Ramblings of a Gooner Girl

Untitled

2009-02-08T17:55:00.006+02:00

This post shall remain untitled because there are no words to just act as a heading for what I am about to say.

First off: Tottenham 0 - 0 Arsenal
Wtf?! I mean seriously... According to some, it was "an honourable effort" considering we had ten men on the field with injuries to Adebayor and Clichy. But since when has anything less than a win ever been good? I'm not one to settle for anything less than what my heart strives to achieve and I'd expect the club I follow so religiously to be the same, so why I support Arsenal, I don't know. No, I'm not going to stop supporting them - not now, not ever. I don't lose faith in things either.And I remembered why I love Arsenal - they play the most beautiful football ever because beauty is better than results. Would be nice if we could have them both...

So now for the rest of what I wanted to say:
So in my last post, I said I'd be back. This is about as back as I'm going to be because I'm leaving again. Permanently. For the second time since starting this blog... I never even made it to the one-year anniversary! It's only like 2 months away...

My parting wishes:

Arsenal seriously gets their act together and makes UEFA Champs League for next year

Each and every one of you get what you're looking for in life (provided it is a good thing that you deserve)

To LTG, Misty Stiletto and my other blogging inspirations - keep shining and putting some light on the world because you helped lead me to where I am now and where I'm going

Again, to the bloggers I always read: keep up the amazing work

I wish each and every one of you happiness and success in life, especially those readers who have been there from the beginning

And lastly, I wish for the environment to be healed and for man to realise his carelessness and abuse of the land. Peace be to the earth.

P.S. I'm keeping my blog open at this space and not deleting it. Yet.

Excuse me...

2009-01-19T20:24:00.002+02:00

Please excuse the fact that I'm not posting. This is for several reasons: it's holidays = going out, the new school year actually starts on Tuesday so I've been prepping for that as well. So I do apologize. I feel so bad for not posting that I'm writing this post on my phone and it's so hard to not use the shorthand typing I use in text messages... Some serious restraint here! And when school starts, we have a fashion show to plan along with the tour we're going on, other events and the agenda for this year that has to be sorted out in all the committees I'm on. Thank you for understanding... Fret not, darlings! I will be back soon... When, I do not know but I will return!

Riding through Boyce Avenue

2009-01-01T12:36:00.003+02:00

How often does music determine the mood (hence success) of a moment? Always or at least most of the time, right? Well lets ring in the new year with really good, successful moments by playing some good music. No, this has nothing to do with Arsenal but I don't give a rat's ass.

Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to be amazed by the four gentlemen of a band called Boyce Avenue, a band introduced to me by my cousin to whom I am forever indebted for this amazing discovery. The members of the band are Alejandro, Daniel, Fabian (the three Manzano brothers) and Stephen Hatker. And hey, they're all quite cute. Alejandro has the smoothest, sexiest voice ever. At the moment, I'm learning guitar but sucking at it quite royally and I wish that one day I'll be able to play their harmonious melodies as weel as they do.

What captivates me about them is their unique take/covers of very popular, mainstream songs. Here is the first one I'd like to show you. It's Good Riddance (done first by Green Day):

Amazing, right?

Closer (originally by Neyo):

Omarion and Timbaland's "Ice Box" (possibly my favourite):

Probably my second favourite - Forever, a song by Chris Brown that is over-played on the radio and now re-done by Boyce Avenue so that you'll never want to stop playing it.

The newer, better version of Neyo's "Because of You"

Other successes include:

Leona Lewis's "Better In Time" and "Bleeding Love"

Rihanna's "Disturbia" and "Umbrella" (their take on it is amazing)

Justin's "Lovestoned"

Linkin Park's "Shadow of the Day"

Among others...

My only criticism of them is that they re-did "Iris", a song which has already been done a million times over by Ronan Keating, even Avril Lavigne and others. Their version is still really good but this is like cover overkill. I don't think anything will ever be better than the Goo Goo Doll's original. With all Boyce Avenue's covers, in most cases they're better than the original but all the others are never worse than them (with the exception of "Iris" and possibly "Viva la Vida" because it sounds ordinary and neither song can ever have a cover as good as it). Their own stuff (i.e. stuff written and/or performed by Boyce Avenue) is really good as well.

Subscribe to their channel on YouTube anyway.

Hey, happy new year.

Happy Birthday: Belated, Punctual and In Advance

2008-12-26T06:00:00.001+02:00

Goodwill and wellwishes are in order.

Happy belated birthday to Jesus. He celebrated his birthday yesterday and turned... how old? 2008? Well his legacy definitely lives on in Christmas when people drink eggnog, buy presents and eat themselves silly. Merry Christmas!

So Jesus's birthday wishes are belated but I'm punctual for Aaron's. Yeah, our Arsenal kid and bright hope, Aaron Ramsey, turned 18 today. Well done kid, you can now legally drink. Only two and a half years older than me: so do-able. Cheers, mate. Have a good day.

And lastly, I'd like to say happy birthday in advance to Jack Wilshere whose birthday is on New Year's Day. He turns 17. Still so young, Jacki. Arsenal's youngest and filled with so much potential. I hope you don't have a hangover from The Night Before because we all know what happens the Night Before.

See you all in the New Year! Happy 2009.

Oh, almost forgot. Today is Boxing Day as well as Aaron's birthday. In South Africa, we celebrate the Day of Goodwill which is a completely different holiday to Boxing Day which is why this completely slipped my mind: Arsenal is playing Aston Villa today and Portsmouth on Sunday. Good luck for both matches. No, wait; *Prayers*. On a relted-unrelated note: Cesc doesn't need surgery. Yes!

Some Lucky Pre-teens Met The Arseboys and I Didn't!

2008-12-24T15:15:00.003+02:00

Yeah, that's right. I realise that me not living in England is a minor [cough, splutter] obstacle but I still want to meet the first team when some less-obsessed bunch of drooling toddlers got to meet them. These toddlers were some supporters up to the age of sixteen... Oh, wait - that's me! I'm a toddler! Being fifteen years old rocks sometimes. So I'm eligible. Now I just need to fly to England.

This whole event was staged on Tuesday 16th December 2008 and was a Christmas party for the Junior Gunners. Members watched the first team train, had a party with tea cups and saucers, and had autographs signed by the first team a.k.a. Cesc, Robin, Theo and crew. Some of the JGs (so cool they even have their own acronym) dressed up in costume representative of some of the players' countries.

Note the boy in the matador costume at the back.

Cesc said of the event:

“It’s always great to meet supporters, and the Junior Gunners party is something we look forward to each year. It’s brilliant to see so many kids in fancy dress to reflect the players’ nationalities and countries as well! We hope everyone had a great day.”

The JGs are the ones who get chosen to be mascots for games. They shake famous people's hands. So cool!

I like Alex Song's hat... If only I was six again and I could dress up as a matador and bear no shame.

Link: Junior Gunners have their Christmas Party!

Wenger's Weekly Newsletter

2008-12-23T11:31:00.006+02:00

So Le Boss sends a newsletter every week to the Arsenal fans (who subscribe to it). I just read the one from 22 December. Funny. Hilarious.

"The title is won in May, not December"

And that was just the title. I think it's a good title but presents us a smidgen of hope. Yes, we do have a smidgen of hope but I also think it's kind of denying the predicament we're in and saying that we will still win the title. Which is far fetched. I think other titles are more available, like the FA Cup (within our reach) and the UEFA Champions League. But not the Premier League, darling...

"Emmanuel Adebayor's red card was very soft. It was 'Be A Gooner, Be A Giver' at the Emirates as the Club dedicated the matchday to our Charity of the Season, Teenage Cancer Trust, but you cannot say the referee was a Gooner. He was a giver though, giving yellow cards that we didn't deserve."

So cheesy! Just LOLing at the statement. I think maybe he was paid to say "Be A Gooner, Be A Giver" and that was the only way he could fit it in. Either that or Wenger is a nutter (whom we dearly love in his moments of insanity). The second yellow was justified but the first yellow wasn't which makes the red card as a result of the second yellow entirely unnecessary. Wenger thinks "the decision cost us two points" but this is oh so very wrong because a team can deal without one striker (i.e. ten men). It's been done before where they've won games with ten men. I think the ref is our new scapegoat.

"Cesc Fabregas went off at half-time with a medial knee ligament problem. I don't know how long he will be out at the moment, it is difficult to assess. Of course it is a blow, you don't want to lose a player like that, but we have to cope with it."

Latest news: he's out for three months. This is one of those "Oh Shit" moments, followed by speechlessness. Out until approximately late March? Oh Shit. *Prayers*

Hey, at least Arsenal remain festive:

"On behalf of everyone at Arsenal Football Club, I'd like to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Thanks for your support in 2008."

Even if it tore your heart apart to do it. Merry Christmas.

Arsenal vs Liverpool: The Aftermath

2008-12-22T19:37:00.003+02:00

I would've thought that a draw at this stage and in our current state would have brought minor depression but, no, it brings more apathy.

What I like about the match:

van Persie's goal

the fact that we scored first

van Persie's new haircut

What I didn't like about the match:

Liverpool's goal

Our inability to hold onto a lead

the refereeing

the lack of ingenuity and width on the pitch

Fabregas's injury

the final scoreline

Wilshere and Ramsey didn't play

The apathy is from... well, the fact that we're not winning when it's crucial.

To start off, I'd like to say that Liverpool seemed to have more fight in them now than they did in last season's corresponding fixture. I doubt it was a result of Sammy Lee's presence but I commend the team.

Can someone just kick Wenger in the head already? The team lacked a teensy bit of pace and oomph which is why I think it would've been good to put Aaron or Jack on. One of them. Both of them. Just pick! They provide a drive, a push, a massive force forward. Arsenal have done well before without the most solid defence because they've had a driving offence. A strong offence is the best defence - I think that pretty much fits with Wenger's policy.

So Eboue's improed since last season and I think all the booing is uncalled for. He provides a minute stability in midfield defence when he is put on. The mistake was that he wasn't put on sooner. When Fabregas got injured (ouch, my baby. My poor baby...), the next mistake was that Le Boss didn't replace him Jack/Aaron, instead of Diaby, was it?

Liverpool put up a good show. But how long do I have to go on about Arsenal's (nee Wenger's) incompetence. People complain about the ork that other people do and propose that they could do a better job. I'm not sure I could do a better job than Wenger and won't say that I can because it is an unmerited stated but I think there are others that are able to.

So I don't want to complain. It's getting old. Instead pray - *prayers*. Wenger, I *pray* for you.

Oh, before I forget:

Caught it from all angles? Or didn't you notice any difference? It's a little shorter on the sides and fluffier (more voluminous) on top than it usually is. And it looked good. *Prayers* for the team. Get better Sex Fibreglass and Eduardo too.

One last thing: I'm officially ~over~ the threshold - post 101, baby!

Post No. 100

2008-12-22T14:37:00.000+02:00

I've finally crossed the threshold! Oh, wait. No. Over the threshold would be post number 101. So I'm on the threshold. Well, either way, it's an achievement for me. I've had some good times and bad times. Good: moments when I couldn't shut up and stop blogging (i.e. June/Euro 2008 times). Bad: those times when I was really stressed out with work and Interschools competitions and couldn't write much. But s'all good. I even enlisted the help of a fellow Gooner and blogger, Sarah, to help with the load [Side note: catch Sarah at her blog, "...and Sarah clapped". Sweet, sweet memories...

So to commemorate the monumental occasion, here is it's honourary picspam of all my favourite Arsenal things:

Present-day Gunners

Eduardo's return (Yip, he's back)

Sexiness

Note Arsene wearing the shorts

Some Aaron (because he deserves his own special section)

Old school Gunners

Cheers for the next hundred. And thanks for always reading ROAGG, I appreciate it.

Famous Arsenal Supporters Club; Member 2: Matt Damon

2008-12-18T09:41:00.003+02:00

[Member 1 was Gisele]

Matt Damon supports The Gooners.
The Proof: He publicly critices Tottenham and lauds Arsenal. And his signature looks like it says "CESC". See for yourself:

These were drawn for the charity event The Willow Foundation hosted where they auctioned off (mildly juvenile) drawings/paintings that footballers and stars alike had drawn around the theme of football/design/art and other randoms. [Side note: most of these people really can't draw but Bendtner did a very good effort.]

So kudos for Matt for choosing the right team but I'm guessing his knowledge of fotball is pretty basic considering he makes simple, moronic statements like "Tottenham sucks" and "Go Arsenal". If I were him, I would be more abrasive and say something along the lines of "Piss off, Yids" or borrow a few lines from an Arsenal chant.

Link: Arsenal stars and other celebrities rise to art challenge for charity
Link: Which Hollywood star hates Tottenham?

If you haven't heard of it yet

2008-12-17T09:47:00.000+02:00

Arsenal have become quite the philanthropists and are donating a day's wages to a cancer charity scheme for teenagers.

Get in on the action and seasonal spirit of giving by donating and going to Be a Gooner, Be a Giver.

Link: The Spoiler

A Christmas Miracle

2008-12-16T19:59:00.003+02:00

'Tis almost time for Christmas because thee Festive Season hath dawned upon thee. Fast forward a couple of centuries and now we're speaking normally, saying: Festive Season's here; almost Christmas. In the past few weeks, it feels like I've been the saying the same thing; Arsenal is inconsistent and Wenger needs to change his style or ~~fuck off~~ quit/be fired. So here lies a change of tune: Christmas.

Christmas is synonymous with the spirit of giving so maybe God (Tian, Buddha, YHVH, Yahweh, Allah, Elvis, John Lennon, Neptune, Hades or whichever you choose to follow) will grant us with a Christmas miracle if we pray hard enough and have the grace to receive it. Everybody, start praying. NOW!

I feel that we're already being graced with His majesty before Christmas: Adebayor and Gallas were at Movida while Man Utd were having their Christmas party there and managed to not get beaten up. Seriously, the miracles are upon us and they are flowing faster than Roman Abramovich's income. Thank you.

Another miracle (or half one): I'm slightly over Cesc Fabregas, who woulda thunk it? He's been with his girlfriend for five years now so there's no chance of intervening. I'm just wondering why he hasn't popped the question yet. How long does the girl have to wait? So he's not looking for a party animal (oh, shoot) but he does look for intelligence. Maybe if I walk up to him and flash my... report card at him, he'll get some dizzy daydreams and freaky fantasies. [Note to self: avoid associating school with sex; it's not good]. The way he describes his girlfriend sounds like a description of me so I'm content knowing that he loves a part of me (indirectly).

Now to shift my attention away from Fabregas so I can heal. Who better to heal me than Yoann Gourcuff? He's single and likes to heal people. I've adored him since the 2006/07 season when he was still playing for AC Milan.

My Finalised Christmas List:

Yoann Gourcuff

Consistency for Arsenal

Eternal fitness for the WHOLE team

Sense for Le Boss i.e. putting the right team forward, media etiquette and choosing the right tactics

A great holiday for me

Amazing exeriences for my loved ones holidaying in Thailand

The FA Cup, EPL and Champions League trophies. And I don't mean stolen, I mean won fairly.

Please, God (Tian, Buddha, YHVH, Yahweh, Allah, Elvis, John Lennon, Neptune, Hades, Other). Please...

Random Ramblings: Achievements, Failures, Hope and other follies

2008-12-09T11:07:00.004+02:00

Prelude

My apologies for only posting now, a week after my last post.

So this past week has been glorious and also disappointing.
Bad news: Arsenal('s second-stringers) lost to Burnley in the Carling Cup.
Good news: The first team then went on to beat Wigan. Rock on, dudes.

I take every win as it comes because even beating a team of Wigan's standard should be a cause for celebration in Arsenal's realm seeing as we have problems staying consistent and winning every match. The Burnley loss I put down to lack of experience and you don't get experience unless you play. So we'll just have to grin and bear the inexperience while they're playing along with the losses so they can learn how to grind out a game and win.

If there's one thing that these inconsistencies have done, it's made me more appreciative of the wins that do come by, against the likes of Chelsea or Man Utd and Wigan or Stoke.

In an effort to be politically correct, I will not say anything too harsh about Wenger but how can I be rational when he wants to make a 30m profit again in the transfer market. Last season's profit was a result of selling key players and buying other players who aren't as necessary. The only two good buys that Arsene has made is Aaron Ramsey and Samir Nasri but none of the other new recruits are showing their worth just yet (ahem, Coquelin).

Wenger is also shocked that we still have a (minor) chance at winning the title. Frankly, so am I. Good job, boys.

Our Golden boy, Cesc Fabregas, has stated he wants to remain at the club but stays honest by admitting this is for the time being. In others, he's not like Ronaldo, who we know is lying, thank goodness! Cesc also claims that Barca are the best team at the moment and he does however wish to return to this sacred club. Rubbish.

He's staying in England for now and the immediate future because he may not go to Porto. He has a minor injury and he needs to be rested for Middlesborough on Saturday. Good, keep him fit.

Expect great things from Theo in coming seasons - he's been named 2008's BBC London Young Footballer of the Year. It's not like we weren't expecting him to but it's still great news anyway.

The first sensible thing I've ever heard (i.e. read) Adebayor say: sometimes Arsenal need to drop the pretty football in order to win a match, to put substance over style. This only needs to be applied in cases where we really can't grind out a win and need to just switch styles to get a btter result because we wouldn't want to remove the essence of Wenger's philosophy completely.

Wenger's philosophy may be further outed if Karl-Heinz Rumenigge has his way. He's campaigning to abolish the practice of offering legal contracts to those aged 16 and 17 who play for other clubs, like poaching them while they're schoolboys. For example: Cesc Fabregas, Rui Fonte and Armand Traore. This is another reason why I think Wenger's Views are outdated.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that I criticise Wenger, his policies and a lot of what Arsenal represents, I do greatly laud our attacking style and the players themselves. I love every single one of them, including Eboue and Bendtner. I just hope for a better future. So thank you for the wins, try not to lose and thanks for the ride.

2010 Hometown Hitlist I

2008-12-02T13:23:00.001+02:00

Fine, homecountry not hometown. I am, of course, referring to the 2010 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by South Africa in 556 days (or less, depending on when you're reading this; if you're reading this on, say, July 15 2010, the tournament would have ended four days previously).

