Arsenal vs Aston Villa. 30th May. 17:30. FA Cup Final 2015

[Marc Overmars]

Here we go again. :sick:

An opportunity to become the first club to win it 12 times and to retain it for the 2nd time in our history.

We know we're better than Villa but they do pose a genuine threat in attack and will most likely cause us trouble, we certainly can't afford to be as careless as we were last year. I guess the question everyone is asking is does Theo start? Wheelchair has made a case for himself as well but personally I'd keep him on the bench.

Come on you Gunners, please be kinder on the heart this time round.

She wore...

:scarf:

[Alpha]

Here we go again. :sick:

An opportunity to become the first club to win it 12 times and to retain it for the 2nd time in our history.

We know we're better than Villa but they do pose a genuine threat in attack and will most likely cause us trouble, we certainly can't afford to be as careless as we were last year. I guess the question everyone is asking is does Theo start? Wheelchair has made a case for himself as well but personally I'd keep him on the bench.

Come on you Gunners, please be kinder on the heart this time round.

She wore...

:scarf:

It is a winnable game and we will definitely win it . But some moments of heart attacks may be on the cards if players invite nerves . The key is to stay calm , concentrated , patient and avoid unnecessary nerves .
Aston Villa will have their time to frustrate and scare us but their defence is always wide open for us to outscore them and lift our only trophy of the season .

[Letters]

Bentekkers will score. Nailed on certainty.
We should win comfortably, but I doubt we will.
:sick:

[GP]

4-0

[Niall_Quinn]

3-0 Ozil hattrick, plus 2 for Theo and 1 for Cazorla. And one for Alexis. And two for Ramsey.

[Munchies]

2-0 Arsenal

I'd start Feo, has the pace and will make the runs to trouble their defence

[McNamara That Ghost...]

It all ends here.

Losing a cup final to your brother's team.

WUMger. :rose:

[Dein-machine]

Villa are no better than West Brom. We are not playing Chelsea or City. Their mediocre defense cannot withstand us attacking them constantly & with speed - just as West Brom couldn't last week - in these games we need to be on the front foot with Theo & Sanchez either side of Giroud. These will mean 2 out of Santi, Ramsey, Jack or Ozil not starting. If we look after their long hoofs up to Benteke if doesn't matter which ones start, we have far more quality than them.
However, we all know the reality will be that Wenger will play Ramsey wide & bring back Giroud to keep Theo on the bench & all the momentum of last week will be lost. Ramsey wide with Giroud up top means we only have Sanchez as a forward option & we are too easy to play against.
Do what we do best Wenger and attack - ALL GAME - not just when we have a 1 goal lead.

OSPINA

BELLERIN MERTS KOS MONREAL

LE COQ

WALCOTT RAMSEY OZIL SANCHEZ

GIROUD

Santi to come on for Coq unless we are defending a 1 goal lead. Jack to come on for Rambo or Ozil.

SAnti has been my player of the year by the way but he's passing has been poor recently & Rambo gives us more of a goal threat.

[Niall_Quinn]

However, we all know the reality will be that Wenger will play Ramsey wide & bring back Giroud to keep Theo on the bench & all the momentum of last week will be lost.

Every time you think maybe he'll do something different. Every time it's a false hope. However... maybe this time he will do something different.

[Dein-machine]

Every time you think maybe he'll do something different. Every time it's a false hope. However... maybe this time he will do something different.

Unfortunately, not a chance with the stubborn mule.
The real problem is that opposition managers don't have to double guess either - they already know what he's going to do & how to play against it. Its why he continually gets outwitted by better tactical managers with players that are as good or better than ours & sometimes by mediocre managers who have shit players ie Monk & Advocat

[AFC Leveller]

I agree with the above, Ramsey outwide and giroud up top is easy to defend against and slow as they get. I'd play Theo on the right and give villa something to think about. With giroud and Ramsey teams can afford to play a high line because they know they can't get caught in behind but with theo, we are a much bigger threat, not to mention the fact that he is in form right now.

Watch wumger handicap us though.

[GP]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQCw7XvWG3s

[Niall_Quinn]

Would that be the EMIRATES FA Cup they are talking about?

[Sanchez]

Theo or Giroud? That's the big question.

Although with Welbeck out I think both could start.

[Marc Overmars]

I can't see both starting. Ramsey would possibly be the fall guy in that scenario and I think Wenger is already settled on Ramsey, Cazorla and Ozil in midfield. Coq and Alexis are obviously nailed on, so it's one or the other with Giroud and Theo IMO.

