Art for Arsene's sake
Every time I write a flippin' blog on here I get the same one-eyed responses from partisan fans. Gerrard dives - Robbo hates Liverpool! Ronaldo dives - Robbo hates Man U. Drogba dives - Robbo hates Chelsea.
Has it ever occurred to the lot of you that Robbo hates diving? The worst offenders in recent weeks have been the neurotic ninnies of North London, the Gooners (not all of you, of course, but definitely some of you). This blog is Arsenal-hating apparently.
Well listen up and hopefully the next time the Emirati get a bit of a poke in the ribs from me they'll remember this. I think Arsene Wenger has done more for Premier League football than any other manager. (Calm down you citizens of Cornwall and Kuala Lumpur - I mean along with Fergie of course).
Now don't get me wrong. I still have me complaints about the bloke. The prissy hissy fits are downright monotonous and they need to stop, 'cos he's getting more and more like that eejit Louis Walsh. Wenger's been here 10 years now and if he thinks a bunch of lunks like Stoke City are going to be playing one touch against his lot then he's got bouillabaisse for brains.
I don't appreciate the indifference to English talent up to yet either but then you listen to Bentley and you understand why Wenger might have wanted to get shot of his mouth, if not his talent. It's even more miffing when you see what he's done with Walcott - but hopefully Wilshere and co will come through and that particular high horse can be reduced to a Shetland pony in time.
And he's up there with his purple Knightship when it comes to the 'everyone against us' nonsense and how officials pick on his lads. Arsenal used to accumulate red cards like Brangelina accumulate kids so it's always rung a little hollow.
Oh and why is it that Arsene's players get tired before everyone else's? (Well it might well be that some of the teams he puts out should be in bed by 9.30 so it's no wonder the last 10 minutes on Euro nights is a struggle).
At his worst, Wenger somehow manages to be neurotic and superior at the same time. I mean if I've got a chip on my shoulder, Arsene's got a bumper side-portion of frites on both of his.
But then again, then again, the bloke is an artist, isn't he? And artists are allowed, so I'm told, to be contradictory and complicated, 'cos in the end you'll get a little bit of genius. And if you want to know what Wenger has brought to English football, it's best to ignore the sniffy side-swipes and just watch his team play.
I'm not a baseball fan but I'm always impressed when you see fielders whanging it about through three or four pairs of hands and running out three batters in one go (I bet there's some retch-making American abbreviation for that, like out-threeing or a tri-down - I'm sure someone'll tell me).
Arsenal at their best are like that, times 10. Sometimes you'd think the ball was metal and their boots were magnets. The 5-2 demolition of Fenerbahce was a case in point.
To me, despite my irritations, the bloke is unsackable. Think about the club he took over, after all. A club built on bloody-mindedness and a defence so mean-spirited they'd have laid a pile of pensioners across the goalmouth if they could have got away with it. Come to think of it, by the time Wenger arrived a lot of them weren't far off getting their own free bus-passes, were they?
I mean they weren't unsuccessful, Arsenal, but Wrighty aside it was a toss-up whether you would watch them or sit in a bath of condensed milk while listening to Bryan Adams' Greatest Hits and sticking rusty safety-pins through your eyelids.
But then there was Arsene - and Bergkamp, Pires, Henry, Overmars, Fabregas... in short a bloody feast for the eyes... footie so good you could taste it.
While the rest of us are making do with some greasy burgers from the van at the end of the road, Wenger's managed to do the football equivalent of Jamie Oliver's feed your family for under a fiver.
Cos somehow he dips his net through the murky pool that is world football talent and comes up with the perfect fit for his club. Young, neat, athletic, cultured, a bit too French and just a little too easy to knock off the ball. But really, really great to watch and bloody cheap for this day and age.
So the club were in crisis during the last 10 days, 'cos of two long throws and a Spurs team that seemed to have been blessed by higher powers. (If Darren Bent scores five in two then you know damn well that the Gods are looking down and having a right old bloody laugh.)
Michael Essien suggests the Gunners need to start winning ugly. Well you know what, maybe they are too pretty. Maybe they rattle like ill-fitting dentures at the first sign of an alehouse XI coming up against them.
But they do play the game as God - or should that be Clough - intended and the game on Saturday was just an absolute joy, helped in no small part by Man U's play which was pretty damn blissful too. The beautiful game indeed.
They still need to spend - flogging Diarra wasn't Wenger's brightest piece of business - and there's not a team in the country that needs a centre-back like Silvestre.
And at the risk of being slurred with the worst accusation that can be levelled at a Teessider - that I'm a football purist - may I say that I hope that Arsene, whines and witterings and whatever included, continues to put out a bunch of lads that seek to dazzle and delight rather than simply grind out results.
But maybe I'm just being nice 'cos I know they'll struggle to win anything playing that way, eh?
I'm Derek Robson. People call me Robbo. Legend has it I was raised in the furnace and smog of Teesside. Some might say I took the hard road. I like to tell folk I had trials for Middlesbrough, for Hartlepool and for burglary (not guilty). I've always loved sport. My job is to say it as I see it - whether it's in the bar of the Blue Bell or on this blog. You won't find me calling a spade a soil-redistribution implement.
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~31~RS~)
Comments
Sign in or register to comment.
excellent as always bud
Complain about this comment
Good post. His moaning can be tiresome Robbo, but hes OUR Moaner and all Gunners but the odd idiot loves the man.
We might struggle as you say, but its a pleasure to see us try and fail all the same!
Complain about this comment
Good Post, I don't think anyone likes diving, unless your on the Olympic team of course. However part of the problems is the officials who don't call it. I don't think giving out a yellow is going to stop the problem. What they need to do is issue a straight red card. As soon as players realize that diving will get them ejected, and it will cost their teams points they might just stop diving.
By the way, as a baseball fanatic Robbo, I thought I'd let you know the term your thinking of is three up three down.
Complain about this comment
Back on form Robbo, just go easy on Stoke okay?
Complain about this comment
Your right, there is no doubting Arsene's credentials as a manager, he is one of the best and brightest in the game. But oh my days that bloke needs some cheese to go with all the whine! But then again all the best managers blame things on stuff at times dont they.
I will admit, even as a United fan, Arsenal play good football, very easy on the eye, but i just dont like them as a team... Essien is right, sometimes you DO need to win ugly, thats a fact of life in the Premier League. When your playing a team such as Bolton or Wigan, and they are putting in 110% and putting bodys behind the ball and playing stubborn, then playing pretty will not cut it.
I believe that of the so called Top Four, Arsenal are outsiders. Liverpool, Man U and Chelsea, can all play dazzling and beautiful football, as well as ugly grinding out results style football, whereas Arsenal, at times, seem to be a 1 trick pony.
But anyway Robbo another great blog mate
Complain about this comment
I have no complaints
but I bet Arsene doesn't see this article
Complain about this comment
I mostly agree but I would like to win something and take away some of the bliss.
Anyone agree????
Complain about this comment
Par excellence, Robbo!
I usually agree with a lot of what you say, but this time, it's every word.
Complain about this comment
Good post Robbo - back on form.
The beautiful game indeed. I saw it here on Belgian tv, listening to the commentary on 5Live, and even that sanctimonious DH commentator (forget his name - you know the one though, with the over emphasised N Ireland accent) couldn't find anything to get on his high-horse about. It was a real cracker. Even the beautiful stuff on display by Man U was overshadowed by Arsenal - a joy to watch.
One point though - how on earth did Man U expect to get anything from the game playing with 4 up-front against that Arsenal side?
Complain about this comment
Great blog Robbo! Good to see Arsenal give Man Utd a good stuffing at the weekend. I agree with what you say about Wenger as well. He's mostly great but occasionally a bit myopic. Still, there are plenty of managers like that in football.
I think that Arsenal will be happy to finish 4th this season but Wenger needs to buy some experience in January or it may be a struggle for them.
Complain about this comment
as a neutral (with leanings towards the gunners) this was a game not to be missed. when in the UK, I am fortunate to catch a few games at the emirates - its safe to say that you never know which arsenal is going to turn up, but when they do, its a sight to behold.
much as it sticks in the throat of a leeds fan, united deserve credit for their part too.
Complain about this comment
Bit anorakish this but the baseball term Robbo is looking for is a "Triple Play". Three up three down is when no batsmen reach base in an inning.
Complain about this comment
Pretty well written - however if I have understood you correctly you seem to be criticising Silvestre? I guess you were not watching the same game as me then as I think he had his best game for AFC to date (often the way versus your old mates). To my mind Silvestre is deservedly keeping Toure out of the team, who looks a bit muscle-bound at present.
Complain about this comment
Arsenal will comfortably finish fourth this season if not higher, I do agree that instead of having your fabregas, denilson, nasri and walcott midfield, they need someone in the mould of mascherano, they need patrick vieira back really, now that I would love to see!!! I am not an arsenal fan but I sometimes love to watch them play, they can however be overly frustrating trying to pass the ball into the net.
If RVP finds his shooting boots and stays injury free we will see arsenal catapaulting up the table, mark those words...
Great post though Robbo, Wenger is a magician and will forever be unique in the way he sees football should be played. He, along with Sir Alex are the greatest managers of the past ten years and we shouldn't forget that....
Complain about this comment
Great article Robbo.
AW is a fantastic recruiter, a marvellous trainer, a businessman par excellence..however he is also bull-headed, both in his match-losing responses and his refusing to add the obvious need of a defensive stopper.
And on anther note, Mr. AmericanSportsfan, you must live in Leeds or someplace, not the States.
Robbo was referring to a "triple play".