So I'm excited.

So this hitlist is a list of the teams or players I would like to see/meet when they come here. And on top of the list is every Arsenal player who is elligible to play for his country (i.e. Cesc, RVP, Gael Clichy) among those who aren't olaying for their country now but are hoped to be playing then e.g. Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Carlos Vela.

So I'm walking down the road near the V&A Waterfront, just near the CTICC and the (completed) Green Point Stadium, when up pops - hey, well f*#k me sideways - Aaron Ramsey. It's Aaron Ramsey, the latest Welsh Wizard since Ryan Giggs.

So I pipe up once I regain vocal abilities, "Hey, well f*#k me sideways, you're Aaron Ramsey!"
So he'll go into faux-shock, search himself and wittily say, "Well, gosh! Is that who I am? I was wondering who I was for the past 3 years! Thanks for pointing that out."
[Silence]
Sensing the gap, he'll add in, "So now we know who I am, who are you?"
"Right, I'm [name] [surname] and I'm from around here. Excuse my verbal constipation - shock tends to do that to people. You see, I'm star-struck because it's not every day that you meet one of the hottest Arsenal prospects around, and in more ways than just football skills..." Rawr. Hmmmm, the feisty approach.
Aaron then beguiles suggestively, "Well, if that's how you like to play it, babe..."

And then he snaps his fingers and a cute yellow Vespa from the Vespa shop down the road drops down to earth out of nowhere and we ~~drive off into the sunset [nah, that's too cliched]~~ drive off into the distance, landing up at the Waterfront and buying so many items like Guess, Louis Vuitton, Mango and others.

And that picture, ladies and gentlemen, was taken off his Bebo site. Yes, Aaron Ramsey had Bebo. It's past tense of course because he has now deleted it. Dammit. Ramsey might not be the brightest bulb in the box, though. This is taken from his Bebo site:

"Hi, im aaron i play football for Wales and cardiff city. Im about 6 foot with brown hair and brown eyes, like to go out with my m8s and familly! I live in Caerphilly a little town by Cardiff so if ya wanna get 2 know me more add me on msn aaron_ramsey_8@hotmail.co.uk

Music
i like alsorts of music but indie stands out for me and btw i dont like dance.

Films

i never used to be a films type of person but i must admit i have bn watchin a few l8ly like die hard 4 n a few others that a cant think of rite naw.

Sports
football

Scared Of
nuthin im hard as nais.hmm wel sum say i am but i wouldnt like to cum that close to tarantulars if thats how u spell it.

Happiest When
with friends, familly. like it wen we go out n have a gd nite with al my m8."

Whoa, easy on the brain strain there, mate. You don't want to have a hernia with all that heavy thinking! Seriously, take a breather and just relax or else you'll get a hemorrhage while trying to figure out how to spell family ["familly"].

Yeah, you're still top notch in my book.

My team's better than your team

2008-12-01T15:21:00.002+02:00

... well, that statement probably only applies to Arsenal when they were better than Chelsea for those few minutes yesterday but you get my drift; I'm smug. I'm showing the smugness and spreading it. I'm happy.

Guess who else is happy:

Robin van Persie

and Cesc Fabregas, among other joyful, euphoric people

Despite being a whiny bitch at most points in all matches/training sessions/interviews/life [take your pick], I applaud him for saving us some grace and humiliation by scoring both goals yesterday. I don't care if the first one was offside. I don't care that Chelsea were pretty dominating for a large part of the game. What I do care about is the fact that we have the quality and skill to win every game, and win it with class and style at that.

So why aren't we doing so well? Ask Wenger. I criticise my team even when we're doing well, yes, I acknowledge that. I just pray for a better Arsenal.

[Starts in speech mode] Well, I'd like to dedicate this win to my mom, my dad, my brother, my sister, Aunt May, Chucky for your loving support, my dog Wilbur for knowing when to plant a big kiss on lips when I'm sad from all those losses, and of course thanks must be given to:
Arsene Wenger, you bird-faced ol' devil, you
Manuel Almunia (minus the goal-keeping error that lead to the own goal)
Bacary Sagna
Johann Djourou
*cough, splutter* William Gallas *wheeze*
Gael Clichy, for being ever-resilient and powerful
Denilson
Alexandre Song
Cesc Fabregas, for bringing a breath of fresh air when we needed it most
Samir Nasri
[mutters] Adebayor
Robin van Persie, the two-goal genius
Nicklas Bendtner for your substitutional support
and every other person who's helped along the way.

Back in the Top 4, baby! Back in the Top 4.

Chelsea, don't cry too hard now, ya hear?

Apology...

2008-11-28T22:41:00.002+02:00

So I've been slacking in the posting activity department. Students are flaky, arty people are flaky. I happen to be both student and arty; I am double flaky.

We just finished exams so I'm ~~partying the days away~~ taking a much needed break. I hope to post at least once a week but it's so not going for me at the moment. I will, however, post on Monday in response to Sunday's game, in which WE WILL BEAT CHELSEA, ~~those fat bitches~~. See you all soon.

Dear Mr Wenger

2008-11-20T14:23:00.002+02:00

It has been brought to my attention that you, to put it so boldly and flatly, suck. Yes, you suck ass as a matter of fact. Just when I thought the team were getting better under your fine leadership, I found much to my dismay that they actually did not do so well.

There's no reason why a squad with the skills of such players like Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Theo Walcott and even Aaron Ramsey can't be doing exceptionally well if you utilise their skills properly. If you count age (hence, lack of experience) as a deficit, then Arsenal should still be in second place. Experience only counts for so much when you have so much skill at your disposal.

So a team is only as good as their weakest part. I have reason to believe that you are their weakest part, boss. With the right leadership, even the most mediocre teams can have all potential thrust forward and used to the maximum. Tottenham is clear proof of this. So why can't Arsenal be just as fabulous?

You're too whiny, complain too much, don't identify problem areas, because of the previous problem you can't deal with issues and push the team forward and you are extremely stubborn with your team choices. Aaron Ramsey deserves to be playing more than he is currently, Jack Wilshere needs a first team chance, Theo should really be playing the full 90mins, Bendtner needs to have his skills further harnessed and primed and Gallas/Kolo don't mesh so one of them needs to go (preferably Gallas).

I propose a break-up, Arsene. Sever ties with this club now before you ruin it forever. You may have been brilliant in the past but Arsenal need a different type of leadership now, one you can't provide. You've been brilliant but your services are no longer required. It's hard to break up with you because of the sentiment this relationship holds and we don't want to break up with you because it's comfortable and we know no other relationship. It's hard to get back in the game and look for a new partner. But we must. We must do this for ourselves and the team.

Yours sincerely,
xXx CLB xXx

Random Ramblings: England, Wales and a little known country called France

2008-11-15T10:56:00.002+02:00

Let's just start by me saying that I'm so happy that our boys beat Man Utd last weekend. And with their "reserves" no less. I never said how happy I was in any of the last posts but it's something that every gunner should feel. So here it is: I'm bragging about that awesome win. Who woulda thunk it that we would win? That's right. I did. I think the boys will be boosted now and will do well against Aston Villa this afternoon. How you like me now, Utd suckaz?!

So, good news first: Eddie might be playing in the first team within two or three weeks. Yes, our Eduardo is almost ready. After that tackle from whatshisface, Eduardo broke one of his legs and has been out since February, for those of you who don't know. He's already started training with the first team.

Wenger thinks Wilshere can make the England World Cup squad. Let's just remind him that Wilshere is only sixteen and has only just been merely propped for U21s so let's forget about the WC for a moment here. No doubt the boy has talent but maybe we should take things slow? I think he would be good for the team but only once Wenger plays him more often in the Arsenal side and gives him more experience.

Speaking of Internationals, Aaron Ramsey will win his first cap for Wales. [Tears stream down cheek] my boy's finally becoming a man. Good job, boy. Do me proud.

The boys at Le Grove discuss the happiness of Arsenal players and the matter of selling them or players like Cesc. An opinion much like my own, I'd advise you to read this for a different perspective on things.

And has anyone noticed that the only non-french person we have in our back four is Kolo Toure? Gunnerblog has. Kolo's "the odd man out". For France's next international, Domenech will be playing the Arsenal quartet of Clichy, Silvestre, Gallas and Sagna so as not to upset the team dynamics that they share at Arsenal.

A Series Of Lasts

2008-11-10T15:01:00.003+02:00

As the title suggests, this week I've been experiencing a consistent thought of, "Wow, this is the last time I'll ever be doing this." I've been thinking this because we've reached the age where we now move on to a different phase of high school and we now specialize in certain areas and thus drop some subjects so we can do other subjects in detail.

We have the four compulsories of English, Maths (or Maths Lit.), Afrikaans (a language indigenous to South Africa) and Life Orientation in addition to our three electives which then make up the coming year's syllabus. My electives are Physical Sciences (Physics and Chemistry), Biology and Visual Art. The reason why this week has been so sentimental was because we had our last official lessons of learning in the subjects we had decided not to take because we are nearing the end of the year in the southern hemisphere.

We started year-end exams and will have no more lesson after this exam period. So no lessons until next but next year means no lessons of particular subjects. No French, History, Geography, EMS, Technology and other hoo-ha. So we go through corridors thinking that it will be the last time we learn from certain teachers, last time we're in certains classrooms, last pieces of tedious homework and the last time we'll get that feeling of helium in your stomach when you're just about to do a Drama performance. This evokes either sadness or happiness ot happiness in some, for me it was rather indifferent but also a sort of relief. Now the matrics have gone through this before with utmost sadness because they realise this is the last time they may ever see certain classmates and teachers and they are leaving high school. I now fully appreciate what they're going through but without the sadness. I'm just relieved.

So to all the ninth graders out there, appreciate this feeling of contentment while it lasts. Enjoy the satisfaction and revel in the relief before you're thrust forth into another year of learning. And good luck with exams.

P.S. My first exam was pretty good - I wrote French. And I'm so excited for when this is over because then it'll be SUMMER.

The Infamous Essay

2008-11-05T18:24:00.002+02:00

In connection with an earlier post. We had to write a debate or persuasive/argumentative essay.

Topic: Is it worth sacrificing your life for political ideals?
This specifically refers to the struggle and politics of Apartheid, a racist regime formerly used in South Africa, and we had to argue the topic in reference to a freedom fighter called Steve Biko. Wiki whatever terms or phrases you don't understand.

We are the proposition side i.e. we think it is worth sacrificing your life for political ideals.

Politics are a huge influence in today’s society; in fact, politics make the world go round. It is the essence of politics that can uplift or crush a nation but how far is one willing to go for substantial progress in society? Politics are not just a set of rules, a system of formality; politics are a set of beliefs. Some would go so far as to sacrifice their lives for these beliefs; people like Steve Biko, martyrs of their cause.

Martyrs, by definition, are people who have died for their beliefs but what martyrs are is more than just that. Martyrs are brave, loyal, righteous and noble. They do not fear and have thus become resolute in their will to fight. If you’re willing to die, nothing is too much to ask of you to uphold a belief, uplift a community. It is the role of a martyr that no other act of valiancy can measure up to, a role born out of sacrifice and struggle. These men, like Steve Biko, deserve to be honoured.

A sacrificial death is merely a public display of slaughter for all to see and to take note of. In retrospect, it is a publicity stunt. We believe that death for progress’ sake is beneficial because the death would be exposed to the public if the person has died for a belief. This death then highlights the cause (in this case, political ideals) and magnifies it, thus drawing attention. The death isn’t the main attraction; the politics behind it is. Death is just the opening act to attract others for the main event. Hence, the sacrifice has achieved its purpose: it has brought light to an ideal, an alternative to the tyranny. It made its statement. Sadly, greatness can’t be achieved without sacrifice and to achieve a political ideal of equality and to push the Black Consciousness movement forward, a death had to be committed. A death is a small price to pay for a society to realise Steve Biko’s very own saying: “Black is beautiful.”

The outrage at the injustice of his death brings others to protest against prejudice in society and calls for positive political action. One person standing up for his beliefs can inspire millions alike to take even more affirmative action. Steve Biko has been used as a symbol for the ANC, his face displayed in their 1994 campaign posters for a non-racial election. He has pushed the ANC to strive for a better future, to learn from his death. His death drew sympathy and more support, leading to a united Black Consciousness Movement front. Politicians who weren’t inspired were subsequently frightened and intimidated by the resilience of those who wished to honour his life and avenge his death. His death birthed a spirit of affirmative action from those who followed him and those who have heard of him.

He is a symbol of pride for a people, hope for a country, warmth for a family and greatness for an ideal. He was voted the 13th Greatest South African by SABC in 2004 and his life has been portrayed in literature, music and other Arts which will always bear his memory to teach future generations his principles and ideologies. He achieved in death which sadly would never have been achieved in life; he brought a nation to its knees and gave them a hope in unity.

In conclusion, a death or few of them is minor in comparison to the major effect it causes and changes it brings for a whole country, subsequently affecting other countries as well. His death has taught others to never let the discrimination happen again. The death may have been sad and terrible but it paved the way for progress which would otherwise never have been achieved.

Rambler rants: Today was not a good day

2008-11-05T17:49:00.003+02:00

Nay, the past four or five haven't been good. It all started with Saturday when Arsenal lost. Sunday, I head to the gym and had a pretty good workout but have a downright lousy time when I get home. My artwork wasn't going the way I planned but it still looked good. The funny thing with myself and art is that whenever I do something, it always looks fabulous (as I am told) whether or not that was the look I was going for. What peeves me off is the fact that it isn't exactly the way I wanted it, no matter how good it looks now.

Monday was a'ight - just like every other Monday. Tuesday came and passed with a touch rugby session at the end. See, I didn't feel for touch rugby at that point so it wasn't exactly welcomed but I had fun when I played. That night was when all the crap began. I think someone's been hacking into both of my hotmail accounts (one for blogging/anonymous use and another for personal use). This makes me feel really violated. According to some of my hotmail contacts whom I see daily, they've been getting these weird emails. This, quite frankly, makes me feel oh so violated.

This morning sprang up on me with so much emotion. Generally I'm a happy person and smile no matter what. Some teachers never could remember my name and thus called me "Smiley" or "Happyface". Now this morning was different. I wake up 32mins late and really grumpy. I'm in the car while on the way to school and I just can't stand a word my mum says. I got really short tempered and blew a fuse on numerous accounts. So I get to school and I was really irritated by my sort-of best friend. The day passes with emotions such as joy, confusion, irritation, anger, elation, wonderment and rage in that order.

The rage was a result people taking credit for my work. At school, we had to do a debate but there wasn't enough time in our syllabus allocated for this so our teacher decided to pose a prescribed topic and placed us on a side, told us to write a speech. We were put into groups for this and decided to do it in the format of a persuasive/argumentative essay as opposed to said debate. Today we got the marks back and I earned an A.

What really bugs me is that I wrote the whole essay, which earned remarks such as "Excellent" and "Brilliant", and gave the group their good marks as well with no help from them. I do debating at school so I knew this would be a piece of cake, not to sound pompous or anything, but all I needed in return for my hard work in replace for mediocre effort from them was recognition for my work. I didn't get a single thank you from the rest of the group and my work didn't even receive recognition from the teacher.

We all received marks on individual effort and, out of our four group members, I got the third lowest mark. So I wrote whole essay and two other people got more marks than me for their alleged input. Can't you see the audacious injustice of it? I definitely deserved an A+ but I didn't get it when those who deserved something like a C or B get an A.

So how does this sit with you, Ramblers? Have you ever had someone else take credit for your work? Have you ever taken credit for others' works? You couldn't have felt good in either situation, right. If anything I've learnt today was valuable, this lesson was the most valuable and eye-opening; life is unfair. Excuse me for this long rant.

Random Ramblings: Happiness, Sadness and other emotions

2008-11-03T16:41:00.002+02:00

And how was everyone's weekend? If you're an Arsenal supporter (as everyone really is inside their hearts because there is none better) then you'll be downright depressed! A 2-1 defeat to Stoke City, of all teams. What I do like is the fact that Wenger isn't as obstinate as I perceive him to be because he has admitted that Stoke deserved to win.

Some saddening pictures:

Check Theo's thighs

I'm ~~pissing in my pants with joy~~ glad that Fabregas cut his hair but I hope Theo heals pretty soon.

Some anger at/from RvP. Don't do stupid tackles, mate. You'll end up with red cards.

Is lust an emotion? Because I'm feeling something about Theo...

Shock - majority of people think that Arsenal won't finish in the top 4 this season. I know, right? What were they thinking?

After this weekend's sadness, I think we need to find the key to happiness. Richard, over at this really awesome blog called "Encounters with the Third Kind" (which I love purely for being South African), discusses the meaning of happiness.

Fun with FaceWarp

2008-10-30T20:24:00.003+02:00

So I have a SonyEricsson K800i (not that I'm trying to advertise the phone or anything) and it has this application on it called FaceWarp. This is the most major fun I've had with anything! The application twists features of your face in pictures and makes it look seriously funky... Check what I did to Cesc's face:

The original

The Warped Face versions

(Oh, you sexy beast)

Another original

Another Twist/Warp

(Is it just me or does this one look lind of cute?)

After looking at the second original, looking at the Warps of it and then looking at the original again, the image still looks really weird.

Does it happen for you?

Classic fun. I'd still tap all that over Rooney or Tevez any day!

The Life and Times of a Modern Footballer

2008-10-20T15:51:00.003+02:00

* Please note that some of the names in this story are fictitious, as is the story itself.

The small, skinny boy passes the ball slickly to the neighbour’s kid with whom he was playing football in the street. He runs forward and the neighbour slides the ball back to him before he shoots. GOAL! He tugs his shirt over his head and celebrates in the style of the people he’d only seen on TV. He wants to be like them. A sweet boy in a wholesome family, Steven James Damon loves nothing more than to play football with his mates in the street.

“Oi, JD! Get your butt inside here now. Your dinner’s getting cold,” hollers his sister. “And you shouldn’t be playing football when you know you’ve got to finish your homework.”

He looks at his friends apologetically and one answers, “S’alright, JD. We’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yeah, school is such drag. Who knew second grade would be so bothersome.”