[Niall_Quinn]

Wenger will go conservative. He knows how important it is to win this cup to try and add a bit of gloss to yet another mediocre effort in the PL and CL. The crazy thing is his conservatism will invite the opponent into the game and make the match a whole lot tougher. But he's never been able to see this.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Wenger will go conservative.

Never rated him tbf.

[Niall_Quinn]

Never rated him tbf.

Has anyone ever spotted Wenger and Letters in the same place at the same time?

Ever?

[Thierrymon]

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/psychic-penguins-have-made-their-pick-for-arsenal-vs-aston-villa-in-the-fa-cup-final-10278258.html

Damn. Thanks for the spoilers Independent.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

The same computer system that predicted Germany would win the World Cup last year also predicted we'd beat Spurs in the North London Derby on February 7th....so if something with sophisticated logical algorithms programmed into it gets things wrong, I'm not inclined to trust a load of fish munching cunts either.
Used to like Penguins before today, finished with them now perfidious feathery fuckers.

[Syn]

Should start:

---------------Ospina-----------------

Bellerin---Mert-----Kos-------Monreal

----------Coquelin--Ramsey---------

Wilshere--------Ozil----------Sanchez

----------------Walcott---------------

Will start:

----------------Szczesny---------------

Bellerin-----Mert----Kos---------Gibbs

------------Coquelin--Cazorla----------

Ramsey---------Ozil------------Sanchez

----------------Giroud------------------


score: Arsenal 1-3 Aston Villa

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Unfortunately, not a chance with the stubborn mule.
The real problem is that opposition managers don't have to double guess either - they already know what he's going to do & how to play against it. Its why he continually gets outwitted by better tactical managers with players that are as good or better than ours & sometimes by mediocre managers who have shit players ie Monk & Advocat

Well Sherwood is shit so cup is ours (need to nobble Benny that it defo is.......)

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

I would only play Ospina because Szczesny has had no game time since April 18th

I would play Gabriel instead of Mertesacker because Merts hasn't exactly been imperious at set pieces and Gabriel is quicker and we need two quick centre backs to deal with Benteke

Still not convinced by playing Walcott up front on his own (hat trick against West Brom not withstanding) but considering Ramsey doesn't track back anyway I would play Walcott, Giroud and Sanchez as a front three.

Ospina, Bellerin, Gabriel, Koscielny, Monreal, Wilshere, Coquelin, Ozil, Sanchez, Walcott, Giroud

[Syn]

Ridiculous leaving a fully fit Ramsey out. He isn't a defensive mid but he's a box to box mid that contributes just as much as Wilshere in defensive duties. Would play Wilshere over Cazorla only because Cazorla has looked sluggish recently and Wilshere is fresh and hungry to impress.

[Syn]

Have a slight suspicion that Wenger will leave Coquelin out though. He's been building up to the Wilshere-Ramsey midfield for years. It'll work next season, but needs a few months of practice. A game of this importance isn't the time.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

I don't think it's ridiculous at all, Ramsey is often detrimental to both our attack and defence giving the ball away under absolutely no pressure, I think Wilsheres ability to clear our lines under pressure and to spray passes to his colleagues is far more beneficial to us.
He's quicker and has more zip than Ramsey, and we so often complain about the slow nature and sideways passing of Wengerball.
Ramsey is a good option to bring off the bench and yes he's more likely to score than Wilshere but I would drop him and Cazorla for this match.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Have a slight suspicion that Wenger will leave Coquelin out though. He's been building up to the Wilshere-Ramsey midfield for years. It'll work next season, but needs a few months of practice. A game of this importance isn't the time.

Wilshere-Ramsey midfield? Shoot me now

[Marc Overmars]

I would play Ospina as well but we know it will be Chesney. I'm quite concerned about him dropping a clanger tbh, though having said that Ospina hasn't looked too hot lately either.

[Syn]

In a midfield and attack of Wilshere, Coquelin, Walcott, Ozil, Sanchez and Giroud, Jack fucking Grealish will walk through on goal. Walcott and Ozil are liabilities in terms of keeping our shape (with good reason of course). Need another body in there, and it's got to be the one who gives us the most energy, Ramsey.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

In a midfield and attack of Wilshere, Coquelin, Walcott, Ozil, Sanchez and Giroud, Jack fucking Grealish will walk through on goal. Walcott and Ozil are liabilities in terms of keeping our shape (with good reason of course). Need another body in there, and it's got to be the one who gives us the most energy, Ramsey.

I'd agree if Ramsey actually gave us any defensive protection but he doesn't.

