Stand up and be counted

Arsenal fans worst fear was confirmed earlier today.

Wilshere has officially been Vermaelen’ed. Who was in turn Rosicky’d last season. The cycle goes on and it could be endless if we tried to remember all of the residents of the Arsenal med room.

Jack will have surgery on Monday effectively ruling him out until at least January if we are realistic. Let’s not kid ourselves; this injury leaves a gaping hole in about the L1 to L3 area of the spine of this team. Not something that this team can cope with while Vermaelen is out.

It is abundantly clear that The Verminator is the rock at the back and the stabilizing force. The defense has only looked stable when he has been in, saving the day and performing admirably.

Arsenal can’t succeed without Vermaelen, not with the current squad. Life without Jack? That’s tough, but before Jack there was another promising British midfielder making his mark at the club. Front and center Aaron, your time has come.
On deadline day we had plenty of action, but only one of those late signings was of the caliber to merit an unquestionable starting place, and that signing was Mikel Arteta. Everyone was previewing their new strongest XI and nearly none included Aaron Ramsey. It was his spot in the midfield that had been usurped. In his absence, Aaron had been leapfrogged by Jack as the bright new hope. Wilshere’s great season made people forget the hype as Aaron sat on the sidelines.

Here is your chance Aaron, grab it. I see Ramsey as a box to box midfielder with a great engine. The only player I could compare him to is Stevie G, all the skill yet he can speak English too! But the surging runs forward finding that incisive pass impress me more than his linguistic skills.

The boy has something about him. He is a leader.

The youngest ever captain of Wales at the age of 20, a lot of pressure for such a young man. Aaron appears to have some of those intangibles, leadership qualities one doesn’t usually see at such a young age and Arsene and Gary Speed seem to agree. His progress was stunted by the horrible injury sustained at Stoke, but he has come back and shown some of what he is capable of.

Scoring the winner against United was huge for him last season. It was the icing on the cake, the announcement of his return.

Aaron is still a young player, and young players lack consistency. No one likes to criticize the golden boy, Jack, but he had subpar games last season and that is normal for young players. Developing consistency takes time, but the time is now for Aaron and he needs to seize this chance; establishing himself as a permanent member of the first XI should be his priority.

We have all seen what Aaron is capable of, and he looks like he can be a world beater. It is time to grab your chance, prove turning down United was the right decision. Stand up Aaron and show the Premier League who they are dealing with.
This means no good halves, we need talismanic displays. No going anonymous when the going gets tough, I believe Aaron has it in him. His place was taken; this is his chance to reclaim it. Remind the fans why we were so devastated when Shawcross scythed him down, and realize the potential we know he has. He has had his niggles, as is typical coming back from injury, but we don’t want him to be a Diaby (Who?) and miss a month after every match played.

The opportunity is there, go seize it.

The fate of the Arsenal season depends on it.

EXCLUSIVE: This just in from Barcelona

We at the Pint have a breaking exclusive coming to you from Spain. Our sources have gotten their hands on Xavi's top secret journal, and let me tell you, its disturbing.

The content is a bit explicit, so this may not be for the meek. What we have found seem to be love poems written about his Spain teammate, Cesc Fabregas. They appear to be limericks. Take a look for yourself.






Whether he is trying to publish this compilation of poetry we are unsure. Clearly this man has an infatuation, it doesn't seem healthy. Stay tuned for more updates should our people get their hands on more material.

Mes que un Cule

A guest post from Jaymin @allinthepass

And the miasma Barcelona and its faithful media acolytes have huffed around our humble club returns, right on schedule, flying in the face of the false expectation we may have entertained that this summer would be different. All in order, then. I would have preferred my first ever football blog to be about something else, anything, but I will march to the beat of the zeitgeist, because I fear the noxious smoke will be choking us for the next several weeks, at least.