School, football, sleep, school, football, sleep; such was the pattern of each day and once in a blue moon it would change to accommodate homework somewhere in there - always neglecting Anne Frank so he can go kick some balls with Alex, Tom and Matthew.

Eight years pass and JD is still scoring at the Arsenal youth academy, famous for producing the likes of David Bentley and others, his name destined to join theirs. The story is the same now except now he squeezes time in for socializing because, yes, he’s a teenager. The dreams are different now: he wants to earn the big bucks and have an entourage of babes. The guy’s got style. Of course he can’t do that just yet because he doesn’t have enough money to afford sin and his girlfriend would kill him in any case.

A year later and getting a decent paycheque, JD has ditched his girlfriend because he can afford two others. The words “I play for Arsenal,” is the “Open Sesame” of any girl’s pants, regardless of whether it’s Arsenal Reserves he's playing for or not.
“So what you doing on Saturday night, Jess?” beguiles JD.
An annoyed Jess replies, “I’m sorry, I’m...” she pauses for a period not long enough for the boy to notice the hesitation, “working on a Science project.”
“Well how’s about you and me make some chemistry at my place?” No, dude, you’re doing it wrong. Smooth talking is meant to be, in one word, smooth.
“Uh, yeah… I can’t.” Perturbation clearly worn on her face.

Come Sunday morning, Jess leaves her lace bra and dignity at JD’s apartment. Good Biology lesson, that one. Attached to the bra was a promise of more satisfaction.

“Look what the cat dragged in: JD!” Matt shouts from across the road and, man, has life been so hectic that they haven’t seen each other in months. “Dude, am I glad to see you. It’s been forever, hasn’t it?”

“Yeah, we live only a few blocks away from each other and yet I never see you. Life is strange hey. Ten years ago my sister was shouting at me to come inside, stop playing football with the guys and now I’m playing alongside Cesc in Arsenal’s midfield. Things with you have also changed, yeah. Now you’re…” hesitates JD, unsure what his childhood best friend is doing with his life.

Sensing the gap, Matt adds, “Wow, the first-year Psychology course is a killer. I feel like I’ve been mentally raped after every exam, poking in parts of my brain where I never knew information even was. Yeah, but Lisa is a major relief for my stress.”

He has a girlfriend? Lisa who? “Oh, yes, Lisa Atkinson. Man, she was hot from what I remember. She’s got nothing on Elise, though. She’s on fire every night.”
“Elise? Aren’t you going out with Jess?”
Shit. Okay, play it cool. “Yeah, what did I say?”
“You said Elise. It’s alright. I mess up sentences also. Wanna grab a pint?”

Womanising never led you anywhere and she sure didn’t lead JD into any sort of comfortable place. She led him straight into the family-planning clinic when the home testing kit turned blue. A father at nineteen. He tells Jess this in what way? In an ‘I cheated on you and now my mistress is pregnant’ card? Sorry, Hallmark’s fresh out of them.

One birth later, a first-time father looks at his beautiful baby girl’s ice blue eyes and vows to give up all that is bad in the world. In that moment of pure euphoria, all the rape allegations and charges of match-fixing is relieved from his thoughts. Sarah, my baby. That beautiful, bewildered stare makes him think all will be okay and that he and Elise will be good parents. Who would have thought the stare from someone who is but two hours old can make a sinner repent? That’s it, he thinks. No more foul play or bad behaviour. I’m a father now and I should act like a good one to give my child any sort of values in this world.

Of course a leopard can’t change his spots and though Steven James Damon wants to be the best dad ever, he can’t be a very good one when he’s not around for his child. Even when he is around he manages to mess it up. Out of touch with his family, the only relatives Sarah sees are her parents, in the midst of a strenuous and bitter relationship. Forced together by circumstance and not love, their marriage was an unhappy one which would only ever have one result.

“Daddy, where’s Mommy?” enquires a precocious five year old while sitting in a car on the way to her grandma and grandpa’s house.
Unsure how to answer, a father who’s lost his footing says, “Mommy and Daddy aren’t getting along so we’ve decided we can’t live together anymore. But you don’t need to worry, sweet pea, because Mommy and Daddy still love you very much and we’re going to give you the best life possible.”
“But I miss Mommy.”
Flashing lights and a siren prevent him from replying. The policeman signals him to pull over.

“Sir, do you know you’re going at 100km/h in a 60km zone? I’m going to have to ticket you. It’s dangerous to drive that fast especially when you’re not allowed to.” The concerned but stiff cop puts pen to paper and –
“Please forgive me. I’m in a rush and I really didn’t mean to go that fast.” JD looked at the official’s face and he clearly didn’t budge. He takes out ₤50 and asks, “Will this make it better?”
The policeman takes the cash and bids the Mercedes goodbye.

Five weeks later and the Mercedes is still involved in other sorts of offences, now involved in adultery.
“You sure your wife won’t mind that you’re screwing me while the divorce papers are going through?” Nancy buttons up her shirt while struggling to get her shoes on unassisted.
“Frankly, I don’t give a damn. Where should I drop you off? I’ve got to run to pick up my daughter,” came the exasperated, breathless reply.

Nancy was just a series of girls drifting in and out of the home (or car) in the past month. And when Sarah asked who the latest one was, JD snapped at her out of shock of poor concealment and shame. She pulled ₤1 out of her pocket and asked, “Will this make it better?”

This leads to JD questioning how he had chosen to live his life and how this would impact Sarah’s. JD had grown up with a loving, tight-knit family but as soon as he hit 16, he left the family home and got caught up in acts too shameful to mention. He’d gotten his dream and earned all the money he could but where had it gotten him? He’d stopped being Steven James Damon and had become the brand JD^©. In all honesty, he’d never realised his initial dream from when he was eight because he’d lost the joy of football and surrounded himself with its scandalous culture and immorality.

And he had still gotten some 16 years of a loving family but if Sarah has received none of this in her crucial, earliest five years of life with no promise of ever receiving it afterwards, how was there any hope for her in the future when she’s stuck in a dysfunctional family with a bitter mother who is grieving a marriage and a fraudulent, adulterous father? What has JD done to his child?

Ramblings Hiatus

2008-10-19T18:29:00.002+02:00

Hello dear readers!

I'm having issues with the internet so I won't post until next month but I promise I'll be back by then (1 November). I might post once or twice but it would have nothing to do with ROAGG so you needn't check for updates on the site.

See you soon,
xXx CLB xXx

Saturday Pick-me-up: Robin van Persie

2008-10-18T10:44:00.003+02:00

Love and other such trivial things...

2008-10-17T23:55:00.005+02:00

Who wants to bag a ‘baller? I do, I do! And why wouldn’t I? This is the ultimate prize for social climbers and gold diggers (not that I am either one). You’ll get an eternity of lavish living – provided you keep your man attached to your hip. Now this is the trouble with dating a baller. They always have a bevy of beautiful babes with blonde hair and bountiful breasts being thrown at them whenever they go out and yet it’s their choice to be faithful and keep their missus happy or not. Ladies, I warn you to never date a cheater.

The Rooney

At least Ronaldo didn’t cheat on anyone when he decided to bang five birdies at once. Birdies? Codename: prostitutes. Nice one; high five! This is the kind of trick that just reeks of sleaze and wealth. It says, “I’m so rich I can buy my own sex. You have to beg fo’ yourz, suckaz!”. So Wayne Rooney, the Manchester United ace, did some hanky-panky with the “employees” of a brothel and he acquired the aid of some spectacular services. A happy customer? I think so.

The happiness didn’t last too long because Wayne was soon caught out when one of his “saleswomen”, called Charlotte Glover, spilled the beans to the media thus alerting Coleen McLoughlin to her boyfriend’s dastardly ways. Rooney was 17 years of age at the time of said business transactions. His saleswomen liked to play dress up sometimes, just to ensure complete satisfaction of the customer but the real persona of these women were very different. One of them was a mother of six and another, a 48 year old grandmother who wore a rubber suit. So the older-woman thing is nice, hey?

In all fairness, Wayne and Coleen had only been going out for a short while when Wayne committed his unlawful acts so Coleen wasn’t too hurt as she may have been when she found out about it but cheating is still cheating; it’s wrong to two-time no matter how long you’d been going out for. Coleen now wears a wedding band on her finger, signaling her loyalty to the man she wants to spend the rest of her life with.

The Rio

This is the long-term cheat, if the tabloids are to be believed. Mr Ferdinand has a girlfriend called Rebecca Ellison. He used to have a mistress called Lauren Alcorn. Now the deal with this whole story is that Rio was dating Rebecca but started cheating on her in December 2000 with Lauren, an air-stewardess. During the 2002 World Cup in Japan, said footballer got said mistress pregnant and told her, “I don’t want no kid. Get rid of it.”

He still paid her the ₤5000 necessary to seal the deal. She went through the trauma of an abortion yet Rio just continued to use her for sex. Four years on, Ferdi tells Lauren that Rebecca is pregnant and that the baby was “planned” and thus sends her hurtling into a river of tears that her life with him had been ruined because he readily told her to give up the kid but so gladly wanted one with Rebecca. For the icing on the cake, the Man Utd defender still asked Lauren if they have a future and if she was still willing to have sex with him again. Classy, Rio.

Where does Rebecca factor into this? She’s one of those classic cases of clingers, the people who claw into their men and stay there no matter what. Rio and Becca are now expecting their second child and are engaged to each other.

The Deco

Probably the worst hand to be dealt if you’re going to be dealt a hand. He started out with a wife called Scylla who beared one of his children previously and was pregnant with another one when he revealed to her that he cheated on her. To sharpen the blow, he admitted that he had gotten his mistress pregnant so then the couple divorced. Deco proceded to move in with Jaciara, the mistress, married her, had another bundle of joy and was happy. For a while.

Now here’s the shocker in the story: the Brazilian-born Portuguese star was caught on tape while in London committing acts of adultery. He had sex with a prostitute he allegedly paid ₤1000/night for, progressed to a threesome with her, then gang-banged her and another prostitute with four friends, all of which was caught on tape. Obviously Jaciara wasn’t pleased with the antics which resulted in divorce.

The thing about Deco is that he at least has the grace to be ashamed and humiliated by his actions and regrets what he has done. He feels the burn of the ordeal because he only has access to two of his children (with Jaciara) and regrets not being able to see his first two. Maybe Ana Paula, the new girlfriend, can make him feel better without any ignominy this time.

Other cheaters in the world of football include: John Terry, Frank Lampard (a.k.a. The-I-didn’t-do-it adulterer), Jose Mourinho, Joe Cole, Ashley Cole, Roman Abramovich, Adrian Mutu, Carlos Tevez, Thierry Henry and many others. The thing is that it’s not just in the higher leagues where it happens. It starts with high profile players like Cristiano Ronaldo but dribbles down to lesser known players like Darren Byfield and Garry O'Connor. So what’s the deal that football and infidelity, perhaps not go hand in hand but, share a couple of quickies and furtive kisses here and there, now and again.

Today’s society has become a Godless one and has thus resulted in a loss of morals in some areas of society. Football is just the height of this society where only a handful of players completely devote themselves to God and celibacy. Players like Kaka and Paul Scholes fully deserve the praise they are lauded with because they both shy away from this lifestyle in their own manner.

Being a footballer, at least in England, means you’re the central focus or orbiting entity of a culture which everyone wants a slice of. If you met your idol walking up the street, you would do anything to talk to him, get to know him. If you met a gorgeous supermodel that you constantly perve over, you would hit on her like it you’re dying of cancer and that was your final wish. Case in point: people lower their morals when they’re around celebrities just so they can chill with them for their thirty seconds of fame. The culture that surrounds footballers off the pitch is a scandalous one that the poor darlings just get sucked into.

So if you asked me, “Who wants to bag a ‘baller?” one more time, my answer would be, “Everyone, apparently,” aside from myself of course. To surround myself in such rebellious lifestyle would be the height of humiliation and immorality.

Cesc Fabregas had plastic surgery

2008-10-17T21:49:00.003+02:00

And it didn't turn out too good...

Before:

After:

All right, so I was kidding. He just looks damn scary though. He reminds me of the small boy from Jumanji, in his monkey-hybrid form. Here's a another picture to show his good face:

FABREGAS IS BROKEN

2008-10-17T19:20:00.003+02:00

No way! My baby! *bursts into tears*

My baby is broken! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Okay, wait. Let me just gather myself and not act childish so I can form proper sentences for you. Wait just a sec...

Okay, I'm done. So Fabregas picked up the injury while playing for Spain against Belgium but he refused to come off when hurt and continued to play but I swear I never saw him get hurt, not that I remembered. He's hopeful that he can play on Saturday against Everton because the injury was just a fracture that hasn't come away from the main partition of nose and they're hoping it doesn't require surgery. So he's a hopeful for Everton's match.

So what does this mean for his face? Will he lose his priceless beauty? He hasn't been looking too good lately because of his hair so does this mean it's going to get even worse? Please, baby, make sure your face is still in tact. We don't want that swelling/break to develop into Benjamin McKenzie like proportions or .... GASP ... even worse ... OWEN WILSON!

Some pictures from the Spain game:

Is it just me or does his nose look slightly off balance?

His nose just got even bigger... And I think he has a huge head too.

And he looks like a mad man.

Pre-accident (hair and nose) Cesc:

Dear God, please let his face be even more beautiful than before. Amen.

Random Ramblings: Healing the injured, manning the boys and other such revelations

2008-10-14T19:00:00.004+02:00

Fabio Capello compared England to the Arsenal! Can you believe it? How the hell do you even compare the epitome of English football to a team with just one England national in it? Yeah, I'll tell you how: Capello claims England, like Arsenal, are not conservative at all, play all over the pitch and pass the ball a lot. But where was the beauty in the way they played from that snore-fest? Sorry, but that is the worst metaphor ever.

Neil Banfield, Arse Reserve coach, claims that the boys on loan will return as men, such was his delight with their progress. Players on loan are Armand Traore (Portsmouth), Nacer Barazite (Derby), Phillippe Senderos (AC Milan) and Havard Nordtveit (UD Salamanca). They're doing well, blah, they're maturing, getting experience, blah blah blah... Two words: s'all good.

Yaya Toure wants to go to Juventus, so forget about him joining his big bro at our club. Oh, there are actual, direct quotations from Yaya so this may be more believable than previous sources. So forget previous Yaya news - he now wants to go to Juventus [for at least the next 5 seconds. Maybe that pipe dream will change in 15. Barca in 20?].

Robin van Persie is healed! Oh joy to the world. Our Flying Dutchman has returned. At the beginning of the season, one of his goals was to not be injured. Guess we better save that one for next year. Van Persie has declared himself fit for the Netherlands's match against Norway. He feels good about his current fitness [which I will not let anyone harm, dammit].

On the note of recovery, Rosicky is getting there. Fabulous, darling! Wait, hold your horses [nay, hold mine]: Tomasz's recovery will be long term. So he may be on the road to recovery but it's a very long road and he's currently limping it (no pun intended).

Wrighty7 speaks about leaders/role models.

Vieira thinks Gerrard is the best midfielder in the world. I can't say he's not fucking awesome and I think he should be played in the England midfield above Lampard but is he the best in the world? No, not ever, not on his current form. Even when he was amazing (not that he isn't, I just mean when he had a fabulous run of form) Ronaldo or some other chap was better than him. He's never been the best at any single point in time but he sure as hell is good.

Wanna have sex with Arsenal? Yeah, that's the direction Alisher Usmanov, the Russian billionaire who wants to takeover, is heading. "[He loves] Arsenal like a man loves a woman". Good one, Ussie. Really funny! I'm still not letting you buy Arsenal though. Hey, let's not forget you support United so there's no way you love Arsenal unless you're an adulterous bastard. Choose: ManUre supporter or love rat? I choose the latter; at least that way I still get Arse.

Last but not least, Theo says he was never really into football as a kid. He was into athletics. Basically, he didn't care much for it, found out he was quite good and then spurned a career off that though he hadn't previously thought he was good enough.

Mel Slade is not a WAG

2008-10-14T18:46:00.002+02:00

Oh, yes she is!

I'm sure she's a darling girl, at least for the sake of pur Theo, but I can't stand how she feels the need to constantly shove it in our faces that she's "not a WAG." It's like emo people: if you really were emo, you wouldn't need to prove it to everyone by parading yourself in any dress sense (skinny jeans, black clothing, skull patterns). The same principle applies to 'non-WAGs'. The best way to prove that you aren't a WAG would be to exhibit completely WAGless behaviour and this includes avoiding the media.

Mel is in the media too much for me to actually take her thoughts seriously because what she says is completely hypocritical of her behaviour. Mel, think before you speak, darling.

P.S. I like her shoes in the second picture and, for the record, I don't think she's that pretty. She does have an amazing body though.

More pics

Gisele Bundchen likes Arsenal...

2008-10-10T17:35:00.005+02:00

... I think. If she doesn't, then explain this:

Photos taken June 19th, 2007.

Wow, her legs are really shiny. I'm entranced. Arsenal's new tagline: "We have hot babes supporting us." Nice, that's one to make Man Utd jealous. I realise these pictures were taken in 2007 but that is a minor detail. I never knew about it until now because I never watched football then (in the sense that I never supported at Arsenal that time).

Yowza...

Right, we know how long ago these pictures were taken if Thierry Henry was still at Arsenal and wearing a wedding ring...

P.S. I once heard a rumour that Gisele was dating our very own Denilson. Then I heard that she's going out with New England quarterback Tom Brady. Then I hear she's pregnant with his kid (though this is unconfirmed). I guess she just wants to be a WAG. Moral of the story: don't listen to rumours.

Random Ramblings: Wenger for France, "the new Cruyff, Drogba" and other bits-'n-bobs

2008-10-10T16:46:00.004+02:00

Remember Luka Modric and how he could've been great with Arsenal? Yeah, well, now he admits his Tottenham career hasn't been all too good seeing as they stole him from us like they steal every other player they have.