I actually think Cazorla runs back and tackles more than Ramsey, who just trundles back with no urgency
If we need an extra body than we put him in there in the last twenty minutes when instead of trying to slowly grind Villa down to no effect we would have blitzed them and can sit back and play keep ball

[Syn]

I'd agree if Ramsey actually gave us any defensive protection but he doesn't.

I actually think Cazorla runs back and tackles more than Ramsey, who just trundles back with no urgency
If we need an extra body than we put him in there in the last twenty minutes when instead of trying to slowly grind Villa down to no effect we would have blitzed them and can sit back and play keep ball

Ramsey does his bit. He was leading every opta stat around last year inc. tackles and interceptions. He's not the most savvy, but because of his ridiculous stamina his numbers are always good. Wilshere and Cazorla have a bit more awareness but much less energy.

With Coquelin next to Ramsey we'd be ok. Cazorla has done well but his contribution to our winning run is slightly overrated imo. He 'sits' and gives the illusion of helping us hold some shape but it's only because he can't run quick enough to join attacks. And when he's not hitting a dead ball, he's utterly useless near the box now. Similar to arteta in that sense. Cazorla doesn't hit many penetrative passes or open defences. Performs the same role as Coquelin with slightly more accomplished footwork.

[Penguin]

Chesney over Ospina for me. If you asked me before the West Brom game I would have been leaning towards Ospina, but after his mistakes I've gone the other way. He doesn't seem like a confident type, and I get the feeling that those mistakes will get to him. Chesney on the other hand is an arrogant bastard who will be desperate to prove himself, wont be scared on Benteke and is a better shot stopper.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Chesney over Ospina for me. If you asked me before the West Brom game I would have been leaning towards Ospina, but after his mistakes I've gone the other way. He doesn't seem like a confident type, and I get the feeling that those mistakes will get to him. Chesney on the other hand is an arrogant bastard who will be desperate to prove himself, wont be scared on Benteke and is a better shot stopper.

Choice between strchynine and arsenic for me
Szczesny has been a liability every cup tie he has played this season and Ospina is just terrible

Only reason I'd choose Ospina is because he has the game time between the sticks

[AFC Leveller]

Villa are an attack minded team and their best players are their forwards, we should be able to open them up much more frequently than we did swansea and sunderland (where we managed to a few times but couldnt score) but i think they will cause us problems through Benteke and their wingers.

Id start Giroud, Theo and Sanchez as the front three with Coq, Ramsey and Ozil in midfield. Jack has looked fresh and sharp but i dont think him and Ozil in the same midfield is as solid as Ramsey and Ozil.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Chesney over Ospina for me. If you asked me before the West Brom game I would have been leaning towards Ospina, but after his mistakes I've gone the other way. He doesn't seem like a confident type, and I get the feeling that those mistakes will get to him. Chesney on the other hand is an arrogant bastard who will be desperate to prove himself, wont be scared on Benteke and is a better shot stopper.

Ospina has played in a world cup against all sorts. Why should he be scared of Benteke(who I happen to like)? Wenger should simply play who he feels is better but I think he will play Sneezy.

If you want a player with the ball under pressure in tight spaces to generally keep possession whilst retaining the opportunity to quickly release it/playmake, then you have to play Carzorla.

If I was Wenger I would ask Santi if he had the energy for the game.....to rouse a little extra out of him. Of course he would respond with yes and probably want to show as much.

I'd gamble by not playing Ramsey or Wilshere and go with Ozil, Coq and Carzorla. Villa don't have a particularly big or aggressive midfield and are all over the place at the back with Okore. In light of that I'd not allow them a foothold in the game from the very start by playing Giroud, Walcott and Alexis in attack. Punish them early on and make them nervous about making another mistake....so nervous they will lose their composure in attack. They've just been heavily beat lest we forget.

If it is clear that the midfield balance isn't right then one of Ramsey/Wilshere can come on. Both are approaching form off the bench.

[Niall_Quinn]

In light of that I'd not allow them a foothold in the game from the very start...

Only one person will disagree with this (and do the opposite)

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Ramsey does his bit. He was leading every opta stat around last year inc. tackles and interceptions. He's not the most savvy, but because of his ridiculous stamina his numbers are always good. Wilshere and Cazorla have a bit more awareness but much less energy.

With Coquelin next to Ramsey we'd be ok. Cazorla has done well but his contribution to our winning run is slightly overrated imo. He 'sits' and gives the illusion of helping us hold some shape but it's only because he can't run quick enough to join attacks. And when he's not hitting a dead ball, he's utterly useless near the box now. Similar to arteta in that sense. Cazorla doesn't hit many penetrative passes or open defences. Performs the same role as Coquelin with slightly more accomplished footwork.

