We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
Well, apart from Chelskilad, of course. But whether you're a true Gooner or merely a fan of a Big Four club hoping to gain points on the Blues or just disgusted by the trend of big money in football, it's "Up the Arse" for at least a day. Join me from around 11 am for all the action.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 8:51 AM
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
201 Comments:
Birmingham v. Wolves is at 0-0 mid-way through the first half, just as I'd predicted. What other result would you have thought of?
Someone Said will be cock-a-hoop this morning as his beloved Celtic has pulled out a 2-4 away win at Dumfermline with new boy Robbie Keane on the scoresheet with a late penalty.
Well, I didn't expect that. Doyle has fired Wolves into the lead at St. Andrews. It really is an appallingly bad weekend for West Ham. They're now second bottom on 21 points as Wolves leap up to 14th.
Two late goals from Phillips has secured the points for Brum this afternoon. That takes them a wee bit closer to their city rivals Villa. They're still outsiders in the race for European spots but I wouldn't rule them out altogether yet.
All set now for the biggie. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger welcomes England winger Theo Walcott and French midfielder Abou Diaby back to his team as they look to get their title challenge back on track.
John Terry has been included in Chelsea's starting line-up just 48 hours after the defender was stripped of the England captaincy.
COME ON ARSENAL... sorry Tony!
They all had a wonderful time at the Todd is God concert
Morning, Dave! Come on the Arse!
I'm not sure that we'll hear from the LOB's Gooner today. He'll be hunkered away in a darkened room with the match on FSC sipping nervously from his Arsenal mug of joe, sticking pins into his Didier Drogba voodoo doll. If things go well, we'll hear from him after the match no doubt.
The teams for today:
Arsenal team: Almunia; Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy, Fabregas (c), Song, Daiby, Walcott, Arshavin, Nasri.
Chelsea team: Cech; Ivanovic, Terry, Carvalho, Cole, Ballack, Mikel, Lampard, Malouda, Anelka, Drogba.
With the exception of Theo for Rosicky, that looks like the Arsenal side that got rolled last weekend by United at the Emirates. I'm hoping for a very different result today.
With the absence of Essien, that looks to me to be a full strength Chelski side. Frightening.
Do you still think it is Chelsea's title?
United are top and have a better goal difference. Chelsea needs to go to OT too.
How is Gooner and the snow? Lost power?
Just for today up the Arse.
Sorry I meant come on Arse. I have been on this side of the pond too many years.
My brain says it's Chelski's title. My heart says, "Anyone but..."
Up the Arse!
Morning, ManUnited!
I've heard that Gooner has had four feet of snow this weekend!
I'll be calling him at half-time to check in. I'm assuming he's glued to FSC. Here we go!
Nice shout-out to Leeds and our unbeaten home record. Cheers!
FSC are actually ahead of my VSS link.
I am going to leave it on for half time
Arsenal are always at their most dangerous when they are counted out
Diaby tries one but it hits Theo.
Good morning everybody. Chelski back to full strength with Mikkel and Drogba in the lineup.
Arsenal shot blocked by Walcott!! Useless cross by Clichy
David Pleat on Mastermind. Specialized subject - the bleedin' obvious.
Good start by the Arse
Theo definitely gives the Arse something different on the right whereas Rosicky is static. But I would love to see Arsene throw big Nick Bendtner in at some point soon.
Pleat is a barrel of laughs. So entertaining.
Only problem is that Walcott's end product is sometimes lacking.
Tyler and Gray are on VSS
Definitely true of Theo. When he has a blinder of a match, for example, for England away to Croatia in the qualifiers, you wonder "Why doesn't he do that all the time?"
BUGGER!!!!!!
Drogba does it again against the Arsenal
MARK HIM!!!!!!
Early goal Drogba. No marking at the far post.
GOAL! Bloody hell - it's Drogba with the early strike. Bad boy JT with the headed assist and Drogs just had to be there or there abouts at the back post. Too easy.
1-0 Chelski. Bugger!