Following France's Euro 2008 failure, Robert Pires of former Arsenal and France stardom calls for Arsene Wenger to be the next coach of the country's national team. My thoughts: "say what?". Hey, I don't altogether mind because I think it's time Arsenal need a new coach because Wenger is losing his touch (and the game against Sunderland was testimony to that as he couldn't counter Roy Keane's tight tactics 'til three quarters into the game) and so perhaps it would be sad if he left but not a preposterous thought. But Le Boss for La France job? No ways. Just weird. Wenger isn't the kind of guy who would settle for playing a game once every two months - he has the hunger to play a game every week, hence he coaches Arsenal.

Injury sucks and Lukasz Fabianski realises this, sympathizing with Tomasz Rosicky. 'Tis a pity and I do so wish he would get better just as his teammates and fans do. Shame, I mean, he trains alone... How bleak.

Speaking of injuries, Gallas and van Persie (who else) are set to be out for a bit with a torn thigh muscle and hamstring problem respectively. Someone please fix van Persie and pray for him as well. The pair are thought to be back by 18 October (the match against Everton) but that's just being too hopeful with our luck.

The new Drogba? That's what they're calling this young kid who's real name is Bafetimbi Gomis, a 23-year old French national of Senegalese ancestry playing for St. Etienne. Wenger, step away from the frenchie. The boy-man has enjoyed prolific goal spells and Arsenal are interested. Also interested: Tottenham Player-snatchers Hotspurs and Sunderland.

Another kid dubbed "the new [insert football legend's name]" is Ibrahim Afellay, the new Cruyff. And Arsenal "want him". I say no, not when you call someone a name they cannot expect to live up to and somehow jinxes them anyway. It's disrespectful to the football legend as well - yes, the kid may be remarkable, but why would you constantly want your name smeared across headlines and the kid never performs anyway. It's a tremendous pressure on the kid as well.

In other transfer rumours, Yaya Toure rumours are coming up again especially seeing as Pep Guardiola isn't giving him much playing time at Barca. I think Yaya would be a pleasant addition to the squad but some part of me feels guilty we have TWO Englishmen in our first team (Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere... sort of).

Too many stories, too little time.

Arsenal vs Sunderland: some pictures

2008-10-09T20:14:00.005+02:00

You can just tell how much it means to him, you can see it in his face. Hopefully there'll be more of this soon enough.

Proving he can score headers, overjoyed at the thought.

Le Boss kicks the ball away, looking slightly sombre and morose, if you will.

Possibly one of the hottest managers of the present day, Roy Keane urges his squad forward. He definitely is a spectacular manager because I think it all goes down to his tactics when Sunderland smothered, I reiterate smothered, Arsenal. They kept us from scoring thanks to this man's skill.

Van Persie's disallowed goal, one that didn't deserve the verdict it got.

Sunderland's joy at Leadbitter's goal.

Muni, almost letting Djibril Cisse score.

Bye bye victory.

Some stuff about Gallas

2008-10-09T19:54:00.002+02:00

Before I repeat what has been said in the article I'm just about to discuss, please note that I take no pleasure in gossip and passing on stories. I just feel I have to, am compelled to. So I'll try not to add opinion and comments in to remain as unbiased as possible.

So, about Gallas...

When he was younger, he was given the nickname of Pierre Richard, a French version of Mr Bean. Shame, I sympathise...

From the article:

"PSG midfielder Jerome Rothen has branded the Arsenal captain a
‘loser’ and a ‘laughing stock’ as an apprentice at Caen.

And he claims in a new book that Gallas once used another friend’s bank
card to withdraw £150 from his account, without permission, before owning
up."

"I don’t think William Gallas will mind me talking about how he used to be
a no-hoper.

At school he was a right wally – he would sit at the back of the class as
far away from the blackboard as possible."

So expect a televised interview pretty soon because Gallas has promised to explain the details of the event and motives for the all hoo-ha. And I will go no further in indulging in this shameful act. I don't think I would have thought twice about posting this unless Gallas had said, "I’m a family man and a father, and I’m unhappy that these stories are being told... My son was born two months ago, I didn’t want to go on about what Jerome had written."

Poor dude. Imagine what he must be going through when he thinks about his son: how could his son look at him the same way should he find out about this, he's not a good role model/father... I would feel so ashamed had it been me and Gallas does feel that way. In all honesty, I think he has reformed since then seeing as he does feel so guilty because of it. I think he's pretty cool...

Damn, I guess I am biased.

Player Profile: Fernando Torres

2008-10-08T18:55:00.003+02:00

This has nothing to do with Arsenal ramblings, I just feel like highlighting a certain player.

********

With the start of the season, Fernando Torres finally chopped some of his locks and left his hair looking quite good. The improvement in hair-fashion sense has lead me to want to showcase his good looks and skills, especially seeing as Cesc Fabregas, my icon, is lacking in the sense department.

Full name: Fernando José Torres Sanz
Date of birth: 20 March 1984 (age 24)
Place of birth: Madrid, Spain
Height: 1.85 m
Playing position: Striker
Current club: Liverpool
Relationship status: Dating/engaged to a lovely Spanish lass called Olalla (pronounced: o-la-ya); who knows nowadays whether they're engaged or not.

Since starting a career with his boyhood club, Atletico Madrid, in 1995 (when I was 2 years old), Torres had heated up the Spanish scene and attracted many admirers since breaking into the first team in 2001. He had only been playing for the youth team prior to this. He then attracted many managers to hunting for his signature but he remained faithful to his cluba and wouldn't budge. After realising that he had nothing left to achieve at Atletico, he left the Spanish capital to pursue success in England. And boy has he achieved it. He burst onto the English scene when he signed for Liverpool at the beginning of the 07/08 season and has struck opponents and teammates with awe. His success has been relative though; successful in the sense that he has made a smooth transition from the different leagues and celebrating the finest form of his life yet he has been unsuccessful with winning any trophies.

Apart from winning Euro 2008, that is. Torres's international career has been good yet not amazing one, making his first team debut on 6 September 2003 in a friendly against Portugal. He's gone on to play 54 other matches (i.e. played 55 matches in total) and scored 17 goals. Not bad for a 24 year old, right? And he still has more years to come.

Peek-a-boo... Where are you?

2008-10-07T18:12:00.009+02:00

You know how there are constantly pictures of ballers with big dongs? Like really big ones? Just one question: where is Almunia's?

Damn, that thing is flat...

(Catch the original picture at the Spoiler)

Ramblings Revival

2008-10-02T18:14:00.004+02:00

So I'm back. Not for good though, I'm still quitting this blog sometime; I'm just not sure when. I realise I've had an extended absence but I'm back with a sporadic post and with no promise of further posting.

*******

[Click pictures to enlarge; they look so much better enlarged]

Gallas: Good lord, boy! Cut your hair, you're fast becoming a fag. You're old enough now so I suppose I should tell you this in preparation for what the world throws at you: my boy, Almunia isn't a fashion icon and he's only a hairdresser in his wildest fantasies.

Fabregas: [mutters] ... at least I have hair ... and haven't sprouted shark fin-like faux hawks.

***********

"Aren't I pretty. Look, look! Look how I'm posing! I'm posing pretty. Yes, I pose pretty don't I? Because I'm a pretty girl."

***********

So his hair looks a little befuddled, right? It kills his face just a little bit, yes? Nobody, apart from himself, likes it, agreed? Of course! The boy needs some help. Somebody take that ball away from him before he gets the hair disease on it and passes it to Ramsey, that sexy beast...

Random note: I think once his hair grows really long (i.e. just above the shoulders) he will experience aesthetically pleasing benefits. In colloquial term: dat b*tch be hott wit his nu look! So, on the grounds that he will look even better than before with long hair, I think he should persist with the hair growth. Yes, I know when he was 16 he had longer hair and it was atrocious but the difference now is the age: the texture and look of his hair (and face, for that matter) has changed with puberty and hormones so he won't look the same as he did then. Thank goodness!

Premier League Predictions Part II

2008-08-14T16:37:00.002+02:00

(See previous predictions)

Continuing from where we left off, I've placed Blackburn at 13th. They just lost Bentley and could still lose Benni and the only really exciting player left on that team is Santa Cruz. Blackburn, what has become of you?

And because I'm really tired and I don't have the will or energy to go on anymore with this blog, I'm skipping straight to the top 4, the head honchos of the EPL. So you might ask, "Why is Chelsea last?". This is because I hate them and can't stand their arrogance and the way they fling money around left, right and centre. They also have a new coach which is always difficult in the beginning stages but I don't think Scolari will ever get over the novelty of the job and I thing Chelsea is just not his team. There's still all this huge doubt over Lampard's future and I'm sure JT is all hooked over that. The team is probably just really unstable at the moment.

3rd: Liverpool - because someone has to be above Chelsea. And Liverpool are improving and getting better by the day. Just shoot me if they do better than third place because I doubt I'd be able to live and carry on.

And "The Champions" just have to be in 2nd place. They don't deserve any better. I just want them to crumble and fall this season. They weren't infallible last season so if Arsenal get better as was planned and foreseen for this season then ManUre should be fallible. When people say Man Utd is the best team ever, then you're just hearing fallacies, people.

AND THE WINNER IS:
Arsenal, of course. Could this just be bias and hopeful optimism? Possibly. They've bolstered their squad quite a bit but lost some key players as well. I think the footballing skill value coming in is equal to the amount going out so I think we can overthrow Utd provided that no-one, and I mean no-one (that means you, Robin), can get injured and that the new arrivals just schmooze into the team relatively easily and brilliantly.

Fingers crossed for the first game which starts in 2 days.

-------------------------
Random bit of info: Arsenal beat FC Twente 2 - 0 on their way to qualifyng for Champs League.

As for the whole blog-quitting business, I'll get to that later.

Premier League Predictions

2008-08-11T13:42:00.000+02:00

Originally planned to be a four-part saga, I now bring you the first and only "Premier League Predictions". Within the next few paragraphs, I will give you the rundown on who's who in the EPL who I expect to be where. Note: I'm not a football pundit and neither wish to be so this is purely based on what I want to or think will happen; not based on fact and science.

This is how it ranks:

----------------- Champions League automatic qualification

01. Arsenal

02. Man Utd

----------------- Champions League group stage qualification

03. Liverpool

04. Chelsea

----------------- Uefa Cup place (automatic)

05. Portsmouth

-----------------
06. Aston Villa

07. Everton

08. Tottenham

09. Man City

10. Hull

11. Middlesbrough

12. West Ham

13. Blackburn

14. Wigan

15. Sunderland

16. Newcastle

17. West Brom

------------------- relegation zone
18. Fulham

19. Bolton

20. Stoke

So for most of these I'm working on gut feeling but most of the time my gut feeling is right. So as for being Stoke the only promoted team going back down again? Unlikely, yes, but gut feeling.

In 19th is Bolton. They just barely scraped by last season so I'm going to say they'll up their game this season but won't make it anyway.

And Fulham? They don't have Carlos Bocanegra! I don't care for Jimmy "Pug Face" Bullard or Clint Dempsey. They stink quite a bit anyway. I think I just want to see Fulham gone but maybe they won't. I won't be surprised if they don't but the same applies if they do stay up. They're just one of those teams who always under-perform. They do just enough to stay up but never enough to even go mid-table. Besides, if you have Hugh Grant and Daniel Radcliffe supporting you, I'm going to be turned off.

West Brom. Just out of Championship and now just hauling their weak and tired body out of the relegation zone. I think they sold quite a few players, if I'm not mistaken, but so did Arsenal and I think we'll do so awesomely. They're definitely bottom-feeders when it comes to the EPL.

So Newcastle in 16th? You're thinking, "WTF?" right? From what I know, I've heard of all the other teams upping their games -- apart from Newcastle. The Geordies from the Toon really don't seem to be having a clue what they're doing. Kevin Keegan ain't king no more. He's not what he used to be and I think Newcastle should consider new management.

Roy Keane's squad look to be a decent outfit and I think they can do spectacularly well under his guidance. He's been bringing in some really good players and I think that this season he'll really motivate them to do well.

Wigan. Man, I hate that name! I dig their rugby team but that's probably because I adore rugby over soccer any day. Why I have a footie blog and not a rugga one is unclear to me also... Back to Wigan's football, I say they'll be out the year after next but for this year and they'll compete with their degenerate geezers (some of them). They do have a pretty decent squad though. At first I placed them at 17th but then I gave their squad another look-see and moved them up to 14th.

More predictions some other time

I QUIT!!

2008-08-09T21:05:00.005+02:00

I love all you guys - my faithful readers, loyal regular visitors and even once-in-a-while browsers. So it comes with deep thought, much decision-making and a heavy heart that I've made the decision to quit this blog.

I hope you all have happy reading elsewhere and have good lives and futures etc. Anyway, I've done some thinking this past week and I've come to the conclusion that blogging takes up too much of my time and I realise that there are more important things and this blog is, in fact, just a hindrance to me. So I'm not going to blog anymore. Life would have been so much easier had I made this decision earlier - I wouldn't have to have gone through the effort of finding people to write for the blog and then disappointingly being told that they were in fact too busy for this futile activity (which was like my own situation) and then also having to push myself just to write something to fill up the empty space because I couldn't stand having a non-blog; so that was tiring. And because these were half-hearted and disheartened attempts written in fatigue, they were half-arsed and pathetic. This would lead to apologies to the reader for being such a disappointment of a writer and then there'd be more promises to deliver but failing dismally in the attempt.

So I've decided to terminate the blog because it's doing more harm than good because I've spent countless hours blogging and then getting distracted by the rest of cyberspace that happened to be a click away and then neglect my work. The sad thing is that Anna from TIET just added me under her "Recommended Reading" list which is a huge deal for me. It means she actually likes my stuff. I mean, like, "WOW!"

So I'd like to get back to my work and all the things that are important and effectual in my life so this means that I won't be blogging at all anymore. I thank all of you for your support. I originally started this blog when once upon a time, in a land far far away and a time long ago, Vanessa from Kickette did a post on which of her readers had their own blogs. That was what first started to make me want my own blog. That, and the fact that other Kickettes had theirs. I would always see the link on their names when they posted a comment, like Blair had always had a hyperlink to her site. I'm not usually a sheep or a follower but it just seemed so cool. So I started ROAGG. I now know how much hard work it is and I commend all you bloggers out there.

I originally planned to write something that I've wanted to write for a while so you'll still get that on Monday and Tuesday (because it's a two-part thing). So you're guaranteed at least two more posts while Sarah does some consideration and decision-making because I just dumped this blog on her and it's her choice whether she wants to captain this proverbial ship al by herself.

I love all of you and I hope life takes you wherever your happiest, most faithful, most hopeful and most charitable dreams are.

xXx CLB xXx

P.S. The e-mail address in the sidebar is still there if you want to like just talk or whatever. I'm loyal to all of you because you are my cherished readers. You can still catch me over at the Kickette Community. And maybe in a few years I'll start blogging again because then I'll be out of high school and life won't be so hectic anymore.

Random Ramblings: Justin Hoyte might be leaving

2008-08-08T17:01:00.005+02:00

So. Yeah, he may be leaving. Why does this sound familiar? Oh, I see: I posted a bit about this already. So I've said my opinion already, no need to say it again.

For some other opinions:
" Doesn't matter to me if he stays or he goes as long as he stays far away from the Arsenal lineup. " - Ali

"I like Justin purely for the fact that he's Arsenal through and through. Like that time when we were losing 4-0 at the time in the Carling Cup and had the opportunity to put in a mean tackle on Robbie Keane and did it anyways...or that time at Old Trafford after Nani's showboating antics...he didn't give a feck, he just went in and tackled the guy! Anyways, I digress, if he can get first team action somewhere, I won't be mad at him. Then again, it would leave us kinda short at RB should Sagna get injured again. but then again, every time I see him in the line-up, I feel like I want to cry... " - SD

That was basically my thoughts, except with a little less indecision (ahem... SD).

------------

P.S. Sorry for the non-blogging that's been happening at the moment. I'm just way too busy. I definitely will post a little something on Monday.

Preseason Friendly: Arsenal 2 - 1 Huddersfield

2008-08-07T05:32:00.004+02:00

Another win for the Arsenal. Apparently we won a trophy with this one. I don't think the match was even on TV over here, but it's good to hear we're winning some silverware. All three goals came in the second half, with someone named Berrett scoring for Huddersfield, followed by Sanchez Watt and Nacer Barazite coming up with the goods to win it. I know nothing about Huddersfield (although I was stranded at their train station for about an hour once) so I don't know if this is a particularly good result, but at least we won it.

Wenger's still looking for a new midfielder, but wouldn't be upset about starting the season with the current squad as long as everyone stays healthy. (Yes, that means you Robin!) I'm crossing my fingers for Xabi Alonso. And yeah, I know I'm probably off in neverneverland with that one.

I watched a random friendly between Barcelona and the New York Red Bulls today. Unsurprisingly, Barca won 6-2. Hleb actually did quite well. I was kind of hoping he'd trip and fall on his face. Am I the only one?

Emirates Cup: Arsenal 1 - 0 Real Madrid

2008-08-03T19:25:00.003+02:00

I didn't watch it. We won though. Adebayor scored the only goal of the match - whoop whoop! At least we won this one after losing yesterday's one.

The goal came from a penalty which he put in the back of the net in the 49th minute. I hear that Wilshere, Sagna and Ramsey were good. For a match report, click here.

Speaking of Ramsey, he wants to be in the starting XI for the first game of the season. According to the article, he's just schmoozing into the general rhythm of things after finding the first week tough. He's a hard worker so I say he can get there soon enough. Wenger thinks so also... I want him to do well, oh so well [sigh]. I've fallen for him and I can't get over it.

In the another one of today's matches (not Emirates Cup), Chelsea beat AC Milan 5 - 0. Ha, suck on that, Flamini! Apparently he played like crap. I wanted him to do well at AC Milan but there is this miniscule yet unexpected part of me that enjoyed this bit of humiliation. Click the above link to see all 5 goals.

New Kid On The Block: Francis Coquelin

2008-08-03T13:02:00.003+02:00

Yeah, this is late because he was signed somewhere around July 18th but this is the first time I've ever heard his name. Ever watch SkySports News? They always flash info in the sidebar and the usually do a thing for each club saying, "Players In" and, "Players Out". Out: Flamini, Lehmann, Hleb, Kirrea Gilbert (on loan) and Gilberto. In: Nasri, Ramsey, F. COQUELIN and Bischoff. So I was just sitting there, thinking, "WTF?!".

