Match Reaction v Man Utd

[Niall_Quinn]

Seriously though, has Ox never played 90 minutes? Wenger talks as if a 90 minute run out is going to kill the kid. He wasn't playing him anyway so what's the big deal if he ended up a bit puffed out? He'll have another 3 months to recover I suppose.

[Marc Overmars]

Tbfth, he's shown everyone on GW the heights you can reach if you take wumming to extreme levels.

Puts all the wums on here in the shade. In some cases, like Lolters, literally too.

I dunno, I'm sure Lolters will be on here tomorrow morning crying about the moaners.

Which would be a brave thing to do seeing as GW is as united tonight as it's ever been.

GW. :bow:

[Cripps_orig]

Tbfth, he's shown everyone on GW the heights you can reach if you take wumming to extreme levels.

Puts all the wums on here in the shade. In some cases, like Lolters, literally too.Tbf, hes given free reign to do and say whatever he wants

WUMs on here arent. We have the mods however they and by they i mean most and by most i mean one, inadequate they may be, they are still here

[Cripps_orig]

Might watch MOTD 2 to see what Lee Dixon has to say.You brave brave man

Im watching DHW after the Real match so no MOTD for me

[Xhaka Can’t]

Tbf, hes given free reign to do and say whatever he wants

WUMs on here arent. We have the mods however they and by they i mean most and by most i mean one, inadequate they may be, they are still here

Que?

[Marc Overmars]

You brave brave man

Im watching DHW after the Real match so no MOTD for me

I've been desensitised now to Arsenal games.

[Niall_Quinn]

I've been desensitised now to Arsenal games.

I get someone to sit on my head for an hour before the game. Then it feels like somebody else's head when it comes time to get jerked off.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Seriously though, has Ox never played 90 minutes? Wenger talks as if a 90 minute run out is going to kill the kid. He wasn't playing him anyway so what's the big deal if he ended up a bit puffed out? He'll have another 3 months to recover I suppose.

This, even if we were 4-1 up and he took ox off he still would have got booed it was the principle of the thing and wenger is not getting it. how ever some persepsepetive, we never lost the game because of th sub we lost the game because our team was shite as usual.

too many journey men today thats what the reporter should have asked. Once again the team is being allowed to escape how awlful they were because of this sub thing.

[Xhaka Can’t]

This, even if we were 4-1 up and he took ox off he still would have got booed it was the principle of the thing and wenger is not getting it. how ever some persepsepetive, we never lost the game because of th sub we lost the game because our team was shite as usual.

too many journey men today thats what the reporter should have asked. Once again the team is being allowed to escape how awlful they were because of this sub thing.

I guess we'll never know, but I doubt that.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

I dunno, I'm sure Lolters will be on here tomorrow morning crying about the moaners.

Which would be a brave thing to do seeing as GW is as united tonight as it's ever been.

GW. :bow:

Ollie " it was deans fault we never win games when he refs"

[Cripps_orig]

Ollie " it was deans fault we never win games when he refs":lol:

Dean was fine today. Im sure he wont get his win bonus though for not giving the penalty for the blatant Rooney dive

[Syn]

I guess we'll never know, but I doubt that.

On the other hand, we do know that if we were 4-1 up and Oxlade had scored a hat-trick, he still would've got subbed.

[Niall_Quinn]

ok so maybe it may not have been so bad and had aa scored the winner he have been justified, he just don't seem to accept why fans are mad. he has gone or PHW on us tonigt.

In a way that doesn't make any sense whatsoever.

[Cripps_orig]

ok so maybe it may not have been so bad and had aa scored the winner he have been justified, he just don't seem to accept why fans are mad. he has gone or PHW on us tonigt.What?

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

I will be very surprised if he plays v Aston Villa.

Wenger will want to prove a point

Naaa, he'll probably start, and get subbed at the exact same point in the match........ unless ..... he's really stinking the place up, then he'd be guaranteed 90 mins and we lil people would have been put back in our place. Win win :-)

[Olivier's xmas twist]

In a way that doesn't make any sense whatsoever.


What?

ignore it

[Letters]

Sorry if someone posted this already, cba checking

http://i.imgur.com/a6bgl.jpg

:lol:

:(

[Marc Overmars]

http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/arsenal-fans-boo-rvp-clearly-questions-substitution-of-oxlade-chamberlain-for-arshavin-2/

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Arsene Wenger has admitted he made a mistake with his crucial second-half substitution in Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United but explained that he had good reason to replace rookie Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with Andrey Arshavin.

The Gunners manager’s decision to withdraw the excellent Oxlade-Chamberlain in the 74th minute shortly after the teenager had set-up Robin van Persie’s goal was greeted with jeers at the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger said: “When it was 1-1 it looked like we would win but in the end one tactical mistake lost us the game.

“I do not want to dwell too much on that now but one second of inattention can cost you.

“I can understand that the fans are upset and frustrated about the decision, especially when it doesn’t work. That means that you made the right decision at the start of the game.

“He [Oxlade-Chamberlain] had started to fatigue and stretch his calf. He was sick during the week. Arshavin is the captain of the Russia national team and he is replacing a guy of 17 or 18 who is starting his first or second [Premier League] game.

“People pay for their tickets and are free to express their emotions. It doesn't mean they are right always.

“I have to stand up for the substitutions I make. I don't have to explain every single decision. I’m 30 years in the job, I have made 50,000 substitutions. I do not have to explain myself to you.”

The Arsenal boss said he did not blame Arshavin for being knocked off the ball so easily by Antonio Valencia in the build-up to United’s winner - eventually smashed home by Danny Welbeck after good work from the Ecuador winger.

“If you expect me to blame one player, it will not happen,” he said. “We win together and lose together. If I make a mistake I am sorry.

“It [the mistake by Arshavin] could have happened as well if he [Oxlade-Chamberlain] had stayed on. Manchester United are very dangerous on the flanks.”

Arsenal supporters urged Wenger to spend some of the £50 million transfer kitty at his disposal at the final whistle but the Frenchman said: “Spending money is not the target.

“Buying good players is the target. We need our own players back. People are not conscious that we miss 10 players.”

Wenger was disappointed by his team’s first league defeat at home since August, which leaves Arsenal five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

“I am really disappointed. We were nervous in the first half, but we came back well with a fantastic fighting spirit,” he continued.

“United are a bit more mature than us. To battle like we did and come out with nothing is tough to take.

