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from the bunker

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE

Carrow Road

Referee:  Phil Dowd

Norwich City v Arsenal 19 November 2011

Morison [16] Van Persie [27, 59]

Over the past few seasons the promoted sides have proven somewhat of a challenge to the Arsenal particularly in the early part of the season. With the disruption of international friendlies these matches can be even trickier, as the opponents often have few call-ups to national sides and can spend a good 10 days getting the bus parked just right in front of the goal.

The expected rearguard action from the hosts produced a series of goal-line clearances, and the usual lack of cutting edge from the boys in red made for a frustrating afternoon.  For once such a display wasn’t down to that bloody handbrake. We cut them open time and again but a combination of poor finishing and resilient defending meant a score line that very much flattered the team in yellow.

You are a...Sepp Blatter

Wrinkly Old Git

The FIFA president has a long history of cringe worthy statements, from his views on women’s football, to goal line technology, to slavery, and now he thinks all’s fair just so long as you offer a handshake afterwards. Worse yet, he’s often unapologetic about his own ludicrous declarations and remains the poster boy for corruption in football. Let’s put it another way, Sepp: you have put many of us in the quite untenable position of agreement with Rio Ferdinand. You sir, are a cunt.


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Return of the Prodigal Son

Cesc sets up Arshavin for the second against Braga at home in last year's Champions League group stage.

I still have mixed feelings about Fabregas' departure. It's probably too early yet in the post-Cesc Arsenal era to give it the proper perspective. It does seem apropos however to give this drawing an airing on the day he returns to London. He’ll only face Theo from the current side, which will perhaps mean to him that it seems like he is still playing for us against the old enemies. Without getting into what his departure has meant to our side [both good and bad] or into slagging off his current club, I will say that I am glad he is doing well. He is a truly immense footballer and in the end it has been privilege to watch him do what he does best. 

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Thomas Vermaelen

Crush. Kill. Destroy.

Just what we've been missing in defense. The cold dead eyes of a killer. 

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There is only one Arsene Wenger

Bawse.

Faith in this man has been sorely tested and I have certainly had my doubts but Arsene Wenger just continues to impress with the undying commitment to his style of football and his principles of how to achieve it. He has suffered a series of unbelievable situations in recent times that might undo another manager but the signs are very good that he is in the midst of a quite remarkable turnaround. All of the players that have come in over the summer have shown at the very least glimpses of quality, some have stood out with excellent performances, and  others have shown remarkable growth since last season.

Through it all he has maintained a level of class and dignity that is a credit to him and the club. The players appear to be playing for each other again. A grittiness has returned. We can be proud of the efforts we see every week. We can look forward to the matches again. These things are down to the manager. He deserves a great deal of continued support and respect for surviving such an awful start and for building the side back up after some massive departures. Let's get behind him and the team and see how far we can go this season.


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