So, the scoop on this Francis kid: he's French (and what else would you expect from Wenger?), he's 17 (again, what else would you expect?) and he came from SASP Stade Lavallois Mayeene MFC. Stealing from more small French clubs? Yeah, thought so. Seeing as I just heard about this kid, I have no idea whether he's actually good. There isn't even anything on YouTube so this one is really under the radar. I hope he does well.

Preseason Randoms: Emirates Cup and 747s

2008-08-03T05:00:00.005+02:00

Arsenal lost 1-0 to Juventus today in the first game of the Emirates Cup. I only caught the last 20 minutes of the game so I don't have a whole lot to say, but apparently the only goal was pretty clearly offside. From what I did see, we seemed to be dominating possession but couldn't finish (I'm looking at you, Adebayor!), so all in all it was pretty much typical Arsenal. Nasri looked very good though, and little Jack Wilshere also seems to be doing well. And really, I'd much rather lose now and get it out of our system before the actual season starts.

Random link: Le Boss doesn't want planes stuffed with money.

Real Madrid tomorrow. I'll see if I can actually be a good fan and remember to watch the whole match this time.

Cesc Appeal: Four Four Two Interview

2008-08-01T22:21:00.006+02:00

Four Four Two magazine's September edition features Fabregas on the cover (along with Joe Cole and Tevez, but we can ignore them). In the enclosed interview Cesc talks about winning with Spain, not winning with Arsenal, the infamous Birmingham game, and possibly eventually becoming captain. He's also quite cryptic in the beginning, mentioning Arsenal's lack of experience as a reason for the silverware drought but refusing to elaborate. Odd. It's a good read though, and there are some lovely accompanying pictures.

The article also contains quotes from other players, coaches, and football bigwigs on Cesc, including this little gem:

"He has showed he can score, he can pass and he can kick people, so everything is perfect." - Gael Clichy

Well said, Gael. Amen.

Thanks Lucy!

Oh Captain, My Captain... and other bullsh*t

2008-08-01T21:26:00.003+02:00

Bullsh*t story #1: Gallas is going to be captain of Arsenal this season.

I'm sorry, but did you miss my lesson the other day, Arsene?

Bullsh*t story #2: Adebayor wants to stay an Arseboy.

Like I said, it's bullshizzay!

------------

Sorry for the really quick post. I'm taking a 5 minute break from work. See you on Thursday.
P.S. Gabi, you better be reading this!

Recovery Picspam Part II

2008-07-31T16:51:00.004+02:00

Right, I take it the last picspam was pleasing? Sarah, this isn't from me personally and I'm just hijacking the pictures from Ali on Kickette but it's the thought that counts - imagine how much strain my fingers are going through to type this! Alas, 'tis but a cruel fate. Like really, all the healing that's heading your way should give you vision better than Superman. Just tell me when you're able to incinerate things with heat-vision.

[Is that Aliadiere next to Theo? Man, I miss that dude...]

[My latest favourite Van Persie pic... if only he'd do something about that slightly traumatised eyebrow]

And the best ones from last time:

Love the last one; it's classic. I'm going to leave you all for a few days, perhaps Sarah will hold down the fort if her eyes are up to it. Right, I'm off to hibernate in the stacks of work I've been given which I can build a house out of and which I'm sure killed approximately 375 trees. Homework: 'tis a sad shame.

Cesc Appeal: Our Boy Is Back

2008-07-30T19:25:00.007+02:00

We finally have a full team! Cesc and Kolo returned to training yesterday, both looking healthy and happy. I'm glad to see King Kolo recovering so quickly; I don't know much about malaria, but I figured he would be out longer. Not that I'm complaining, it's great to have him back.

Can't wait for the season to start!

Pictures thanks to arsenal.com

New Kid On The Block: Amaury Bischoff

2008-07-30T19:13:00.003+02:00

He's a Portugal U21 player but he was born in France (what is up with Wenger loving the French connection? Apart from it being his nationality...) and he played for French clubs SR Colmar and Strasbourg before moving to Werder Bremen in 2005.

Bischoff is versatile and can play in the centre of midfield or on the right and was a regular at Werder Bremen youth levels . His one senior appearance for the Bundesliga club came against Celta Vigo in the UEFA Cup in 2007. That actually means nothing to me; I mean, one senior appearance? Moving on...

Amaury played for France U18 but in 2007 he chose to train with Portugal and has appeared for their U21 side. Bischoff will wear the number 28 shirt and will start pre-season training when his team returns from Austria.

He's not in the least bit hot and he looks like a poseur.

Source: Arsenal.com

Even MORE randoms... And some more Cesc

2008-07-30T19:10:00.004+02:00

Because, here at ROAGG, we can never get enough of Cesc. He's back at training (see previous post) and looking mighty fit. And happy. And completely not concerned about the Real Madrid rumours. Which he's denied. Okay, you're back in my good books, not that you were ever out of it. In the article he says he spent time with "[his] girlfriend". So now there's no chance of being in denial and just thinking that there's a random girl who happen to be in a lot of the pictures he's in and they're not going ut and it's just a coincidence how their lips fell onto each other's.

Arsenal.com reports who we could be facing in the 3rd Qualifying Round of the Champion's League. It would have been easier to not have to qualify and just go straight into group stages and avoid all this by finishing 1st or 2nd, but that's just the way it is. Anyway, we'll avoid Juventus and Barcelona and that's all you need to know.

Van Persie is hoping to knock a few back into the net tonight in a friendly against VfB Stuttgart. Here's the catch: he'll have to beat Jens Lehmann, our former angry keeper (he's our former keeper and he's angry, not our keeper who is formerly angry). Good luck to Arsenal and I hope we win.

And some really random randoms: Arsenal.com compiled a vote for their top 50 players EVER and the results were released a while back but this is the first chance I've had to look at it. Surprise surprise, Thierry Henry is number one. Most shockingly, Ashley Cole actually made the list and he's at nuber 25. I mean WTF?!

Recovery Picspam

2008-07-30T18:51:00.010+02:00

I'm back! Yes, that's right. I survived my surgery with my eyesight intact--well, hopefully improved, but I can't tell quite yet because my muscles are still pretty sore. Some of the lovely ladies at Kickette left me a slew of Cesc pictures to help with the recovery process (I think it's scientifically proven that looking at pictures of hot footballers improves eyesight), and now I'm going to share them with you all, just because. Enjoy!

Thanks Lucy and Moongirl!

More randoms: Cesc Appeal

2008-07-29T17:44:00.007+02:00

Over at the Kickette Community which I spend as much time as I can on, I heard from Ali via Venice via a reply from an e-mail to Arsenal.com that Cesc Fabregas will be back at training today or tomorrow. Yay!

In other Cesc news, he is enticed by Real Madrid's offers and is sick of Arsenal's trophylessness. You know, I used to like Real because of players like Iker Casillas , Raul and Ruben de la Red but what Real Madrid does is just outrageous. Fine, they did it to Ronaldo and I mentally told him to stop crying like a bitch but it's not fun when it happens to your own players. Ramon Calderon and his board are like fat little obese fags wearing penguin suits and wobbling like penguins while waving wads of cash at metaphorically starved/poor people (i.e. the players). Stop tempting them. The image you should be getting from my metaphor is Ramon Calderon (aka Fat Bastard from Austin Powers in a suit) waving stuff under the noses of the ragged and disheveled forms of Ronaldo and Fabregas. Fat shits... Ah, Confuscious say money is root of all evil.

If he leaves Arsenal, the most greatest and bestest club everzzzzz, I will lose all respect for him. Who leaves family-vibe for money? Hmm, oh yeah, Flamini... Cesc, we don't to lose you sexiness to Real no do we? Besides, yo momma won't let you go anywhere but Barca.

Thanks to CR7 Lover for the pics

Oh, Arsenal played somebody in the week and we won 10-2 with Carlos Vela scoring a few goals. I'm proud of the boy. If LTG's calculations are correct, yesterday marked 20 days before the start of the EPL! So I'll get started on the predictions and what not sometime soon when I have a free moment. Also, if anybody cares, my team is through to the semifinals for inter-schools. I'm so proud of them.

Oh Captain, My Captain...: Gallas thinks he's shit

2008-07-29T17:23:00.003+02:00

Ok, not really. He just admits that he's made mistakes (ha, I'll say!) and he's still waiting for Wenger to give the go-ahead on being captain. He realises he's made mistakes blah blah blah he wants to change. I hope that Le Boss gives the armband to someone else. Now there's an issue: the next captain.

The options that stand out in my mind are Cesc Fabregas, Kolo Toure and Gael Clichy, surprisingly. They all can lead by example. They're all kind, gentle men... I think. They all seem generally quiet and reserved compared Gallas. Kolo probably would like to argue his points with a referee but he'd never go overboard like Gallas. Cesc, thoug, may still be a bit on the young side. I think had I been where he is, I could captain Arsenal (I may be slightly conceited). I think Cesc has a bit of growing up to do before he should be given the armband of glory and curse. I suppose he could just grow into the captaincy though. I'm captain of a few things at school and at first I hated everything but now I've schmoozed into the general rhythm of things and my coaches and teachers think I'm doing a fabulous job and something about reliable, dependable, responsible yada yada. Maybe this will be the case with Cesc.

Clichy though would be an amazing candidate. He's reserved and will lead with splendid example. He's calm and collected on the field. He keeps his cool, most importantly. He's one of the last two remaining Invincables of yonder seasons, the other being Kolo. How many of you would vouch for them? Who would you want to be captain?

Random Ramblings: Sarah's eye surgery

2008-07-29T17:12:00.006+02:00

This has been a bit delayed but anyway its "better late than never". Our new rambler, Sarah, had undergone corrective eye surgery to fix a problem she's had since birth. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Sarah. I hope you get better soon.

[Cesc: "Wawaweewa! I'm so overcome with emotion with the news of Sarah's surgery that I just can't control myself and I need to burst out crying on the pitch. For a few whole days in her recovery, she won't be able to see my hotness, my cute face, my waxed chest, legs and arms, my highlighted hair, my tanned pecs..."]

More randomness

2008-07-28T05:35:00.012+02:00

I hate transfer season. The summer bores me because of the lack of footie matches, and the rumors annoy and frustrate me, well, because of the obvious. Half of them are completely fabricated and the rest get my hopes up for a transfer that never actually happens. I'm not even going to go into who I want/don't want, because I know I'll just get excited for new players who will probably end up going to Tottenham. *sigh*

More training pictures:

(he's still here?)

I guess the boys figure that if the whole football thing doesn't work out, they can always fall back on a career in photography! Notice Sendy looking slightly confused at the massive camera.

I believe Cesc is the only slacker not at training now. I guess he deserves a few extra days on vacay after winning the Euro Cup though! Rumor has it he'll be back with the boys by Tuesday or Wednesday. That's really all I have to report now. Like I said, off season = boredom.

Oh yeah, and random news about myself: I'm having eye surgery tomorrow (nothing serious, just a routine op to correct a disorder I've had since birth) so if I suddenly disappear and never post again, it's because I went blind in a freak operating room accident and can no longer use the internet. If that happens, it was nice knowing you all. If that doesn't happen, I still might not post for a few days because my eyes will probably be pretty sensitive to light and all that.

Okay, I'm done with the late night rambles.

Pictures from arsenal.com

Random Ramblings: Transfer Hoo-ha and other non-news

2008-07-25T21:09:00.006+02:00

Guy called Victor Moses, you know him? Apparently "we want him". I don't. Heck, I don't know how he plays. If you watch any Crystal Palace matches, please fill me in. He looks like an arrogant toe rag.

Lets out more arrogance and ego than Ronaldo, no?

Anyway, he's rated at £1 million so if he's really good then I think this would be deemed a bargain. Yay, for English people because we know Arsenal needs more of those. Anyway, Crystal Palace aren't going to sell him for anything less than 3 mil because they think that these big clubs poaching their players is quite a gnarly deal. And why wouldn't they? Why even bother to feed them your talent if you're only getting paid such a miniscule transfer fee by the poachers.

Yip, definite sex face right there

In other news, Ade could stay at Arsenal. I don't care. I want him to get lost. He can go join Thierry and Hleb at Barcelona.

Also, Arshavin is too expensive for Arsenal and Tottenham. Meh. Actually, scratch that; I want him at Arsenal but my fatigue is leading to an alarming amount of apathy. So what this story means is that he may be evaluated way too highly and isn't worth what they ask for him, thus eliminating all interest for him. Over-pricing is such a good tactic for eliminating competition.

Arsenal trained some Indian boys for something at somewhere for some big something something. Not important but if we churn out some good players, I'd be happy. Maybe they'd even be legally English after a while and we can have some English people in our team. What joy that would be? Half of London and Birmingham is populated with them anyway. I hear they're really talented so maybe this'll be good.

And now for some old news: Cesc Fabregas was in Uzbekistan with some Barca boys (i.e. Puyol and Iniesta). Don't stress: he hasn't joined Barcelona like the press have been speculating because of these pictures. Xavi was meant to be there but then he couldn't make it. He was there for some god ol' Uzbek football. He helped the local "PFC Kuruvchi" players and literally schooled them. He taught them well, I'm sure. There's also a bit about them getting what appears to be diplomas. No idea what's going on there.

Weird news today, huh?

Bonjour!

2008-07-23T19:16:00.005+02:00

Thanks for the warm welcome, CLB!

I'm just popping in to say hello to everyone. I don't have anything news-wise to report at the moment, as I've just gotten my newly fixed computer back from the HP techies (hallelujah!). The lack of computer time in the past few weeks means that I am very behind on my footie news, so I apologize for that. Glad to be here, though! I promise my later posts will be longer and hopefully more substantial.

Much love to you all,
Sarah

P.S. Get well soon, Kolo!

New Rambler in our midst

2008-07-23T17:19:00.006+02:00

If you've been paying attention to anything I've been saying, you would realise that I've been so very busy and I haven't been able to keep up with this non-blog that I'm trying to control. So to help out with the blog-load, I've enlisted the help of an enchanting little birdie named Sarah.

She's a raving mad, redhead, Washington-born, Chicago Cubs-loving gal and I think she has a lot to offer this blog.

From Sarah's mouth:

"Many people—-mainly my fellow countrymen—-have asked me (incredulously) why I love “soccer” so much. So I’ll go ahead and admit it, right off the bat: I’m shallow. I like beautiful things. Things that are aesthetically pleasing give me a sense of satisfaction and contentment and no, I’m not just talking about the players (though some of them certainly don’t detract from my obsession).

So anyway, I found football during the 2002 World Cup. I won’t go into too much detail about it; suffice it to say that I was hooked on Team USA (and harbored a slightly embarrassing crush on Landon Donovan for about a year after…*shudder*), and absolutely heartbroken when we lost. And yes, I still have a somewhat irrational hatred of Michael Ballack and the German National Team because of that game. Bitter? Me? Never.

I was addicted by the first Arsenal match I saw. Mesmerized by Thierry, Bobby, Freddie, Lauren…it was truly Love At First Sight. It didn’t take me long to find my future husband either; the little teenage squirt filling in for the injured Patrick Vieira was entrancing. At long last, I had found my beautiful team. Many people criticize Arsenal for valuing style over substance. I hear the phrase “looking for the perfect goal” as a condemnation far too often. But like I said, I’m shallow. Le Boss gets it, and so do I: beauty and perfection are things to aspire to, not sneer at. In my opinion, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a search for the perfect goal. Crisp single touches dancing around the midfield, wonderful defense-threading passes, that one assist that everyone’s been waiting for all match that finally, finally results in the swish of the back netting—-it’s all part of the charm of the game. Sure, I like winning too, but I’m no glory hunter. I don’t mind waiting-—for the perfect pass, the perfect goal, the perfect season. I’ll take waiting and winning in style over the quick, ugly, sloppy alternative, please and thank you."

That's Sarah for you, a true Arse and someone who "chases beauty". Keep a look out for her posts.

Author's note: Sarah, this means I'm giving you the go-ahead to post whatever the hell you want to. Just go and post something.

Random Ramblings: King Kolo has malaria

2008-07-23T16:42:00.003+02:00

What the hell? Our gentle-hearted, brave defender has contracted malaria and it is unclear how long he will be out for, doctors are still trying to work that one out. Shame! They're not even sure how he got it. Apart from the elementary school teachings of "You get it from the female Anopheles mosquito" spiel that has been drilled into our heads since we were nine years old, they don't know in exactly which area he contracted it, presumably when he was in the Ivory coast. They need to find exactly where he got infected so that they can see how fatal the disease actually is. Shame, poor Kolo. Get well, guy. I wish you all the best.

Get better soon

Training: Pictures

2008-07-22T17:34:00.002+02:00

Some of the Arsenal lads training. Pictures include the hotness of van Persie and crew. Enjoy.

Thanks to Ali, a pal of mine over at Kickette, for the pictures which I obligingly took.

Quickie

2008-07-21T21:31:00.005+02:00

Just popping in and I'm literally going to take under 5 minutes to type this because I still have no time. I've been neglecting the blog because I've been preparing for inter schools competitions. If anybody cares, we're in the quarterfinals. Oh, what's this? Applause? Thank you, thank you... Anyway, we're preparing for this again so I'll be gone for a long while.

News from while I was gone:

Hleb left; two words - f*ck off.

Gilberto left; two words - gonna miss ya, babe. No that's four.

Every other bit of news is worthless so don't bother trying to read the other useless garbage the press come out with. I can't post sources because it's a hassle to find them and I'm trying to break records here, dammit.

Arsenal played Barnet sometime, I don't know when. I was busy so excuse me, I don't know who won. All I know is Aaron Ramsey and Barazite played. I hope they were the ones celebrating.

So... Let's see, that is.... 4:37. New record. Well done! Oh crap, I still have to tag this post.
New time - 4:53. Yeah, I still rock.