“It leaves us in a difficult position, because we couldn't afford to lose. But there are a lot of positives, too.”

http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2012/01/22/2860981/arsene-wenger-concedes-substituting-oxlade-chamberlain-for

To battle like we did and come out with nothing is tough to take, what game was he watching had we battled we may have won the game. Also as for there being postives mr wenger you took him off you pleb

[Olivier's xmas twist]

http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/arsenal-fans-boo-rvp-clearly-questions-substitution-of-oxlade-chamberlain-for-arshavin-2/

Fell sorry for arshavin the crowd killed the last bit of confidence he had.

[Elreactor]

Sorry if someone posted this already, cba checking

http://i.imgur.com/a6bgl.jpg

:lol:

:(

That´s harsh on Arshavin. After all he, the captain of Russia´s national team, went on to replace an insignificant 18 yo kid. What do you know, ticket buyers?

[Letters]

Fell sorry for arshavin the crowd killed the last bit of confidence he had.

tbh I thought the booing of him was out of order. I understand booing the substitution but the boo when Arshavin's name was given out...well that's just stupid and unhelpful. Of course I understand people's frustrations but there's no sense in the crowd booing a player who has just come on when everyone knows he's desperately lacking confidence to begin with.

[Power n Glory]

It was the decision I think people were booing. I don't think it was aimed at Arshavin. Shame he had to come on to that, but if it was Ramsey or Theo coming off for him the crowd wouldn't have reacted like that.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-chamberlain believes they can come back a stronger side if they learn from the mistakes they made in their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.

In his first Premier League start for the Gunners the 18-year-old showed maturity beyond his years with an impressive performance, which included an assist for Robin Van Persie’s 71st minute strike.

And speaking after the defeat he reckons that if the squad pull together, with the quality they have at their disposal, they can challenge for a place in the top four.

Oxlade-Chamberlain said: “We go out to win every game so when we don’t it’s obviously a blow to the team but all we can do is keep coming back and try and push on from disappointing results like this. I think it can only make us stronger.

“We’ve got to learn some lessons from the mistakes that we make but that’s all part of making a good team.

“There is always confidence. This is Arsenal football club. We’ve got some absolutely top quality players who are capable of all sorts of things.

“I think we just need to stick together as a team now and come out of this sticky patch and come out of it better.”

Meanwhile many Arsenal fans were disappointed to see the summer signing from Southampton substituted in the 74th minute.

But the England Under-21 international respects his manager’s decision to take him off, insisting they have to trust the Frenchman’s instinct.

“It’s the boss’ decision at the end of the day,” added Oxlade-Chamberlain. “He is the boss and he’s a top quality manager, you’ve seen how many years he’s been at Arsenal and all the great decisions he’s made, so whatever the decision is I will respect him.

“It’s always nice when the fans are on your side, you’ve just got to keep going out there each week and try to please them and do as well as you can for the team and the manager.”

http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/1483/43/oxlade-chamberlain-defeat-man-united-can-make-arsenal-stronger

[Niall_Quinn]

tbh I thought the booing of him was out of order. I understand booing the substitution but the boo when Arshavin's name was given out...well that's just stupid and unhelpful. Of course I understand people's frustrations but there's no sense in the crowd booing a player who has just come on when everyone knows he's desperately lacking confidence to begin with.

Anyone booing Arshavin hopefully got a slap from the bloke beside him. It was Wenger's incredibly fucking stupid substitution that was being booed.

[Niall_Quinn]

http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/1483/43/oxlade-chamberlain-defeat-man-united-can-make-arsenal-stronger

Shut up Ox, do all your talking on the pitch please. Heard all this shit before from Theo and look what happened to him. Just focus on the footie mate!

[Cripps_orig]

Agree with the posters above.

Doubt it was Arshavin being booed. It was the decision to take AOC off that was booed and rightly so.

[Cripps_orig]

Also what do we do with Djourou?

Surely the end is here for him as well. Hauled off at half time and Yennaris looking better there than Djo ever has. In fact looked better than Jenkinson as well which admittedly isnt hard.

Yennaris 2nd choice RB behind Sagna then?

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Also what do we do with Djourou?

Surely the end is here for him as well. Hauled off at half time and Yennaris looking better there than Djo ever has. In fact looked better than Jenkinson as well which admittedly isnt hard.

Yennaris 2nd choice RB behind Sagna then?

th choice behing quid now surely? this why AW was a bit strange today, finally taken him off he looked like he was tactially aware for once then got it wrong with AOC.

as for Yennaris being 2nd choice no way Jenko is much better

[Niall_Quinn]

Also what do we do with Djourou?

Surely the end is here for him as well. Hauled off at half time and Yennaris looking better there than Djo ever has. In fact looked better than Jenkinson as well which admittedly isnt hard.

Yennaris 2nd choice RB behind Sagna then?

Djourou should be put behind glass with a break only in dire emergencies sticker on his stupid head. We can't kill him because Squid is still on the payroll.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Anyone booing Arshavin hopefully got a slap from the bloke beside him. It was Wenger's incredibly fucking stupid substitution that was being booed.

well by booing the sub they were booing him, even if not directly. he must have felt like shit and even shiter the fact he was at fault for the winner. Even if it did get me GW PL Points

[Niall_Quinn]

well by booing the sub they were booing him, even if not directly. he must have felt like shit and even shiter the fact he was at fault for the winner.

Not really, he could have come on for Theo and everyone would have cheered. Okay to boo him for fucking up on the goal though, useless bastard.

[gunnerrrrr]

well by booing the sub they were booing him, even if not directly. he must have felt like shit and even shiter the fact he was at fault for the winner. Even if it did get me GW PL Points

That was very uncomfortable watching....but the fans are at the end of their tether.

Asharvin is a talent but needs to be played where he can be effective, behind the striker....he simply does not have the engine to play anywhere else.

Wenger was at fault for the Eboue issue and again today.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

That was very uncomfortable watching....but the fans are at the end of their tether.

Asharvin is a talent but needs to be played where he can be effective, behind the striker....he simply does not have the engine to play anywhere else.

Wenger was at fault for the Eboue issue and again today.

Its not even that, its the fact he does not want to be here and don;t give a shit but is still picked to be in the squad. Arshavin is not the same guy we bought 2 years in jan.

[Power n Glory]

No point in criticising the fans. Even RVP was baffled by that decision and was verbal about it. He was pissed because he saw Ox walking off the pitch. Fans were booing when they saw Ox walking as well.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Not really, he could have come on for Theo and everyone would have cheered. Okay to boo him for fucking up on the goal though, useless bastard.