That is of course provided Barcelona don’t meet our (ahem, and...pretty much the whole football world’s http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/en/default/marktwerte/basics.html) valuation. And I think we all feel the same way about how likely that is to happen. They pass so well and play so prettily, but their conduct in this affair has been and continues to be disreputable. One has to conclude given the constant tapping up, public exhortations, and I’m pretty sure the stated desire of their head coach, that Barcelona do indeed really, really want Cesc to play for them.

But then why the frankly insulting bid, and more to the point, why the even more preposterous bid in 2010, when he had just had a 20 goal 20 assist season, and was a favorite to land a World Cup winners’ medal? Surely then, if any midfield player in the world merited a 50 million GBP transfer fee, it was the young Fabregas. So 35 GBP felt like they were making a point with us, which they are driving home further with a reduced 27 million GBP after a disappointing campaign for us and from our captain.

They want to embarrass us. They desire to stand above us, like an older executive who has just outmaneuvered a young upstart in a boardroom dispute. To put us, ahem, “in our place.” Only we’re the ones who seem to routinely outmaneuver them. Just from the top of my head mind: : ripping them off with Petit and Overmars, uh, taking Cesc for peanuts in the first place, and then, after they had decried this “theft” and presumably established safeguards against its repeat, snatching Merida/Miquel/Torral/Bellerin etc. The fact that we took Torral and Bellerin in the midst of this current public courting of Fabregas suggests that as an institution we’re as annoyed with them as our fanbase is. And that maybe we want to show them if they can be cheeky, we likewise can cheek it with the best of them.

It’s a fascinating relationship between the two clubs, hardly able to be classified as normal. We aspire to play with the style they reinvented from Cruyff’s Ajax and they now call their own. Outwardly we admire them. We both have a somewhat pariah type perception within our leagues, them for their perceived separatist attitude, us for not being Liverpool or Manchester United. Our fanbases seemed, until recently, very simpatico.

Plainly not replicated at the business level. These are just my random musings after a very busy and productive day, mind. I will explore this subject more deeply in a subsequent post.

Comments, thoughts? Below,or @morningpint & @allinthepass

The Pint and Verminator Rise From the Ashes

Back from an all too long barren spell that rivals that of our trophy cupboard, I've been motivated by @Chilangooner's new blog. That and the fact I actually felt like writing something.

Arsenal's fans know all too much about the team's late season collapse. Whether it was bad luck, injuries, or bad timing this has happened all to often to be coincidence. The team has blown it, time and time again. Many point to match against Newcastle where Arsenal went four nil up and... nevermind.

Injuries are always a problem of The Arsenal of recent years and the squad suffered quite a few injury blows throughout the season as is customary. The funny thing was that when they blew the season, nearly all of the squad were fit. More so than any other recent season if my memory serves me. So if the injuries weren't the problem, the blame lies squarely on the shoulders of the players, and rightly so.

The English media like to say that Arsenal lack that "English Spine" that would give them the toughness they need, lacking since the departure of Tony Adams. One could argue that "The Invincibles" team of 2004 wasn't very English, with only two major contributors, Sol and Cashley. But the idea that The Arsenal need a Scottie Parker and Gary Cahill is a bit far fetched. Yes, they need steel, but who cares if its English?

Vermaelen was easily the standout new performer in 09/10 and brought an intensity and vigor to the team unlike many of late. The Belgian's hard tackling, great pace, and nose for goal led to a meteoric rise of his stock in the eyes of Arsenal fans. His steely demeanor and cold assassin eyes struck fear into the opponents. Many were saying just months into his first season that he was a future captain of The Arsenal.

Injuries struck the best striker, midfielder, defender, and all the GK's throughout the year. I would have argued before the season that the one player that had to be fit in order for Arsenal to succeed was Thomas Vermaelen. The cornerstone of the defense. The senior partner of the CB pairing following the departure of Gallas. His loss was immeasurable. Many think of what could have been were he fit, but no use crying over spilled milk. What is important is to move forward and progress as a team.