:blink:

[GP]

Syn has gone mental.

[milla]

Syn :doh:

[Munchies]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZOoeEsEba0

:scarf:

[Alpha]

Choice between strchynine and arsenic for me
Szczesny has been a liability every cup tie he has played this season and Ospina is just terrible

Only reason I'd choose Ospina is because he has the game time between the sticks

Ospina has just completed his first season with Arsenal . It is his adaptation period . We all saw what a good keeper he is at the world cup and in France . I can't see any reason why you can compare him to Szczesny . All keepers , even the very top ones make mistakes . Lehman was a very good keeper for us but he made a silly mistake which cost us the Champions league final .
I would make my final decision on Ospina after his second or third season . But from what I have seen so far , he is a very good stopper for me . But Szczesny is a good keeper for a middle table team just like Fabriansky . If I were Wenger I could have started to give more games to Emiliano Martinez . He is younger but better than Szczesny .

[Letters]

Ospina worries me less than Chesney, but it's a pretty depressing pair of options.
I'd go with Ospina overall, I doubt Wenger will.

[Marc Overmars]

We get free scarves at the cup final screening. Nice touch tbf.

[Marc Overmars]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZOoeEsEba0

:scarf:

2001 final. :sick:

We were mugged. Won't ever forget that, ruined my birthday.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Ospina has just completed his first season with Arsenal . It is his adaptation period . We all saw what a good keeper he is at the world cup and in France . I can't see any reason why you can compare him to Szczesny . All keepers , even the very top ones make mistakes . Lehman was a very good keeper for us but he made a silly mistake which cost us the Champions league final .
I would make my final decision on Ospina after his second or third season . But from what I have seen so far , he is a very good stopper for me . But Szczesny is a good keeper for a middle table team just like Fabriansky . If I were Wenger I could have started to give more games to Emiliano Martinez . He is younger but better than Szczesny .

I disagree look at the goals Colombia conceded in the World Cup at least two of them Ospina was beaten too easily at his near post, just like many of the goals he has been at fault for playing for us. Szczesny has gone off the reservation completely but there is no doubt he is a naturally better keeper than Ospina who apart from anything else is too small.
Anyway don't listen to me, listen to Bob Wilson who thinks the same as me and knows far more about what it takes to be a top goalkeeper than you or I.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Either way if we want to challenge for the title next season neither Ospina or Szczesny should be between the posts.

If the rumours are true about Cech it would be a great transfer because actually we would have someone who could actually gain us points like De Gea or Courtouis.

I'm not prepared to completely write Szczesny off but he is obviously very immature and has let whatever good work he had achieved with the club to fly out of the window.

[Letters]

Chesney is a bit like Bendtner in that his view of his own ability doesn't match his actual ability.
I agree, if we're going to challenge then we need better than him or Ospina

[Master Splinter]

I'd like to see Alexis, Giroud and Walcott starting but WUMger rarely, if ever, goes with the three forwards option. Especially when Ozil, Cazorla and Ramsey are nailed on to the team sheet no matter the situation. The Walcott through the middle option I feel would work better against Viila and on this pitch. We'll almost certainly get multiple chances against their defence because they won't just sit back. Vlaar and Baker/Okore would probably prefer to play against Giroud considering they're not too mobile themselves. Walcott buzzing around them, with Sanchez joining in should give them more problems and with the space we should get, the break would be on all the time and Ozil, Cazorla and Ramsey can play them in for fun. WUMger will obviously go with the one outlet option, see us struggle with 5-aside beach footy on the huge pitch and bring on Walcott and Wilshere when Villa have already retreated on the 70th minute.

Anyway, Alexis hasn't even played against Villa this season and the aggregate score is 8-0, so we'll obviously win by 9.

Actual prediction: 2-1 :sick: (Alexis, Koscielny, Delph).

[Munchies]

Wojciech Szczesny's dad defending his son: 'Wenger claims it's cigarette ash on his suit when it’s his own dandruff.

Wenger is a 'disloyal person' and Wojciech should leave Arsenal.'


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CGLX7DOWEAAeBmi.jpg

--

John Cross from the Mirror has just said that Ches will be starting

[AFC Leveller]

Wojciech Szczesny's dad defending his son: 'Wenger claims it's cigarette ash on his suit when it’s his own dandruff.

Wenger is a 'disloyal person' and Wojciech should leave Arsenal.'


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CGLX7DOWEAAeBmi.jpg

--

John Cross from the Mirror has just said that Ches will be starting

wenger is loyal to his cup keepers and i think he is right this time. Flappy was about to play his last game for us and a lot of people thought that chesney should have played against hull last season so he can share the winning moment with his team mates and grow as a team together but wenger stayed loyal to flappy.