Thats why i said its not intentional but to AA it may have seemed so, so how he played is irrelvant. Had Wenger blamed him for the winner he be finshed off for good.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

No point in criticising the fans. Even RVP was baffled by that decision and was verbal about it. He was pissed because he saw Ox walking off the pitch. Fans were booing when they saw Ox walking as well.

So Arshavin should be booed because the fans are upset.

[Power n Glory]

That was very uncomfortable watching....but the fans are at the end of their tether.

Asharvin is a talent but needs to be played where he can be effective, behind the striker....he simply does not have the engine to play anywhere else.

Wenger was at fault for the Eboue issue and again today.

Wenger knew the flanks were where Man U were most dangerous and made the right decision to take off Djourou. But bringing on Arshavin was a mistake. Taking off Ox, our most dangerous player was silly.

[Xhaka Can’t]

Arshavin would not have been booed had he been replacing Theo. And had that been the scenario, we'd have had at least a point.

[Power n Glory]

So Arshavin should be booed because the fans are upset.

Sort you're head, mate. You're all over the place. The boos weren't directed at Arshavin.!

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Arshavin would not have been booed had he been replacing Theo. And had that been the scenario, we'd have had at least a point.

even so he must have felt like shit.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Sort you're head, mate. You're all over the place. The boos weren't directed at Arshavin.!

But he was not to know that was he. I know that and you know that, but him coming on would not know that.

[gunnerrrrr]

Sort you're head, mate. You're all over the place. The boos weren't directed at Arshavin.!
watch it again mate...i admitt i was not at the stadium...but when Asharvins name was announced the boos were loud....if i was him i would feel like crap

[Syn]

No point in criticising the fans. Even RVP was baffled by that decision and was verbal about it. He was pissed because he saw Ox walking off the pitch. Fans were booing when they saw Ox walking as well.

There is a danger of reading too much into it but even the end seemed a bit weird when Van Persie just stood in the middle of the pitch. http://arsenalist.com/video/?id=xnx16l


(http://arsenalist.com/video/?id=xnx16l)

[Marc Overmars]

The boos were certainly for the sub, not Arshavin personally. Although yes I can see how it could've been seen that way and that Arshavin may have felt dead inside after.

We as fans have been extremely patient, so frankly I don't care if Wenger, Arshavin, Henry or anyone else at the club feels the fans aren't pulling their weight. We see the same shit over and over, it's like every season is a repeat of the last.

[Power n Glory]

watch it again mate...i admitt i was not at the stadium...but when Asharvins name was announced the boos were loud....if i was him i would feel like crap

They were booing as soon as they saw Ox walking off. When Ox name was announced they cheered, then went back to booing. Arsahvin didn't do anything wrong in the previous game to get such a reaction. He's had a worst run of games in the past and it has never resulted in sucha reaction. It's shame he had to the player to come on for Ox, but if Yossi came on, there would have been boos as well. Ox just set up the goal and was having a great game. As soon as he sets up a goal he goes off. That was why the reaction was so strong.

[Xhaka Can’t]

Actually, I don't think Arshavin was booed at all - it was the substitution. I'm still scratching my balls head at the decision to take Oxo off.

[Xhaka Can’t]

They were booing as soon as they saw Ox walking off. When Ox name was announced they cheered, then went back to booing. Arsahvin didn't do anything wrong in the previous game to get such a reaction. He's had a worst run of games in the past and it has never resulted in sucha reaction. It's shame he had to the player to come on for Ox, but if Yossi came on, there would have been boos as well. Ox just set up the goal and was having a great game. As soon as he sets up a goal he goes off. That was why the reaction was so strong.

This.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Actually, I don't think Arshavin was booed at all - it was the substitution. I'm still scratching my balls head at the decision to take Oxo off.

No he was not booed, but to him he may ahve thought he was, even RVP saying fuck, could look like why don't he want me on to AA

[Power n Glory]

There is a danger of reading too much into it but even the end seemed a bit weird when Van Persie just stood in the middle of the pitch. http://arsenalist.com/video/?id=xnx16l


(http://arsenalist.com/video/?id=xnx16l)

Noticed it as well. It was close to being a Gallas moment. I've never seen a player angry about another player coming off the field.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

They were booing as soon as they saw Ox walking off. When Ox name was announced they cheered, then went back to booing. Arsahvin didn't do anything wrong in the previous game to get such a reaction. He's had a worst run of games in the past and it has never resulted in sucha reaction. It's shame he had to the player to come on for Ox, but if Yossi came on, there would have been boos as well. Ox just set up the goal and was having a great game. As soon as he sets up a goal he goes off. That was why the reaction was so strong.

my point was Arshavin heard booing at that point was not sure why. he must have thought why don't they want me on.

[Cripps_orig]

my point was Arshavin heard booing at that point was not sure why. he must have thought why don't they want me on.Cos hes a fat fuck

[Power n Glory]

Must have been hard for Arshavin to hear that and I feel sorry for him. He's being mismanaged. I don't think the goal came from a lack of effort. He tracked back but can't tackle or mark.

But don't fall for the okey doke! :lol: the seed of dissent has been planted and some how this thread has been hijacked. Firs post of the thread and the culprit is moaning about the moaners. No comment on the result or match. :lol:

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Worst thing is when Arshavin came on I turned to my mate and said 'they're gonna nick it'. 20 seconds later and guess what happened.. they scored.

Why the f*ck did Wenger take Oxo off? Reports suggest he had cramp but from where I was sitting he never once looked to the bench or made out he had fatigue. Him setting up a goal would have given him extra confidence to play better in the last 15 mins, it probably would have given him that extra oomph to really push on. United couldn't handle him so what does Arsene do.. substitute him. Worst decision he's made in years.

I've yet to see the crowd chant 'you dont know what you're doing' like they did today at Wenger, it suggests there's real ill feeling and most people are fed up.

I think Wenger's losing it, and if he doesn't buck up he'll be gone in the summer. Another trophyless season and potentially dropping out the drop 4 will put too much pressure on him, and the fans will get their way.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

my point was Arshavin heard booing at that point was not sure why. he must have thought why don't they want me on.

weren't no booing directed at Arshavin from where I was sitting.

We booed when Oxo was taken off, then Arshavins name was called and crowd went silent.

No booing towards him.

Only Wenger.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

weren't no booing directed at Arshavin from where I was sitting.

We booed when Oxo was taken off, then Arshavins name was called and crowd went silent.

No booing towards him.

Only Wenger.

I never said people was booing him, i said to him comig on it may have looked like it. I know there no boo's at him but did he.

[Power n Glory]

I never said people was booing him, i said to him comig on it may have looked like it. I know there no boo's at him but did he.

