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!
It all comes down to today and it couldn't be set up in a more tantalizing fashion. Arsenal have a chance to lay down a marker against Stoke. And then there is the titanic struggle between #1 and #2. Chelsea must set out to win at Old Trafford today; a win or even a draw favors United in the run-in. Join me from 9am onward for all of today's action.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 8:41 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!
522 Comments:
I had a bit of a lie-in this morning after a late night writing session. So the early match is just about wrapping up with Wolves cruising to a priceless win over West Brom. It's 3-1 now. This will be particularly bad news for their relegation rivals. Wolves now jump out of the dropzone for the first time since...well, I can't remember.
Morning Bob,
I had a bit of a lie-in too
Not pleased with Wolves winning and climbing out of the zone. That means West Ham are FOUR Points from safety. If they fail to get at least a point next week... they are down
1326: Stoke v Arsenal line-ups:
Stoke: Begovic, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Huth, Wilson, Pennant, Whelan, Whitehead, Delap, Walters, Jones.
Subs: Sorensen, Collins, Pugh, Diao, Carew, Faye, Shotton.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Djourou, Gibbs, Walcott, Ramsey, Song, Wilshere, Arshavin, Van Persie.
Subs: Lehmann, Vermaelen, Rosicky, Squillaci, Eboue, Chamakh, Bendtner.
Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire)
Link for the Arse
http://nutjobsoccer.yolasite.com/
Morning, Dave. How are things at Chez Nocito? Pass my best on to Kathy on this Mother's Day for me, eh?
Do Stoke have their minds on the Cup Final next weekend. I hate that the FA Cup Final is next week
I know it is because of the Champions League Final but still!
Will do
Celtic are beating Killie 1-0 early into the second half
They need a win to keep a point behind Rangers with two to go
Arsenal can leapfrog Chelsea into second - at least temporarily - but only if they put six goals or more past Stoke. Unlikely but you never know, eh? "Football's a funny old game" and all that.
And we're underway at a bright, sunny Britannia Stadium. The spring weather in Blighty has been gorgeous.
We're off at the Brittainia
Have I told you that I am nervous
Stoke fans already singing Wembley Wembley
What words do they use? It doesn't really work without United
Blimey - that shot from Kenwynne Jones went out for a throw!
It looks a bit breezy in the Britannia today.
Jones tries a shot but it is more trouble for the corner flag than the keeper... it is out for a throw-in
Alan Parry says it looks lovely but very windy behind the Arse's backs in the first half
And now they're singing "When the Stoke go marching in?" That's even worse than the "Spurs" version yesterday. They should really leave that one for Southampton.
Good morning UWS and BD. I had a lie in too.
I am preparing some coffee so that I am alert.
Now the home fans are chanting "Boring, boring, boring" at Arsenal. What, not enough long throws for them?
Morning, MUR!
RVP is flagged offside after some good passing.
RVP should have done better there
Morning MUR
The Arse have some 0-0 draws and it was unfortunately 1-0 to the Arsenal last week. Their entertainment comes for the manager, not the players.
Arsenal starting to put some silky moves together. Lots of boos ringing the ground when they do.
You guys have both watched 'United' but still haven't
Bob, David said that he could see why Sir Matt's family didn't like it. He said he was portrayed as a cold figure
DISCUSS!
Gibbs wins a corner for the Gunners.
I agree that Arsenal's tippy tappy football can be tedius at times but I also think that Stoke fans criticizing them is akin to the proverbial "pot calling the kettle black."
My link just went bye bye
Found another one
I suppose that's a fair criticism. David Pennant's Jimmy Murphy was certainly the warmer character. But the portrayal of Sir Matt was certainly respectful - he seemed a commanding figure at the helm.
I thought Sir Matt was a warm , jolly person, but in the movie he was portrayed as a cold and sort of cynical unemotional person. Jimmy Murphy was the kind, caring person in the movie.The actor that was Dr. Who played Jimmy Murphy.
Why are you watching a link? It's on FSC.
Delap winding up the traditional long throw.
Sir Matt was a commanding respectful person, but the family was probably looking for a warmer, more caring person.
Czezny struggled to punch clear, then Pennant volleyed just wide against his former team.
Bit of afters between Wilshere and Whitehead there.
I didn't know that!!
WHAT A PLONKER I AM!!!!
Wasn't Sir Matt a hands on coach? The first tracksuit coach. That wasn't shown at all, correct?
