I agree that red card was highly controversial. Players caught offside are told to play to the whistle, line up and take a shot just in case the flag stays down. Van Persie wasn't doing anything malicious, he simply thought he was still on and took a shot. This sort of thing happens all the time. He shouldn't have even been booked for his 'challenge' on Alves in the first place. And to pour more salt in the wounds, UEFA has actually taken action against Nasri and Wenger for the complaints towards the officials:

Arsenal’s Arsène Wenger and Samir Nasri charged by Uefa over comments towards referee Massimo Busacca - Telegraph

And apparently, Gauirdiola is unimpressed with Arsenal's complaints:

Pep Guardiola mocks Arsene Wenger's referee complaints as 10-man Arsenal crash out in Barcelona - Telegraph

I wanted a better game, and I think it would have been had the official not decided to send Van Persie off. Tough break for Arsenal though, you guys drew the best club team in the world TWICE in a row during the last 16. Chin up lads, you're still within 3 points of United, maybe still a chance to keep the Premier League trophy in London.

I'm waiting for the Xavi interview where he goes "clearly Cesc wants to go home, his DNA made him play like shite"

Then I can send Xavi anthrax in a little white envelope marked '<3 Xavi, from Cesc'

I have a strong distaste for Alves, I commend RVP for not decking him and getting sent off immedately in the first half. I just hope after being close to hardware in the 4 competitions we don't come up empty in all 4. ManU will surely be struggling now with Nani out for a month..

What are you feelings about the Torres signing for the blues??

A little over priced. I don't want to diminish the quality of a striker like Torres, but £50 million for one player is a bit high, even by our standards. But he still has the quality, and the potential to be another great Blues striker, like Drogba. We paid Marseille just £24 million for Drogz back in 04 when he was around Torres' age, and what a signing that turned out to be. Skeptics are quickly writing off Torres given recent performances, but it will take time for him to assimilate to life at Chelsea. I hope he can stay fit and do great things next season. Who knows, maybe he'll help us to another league title next season; maybe even finally bag a Champions League title. If that happens, everyone will forget about the price we paid for him. I just don't want another Robinho(see Manchester City fail).

On the other hand, David Luiz (see avy) looks to be a great signing, as he's has jumped right into our backline and performed very well. We had been struggling defensively with all the injuries, but with Luiz at centre half pairing with John Terry, we should be much better.

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

Arsenal's Starting XI, as of today:

GK: Wocjech Szczesny Lukasz Fabianski Vito Mannone Manuel Almunia JENS LEHMANN!??!!?!???????
RB: Bacary Sagna
CB: Johan Djourou Sebastien Squillaci
CB: Thomas Vermaelen Laurent Koscielny
LB: Gael Clichy
DM: Alex Song Abou Diaby
MF: Jack Wilshere
AM: Cesc Fabregas Aaron Ramsey (!!!)
LW: Samir Nasri
RW: Theo Walcott Andrey Arshavin
CF/ST: Robin van Persie

We are CROCKED and SHITE!

So much for an injury free Arsenal squad. Hope we can stay afloat for two more games as the skipper and Theo recover, then we have to shift formation to basically go all out attack 24/7. Our defense is paper-thin, now we really need to be 'Gunners' and just score the goals to stay on top of the matches from here on out.

Sucks when your playmakers are on the bench huh? When it seems like you can't get a win to save your life. It's hard on the supporters to stand tall behind their club when you're having a bad run. (See Chelsea November-December 2010 lol). Sill about 3 months of football to go yet, so don't be too discouraged. With the points gap between the top four at just 9 points, hey, even we still have a shot at the title.

And on a more blue note: :tup:

John Terry in line for suprise recall to England captaincy - Telegraph



And I don't know about anyone else, but I'm looking forward to another Manchester derby between City and United for the FA Cup Semi Final. It's not as fiery as United/Liverpool clashes, but it's still a great match to watch.

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...

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?

Verms has been crocked all season.

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

Arsenal dispute Djourou diagnosis - ESPN Soccernet


:gtfo2: :p

It's been a rough two weeks.

PS: Don't forget Red.

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

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

Did some digging:

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

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

http://www.arsenal.com/assets/_files...jpg?ic=821948T

btw he looks like an asian arshavin hahaha

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