Does it matter? Did it effect his game in a negative way? If everyone was cheering do you think he's have stopped Valencia from making that run into the box?

[Syn]

Does it matter? Did it effect his game in a negative way? If everyone was cheering do you think he's have stopped Valencia from making that run into the box?

To be honest, I don't think it's unreasonable to assume that the crowd reaction and the change in crowd atmosphere may have affected our team performance negatively. But nevertheless, I agree that I don't think you can blame the fans for that. The fans aren't robots. They saw a ridiculous decision being made at a time when emotions were high and we had all the momentum, and they reacted to it without thinking. It was natural instincts. I think our fans will get some bad press and reputation for it but I'm glad they did it.

[-Xs-]

They were pissed off, and rightly so. Only AW is quite so skilled at wrestling a defeat from the clutches of a victory.

[Niall_Quinn]

Noticed it as well. It was close to being a Gallas moment. I've never seen a player angry about another player coming off the field.

Probably the same shit going through his head that was going through the fans' heads. Best player hauled off, fucking up a chance of the points which we absolutely required today, the CL most likely gone, the scum 10 points clear of us, the backfiring chavs opening up a gap, the same old shit we've seen time and again. If RvP has been hearing shit behind the scenes about a change in direction or ambition then what happened today would kill that idea. We've been here too many times now. RvP won't stay, why would he? He's good enough to win something, he's spent many years here trying, but we're as far away as ever. He's broken his back this season and the reason we aren't in a deeper hole is down to him. So I guess he wonders when somebody else is going to chip in. Gallas was sulking. RvP looked more incredulous or maybe resigned. If the fans knew Ox would be hooked then I'm pretty damn sure the players could have guessed it. It's not just one substitution, it's the stubbornness and rigidity and fucked up blind faith that goes back years and was encapsulated in this one event. The straw that broke the camels back. Okay, I'm guessing. But he looked like I felt.

[Letters]

Agree with the posters above.

Doubt it was Arshavin being booed. It was the decision to take AOC off that was booed and rightly so.

Were you there? There was a lot of booing when the substitution was announced (fair enough), but then when Arshavin's name was read out there was another quite loud boo. Now, that may still have been aimed more at the substitution rather than him personally but it was the reaction to his name and it was out of order IMO. Kicking a player lacking in confidence when he's down helps no-one.

[KSE Comedy Club]

Who gives a fuck, Arshavins been dogshit for months and months and no fan has ever booed him before, past caring tbh.

Besides all that, the booing worked for Eboue so it might make him buck the fuck up and start playing properly again.

But, yeh, the booing was aimed at wenger, not fatty.

[Letters]

We booed when Oxo was taken off, then Arshavins name was called and crowd went silent.

No booing towards him.

Not where I was. There was a very loud boo when Arshavin's name was called out.
Understandable, but unhelpful.

[LDG]

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xnwuw8_mansub_news?ralg=behavior-metadata#from=embed-playreloff-1

Says it all really....

[Letters]

Who gives a fuck, Arshavins been dogshit for months and months and no fan has ever booed him before, past caring tbh.

Besides all that, the booing worked for Eboue so it might make him buck the fuck up and start playing properly again.

Well, maybe. I don't think it'll work this time. And actually in the last couple of games I've seen him Arshavin has been working pretty hard. He's just been a bit rubbish. I can forgive that more than a lack of effort. He's lacking confidence, a loud booing in reaction to his name being called out isn't going to lift that.

[Coney]

Well, maybe. I don't think it'll work this time. And actually in the last couple of games I've seen him Arshavin has been working pretty hard. He's just been a bit rubbish. I can forgive that more than a lack of effort. He's lacking confidence, a loud booing in reaction to his name being called out isn't going to lift that.

... unless it makes him put in a transfer request. :good:

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Does it matter? Did it effect his game in a negative way? If everyone was cheering do you think he's have stopped Valencia from making that run into the box?

Of coruse it matters if it dents his confidence. Yes the fans booed the sub, but in away were booing him or not wanting him to come on indirectly. We wll never know what effect cheering would have had but by that logic you may as well say had AOC been left on and theo kaen off would that have stopped Valencia from making a run oe would aa have made the same mistake?

[Letters]

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xnwuw8_mansub_news?ralg=behavior-metadata#from=embed-playreloff-1

Says it all really....

Mmm.

Wenger :rose:

:(

Sad really. I'll always be grateful to him for the things he's done for us, the level he took us to in the early noughties. I never thought I'd see us at that level and it was a privilege to watch that team. When RvP goes this summer, and he surely will, we're a mid-table side and while I still don't believe Wenger is entirely to blame he isn't blameless either and he needs to go. As do most of the board tbh.

[Letters]

... unless it makes him put in a transfer request. :good:

:lol: Well yeah, that would be a silver lining.

[LDG]

Of coruse it matters if it dents his confidence. Yes the fans booed the sub, but in away were booing him or not wanting him to come on indirectly. We wll never know what effect cheering would have had but by that logic you may as well say had AOC been left on would that have stopped Valencia from making a run.

No. Wrong.

If it had been for the ineffective walcott, then people wouldn't have minded.

It was that he was taking of AOC who was doing Utd damage....and even the most idiotic of fans could see he was taking the wrong person off.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Noticed it as well. It was close to being a Gallas moment. I've never seen a player angry about another player coming off the field.

Gerrard did when Torres was taken off for Liverpool away to Birmingham, two years ago. That ended up being Rafa's last season.

[Coney]

Of coruse it matters if it dents his confidence. Yes the fans booed the sub, but in away were booing him or not wanting him to come on indirectly. We wll never know what effect cheering would have had but by that logic you may as well say had AOC been left on would that have stopped Valencia from making a run.

We are talking about the same Arshavin who made the final brilliant pass to Welbeck in the box?

[Olivier's xmas twist]

No. Wrong.

If it had been for the ineffective walcott, then people wouldn't have minded.

It was that he was taking of AOC who was doing Utd damage....and even the most idiotic of fans could see he was taking the wrong person off.

I agree my point was Png sayin that cheering would have still made AV run in the box, well if Theo came off for AA the same thing could have happend because andre would have done it anyway.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

We are talking about the same Arshavin who made the final brilliant pass to Welbeck in the box?

Yep, he could have done it even if we he went for theo.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Yep, he could have done it even if we he went for theo.

Of course but the atmosphere wouldn't have been sucked out by one decision if that was the case.

[Coney]

Of course but the atmosphere wouldn't have been sucked out by one decision if that was the case.