So as the journo's speculate as to who is the solution to the problem I say look no further than Thomas Vermaelen. He has that drive, the desire to win. Look into his eyes and tell me this man isn't determined. Belgian steel is as good as English to me, just imagine Fellaini in the midfield... I'm getting carried away. The point is that this team has fight, especially in certain players and they can help lift their teammates to that level. Doesn't matter where they come from should the attitude be right.

People have been speculating about changing his position should some anticipated transfers occur. It looks likely that Clichy has played his last match in the red and white and some want to see the Verminator playing left back. No thank you.

The man is the best CB. Plain and simple. An integral part of the spine of the team and needs to play through the middle. If ANYTHING,and only if the right personnel were brought into the defense, he could thrive as a defensive midfielder as an alternative to Song. Alex has done a job there the past 2 seasons and can continue but it seems Thomas offers some qualities that may not be in Song's repertoire. Vermaelen's ability to shoot from range and make those bursting runs through the middle would make him a viable threat to all opposition. The man's commitment and effort is unquestioned and should the adequate signings come in to bolster the defense I'd like to see it tampered with. That being said I don't see it likely, but it wouldn't surprise me if he experimented with one of the current CB's in that role in pre-season. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

It is time to put up or shut up for this squad and if there is any year for it to happen, this has to be the season. It seems that most understand this and Wenger seems to be active early in the window. Should Nasri be only posturing in contract negotiations when asking for ambitious signings or really asking for a sign of intent, Arsenal fans may be thanking him if it helps move Wenger's hand. Pay the man, keep the best players, make this the year.

Check out Luis' new blog and thanks to The Beautiful Groan for inspiring this post in our conversation earlier on twitter.

In case you have forgotten.

The year he becomes a MexiCAN

I believe that I was one of many who hoped that Carlos Vela would make his breakthrough last season.

Blighted by injury and lack of form, Carlos rarely looked the player that had shown so much promise the year before. Off the pace, looking to slight and going down too easily he had his critics, and for good reason.

Following the disappointing season I was hoping he could have an impact at the World Cup that would restore some much needed confidence in the player. Another injury, and his impact was minimal.

I was worried he might see his career stall somewhat like his compatriot Gio Dos Santos who's club football has been limited and unimpressive of late, but what would one expect leaving Barcelona for Tottenham of all places. If he is lucky he may get a run out in the Carling Cup against the might Arsenal... #TOTTENHAMISCAREERSUICIDE.

Oh wait this isn't Twitter, but that shit should be trending all over the world for any poor soul who considers joining the Tiny Tots.

I digress.

With the sale of Eduardo and the new squad number I was cautiously optimistic for the Mexican after watching some impressive pre-season action. Granted, being half Mexican and a die hard Arsenal supporter I would love to see my brethren thrive in the Premier league. But I can say that free of bias, his current form bodes well for his future.

In just three substitute appearances Carlos has three goals to his name, with his total minutes on the pitch easily under 90 played to date.

Watching a match the other week with my fellow Gooners in Hollywood I mentioned how important I thought that he get his first goal of the season to give him the confidence he needs. Job done at Bolton and now a brace against Braga. Detractors may say that none of his goals have been vital and have come in routs but that's when he has been in and if he keeps banging them in the minutes will come.

It is great to see so many Mexicans getting opportunities in Europe and it is great for our region to have players like Chicharito and Carlos playing with the best in the world. We can only hope that someone like Bradley can do the same and more Americans can follow suit.

Although I am happy with the progress the American players are making I don't see any at the moment that have the potential to be world beaters like the aforementioned MexiCANS.

Carlos will take all the minutes Eduardo would have had and at our current injury rate he may get a few starts, even in the Premier League if all goes well. His finishing is clinical, although he is quite one-sided as many left footers are, and there is a reason why we Gooners have had such high hopes having seen his potential.

