the 370Z.com OFFICIAL football (soccer) thread

[phelan]

Terrible run but I still support the shirt. It's just getting on my nerves that everybody in the press, etc. are talking about Arsenal being a 'full strength shite squad'. Y'know, because having more than half of our first team choices out injured really doesn't count.

If anything, this weekend made me a little bit happy because Aaron Ramsey saw the pitch for the first time since his injury in a Gunners shirt. Welcome back, Aaron. We missed you!


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/12735013.stm <--- bahahaha one of the best characters in EPL history returns...

[Jon@AAMComp]

I hear you. It happened to us, so I know how you feel. Arsenal's time will come again sooner than later to wear that gold patch on the sleeve.


Like you mentioned before, in addition to signing a keeper, I think you need some defenders to support the attack as well. What happened to that one guy you guys had at centre half? Vermalen was it? He was a good player. Is he on loan?

[phelan]

Verms has been crocked all season.

[cow]

The Swiss camp is saying Djourou could miss only a few weeks, but Arsenal are disputing the claim:

Arsenal dispute Djourou diagnosis - ESPN Soccernet

Originally Posted by gladeslvrcoq

I like how the "Cow and Phelan Arsenal Blog" has slowed down recently.

It's been a rough two weeks.

PS: Don't forget Red.

[cow]

Phelan, have you heard any stories on Miyaichi since the earthquake (ie was his family, etc affected)?

[phelan]

Haven't heard a thing. But his hometown is in Aichi, well away from the impact area, so they should be fine. I think.

[cow]

Did some digging:

"Ryo has obviously been saddened by the dreadful events in Japan. Luckily, his relatives are not in danger, but he has clearly been affected by what has happened. We will continue to do everything in our power to help him through this."

Ryo Miyaichi sends a message to Japan | News Archive | News | Arsenal.com

[phelan]

was just about to post that, they must have released that article within the last hour.



btw he looks like an asian arshavin hahaha

i'm so looking forward to seeing this kid at the emirates soon!

[Jon@AAMComp]

Big Round of 16 clashes today. United need a result tonight. As much as I would like to see Marseille bump United and advance, I don't think it will happen.

Almost time for the Quarterfinals, where things REALLY get interesting.

[phelan]

Is anybody watching this game?!?!??????? Inter just c*nt punted Bayern out of the Champions League, AMAZING game to watch!

[cow]

Watched both matches yesterday, & both teams for whom I was cheering lost.

Lame.

C'mon, Lyon... (or given yesterday, "c'mon Madrid?).

[Jon@AAMComp]

Originally Posted by cow

Watched both matches yesterday, & both teams for whom I was cheering lost.

Lame.

C'mon, Lyon... (or given yesterday, "c'mon Madrid?).

Same. I really wanted Bayern to win. There are a lot of German internationals on that team that I like a lot. Sad to see the team carry an advantage into the match to lose it all, but full credit to Inter to be able to dig in and win on the road. Any team is going to have their hands full with Inter again this season. They knocked us out of the Quarterfinals last season, and I'm not looking forward to history repeating itself.

[cow]

I want German teams to do well-- they're so much fun to watch. I love the kamikaze attitude of the good Bundesliga teams that's counter to what you think of German football.

It's like watching the Phoenix Suns under Mike Dantoni.

[phelan]

I wanted Bayern to go through as well, but admit it, Inter absolutely crapped on them in the 2nd half.

I really want to see Borussia Dortmund next year...provided they don't completely dismantle the team after this season!

BTW - Jon, thoughts on today's game? Yes, Chelsea did not need to score, but seriously? I just about fell asleep watching...

[Jon@AAMComp]

Originally Posted by phelan

I wanted Bayern to go through as well, but admit it, Inter absolutely crapped on them in the 2nd half.

I really want to see Borussia Dortmund next year...provided they don't completely dismantle the team after this season!

Same here. I love watching Dortmund play, they remind you Germany's version of Arsenal under Jürgen Klopp, but rumors have been swirling about him moving to Bayern after Louis van Gaal. I hope the team stays together also, but the key Dortmunders like Sahin, Götze, Großkreutz, and Kagawa have attracted the attention of some of the bigger clubs in Europe, and they might be signed else where during the summer. I hope it doesn't happen, because they would be fantastic to watch in the Champions league next year.

Originally Posted by phelan

BTW - Jon, thoughts on today's game? Yes, Chelsea did not need to score, but seriously? I just about fell asleep watching...

So did we. Most of the noise at Stamford Bridge wasn't coming from the shed end, it was coming from the traveling Copenhagen supporters. I thought we definitely took the foot off the accelerator some, but not entirely. We still pushed forward in search of goals, and probably SHOULD have scored twice had Zhirkov not put his shots wide. When Torres came on for the final 20 minutes, he looked pretty sharp, which is encouraging considering he has yet to hit the net in a Chelsea shirt.

For the most part, there were some really bright moments in the game, but bright moments won't get us to the final. We cannot afford to miss opportunities like the one we had last night against some of the real giants like Madrid, Inter and United. And speaking of United, it would be fantastic if we could save a United fixture til the final. Only reason I say that is because I want a rematch of the 2008 season. One penalty. ONE penalty in Russia was the difference between the clip of Rooney lifting the trophy during the CL opening theme and John Terry lifting the trophy. I almost cried that night. The one trophy that has eluded us forever has been the champions league, and most Chelsea supporters want this more than anything. It would also make for a great atmosphere with an all England final at Wembley.

The draw is tomorrow! I would hate to draw Inter again; they knocked us out of the Quarterfinals last year. A Spurs/Inter rematch would be exciting to watch, and I think it's safe to say everyone is hoping for an El Clasico matchup between Barca and Madrid.