Right. There is more to a substitution than just the clinical fact of technical reasons (even when they are right). The whole feel of the team and the stadium is important in the overall performance.

[Master Splinter]

Vermaelen was culpable for both goals too.

When your supposedly best players are missing sitters and showing defensive naivety, there's not much hope. And Song's been back on the strong stuff again recently, it seems.

[LDG]

I agree my point was Png sayin that cheering would have still made AV run in the box, well if Theo came off for AA the same thing could have happend because andre would have done it anyway.

Bloody hell.

The substitution killed the momentum we had built up.

That we could have conceded a silly goal is niether here, nor there in this equation. We do it every week anyway.

We had them under pressure, and until he made that substitution, we looked the more likely to go on and win it.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Vermaelen was culpable for both goals too.

When your supposedly best players are missing sitters and showing defensive naivety, there's not much hope. And Song's been back on the strong stuff again recently, it seems.

RVP has to take some blame missing easy sitters as well, TV 5 deffo had a bad game, the midfield was diabolical tbh. Wenger can say utd were more mature then us but really it was a boring unmotivated performance.

maybe it was me but i never enjoyed this game like i have done in the past, it jsut seemed like a top team vs a midtable one.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Bloody hell.

The substitution killed the momentum we had built up.

That we could have conceded a silly goal is niether here, nor there in this equation. We do it every week anyway.

We had them under pressure, and until he made that substitution, we looked the more likely to go on and win it.

My arguement was not about the sub at all. I never said it never killed the momentum.

[Syn]

Arseblog is interesting this morning. He doesn't seem to be blaming the fans (why would he have a go at the readership) but he is 'saddened' by the biggest display of anger directed at the manager so far. I would've felt sympathy for Wenger because I respect him a lot too but his "18 year old for the captain of russia. Let's be serious. I've made 500 subs in the last 30 years" comment was annoying. Some humility in that and I think many fans would've woken up today feeling a bit sorry for Arsene. Or maybe that's just me.

[Champagne Charlie]

Terrible substitution and understandable reaction from the fans, but a lot of boos where definitely directed at Arshavin. Where I sit (east lower) the frustrations and borderline hatred directed towards Arshavin has been reaching boiling point for a number of weeks now and it finally tipped yesterday. Plenty of boos were directed at Arshavin when he came on, along with other such helpful shouts such as “fuck off Arshavin” and “get that shit Russian off the pitch”…..before he’d actually got on the pitch!!

But yeah, I’m pretty sure we can all agree it was a terrible substitution!

And speaking of terrible substitutions; it was interesting that Park was brought on for his premier league debut yesterday. I wonder if he’ll actually play again in the league this season or if his one and only run out just happens to be against the most marketable team in Asia!

[Letters]

Arseblog is interesting this morning. He doesn't seem to be blaming the fans (why would he have a go at the readership) but he is 'saddened' by the biggest display of anger directed at the manager so far. I would've felt sympathy for Wenger because I respect him a lot too but his "18 year old for the captain of russia. Let's be serious. I've made 500 subs in the last 30 years" comment was annoying. Some humility in that and I think many fans would've woken up today feeling a bit sorry for Arsene. Or maybe that's just me.

Mmm. The "18 year old for the captain of russia" thing was silly and a gross distortion of the facts. He substituted a young, confident player who was buzzing with a player who while doubtlessly talented is desperately lacking confidence right now.

[LDG]

My arguement was not about the sub at all. I never said it never killed the momentum.

OMFG

[Marc Overmars]

The only thing I sympathise with him on is having no fullbacks, because that has totally killed us. Vermaelen and Djourou kept drifting inside and United predictably exploited that. The positioning is totally different for CBs and they are clearly not comfortable, no matter how versatile they're alleged to be.

[Champagne Charlie]

Arseblog is interesting this morning. He doesn't seem to be blaming the fans (why would he have a go at the readership) but he is 'saddened' by the biggest display of anger directed at the manager so far. I would've felt sympathy for Wenger because I respect him a lot too but his "18 year old for the captain of russia. Let's be serious. I've made 500 subs in the last 30 years" comment was annoying. Some humility in that and I think many fans would've woken up today feeling a bit sorry for Arsene. Or maybe that's just me.

Yeah I agree, and it's his "it shows I was right to start him" comment that really pisses me off. Sheer arrogance. And the fans have been calling for the Ox to start for fucking ages!

[Syn]

The only thing I sympathise with him on is having no fullbacks, because that has totally killed us. Vermaelen and Djourou kept drifting inside and United predictably exploited that. The positioning is totally different for CBs and they are clearly not comfortable, no matter how versatile they're alleged to be.

I agree. But also on Arseblog:



Before the Fulham game Arsene said, “it would be stupid to lose points because we don’t have a left-back.” We’ve now lost 9 points since then and our lack of a recognised left-back and a right-back has been a larger factor in that than any misguided/unfortunately enforced substitution.

Why say that then. WUMger :bow:

We had a fullback yesterday. Sort of. Yennaris. Instead he started an absolute liability which he had to haul off at HT after some damage was already done. Djourou was getting ripped apart for the entire first half. And everyone saw it coming. Starting Miquel would've been better.

[Marc Overmars]

Its worth starting Yennaris now just so we can maintain a bit of positional sense on the right at least.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

OMFG

You've misunderstood me but feck it.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Its worth starting Yennaris now just so we can maintain a bit of positional sense on the right at least.

won't happen

[LDG]

Its worth starting Yennaris now just so we can maintain a bit of positional sense on the right at least.

Such a difficult one to call.

He was good when he came on yesterday, and stemed the flow that was coming in waves from that side of the pitch.

But at that age, and with little experience, it's difficult to keep that consistency, and level of performance.

That said, Djourou is consistently shit there, so waddayado!? :lol:

[GP]

Djourou is horrific.

He really Britta'd the right back position.

[Marc Overmars]

Such a difficult one to call.

He was good when he came on yesterday, and stemed the flow that was coming in waves from that side of the pitch.

But at that age, and with little experience, it's difficult to keep that consistency, and level of performance.

That said, Djourou is consistently shit there, so waddayado!? :lol:

He should know the basics at least, enough to get by until Sagna is back anyway. Djourou has been caught out of position so many times. The Valencia goal was pathetic, Giggs is one of the best crossers in the league yet there was about 10 yards between him and Djourou, all the bloody time in the world to float in a cross. All Djourou could do was stand off him like a mongo with his arms behind his back. :doh:

[LDG]

Djourou is horrific.

He really Britta'd the right back position.

:lol:

[Master Splinter]

I don't know if it's been mentioned, but Djourou did actually have an injury, apparently.