[Alpha]

I disagree look at the goals Colombia conceded in the World Cup at least two of them Ospina was beaten too easily at his near post, just like many of the goals he has been at fault for playing for us. Szczesny has gone off the reservation completely but there is no doubt he is a naturally better keeper than Ospina who apart from anything else is too small.
Anyway don't listen to me, listen to Bob Wilson who thinks the same as me and knows far more about what it takes to be a top goalkeeper than you or I.

Bob Wilson is a legendary Arsenal keeper and is entitled to his opinion . But , just like pundits , his opinion is not a gospel .Having been a good player does not necessarily mean you can spot a talent or assess a player . Most of scouts have not been very good players themselves .
When Wenger started using RVP as the main striker we heard many ex :top players and pundits disagreeing and urging him to buy a striker instead because they believed Van Persie was not up to the job . They were all proven wrong .

[AFC Leveller]

wenger says we almost signed Sherwood...

[adzzzbatch]

Cup Final day :sick:

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Bob Wilson is a legendary Arsenal keeper and is entitled to his opinion . But , just like pundits , his opinion is not a gospel .Having been a good player does not necessarily mean you can spot a talent or assess a player . Most of scouts have not been very good players themselves .
When Wenger started using RVP as the main striker we heard many ex :top players and pundits disagreeing and urging him to buy a striker instead because they believed Van Persie was not up to the job . They were all proven wrong .

Ok then turning that on it's head, what have you seen in Ospina that makes you think Bob Wilson is wrong?

[Marc Overmars]

Cup Final day :sick:

:patrice:

But mainly :sick:

[Maestro]

COYG!!!!!!!!!

Cup Final Day :dance::dance::beer::beer:

[Injury Time]

:patrice:

But mainly :sick:

This :sick:

[Injury Time]

Everyone punch Letters in the balls for good luck....

[Marc Overmars]

Think I'm more nervous than last year.

[Alpha]

Ok then turning that on it's head, what have you seen in Ospina that makes you think Bob Wilson is wrong?

As far as I know , we are the third best defence after Chelsea and Southampton according to the statistics . Before , we were labelled as one of the worse defences . We have changed the goal keeper and our records have improved a bit . We do not concede goals easily as we used to do . I think credit must be to the keeper who has inspired more confidence in his defenders . People can have their opinions but statistics do not lie . Ospina has been a big improvement on Szczesny . I know he still has more room for improvement . But, once fully adapted to the league, you will be one of his few doubters to praise him .

[Injury Time]

Think I'm more nervous than last year.
Not sure that's possible *reaches for bucket* :sick:

[Injury Time]

Aston Villa Giesha to score first, 1-0 HT. subs 69 min Theo to score equaliser and rupture his wallet, Santi Sanchez combo for the winner in last minute of extra time.:sick: :scarf: (need an away colour scarf gif plz)

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Football Focus is on now.

Phil Neville, Motson and Lawrenson pitchside.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Not sure that's possible *reaches for bucket* :sick:

No where near as nervous as last year, was really bricking it then....because of how crucial it was to end the trophy drought. Don't get me wrong if we don't win I'll be absolutely depressed for days but, had we not come back last year I'd have been looking for a bridge to jump off.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Wenger disagreeing with everything Gabby Logan says. :lol:

[Xhaka Can’t]

Not nervous in the slightest.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Why do they keep mentioning the Birmingham League Cup final? :unsure:

[Power n Glory]

This can go either way. Just waiting for the line up and then will have more of an idea how this will play out.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Arsenal. :haha:

Talentless scrotes.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

They just have to show that fucking Giggs goal.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Not Radzi!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Arsenal staying at the Hilton.

Gabby Logan thinks the players should walk from there to the stadium. :haha:

[Marc Overmars]

Setting off now for Finsbury Park, get the beers started early.

See you on the other side folks. :sick:

Come on you Gunners!!! :scarf:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Sleaze 1-0 Blatter.

Huh?

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

What's Owen talking about?

We battered you in 2001 :ninja:

[GP]

SHE WORE!

[Letters]

:sick:

Come on Arsenal. Don't cock this up.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

:sick:

Bricking it atm tbh. We've generally been awful in the Cup at Wembley recently and have required Extra time every time, because we've started so abjectly. Don't know why that's going to suddenly change today.

Got a really gloomy feeling that Villa will score first with Benteke because we'd be nervous and unprepared as usual and we'd then have to go and chase the game. Please don't let this happen Arsenal.