Complain about this comment
I wonder what Arsene Wenger's worst ever signing has been. They bought a guy called Bischoff from Werder Bremen in the summer who's in his twenties and hasn't featured in any Arsenal squads this season. He played 1 sub appearence for Bremen. I fail to see how he will be Arsenal-standard.
Anyone got any suggestions for worst Wenger aquisition?
Complain about this comment
Silvestre played well on Saturday, but then again he ought to - he should know exactly where the United players are going to run all the time. As an Arsenal fan, I have to say that I am so in favour of Arsene's policy of playing youth and playing quick, fluid, attacking football that I would almost rather not win anything than sacrifice his beliefs in the cause of trophies. Not that I'd ever share this belief in the pub.
If anyone's interested there was quite a good piece about it yesterday on the UpForGrabsNow blog (think it's .co.uk but can't remember/be bothered to check right now...)
In all things, Arsene knows...
Complain about this comment
Robbo, that is baseball term is "triple play" when three basehitters(?) get out in one play. Plus there is double play as well. But no single play, that would be redundant.
Complain about this comment
"I'm not a baseball fan but I'm always impressed when you see fielders whanging it about through three or four pairs of hands and running out three batters in one go (I bet there's some retch-making American abbreviation for that, like out-threeing or a tri-down - I'm sure someone'll tell me). "
Robbo, the correct baseball term, in which a group of fielders get all three outs "in one go" is simply a triple-play. Though rare, the more common (and almost as beautiful to watch in motion) is two batters at once, which is referred to as a double-play. A three up and three down is one all three outs are recorded in a row, but not necessarily in one go.
By the way, excellent blog, as usual. Arsene and his footballing philosophy are the reason I started watching footie five years back. Though I admit, Lomana Tresor LuaLua's goal to beat them at Fratton Park and stave off relegation is partly the reason I'm a Pompey fan.
Complain about this comment
Wenger's blindness is simply a means of avoiding either criticising his players in public or defending the indefensible, like many other managers.
Arsenal fans love him because we feel privileged to watch that football week in, week out, especially when we remember how we used to sing "boring, boring arsenal".
Okay, we still need a new Vieira figure ... and maybe a striker who can score one chance in ten ... and another Tony Adams wouldn't go amiss ... but I'd rather sit in the Emirates and watch teams like Everton try to beat us up than be anywhere else on a Saturday afternoon.
In Wenger we trust.
Complain about this comment
£12m on Walcott, £10m for Nasri. How does the man do it, eh? He works on a shoestring.
Don't try to pretend Arsenal's budget is the same as say, Hull City.
Seriously though, Arsenal possibly could spend more money but Wenger chooses not to. All I would say is that he has built a competitive side. However, to go from a team that finishes 3rd/4th to finishing 1st needs investment. Even if it needs £30m players.
Complain about this comment
Love the Article Robbo.
It sums up why I love the way AW runs the club....
He has his +ves and -ves and I being a tragic romantic, Love it to my bits.
The game on Saturday reminded me why I am a Football fan.
Complain about this comment
Excellent article Robbo, maybe we should criticize your articles more often because u seem to write quality when you're upset.
LETS ALL GET UNDERS ROBBO'S SKIN!!!!!!!
Brilliant read!
Complain about this comment
now you're against Darren Bent - can I bleat about 'Robbo hates Tottenham'. doh!
another great blog, and as a Spurs s'porter, I'm just happy to see North London becoming the home of the best footie being played anywhere in Britain at the moment.
and Wenger has played his part in creating a love-of-the-game-affirming template for the belief that it IS possible to play that brand of football and be successful. and being a perma-fixture in the top 4 of the best and hardest league in the world IS being successful.
the trophies don't sit in our cabinet at home do they? all we as supporters can hope for is that our side represents our personal vision of 'good football', and wins it's share of games in the process.
both Spurs and Arsene's mob are doing this. I haven't seen the trophy that Spurs won, but would much rather have seen them win enough games to see them in the top 4. and win them beautifully.
controversial?
Complain about this comment
Great article Robbo.
Wenger is a great manager and continues to amaze with the talent his 'net' plunders from the football seas. Although i would like to see him promote more british talent.
One thing though about all the whinging and whining he does...you have to remember he is French!
Complain about this comment
Am I the only one who thinks Arsene Wenger was right in everything he said about Stoke?
Complain about this comment
Good blog Robbo, Wenger has earnt the right to be contradictory in the same way as Fergie has done, lets face it the day these 2 leave the League, will be a dark day for the game in this country.
Can i just say well done to some of the Man U fans, after the game they were graceful in defeat, it was a fantastic game and just the result we needed.
Who knows if we'll win the league this season or next, but as a Gooner i know it wont be boring.
Complain about this comment
Listen,
All you people trying to tell Robbo it is a triple play will need to considerably simplify it for him, no disrespect, Robbo.
Perhaps you could start from hat trick and work on from there.
Or -- and I'm sure he's been there and done that -- a menage a trois. Hope Mrs Robbo is still not reading these admirable blogs.
Complain about this comment
the next big game:
Chelsea VS. Arsenal
i must say that arsenal looks great...
chelsea is going to loss...
I dont know if its real:
but yesturday my friend send me this link...
it looks like a legit company
[Unsuitable/Broken URL removed by Moderator]
Complain about this comment
Well, it is a good blog but how hard is it to argue Wenger has transformed Arsenal? It is like saying, "food is a good idea".
Everybody (including, I suspect, a handful of Arsenal fans) hated them because they really were boring, shouldn't have been promoted in 1919 and, well, just because they were Arsenal.
Everybody (including, I suspect, a handful of Spurs fans) now admires the way they play and what Wenger in particular has done for them and the Premier League.
Yes, his constant "everybody's against us" allegations are tedious, but all managers display similar traits when their teams lose.
PS: No 26 - Yes!
Complain about this comment
What has Clough got to do with anything? great manager that he was my old man says Nottingham Forrest did what they did under him by being dull 1-0 speacialist who kicked opposing teams 20 foot in the air at the first sign of resistance.
As for Wenger we all understand his team plays good football, but i personally loath the self maintained castle he has built around him self that shields him from any critics.
Q) Team not playing well?
A) "Ah well they're just babies they will learn and they will mature"
That's all very well and dandy but it's too cute too rentlessly discard rapidly maturing players season in season out while replacing them 'new' babies. It;s as if he cannot operate anymore without this self emanating saftey net.
Q) Team plays well beats Manu
A) "yes well it bodes well for our future blah, the team showed sprit and maturity blah"
Bobbins.
The man doesn' impress me as a person anymore, and hasn't since the day he likened My clubs win of the 2005 Champions leauge final, to that of Millwall run in the FA cup the same year.
He's bitter, twisted and in my opinion 'lost' within his own Philosophy. It's is a miracle that each and every season his squads are capable of pushing for major honours right out of the box while seemingly spending £5 on transfers.
But look deeper and the money genius isn't so clear. Like i personally do NOT understand how Arsenal FC continue to have a higher annual wage bill than Liverpool FC, despite apparently filling their ranks with children & unknows.
There more to Arsenal than meets the eye.
Complain about this comment
Heh. Judging from the first couple of paragraphs, it seems Robbo is turning into the North East's answer to Wenger (or possibly Fergie).
Just kidding!
Another great article. Hilarious analogies and some relevant, well-made points, although the baseball reference went completely over my head.
Although its currently looking like a Liverpool / Chelsea title race, I'd love to see Arsenal close the gap and make it a 3-way tussle.
Long live Robbo Robson - the best thing to come out of Teesside since Chris Rea! ;-)
Complain about this comment
I have to admit, better than your usual tripe
(Calm down you citizens of Cornwall and Kuala Lumpur - I mean along with Fergie of course).
That was classic lol
Not too sure about youre point with Darren Bent considering he is a proven goalscorer in the prem...let yourself go again their with your usual single minded tosh
Also I wouldnt say £10 and £12 for Nasri and Walcott is completley "cheap"...would you?
Complain about this comment
Great Blog Robbo
I seem to remember many Aresenal fans worrying about this French, thinking manager. They now know that except for the whinging he is a world class manager who can produce great teams and football.
dyrewolf (#32)
Are you sure that the north needs another "Road to Hell"
Complain about this comment
#10 "Good to see Arsenal give Man Utd a good stuffing at the weekend. ".
You must be biased, both teams were excellent even AW said that, AFC took 2 chances, MUFC didnt.
Brilliant blog as usual. Best thing on Teesside? Try the P&G
Complain about this comment
It is not up to wenger to play english players. We are a club side and can therefore sign whomever we like (work permits aside).
Also, to the person that asked about poor arsenal signings, look no further than franny jeffers and it might be a bit more obvious to see why wenger doesn't sign many english players.
Complain about this comment
One thing im yet to understand about wenger is he himself admits his team to be young right.then he keeps fielding a much more younger side each and every season.then when they lose he blames it on lack of experience.And by the way bendtner does not fit at arsenal
Complain about this comment
Robbo hates Arsenal!!
Complain about this comment
Good blog Robbo, good to so you giving some back for a change.
@33, Im goin to do you a favour and assume your being ironic...
Actually, forget that im goin to try and spell it out in one syllable words.
One fact does not mean bias.
Also I'd call £22 for Walcott and Nasri extremely cheap. At those prices I could buy them for my team. 2 quality players for the cost of a night out. Or do you mean £22m? If you can be a pedant, so can we mate.
Got it? Good. Now run along home back to your shrine to Bent and 'Arry.
In Robbo we trust.
Complain about this comment
Agreed, Arsenal play beautiful football and Wenger is a master at keeping his wallet in his pocket yet still finding great players, but he sure can winge! I also still find it very annoying that his sides have little to no English selections.