Not to kick WUMger's cadaver further, but recent breakthroughs (Wilshere, Szczesny, Oxtail, Coquelin, perhaps Yennaris) have come through blunder and injuries rather than his faith in them. They've all proved to be successes so far (even those with limited play), so his seniority intransigence becomes even more baffling.

[LDG]

He should know the basics at least, enough to get by until Sagna is back anyway. Djourou has been caught out of position so many times. The Valencia goal was pathetic, Giggs is one of the best crossers in the league yet there was about 10 yards between him and Djourou, all the bloody time in the world to float in a cross. All Djourou could do was stand off him like a mongo with his arms behind his back. :doh:

I know!

I was shouting blue murder. "Get out to him!!".

He didn't listen :angry:

[Syn]

I don't know if it's been mentioned, but Djourou did actually have an injury, apparently.

Not to kick WUMger's cadaver further, but recent breakthroughs (Wilshere, Szczesny, Oxtail, Coquelin, perhaps Yennaris) have come through blunder and injuries rather than his faith in them. They've all proved to be successes so far (even those with limited play), so his seniority intransigence becomes even more baffling.

Maybe he's intimidated by the 'failed youth project' label that he sticks with experience more now. Maybe not. Maybe go fuck yourself.

[LDG]

I don't know if it's been mentioned, but Djourou did actually have an injury, apparently.

Not to kick WUMger's cadaver further, but recent breakthroughs (Wilshere, Szczesny, Oxtail, Coquelin, perhaps Yennaris) have come through blunder and injuries rather than his faith in them. They've all proved to be successes so far (even those with limited play), so his seniority intransigence becomes even more baffling.

But then he's been blamed in the past for not trusting to experience.

We can't have it both ways.

But what is clear, is that the balance of the side is affected without natural fullbacks...and Yennaris certainly balanced it out a bit through coming on.

He should really start the next game.....but I expect something more like this:

Almunia

Djourou Henry Arshavin Chesney

Sol Campbell Ramsey Song Arteta Theo

RVP

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Gev was missed yeserday tbh the front three should be Gev Rvp AOC

[Master Splinter]

But then he's been blamed in the past for not trusting to experience.



It's not even really an experience or youth thing. It's the strange, misguided belief that misfiring, under-achieving, bordering on completely worthless players like Arshavin, Walcott, Chamakh and Bendtner, Denilson and Diaby in past seasons will suddenly come good after dozens upon dozens of games offering nothing but harm to the team. Ju has showed more than a little bit sharpness in his brief forays out of hibernation, but has been dumped for others. Even Rosicky's been better than some of our midfielders recently, but the Automaton code must not be broken, so he only plays him in desperate measures. WUMger is too much in the wanting zone.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Arseblog is interesting this morning. He doesn't seem to be blaming the fans (why would he have a go at the readership) but he is 'saddened' by the biggest display of anger directed at the manager so far. I would've felt sympathy for Wenger because I respect him a lot too but his "18 year old for the captain of russia. Let's be serious. I've made 500 subs in the last 30 years" comment was annoying. Some humility in that and I think many fans would've woken up today feeling a bit sorry for Arsene. Or maybe that's just me.


Tbf if he was asked those questions this morning he have been alot calmer and maybe addmitted his mistake, however any manger probs would have reaced the way he did being asked straight after the game seeing how it all went down.

Wenger obviouly the occasion was too big for the lad and thought AA would deliver. He was wrong and addmitted it indirectly. All i can say this week is a big week for Arsene Wenger he will have tough choices to make.

[KSE Comedy Club]

Tbf if he was asked those questions this morning he have been alot calmer and maybe addmitted his mistake, however any manger probs would have reaced the way he did being asked straight after the game seeing how it all went down.

Wenger obviouly the occasion was too big for the lad and thought AA would deliver. He was wrong and addmitted it indirectly. All i can say this week is a big week for Arsene Wenger he will have tough choices to make.

Yep, whether he should resign or wait to be sacked.

[Niall_Quinn]

Yep, whether he should resign or wait to be sacked.

PHW has already said it would be "nice" to qualify for the CL but it's okay if we don't because there's money in the kitty (that hasn't been spent on the players we desperately need). If the board is saying it's fine if we don't qualify then you can be sure there are no thoughts about sacking Wenger floating around. Will Wenger go? No, he's said time and again he honours his contracts. So He's here for another couple of years at least. The only thing the fans can do to change this is stop going to the games, stop buying shirts, stop subscribing to Sky, stop buying merchandise on the Internet, stop subscribing to Internet services such as ATVO. In doing this the club will be damaged and things could get even worse. So the fans are in a lose/ lose situation, powerless to influence what's going on without becoming part of the problem in the process. This is a fairly typical relationship with any monopoly, all the power is with those who take the money, realistically none with those who provide it. The board knows this and even if some fans say enough is enough there's a queue waiting to put down its money.

Instead it might be better to sing "Sack the board" for the full 90 minutes at every home and away game. Because these men have already had their pay day and they don't really stand to gain much else beyond their undeserved salaries and bonuses, they may feel the hassle isn't worth it and decide to piss off. Then Kroenke would be forced to act. As it stands, in the absence of any tangible pressure he can sit back and execute whatever plan he's currently following.

The fans could also chant "Wenger Out" and again attempt to force the board's hand. But for all his recent fuck-ups, Wenger doesn't deserve that. Not after what he's done for this club. It would be pissing on our own history to treat Wenger this way, we should have some class even if those in charge won't reciprocate.

In the end though, I doubt anything will shift this lot until they are good and ready to go. It's a sad situation. We have people who don't care about this club in charge. If they did care they would have acted and halted our decline. All they've really been up to over the last few years is sorting out their own financial rewards and fighting with each other to grab as much as they can. There must be an end game though because if they persist the club will eventually be relegated and nobody wins. So they'll fuck off eventually and Kroenke will show his hand. If he's prepared to put up with what's going on at the moment then we can already guess what that hand will be - exploitation. Business is business and he's a businessman.

This is what happens when you let the "wrong sort" into sport.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Watching the game now. . .because I missed most last night and I wanted to see RvPs reaction to Oxos subbing. . .waiting for our goal first

If we lose RvP because of this I will go crazy I swear

[Niall_Quinn]

Watching the game now. . .because I missed most last night and I wanted to see RvPs reaction to Oxos subbing. . .waiting for our goal first

If we lose RvP because of this I will go crazy I swear

You're already crazy, so what you mean is you'll do nothing.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

FFS Oxo off. . .what the hell. . .reaction of the crowd is quite amazing

[Niall_Quinn]

FFS Oxo off. . .what the hell. . .reaction of the crowd is quite amazing

There's that element of knowing Wenger would do it. It was mega frustrating to be able to predict it and then see it happen at precisely the wrong moment.