Transfer Rumours

2008-07-16T16:05:00.002+02:00

Erm, no. Not so much rumours but actually news... Okay, there's also some rumours in here anyway. Just one quick post before I continue with my preparation for the inter-schools preliminary match.

Alex Hleb is almost set for Barcelona

but he just has to pass a medical first. Go on, piss off, Hleb. Don't go around complaining like a bitch one minute and calling a certain teammate and friend selfish and still expect to be in the first team. We're apparently getting 15 million euros for him. I must say, even though he's being a downright pr*ck, I will miss him.

Gilberto is also on the brink of leaving

Now that is definitely one person I will be very sad to see go. Mr Silva is a kind, gentlemanly, honest man and he actually instills order and manners into the team. What will happen now with the influences of hotheads and cry-babies like Gallas and Eboue in the team? Gilberto, you are good man and though I am sad to see you go I do still wish luck and a fantastic spell wherever your career takes you. If Panathinaikos ever play Arsenal, I take my well-wishes back temporarily.

After these two very talented people leave our club, we will be left with a very dry squad. This is huge for me because I predicted that with our new summer signings, Aaron Ramsey and Samir Nasri, that we would have a very full and delectable midfield and would have "adequate cover" for when our midfielders start "dropping like flies like they did at the end of last season". That adequate cover included Gilberto, unfortunately. So now we do have a thin midfield but two losses does not mean this can be hailed as an exodus. Anyway, we can cut our losses because:

Gareth Barry could become an Arseboy

after stalling on his 18 million pound deal with Liverpool. I think this would be an ideal move for us. A sporadic move, yes, but a really good one. Le Boss never goes for midfielders like Barry but maybe that's waht's missing? I think Gareth will make a really good midfielder for us because he can bring that new, different and unique spark that he has that will make others do well. Though different from Flamini, he could still form a midfield partnership as good as last season's with Fabregas. I think this move will be unlikely after him having the intention to move to Liverpool but one can still dream that we will have him in our lineup.

If that doesn't work out,

Xabi Alonso could save us from midfield woes

by joining our club for a £14 million transfer fee to Liverpool. I think he is a good player and that one really good match at Euro 2008 was a good display of his talent but one game doesn't prove anything and I don't really think he'll be all that awesome at Arsenal anyway. The move seems unlikely to me anyway; why would Liverpool sell to rivals? Xabi is pretty though... Hotness aside, I brand this mive a big, fat NO. I suppose that is partially because I'm biased towards British and, specifically, English people.

Arshavin's agent is "pushing" him towards Arsenal

I think he'll be a good player but I doubt he'll even leave Zenit St. Petersburg so agents should stop bullsh*tting us about him moving here. Agents don't seem to have the same ideas as their clients. I have a new hate aside from football journalists: football agents. Some of them are great; some of them are awesome; yet there are still some suck-ass ones who tell lies and fill their players' heads with crap. Dennis Lachter, I loathe your slimy ways.

So, ramblers, I will see you on Friday after my inter-schools competition which I am very nervous for. Cheers.

Before I go...

2008-07-14T18:45:00.002+02:00

and get lost in a world of complete real slavery of being required to do too much work (you listening, Ronaldo?) where we aren't being paid to do so much work because, in fact, we pay them. Yes, our parents pay these "educators" to enslave us with work. Suck ass.

Anyway, a small bit of news if you care at all about Penn Badgley - the actor who portrays Dan Humphreys in Gossip Girl:

He supports Arsenal. Woohoo!

I knew there was a reason I found him unbelievably sexy even though I didn't know why at the time.

Thanks for the scoop, LTG!

Happy Monday to you all

2008-07-14T18:19:00.003+02:00

This Monday is a bleak Monday for me; school just started after our mid-year break here in South Africa. So I won't really have time to do daily posts, possibly only posting about three times a week. Tomorrow, I have to prepare for a inter-schools competition that is happening on Thursday so I may not even post tomorrow. I definitely won't be here on Thursday. So the days that are left free (from extra-curricular activities but still has homework) are Wednesday and Friday. I would have made up for it by posting on the weekend but I have a party to go to and I'm also watching the Man Utd vs Kaizer Chiefs match (because they're in South Africa at the moment and I want to be exposed to as much English soccer as possible). Then I'll be off to do more work on Sunday because it's been one day and I already have an Art practical due pretty soon.

My point in these ramblings? I won't be around to blog much, so if you do pop in anyway, please don't be disappointed that your favourite Arsenal blog (ha, I wish...) doesn't have any new scoop.

I don't have time at the moment for substantive matter in my posts so it's at a time like this when I'd post transfer rumours; they're there when you have nothing else to talk about but if you have better stuff to do, leave the jizz alone. Now I can't give you transfer rumours either because, what do you know, there's nothing worth posting. In my absence, take solace in the fact that the press have eased up. On Arsenal, at least.

I'm working on getting a few writers in here at ROAGG so please be patient with me and the none-blog that you're reading at the moment. Remind yourself of the good times, when I had time to post, by looking at all the old posts. Feel that's not for you? Scroll down until you see a heading called "Sites I Stalk" in the sidebar and look at my favourite links and give them a visit. Some of them are community homepages (like the Facebook one, SoccerPulse and Kickette Community) and with these communities, you can have fun chatting to all sorts of people and still claim your daily dose of soccer. Until I'm back, I wish you all happy reading somewhere else (but only when I'm gone; when I come back I shall seize control of you and you will be my ramblers once again). Mine I tell you, all mine... MWAHAHAHAHA *evil cackle*

The pain continues...

2008-07-12T15:42:00.003+02:00

Love is still painful. But I've healed a little with some help from some of my girls (and a promise from a friend that she'll stab her with a stilletto when she sees Carla). That, and I'm drinking tea and tea helps. Yes, it does. Well, if he's happy then I'm happy. Here's some more pictures if you're either completely over it or you're in the mood for some torture from L.A.:

Sorry for the watermark on this one (from the Euro 2008 tourney, I presume) :

Have a good weekend.

Love is painful

2008-07-11T15:59:00.006+02:00

Ever watched your guy macking on a girl who wasn't you? I just did. Careful, ladies, this might hurt some of you:

Ok, that's not the shocker. I think it would be best to ease yourself into the pain instead of one sharp pang like I experienced. That alone is enough to make a girlfriend jealous. How he's touching her leg, gently running his beautiful fingers up her thigh... *gags at the thought*

Okay, you prepared? You definitely need to sit down.

Oh em gee! I have no idea where these two are but they're managing to kill me softly even though I'm right at the bottom of Africa (Cape Town, to be exact) and they're somewhere in Europe, slapping me with the hand of deceipt while on another continent altogether. Love hurts, people. One day Cesc will be sorry and he'll come back for I have faith. It doesn't help that he's so unbelievably hot because it just makes you want him more.

Now would you please excuse me while I jump off a cliff, drown in my own vomit, plot my revenge against this Carla jezzebelle.

Source: SoccerPulse Forums (via China Foto Press)

**EDIT: I heard from Kickette that they are in L.A. Well they're still killing me from another continent anyway.**

New Kid On The Block: Samir Nasri

2008-07-11T12:54:00.004+02:00

Finally! He has officially signed for the Gunners. After dawdling for so long on contract negotiations, settling one contract then deciding to scrap that and negotiate another one. We finally have him and it's such a relief. I knew we needed midfielders and now we have Aaron Ramsey and Samir Nasri. At least now if our midfielders start dropping like flies like they did near the end of last season, at least we'll have adequate cover for those injuries (and Emmanuel Ebuseless does not count as adequate).

Now I'm a girl so the following judgements are a conjugal part to the overall assessment of the player: his hotness. Samir Nasri is not hot, at least not in my opinion. Neither is Ronaldinho and yet he made a success of himself though his star is fading now. Samir Nasri is not Ronaldinho and I don't know whether he will ever be there one day but if he is half as good as his hype, then he will be spectacular. Just stop calling anyone "The New [insert famous legend's name]". In this case, he's been hailed the new Zidane. Let him be his own player and not have to be someone else.

Ask yourself, would you shag this?

Or this?

To be fair, he does have his good days.

Looking him straight on is a much better angle for him than a side angle or a face-tilt.

Apparently the contract is long term. I say "apparently" because BBC Sport used inverted commas which makes me unsure and I also believe that BBC Sport is an unreliable source, at least when it concerned the Adebayor debacle. The deal was allegedly worth £12m and, Sammo, I sincerely hope you can live up to this sum. Didn't Man Utd pay that much for Ronaldo? [hint hint]

My boys are back!

2008-07-10T18:48:00.009+02:00

Some of the Arsenal lads returned from holiday to get down to some serious work in pre-season training (which means the Emirates Cup is around the corner - SCORE!) but not every one of our cherished beauties were there. Most notably absent from the procedings was Cesc Fabregas, along with all the others who were participating in Euro 2008. In other words, Robin van Peachy's fine... skills were not available for viewing and Gallas either - someone who I'd want to postpone seeing for as long as possible.

Those who were there looked quite happy to be back, as was I to see their faces in this really busy time when journos bullsh*t us supporters.

Almunia's "S'all good" pose

New kid on the block Aaron Ramsey was there and I'm developing a major crush on him. He's cute. And he's only two years older than me at the moment so it's totally do-able. And legal, most importantly. At least I hope it's legal and I think it is...

The players had some fun as they shared a few jokes. I like Arsenal particularly because they have this family vibe and it makes the entire club seem so wholesome. What irritates me is that Mathieu Flamini screwed this up by leaving because he was a conjugal part of the Cesc-Mathieu-Rosicky threesome (although I think Hleb may have been friendly with them also). Damn Flamini.

One thing is for sure: Wenger needs to lighten, suck in the fresh air, take a chill pill. Just chillax, guy. It'll do you a world of good. One day back and you're already grumpy.

Source and Images: Exclusive: Players return to training - pictures (click for more pictures)

Soccer ads are awesome

2008-07-09T17:56:00.005+02:00

From the Gods who brought you this:

....did not bring you this but it's still really good:

The first advert is there because it's just awesome and I love every one of those boys in there (for footballing reasons) and they just won Euro 2008 so it's not like we even need a reason to broadcast them. My Spanish isn't too good (and by that I mean I know very few words excluding "por favor" and "si") but knowing the Nike slogan and what "siguiente" means from browsing through photos in Spanish, the words at the end written on Fernando Torres's arms - 'Pasa al siguiente nivel' - mean "Take It To The Next Level". Directly translated, it means "goes to the next level". But that's not the Nike slogan. Siguiente - next (as in siguiente photo, siguiente photo...)

The second advert is the promotion for FIFA Street 3 game. There are some sick tricks in there that even Cristiano Ronaldo can't do. You'd need to be a gymnast or at least more flexible than Nereida Gallardo to do these. One word: effingamazing!

Generally speaking, most football ads are awesome because they usually feature either a famous footballer who we'd all go mental over or some really mad skills. I decided to show you one of each today.

More Transfer News + Journos Make Me Sick

2008-07-07T19:31:00.005+02:00

A while ago, BBC Sport reported that AC Milan had decided to quit pursuing Adebayor because he was too expensive. That report was from July 2nd, take note. Reports from today from those geniuses say that AC Milan are still seeking Ade's signature along with Drogba's. Took good notes, did ya?

In other news, Arsenal are favourites to sign Andrei Arshavin seeing as Chelsea have dropped out of the race to sign him because Roman Abramovich refuses to pay that much for him (too expensive for Roman? Impossible). Many sources will tell you this but they all seem to get their information from The Telegraph. This is how rumours are spread, ladies and gentlemen. One "source" says one thing and suddenly 50 other gullible "sources" are repeating it. BBC Sport then goes on to say Barcelona are also out because it came a mutual decision by club (Zenit St. Petersburg) and Arshavin himself that he didn't want to go there. Further on in the article, they say that no formal approach for the player has been made by either Arsenal or Chelsea.

So, I hate journos. They're the scum of the off-season. They fill their papers with rubbish and speculation because they don't have anything else to print i.e. they make their own news. They also have contradictory reports (see above). My advice: don't give a shit about transfers until the first day of the season and you actually see who's in the lineup. If you can't wait that long, check your club's official site. Just don't listen to any external journalists.

Maybe you're looking to me to shed some light on these situations and give you reliable sources; I'm afraid I can't. I can tell you what I want to happen but I don't know what will. I want Samir Nasri to sign because we definitely need a midfielder but so far he hasn't signed. I want Hleb and Adebayor to leave; I'm guessing Ade won't and Hleb will. I want Arshavin along with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to sign but I think he'll go to Man Utd or he'll probably just stay at his own club.

In random news, Cesc Fabregas has been named player of the season (duh) by Arsenal.com in a poll by the fans. He received 33.26% of the vote. And who else? The site says,

"Two seasons ago, the boy became a man. But during the campaign just gone,
the man became a force."

Wise words. Unfortunately, halfway through the season, the force became a man once again but he was still a talisman of a man and did drive most of the way. Please remain a force next season, babe. Put your waxed, shaven, plucked, tanned, hair-dyed/highlighted and preened self on the field and be brilliant again. Once you stop partying, of course.

Arsenal Transfer News

2008-07-07T14:55:00.004+02:00

Justin Hoyte wants to remain an Arsenal boy

even though he hardly gets any playing time at all would feature much more prominently in another side. He made two starts last season and he career has dwindled a bit after showing promising talent a couple of season back. I'm glad Arsenal actually have English people in their squad that's up for consideration for the starting XI but it would probably be better for Justin to leave. In another team, he'd be able to improve his strengths when he plays more games. Maybe he'll even be able to challenge for a place in the England squad? I'm just hopeful and not exactly sane.

Obafemi Martins is flattered by the Arsenal interest

but has said that he doesn't want to mess things up at Newcastle. There's no formal deal being presented to him and the club so he's not going to force the matter further. He admits that Arsenal is an amazing club that “everyone would want to play for”.

Arsenal could make a bid for Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

for £18 million but this deal will only happen if Emmanuel Adebayor leaves because they only want Huntelaar as a replacement. I say we need a striker, not necessarily Huntelaar, anyway because we currently have an injured Eduardo, a permanently injured Robin van Persie, a Nicklas Bendtner who only plays really well without Adebayor and Adebayor has only had one good season with no promise of repeating it this season. I think Huntelaar would be a good replacement but hopefully someone else won't snatch him first.

Adebayor will not leave this season

but Hleb probably will. Seriously, I want them both gone. Hleb isn't as effective as he used to be so maybe a move now would be the perfect time when we can still get a lot for him. Adebayor doesn't want to be here so why should he be here? You can't keep a resentful player at the club; it'd be like keeping Ronaldo at Utd. You could get a lot of money for Ade on his recent form and there's not much reason for him to stay.

Who needs WAGs? You need WAGs.

2008-07-06T20:08:00.005+02:00

“Why?” you ask of me. Not because they’re hot and you’re randy. Not because you need fashion tips. Not because you’re bored and need to poke fun at their antics. But because they can help your team, that’s why. I’m bored and it’s the only reason why I’m dwelling on this topic; at the moment we’re all stuck in this period of limbo where nothing moves and nothing happens and all seems like it’s in slow motion. It’s like the Twilight Zone; we’re in this strange time between Euro 2008 and the start of the EPL, drifting in eerie soccerlessness. It’s a disease, people, and it’s serious.

So maybe we do need those WAGs for entertainment. But that’s beside the point. You need them to save your team. Perfect example: Euro 2008. There’s always the argument that the wives and girlfriends pose a distraction to the players. And why wouldn’t you be when Sylvie van der Vaart is looking oh so pretty in the stands (a girl-crush that everyone possesses) and Niko Kranjcar’s fiancée is keeping him company at night. But look at the teams their significant others play for: Holland and Croatia; two teams who have done well in this tourney.

The Netherlands was never in my predictions to be one of the front-runners of this spectacle but they performed so well it was hard to bring the flying Dutchmen down to earth. Why? They had the motivation of their better halves. They were allowed visits on many nights by beauties like Sylvie, as previously mentioned, Bouchra van Persie, Sabia Boulahrouz and others who offered… uh… moral support. Give them a hand, people! They motivated the Oranjes and inspired them to play the football of beauty you enjoyed so much. They’re the reason you were saying, “Hup Holland Hup!” Sadly, they were knocked out of the tournament soon afterwards but their brand of football was brilliant.

Another example of high fliers was the Croats: they performed better than all expectations. Who would have expected them to progress? Who would have expected them to play well? Their partners, that’s who. The Croatians were allowed weekly visits by their wives and girlfriends. They played Turkey in one heck of a snore-fest but proved that they had mental strength when they continued to fight until the last two minutes of extra time when a goal came. Unfortunately, the Turks pulled one back as well and the match went to penalties which lead to the Croats’ defeat. But again, their brand of football was exciting barring the match against Turkey and they performed really well.

The Germans are example number three: they were allowed meetings with their loved ones. They may not have had the most beautiful football but there’s no doubt that their mental strength was bolstered. They performed so well they even got to the final. They then lost to the kings that are the Spanish National Team. After that, they had the likes of Sarah Brandner to console them. Everything was fine and dandy up until the point when Michael Ballack decided that the WAGs really were disrupting the running of things and decided they should go home. Nobody obeyed this ban except for Ballack’s bird (Simone Lambe) and Torsten Frings’s wife but both the players in question played quite crap on the night.

So you want your team to do well? Let them have allocated visiting hours with their WAGs. That’s the difference between the England squad and the aforementioned examples. The English WAGs were allowed to come and go as they please and were highly inebriated while doing so; the other WAGs could only visit during specified times. This instills order but still allows for moral support. I guess maybe Andrea da Silva and Radka can help our team.

So we do need WAGs. At the moment, for entertainment because the soccerlessness is killing me and we need to latch on to all things soccer, including WAG escapades. But when August comes ‘round, you’ll be calling on those WAGs for other reasons.

Thank you to Anna, Jak and LTG

Ho-hum boredom... Footballer's Families

2008-07-06T16:55:00.007+02:00

You know what I noticed? I noticed that my recent posts begin with "Ho-hum boredom". This is because off-season is boring and when we're bored we come up with random stuff like this:

Eduardo has a girlfriend! I used to have a thing for Ed but when I looked at this picture, I was like, "Aw, cute...". So I guess that means I'm over him if I can actually express happiness when I see him with another woman.