Arshavin got a bit excited there and shot waywardly.
Arsene's upset - what a shock.
Wenger complaining about something. Maybe he is complaining to the 4th official about Drogs not being marked!
That goal of course lifts Chelski up over United - sorry chaps - to 58 points. Arse back down to 49 points but still five points clear of Pool in fourth.
Exactly, UWS. He's just generally upset at this point. Nice suit, though. Saville Row?
Wenger would be undefeated in his coaching, but for poor refereeing and those northwestern teams that always cheat.
How many goals is that for Didier this season? Anelka has more, right?
If Chelski win today then Arsenal's title challenge is over. It would mean failing their two most important tests. Still plenty of time left though.
Maybe Arsene is complaining about the Premier League schedule that had the Arse playing United then Chelski then Liverpool in midweek. He's saying, "Couldn't we have Wolves instead?"
The Beeb's description of the goal
Gael Clichy started off at the far post, but for some inexplicable reason walked along the goalline and didn't end up marking anyone. It's just dismal, dismal defending once again.
BC Sport's Phil McNulty at Stamford Bridge: "And here we go again. Didier Drogba torments Arsenal once more as he turns in John Terry's header. Arsene Wenger is incredibly animated and has been since the kick-off. I have rarely seen him so agitated, barking at his backroom staff and the fourth official, gesturing wildly. He answered the offer of a coat by throwing it on the floor and has now taken to kicking it unceremoniously - his foul mood worsened by the early goal. Sure sign he knows defeat here will all but end Arsenal's title challenge."
Corner to the Gooners. Too easy for Chech.
Agreed, ManUtd. But I never treated Arsenal's title threat very seriously. They're missing the spine of the team - no quality center half, no dominant defensive midfielder, no striker. Sorry, Gooner.
Arsenal are going to win this!
Nasri nearly caught Chelski out there. Decent sweeping by Cech.
I hope you're right, UWS.
ooh, the Arse almost in thru a long ball. I wonder if Arsene will complain about his team's longball tactics
Bugger, what a save by Cech!
And Cech saves again! This time from Arshavin, who really shouldn't have given the big Czech keeper a chance.
UWS is spot on.
Looks like Cech is up for this one. Arshavin too.
They just mentioned the European Championship groups. I hadn't even realized that they'd done the draw yet, I've been so focused on SA 2010. Who's in England's group?
Did you see the draw for Euro '12?
Group G
England
Switzerland
Bulgaria
Montenegro
Wales
Jinx
It's true, UWS. Chelski were dominating the midfield challenges early on so Arse have gone all Route 1 to their nippy forwards. Interesting.
Draw in Full
Euro 2012 qualifying draw:
GROUP A: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Belgium, Austria, Turkey, Germany
GROUP B: Andorra, Armenia, Macedonia, Republic of Ireland, Slovakia, Russia
GROUP C: Faroe Islands, Estonia, Slovenia, NORTHERN IRELAND, Serbia, Italy
GROUP D: Luxembourg, Albania, Belarus, Bosnia, Romania, France
GROUP E: San Marino, Moldova, Hungary, Finland, Sweden, Netherlands
GROUP F: Malta, Georgia, Latvia, Israel, Greece, Croatia
GROUP G: Montenegro,WALES, Bulgaria, Switzerland, ENGLAND
GROUP H: Iceland, Cyprus, Norway, Denmark, Portugal
GROUP I: Liechtenstein, Lithuania, SCOTLAND, Czech Republic, Spain
That's lovely. Full points for England there.
RIDICULOUS!!!
STOP HIM!!!!!!
It has been all Arsenal and it is two nil
GOAL! Bleedin' heck. Drogba can't stop himself scoring. And neither can Arse. After all that Arse pressure, Drogs shows them how it's done. Lamps lays off and Drogs does the rest. Jesus!
2-0 Chelski. Game over?
England have Wales, Switzerland,Bulgaria, and Montenegro in their group. Bugger Drogba again.Great finish.