He should embrace that super-sub role formerly held by Theo and make the most of it, the time has come for him to shine and he needs to grab the opportunity because it wont last long.

We will be witness to a true MexiCAN this season and a new Arsenal legend.


A taste of what to look forward to.

Opening Weekend Thoughts... Payback's a Bitch

See what happens when you are a dick and pander to a team that isn't even yours?



That's karma for you.

Then we have the one who wanted to stay in London and wanted CL football yet turned it down for a bigger paycheck, our boy Joke Hole getting what he deserves.



I must say those two look like they are moving in to punish him, like an African version of those twins from the Matrix movies...

So as I sit here working on material for this post I flip to FSC, only to see the last ten minutes of Soccer Talk Live. This show being the replacement for Triple F, and what a shoddy piece of work this is. I will say it was wise to retain the services of Temryss Lane, and the addition of a new email girl as the only reasons to stay tuned in. I have only seen five minutes and I can't stand this jackhole co-host whoever the fuck he is. This show feels like a step backwards, like we are watching Wayne's World in the basement of my mom's house.

I suppose I may need to watch one of these shows in full, but I don't know that I will be able to sit through an hour of it. I will say that I wont mind having our favorite "expert" Wynalda off the air as he seems to prefer hearing the sound of his own voice over saying something meaningful. I digress.

That aside, the real news is that the silly season is over and we have real football to watch again. We, the Morning Pint crew, headed out to Hollywood this Sunday for the first outing of the season at Capitol City Sports Grill for the Arsenal, Liverpool match.

The first observation was how great football is in HD. They have finally figured it out and the quality was excellent. FSC have gotten something right and I hear even FS+ is being broadcast in HD. We joined the LA Gooners for a great kick off to the season and the venue did not disappoint. We will be catching many a match at the new spot and all those in the area should come join.




I was disappointed by the result, but I felt it was fair based on the day's performance. Arsenal have just about all the tools needed, but depth in the all too familiar areas of defense and goalkeeper. I had been planning on previewing the season several times but truly my expectations are dependent on late transfer action.

United looked good today, and as much as I hate to say it I think they will win the league. Best part of the match though was seeing Joey Barton's filthy stache. Nothing like a sweet dirt squirrel to make England's classiest footballer look even more noble.



Chelsea looked the same boring Chelsea even in their demolition of West Brom, but I think the return of Essien and the addition of Ramires could be enough to allow them to retain the title, yet I don't see it happening.

My beloved Arsenal will probably labor to third again unless we see what we hope and bring in a keeper and experienced CB. I have been saying for the past couple years that this would be the season the squad would come good. With signings I believe it can be done this year. If not, more of the same for us Gooners.

The title will be hotly contended for and I believe it to be a three horse race, with the battle for fourth to be even more hotly contested. City should make the breakthrough but Liverpool will give a good fight to take the spot back based on their performance on the weekend. Spurs will drop out, lucky if they get a Europa League place. Here's to the Young Boys embarrassing the shit outta them spuds as unlikely as it is. Good to have proper football back.

Showdown at the Lane

In a few hours time, the Spuds will line up against Arsenal at the Lane in one of the most crucial North London derbies in recent history. They tend to always be cracking games, with some of the best on display here.
Each team has everything to play for, with Arsenal's title aspirations hanging by a thread, and Tottenham's Champion's League push facing a severe test in the coming week. Both squads are depleted due to injury and this should be Van Persie's first match back from injury. he should start on the bench.
This match could be a goalfest, I expect it to be an open game with plenty of chances. Realistically I could see the points going either way, with a draw the most common result at the Lane in recent years(7 draws, 2 Arsenal victories in the last 9).
I am completely unbiased when I make my prediction.


Considering that in the last decade John Terry has impregnated more teammate's exes than there have been Tottenham victories over Arsenal in the league, and that the Spuds were run ragged for 120 minutes on Sunday in their embarrassing loss to Pompey in the FA Cup, I am expecting to see more scenes like this in the near future.