On the other hand, what a performance from this kid. He's going to be great for Utd or City.

[LDG]

There's that element of knowing Wenger would do it. It was mega frustrating to be able to predict it and then see it happen at precisely the wrong moment.

On the other hand, what a performance from this kid. He's going to be great for Utd or City.

That makes me feel sick to the stomach.

[Cripps_orig]

Utd? Really?

We havent sold a player to them for ages.

You meant Barca or City surely

[LDG]

Actually. Just before the equaliser, they were readying Arshavin and Park I think. And then the equaliser came, and Nani went down (which actually caused us to lose a bit of concentration too), and then the substitution.

I think AW already had it in his mind. The decision to stop the Park swap at that point was made, but the Arshavin swap was still carried out.

Arrrrgh.

Timing was awful.

Dunno whether AOC was feeling a niggle or not. Guess only he can tell us that.

[Niall_Quinn]

That makes me feel sick to the stomach.

Come on, you know it makes financial sense. We're going to have the best balance sheet in football history by the time this winds out. £2 income and zero spent. 100% profit and a model for all other clubs to be jealous of. When FIFA sees it they will automatically award us the world cup.

[Niall_Quinn]

Utd? Really?

We havent sold a player to them for ages.

You meant Barca or City surely

GHEL, he won't go to Spain.

[Marc Overmars]

http://h11.abload.de/img/arsebandwljl0.gif

[Olivier's xmas twist]

http://h11.abload.de/img/arsebandwljl0.gif

LMAO,just spat my drink out

[LDG]

Claus Lundekvam

@SaintSkipper5
Lovet seerne våre å ringe Alex Chamberlain for å klarere om han var skadet eller sliten. Han sa til meg at han har ikke følt seg bedre

Ex-Saints skipper, called AOC today. Translated, basically means: "Called AOC today to see if he was injured, and he said he's never felt better".

Apparently niether tired or injured when he went off.

[Elreactor]

http://h11.abload.de/img/arsebandwljl0.gif

:haha:

poor Arshavin, it wasn´t his fault. He looked ashamed to be part of such a ridiculous decision.

Apart from that, he must GTFO. He´s still worth some money, sell him to some emirates team, like the one managed by Maradona. Coins will flow in.

[Marc Overmars]

Claus Lundekvam


Ex-Saints skipper, called AOC today. Translated, basically means: "Called AOC today to see if he was injured, and he said he's never felt better".

Apparently niether tired or injured when he went off.

We knew that anyway, despite what we were rather embarrassingly told after the game.

[Joker]

We didn't see him signal to the bench beforehand, nor did our physio accompany him to the bench, which is what normally happens if a player is injured. It's pretty obvious Wenger was talking crap to justify this decision.

[Fats]

I know Wenger may not always tell the truth for vrious reasons and most of us accept that.

Thing is this was a blatant lie to the fans that he cares noting about.

If you had a job at 6 million a year wouldnt you lie though, what a cunt!!!!!

[Niall_Quinn]

:haha:

poor Arshavin, it wasn´t his fault. He looked ashamed to be part of such a ridiculous decision.

Apart from that, he must GTFO. He´s still worth some money, sell him to some emirates team, like the one managed by Maradona. Coins will flow in.

At this stage it really wouldn't surprise me if Wenger's tactics in the next match are to play guitar an insist Arshavin sings to the crowd. Wouldn't surprise me either if he insisted Hodgson be present. Images like this used to be funny, now they are ominous.

[Letters]

Did Wenger say he was injured? I haven't seen him say that.

[Coney]

If you had a job at 6 million a year wouldnt you lie though, what a cunt!!!!!

What??? Bankers do it all the time.

[Cripps_orig]

Did Wenger say he was injured? I haven't seen him say that.
on the substitution of Andrey Arshavin for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain…
I can understand that the fans are upset about the substitution, especially when it doesn’t work, but I made the right decision at the start of the game [in starting Oxlade-Chamberlain]. He had started fatigue, stretched his calf and he was sick in the week.

People pay for their tickets and are free to express their emotions. We have to deal with that, not to dictate behaviour to people. BS obviously

[Niall_Quinn]

Did Wenger say he was injured? I haven't seen him say that.

No, he said he had been sick earlier in the week and had felt a twinge during the match. You could clearly see Ox not limping, not indicating any problem, Ox destroying the Utd back line and then going straight to the bench without any treatment, so what Wenger is saying must be true.

[Niall_Quinn]

What??? Bankers do it all the time.

Yeah but not for a £6mill pittance.

[Elreactor]

No, he said he had been sick earlier in the week and had felt a twinge during the match. You could clearly see Ox not limping, not indicating any problem, Ox destroying the Utd back line and then going straight to the bench without any treatment, so what Wenger is saying must be true.

The more I read it, the more unbearable it gets. The worst thing, if he really was tired, would have been to rest him for the next match, and that could have made a real difference against mutd. It was a fecking key moment in the game.

[Niall_Quinn]

The more I read it, the more unbearable it gets. The worst thing, if he really was tired, would have been to rest him for the next match, and that could have made a real difference against mutd. It was a fecking key moment in the game.

He probably won't be playing in the next match anyway and had been overlooked for weeks beforehand. If he's tired after 72 minutes in a whole season then he's not going to make it as a footballer.

[Marc Overmars]

Did Wenger say he was injured? I haven't seen him say that.

Yeah he did, he alluded to it anyway, stopping just short of catergorically saying was injured. Why? Because that would have been a plain lie, at least by saying he started to tire and was sick in the week he could attempt to justify it, even though it's still a crock of shit.

He embarrassed himself yesterday and has now lost the trust of everyone.

The writing is on the wall.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

It was quite clearly the wrong thing to do. . .Oxo was quite clearly up for it and was one of a few players who were playing like we could have snatched the game. . .Kos was another!

I dont get it at all. . .was expected the mentor protecting the prodigy line. . .but the toss we have been dealt this time is worse than that

[Niall_Quinn]

The writing is on the wall.

Already? What does it say this time? "Regrettable but necessary 10% increase in ticket prices."

[Letters]

No, he said he had been sick earlier in the week and had felt a twinge during the match. You could clearly see Ox not limping, not indicating any problem, Ox destroying the Utd back line and then going straight to the bench without any treatment, so what Wenger is saying must be true.