PS - Baseball term you're thinking of is a "triple-play".
Complain about this comment
One of the problems is that he gets asked questions like "Why did you feel you lost today?" responds with something like "We struggled to cope with the physical side of the game, they did not come to play football and just put everyone behind the ball and we couldn't break them down" and then the media interpret this as moaning. Its not. Occasionally, he moans when Arsenal get kicked off the park and 2 or 3 of his players get serious injuries but who wouldn't? The day Stoke were promoted a sheffield utd fan told me it was bad for the premiership because they play horrible dirty football and coming from a shef utd fan that says it all. Stoke will go down at the end of the season and be replaced by some equally filthy side who will beat arsenal and injure a few of their players and we can have this whole debate again next year
Complain about this comment
#31
I am honour bound to point out that anyone who had the opinion that Clough's Forest were a team of cloggers should stick to tiddly winks or fishing.
Clough was a strict disciplinarian, his players used RESPECT when all around abused. Yes, they could handle themselves, just like Tommy Smith.
Complain about this comment
@41 I suggest you watch the Championship a bit more mate, its come on a lot in say the last decade which is clearly when you last looked. Teams like Stoke are the minority now.
Yeah they can do well by bullying teams that play football (we dont have the cash to buy the players to out class the lunks, but generally 2 or 3 of the teams that come up can play a bit.
The other problem you have is that there are a bunch of "clogger" teams that go up and down a bit. Sadly those teams are now cash rich so those that come down go back up, but then, thats also not the championships fault. If you spread the cash a bit, you wouldnt have this problem.
Complain about this comment
Im an Arsenal fan and have made a stand in not even clicking the link for you article in the last year but the pro Wennger title drew me in. You still have no idea. Well done though your like s club 7 - no talent but your living the dream - congratulations
Complain about this comment
33. At 2:16pm on 10 Nov 2008, tottenham_boi wrote:
Not too sure about your point with Darren Bent considering he is a proven goalscorer in the prem...let yourself go again their with your usual single minded tosh
--------------------------------------------------------
Hibernating last season, were you?
Complain about this comment
Hello #35. I'm actually a Villa fan! Perhaps "stuffing" was a bit much, but I thought that Arsenal wanted it a bit more and I couldn't think of anyone on their team that as bad an afternoon as Gary Neville, and as quiet an afternoon as Ronaldo. When it comes to games like these I am a complete neutral ( even though I'd like to see my team in the top four at Arsenal's cost) but I would say that most neutrals were probably leaning towards Arsenal on Saturday.
Complain about this comment
Back to good form Robbo, good observations lets hope you are on aroll!. Mind you I think you have faint praise for Rory and Stoke. Delaps throws are delivered better than a lot of free kicks.
Cheers
Complain about this comment
"I thought I'd let you know the term your thinking of is three up three down."
Hey American Sports Fan - I think you'll find the term is "triple play". Three up three down means that three hitters are "out" in three consecutive plays.
Complain about this comment
I absolutley love how mention the joy in Saturday's game was also due to Man United's play, as everyone that sees the score just wants to says that Arsenal completely threw united in the dustbin.
Also I am a United fan, but I love to watch Arsenal play. They are the only other team I watch during the week, and at the moment hull, and Tottenham. Chelsea and Liverpool's matches are absolutely horrendous and mind-puzzling to watch. 90 mins for a Chelsea and Liverpool match seems like 190 mins. Even though I must admit Liverpool are a completely different team in the champions league than in the Premiership. Anyways I hate divers, and I hate divers that nag after they dive such as Cristiano Ronaldo except I must like him as he plays for the greatest team on this earth (Mannn United). Arsene Wenger is Arsenal if Arsenal were to sack Arsene wenger, they wouldn't ever reach the top four again. They have a 22 year debt to pay. All young players which I believe no one can coach to such success except for Arsene the vulture.
Complain about this comment
Hi poppyastonvilla, I am also neutral, being Rotherham, part Teesside and currently HSV/st Pauli, so look forward to seeing Villa over here in December.
Remember the old cliche, it's a funny old game, it can be boring,0-0, mediocre, good,7-6, excellent, its still football and we all love it, despite managers whinges and our own moans and groans.
And Robbo provides the lighter touch on topics and comments intended to generate discussion
Complain about this comment
Good stuff. The most impartial observers always seem to be supporters of the least successful clubs.
Complain about this comment
we showed last year we can win ugly but we have lost a few players who were fighters like senderos and flamini and these players werent replaced properly,last year we crossed the ball more often and used the long ball more often that together got us more points,while we just tried to play our normal way against stoke and created no chances while against hull we had enough chances to win 2 games and some chances against fulham
Complain about this comment
Re: #3 by AmericanSportfan
Not to be too pendantic but, in baseball the term for three out on the same play is a "Triple Play". The term "3 up, 3 down" can be applied any time 3 batters are out in a row not necessarilly on the same play......
But then again we are talking about football on this blog and I wholeheartedly agree with Robbo's comments. The Arsenal v Man Utd match was brilliant with both sides playing attractive football.
Great blog Robbo.
Complain about this comment
Robbo good stuff mate
And them yankee doodles call it a "triple play" in baseball
Complain about this comment
I think you were a bit tough on the previous Arsenal regimes, Robbo. George Graham was uncompromising but did, at least, have a sense of humour. I can imagine what he would have said to any of his players who wanted to wear gloves when the weather got chilly!
If I remember correctly, Bruce Rioch was the manager who brought in Denis 'Diver' Bergkamp and got Arsenal to a fourth placed finish. But I guess he was fired because the team was not as entertaining as George Graham's teams.
But fair enough, Arsene has done extremely well without spending like Sir Alex or Chelsea have needed to. But if you cannot beat Stoke or Spurs, what's the point?
Complain about this comment
I think Wenger's greatest whinge was a game against Martin Jol's Spurs.
Spurs are on a fast moving attacking play and two Arsenal players run into each other, behind the play, and smudge each others make-up. Spurs go on to score and Wenger bleats about it being unsportsman-like behaviour from his neighbours.
Classic - keep us laughing Arsen.
Complain about this comment
I'm glad we sorted that out Tone1947. I wasn't trying to be contentious or provocative, although I still think I'm right about neutrals prefering Arsenal! ;)
Complain about this comment
Am i the only one who thought the result at the weekend just covered over the obvious cracks in arsenal? Utd had a barrel load of chances in the match and i would suggest better ones than arsenal it just went for them this day.
The other thing bugging me is that no one doubts there credentials to play the bigger teams but it's the likes of the stokes of this world that make football the beautiful game to me that is the one that is unpredictable. I mean if arsene would like to swap his team for pulis' maybe he would see this lovely one touch stuff but it's rather easy to forget that arsenal have the distinct advantage of being in london a place that is a lot more appealing than stoke to a young player. The budgets dictate the style hence why the premier league is arguably the best in the world.
As for arsenals great football well when the weather and pitch are nice it can be very exquisite to watch beautiful interchanges and technique but how about in the winter when it becomes who can pass to the side more times and they come up with no ideas? It just goes from side to side to side then forward back and side and side and side and to be honest it can be some of the most unbelievably boring and frustrating football to watch. Having also been a defender i have never quite understood why strength, balance, concentration, marking and tackling have always been so frowned upon. The irony is it is exactly these qualities that arsenal need to be the bride and not just the bridesmaid and for all this talk of arsenal fans saying they don't mind winning nothing season after season it may start to get that way. Last year was as close as arsenal have been in years and it wasn't anywhere near close enough.
Complain about this comment
At the end of the day, I think this debate revolves around the question: what, at the end of the day, is the point of football?
Is it about winning for the sake of winning?
Is is purely to entertain the masses?
Is it a way for people to make money?
Is it a form of personal expression?
Is it a way of competing, and therefore comparing yourself to, other countries or cities? A matter of pride?
So whether Arsene 'n'all are doing the right thing depends on what your answer to this question is. They entertain, they make money, they instill pride in their supporters (mostly). They don't win trophies, but it seems that that is not Arsene's answer to this question.
There will always be critics and those who insist that the point is to win stuff, but nobody has the answers so nobody can tell AW he's wrong or right.
At the end of the day, lots of people will pay good money to watch them regardless of their success, they provide a living to many young men (and women) and Arsene produces his 'art' while sticking to his principles.
Complain about this comment
39. At 2:38pm on 10 Nov 2008, donprestoni wrote:
Good blog Robbo, good to so you giving some back for a change.
@33, Im goin to do you a favour and assume your being ironic...
Actually, forget that im goin to try and spell it out in one syllable words.
One fact does not mean bias.
Also I'd call ?22 for Walcott and Nasri extremely cheap. At those prices I could buy them for my team. 2 quality players for the cost of a night out. Or do you mean ?22m? If you can be a pedant, so can we mate.
Got it? Good. Now run along home back to your shrine to Bent and 'Arry.
In Robbo we trust.
-------------------------------------
Where have i mentioned anybody being bias?
And you know I mean million, why be so pathetic...
And so much for your "single syllable" words "bias" mug
@45
I dont think you can call playing 20 minutes or so every 5 games a proper run out...can you?
Complain about this comment
response to wengers worst signing maybe pascal cygan, oleg luzhny or francis jeffers.
he seems to find gems for dirt cheap though van persie for under 3million has to be one of the best signings in recent years. Wenger should instruct the fa on how to coach youngsters at grass roots level to play arsenal style football and learn the basic techniques that the foreigners seem to have.
Complain about this comment
@tottenham_boi
"Where have i mentioned anybody being bias?
And you know I mean million, why be so pathetic...