Scotland always get Lithuania!
Now they get the Cech Rep. and SPAIN!
Arsenal can't stop fast breaks!
United did it to them last week and now here
Cheers, UWS! Group I - group of death? Poor old Scotland.
Elbow by Terry.. send him off
There goes Terry always cheating
There goes Terry always cheating
on and off the field
Do the top two teams qualify from each group or are there playoffs?
David Moyes in the stands. He's also asking the fourth official - "Can we play Wolves instead?"
Wenger wants Pompey.
Good question, ManUtd. By my count, there are nine groups. Top nine must qualify for sure. That leaves seven slots. I'll let you math whizzes sort that out.
I am pleased that England's group only have five teams.
Six of the groups have 6 teams and 3 have have 5 teams
Pure "rope a dope" strategy here from Chelski. Allow Arsenal on to them and then break with devastating pace. Lamps ran through the Arsenal backline like a hot knife through soft butter.
"A little shaky at the back - Arsenal" - there's the understatement of the afternoon.
There are two host Poland and Ukraine
Nine group winners and the best overall runner up automatically qualify and the other 8 runners up go into play off
Where is Chelskilad this afternoon, Dave? Still sleeping off the Todd Rundgren experience?
Problem solved. Thanks Blue Devil. It is a sixteen team tournament with two host nations.Now there are eleven teams. The remaining five places are determined as follows: The best second place team qualifies and the remaining runner ups are in the playoffs. Knowing UEFA, the playoff format will be determined in November 2011 so that the big name teams qualify.
Good recovery by Walcott to stop Cashley scoring.
Cashley almost in there
Dunno where he is
I got an email from Mike's iphone on their way home
All my siblings were in the car together.... I felt left out
They had a great time
I knew you math whizzes could sort that out - cheers, lads!
Starting to resemble a practice match.Chelski so dominant.
Even Debs? I wouldn't have thought that she's be into it, unless Simon Le Bon was making a guest appearance.
Beat ya MU Rules!!!
Agreed, ManUtd. Men v. boys here. Sorry, Gooner.
Debs had a great time.
They all went last year I think
Of course, she said she was almost forgotten about
File this in the Bleedin Obvious File but...
Arsenal need the next goal or this title race is head to head fight between the Red corner and Blue Corner... notice what color I put first!
Yes UWS. MY misses is always giving a terrible time about my typing.
Any chance that Johnny Hates Jazz will do one of those Big 80s revival tours back here in the States?
Well stated UWS. Is the next red vs. blue at OT. If so then when?
This doesn't look good for Theo.
I'll go if Johnny Hates Jazz makes a stop in Texas.
My guess - Champion's League semi final.
Yes. They meet in the EPL as well.
There's your answer - April 3rd at OT. Thanks, Jon Champion.
As for JHJ, Clark has rejoined the band and they are going on tour to the Far East this year... I'll keep you posted
I'd be there too. But they've got to get Bananarama back together for the bill.
Interesting thought, will Theo be on the plane?
Is there a tinge of sarcasm Bob?
Thanks Blue Devil and UWS. My cat is creating more mischief around the house than the Goobers on the pitch.
I'd say, "just about." Theo's my second choice for someone to play wide right after Aaron Lennon. And I'm hoping that Davids Beckham and Bentley don't make the flight.
Becks is going
No, sarcasm, UWS. I always had a thing for Bananarama. They're scrumptious.
Half time
Come on Arsenal for the second half
I hope not. I'd love to see him playing for the Galaxy at Dick's Sporting Goods Arena at the height of the World Cup.
Half-time then. If a third Chelski goal goes in early in the second half, I may bail on this one. I've got interviews to transcribe today.
Alright!!
Villa vs Man U on FSC on Wednesday
I will have to record that as I will be at work for the original airing and tutoring for the evening showing. Also Wolves vs Spurs on FSC that same day. Some classics on Tuesday on FSC Fulham vs Burnley and Wigan vs Stoke.
