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!
The last time Arsenal played at Old Trafford, Arsene Wenger took the opportunity to mingle with the United faithful in the stands. We can only hope for a repeat performance, as the war of words between the two managers has heated up this week. It could get a bit spicy out there this evening. Don't even think of not joining me on the LOB from 3pm EST onward.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 2:25 PM
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!
216 Comments:
The line-ups are already out for this evening's big two clash:
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael Da Silva, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra,
Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson, Nani, Rooney, Park.
Subs: Kuszczak, Brown, Berbatov, Giggs, Smalling, Hernandez, Obertan.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy, Song,
Rosicky, Wilshere, Nasri, Chamakh, Arshavin.
Subs: Fabianski, Fabregas, van Persie, Walcott, Denilson, Djourou, Bendtner.
Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)
Very interesting, that. The back four for United looks like what you might expect, but what about that midfield? I count three holding middies in Fletch, Carrick and Anderson. That leaves Park to nip about doing his thing and Nani to provide some width out right and Mr. Wayne Rooney with no room to hide as the lone striker up top.
Arsenal in contrast have Chamakh and Arshavin up top with the in form Nasri buzzing about behind them. Song provides the graft as the holding middie and Rosicky and Wilshere the craft around the box.
So, who exactly is the home side today?
Will be poking my head in here and listening to ESPN3 coverage at work.
Shhh!
Brilliant stream as usual up through My Premium TV:
http://mypremium.tv/
Welcome, Someone. I certainly sanction skiving off from work, particularly when it comes to watching the Beautiful Game. I'll look forward to your comments.
Lovely ceremony pre-match for Ole Gunnar Solksjaer who is heading off to manage the Maltese national side. He'll be missed.
Catalog is down for maintainence. Doing other things while the match is in an ear.
Nice stream on mypremiumtv too. Have not used that one yet.
It's one of my favorites now. Very easy to navigate and they have live links to the BBC and ITV channels so that Match of the Day is accessible on Saturday afternoons.
Right then - down to it. United to get us started. Martin Tyler on the microphone. Can't get any better than that. Unfortunately it's the mad lisper Alan Smith alongside him.
Is it all sports related channels? I know there was one news station streaming.
Game on.
It's mainly sports related but also has those main channel listings, so you can catch up on East Enders while having a late lunch.
I'll show my wife that one. She misses live BBC.
Chilcy runs down Nasri. Webb has a chat with him.
Clichy nobbled Nani there and the Portugeezer is down for the count. An early yellow card from Howard Webb then? No, just a sharp word in Clichy's ear.
Anderson doesn't beat the first man with his free kick. A waste. All United possession so far but nothing terribly probing.
A bit more adventure from the Arsenal is ended by a Chamakh's foul. And VDS immediately plays Rooney in up front. Does well 1 against 2 in getting a shot off that Szczesny has some difficulty with.
I am home just to see Rooney have a nice dipping shot
I thought United would play with 1 up top. United can break so fast on the Arse
I am home just to see Rooney have a nice dipping shot
I thought United would play with 1 up top. United can break so fast on the Arse
I am home just to see Rooney have a nice dipping shot
I thought United would play with 1 up top. United can break so fast on the Arse
How has Roon looked?
Great ball in there from Rosicky and Chamakh does well to beat his man and get a header on target. Easily saved by VDS though.
Welcome, Dave! How was school today?
Roon has definitely looked up for it so far. Several nice lay-offs.
My computer is really acting up right now
Sorry about the double post
No worries.
Dracula looks a bit chilly on the bench. I want one of those snoods for Christmas but I thought that Ferg had banned them at OT.
Anderson has done well as of late
Nani to take from miles out... at least he didn't hit the wall or row Q
Arsenal are committing far too many fouls today. Giving away lots of opportunities for free kicks.
My boy Nani to strike this one....
Decent hit but Szczesny deals with another dipping shot.
Rafael did well to track back and block Clichy's cross there.
Hopeless by Park after being given the ball by Willshire
Those aren't boos; they're saying "Roooooooooon."
More crap by Park... come on UNITED!!!
Lots of tippy tappy stuff from Arsenal - very little thrusting as of yet. David Pleat would not be pleased.
Nani takes an eternity to make a move and does nothing with it. Nice ball by Carrick but Anderson is offside
What's your problem with Park? It's not like he's been snacking on Shadow, although he would if given half a chance.
He has just done a couple of useless things with the ball recently
Bloody hell - I've just noticed that Carlito has described his relationship with Citeh as "beyond repair." Crikey!
Nani beaten to the ball there by Arse Shaven... go to the ball!
Oh - that was a hopeless effort from Arshavin. What was he thinking?
What do you think about Big Sam getting the boot today?
No comments from you on the epic picture of the LHS 1982 Champions yesterday. Were you busy?
ooooh, Nani just wide!!!!
Blimey - I hadn't heard! Good riddance to him, I say. I hate that bloke. I can go back to somewhat liking Blackburn now.