Celtic are two up at Killie
Yes. that is correct. In the movie, Jimmy Murphy was the track suit coach and Sir Matt was a "supervisor."
That is correct. He's shown very much as a behind the scenes man. Dressed in a suit, overcoat and hat. But he is on the plane in Munich while Jimmy Murphy is back in the UK for some reason. He is shown expressing regret for the flight back from Munich though. You do see some emotion there.
I'll be waiting for the episode involving the Fergie years. How bout this for a title: "United: One Man and His Pick 'n' Mix."
What do you think that Wolves win means today?
The table is like this
Bburn 39 United H, Wolves A
Brum 39 Fulham H, Spurs A
Wolves 37 Sunderland A, Bburn H
Bpool 36 Bolton H, United A
Wigan 36 West Ham H, Stoke A
West Ham 33 Wigan A, Sunderland H
I think West Ham are gonners!!
I agree with both comments, Bob.The Fergie years should include the Fergie Babes in the mid 90's and his bouts with Ince ,Van Nistleroy,Roon ,and especially Becks.
Overall, a good movie?
West Ham must win at the DW on Saturday or else they are gonners.Everyone else is still in the mix. I didn't want Wolves to win today.
I thought it was an excellent movie. It was strange watching players having a smoke in the dressing room prior to walking on the pitch.
I agree, UWS. I had them winning yesterday and picking up another point against Sunderland on the last day. Yesterday's draw means they'll have to win at Wigan to have any chance. With the win today, Wolves are in pole position to escape.
Who was the player who was always shown puffing on a pipe in the tunnel?
Pennant gets the "You never played for Arsenal" business from the Gunners fans in the corner.
GOAL! Kenwynne Jones scores the requisite set piece goal against Arsenal. Too easy.
1-0 Stoke!
Goal!!
Jones with a goal from a set piece
WHY COULDN'T UNITED DO THAT LAST WEEK!!
I know why... we always took short corners!!!
GOAL!! KENWYNE SCORES EASILY FROM THE FREE KICK TAKEN BY PENNANT AS HE WAS UNMARKED IN THE SIX YARD BOX. IT WAS LAUGHABLE.
I am not sure which player did that, but I am sure that really happened. I also heard that both Charltons were heavy smokers in the day.
The Arsenal bench is looking particularly grumpy now.
Arsenal fans should shut it as Pennnant has been the best player on the pitch.
Ramsey has a shot blocked by Shawcross.
These guys are talking like Arsene is an alcoholic!
"he needs to admit there is a problem. Once you admit it, you can start to solve it' !!!
BLOODY HELL!!
I think it is ridiculous about Arsenal and no trophy. No, they haven't won anything but they have be there and there abouts. There just happened to be a better team or two each season.
According to Wikkipedia, the Charltons are related to the Milburn footballing family through their mother's side of the family and that she was a football fanatic. She was supposedly responsible for their interest in footie.
I knew that.
Sir Bobby always talked about Uncle Jackie Milburn
The Gunners have come close. They lost two Carling Cup Finals and a CL Final in that six year period.
Wilshere seems a bit tetchy today. That was an obvious foul too. Get on with it, Jack!
I thought the Charltons were from Yorkshire, but I guess they were from the Northeast. Either way a great family.
Yea, they were Geordies
Celtic have won 2-0
Rangers still favorites
That was an odd bit of 12 Step analysis of Wenger, but I do agree with the main point that the entire Arsenal set-up doesn't see the value of a solid defense. That includes Arsenal fans who buy into the mythology of "total football." They believe that any player on the pitch, if he's good enough, can play interchangeable attacking and defending roles.
Than you , UWS. You are a United Encyclopedia. We should call you Unitedpedia.
I see your point but they are still challenging for trophies every year. They have just been unlucky at times
Nice name.. thank you
What minutes did Stuart Pearson and Jimmy Greenhoff score their goals in the 77 Cup Final?
no cheating
That's true. I just feel Arsenal do the difficult things well, but fail at doing the easy things, such as marking up at set pieces.
TWO NIL!!!
PENNANT STUFFS IT DOWN THE ARSE'S FANS THROATS
GOAL! And that just adds salt to the wounds as Arsenal reject Jermaine Pennant adds a second. He wasn't closed down and the shot was deflected over Sczesny.
Again... why could United do that last week!!!!!
1444: There's a lot of chat that Patrice Evra won't be playing for Manchester United today. We can't 100% confirm that, but will have line-ups and chat from Old Trafford shortly.
