogger),

To ‘reward’ Adebayor for scoring 30 goals, Arsenal doubled his salary last summer.

And now, to ‘reward’ him for being 50% as prolific, City intend to double it again.

Half as good – twice as well rewarded.

Basically, a-couldn't-be-arsed and would-rather-be-elsewhere attitude, summed up in the Champions League Semi Final Second Leg. Now, having decided he wants to be elsewhere, chooses not Barcelona, a Milan club or A N Other good team - he goes to Mid-table Moneybags City. I always thought a quality football player would want to play at the highest level (meaning Champs League or UEFA Cup), but I'm just silly and naive!

Still, 25 million to play with. What do we spend it on?
1. Decent central midfield partner for Cesc?
2. Arshavin's tax bill?
3. GCSE text books for our youth team?
4. Decent goalkeeper?
5. 60,000 vuvuzelas (and earplugs) to improve the atmosphere at Highbury?

]]>24/05/2009: School's Out For Summer!http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/05/24/24-05-2009-school-s-out-for-summer-6171073/2009-05-24T23:26:39+02:00 <p>Remember when you were at school, and the last day of term was always the one on which the least would be done? Well, that's precisely how today's match felt like - score four goals without trying, and Stoke just showing up to doss around with those little paper pellets.</p> <p>And that basically describes the match. Now, let's all laugh at Alan*bloody*Shearer and Newcastle. Ha! You're just a small club in the North East! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_twisted.gif" alt=":>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>So here's a song to round off the season with.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/05/24/24-05-2009-school-s-out-for-summer-6171073/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Remember when you were at school, and the last day of term was always the one on which the least would be done? Well, that's precisely how today's match felt like - score four goals without trying, and Stoke just showing up to doss around with those little paper pellets.

And that basically describes the match. Now, let's all laugh at Alan*bloody*Shearer and Newcastle. Ha! You're just a small club in the North East!

So here's a song to round off the season with.

]]>16/05/2009: It doesn't matter nowhttp://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/05/17/16-05-2009-it-doesn-t-matter-now-6131508/2009-05-17T20:42:48+02:00 <p>Don't know why I'm writing about this - our season is over, we couldn't stop Manure and I didn't manage to catch the highlights on Match of the Day.</p> <p>Did consider looking for a rock to climb under to avoid listening to the pain and agony. Common sense got the better of me, and I listened during lunch. (Before going to church for our new vicar's licensing - yes, I did take a radio with me)</p> <p>Not that any of it matters this season. Hopefully next season, Van Persie will have either sharpened up or buggered off, we'd have found a decent central midfield partner for Cesc and Theo will have perfected the art of scoring as well as burning up grass with his speed.</p> <p>Oh, there's one more game isn't there!? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/05/17/16-05-2009-it-doesn-t-matter-now-6131508/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Don't know why I'm writing about this - our season is over, we couldn't stop Manure and I didn't manage to catch the highlights on Match of the Day.

Did consider looking for a rock to climb under to avoid listening to the pain and agony. Common sense got the better of me, and I listened during lunch. (Before going to church for our new vicar's licensing - yes, I did take a radio with me)

Not that any of it matters this season. Hopefully next season, Van Persie will have either sharpened up or buggered off, we'd have found a decent central midfield partner for Cesc and Theo will have perfected the art of scoring as well as burning up grass with his speed.

Oh, there's one more game isn't there!?

]]>05/05/2009: Listening to Manc Gloatinghttp://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/05/06/05-05-2009-listening-to-manc-gloating-6069503/2009-05-06T15:40:20+02:00 <p>I didn't blog yesterday evening because I had a headache, which was made worse by the realisation that we probably aren't good enough to win a trophy for the foreseeable future. The Prawn Sandwich Fans may complain about no silverware for 4 years, but if they want trophies they can go with all the glory hunters to Chavski or Manure - the Arsenal team will be better off without them.</p> <p>So, the team performance.<br> <strong>Almunia:</strong> Decent. Made a few good saves, but isn't as good a keeper as Seaman or Lehmann.<br> <strong>The Defence:</strong> While Gibbs didn't embarrass himself, and I was grateful Djourou started instead of Donkey, I think we may have needed a Gallas or Clichy (preferably both) just for the experience.<br> <strong>The Midfield:</strong> Played out of the game by the Manure midfield.<br> <strong>Van Persie:</strong> Did bugger all apart from dive, try to start a fight and score the (possibly dubious) penalty.<br> <strong>Adebayor:</strong> Did marginally more than Van Persie's bugger all. Seems to think he's Henry, when he's not half as good.</p> <p>Right then. That's out of my system - time to get back to hoping these kids and this team develops together, and will one day in about ten years challenge for titles. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/05/06/05-05-2009-listening-to-manc-gloating-6069503/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>I didn't blog yesterday evening because I had a headache, which was made worse by the realisation that we probably aren't good enough to win a trophy for the foreseeable future. The Prawn Sandwich Fans may complain about no silverware for 4 years, but if they want trophies they can go with all the glory hunters to Chavski or Manure - the Arsenal team will be better off without them.