Just win this lads any way. I'd even take a scrappy 1 - 0 of Giroud's erect cock in the 90th minute if it came to it. But hopefully not and instead it'd be a comfortable 3 - 0 win for us, with all the goals coming in the first 20 minutes because my poor heart can't take any more Arsenal related stress anymore.



Everyone punch Letters in the balls for good luck....

Can't bend down that low tbh.

[Letters]

<_<

[Master Splinter]

:haha:

Letters is short as fuck.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

MotD's programme is on now. :lol:

[milla]

MotD's programme is on now. :lol:

Ecstasy of Gold :bow:

Ol school Metallica :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Keown, Dublin and Shearer in the studio.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Keown's defending. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

BBC's feed has already died. :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Haha top bantz.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Villa have arrived. We'll be turning up casually late. :bow:

[milla]

Adding Phil Neville to my long list of reasons why I am not paying TV license anymore. :coffee:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Lineker and Lawro playing snooker? :wacko:

We don't get anything like that now.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Wright. :bow:

Until he opens his mouth.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Ah there is the nonsense English player amount questions.

Villa for England!

[Munchies]

Giroud benched

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Arsenal: Szczesny, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Ramsey, Özil, Alexis, Walcott.
Subs: Ospina, Gibbs, Gabriel, Flamini, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud.

Wenget. :bow:

[A Gunner]

Starting: Szczesny, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Ramsey, Ozil, Alexis, Walcott
Subs: Ospina, Gibbs, Gabriel, Flamini, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Few weeks ago? You mean New Year's Day, Keown?

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Theo!!!! The correct decision based on form though I was certain Wenger would revert to Giroud! Hope Theo's pace causes Vlaar and Okore no end of problems!!

Time for heroes to be made!

Only slight concern is losing Giroud's great height and heading ability when defending corners which given the fact they have Benteke up front, is slightly concerning. God forbid nothing happens.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Cleverley for England!

[milla]

Ramsey :penguin:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Arsenal: Szczesny, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Ramsey, Özil, Alexis, Walcott.
Subs: Ospina, Gibbs, Gabriel, Flamini, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud.

Wenget. :bow:

Aston Villa: Given, Hutton, Vlaar, Okore, Richardson, Westwood, Delph, Cleverley, Grealish, N'Zogbia, Benteke.
Subs: Guzan, Bacuna, Sinclair, Agbonlahor, Cole, Sanchez, Baker

[Munchies]

Ramsey's hair :pal:

[The Emirates Gallactico]

No beers for us if we lose! :lol:

http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/512/mcs/media/images/83322000/jpg/_83322572_facup.jpg

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Right, leaving now to watch it at my mates place on his new 52 inch TV.



In Jesus'/Allah's/Buddha's/God's/Shiva's/Jah's etc etc will we will win today. :pray:

[Letters]

Villa have arrived. We'll be turning up casually late. :bow:

Nice day for a walk, we're taking our time.

[Master Splinter]

Wenfer :bow:.

Is Stevie Me starting for Liverpool?

[Master Splinter]

Benjamin Zephaniah :bow:.

Peaky Blinders :bow:.

Rors :bow:.

Wait, WTF is wrong with me?

Come on Arsenal. :scarf:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Happy Birthday Stevie!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

As long as we have a completely different team, we can challenge for the league.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Trying to walk the ball in to the net. :haha:

No.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Giroud's leather jacket. :doh:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Ospina thinks Martinez will be starting. :unsure:

[Master Splinter]

Bif :bow:.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Shearer just reading out the team news with no analysis. Stunning.

[milla]

Bhaiya :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

What was that?

[milla]

What was that?

A bit racist, but I don't mind. :coffee:

[Penguin]

Come on Arsenal! :pray:

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Walcott starting was a must after the West Brom game, though dropping Giroud although probably the right decision (up front can be interchangeable between Sanchez and Walcott) it's quite a gutsy one for the conservative Wenger.
I'd have liked to have seen him go bolder and replace Cazorla with Wilshere.
But on the whole I'm happy with the line up we now just need the result to match.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Walcott starting was a must after the West Brom game, though dropping Giroud although probably the right decision (up front can be interchangeable between Sanchez and Walcott) it's quite a gutsy one for the conservative Wenger.
I'd have liked to have seen him go bolder and replace Cazorla with Wilshere.
But on the whole I'm happy with the line up we now just need the result to match.

[AFC Leveller]

im shitting it right now, luckily the toilet is next door.

come on Arsenal!!

[Master Splinter]

Alexis :bow: :bow:.