WOW! You Never Played For Arsenal makes it 2-0 with a brilliant turn and long range shot. It took a slight deflection, but still an excellent goal.
ooh, off the bar from Stoke
Oh - Walters is inches away from adding a third. Skims the bar after skinning Sagna.
Nearly 3-0 as Walters hits the bar with what was meant to be a cross.
I would say Pearson 50th minute and J Greenhoff 55th or 56th minute.
Boy, this color guy does not like the Arsenal. Is he a Spurs fan?
Should Citeh be scared?
I am pleased that Stoke didn't put out a weaken side today
Of course, they were supposed to play Citeh in the league next weekend!
Not scared. They just can't be complacent. I am rooting for Citeh next Saturday.
Weren't those goals later on? Like in the 80th and 81st minutes? And then the Sunderland winner was right at the death?
You are correct
Pearson 50
Case 53
Greenhoff 55
The league is rescheduled for a week from Tuesday.
WRONG BLOODY FINAL BOB... YOU BROUGHT THAT ONE UP ON PURPOSE!!
I am rooting for Citeh too
I remember that all three goals came in a short period of time. I was guessing the 52nd minute for Case.
I want to see Oasis burst into song at the end of the game
Sorry.
That's it
Half time
Stoke 2 Arsenal 0
How did United not get a point from this lot?
Stoke lead 2-0 at halftime and Wenger looks ARSED!
We're off in the second half
Stoke about to get us underway in the second half. Wenger has made some changes. Chamakh and Bendtner have come on for Arshavin and Ramsey.
Another set piece for Stoke and another big chance - this time for Huth.
That was nasty by Song
And now there are more handbags between Song and Huth after the fact. No need for that.
anchester United v Chelsea scene-setter:
Phil McNulty at Old Trafford: "Huge sense of anticipation around Old Trafford. The Premier League title is effectively on the line. Sir Alex Ferguson believes victory today will more or less seal Manchester United's record 19th title while Chelsea are suddenly presented with a chance to retain the crown that looked lost a few weeks ago."
Huth has a problem now. This may be really bad news for Stoke ahead of their Cup Final next weekend.
Huth did put his hand in Song's face and that is why he ebowed him
Would you take a draw today ahead of the match?
I would prefer a win and seal the title ASAP. Faye is on for Huth.
Me too but..
I reckon that's all you need and what you're likely to get today.
RVP is crowded out in the box.
Just wide by Chamakh , but Begovic had it covered.
Bendtner tries to "bendt" one at goal. Just wide.
I see your "point."
I am going to get you on Mastermind... specialized subject... the bleedin obvious!!
What color is the White House?
What year was the War of 1812?
Who's buried in Grant's tomb?
Do we want United to win today?
Terrible scuffed shot by Chamakh at the end of a decent move.
Why do you ask such difficult questions,UWS?
Hey it's Mastermind
From The Daily Telegraph's Henry Winter on Twitter: "MUFC: Van der Sar; Fabio, Ferdinand, Vidic, O'Shea; Valencia, Carrick Giggs, Park; Rooney; Hernandez... CFC Torres on bench."
Sagna's gone down holding his face for some reason. Not a lot of contact.
Drac on the bench or in the stands?
I am off for a quick walkies...i'll be back
Ancelotti realizes that we have received plenty of help from Torres.
My guess is that Drac will be on the bench. He has not been in the best form lately.
Take Care,UWS.
RVP with a tame effort from Sagna's cross.
RVP shoots tamely at Begovic.
Enjoy the walkies!
Walters is flagged offside for Stoke as they tried to keep possession.
That's a bit rash from Bendtner on Pennant. Yellow card coming for Big Nik.
A nasty challenge by Bendter on Pennant and he receives a yellow card. Lucky Boy!
Stoke tried to make it three , but they took too long to shoot , then Pennant crossed to Czezny.
Walters is offside again.
Bendtner's been hopeless since coming on. He's surely gone in the summer.
OH dear - now it's Wilshere and Pennant coming together. And I think Jack's off here. Studs up for the second time in this match.
Wilshere has lost the plot!
Consulting with the linesman here. Wilshere and Pennant pulled over.
Yellow for both. I'm amazed.
Both Pennant and Wilshere see yellow. I can see for Pennant since he was pushing, but Wilshere should have been sent off.
Wenger's got to get Wilshere off before he's sent off.
Tony Pulis has the smarts to take Pennant off. He's been barracked by the Gunners fans all afternoon.
Danny Pugh is on for Pennant who would be suspended for the cup final if he were to be sent off.
