Arsenal FC a very promising story

[PokerBroker]

That's one way of looking at all. Alternatively Moss failed to give a stonewaller from Gray's foul on Mustafi. Terrible refereeing performance, correct result.

I agree with that but when you get to the 97th minute and a decision like that is given against you it's robbery. 

On another note, how bad is the atmosphere at the Emirates?  I guess that's what happens when you price out your core supporters. 

Went to the emirates a few years back, home crowd was terrible, nothing like they were at Highbury. I guess it's like that at a lot of clubs now.

Went to the emirates once, made it to the outside and went to the pub instead.  Better atmo in there. 

[Doobs]

That's one way of looking at all. Alternatively Moss failed to give a stonewaller from Gray's foul on Mustafi. Terrible refereeing performance, correct result.

I agree with that but when you get to the 97th minute and a decision like that is given against you it's robbery. 

On another note, how bad is the atmosphere at the Emirates?  I guess that's what happens when you price out your core supporters. 

Went to the emirates a few years back, home crowd was terrible, nothing like they were at Highbury. I guess it's like that at a lot of clubs now.

Meh, Highbury used to be known as "The Library".

As a neutral, I'd say White Hart Lane and Highbury were equally bad.  The atmosphere used to be a lot better at Upton Park and Selhurst Park.  Stamford Bridge used to be louder too, but a bit more threatening.  Craven Cottage was maybe quieter than Upton Park and Stamford Bridge, but I used to like it there. 

The others I went to all had pretty small crowds.  Not sure if Watford counts as London or big enough.  Certainly a better atmosphere than Reading back then.

[Karabiner]

That's one way of looking at all. Alternatively Moss failed to give a stonewaller from Gray's foul on Mustafi. Terrible refereeing performance, correct result.

I agree with that but when you get to the 97th minute and a decision like that is given against you it's robbery. 

On another note, how bad is the atmosphere at the Emirates?  I guess that's what happens when you price out your core supporters. 

Went to the emirates a few years back, home crowd was terrible, nothing like they were at Highbury. I guess it's like that at a lot of clubs now.

Went to the emirates once, made it to the outside and went to the pub instead.  Better atmo in there. 

Your vantage point sitting in the pub must have reminded you of the view from behind one of those poles in the stands at WHL.

I must confess the atmosphere was pretty good that evening we won the league there.

[muckthenuts]

Atmosphere confirmed average bar the very rare occasion. Something you just accept as an Arsenal fan. Getting a ticket to a game is a rare enough treat for me anyway.

[acegooner]

That's one way of looking at all. Alternatively Moss failed to give a stonewaller from Gray's foul on Mustafi. Terrible refereeing performance, correct result.

I agree with that but when you get to the 97th minute and a decision like that is given against you it's robbery. 

On another note, how bad is the atmosphere at the Emirates?  I guess that's what happens when you price out your core supporters. 

Went to the emirates a few years back, home crowd was terrible, nothing like they were at Highbury. I guess it's like that at a lot of clubs now.

Meh, Highbury used to be known as "The Library".

As a neutral, I'd say White Hart Lane and Highbury were equally bad.  The atmosphere used to be a lot better at Upton Park and Selhurst Park.  Stamford Bridge used to be louder too, but a bit more threatening.  Craven Cottage was maybe quieter than Upton Park and Stamford Bridge, but I used to like it there. 

The others I went to all had pretty small crowds.  Not sure if Watford counts as London or big enough.  Certainly a better atmosphere than Reading back then.

Highbury had a cracking atmosphere, when I first started going in the mid 80s we would regularly get 54000 in the cup versus the likes of Nottingham Forest, Man Utd and I remember in particular a league cup semi versus Everton in 1987 where the noise was truly deafening. These days even at  places like St James Park , the atmosphere isn't anywhere near what it used to be.

[Karabiner]

I don't think all-seater stadia lend themselves to a great atmosphere in the same way that when standing was allowed.

[PokerBroker]

I don't think all-seater stadia lend themselves to a great atmosphere in the same way that when standing was allowed.

Very much this.  But some places are definitely better than others. 

Ste standing section brought in at Celtic has been cracking for matchday atmosphere.

[Karabiner]

Interesting selection dilemma for AW this evening after the demolition of So't'on - we have a veritable embarassment of attacking riches available.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Ox and Perez keep their places.

[BorntoBubble]

United have gone with a "singing section" there is only circa 2,000 fans and it makes a very small effect on the ground but if i was Spurs with the new stadium i would certainly try for a "singing section" to try and get fans who want to stand and create an atmosphere together. They are so H&S mad though that they just do not want people standing.

Wish they would crack on with safe standing areas etc.

[nirvana]

Interesting selection dilemma for AW this evening after the demolition of So't'on - we have a veritable embarassment of attacking riches available.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Ox and Perez keep their places.

If only we had Troy Deeney tho

[Karabiner]

We've started each of the last 4/5 games very sluggishly and it was only a matter of time before we paid for that luxury.

Is it merely coincidence that this always seems to happen when Giroud starts?

[muckthenuts]

We've started each of the last 4/5 games very sluggishly and it was only a matter of time before we paid for that luxury.

Is it merely coincidence that this always seems to happen when Giroud starts?

Possibly, but without him we're also pretty one dimensional as nobody else has any aerial or hold up ability at all. He's far from ideal though and probably works better as a super sub. Sanchez feels kind of wasted shunted out wide and i agree we just look more dangerous with him playing as striker.

I might be a minority here but i don't really think Iwobi is first team material - not yet anyway. I really believe Lucas deserves a run starting on the flanks now.

[TightEnd]

From commentary yesterday

Gary Neville: "Let me just throw this midfield at you. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Iwobi and Ozil. Against Chelsea. They've got no chance."

does he have a point?

 

[TightEnd]

"Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he will take a 'gut' decision whether he stays or goes this summer

Wenger has not decided on his future yet but he will need the support of the fans if he is to sign the two-year extension he has been offered"

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-news-arsene-wenger-says-he-will-take-a-gut-decision-whether-he-stays-or-goes-this-summer-a7561921.html

[muckthenuts]

From commentary yesterday

Gary Neville: "Let me just throw this midfield at you. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Iwobi and Ozil. Against Chelsea. They've got no chance."

does he have a point?

 

Ozil and Iwobi both played when we beat Chelsea 3-0 earlier in the season so it's not really the names, but there is a big difference based on current form. Cazorla's absence from yesterday's team is a bigger issue and onus is on Wenger for seemingly not even trying to replace him in January?  

I've had just about enough of Ozil. Brilliant on his day but he clearly can't be bothered to fight when it's not. Ever anonymous vs teams who play remotely well. I want him gone this summer because his languid approach is quite clearly infectious, and while we're at it Walcott and Ramsey need to go too.