And so much for your "single syllable" words "bias" mug"
-----------------------
I think your words "single minded tosh" could be seen as a reference to supposed bias...
Also, why does everyone say "bias" when they mean "biased"?
Complain about this comment
60. At 3:38pm on 10 Nov 2008, tottenham_boi wrote:
@45
I dont think you can call playing 20 minutes or so every 5 games a proper run out...can you?
--------------------------------------------------------
Lol, no. I'm not saying he got as much playing time as his form from previous clubs deserved, but for £16+ million (it was somewhere around there wasn't it?) I think he wasn't playing anywhere near as well as he should have been for that price, and he's playing better now than he did all of last season.
He was, in all honesty, a bit bunk last season.
But I love Tottenham, and Bent and I'm well glad he's found some proper form, finally.
Complain about this comment
Sorry about that my mind just slipped. A triple play is rare. The actual term is Double Play.
PS I live in Upstate NEW YORK, not Leeds. The Closest I get to the british Commonwealth is the thousand islands and the Canadian border which is 100 miles due north of where I live.
Complain about this comment
49 antar.
I find this endless bleating about Chelsea & Liverpool's football being 'boring' both monotonous and evasive, all most as if its a way of shielding your self from reality.
I don't blame you tho, sheep often mindlessly follow the words of the equally sheepish media. As such i think i should update your mandate. The media have now started to call Liverpool's football “exciting” and at times label Chelsea “Brazil”
Ok then? Hopefully now you'll join your fellow sheep and be able to sing from the same hymn book.
Complain about this comment
Nova I should have known that seeing that I've watched the game All my life, but reading this blog sort of threw me for a bit of a loop. Still would love to see Robbo come over here and take a trip across the states, much in the way that the BBC sent a bus from Los Angles to New York to cover the election. How about in June and July when the Football season is over. I think it would be a great way to educate most Brits about America and maybe a few americans about Britian.
Complain about this comment
Why do people go on about him not selecting more English players!! Why aren't you saying "Why can't these English players improve to get in the side!!". Look at the number of players we sold because they either didn't want to stay, weren't good enough or broke the clubs rules.
You are right with the way he's turned how clubs look after their players. Arsenals back 4 when he arrived were about to retire but through the way he introduce diets and fitness and his attitude they carried on for a lot longer.
I don't think the club was in a crisis. Just the papers trying to sell more. AW will back his players, on rare occasions he will say something in public but it is handled in private. Just look at the way Gallas has been dealt with about the smoking incident a few weeks back. AW said he would be speaking to him and that was the end of it.
Complain about this comment
frankly though, i don't understand the cry for a need of "winning ugly".
now from what i recall, Arsenal 2002, 2004 sides got the job done playing the same, or probably even more attrative football than today.
and in the case of 2004, they played the beautiful way all season and none could stop them.
if class of 2008 haven't be able to achieve that same consistence in terms of getting result, could that be a case that few of them have even reached the peak of their career (compared to 2004)? rather than because the "ugly way is the winning way"?
i hope i m not being biased. just a simple logic.
Complain about this comment
@66 - But we've got Little Britain: USA on HBO now, what else do we need?
Good blog Robbo, particularly enjoyed the dig at Man U supporters.
I live in the US and therefore have the luxury of picking and choosing which clubs to love or hate (well, MLS local team is DC United but it's a yawn-fest watching them). I started getting into the EPL back around 2000 and immediately took a liking to Arsenal because I loved watching them play. They are quite frustrating at times, but on their day, there's nothing I'd rather spend 90 minutes watching.
Complain about this comment
I think Robbo it would be easier for you to sit on the fence and give wishy-washy answers. The fact that you stick your neck out is a good thing, even though some people try and seek an agenda.
I hate Arsenal but I think Wenger is a superb coach. I think it's bizarre how the media has treated Arsenal in the last few weeks and I think Wenger doesn't do himself any favours at press conferences.
For example, when they got beat by Stoke all you could hear from the so-called "top" TV pundits of BBC was "their title challenge is over". This week, oh it's back on. Truth is, pundits on TV don't have a clue. It's fine when they get 4 hours to analyse footage and come up with some decent comments. But when they have to do it live, God help us. My nan has more sensible opinions on Arsenal.
Anyway, I think Wengers comments he made about Stoke were blown out of proportion. Yes he whinged about his players getting booted all over the pitch but this wasn't an out and out whine. He was actually replying to a journalists suggestion that his team had lost it - they were weak-minded and don't have what it takes to win a trophy.
Wenger obviously got a bit upset about this and tried to defend his players by slagging off Stoke, effectively justifying Arsenals poor performance. I honestly think that if the question was framed in a better way, Wenger wouldn't have struck back. But then again, that's what tabloid TV and journalists want. They want a reaction - that's why they ask questions in this way. That's why they shove microphones in players and managers faces right after a game and say "oh dear, what about that red card then?".
I don't think you're anti-anything Robbo. Just keep sticking your neck out, make some good jokes and you'll still have alot of people appreciating your work.
:-)
Complain about this comment
Lets face face, they, the gunners maybe pretty and well most teams never get near them at the Emirates. Yet will they finish fourth...unlikely, Villa and Everton will squeeze them out.
Most teams should realise that this team more than any other Wenger side is too young and won't last the pace.
They will provide great entertainment along the way but come on most teams must fancy turning Arsenal over at home....do they really scare you nah!
One last point a lot of people would really like Arsenal more if Wenger didn't behave like a spolit teenager EVERY time his side loses, listen to his press interviews he never gives the oppo any credit
Complain about this comment
ANOTHER OVERRATED BLOG FROM ROBBO. UR EVEN MORE OVERRATED THEN ROBINHO NOW!!! SOOOO ANTI-MAN UTD AND EVEN HAD A POP AT THE GREATEST MANAGER IN PREMIERHSIP HISTORY(FERGUSON). I FIND THE BLOG INSULTING AND THIS IS WHY I AM STARTING TO MOVE AWAY FROM BBC SPORT...
Complain about this comment
Remember he beat Man Utd with the same lads Robbo.
Complain about this comment
@72 try moving away form the capslock key too...
Complain about this comment
Robbo, very funny blog. As someone who lives abroad it is SO nice to laugh out loud at some of your memorable comments. For the record, it is a 'triple play' you were asking about as hundreds have pointed out and I am surprised that no-one mentioned an 'unassisted triple play' which is one fielder removing 3 batsmen at one go.
You are quite right - it is easy to forgive Wenger for his eccentricities, poor visual acuity and fatherly protection of his waifs when he produces teams that play the way they do. I warm to him more than I ever will to Fergie who may have won a lot more but is not someone I could ever work for.
I would rather be an Arsenal supporter than a Man. U supporter at a pinch as I could not put up with all the complaints and moaning from so many of the supporters of the most succesful club in England. I have been pleased to see that most Gunners supporters have backed Wenger despite the lack of trophies which would not be the case if Fergie had gone 4 years without winning anything. Oh God, more whining!
Cheers, Joe.
Complain about this comment
Arsene's worst signing without any doubt was Francis Jeffers from Everton in May 2001 for £8 million.
Arsenal should have sued Everton under the trade description act, he couldn't score goals so he wasn't a striker.
Complain about this comment
Oh #72 you are so tragic.......what's the point of blogging????
To create and divide opinion good and bad, who cares if Robbo is anti anything. You 've clearly not got the wit/bottle/imagination to conjour a worthwhile opinion to joust with the man himself
And Ferguson, a saint of course, who breeds players to win at any cost even if they are the best players. Remember Ferguson patting Ole Gunnar on the back after he'd just brought down Rob Lee who was clean through, so Man U won the game.....i'm sure you won't be missed
Complain about this comment
To be fair Fergie moans and whinges every bit as much as Wenger does and more when things don't go his way (and even sometimes when they do), it's just that the media don't make such a big deal of it, they seem to know better than to take him seriously - and it's not shown on MOTD of course.
In fact is the amount of complaining directly proportional to the success of the manager? Perhaps. Discuss.
Complain about this comment
Good blog Robbo. Obviously I was gutted on Saturday but it was a great game. Wenger should have a job for life, obviously he's made some mistakes but so has every manager, including Fergie (Djemba-Djemba, lol!)
Complain about this comment
#78 you're right in most cases, except bloody Paul Jewell...
The man is on a different planet when it comes to moaning and he's won bugger all
Complain about this comment
Lets face it all GREAT manager's have moaned consistently to just avoid talking directly about their team.
Clough, Ferguson, Wenger, Paisley, you name 'em. Winning stretches across all facets of management.
I laughed silly the other week when Ferguson's Man U were sixth and for no reason said Villa were capable of a top four finish......how many Villa fans started to believe the hype from the knighted one*? Two games later Villa are stumbling after two straight defeats just before Man U play them. I'm no lover of Ferguson but he's a genius!
Robbo the blog's well good and deserves the debate it gets!
Complain about this comment
@78 and 80. Don't forget Neil Warnock. Man he complained about anything, even if the ref got it right. Plus, he was really rude to people.
Complain about this comment
euanisakumbi:
I couldnt disagree more with every single point you make.
You suggest that Arsenal's result "papered over the cracks" at the weekend, after the enormous amount of blogs, articles and comments about Arsenal since the Tottenham game and then the match at Stoke, I dont think the win at home to utd has "papered over" anything!! The whole world and his dog have had a go and disected the Arsenal team, manager and the short comings of the team.
You then say United had a barrel full of chances, they did, but so did Arsenal...thats what made the game so special. Arsenal's shooting on the day was far superior, thats why they won the game. There were 4 or 5 wild slashes at the ball by united which were high and wide and one or two of these were from 30 yards at least...hardly real "chances" ( one from Rooney even went out for a throw)!