So, the team performance.
Almunia: Decent. Made a few good saves, but isn't as good a keeper as Seaman or Lehmann.
The Defence: While Gibbs didn't embarrass himself, and I was grateful Djourou started instead of Donkey, I think we may have needed a Gallas or Clichy (preferably both) just for the experience.
The Midfield: Played out of the game by the Manure midfield.
Van Persie: Did bugger all apart from dive, try to start a fight and score the (possibly dubious) penalty.
Adebayor: Did marginally more than Van Persie's bugger all. Seems to think he's Henry, when he's not half as good.

Right then. That's out of my system - time to get back to hoping these kids and this team develops together, and will one day in about ten years challenge for titles.

]]>02/05/2009: You can win things with kidshttp://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/05/02/02-05-2009-you-can-win-things-with-kids-6048017/2009-05-02T23:10:26+02:00 <p>Oldest player on the pitch, at the age of 27? Arshy. And also the only suitable stand in captain, with Cesc and Kolo rested.</p> <p>Nicky got two unremarkable goals, which I'm sure he'd take willing at the moment. The first one rolled over David James' gloves, and the second was a penalty that should have been a corner. (Good on you Arshy for pointing that out)</p> <p>The Mexican scored a good third goal, and that was it really. Pompey challenged but displayed the finishing ability of Robin and Ade at their most frustrating.</p> <p>On to Tuesday evening. A 3-0 at home then will make me very happy. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/05/02/02-05-2009-you-can-win-things-with-kids-6048017/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Oldest player on the pitch, at the age of 27? Arshy. And also the only suitable stand in captain, with Cesc and Kolo rested.

Nicky got two unremarkable goals, which I'm sure he'd take willing at the moment. The first one rolled over David James' gloves, and the second was a penalty that should have been a corner. (Good on you Arshy for pointing that out)

The Mexican scored a good third goal, and that was it really. Pompey challenged but displayed the finishing ability of Robin and Ade at their most frustrating.

On to Tuesday evening. A 3-0 at home then will make me very happy.

]]>29/04/2009: It ain't over yet!http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/04/29/29-04-2009-it-ain-t-over-yet-6032040/2009-04-29T21:53:51+02:00 <p>Boy are we lucky to be only 1-0 down at the half way stage of this tie. With Ade playing like the living dead (possibly because of injury), Walcott not particularly in this game, and Mikael Donkey in defence - not to mention Manure's dominance in the first half - we could have been putting out silverware challenge on hold for another year.</p> <p>But we are somehow still in this match. Despite the abysmal marking for Manure's goal, every subsequent corner was dealt with brilliantly. Later on we were the better team and Nicky should really have equalised! He needs to start banging those in. </p> <p>Still, this result gives us some hope. At least we know we've got to score! </p> <p>PS. How long before Time Killing Kid leaves a gloating comment?! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/04/29/29-04-2009-it-ain-t-over-yet-6032040/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Boy are we lucky to be only 1-0 down at the half way stage of this tie. With Ade playing like the living dead (possibly because of injury), Walcott not particularly in this game, and Mikael Donkey in defence - not to mention Manure's dominance in the first half - we could have been putting out silverware challenge on hold for another year.

But we are somehow still in this match. Despite the abysmal marking for Manure's goal, every subsequent corner was dealt with brilliantly. Later on we were the better team and Nicky should really have equalised! He needs to start banging those in.

Still, this result gives us some hope. At least we know we've got to score!

PS. How long before Time Killing Kid leaves a gloating comment?!