Then I found out it's actually his wife (I'd assume) and he has a daughter also.

Uh-oh... You've been spotted.

Say cheese!

That girl (the kid) is really cute though. His wife, whose name is currently unknown to me, is insanely pretty. It's fantastic he's walking without crutches and I hope Eduardo gets better soon because it would be great to see him in the lineup very soon. He should be back on track in the near future.

Up for more? This is what I'd assume to be Gael Clichy's wife because he plays on the Emirates pitch week in, week out with a wedding ring on.

And another looker! Is it in the job requirements to be going out with a beautiful girl for the Arsenal lads? I mean Radka Kocurova, Tomasz Rosicky's girlfriend, is gorgeous also. Makes me feel a little jealous, I must admit...

I'm sure these WAGs are certainly not as bored as I am when they have the 'ballers with them.

**EDIT: Thank you to Venice for pointing out that Eduardo's wife's name is Andrea and she's from Croatia. Their daughter's name is Lorena.**

Source: Soccerpulse Forums

Ho-hum boredom... Old Arsenal videos

2008-07-04T18:27:00.003+02:00

The boredom has gotten to me so badly that I changed the pictures at the header thing of the site and now I started to watch old videos of some of the Arsenal lads. First up for your viewing pleasure is:

The boys were asked what they would do if they were invisible for a day and I love their answers! Especially Mathieu Flamini's one and he even has this naughty smile accompanying it. Kolo Toure's one was really sweet and considerate. I thought how could I use my invisibility powers for a good purpose and he came up with the answer. I like the fact he's such a sincere man. One big surprise on there for me was Nicklas Bendtner's accent. Yowza, I did not expect such an English-esque accent to spout from out his mouth! I expected some undecipherable, mumbled words but then he came out with this accent that sounded like he'd been there for years.

If I were at a karaoke, I would sing...
Well, I would sing "Nobody Puts Baby In The Corner" by Fall Out Boy or any other Fall Out Boy song purely for the fact that I could accompany most of them with my guitar because I know all the lyrics, chords and notes to it - I'm an FOB addict. I could actually reach Patrick Stumps vocal range because I've been singing their songs since they started making music even though I suck at singing . Right, back to Arsenal... What is up with their fascination with Michael Jackson? Really, boys, Whacko Jacko is not somebody you should idolise so heavily. His music is pretty good though... But of course FOB's version of Beat It is better.

I'm only kidding.

The third and final video: If I wasn't a footballer, I would be...

Weird answers in this one. Bacary Sagna definitely does what I want to do; architecture is the perfect combination between Art and Physics which are my favourite subjects along with Maths. Who would imagine Jens as a lawyer? He's no Eli Stone, that's certain. I'd imagine he'd be getting really angry whenever somebody objects to his motion. He's as mad as a hatter and you have to ask yourself, when done watching the videos, would you employ these men? And I don't mean the ones who opted to work in another field of sport; I mean those who choose to work in different careers entirely.

Happy weekend, everybody, and I hope for all our sakes that this soccerlessness ends really soon.

Ho-hum boredom... Arsenal's new kits

2008-07-04T14:51:00.006+02:00

I wouldn't have posted this because I've been on holiday but I decided to do random, sporadic articles/posts. The soccerlessness is killing me and I need some Arsenal. So, on the agenda is:

The 2008/09 Home Kit:

Yes, I'm sure you've all seen this before but there really isn't any Arsenal news unless you want to hear about how Samir Nasri is still dawdling on the new contract, the Hleb debacle still hasn't evolved into anything of substance (so I'm guessing he's wearing the aforementioned kit next season) and Cesc Fabregas dedicated the Spain Euro 2008 triumph to the Arsenal supporters (it's cute but it's not news; thanks for the consideration, Cesc, you have loyalty and a heart). This is all old hat and nothing too important.

Back to the home kit: it looks too much like the Dreamcast kit and all "back in the day" from '89 but I'm not liking the retro flashback. Arsenal's kit is unique from the other reds of Liverfool and ManUre because theirs are plain red whereas ours are red with white sleeves. Here, the sleeve is red with a stripe of white saying, "Screw tradition, I want red like Man Utd but I'm only adding the white stripe to pretend I'm Arsenal." Cynical? Yes.

The away kit isn't much better:

It looks good but it's a bit in-your-face. I'm not sure whether this is good or bad. Unlike other people, I like the colour. It uses all the primary colours and when I did the layout for this blog a really long time ago, I specifically did it with the theme of primary colours. Two things: the socks should be red and the writing on the back should be a darker red or the yellow should be lighter. I go for lightening the yellow because that yellow is one step away from Chelsea's luminous, stare-at-me-because-I-can-glow-in-the-dark-and-blind-opponents kit of last season. At first I was repulsed by this but then it grows on you. I hope this at least makes them perform better next season (even by screwing with the oppositions' retinas and optical nerves) or something because next season will be our season.

I'll write more when we have some real news.

Source: The Cannon

Staying at Arsenal: Adebayor

2008-07-02T18:12:00.002+02:00

How to keep a player at your club:

Refuse to sell him
Question his loyalty and make him feel ashamed, which leads to
the player releasing media statements that he's staying (and other clubs will back off)
Try to meet his wage demands as best you can
If all else fails, beg and plead and cry and bow down to him

And if the player then makes more media statements that backtracks on what he previously said, he's been lying somewhere along the line. It's disrespectful to the fans and supporters, so stop. One more tip to keeping a player: he obviously wants to leave so then say he's available for sale (so he can't complain) but offer a price so high for him that the other clubs decide not to buy a la Arsene Wenger's offer to AC Milan. Good tactics, Wenger. Only an idiot would over-pay for a player (ahem, Abramovich) and if there is an idiot out there, we'll just get the money. Touche.

P.S. Ade so isn't worth the £35.8m Arsenal are asking. He may have scored a lot of goals but he's still not worth that amount. Sheesh!

Monday Pick-me-up: Cesc and Torres

2008-06-30T18:09:00.004+02:00

Because it's Monday. Because they're so hot and you can't deny it. Because it was in Torres's hotter days (when he didn't have long hair). Because they've just won Euro 2008. Because I don't even need a reason.

Enjoy

***

Absence of blog posting

2008-06-28T11:44:00.006+02:00

School holidays has recently started for those of us in South Africa and we're having our mid-year break so this means a heck load of fun time for me. No surfing or any beach activities though because it's winter in the Southern Hemisphere. It's cold. As I'm writing this, I can't even look out the window because there is so much frost and the rain has also been clouding up my vision.

Anyway, this short break means I won't be blogging too much and probably rarely ever over this period because I'll be too busy maximizing my fun time. Come on, I need a break afetr writing so many exams. Staying up til 23:45 to watch Euro 2008 has also been making me tired at school. So sleepy time, she comes now. I might post once or twice but I'm not guaranteeing anything. Cheers til 21 July!

London, the capital of France

2008-06-28T11:19:00.004+02:00

I frown upon Arsenal. I do, really. Strange, yes, because I’m an Arsenal-‘til-I-die kind of person. I can handle Wenger’s stubbornness because, most of the time, he’s right regarding what he’s being stubborn about. I can handle his moods because I show them also and it means he has passion… um, a lot of it. What I can’t handle about Arsenal is that they don’t have ANY native players in their starting eleven.

That’s why admire ManUre and Chelski (yes, I just insulted them and commended them at the same time). They play in England and are actually English. Man Utd has Scholes, Rio Ferdinand, Rooney, Carrick, Gary Neville, Owen Hargreaves and other lesser, randoms like Ben Foster and Chris Eagles who are still pretty damn good. Chelsea have Cashley the cunt, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Wayne Bridge, Steve Sidwell, Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Philips. And we have [drum roll]: … Theo “I didn’t deserve to be at the 2006 World Cup but was there nonetheless” Walcott, Justin and Gavin Hoyte – like lame rip-off versions of the Neville brothers - and the next English person in line to “challenge” anybody out of their position would be Kieran Gibbs and Mark Randall. Heard of ‘em? If you said, “No,” it’s because they aren’t noteworthy and if you said, “Yes,” it’s because you support Arsenal. I’ll give credit to the fact that Theo is one heck of a player but Wenger never plays him. A lot of Arsenal’s team are English… they’re just playing in the reserves. None of them are starting material.

We have more Spanish and French people in our team as opposed to English. But of course, how can you replace such gems like Bacary Sagna and Cesc Fabregas. Certainly you cannot contemplate trading Almunia in for an English keeper because their “best” is Paul Robinson / David James. So we can’t get any indigenous ‘keepers because they’re all shite or unavailable. We sold our only good English defender, who did happen to be a whiney, cheating bitch, and traded him in for an even whinier French bitch (not actually sure whether he’s cheating or not).

The only consolation to this foreign dilemma is that we are minus one Frenchie in Mathieu Flamini. Ouch. Damn, that still stings a little bit for me… Well, he was replaced by Samir Nasri anyway and Aaron Ramsey was thrown into the team too. So that’s Foreigners 2 – 0 England. Aaron Ramsey is British, so it’s closer to home.

With Sepp Blatter campaigning for a “6 + 5” quota to be implemented, Arsenal’s current gloom could get even worse as most officials agree with him. As do I, quite frankly. As much as I love The Arse, with their beautiful football and hotties like Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas (I am a girl, after all), immense troubles lie ahead because this law will separate some very strong teams. Man Utd and Chelsea are basically within approval for the new law, provided they tweak their squads ever so slightly. Teams like Reading, West Ham who have more good English players than Arsenal will also be thrust near the top.

It’s not that Arsenal doesn’t produce enough English talent; the English talents just always seem to leave for other clubs i.e. David Bentley, Ashley Cole and others. Leaving / abandonment really is a theme with Arsenal. You shouldn’t degrade your team just to promote English talent but you should look at the local options first before looking at foreigners. People seem to think that the foreigners are causing issues for the national teams but I don’t think so. Even if you have a foreigner in the team you wanted to play for, you could always go play in their country [wow, that sounded juvenile - you play in my country so I play in yours na na na na na]. If you can’t put forward a decent team, it’s because you aren’t producing enough decent players and not because they aren’t playing in their own league. So before installing quotas and killing some teams like Liverpool, Fulhamerica, Blackburn and Man City. They all need a lot more English players, Arsenal included.

I’m not hating on Arsenal; I’m just worried where they’re headed. In a few years time, when all this has been put into effect, I can just imagine Rio saying, “You is not speaking my language, fool. You gonna bounce back to where you came from.”

Euro 2008: WTF happened, predictions?

2008-06-23T17:37:00.006+02:00

Like, seriously, what the fook?

I predicted that Portugal, Turkey, Netherlands and Spain would be advancing. Without question. But then the world turned upside down when the two high-fliers of the tournament, Portugal and the Netherlands, were knocked out so surprisingly and quite convincingly I must admit and were instead replaced by Germany and Russia respectively. Who woulda thunk it?

By the way, I have no idea how I got the Turkey vs Croatia match right. I was still with This Is Extra Time and participating in their live-blog and I was screaming for Croatia to win the whole time. And then they lost on penalties. I quickly came back here to check who I'd actually predicted to go through before I beat myself up for getting it wrong. I'd seen that I'd predicted Turkey and I was quite shocked. They won't be so lucky again seeing as their squad members are dropping like flies.

My updated predictions:

Germany vs Turkey
Germany, the original favourites, have a squad with class, let alone the fact that they have a fuller squad who can whip Turkey's any day. I think Turkey were lucky to make it this far and I really wouldn't bet on them to make it further. Volkan is suspended, though he is appealing to have the suspension overturned, so he won't be of any use to Turkey anyway but I doubt he'd have been able to stop Lukas Podolski's shots. The guy's on fire and the odds are against Turkey.

Spain vs Russia
I think Spain will still beat them though not quite as easily as they did on 10th June in the group stages. A 4-1 scoreline is quite hard to come by so easily when you're playing really competitively. Spain are good enough to overcome this. Russia have picked up momentum but they are still not awesome enough to beat La Furia Roja, who are really lighting up the field with their skill. One thing though: David Villa was really out of line with all his play-acting, feigning injury and diving. It was disgusting. Don't make me regret supporting your team, David. Spain really have the drive to do it this 'round; you could tell by the look on Cesc's face when he scored the winning penalty how much it meant to him and his teammates to be going through. They won't cock it up. Not this time; not like they did at the 2006 World Cup.

And did I not tell you Pavlyuchenko was awesome? Yes, I did!

So Spain vs Germany final? You betcha.

Euro 2008: My Predictions Part III

2008-06-18T18:49:00.004+02:00

Okay, now for Group D. I'm going to make this as quick a prediction as possible.

In here we have Spain, Sweden, Russia and Greece.

I would've thought it would have ended like this:

1.Spain
2. Russia
3. Greece
4. Sweden

But what do you know? I'm wrong... Hey, at least I'm man ... ahem ... woman enough to admit it. Spain is spectacularly awesome and I have no idea why everybody under-rates them. I thought this would their year and it will be. They have brilliant players so why can't they do well? Especially with David Villa and Fernando Torres shining so nicely. David Silva is also a good prospect for me. I never knew he was that good.

Greece came in as defending champions so I was expecting a little more from them. I don't know *anybody* from their squad but they won the tourney last time round with an unknown squad so why couldn't they do it again? Maybe lightning doesn't strike twice in the same place but at least they shouldn't have failed miserably. They face Spain tonight in one of the final final FINAL group matches.

I thought Russia would have done really well on account of the fact that they tore up England in the tournament qualifiers (like everybody else, to be frank) and I know that a few of their players have the ability to shine. I never expected such gems like Pavlyuchenko. He was awesome. Sweden, on the other hand, are pretty average and nothing amazing. What say you?

Based on performance, I would want Russia to go through as opposed to Sweden. They play each other tonight and the winner of that match will go through. If they draw, Sweden goes through. I'm still hoping for a Russia win as will probably happen.

Which means that, in the quarterfinals, there will be:

Spain vs Italy (Wow, awesome match)
and
Russia vs Netherlands

Yikes, I'm quaking in my boots for Russia. I say Spain will win their match but just barely, like 1-0 or 2-0. The Dutch will tear Russia apart at 4-1 or something. Afterwards, Spain will play Netherlands (and win) because both sides will be too great for their opponents in the QFs but they will have a tight game because both of them were playing well. My brain is telling me to root for Netherlands but my heart is pulling for Spain. Heart it is, then.

So, according to my previous predictions, Spain will then go on to play Portugal in the final. And then win. Either that or it will be a Netherlands-Portugal final which, in any case, the Netherlands will win anyway. The Netherlands do rock, don't they? Who would you want to win? Spain or the Netherlands? It's like choosing Cesc or Van Persie. Who you gonna choose? I hope neither player comes back to the Colney all depressed and stuff.

I don't think Portugal will win because they are doing really but not well enough to overpower the Dutch/Spaniards. They have class and skill but not enough, I'm (not) afraid.

Euro 2008: My Predictions Part III

2008-06-18T17:56:00.004+02:00

Well, I would've gotten round to doing this last night before the Group C matches but I was too busy so I'm giving 'em to you now.

Group C:

Has the likes of the brilliant Netherlands shining and tearing up the field. I would never have expected them to do so well and whip their opponents so harshly, scoring three each against France and Italy and scoring two against the Romanians. Big up to them. At the beginning of this tourney, I would've vouched for Italy and France progressing because I had never really known that the Dutchies were that good. Veels geluk, mense. Ek is trots op julle.

Now that that group's matches are over as of last night I can admit that the Netherlands deserved to be where they are because their players put in spectacular performances with some stunners from Van Persie and Wesley Sneijder.

France were pretty crap as they should've been, considering their squad selections. Raymond Domenech messed up royally on that one. At first, he didn't select Gael Clichy, Mathieu Flamini (I still hate him but won't deny him any credits) and Bacary Sagna. I think I may just have a soft spot for them because they're (ex)Arsenal players but they are really good and deserve a spot on the team. I heard somewhere that someone got injured and one of those three was called up as a late replacement. Either way, Ray-Ray didn't put "the replacement" on the field anyway. I gues one or three people won't make a difference to tournament hopes but Domenech messed up on that one. Domenech's future is now uncertain.

On performances, the group ended as it should have:

Image taken from bbc.co.uk

So I am proved wrong; France never progressed and the Netherlands did. Well done to them. They'll go far... Until they meet up with Spain, that is.

Euro 2008: My Predictions Part II

2008-06-17T17:41:00.005+02:00

Group B has seen has seen a fair deal of excitement with the Germans, coming into this tournament as favourites, almost - just almost - failing to qualify for the knockout stages. Thankfully they did, prohibiting pieces of shit like Austria and Poland from going further. No really, they suck... in a nice way.

I never expected the Germans to be spectacular but I still thought they would qualify while hoping they wouldn't. They did as I expected and not what I wanted. Either, they do quite deserve it with Prinz Poldi scoring three of Germany's four goals so far.

The rest of the group wasn't a surprise and I expected it to end this way: Croatia on top, Germans 2nd, followed by the Austrians (because home advantage can only go so far) and the Polish (that's p-oh-lish not po-lish as in shoe polish) ending the group in 4th place.

Advancements to the next round include:

Portugal who will play...
Germany
Turkey (possible dark horses of the tournament) versus
Croatia

I'm quite stoked for the Portugal-Germany game, I am. Ronaldo or Poldi? Berlin or Lisbon? Heidi Klum or... Ronaldo? Cristina is quite the model, ain't he? I choose Germany on all counts except for the last one because I'd much rather bang Ronnie as opposed to Mrs Klum because I just don't swing that way. I neither like Germany nor Portugal but if I had to choose one to go through, I'd choose Portugal on footballing terms and Germany because they aren't as annoying as Ronnie and crew. Anyway, Portugal for a win but I'm hoping otherwise.

Turkey vs Croatia shouldn't be a really difficult match. For some unknown reason, I rate the Croats highly. Maybe because of that night , the other night or because I actually know one or two of their players and none of Turkey's. As previously mentioned, Turkey could be the dark horses. I think they cause a minor upheaval by defeating Croatia.