[AFC Leveller]

This season's stats;

most clear cut chances created: Arsenal

Clear cut chances taken: 8th.

need a new striker.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Abide With Me. :bow:

Stevie Me could've been the Liverpool component of the choir.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Mowbray and Murphy commentating. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Come on Arsenal! :bow:

[Maestro]

Right lads here we go

COYG

[Letters]

Come on Arsenal! :bow:

I concur.

[Thierrymon]

Lets do this.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Hutton straight in with the scrote tactics.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Theo offside. Ramsey did well winning the ball.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

I had fears about Ches running out to catch that.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

BFG lumping it up field to Theo. :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Half a yard or a yard is closely offside.

[Maestro]

We're up against scrote tactics, need to box clever. Pace and direct play essential today.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Murphy lamenting players being powerful and strong being a dying a breed. :lol:

Hutton turns it away.

[Maestro]

threat threat we detect a threat COYG

[Maestro]

another corner

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Kos clears it.

[Maestro]

Kos heads wide

[McNamara That Ghost...]

The narrative against Özil is neverending.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

No booking for Benteke? FFS.

[Maestro]

Good stuff Carthola ....should be a yellow

[AFC Leveller]

clear yellow there.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Ozil is quiet so far......picked up by commentator........

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Good punch from Ches.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Cleverley booked.

Scrotes.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Given saves from Koscielny!

[Thierrymon]

Not very Cleverly done. He has got an early yellow.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Ahhhhhhhh

[AFC Leveller]

given the wum

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Not very Cleverly done. He has got an early yellow.

How on earth have we been linked with that guy?

[AFC Leveller]

chesney has done well on both crosses so far, looks assured.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Ramsey slides it in to the side netting.

Bellerin. :bow:

Got lucky with keeping his balance apparently.

[Globalgunner]

Funny how the shorter of our CBs Koscielny is by far the better in the box.

[Maestro]

keep going Bellers, good work kid

[Maestro]

goshhhhh

[Letters]

Oh Ramsey :doh:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Ramsey, what a miss!

Özil. :bow:

[AFC Leveller]

another wasted chance, ramsey this time

[Munchies]

FFS Ramsey!

[Letters]

Actually playing well so far, this was unexpected

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Özil being anonymous again.

[AFC Leveller]

not currently playing to theo's strengths.

[Maestro]

20 mins in and Villa are dire, we've hd chances but need to start taking them before Villa start to believe and all that nonsense

[Kano]

Need to make the most of this strong start.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

What a block from Richardson to deny Theo!

[AFC Leveller]

what a fucking block

[Kano]

Should've buried that.

[Maestro]

not currently playing to theo's strengths.


thought Ozil would have sent Theo clear a few times by now

missed another chance damnnnn

[AFC Leveller]

we have been denied by two great pieces of defending.

[Maestro]

always anticipate the block or tackle, time to bury these chances ffs

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Özil. :cloud9:

[Letters]

Great block tbf. Keep going like this and we will win.

[AFC Leveller]

ozil, cazorla and ramsey are in the game now, good touches.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

What did Murphy just say? :unsure:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Ramsey shot, deflection, Given saves.

[AFC Leveller]

ozil with another sexy touch.

[Maestro]

if we don't score soon enough, villa will take us for powder puff and get gutsy

don't need that, let's bury 'em nice and early

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Cynical shit like that has to be a booking, surely?

No apparently not.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Bully. :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Clear handball by Richardson.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Ches. :lol:

Stay in you berk.

[Letters]

The first 'Chesney' of the afternoon

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Horrific from Hutton.

Just a booking.

[AFC Leveller]

hutton the scrote.


yellow

[Maestro]

another yellow for the scrotes

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Given. :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Westwood with the sidewalk slam on Santi.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Deadly Doug. :bow:

[AFC Leveller]

villa think this is rugby.

[AFC Leveller]

a couple of gooner takers in the stand.

[Maestro]

The team doesn't look balanced somehow, too fluid upfront don't know who is the striker and we haven't found theo enough with the ball. don't know what but something is off.

[Globalgunner]

Only problem I see so far is that Ramsey is FFn useless at right wing. Take him off put Walcott right and Giroud central

[McNamara That Ghost...]

THEO!!!!!

[AFC Leveller]

yesssssssssssss

feo feo feo

[A Gunner]

1 - 0 Walcott!!!

[Thierrymon]

yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SS

[Letters]

YES!!!

[Maestro]

yesssssssssssssssssssss

[Power n Glory]

Theoooo!!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Alexis to Theo from central to left.