]]>26/04/2009: Watching Boro make their way downhttp://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/04/26/26-04-2009-watching-boro-make-their-way-down-6013490/2009-04-26T23:01:17+02:00 <p>I see now why Boro are sponsored by Garmin: they need a sat-nav to find where the goal is! <img src="/img/smilies/graylaugh.gif" alt=":))" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>Their defence need one to find where the nearest attacking player is.</p> <p>But I don't want to talk about Boro, even if the win was so easy for Arsenal that the players barely needed to exert any effort.</p> <p>And it was only 2-0.</p> <p>First goal - yes Nicky was offside, but lets not ignore that it displayed excellent teamwork to get to Captain Fabtastic.</p> <p>Second goal - after Boro demonstrated defending that would make the Keystone Cops look competent, their goalie - faced with Cesc on the ball - comes out of his area by a mile allowing Cesc to walk round him and score.</p> <p>The verdict? We're certain to be in the Champions League next season, whilst Boro head towards Championship venues! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/04/26/26-04-2009-watching-boro-make-their-way-down-6013490/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>I see now why Boro are sponsored by Garmin: they need a sat-nav to find where the goal is! :))

:))

Their defence need one to find where the nearest attacking player is.

But I don't want to talk about Boro, even if the win was so easy for Arsenal that the players barely needed to exert any effort.

And it was only 2-0.

First goal - yes Nicky was offside, but lets not ignore that it displayed excellent teamwork to get to Captain Fabtastic.

Second goal - after Boro demonstrated defending that would make the Keystone Cops look competent, their goalie - faced with Cesc on the ball - comes out of his area by a mile allowing Cesc to walk round him and score.

The verdict? We're certain to be in the Champions League next season, whilst Boro head towards Championship venues!

]]>21/04/2009: Shoot that Manc Donkey!http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/04/21/21-04-2009-shoot-that-manc-donkey-5984529/2009-04-21T22:22:40+02:00 <p>Didn't expect much from this. With the inept performance against Chavski at the weekend, and Donkey the only other fit centre back after King Kolo. Kind of expected the Jammy Dodgers to beat us, and hoped it wouldn't be too heavy.</p> <p>After the Jammy ones dominated the first half, it was us getting the luck for a change with Arshy proving he was worth every penny of whatever his price tag was!</p> <p>Normal defensive non-service was resumed after the break with Manc Donkey (Arsene, the fact that Sour Alex sold him to you probably suggests that he isn't very good!) letting the defence down.</p> <p>At 2-1 to Jammy ones, Theo came on and Arshy scored his second. Then third.</p> <p>Then it was 3-3, before Arshy scored the fourth. While I was still dazed from being 4-3 up at Anfield with a leaky back four, the Jammy ones grabbed an equaliser.</p> <p>Oh, well. Probably fair. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_neutral.gif" alt=":|" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/04/21/21-04-2009-shoot-that-manc-donkey-5984529/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Didn't expect much from this. With the inept performance against Chavski at the weekend, and Donkey the only other fit centre back after King Kolo. Kind of expected the Jammy Dodgers to beat us, and hoped it wouldn't be too heavy.

After the Jammy ones dominated the first half, it was us getting the luck for a change with Arshy proving he was worth every penny of whatever his price tag was!

Normal defensive non-service was resumed after the break with Manc Donkey (Arsene, the fact that Sour Alex sold him to you probably suggests that he isn't very good!) letting the defence down.

At 2-1 to Jammy ones, Theo came on and Arshy scored his second. Then third.

Then it was 3-3, before Arshy scored the fourth. While I was still dazed from being 4-3 up at Anfield with a leaky back four, the Jammy ones grabbed an equaliser.

Oh, well. Probably fair.