So that makes a Portugal vs Turkey semifinal; is that allowed? Are you allowed to play in the semis against a team played against in the group stages? Anyway, more predictions to follow.

See previous predictions

Euro 2008: My Predictions Part I

2008-06-17T17:13:00.007+02:00

I'm a sissy (and a girl also so I have excuses) therefore I shall make my predictions when I feel it safe to. Like now. I've seen the events of Euro 2008 unfold as they have and I now feel ready to pass sound analysis. Don't you judge me...

In Group A:

We have those man-ho's of Portugal who constantly touch their face to check that the ball coming into contact with it hasn't messed up their pretty. They have already qualified and I wouldn't have bet agaisnt them qualifying. Up until a few days ago I wouldn't have bet for them to win the tournament but I kind of would now; Ronaldo's on fire so he'll be a good driving force for them but his arrogance clouds my better judgement. Make of him what you will.

This group also has Turkey and the Czech Republic. I would've thought that the Czechs would've gone through as they do have a team ranked highly on the FIFA World Rankings at 6th; higher than even Portugal at 11th. Turkey is 20th. I never really judge from the list though as it does prove to be inaccurate at time because they have Italy ranked at 3rd above the Netherlands in their 10th position, making Italy the highest ranked European team. Everything taken into account, I am *really* surprised Turkey went through. Has the Czech's injuries (ahem... Rosicky) really impacted on them that much. I think they put up a good fight though.

Switzerland is just the disappointment of the group but I'm glad those dumb-asses managed to pull one over Portugal and hand them their first defeat of the tournament. In the IRB Rugby World Cups, the teams who have lost in the group stages have never gone on to win the tournament. I hope this is the same principle here. In other words, thanks Swiss peoples for your superb chocolate, hospitatility for hosting fellow Europeans and creating a team capable of whipping those arrogant Portuguese asses.

[Don't mess with me, baby]

Euro 2008: Germany vs Croatia, Thurs 12 June

2008-06-17T17:02:00.004+02:00

Yes, I realise that this is a wee bit late seeing as the game was last week Thursday but I didn't go to school on Friday and spent the day out, then it was the weekend followed by Youth Day for us South Africans so all the hardcore work starts today.

And starting off the beginning of my week's posting, I shall show you this:

[Yeah, take a whiff; it's the smell of real captains]

Happy Tuesday, y'all.

New kid on the block: Aaron Ramsey part III

2008-06-13T20:25:00.006+02:00

It has been confirmed, ladies and gents. Aaron Ramsey has proved himself not to be a scab/trannie by choosing The Arsenal over ManUre. Well done, mate. That's the first step to becoming a great player. Uhm... That's about all I have to say about that. Read my other posts about Ramsey because I don't want to risk redundancy by doing it in this post. Or energy. It's an effort to repost things. Here's a piccie for ya:

Sexy bastard, ain't he?

Ade off to Milan?

2008-06-13T11:37:00.003+02:00

Damn, that's like the second player already! I don't actually give a shit about Emmanuel Adebayor but does he have to be a dick by showing no backbone or loyalty and leave for AC Milan? He may have been our top scorer last season but he was one who never really seemed to be onside or score too many legitimate goals... Okay, I am woried about him leaving because of all his goals but let's remember that these are only rumours and more rumours.

It stings a little bit when you leave for the same club that a person who abused your trust (i.e. the Flamster) left for the same club just a few weeks ago, though it does feel like months ago. It's been painful getting over it I'm not sure this is one thing Arsenal can overcome. How many strikers do have? We have a not-always-scoring Bendtner, an exstensively injured Eduardo and... the promise of signing Samir Nasri and Aaron Ramsey (who are midfielders, by the way). So we're screwed. Unless the midfileders have awesome seasond and score awesome goals by the bucketload every match, we won't have many goals because our TWO strikers may not be up to it. All I know is that Arsene needs to get a move on signing some class players to boost our hopes, if nothing else. I want more new kids on the block.

In other news, Gilberto still remains undecided where he will go or whether he will stay this summer. Whatever. Just stop dilly-dallying and make up your mind. Indecision sickens me. As well as disloyalty. Just play who you want to play for prove you're not a scumbag. Don't fool around and mess us around, that's what's irritating me; not you not committing. Stop being coy.

Larsson eager for Spain-Sweden Clash

2008-06-13T11:09:00.007+02:00

He just wants to meet back up with his dear old pal, Cesc. That's why he's excited, ladies and gentlemen, because of a guy. Do we have a case of man-love on our hands here? Seb Larsson played for the Arse from 2001 - 2004, joined at the age of 16 and made his debut on 27 October and played at left back when he is, in fact, a midfielder. He struck up a friendship with Cesc during the end stages of his time there and, according to the article, he and Cesc occasionally still keep in touch. Aw, sweet... The thought of two such hotties makes me a bit gooey inside.

They have yet spoken since Euro 2008 started and now they will face each other when Spain plays Sweden on Saturday. Quite excited, I am. Who knew? These guys are friends... Weird. Personally, I'm going to go for a Spain win at 2-1 with both Cesc and Seb scoring and the third scorer will be Xavi, possibly. Don't bet on it because I'm just hazarding a guess. I can't wait for this game.

Goodmorning, Ramblers

2008-06-13T06:12:00.002+02:00

Happy Friday! Here's just a little Friday pick-me-up to get you through those final few hours of the day until that end-of-school bell or the joyous time when you get into your car and drive home thinking of your weeknd plans:

Really, I don't know what possessed me to do that...

Here's the real pick-me-up:

And then to end it off with some humour:

Hey, it's Friday the 13th so if you believe in that stuff then you're seriously going to need some laughs right now.

Ed's coming back!

2008-06-12T22:27:00.004+02:00

Or perhaps a little sonner than we thought. BBC reports that Eduardo da Silva, the Arsenal talent, could return sometime in pre-season after being out since February in that Birmingham game. His leg broke after a malicious/un-malicious tackle from random B'ham dude, Martin Taylor, who I'd never heard of before. 'Tis a shame his name is burned into my head as the guy who broke Ed... The tackle was pretty bad; I mean, come on, it broke his leg, for Pete's sake.

Ouch, that's gotta hurt...

I'm pretty hopeful for this but I really don't expext him to play in the Emirates Cup or anything, just start rehabilitating/physio training, regain full joint movement, easing it into quick-stealth skils, etc. Well, Eduardo, I wish you all the best. It would've been nice to see you play alongside Niko Kranjcar in Croatia's 2-0 demolition of Germany.

Get well soon, babez.

In other parts of the article, it says injury-prone Tomasz Rosicky has had surgery on his knee and is expected "to be flying by pre-season." Good. It's about time. Looking forward to it because I miss you and I'm fed up with you, TR, and you can tell that to RVP also. Robin's peachy ass should be rubbing our screens and not the medical rooms' examining beds or the subs' bench. Or worse, the physios' hands. Ew, sick thought... Just get back before you spin me off on spawning more filth from my mind.

Euro 2008: Portugal vs Czech Republic - Cristiano manages to be sexy again

2008-06-12T16:12:00.005+02:00

This has happened once already; why must it happen twice? Why must you be sexy? I used to think you were hot and that was a phase that took a while to get over, I still have the pictures to prove it. Now it's happening all over again. Dude, don't make me hate you... even more. Youre sexy, yes, but why must it be captivating? That's the bit that peeves me. I don't like being captivated by a ManUre player. Seriously, drop it NOW.

------------------------

Here's some pics for those who feel they need more Cristina in their lives:

You cheeky little devil, you!

New Kid On The Block: Aaron Ramsey Part II

2008-06-11T22:06:00.004+02:00

It has been reported that Aaron Ramsey will snub Man Utd (and Everton) in favour of Arsenal. I love this kid.

He has apparently signed a three year deal with us but still is subject to a medical after he allegedly spoke to Arsene Wenger in person while in Switzerland. Nice. And all Man United did for him was tell Fergie to ring him up and expect to land him in the Carrington training ground. He must've done some pretty smooth sweet-talking.

The difference in the contracts between the two is that Man Utd had a loan-back option while Arsenal did not. Le Boss just offered a sweet and simple £5m deal. Oh but the funny thing is, and get this, Man Utd were so sure of signing him, those dickheads. On their official website thry released a statement saying:

Manchester United is delighted to announce it has agreed terms with Cardiff City for the transfer of Aaron Ramsey subject to terms being agreed and the player passing a medical.

Okay, that's basically like our deal. Cardiff just really wanted him to join Utd so they could loan him back. So Man Utd may have been mislead, I say? Yes. Or they may just have been arrogant, overconfident cunts. I never knew my language was that bad...Anyway, there's some other stuff about how Ramsey is honoured by being wanted by big clubs and all that jazz that comes along with transfers like stats and when he was first "discovered" etc... Here's a random fact file thing from the BBC:

I like that he likes rugby. I'm a rugby gal so I think it's awesome that he's good at it also. Aside from that, it means he doesn't wince like b*tch when he gets a knock and won't go down crying. He'll also avoid hounding referees and he'll respect them because that's what rugby [layers do, unless the Welsh ones are different from the South Africans. When we played them on Saturday, they seemed decent, though quite dejected from the ass-whooping we gave them [sly grin stretches across my face]. I do think he's quite a decent boy and a crap car is symbolic of who he is. If he gets to Arsenal and trades it in for a flashier car, I'll be disappointed because it slightly signifies the trading of one simple, humble life for one of fame, fortune and scabs like Danielle Lloyd.

Guy, stay humble or else you'll lose all my respect and make me vomit.

EDIT: The source I listed, from the BBC, doesn't print new articles regarding one player and just does the same story with new developments on a player, they usually just edit and update that particular story so this one is the one from a few days ago before the new development of signing officially for Arsenal

Alex Hleb wants to slap transfer rumours across its ugly faces

2008-06-11T22:03:00.005+02:00

... or something to that effect. No, it doesn't mean he wants to stay at Arsenal. He just wants the rumours to cease for him to consider his future in peace. He wants the rumours of this Barca-Bayern-Baller love triangle to end. Here:

See for yourself.

Boohoo, stop crying (I meant that for Hleb, not you).

Euro 2008: Greece vs Sweden

2008-06-11T15:59:00.008+02:00

I'm going to make this a quick one because I neither care about nor watched the game. So I'm going to quote the BBC from here onwards until I say so.

Ibrahimovic scored his first goal for Sweden since 2005 with a stunning 25-yard strike after 67 minutes. Petter Hansson scrambled home Sweden's second six minutes later to end Greece's dogged defensive resistance. Hansson had almost given Greece the lead earlier, heading just wide of his own goal, but Sweden deserved the win. Greece looked a shadow of the side that shocked Europe in Portugal four years ago and once Sweden took the lead, Otto Rehhagel's team never looked likely to salvage anything from a dour encounter. Sweden are now in pole position to qualify along with Spain, while Greece face the prospect of having to beat Russia on Saturday to keep the crown they won in Lisbon's Stadium of Light in 2004.

Angelos Charisteas, whose goal beat Portugal in the last final, was the main Greek danger in the first half and he tested Sweden keeper Andreas Isaksson with a powerful shot after a driving run in the sixth minute.

Okay, quotation time's over. I was surprised to see Henrik Larsson's name in the lineup. I know he retired from international footie and then un-retired but I still would've hoped that the coach would've decided to give some new blood a chance to prove themselves and/or start paving the way for a future team instead of focussing on the past. You need to learn how to deal when someone important leaves your team. You need to adapt and cope. This isn't the way to do it by reminiscing. Another inclusion which was brought to my attention was Georgios Samaras. He's quite the hot one... [hint hint]. Freddie Ljungberg was hot also.

[Samaras: Hey, Trophy, where are you going?]

Euro 2008: Spain vs Russia in pictures

2008-06-11T15:31:00.004+02:00

[Pavlyuchenko was quite the hot one on the night]

Euro 2008: Russia got their asses handed to them (match report)

2008-06-10T21:25:00.010+02:00

And Spain handed it back stingingly red from that ass-whooping.

Turns out I do feel like doing a match report. Spain won, hey? So I'm in a good mood. That made my birthday for me with a little present at the end from Cesc. That boy is a beaut'. The match started off pretty impressively for Russia, creating one or two fairly good chances but since then it had pretty much been Spain's game bar the final third of it when the Iberians had most of the possession but very few of the chances. NKOTB (new kid on the block) David Villa put in a stunning performance with a hat-trick (20', 45', 75') followed by a Pavlyuchenko consolation header (86') and Cesc nodded in another to the already violated-by-balls net (90+1').

To me, Cesc was pretty average since his substitution of Fernando Torres, a man who also underperforms for his country in comparison to his club, in the 54th minute. Cesc didn't do much until the end of the game when he made a few good passes, thrilling input and a splendid goal. Of course, I guess it took him a while to move into the game. He's finally being given the chance to play for his country after not really having had much practice with them. He did pretty well for his first big match with the boys and was rewarded with his first international goal. Thanks, Cesc - you gave me happiness, the best birthday present ever.

David Villa, the genius, played spectacularly and with hunger and fight. This is the kind of guy I want at Arsenal. If the rumours are true, he should be on his way here soon enough. He did seem to hog the ball at times, though, when he only had two goals and was really begging for a third. Well, you got it. Be proud but humble.

The team worked really well and fluently together. They created a few good chances. This makes such a good change from Arsenal who usually have nothing appear from their chances. I see some promising hopes for this championship trophy in the likes of David Silva, a man who created many chances and was really unlucky not to score with all his efforts. The defense was sound and effective but with one or two lapses but nobody can keep concentration for a full 90 mins. Sergio Ramos tried really hard and put a lot into it and now I can finally see why the Spanish Press (i.e. Real Madrid's news feed) keep on hailing his "mighty talent" and power.

As for Russia, they put up a good fight. They shan't be too disappointed seeing as they did do well... relatively. They deserved a fairer scoreline like 4-2, perhaps 4-3 or even 3-1. It wasn't exactly a tight game but I take pity on them and feel they should have gotten more. Late-bloomer Sergei Semak, Russia's el capitano, did quite well and was pretty good. The only person on the team I've heard of was Igor Akinfeev but I'm not quite sure why seeing as he's never even had a short stint in the EPL.

Russia's goalscorer, Pavlyuchenko (did I spell that right?), was definitely my star player for Russia; he created many chances, didn't make many mistakes and had some valuable input in the game. My man of the match goes to:

David Villa, the reason Russia will now be rubbing Voltaren on their sore behinds, licking their wounds and taking cold vodka shots more than any Russian ever should. 'Twas a good match, boys. I look forward to more of this domination in the further stages of the tournament.

images courtesy of bbc.co.uk

Ho-hum boredom...

2008-06-10T15:10:00.006+02:00

It's only Tuesday and I am tired out of my mind. I can't even bring myself to write a preview for the Spain-Russia clash. So all I'm going to say is:

Yeah! Go Spain!

Should be a decent match... I hope! I don't want to stay up late to watch it, what with the time difference. I have an exam tomorrow and no intention of studying. Schoolwork just comes easily to me so why should I study if I don't need to? I realise that there are exams that do require studying like Physics, Technology and Art (history) but Afrikaans is not one of them. Phfft, I don't need to study! But I do need to sleep so if the Spain game is boring, I'll just be off to bed and thinking of Cesc... Mmmmmm.

Today is really tiring for some reason and I can't bring myself to do much. What is up with the fatigue? I might do a match report depending on whether I watched the game or not and whether I feel like. Such apathy coursing through me, 'tis a shame. For some reason I feel that it's easier to spout a whole lot of junk instead of writing substantive matter, so bear with me.

This is probably one of the crappiest birthdays I've had in a long time. I've just turned 15 and the biggest deal anybody has made of it today is that my friend bought me balloons because I told her to. My other friend, whom I dearly love but get fed up with occasionally, actually remembered without me having to tell her. Funny thing is that everybody always forgets her birthday. Ok, that's not funny... hahaha!

Well, she told me to be grateful that at least my birthday wasn't forgotten altogether. Come July 12th, I'll be the first to give her balloons! *Skips away singing, "Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me..."*

Where will Wenger go?

2008-06-09T16:09:00.000+02:00

Arsene Wenger, the man who masterminded that momentous 49-game unbeaten run of o3/o4, has conceded that he doesn't know where he will be after his contract expires in 2o11. Media speculation has reported that will take over from Charles Villeneuve as president of Paris Saint Germain as Wenger is very close friends with the current president. He was quoted as saying:

"if I can help him I will help him."

Wenger has hushed up these rumours but admits he doesn't know what the future holds. He slightly scares me with some morbid death talk by saying:

"After 2011, if I manage to get there, I really do not know what I will do."

Wow, I hope Wenger really does live a much longer and fuller life but, as for the whole future thing, I don't think it would be as major a train smash as everybody thinks it will be. Le Boss isn't the same manager he used to be and I for one will be rather nonchalant about his departure, should he decide to go that way. Face it, he isn't the same manager he used to be and he is a bit stubborn with his choices. That don't-budge-for-nobody demeanor that he had before has helped him when his senses were slightly more accurate. He won't be here forever so why not accept that and cherish what he has brought and look to the future.

When his time is up, it will be a very bitter-sweet moment. Hey, we still have 'til 2o11, right?

Ho-hum boredom... Alex signs a new contract

2008-06-09T15:50:00.000+02:00

No, not Hleb-Alex but Song-Alex. Alex Song has the brains of a loyal, upright, good person. He put pen to paper to sign a new contract. The guy has lots of potential and I think he could really make a difference to this team within the next season or so. When Wenger stops being so stubborn as to putting Gall-the-ass at central defence with King Kolo, a man with whom Bill does not gel with, then Song will get a good chance to actually prove his worth when Bill moves out his place.

No details of the contract have really been given so nobody knows how much he is earning which means the gold diggers will still be at bay. The contract is apparently "long term". In the article, they use quotation marks as I have. I'm quoting it from them but I don't know who they're quoting. The guy has made 15 first team appearances for Arsenal in the 2oo7/o8 season and played on loan at Charlton the season before that. I have high hopes and big expectations for him. He performed really well at Afcon so I hope he can deliver just as well for the Arse as he did there.