Wenget. :bow:

[Maestro]

The team doesn't look balanced somehow, too fluid upfront don't know who is the striker and we haven't found theo enough with the ball. don't know what but something is off.

okay it's back on yesssssssssssssssssssssssssss you villa cunts

[AFC Leveller]

giroud would have neevr scored that, good reactions by theo.

stewart robson is gutted in my stream.

[Globalgunner]

Woo Hoo!
Villa tried parking the bus, but their driver failed his driving test

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Bellerin and Koscelny take a visit to the circus.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Richardson just steals it off from Theo.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Özil. Superb again.

[AFC Leveller]

ozil is sharp today, some sick balls he has.

[Maestro]

agbognholaar losing his hair, literally, on the bench

[McNamara That Ghost...]

The Arsenal 1-0 Villa, HT. :bow:

[AFC Leveller]

ht.

great all round, should be 3 or 4 ahead.

[Kano]

If Villa can't lump it into Benteke, they have nothing. But we can't do our usual and slack off because we're ontop. Go and finish it.

[Thierrymon]

1-0 HT. All us so far.

[Maestro]

so needed that goal before half time

well done wenget, it must have been gut wrenching to drop your son Giroud in favour of Theo

[Maestro]

If Villa can't lump it into Benteke, they have nothing. But we can't do our usual and slack off because we're ontop. Go and finish it.

exactly this, need to close this off

[selassie]

we've played very well so far, Theo with another goal in a important game, say what you like about Theo but he always delivers on the big occassion for us.

[Letters]

Fantastic performance so far.
Keep going and we'll win comfortably, I'm sure Villa will have a spell though, not safe at 1-0

[Kano]

Man, Dion is an idiot.

[Niall_Quinn]

We deserve to be 4 or 5 up at HT, but thank fuck we got the one. Excellent set up by Alexis and great strike on his weaker side by Theo.

But how fucked up are Villa? Fouling cunts. Delph should have been off twice now, that cunt can't do anything bar foul.

Ozil, Alexis and Santi having great games.

Everything Ramsey touches turns to shit today.

Merts is nowhere near good enough to play for Arsenal.

Villa will be lumping it long second half so we'll need another goal to avoid falling foul of a fluke.

[A Gunner]

At least the ref is giving yellow cards instead of warning players and give out first card to us, second card to them in the 90th minute

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Good first half arguably should be further ahead but easier said than done on such a big occasion, settled quickly, winning the ball high up the pitch, getting in behind Villa, using pace and trickery and not panicking when we lose the ball.

[Niall_Quinn]

:doh:

The BBC are only running a special on 'that Giggs goal' - disguised as some sort of goal competition.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Just noticed Coquelin injured his nose again...coming from the celebrations. :doh:

[Master Splinter]

We have been a bit awlsome so far.

Should be 3-0 at least.

Cazorla, Coquelin, Monreal and Bellerin have been triffic.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Showing the Giggs goal again and again and again.

[Kano]

Oh haha lol what lads eh

[Niall_Quinn]

Arsenal vs Aston Villa and half time is dedicated to Giggs' goal. FFS - what a joke of an organisation.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

I think John Bishop is probably more bothered about just being mugged tbf.

[Letters]

Liquid banter from Shearer :rolleyes:

[Niall_Quinn]

:haha:

Phil Neville is sooooo thick. Lineker asks for his views and Neville blows it and starts talking about the cup final instead of the Giggs goal :haha:

[Globalgunner]

Showing the Giggs goal again and again and again.

They are somehow hoping to take the shine off if we win it today. Im sure no mention of the fact we kicked those fkers out of the competition this year. At their shit hole

[Maestro]

Win today and we are the domestic Cup Kings

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Come on Arsenal! :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Ramsey with the deflected scuffer, Given saves.

[Maestro]

need another goal before they bring their pace

[McNamara That Ghost...]

ALEXIS!!! OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!

:bow:

[A Gunner]

2 - 0 Alexis!!!

[Maestro]

oh my fucking gooodddddddddddddddd

[Thierrymon]

Alexis wow!

[Power n Glory]

Fire!

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh

[AFC Leveller]

wow

that is out of this world.

[Letters]

Bloody hell :blink:

[Edinburgh Gooner]

Holy shit!

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Saving his best for last

[Globalgunner]

facebook player of the year....Wooo Hooo!!!!!

[A Gunner]

That was a GOAL!!!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Westwood booked.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

You're looking at the real player of the season......fuck Hazard

[McNamara That Ghost...]

N'Zogbia off, Agbonlahor on.

[Letters]

That was a GOAL!!!

SHIT! DID YOU SEE THAT?!