:lol: Alright, I only asked!

[LDG]

Basically. Wenger had his 70min sub's sorted out, and he was gonna take AOC before the match started. It wasn't tactical...it was already planned. Had to be.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Yeah he did, he alluded to it anyway, stopping just short of catergorically saying was injured. Why? Because that would have been a plain lie, at least by saying he started to tire and was sick in the week he could attempt to justify it, even though it's still a crock of shit.

He embarrassed himself yesterday and has now lost the trust of everyone.

The writing is on the wall.

not everyone few gooners still trust in him on sky sports news.

[Cripps_orig]

not everyone few gooners still trust in him on sky sports news.Spuds disguised as gooners

[Letters]

Spuds disguised as gooners

Ashburton2006? :unsure:

[Fist of Lehmann]

Already? What does it say this time? "Regrettable but necessary 10% increase in ticket prices."Funny thing is, when the prices went up last time they said it was to service the fans "rightful demand that we compete at the highest level" and promised that "we will continue to do so."

So that's alright then.

As for the substitution, looked like a pre-meditated one to me too. Probably told Ox that he'd play for 75 minutes so to run his guts out for that duration. When time came, took no account of the way the game was playing out (adaptability :rose:) and subbed him off.

Thirdly, if Wenger has made 50,000 substitutions, 47,000 were on Fifa.

Overall, disappointing.

[Ollie the Optimist]

one question i have is how come every one is jumping on wenger and calling a cunt and all for taking the ox off yet (not just here btw) loads of fans dont mention taking djourou off. if we had won, the sub would have won it. from what i heard about the ox, was he signalled to the bench, had been throwing up all week hence why he came off.

on the performance itself, i was quite happy with it, thought the lads did well, yenanrris was great in second half, kos proves once again he is best defender in premiership right now, just look at his tackle which led to our goal. simply superb. there are many things we can say about why we lost but it is not just the sub. rvp moaned about the sub, but he missed a golden chance to draw us level early on. that could have lost us the game. also i think the fans played a part, fat fuck was booed before he came on, we just scored and the crowd are booing. by all means boo at the end but what would you think as player if you just scored and want to push on and the crowd boo and scream abuse at the manger.

[Xhaka Can’t]

Are you trippin?

[Olivier's xmas twist]

one question i have is how come every one is jumping on wenger and calling a cunt and all for taking the ox off yet (not just here btw) loads of fans dont mention taking djourou off. if we had won, the sub would have won it. from what i heard about the ox, was he signalled to the bench, had been throwing up all week hence why he came off.

on the performance itself, i was quite happy with it, thought the lads did well, yenanrris was great in second half, kos proves once again he is best defender in premiership right now, just look at his tackle which led to our goal. simply superb. there are many things we can say about why we lost but it is not just the sub. rvp moaned about the sub, but he missed a golden chance to draw us level early on. that could have lost us the game. also i think the fans played a part, fat fuck was booed before he came on, we just scored and the crowd are booing. by all means boo at the end but what would you think as player if you just scored and want to push on and the crowd boo and scream abuse at the manger.

What game was you watching, we were bad and only AOC can cover himself in glory the rest were dire.we were poor and the manager did not help.

[Ollie the Optimist]

What game was you watching, we were bad and only AOC can cover himself in glory the rest were dire.we were poor and the manager did not help.

didnt think we were as poor as made out to be. kos and merts were good imo, yarrnis was great in second half. first half wasnt the best from both teams but thought we did ok. second half up to our equaliser i thought we did really well, pressing and pushing on. should have scored two in about five mins, shocking miss from RVP and one from ramsay or rosicky

[Syn]

one question i have is how come every one is jumping on wenger and calling a cunt and all for taking the ox off yet (not just here btw) loads of fans dont mention taking djourou off. if we had won, the sub would have won it. from what i heard about the ox, was he signalled to the bench, had been throwing up all week hence why he came off.

Djourou shouldn't have started. Everyone knew he'd be a liability and he was. It's easy to say now and it was just as easy to say then. And I did. As did everyone. Miquel or Yennaris would've been better options. So although Wenger reacted at HT and subbed him off, that was him correcting a mistake that he never should have made (and a mistake that had already cost us as we were losing from a cross that came in from our right side). And 'IF' we had won, the sub wouldn't have won it. All that sub did was ensure we had a fighting chance of not getting battered.


on the performance itself, i was quite happy with it, thought the lads did well, yenanrris was great in second half, kos proves once again he is best defender in premiership right now, just look at his tackle which led to our goal. simply superb. there are many things we can say about why we lost but it is not just the sub. rvp moaned about the sub, but he missed a golden chance to draw us level early on. that could have lost us the game. also i think the fans played a part, fat fuck was booed before he came on, we just scored and the crowd are booing. by all means boo at the end but what would you think as player if you just scored and want to push on and the crowd boo and scream abuse at the manger.

I don't know where to start with that. I'll just say that while you might not be wrong with some of what you say, I think it's the wrong way of looking at what happened.

[Boss]

Wojciech Szczesny and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have leapt to the defence of under-fire manager Arsene Wenger following the club's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.

Wenger, who has been in charge of Arsenal since 1996, was on the receiving end of booing from sections of home fans on Sunday after substituting the impressive Chamberlain for the out-of-form Andrei Arshavin in the second half.

Gunners captain Robin van Persie also appeared angry at the decision, which was followed by a winning goal for United, although the Dutchman has since clarified his stance, expressing his backing for the French coach.

And Szczesny has echoed Van Persie's comments, stating: "He's done a magnificent job over the 15 years and he's still doing it now. So I don't think his position at this club should ever be questioned."

Chamberlain, who was making his first Premier League start for Arsenal against United and assisted Van Persie's equaliser, also voiced his support for the boss.

The teenager said: "He's Arsene Wenger, a top-quality manager for a number of years for Arsenal. He's done a lot for this club so whatever he does and whatever decision he makes towards me and the team, I'll have to respect and I do respect that.

"The fans pay money to come and watch us so they have the right to have their own opinions and show their frustration. But all we can guarantee and I can guarantee is the boys are completely focused on the task at hand.

"We have meetings in the week and we talk about what we need to improve on. Everyone is trying to push in the same direction and maybe it's not going for us how we may like at the moment.

"Recently, we've had some very good performances but come up against some very good teams. We've just fallen short at the last hurdle. All we can guarantee is we're working very hard in training and in games and we'll do all we can try put it right."

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1012418/szczesny-and-chamberlain-back-arsene-wenger?cc=4716

:popcorn:

[DJ Philosophe]

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