Also you state that it really bugs you that teams from London have the advantage over teams from the likes of Stoke because London is a bit more appealing. How much of an advantage do you think that is?? It hasnt manifested itself too well has it? How many titles have been won by London sides since the huge influx of foreigners in the early nineties? Since the premiership was formed 5 have gone to London, the other 10 or 11 disappeared up north, mostly to united, who have also a huge influx of foreigners, young and not so young, who picked Manchester (and the north) over London.
What really gives your Northern bias you've tried sooo desperately to hide (!) is the old story trotted out about the pitches freeze up in winter and rain sodden pitches will stop their passing style etc or something to that effect. Really? Arsenal were top until late March/April (Spring I thought) and the lost the title through the aftermath of the Birmingham game. Incidentally to show how close Arsenal did come to winning the title last year, take the game at Old Trafford against United as an example. When Arsenal led til around the 75th minute when a dodgy penalty and a dubious free kick led to United beating Arsenal 2-1. If Arsenal had gotten to the end of that game, they would have won the league by a point. Just one game. Personally i'd call that extremely close!! How much closer do you want it?
I dont say this to decry United's right to the title, whoever wins the league over the season deserves it and United did. I say it because the fallacy over the state of pitches in winter will never stop a passing side from winning the league, especially as Manchester United are probably the second best passing side in the Premier league, it didnt stop them did it?
As for Arsenal fans not wanting to win trophies thats total rubbish...we crave trophies, it's just that after years of being
the butt of jokes about being boring we're enjoying the plaudits about style and classy football...who wouldnt??
My guess is you just dont like southern sides. Especially Arsenal. I just wish you would just say it rather than hide behind ill thought out reasons and tired old myths.
Complain about this comment
Robbo,
This Blog is decent as there is some good genuine constructive criticsism, but the way you come across is a bit of a narrow-minded cynic, i mean
"Should be in bed for 9:30"?
Thats pretty low, its not even funny.. They're a group of talented men/teenagers, who play at an amazing level, but everybody is always complaining they're too young to win anything, if this is the case, why not just put an age limit on football and be done with it? "Ages 25+" for instance. i mean, whats the point in allowing under 25's play football if all people and the Vultures in the press say that they are Inexperienced and therefore, are Incapable win anything.
And because of the way you Abbreviate you words, such as, "'Cos", to me, this sums you up as a Blogger/Journalist, or whatever you would like to call yourself, for me, because of the way you make abbreviate words, its suggests that you simply can't be bothered to do it properly, or that you are simply so lost in your own ego, that you don't care about coming across even half intelligent..
However, i agree with some of your points, such as, about Arsenal shouldn't be afraid to win ugly, I think Arsene, for all his brilliance, is a tad narrow-minded when it comes to is young Players, as he simply seems to believe they can do no wrong.
I Agree with some of what you said, but not they way you put it across, then again, you support Boro' so enough said, Fans who wouldn't know Passion if it bit them on their sorry Backsides.
Quite sick of your Blogs, i don't know why i keep reading them (I'll expect insults like "Don't read them then")
I don't know how you've got a job at the Beeb, then again... looking at the latest goings on the Beeb, its no wander.
Complain about this comment
hello Robbo:
First time i have really had a serious read of your blog and wisdom on Footy.
As a Gooner here i have to say I liked your take on our woes and plus points etc.
Done with considerable humour as well without being nasty. A bit of a treasure to read actually and shows that there are some writing on this game that still retain a fairly good perspective of the realities.
SO I rate this blogg up there with the best of them and i have to ask you, do you have a regular slot of the Have I got News for You proggy? if not why not? you certainly deserve a slot for such a splendid piece of stuff.
I read your offering with a big cheesy grin on my face, I was also alone so I could laugh my head off, however the cat started to give me odd looks and was reaching for the phone, so i had to cool it a bit.
as i say whoever you are what a thoroughly enjoyable read it has been.
and yes to confirm I am a Gooner.
Complain about this comment
#80 and #82. Both good points. Maybe the difference is the real reason top managers like Fergie and Wenger complain is for the good of their teams in the long run, to deflect critcism from them and onto themselves. They're both big men who can take it. Someone like Neil Warnock on the other hand, just moans because he's a complete and utter (insert unpublishable word here).
As for Paul Jewell....does he really complin that much? I always liked him, seems like he never takes himself too seriously.
Complain about this comment
A "triple play" tends to be the result of luck or incompetence. I think Robbo means a simple, well-turned double play, when, after making a diving catch, the shortstop or second baseman flips the ball to the other, who touches the bag and throws the ball in one motion while leaping to avoid the spikes of the sliding runner, and getting it to the first baseman a split second before the batter.
A non-Yank will have to tell me if triple play or double play is as annoying as Yank sports-ese tends to be. I'd say it's nothing compared with, oh, "running back" (the rest go for leisurely strolls, presumably), "unnecessary roughness" (the name a of a penalty which forgets unnecessary roughness is the essence of American football) and "World Series" (as long as the world consists entirely of American cities plus two in Canada).
On the other hand, it doesn't compare with the sublime "clothesline" (when a player hits another in the neck with his arm), or "chin music" (a pitch aimed to hit a player in the head).
Complain about this comment
A good article but you've failed to mention the funds Arsene gets.
Imagine what he'd be like in charge of a club with the spending power of liverpool, chelsea or man u
Complain about this comment
@60
_______________________________
Where have i mentioned anybody being bias?
That was in the origional artical re: "partisan fans".
In your case with the phrase "Not too sure about youre point with Darren Bent considering he is a proven goalscorer in the prem...let yourself go again their with your usual single minded tosh"
I take it last season never happened then did it? Or was that just us that didnt see the prolific Defoe/Bent partnership keeping that over rated Keane/Berbatov pair on the bench, especially Bent, never missed a chance in front of goal did he...
(Btw, that was Irony)
_________________________________
And you know I mean million, why be so pathetic...
And you know you are biased, everyone else could see it in your statement. Pot? Kettle?
If not I'm sorry.
(I'm not apologising, I would actually feel sorry for you...)
__________________________________
And so much for your "single syllable" words "bias" mug
I know "bias" has more than one syllable, but I figured since there isn't a one syllable word with the same meaning, that 4 letter one with two syllables would probably work.
Mug.
__________________________________
(Btw the bias/biased thing is a noun/adjective thing, you can be biased (adjective), you show bias (noun). A bit like jealous/jealousy.)
Complain about this comment
Well done, Robbo. Finally you have sparkled through with some sense. I was getting agitated of all the Arsenal bashing on here. But I completely share your view: Arsenal have done wonders for the PL.
I couldn't careless, as much as I would like them to win, about winning trophies if the football is not there.
To me, the joy of watching them play the game they play is reward enough... and the trophies will come.
Wenger knows best, and so does Robbo.
Complain about this comment
By the way, Arsenal are 18th on the most fouls committed table at 130 vs. 187 for Blackburn I think. Stoke is in 5th.
Complain about this comment
to 84:
sorry to call you by the number but its seems thats the way our world is heading.
with respect my good fellow I think you should take this blogg in with a bit of humour, yes its a tad cynical but non the less he has not spent his entire page slanting or slateing the Gunners.
I read Phil Mcnaultys offering as well very good it was as well and generated a very good response from many of the posters.
Robbo has obviously done the same but just a slightly different angle, dont take it to much to heart smile man and put them feet up and feel heartened that freedom of speech is not just spin ( at the mo )
this blogg takes the edge of things as far as im concerned even if its not all rosey reading for some the guy is entitled to his say and angle on Arsenal etc.
We need humour like this to preserve our sanity in this increasing hostile world were tollerance is zero for most things.
as a Gooner id like to comment seriously on the ups and downs but ive already done so on another blogg for now I am more than happy to read this, smile and watch the reaction of others.
i will add on topic:
The Arsenal did us all proud on staterday and so also did Man U it was played in very good spirit and ok I can be happy coz the Gunners won the day. To be honest even if we had lost I would still not budge from my view I like AW very much and he deserves a lot of credit and support even if sometimes things dont go right, to me thats being a supporter I am well chuffed to be associated with The Arsenal and its Supporters. Im staying on board this ship as its certainly not sinking its on the up.
Stand firm and hold the line the good times are not far away.
Complain about this comment
Anyone with the moniker 'Robbo Robson' is devoid of any credibility when it comes to writing about football, sorry!
In all honesty, the blog isn't bad.
As for Arsenal and Arsene, well it's the only 'top' club in the world who can turn around public opinion after one game. They were getting beaten and letting soft goals in all season and people were wondering just if Arsenal were going to finish in the top 4. But now after the 2-1 win vs United, it's all fine again and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see some Cockney daily talking about title chances and such like.
The reality is that Arsenal are still very much struggling to make their mark on the division and in Europe, and this season looks like being no different. People point to the fact that Wenger has spent very little money, but I always come back with the arguement that nobody is telling him to spend so little. If he is so untouchable and if the Emirates is full every week, then surely he can ask for money anytime he wants?
Here is a selection of current Arsenal stars and how much they cost.
Sagna - £7.5m
Rosicky - £6.8m
Nasri - £12.1m
Eduardo - £7.5m
Van Persie - £2.7m
Walcott - £12m
Denilson - £4m
Ramsey - £4.8m
Adebayour - £3m
Wenger got his hands on £12m a couple of times in the last two years.
But hold on, he previously paid £10m for Hleb, anywhere between £12m and £17m for Reyes, Edu cost £6m, Wiltord cost £13m, Franny Jeffers for £9m.