Quick update: Forgot to mention 'arry's twitch. The Arseblogger reminded me of a great video of traveling Arsenal fans doing their best impressions...

Fear the Wounded Animal

On the eve of the biggest match of the season, Arsenal fans everywhere have plenty to worry about. As the resident Gooner, I am a bit apprehensive about the return leg at the Camp Nou. But I believe this team can make history, a dangerous squad that is capable of pulling off something special.
Arsenal come into this match missing the entire spine of the team, straight up the middle. Our most experienced CB in Gallas, Song and Fabregas in the middle of the park, and Arshavin and Van Persie up front. Take that much quality out of any big side and it is hard to expect to get any type of result in a big match.
A full strength Arsenal squad wouldn't be expected to walk out of Barcelona with a victory, now most would think they have a snowball's chance in Hell. Up until recently, I would agree with this assessment. This squad has come along in leaps and bounds this season and has shown the grit and resolve to get the result. As frustrating as the Wolves match was this weekend, they got the goal, and more importantly the result. Recent performances against the likes of Stoke and Hull go further to demonstrate that quality that everyone tends to praise Man United for in recent years, to grind out a result and win matches even when not at their best.
Barcelona should progress through this tie, but need to be wary of the danger Arsenal possess.
The Gunners have traveled to Barcelona with hope, but not expectation(outside of their squad at least). I have spent the past few days listening to pundits write them off and who knows, maybe they are right and Barca will have their way with them. But one would be foolish to neglect the danger they pose to Barca's dream of repeat Champion's League glory.
The squad must know that everyone has written them off and the effect that could have may be massive. It should give them the freedom to go and chase the game, take it too Barcelona and give them a run for their money. I believe that the Arseblogger said it best, go out there and make yourself Arsenal legends. There is nothing for them to lose and the match is their's for the taking. Barca will be missing important players as well and I believe their back line will be very susceptible to pace and I have the utmost faith that Arsenal can get goals in this match, the real question being as to whether they can keep them out...

For this dream to be realized, the team must have a massive performance from everyone, with these players being the key to our chances:

1. Samir Nasri


Wenger has already stated that he will be slotting in for Cesc and hopefully he can have another inspired performance in the middle of the park similar to the Porto match. His eye for the pass and inspiration on the ball will be key for the Gunners to have any chance.

2. Thomas Vermaelen


Our rock at the back. The best signing in the premier league this season. I dare you to find better. His tenacity and drive will keep his teammates up. It wouldnt surprise me if he were to score tomorrow, it would be fitting and deserved. Thomas encapsulates everything you want to see in your team, and hopefully he can take another step towards legendary status with a performance for the ages.

3. Theo Walcott


With the Barcelona defense lacking several first choice options at the back his pace should terrorize Maxwell and whoever lines up in the center of defense all day. Guardiola has already identified him as a danger man and hopefully he can have a performance reminiscent of his showing against Burnley last month.

4. Nicklas Bendtner


Our only fully fit center forward will be key to our success. Let's hope his profligacy in front of goal has been left on the plane and that whatever pink or yellow boots he wears are his shooting ones. Although he is often guilty of bad misses, he has been popping up recently with big goals, last minutes winners against Hull and Wolves. Although i didn't think he had a great game against Barca last week, a lot of his team play gets overlooked. He assisted Theo's opener with a great slide-rule pass and set up Cesc for the penalty opportunity. Hopefully after this match hr can finally discard the Barn-door Bendtner form and earn the much better Big Game Bendtner label he would prefer.

I will be disappointed with a loss tomorrow but as long as they show the spirit and fight of true contenders I will be happy with the boys. More mesmerizing football hopefully in store for us in merely hours. The stage has been set for another footballing spectacle, and I for one believe they will deliver. Come on you Reds!