Yeah, great picture!
Yeah, great picture!
That's it?!!!
me too about Blackburn... computer acting up again
Oh - Nani should have buried that one. He was slipping when he hit it. Needs longer studs in?
Neville and Becks watching the match together... isn't that sweet
I AM WATCHING AN IMPORTANT MATCH!!!!
What kind of snood is that Becks is wearing? Flash bastard!
And why isn't he in LA?
I'll expect a full account via email after the match then.
Route 1 from Arsenal. There's a surprise!
Arshavin wins a corner off Rafael....
Played short - you'll like that.
Where did you go - did Kathy just bring you tea and some bickies?
United call for a pen... it did hit hand but I agree... no pen
Anderson wins United a corner now....
Nani whips it in and it's headed out.
Crowd sounds good
You're a wee bit ahead of me. Are you on My Premium? I may have to refresh the link.
No, I am on ESPN 2 TV
No, I am on ESPN 2 TV
I am here.. no tea either
Rubbish ball there from Clichy. He's looked poor.
No tea? Without milk or sugar...or tea?! In a cracked and all....
I had to suck on a piece of damp cloth!
Anderson should have done better there!
I had to suck on a piece of damp cloth!
Anderson should have done better there!
Roon's back to effing and blinding the officials. I suppose that's a good sign, right?
The other day I responded to a Facebook update from a friend talking about what she was cooking for dinner by asking, "Is there any Spam in it?" And no one got the joke - pathetic!
What is going on with my computer!
IT'S NOT ME
Webby's not happy with Vidic now after that cruncher on Chamakh.
Fletcher lucky to not get carded after touching Webb.
I DON'T LIKE SPAM!
Fletch was fouled there but he was lucky not to go in the book
You are hogging the comments today, aren't you, mate? The Jermain Defoe of the LOB.
Shush, dear, don't make a fuss. I'll have your Spam. I luv it!
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PARK!!!
HE'S SHORT HE'S HARD!!
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PARK!!!
HE'S SHORT HE'S HARD!!
Nice cross by Nani to Park's head.
My double comments are bugging me!!
GOAL! It's in the net, but I'm not quite sure how! Park's celebrating, so that's something.
WE"RE TOP!!!
WE"RE TOP!!!
Was that intention or not? Discuss....
I am a bit peckish, you know.
The cross from Nani wasn't but I think the header was
Arsenal are being very physical... don't complain Arsene
Settle down Fletch
Chamakh given the first yellow.
Nasty one there from Chamakh and he's going to pick up a yellow card for his trouble. Nani's down rolling about again.
Don't have any baked beans? Can I have Spam instead?
I've give him a second yellow just for the hairstyle. Cor!
I REALLY want Rooney to get a goal from open play for the first time since the opening minute in Munich
What, you mean, Spam Spam Spam Spam Spam Spam Spam Spam Spam Spam Spam and Spam?
Arse Shaven in the book
Chance for Nani
Lots of snow out here today. What about your side of the state, Dave?
Anderson or Nani....HOPELESS BY ANDERSON
Half time
Long may the score continue!
Dirty, dirty Arsenal!
My sister told me about the Chilean miners were at the match. Becks having his picture with him
HE SHOULD HAVE NEVER LEFT!
He should have been a Scholes and Giggs
We're off... Arsenal gets us started... United attacking the Stretford End
We're off... Arsenal gets us started... United attacking the Stretford End
We're off... Arsenal gets us started... United attacking the Stretford End
Teams back out then. Arsenal to get us underway in the second half. No changes as of yet.
My computer is doing it again!
Sometimes a window says confilct!
20 hours of open play for Roon
20 hours of open play for Roon
Rosicky hits one well wide
Van Persie is warming up on the touchline. The only problem is...he's rubbish!
Fletch hasn't done that well tonight.
He was one of our best players last season.
Corner to United
Fletch hasn't done that well tonight.
He was one of our best players last season.
Corner to United
Song with a risky header gives up a corner.
Rosicky tries a speculative one and it trickles harmlessly by the post.
Are these double postings annoying you as much as it annoying me?
I feel like kicking myself off the blog!
Rooney needs help up there
Rooney needs help up there
Not annoying me at all but you might be coming close to a yellow card.
I agree with you. Roon has never really been that comfortable leading the line. He's much more effective playing behind a front pairing IMHO.
Sagna wellies a cross rather than trying to pick out Chamakh at the near post.
Hopeless by Nani!
Just make a move... stop doing the backheals!
Hopeless by Nani!
Just make a move... stop doing the backheals!
Trying to make up my mind whether I should go to an optional meeting at 4:30 or watch the end of the match. Any suggestions?
PUT IT IN ANDERSON!!!
PUT IT IN ANDERSON!!!
You can't take the Nani out of Nani.
The guy on the Beeb says that Nani is definitely United's best player... you?