Wenger has always had the ability to get his hand on players for double figure millions, but they haven't always worked out. Many of those signings were made when they were still packing 38,000 into Highbury and paying for the building of the Emirates.
Don't ever try telling me Arsenal are brassic, there's money there for Wenger when he needs it but that's no guarantee he'll spend it wisely as Reyes, Wiltord, Jeffers, Hleb are testament to.
Complain about this comment
@84: Glad you like watching British football. Im not goin to send insults at you like don't read them, I think you should read more. The thing with the blogs is in the UK we have something called humour, and Robbos blogs are full of it, some weeks better than others but if you read more you can learn all about it.
Complain about this comment
LFC Returns
post:
Its good to see that his rubbish infests these blogs as well as 606.
Complain about this comment
Needless to say good blog the 84 entries on the day on publish says this for me.
Wenger like Fergie are men who people from other teams love to hate.
What I admire about Arsene most is hes managed to lower the fans expectations, yes of course we want to see the title like everyone, but I imagine fergie would be in a lot mekier water should his team go 4 years without title.
But hes given the fans something in return for these lower expectations and that is beautiful football.
Really great to see some good debate about this one robbo keep it up
Complain about this comment
93:
dont agree sorry as i do not advocate the splashing of megabucks on the basis if you dont there is no way you can compete etc.
I note you mention AW has been burnt before when splashing out money, hmmm intersting perhaps his reluctance to spend is that he has seen through many of the football mercenaries just in it for a big pay cheque etc. In other words some of his buys have perhaps been flops etc when it comes to the nitty gritty.
i dont think you can judge the man alone on what he will and wont spend to win silverware etc but i agree many are thinking this is the way he should be going and they are entiteled to think that way.
as for me I am content as things are, and people have very short memories this team minus two players so nearly lifted the Title and also sent a few tremors through the CL. We still are sending them waves to the others in the CL thats for sure.
and do remember this, you have yet this season to see our second team in action and when you did you saw them give a masterclass in footy and dump a certain side firmly out of the CC my only critism of AW really, is why he never feilded the same team against Hull the following Saterday, they would have taken them to the cleaners as well as was evident by Browns reaction knowing he was playing us.
now i must enjoy my wine and enjoy others take on the blogg.
Complain about this comment
If I had to name the best manager in the world at present, it'd be Arsene, but the man could endear himself to others a little more if he'd just eek out some praise for the opposition once in a while.
The hissy-fit spat he had with Pardew on the touchlines showed his nature. He just has to learn that his team will learn from time to time, and say well done to the victors.
Robbo, all those poor Man U, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal diddums...I mean, fans are feeling so hard done by with all your 'criticisms'; so please have a go at other teams as well. Have a pop at my team, West Ham - I mean, everyone else is, even Lady Luck.
Complain about this comment
Three batters in a row? Batsmen? We don't call them batsmen, unless you are referring to some gang of superheroes I haven't heard of. And once they reach "base" they are no longer batters, since they no longer are carrying bats. At that point, they are called runners (I know this is much more complicated than cricket, which has no British retch-inducing terminology of its own, as we all know.) But, as you Brits say, "fair play" to those of you who knew the triple-play... which is something that may happen once in a decade, if that.
Yes, Wenger's constant and predictable berating of refs and opponents does him little credit and detracts from his otherwise brilliant accomplishments... sort of like what your constant and predictable berating of Americans does for you Brits. What Wenger says about refs tells you more about him than it does about the refs. Same with Brits and your sad anti-Yank rhetoric. But then, stick with what you're good at, I suppose. Fair play.
Complain about this comment
Regarding American Baseball...I think the term that Robbo was searching for was "a triple play".
Regarding Diving....many fans around the world abhore the constant "obstruction" that goes un-called by the refs in the PL. Some fans refer to this as "defence" but this is nothing more than "one team is too slow and unskilled to keep up withthe other team". If obstruction is acceptable and dibing is not, then maybe it's time that Arsenal spend money on a few leg-breakers.
All-in-all, this was a very enjoyable and un-biased commentary from Robbo.
Complain about this comment
I don't read Robbo for an unbias view. As such, this sucking up was dull, uninteresting, and pointless.
Come on Robbo, tell it like it is - no need to suck up.
Complain about this comment
aconlon - Feed The Yak
I think you will find that Arsenal have CONSIDERABLY more spending power than Liverpool FC.
Only a buffoon would come to any other conclusion. Rafa spent NET £10M in the summer. As as if you think turfing out the likes of Crouch for £10M was done for fun? Rafa rates the lad but needs to SELL to buy, it's always been that way. That coupled to the fact that Arsenal are now weeping the very substaial rewards from their new stadium, while Liverpool have gone into debt just considering theirs, speaks volumes.
In a nut shell, with every passing season Arsenal become more and more dominant in the ability to spend big by virtrue of their mega turn over at the Emirates, while we fall further and further behind.
For the record the Yanks at ours haven't spent a single penny more than what rafa had under Moores. They've simply allowed the bigger one off purchases that Moores didn't. Which is bizzare, as he ended spending just as much on lots of little deals.
Complain about this comment
@99
See my points on 94 about humour. Yes this is another one of those criticisms ;)
Complain about this comment
and if proof was needed that this blogg takes the edge of just read Hansons absolute dross about the so called spurs revival.
hanson is turning into a bore draw thats for sure. i think its time he returned to the catwalk along with shearer and their fancy shirts, these guys have naff all of any interest to say anymore. same old dross dished out after the events!
Spurs may well be of the bottom, but they are non the less a calamity of enormous proportions and proof indeed that money cant buy you success unless that is its spect wisely etc.
The pundits and experts have been predicting them to to be top four for how many seasons? and overhaul The Arsenal?
rubbish! hanson and co get yourself a proper job you talk absolute shite now. and very few want to listen to it or read it anymore.
Complain about this comment
Great post Robbo.
I myself am one like many, that think Wenger is brilliant, but one of the most annoying managers in the world. I remember their spell a few years back when they just couldn't lose - then they did, and they hate it. That, I think, is the wrong mentality because as well as confidence, it shows a lack of respect, and makes the whole team hateable and cocky.
I think what I'd love to see, is Wenger in action at a different club outside of the top 4 - much like I would with Fergie. They have both transformed clubs and got them playing some of the most glorious football, it would just be fascinating to see how they'd both adapt at different clubs now. I wrecken they'd both be pretty successful anywhere
Complain about this comment
unbeatablePinkFloyd;
although I agree with most of the comments about the MOTD team, however how you can deny even after this short period that Spurs are in the middle of a revival is beyond me.
Having not won any games, even with Harry just on the bench they beat Stoke, then produce an immense performance to create the spectical that was the 4-4 with Arsenal, and produce another couple of wins on top of a brilliant UEFA performance.
Granted, the rubbish MOTD come out with saying every year they will topple Arsenal is a joke, but still - a revival none the less, and no reason they can't finish well into the top half now, considering how close the league is
Complain about this comment
and talking of MOTD and that nauseating bunch hanson, shergar, and lawrenson and the anchor man walkers crisps.
has anyone any info or stats ( please dont call motson either ) as to just how many goals did linaker manage in his career where he actually knew he scored and did not fall over with the ball hittin part of his anatomy and finding the net.
i know Brooking scored an apperent wonder goal when falling over in the FA Cup Final and the ball hit his head and went in, Im sure linnaker scored many more under the same circumstances.
Complain about this comment
AmericanSportFan:
"The actual term is Double Play"???
Yeah for TWO outs in one play, not three.
Sheesh.
Complain about this comment
106:
fair point about the league being so close very true cannot argue with that teams dropping points etc and then winning perhaps when they shouldt etc, has made it close thats for sure with a few more twists to come i imagine.
but sorry i cant take hansons view or the others on MOTD with any seriousness they are after all puppets, stage managed to appeal to all those housewives who years ago used to throw their knickers at TOM JONES and ELVIS PRESLEY .
one things for sure I would not want to be hansons face in the face of such an onslaught.
but then when you know naff all about the game what esle can one do but set yourself up as a cocconut stall.
Complain about this comment
Wenger's current crop of players do play some great football, and his 98-2000 team were a powerful force indeed.
but Wenger did not sign Gullit and Zola, he did not sign Di Canio, he did not invite Cantona to change the perception of English football around Europe forever - he didn't even sign Bergkamp for goodness sake.
he did not invent passing football in England, and he did not invent pass and move
he did not bring through the crop of brillkiant kids at West Ham, and he certainly never brought through the class of 92 who went on to win the Treble at United
in short, you're overstating Wenger's actual influence on the English game by a ridiculous margin
Complain about this comment
110 :
perhaps he didnt think Cantonas Kung Fu antics would be a good advert for Arsenal in general, and whilst he showed considerable dexterity with the feet and poise, pleasing the crowds and gave us all rubbish to talk about how great he was etc. i am sure Arsene Wenger knew that such a player should have been frowned upon, instead he was somehow gloryfied a bit like JB another thug, hooligan who should also have been banned from the game here.
Cantona was a disgrace after his head had swelled with the belief he was immortal the man should never had been allowed to play footy in the uk again, but his antics pleased the then yob element and culture in the uk
thank the stars AW has indeed brought something new to the PL though i grant you not quite as successfull as AF, he has non the less made a significant contribution to the reputation worldwide of the EPL as indeed is AF, Phil Scolari, Rafa etc they have all played a very big part in the standing of the EPL throughout the world.
Complain about this comment
Michigan, you know how manytimes a triple play actually happens? Maybe once or twice a season at most. The proper term is triple play if they get three outs on one play, but most of the time they end up with two outs, which is a double play.