Next week's FA Cup on FSC
7:30... the South Coast derby followed by Derby vs Brum
And we're off for the second half
Come ARSENAL!! did I just say that!!
Looking forward to it. The second half begins with the charismatic David Pleat.
Pleat fancies Ivanovic... get a room!
The Gooners need an early goal to get back into this match.
Is that what the Arse wants.... buy for cheap, sell for lots.... how about keep!
It's not raining, it's Arsenal crying
Arsenal are going to get the draw!
Why don't Arsenal have someone NEAR the keeper
So I heard. Wants him in something silky. My room will be on a different floor. Count me out!!!
ooh Drogs has a knock... he'll be back
I'm back from the shower and enjoying your comments about Mssrs Pleat and Ivanovic.
I'll be starting a class at 4 pm on Wednesday, unfortunately, so I'll be able to watch the first half online and then off to talk about BF Skinner.
Arsenal refuse to shoot again!!!
Drogba limping. let see if its serious.Seen this one before.
There's a shocker... drogs is back
To be fair to Arsene, over the years he's been able to get the best years out of a lot of players - Vieira, TH-14, Petit, Overmars, e.g. - before selling them all for loads of money. Not a bad policy.
Arsenal still trying the brilliant thru ball.
Don't be so clever!
Wenger shut up. Get a box of kleenex. Blue Devil I studied Skinner when I took psychology at Lakenheath.
Now Champion is lavishing praise on Ivanovic. A threesome perhaps?
But.. don't you think they could have kept them longer and won more things?
With Dr. Chester?
Count me out of that one.It must have been an interesting pre-game show.
No - I think that the record shows that all of the ones that I mentioned were past their best. Now, that doesn't mean that he hasn't given up players who were still young and had plenty to give - Example #1 Nicholas Anelka.
Yes Blue Devil that is correct. Was during my senior year.
What year did you graduate MU Rules?
Me too! Not the same class. By your birthdate, I'm guessing that you were graduation class of 1983, right? Same year as Stef Dosedel and Todd O'Neill?
SHOOT NASRI!!
I think Anelka was due to a personality conflict.
Of course, to be fair.... Anelka has been let go by EVERYONE
Ooh dear - JT's done himself an injury. That's not good.
Yes I was class of 83. I think Stef graduated in 84.
JT had a strenuous week. Not exactly a surprise.
I thought Stef was more than a year behind us
True - and as I remember he had a meddling brother/agent who was big on his move to Real Madrid. It might have been impossible to keep him at Highbury.
Maybe Matthew Upson is a better example. What they wouldn't do for a big English center back in the side right now. And one who isn't 84 years old like Sol.
Useless cross by the Arse
Arsenal will score if they decide to shoot
Yeah - you guys may be right. I always thought he was a year behind because we were central defense partners in the JV side sophomore year, but that may be because the 9th grade moved up from Feltwell that year.
Here comes my boy Nic Bendtner. About time. Champion reckon's Theo's made "zero impression." That's a bit harsh but he certainly didn't get the better of Cashley.
Ok, hopefully NB will put the boot in
Terry laying down... again
What a dive by Drogs!
JT limping off now. Not a good sign for Fabio and England but maybe it's relatively benign.
The class of 83 were the first freshmen at LHS. We are proud of that.
Yes, we 82ers were the last 9th graders at Feltwell. We were never the lowest on the the totem pole at the HS
WHat a challenge that was with Fab and Drog
Free kick chance for Arsenal
True.Transition is always interesting.
Great save by Cech... BUGGER
Brilliant save by Cech
almost again
Come on Arsenal
Better by the Gooners. Can they sustain this.
That would have been in if it had hit Gallas!
Wenger still complaining.
20 to go... still a chance for the Arse
I don't want Chelsea to get another. We are still ahead of them on GD
Go Gooners.
9th grade was always my favorite grade to teach - they were humble and a bit nervous. I like helping them enter the big school. By 10th grade a lot were jaded.