Oh - good save Szczesny at the feet of Anderson.
Strangely enough, none of the United players has really shined for me, despite your being 1-0 up in the most important match so far this season.
STRUTH!
Nice move by Nasri but VDS should have done better but SCHMUCK couldn't net the rebound
Vidic makes the save on Chamakh, wow.
Lots of Arsenal pressure now. Surely United can't withstand that for 35 odd minutes.
Chamakh nearly in there but slightly ahead of the ball.
Arsenal starting to make a lot of chances
Arsenal starting to make a lot of chances
United looking very shaky right now
It is all Gunners
United looking very shaky right now
It is all Gunners
Chamakh balloons a shot up and wins a corner.
Great tackle by Anderson sets up Nani who misses TWICE!!!
Great tackle by Anderson sets up Nani who misses TWICE!!!
Fergie not happy with the Iberian!
Golden opportunity for Nani fired high, he and Chichy were stripping the ball from each other.
Oh - what a miss from my boy Nani!
Surely it's time for some Arsenal changes, eh?
United haven't lost a match with Nani started for 70 games!
He does keep doing the same move. Back heals it with hit right to go left... the defenders know it!
Getting fairly scrappy out there. I think that suits United.
HOPELESS ATTEMPT BY NANI FOR A CROSS!
HOPELESS ATTEMPT BY NANI FOR A CROSS!
RVP about to come on
Nani must be doing something right.
I am going to kick myself off!!!
Why bother? RVP is hopeless.
RVP in for Wiltshire, who just got a knock?
Fabergas coming in too.
Fabergas about to come on too
Wilshire and Rosicky to make way
Fabergas about to come on too
Wilshire and Rosicky to make way
Go on - give yourself a kick in the bum or have Kathy do it for you.
so is Nani
Booing for Fab as he comes on - why?
RVP had a chance right away
More pressure from the Arsenal ends with a tame shot from Arshavin.
United really need a second..
They have scored at least two goals in all their home games...keep it going
Evra and Park get in each other's way for a shot
Evra and Park get in each other's way for a shot
Is Anderson playing at center forward now?
Roon has been very quiet in the second half
Should Berba come on
It is getting testy out there
Twenty minutes left. I'm sticking around as it's still in the balance.
All I have seen Rooney do this half is lose a jump ball in the air
I'd have Roon off now - he seems gassed.
Hand ball on Clichy. Penalty.
PENALTY!!!
The linesman calls it... Arsenal didn't seem too upset about it but now they are
Arsene is complaining
Rooney to take
PENALTY! I didn't see it but the linesman saw the handball.
OVER THE BAR!!!!
HOPELESS!!
OVER THE BAR!!!!
HOPELESS!!
Rooney fires the penalty into the bleachers!
Arsene is livid. I don't know how intentional that one was. Clichy merely seemed to be sliding in with his arm at his side.
Arshavin needs to be replaced by Walcott.
If Arsenal can't get inspired by that gift of a miss....
My stream went dead just as Roon was preparing to take it. Will Ferg rue not replacing Roon?
Arse Shaven is off for Theo
I agree, Someone. Theo might add a bit of pace to the Arsenal attack. RVP hasn't shown anything. Big surprise!
SO... IT IS YOUR FAULT THAT HE MISSED
SO... IT IS YOUR FAULT THAT HE MISSED
RVP is now trying to talk himself into Howard Webb's book.
Fifteen minutes left for Arsenal to scratch out a draw here.
RVP was turned around on what should have been his first touch and has been absent since.
Cese has not shown much either.
United's defense has looked solid
Neither team is passing that well right now
It really hasn't been much of an advert for Premiership footer, has it? Fast and furious but where's the quality?
I don't think it has been that fast either. Furious maybe
I don't think it has been that fast either. Furious maybe
Just over 5 to go plus added time
Song picks up a yellow for pulling down Evra.
Giggs in for Anderson.
Giggs is coming on for Anderson.
I don't know if I would have made that move
Smudger wants Arsenal to push harder.
Infostrada Sports on Twitter: "Wayne Rooney has missed four of his nine Premier League penalties and this was his third miss from the spot at Old Trafford."
ooh, nice chip from Rooney
Just blow up ref.. we don't really need to play 90
Szczesny's been good today.
Roon finds Giggs, his crossed is blocked for a corner
Bloody short one comes to nothing
Bloody short one comes to nothing
2 to go
Giggs breaks but his pass went awry... United were caught with players going forward. Dangerous cross
4 added minutes
Barry Glendenning on the Guardian:
"Why did I bet on Arsenal? Do I never learn? They're flaky, windy and thoroughly unreliable, writes minute-by-minute reporter in last-ditch bid to tempt fate."
RVP is never going to be that kind of target man who's looking to get on the end of those crosses.
Ferdinand heads out a nice cross by Walcott. Arsenal showing a lack or ability late.
Well into stoppage time now....
3 to go
COME ON UNITED!!
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