Grateful Gooner

Arshavin does it again at Anfield

// December 16th, 2009 // No Comments » // Arsenal FC

Vermaelen signs

// June 19th, 2009 // No Comments » // Arsenal FC

TESTING

It was twenty years ago today…

// May 26th, 2009 // No Comments » // Arsenal FC

Arsenal 2 – 1 Hull

// March 17th, 2009 // No Comments » // Arsenal FC

Arsenal did their part to add to the festive atmosphere down at Slainte this afternoon. Their come from behind 2-1 victory over Hull in today’s FA Cup 1/4 Final was the perfect way to celebrate St Paddy’s day. Ali and I both left work early in order to watch the match. The first half left us wondering if we shouldn’t have stayed at work, as Hull took the early lead. A poor clearance by William Gallas found the ball landing on the foot of Nick Barmby, and the veteran’s shot deflected off of Johan Djourou’s leg and arched over a diving Lukas Fabianski.

The Gunners looked the better team in the last ten minutes of the first half, but went into halftime down 1-0, despite the hard work. It took until the 74th minute for them to pull level, Robin van Persie smashing the ball into the top of the net. Ten minutes later, William Gallas atoned for his earlier mistake and headed in what proved the winner. It wasn’t without controversy. In fact, I too thought the goal was scored offsides. However, replays show that the keeper played the ball, and it bounced to Gallas, who headed home.

2-1 to the Arsenal, and a FA Cup Semi trip to Wembley to take on the Chav scum on April 18. Same day as Lily Allen @ the TLA. What was already shaping up to be a pretty fun day could turn out to be a great fricken’ day. Come on you GUNNERS!!!

PS- Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone!

Arshavin Signs

// February 3rd, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Arsenal FC

Finally.

In the most protracted transfer saga since last summer (Nasri anyone?), Andrey Arshavin has finally been signed from Zenit St. Petersburg.

Here’s a bit from Arsenal.com:

Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that Russian international midfielder, Andrey Arshavin has joined the Gunners from Zenit St. Petersburg on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.

Manager Arsène Wenger said: “We are delighted to have signed Andrey Arshavin, he is a player I have admired for a long time. He is a versatile player with great experience, who will add real quality to our squad. Andrey is an exciting impact player with a huge amount of ability and has been an influential force with both Zenit St Petersburg and the Russian national team in recent seasons.”

After completing his move to the Gunners, Arshavin said: “I am so happy to be joining Arsenal. They are one of the leading football clubs in the world, with a group of fantastic young players and a great manager. I am looking forward to making the Arsenal supporters happy and helping this great Club win trophies.”

Ivan Gazidis, Chief Executive of Arsenal Football Club added: “Andrey was identified by Arsène as a quality creative player that would add something special to this youthful but talented squad. The Board has always backed the manager with his transfer targets and we are delighted to welcome Andrey to the Club where he will help us to challenge for honours this season.”

Due to his participation in the UEFA Champions League with Zenit St Petersburg this season, Andrey will not be available to play Arsenal in this competition for the remainder of the 2008/09 season. Andrey will wear the number 23 shirt.

I’m cautiously optimistic that he’ll be able to make a difference this year. I’m not saying champion-difference, but 2-4 difference. Oh, and would it be too much to hope for the FA Cup?

Ciao, baby

// December 19th, 2008 // No Comments » // Arsenal FC

Today’s draw for the knockout stage of the Champions League saw Arsenal drawn against Roma. This could actually be the easiest of all of the potential opponents, as Barca, Bayern Munich and Panathanaikos were all in the pot as well. The matches will take place February 24 and March 11.