]]>18/04/2009: We Have No Defenders!http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/04/18/18-04-2009-we-have-no-defenders-5967193/2009-04-18T20:24:30+02:00 <p>Shouldn't really be surprised that Chavski beat us today. They have a strong team no matter who's injured (thanks to the Mobsters cheque book waving), and we were down to our last choice back four. With no defenders on the bench to back us up. </p> <p>Of those defenders:<br> <strong>Fabianski:</strong> Okay, made mistakes that led to the first goal, but is let of as he is still young in goalkeeper years.</p> <p><strong>Gibbs:</strong> Has been impressive since Clichy got injured, and was outstanding again today. (Even if he probably should have missed this match through suspension)</p> <p><strong>Silvestre:</strong> Back to his donkey impersonations that were all too frequent early on in the season.</p> <p><strong>Toure:</strong> Decent, but didn't play as well as he could have.</p> <p><strong>Eboue:</strong> Decent enough, although really could have done better on Chavs equaliser.</p> <p>The Midfield:</p> <p><strong>Diaby:</strong> Awful in the first half, but improved after half time. Still could have done better.</p> <p><strong>Cesc:</strong> Made an impression in midfield. Would have been grateful if he'd tripped Fat Frank.</p> <p><strong>Denilson:</strong> Virtually invisible - which either means he's becoming the new Gilberto, or he had a crap game!</p> <p><strong>Theo:</strong> The Wembley pitch may have been crap to start with, but I think Theo might have burnt it to cinders with his running down the wing. Would have done football a favour if he went past Cashley at such speed that he'd knocked him over!</p> <p>The Strikers:<br> <strong>Robin:</strong> Did anyone see him on the pitch?!</p> <p><strong>Ade:</strong> He can be infuriating and mesmorising. On an important day, he chose to be infuriating.</p> <p>The Subs:<br> Probably didn't get enough time. Although I'd like to know why he didn't start Arshy.</p> <p>Crap game. Off out for some fresh air, so I don't end up plotting to destroy Stamford Bridge! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/04/18/18-04-2009-we-have-no-defenders-5967193/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Shouldn't really be surprised that Chavski beat us today. They have a strong team no matter who's injured (thanks to the Mobsters cheque book waving), and we were down to our last choice back four. With no defenders on the bench to back us up.

Of those defenders:
Fabianski: Okay, made mistakes that led to the first goal, but is let of as he is still young in goalkeeper years.

Gibbs: Has been impressive since Clichy got injured, and was outstanding again today. (Even if he probably should have missed this match through suspension)

Silvestre: Back to his donkey impersonations that were all too frequent early on in the season.

Toure: Decent, but didn't play as well as he could have.

Eboue: Decent enough, although really could have done better on Chavs equaliser.

The Midfield:

Diaby: Awful in the first half, but improved after half time. Still could have done better.

Cesc: Made an impression in midfield. Would have been grateful if he'd tripped Fat Frank.

Denilson: Virtually invisible - which either means he's becoming the new Gilberto, or he had a crap game!

Theo: The Wembley pitch may have been crap to start with, but I think Theo might have burnt it to cinders with his running down the wing. Would have done football a favour if he went past Cashley at such speed that he'd knocked him over!

The Strikers:
Robin: Did anyone see him on the pitch?!

Ade: He can be infuriating and mesmorising. On an important day, he chose to be infuriating.

The Subs:
Probably didn't get enough time. Although I'd like to know why he didn't start Arshy.

Crap game. Off out for some fresh air, so I don't end up plotting to destroy Stamford Bridge!

]]>15/04/2009: On the road to Wome!http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/04/15/15-04-2009-on-the-road-to-wome-5951232/2009-04-15T22:05:32+02:00 <p>Next stop Manchester to play Sour Alex's mob. Hopefully they won't stand in the way of our Barcelona rematch.</p> <p>Today's match was followed by the usual combination of BBC/Twitter/Livescore, and thanks to ITV's inability to know the difference between <em>elbow</em> and <em>rear end</em>, looks like there's no highlights!</p> <p>Which is a shame, because I really wanted to see highlights of the following.<br> 1. Cesc setting up Theo's goal.<br> 2. Arsene's dance after Ade's goal.<br> 3. Robin's penalty.</p> <p>Hopefully it will all be on youtube soon! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://random-memoirs-football-fan.blog.co.uk/2009/04/15/15-04-2009-on-the-road-to-wome-5951232/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Next stop Manchester to play Sour Alex's mob. Hopefully they won't stand in the way of our Barcelona rematch.

Today's match was followed by the usual combination of BBC/Twitter/Livescore, and thanks to ITV's inability to know the difference between elbow and rear end, looks like there's no highlights!

Which is a shame, because I really wanted to see highlights of the following.
1. Cesc setting up Theo's goal.
2. Arsene's dance after Ade's goal.
3. Robin's penalty.

Hopefully it will all be on youtube soon!

]]>