As for the rest of this blog, I agree that Arsenal don't know how to lose with class. I say the highlights of the Stoke game and the plays Wenger was complaining about. They didn't seem to have the "intent to injure" that Wenger said they had. Now that doesn't mean the plays were clean, at best they seemed to be akward. That could be due to a lack of talent.
Complain about this comment
When William the Conqueror became the first Frenchman to be King Of Brittania on Christmas day in 1066, there was much resentment amongst the English, houses were burned all around the vicinity, hatred and resentment. Thereafter the English didn't eat cowes, pigges, and sheepe, (old english) they ate Porc, Mutton and Boeuf instead. They changed our language and our culture fundamentally, exactly what Jamie Oliver and Wenger have done, very soon he'll take his rightful place as another French speaking King of England. The three Lions on the England football shirt come from another King of England. "Richard the Lionheart" The first Lion represented the House of Aquitaine (French) the second Lion Normandie (French) and the third Lion he added to his coat of arms when he took possession of Brittania !
Complain about this comment
113:
ohhh i say now that is very good indeed.
interesting for sure.
Complain about this comment
speaking of identities etc and culture and so forth.
is that Cross of St George on them flags that flutter at half mast most of the time from various windows etc nothing at all to do with an English knight but a Turkish one?
Complain about this comment
Choose Igor Stepanovs, Nelson Vivas, Kanu, Pascal Cygan, Davor Suker, Gilles Grimandi, David Grondin, Remi Garde, Kaba Diawara, Junichi Inamoto, Jeremie Aliadiere, Oleg Luzhny, Luis Boa Morte, Richard
Wright, Stefan Malz, Christopher Wreh, and all the other turkeys that nobody ever mentions when creaming themselves about how great Wenger is in the transfer market.
Complain about this comment
A blog like the Arsenal you describe - a bit too pretty, too neat - not enough bite and nobody to stir the blood.
10 out of 10 for being tame Robbo.
Complain about this comment
"I'm not a baseball fan but I'm always impressed when you see fielders whanging it about through three or four pairs of hands and running out three batters in one go (I bet there's some retch-making American abbreviation for that, like out-threeing or a tri-down - I'm sure someone'll tell me)."
It's called a triple play, Robbo. Shocking we didn't find some way to weave a gun reference in there, innit?
Complain about this comment
#103 donprestoni
Couldn't agree more!
#99TNeile
Why don't you lighten up? Every time a person makes a joke it doesn't make them "anti" the subject of the joke. If want to learn a little about humour and amusing taunts to opponents you go to a live football match (soccer game to you) anywhere in the UK and listen to the songs, the banter and the chants. It beats the hell out of what you hear at US stadia during games "We're number One" and "Let's go Red Sox, let's go" and other well thought out chants.
Complain about this comment
talking of chants
is it ok if i do a little gregorian one im feeling particuly tunefull tonight haveing ben tickled pink by robbos take on some of the weeks events.
and Gregorian Chant ROCKS! i kid u not.
Complain about this comment
#113
Formidable!
Dieu et mon droit
et
Honi soit qui mal y pense
Complain about this comment
ok no probs give me a few mins while i tune up and grab the latin phrase book.
ohh how spooky that 1st bit u wrote was my old schools Motto on me badge etc. bloomin eck man.
Complain about this comment
65 __LFC__ Returns
They only called Chelsea Brazil in their first 2 games, because of Scolari, in comparison to Scolaris 2002 Brazilian World Cup Championship. I have never heard anyone says Liverpool had an exciting match, maybe exciting fans but not match. Liverpool are very consistent in long balls. Which completely destroy a football match, even if your playing pro evolution long balls destroy the match. Chelsea admit themselves they play dirty football.
Complain about this comment
Your old school must have been posh.
Those are the two mottos on the Royal Coat Of Arms.
"God and my right"
and
"Evil to he that evil thinks"
From the Old French. of course
Complain about this comment
124 :
hey man let me research this a lil more, its caused a lil stir in the floyd household, my school was anything but posh but i hasten to add it was not approved either but that 1st line u wrote i could swear was on my old badge well under it and such. so im kinda knocked of track a mo. im now doing a search etc for my schools coat of arms etc.
sorry to the others for this slight deviation from the matters in hand.
Complain about this comment
123 Antar
Baa.
Baaaaaaaaa.
Ba Baaaaaaaaaaaaa.
Baa.
Complain about this comment
re 111
absolute dross, pal
without caring to get into a slanging match, Wenger's teams have displayed probably the most cynical football traits of any team i've ever seen in English football bar perhaps Revie's Leeds - Vieira spitting, Winterburn spitting at Di Canio, Fabregas' leg breaker against that Sheffield United player, Dixon diving to get that French player sent off at Wembley etc etc etc etc
and Cantona's actions were a strike against the yob element you idiot.
Complain about this comment
Same old anti-Chelsea rubbish...
Kidding. Good article, if Wenger could get the kids to play consistently at the level they did against United...well that's a scary thought. Yes he is a whinger and I grossly dislike him at times but even I must recognize his managerial talents.
I was delighted they beat some of the arrogance out of United.
For the record, I don't think it was any of Essien's business to slam the Arsenal style. It was a stupid, unnecessary comment.
Complain about this comment
Great stuff Robbo. Correct me if 'm wrong, but wasn't Bergkamp a Bruce Rioch signing?]
Cheers
PT
Complain about this comment
127:
thats your opinion your entitiled to it and i must say you put up an impressive CV of the mentioned cynical exploits by Arsenal Players, its not clear who you actually support , perhaps of little consequence as we could spend all night listing each teams apparent indiscretions intentional or not.
however in the case of your marvelous Cantona he actually attacked a supporter who i understand made a comment concerning the fact he was french or something like that. that could be construed as Terrace Banter, thought the Politicly correct will say it was racist of course.
regardless cantona should have held his own and certainly not attacked a supporter for mouthing of a few obsenities at him after all he was supposed to be a proffessional?. his actions showed he lost the plot as i say his head swelled with all that " dross " about imortal and gods gift to the game, he was anything but many chose to believe it as so led on by the masses etc.
cantona disgraced the game and also in my view got of far to lightly and yes he should have been deported as should JB for newcastle, though im not sure North Vietnam are accepting any new visas from brits wanting to work abroad .
by the way just who do u support or follow or should it be obvious to me?
Complain about this comment
Alan Hansen's very stimulating and provocative again, how insightful, He really goes out on a limb and he always closes the gate after the horse has bolted, invigorating to say the least, can't wait for his next insight ? I reckon he should get Lineker's job! At least he's a Liverpool fan that's actually been to Anfield, but being a Gooner myself would just like to mention, Reg Lewis, Michael Thomas, Charlie George and the first ever real KOP was founded by the Ammunition Workers at Woolwich Arsenal in 1904 !
Complain about this comment
and just to confirm that perhaps its not possible to eradicate the yob element from the supporters totly etc but i am dam sure no one wants to see that same yob element actually playing the game at such a high level for a club with such a high profile as man u have aspired to achieve over the years.
face it your immortal Cantona lost it big time and the FA and others should have come down on him like a ton of bricks french or what it matters not.
and one further comment looking at a somewhat wider picture the punishment for this so called proffessional was what? Community Service playing Football???? wow the magistrates must have liked the plonker as well. and also taken in by his overhyped status and ego.
so jog on with your so called empathy for such an utter jerk.
Complain about this comment
130
you clearly don't know what you're talking about
Simmons was a thug with a previous conviction. he was also in the Family Stand that night. he also deliberately moved from row 11 down to pitchside to engage Cantona with a volley of personal abuse. i could go on but it would be potentially libellous (because i can't recall exactly what his previous conviction was for, or his subsequent conviction, or who exactly he tried to attack in the Magistrates Court, or which right wing party he was allegedly a member of)
i'd change the record if i was you pal, you're showing yourself up
hope this helps
Complain about this comment
130:
the only thing it " helps " to clear up from my point of view is;
you are obviuosly very aware of the Format For Video and TV in the UK.
PAL!
it aslo suggests you could be a scot if thats the case I am not ya pal so down another can of special brew and come back to me when you have something worthwhile to banter on.
Complain about this comment
Dhimmi: I have never seen a more apt name.
How silly do you really wish to appear? The only one to cost ANY significant amount out of that lot was Kanu, who cost 4m and scored 30 goals in 119 games, slightly better than 1 in 4, which is roughly the same ratio as current England striker Peter Crouch at club level and at less than half the money (incidentally Kanu was twice African player of the year and still plays at premiership level 5 years after leaving us and is still popular at his respective clubs since leaving us).
The others cost amounts that are not uncommon in the current 2nd division (old division 4) in terms of transfer fees. Indeed some cost nothing at all.
To try and slate Wenger on the back of these players, most of whom were only ever going to be squad or utility players or players to serve a purpose for a season or two on the down side of a career, is ridiculous and quite a bit mischievous.
I doubt whether the combined transfer fee for these players mentioned comes to more than 15m, which is approx half that Sir Alex Ferguson spent on Juan Sebatian Veron, or the 30m Chelsea spent on Andrei Shevchenko.
If you're going to try and discredit probably the greatest manager of all time in terms of judging whether a player is worth the outlay against what he can play like, against the potential return at point of transfer, at least offer the one name that really was a mistake.
Eg Francis Jeffers at 9m.
There really is no other name to mention here and before anyone mentions Jose Antonio Reyes, he scored 21 goals in 86 domestic games, not exactly setting the world alight but not an insignificant contribution either. Arsenal eventually received 8.1m back for him which meant he actually spent in transfer fees less than
2.4m on him...hardly extravagant.