Bendtner always makes an impression. I don't know why Wenger doesn't start him. Maybe he's not fully fit right now? I don't know.
Double substitution. Let's see what happens.
"Econmical" Arsenal. Bendtner makes a positive start. Needs a better finish though.
Let's hope Terry won't be ready for Goodison on Wednesday
Definitely.
An Arsenal goal would make it interesting... almost in there
great save by Cech.
Oooh, Nic was nearly in there. Wisely didn't try a haymaker kick to Cech's head.
Poor cross. Too easy for Cech.
Just thought about the Euros... England will have to take on Berbatov!
Wenger right there with the substitution... probably telling them to hurry up
Boom boom Basil... very good Robert
Let me just say that I don't think that Rio is quaking in his boots about facing off against the Drac. Have you ordered your "I Saw Dimitar Berbatov score" t-shirt yet?
Drogs for the hat-trick?
ooh off the bar!
Was that a handball off the rebound? No
Cheers, mate. I try to save my best and most juvenile humor for the LOB.
Unlucky Drogs. Brilliant free kick.
hey, he scored yesterday!
Anelka should have hit the target there. Arsenal lucky not to be tonked again this weekend.
Wenger on the bench complaining at the Chelsea bench for not returning the ball
Careful Basil. You're on a yellow.
Booking for Jerk-off. Foul or time wasting?
One point out of nine is not too good!
Jon Champion alluding to the fact that the title challenge is over. Does that sound familiar Blue Devil?
Steve's thought too?
From Oli, the devastated Gunner, via text to 81111: "Get rid of Nasri and Almunia. New keeper. Van Persie back. Somehow keep Fabregas. Buy David Villa and maybe, just MAYBE, we can win a trophy next season!"
Fab hits one wide
April 3rd is the big one than at OT.
You sure that wasn't a Calamity o.g.?
Hey, how did I pick up a yellow card?
Chelsea are time wasting
Stop subbing
I think he wanted a goal attempt to give the appearance that he made some sort of contribution.
Was that Matt Damon in the hat?
I've just realized that the commentator that I've been calling Jon Champion all match is in fact Ian Darke. That reminds me - I find today's commentators, with the exception of Martin Tyler - fairly anonymous. I used to be able to spot the voices really clearly - you couldn't mistake Motty for anyone else, could you? But today? It's only Tyler...and of course Max Bretos!
UWS that is an excellent plan for the Gooners. Just don't tell them. Chelski is more than enough competition for us.
Arsenal fans are deluded, IMHO. The last thing they need is another small Spanish Continental striker. We've seen in the past three weeks how an physically weak Arse side have simply been out-muscled over the pitch by United, Chelski and....even Stoke!
Thanks Blue Devil. Motty was classic.
Good point Blue Devil. Don't know if Wenger will see it that way . It contradicts his philosophy.
Now Pleat wants a freaky floor show from the entire Chelski backline - struth!
The Table looks like this
That's it!!
Sorry Gooner
Chelsea Pd 25 58 pts GD +40
United Pd 25 56 pts GD +41
Arsenal PD 25 49 pts GD +30
Costa Pd 25 44 pts GD +17
Spurs Pd 25 43 pts GD +20
Citeh Pd 23 41 pts GD +13
Villa Pd 24 41 pts GD +13
Are Arsenal in danger of falling back?
Take care everyone
Enjoy the rest of your weekend
UWS
Match over. Wednesday at Villa Park is crucial. We need three points.
That's exactly why Wenger needs to be moved upstairs at the Emirates.
That's it - another weekend. Another match with Arsenal succumbing. Gooner is starting to hate Sundays, I suspect. Nice chatting with you lot as usual. Cheerio!
Take care . Thanks for inviting me. I have papers to grade and a tutoring job this afternoon.
Good point Blue Devil. Who would replace Wenger though. I did a Wikki on Epl coaches last summer. I "accidentally" ran into some info on Pleat. It was kind of scary. Don't remember how I found it. I think I was doing a Wikki on Spurs and found him on that site.
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