Why dont you think things through before posting? or are you in such a blind rush to condemn you just dont bother??
Complain about this comment
RVP1968:
Although I hate to admit it, you are totally right. Wenger's ability to pick a diamond in the rough is second to none. Even Reyes wasn't a complete exception to this; I fully expected him to become an Arsenal great before he began his whining about the climate, etc.
While Francis Jeffers wasn't the soundest piece of business, he was far from the greatest disaster ever seen in terms of high profile transfers. Anyone know the amount he was sold on for?
Nasri looks to be another outstanding find, as were Hleb and Flamini. Let's just hope Wenger can hold on to this one for Arsenal's sake.
Re Dhimmi, none of the aforementioned players would have been overly pricey. A gamble, yes, but an expensive gamble, no. Nothing compared to the likes of my own Chelsea, United or even Liverpool.
As much as it stings to go into bat for Arsenal!
Complain about this comment
Carefreecoors:
Thanks for your comments..much appreciated.
For the record, Francis jeffers was sold for 2.6m to Charlton Athletic.
I suspect dhimmi is a disgruntled Spurs fan who has lost a bit of perspective when you consider how much Tottenham have spent over the last 2-3 years (190m) in trying to achieve last place.
The nerve of some people...
Complain about this comment
robbo you are so xenophobic.
this is the man who has completely overturned the style not only of the Arsenal team but of the English league for the better and all you care about is the British youth getting through.
As proven with the likes of Walcott and Ramsey if their good enough it doesn't matter what nationality they are. More foreign players does not mean less opportunities for british players, instead imo the competition should elevate their talent to a higher level than they could ever imagine if it was only british players in the ranks.
For example look at the Irish league, predominantly Irish but their youth situation could not be any worse.
The overwhelming majority of English players stay in England which shows their not being forced abroad through competition for places.
if you have a look at the premiership clubs admittedly the majority of clubs contain foreigners, but it is evident that there is a significant amount of clubs whose star players are british, this definately shows how despite the inlux of foreigners the British players have stepped up their game and become better for it, so we have a lot to thank imported players because of that.
Looking at the championship the most promising player there is michael kightly. now cynics would say because of foreign import a upcoming british player is being held back, however there was strong interest from premiership clubs but he chose to stay loyal, this proves if a british player is good enough he will get his chance.
so hopefully robbo you will not think of minitue subjects like that when critising revelutionaries like wenger.
Complain about this comment
You lot are so gullible, you would have probably paid Thierry Henry money for Darren Bent!
Wenger is a subtle PR magician. He does the same spiel season after season and you numb-nuts fall for it every time. He is doing the same thing Jose Mourinho did while at Chelsea. He takes the heat off of his players by redirecting the attention elsewhere, usually onto himself. Jose had no talent for the thing and everyone could see right through his game, he wanted them to, its an ego thing - so everyone knows the great sacrifice made.
Arsene knows that his team are useless against teams that are physically dominant. He knows that there are weaknesses against set plays. He knows that his is not a blank cheque and the business done in the transfer window has to bring the Gunners in the black.
Every season its the same song, schedule congestion, injuries just before the big game (with the sudden recoveries of course) referees are against Arsenal's beautiful game, hard tackles hurt like hell and so on. Once in a while these are true observations, but mostly they re-direct attention away from the facts of life on the pitch and his team's shortcomings. This allows a regroup on the training pitch and players can focus on their confidence and playing the beautiful game Wenger's way.
The guy is a genuis, unlike most football 'journalists'.
Complain about this comment
getting three batters out in baseball is called triple play.
dont want to sound like a know it all but what can a footie fan do in a steak-eating, redneck trash country like this than watch a few american sports? :)
Complain about this comment
I wonder what this blog would have looked like had ManU taken even half their chances?
A bit different, I'm guessing.
And that's the problem with Arsene's current side: it plays pretty football, but his defense most-closely resembles a colander.
They'll look good for stretches, lose matches they shouldn't, run out of steam come spring, and disappoint yet again.
Complain about this comment
How true, entertainers never win trophies of any worth.
Complain about this comment
#140 quest49
You don't appear like a know-it-all. You appear like someone who knows nothing. Have you read any of the previous comments? As for your desciption of "this country", don't you feel that it's a little harsh?
Complain about this comment
Worst Wenger signings? I admit I'm rather partial that that fabled central defensive partnership of Pascal Cygan and Igor Stepanovs.
Agree with the blog though. Wenger's team raises the Premiership above the monotonous (speaking as a fan of a Championship club).
Complain about this comment
Nice blog, but one crucial mistake.
Arsene Wenger can't take credit for signing Dennis Bergkamp.
That was the work of the previous manager, the mighty Bruce Rioch.
Complain about this comment
Essien's Chelsea win ugly and he will probably have more in his trophy cabinet than most Arsenal players.
But I don't see his trophy cabinet so to be honest I don't care, I care about getting as much entertainment as possible for my money and for that you can't go wrong with the Arsenal soap opera.
Given the choice of spending money watching Chealsea grind out results so that the players can sit in their opulent homes staring at medals when they retire or spending the same money watcing Arsene Wenger's gifted youngsters play football that captures the imagination like theBrazil teams of old, well it's a no brainer.
And i'm not even an Aresenal fan
Complain about this comment
villa for champ league
Complain about this comment
Great comments again Robbo. Why don't they put you back on the phone call thingy you used to do ? Used to love listening to that in the States, so did my Yank mates.
Any road up - three guys out in one go at baseball is called a triple play. It's quite rare and will get shown on telly if it happens.
Three up - three down just means the inning is over with no one reaching base.
Proud to say my local, WO Wrights Bar and Grill on Col. Glenn Highway has a gooners shirt hanging behind the bar. They love their soccer.
Complain about this comment
Look as Alan Hansen well knows, the youth argument is tosh. Wenger is making excuses. United proved it a long time ago, the talent is there the trophies come. I live in France and it seems to be a national past time to moan. but it disguises a much deeper thought process. Couple that with the fact that no matter how good at English he is, his first language is french.
Wenger has talent. But he has something else I have seen in Ferguson.....Stubborn unable to admit when he is wrong. Nasri for 12 million was not cheap and bar two goals on Saturday he has not done a lot......
Arsenal wont win anything this season..but the play beautiful looking football. I know lots of beautiful people, they are mostly pretty stupid.
Complain about this comment
'I know lots of beautiful people'?
Well get you. I presume that, given the wisdom of your comments, you are pug-ugly?
Complain about this comment
Triple play
Complain about this comment
I'm a Gooner and I approve of this message. Some of Arsene's comments are quite frankly embarrassing, and you just want to shout "taisez vous!"
To be fair, we're probably not going to win this season, and I do get a little tired of the "oh, the boys will win lots of trophies next year" given it's been "next year" since 2005 and it still hasn't turned up. I think someone needs to give Arsene an up to date calendar for Christmas.
That said, suggestions about getting rid of him are even dafter. The man's done genius work with the club and we're still up there following the defeat of Man U. Maybe not going to win the league, but still push whoever does all the way.
Complain about this comment
Hey Robbo Robson....
150. At 12:03pm on 11 Nov 2008, Robbo Robson wrote:
'I know lots of beautiful people'?
Well get you. I presume that, given the wisdom of your comments, you are pug-ugly?
_________________________________-
Is that the most back handed compliment about my intelligence or the most forward insult about my looks?
Or were you trying for something else and did a Rooney?
Guess I will have to wonder for a while...
Complain about this comment
Quite an unnecessary and ignorant comment 134 here I see.
The term "pal" could be used by anyone from the north of England or Northern Ireland so your rather ill-advised jibe certainly de-values any other comments you might have made.
And the video and tv gag; HILARIOUS!!!!
Complain about this comment
Unfortunately Robbo, you will always get some muppet having a go at the article you right.
In all fairness, when you have a go at the "Plastic 4", the Ken and Barbies will come out to play and spout a lot of rubbish that would put a blocked sewer to shame.
I thought your article last time round was a goodun in all fairness, although I'm surprised (although i didn't read all the comments) that someone didn't mention a comment about Boro filling the stadium.
So does this mean when you comment on Boro you hate them? Of course not! When you had a dig at City I thought it was quite funny and took it on the chin.
In all fairness mate, you are probably the best sports journalist that the BBC has and I feel a lot of people on here would agree with me. Keep it up fella and don't let these muppets get to you.
Complain about this comment
collie21 - take it whichever way you like, matey. In your heart of hearts you know if you;re a looker or not...
Complain about this comment
great article robbo... btw the american whanging about is called a 'triple play' :)
Complain about this comment
Great blog robbo, i was at the arsenal game and it was a great game to watch, wilshere, ramsey and randall all sites to behold. Merida i thought tried a bit to much skill sometimes you should just pass it. Problem was where i was sitting for the match i had a whole row of you know what infront. Another point silvestre was a good signing as he had been in a trophy winning united for years the signing of vidic a couple years ago sealed his faith. We were wrong to get rid of diarra do.
And please stop correcting robbo about that "triple play" It's stupid and childish to correct him for that and your not all american so just dont.
Complain about this comment
RE: 142
Do you mean like Boro? just winning the Carling Cup!
Good work Robbo!
Complain about this comment
Just ignore the nonsense about bias Robbo. To be honest, you're the only pundit who I agree with more often than not. Other than those Alan Shearer types who state the bleeding obvious like they've just had a one on one atop Mount Sinai.
Complain about this comment
Great one Robbo, hit the nail on the head me old son.
I am wondering if old poisoned face complainer ids having a chuckle about this one as well
Sorry his name is Arsenic Whinger !!!!
Complain about this comment
View these comments in RSS