Danny Pugh is on for Pennant who would be suspended for the cup final if he were to be sent off.
Oh - how did RVP not score there. Just needed a delicate chip over Begovic but the keeper did well.
Begovic made a great blocking save from RVP that could have put the Gunners back in this match.
Djourou nearly onto the header at the backpost there. A sense of urgency from Arsenal now.
Stoke have easily cleared both Arsenal corners.
Stoke fans are determined to make it difficult for the Gunners after the earlier flash point.
Oh - now Whelan pulls a great save out of Szcesny.
Czezny tips a shot from whelan around the post as Stoke countered.
Shawcross fouls Sczesny and the whistle goes.
Czezny was fouled attempting to catch the corner and holds his tummy.
Wilshere's really treading a fine line with Mark Halsey.
I really don't know what Wenger is playing at keeping Jack Wilshere on the pitch at this point.
I am not sure either. There are times when I feel that Wenger just lacks common sense.
RVP shoots and it lands in ROW Z.
Instead it's Song trooping off and Rosicky on. That's the last change. Incredible - Wenger has lost the plot!
Rosicky just came on as a sub. Did he replace Wilshere?
GOAL! Oh - that was good from RVP. Wonderful flowing move from the Arse and then RVP jinked inside on his right.
2-1 Game on!
GOAL!!! RVP scores and Begovic should have done better. Poor defending from Stoke.
Nope - Wilshere is still on amazing.
GOAL! An immediate response from Stoke through Walters!
3-1!
GOAL!! 3-1 AS wALTRES FINISHES EASILY PAST cZEZNY.
What was Djourou thinking there. Terrible clearance.
Well, I'm off for a shower now. This one's in the bag for Stoke.
Morning gents. That kills their comeback.
Stoke scored 23 seconds after kicking off. How does Arsenal expect to win the title with that sort of defending? Sloppy clearance from Djourou.
Good Morning Someone. You must be pleased that Everton won yesterday and Celtic today.
I cannot believe that Wilshere is still on the pitch.
See you in a few ticks BOB.
The Gunners have a free kick just outside the box.
Celtic need help, but it was a good win.
Nice to see the Toffees come back when they have little to play for.
Theo shoots into the wall then Sagna blazes over.
The fans are exiting , probably getting ready for the Cup Final.
Gunners fans are exiting to beat the traffic,LOL.
Useless cross by Theo. He has been poor today.
There will be four minutes of stoppage time.
IT'S CURTAINS FOR ARSENAL! Their title chances were over several weeks ago in all honesty.
Nik is called for a foul, but Begovic still saved his effort.
I am back
Here are the official line ups
1550: Manchester United v Chelsea line-ups:
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Fabio Da Silva, Ferdinand, Vidic, O'Shea, Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Park, Rooney, Hernandez.
Subs: Kuszczak, Anderson, Berbatov, Smalling, Nani, Scholes, Evans.
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, David Luiz, Cole, Mikel, Lampard, Essien, Kalou, Drogba, Malouda.
Subs: Turnbull, Ramires, Torres, Benayoun, Ferreira, Alex, Anelka.
Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)
Wish I did
From Andy, Bolton, on text: "I've had 30 quid on every Premier League team to score this weekend, just need a goalfest at Old Trafford for £6,127, don't care who wins."
Stoke win 3-1 and Wenger is being decent about this by giving Pulis a firm handshake. I think he knows that his side was awful today.
Stoke are up to 8th. They are leading the pack of other teams besides the Top three, Spurs and the Merseyside clubs
Not happy that Evra isn't fit
I haven't done this yet but friend of mine sent this to me
Go to the iTunes Music Store.
Search for RadioLab. It's a podcast.
Once you find it, go to the 2/8/11 episode. "The Loneliness of the Goalkeeper"
You will like it. All about being a soccer goalkeeper, by a former Arsenal keeper.
Give it a try.
COME ON UNITED!
COME ON UNITED!
COME ON UNITED!
Just score in three in the first ten minutes please United!!
Thank you,UWS. I would like to watch that episode.
I would love that. I wish Evra was playing. I hope O'Shea does a decent job.
At this pint I will be happy with 1-0 to the United.
Here we go fellas
I can't believe it has come down to this
Nostrabobus has ben adamant that the title was over weeks ago.... how wrong he was!
We're off
The match kicks off from OT as Peter Drury and Craig Burley are the announcers.
YEEEEES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
30 seconds!!!!!!
I'm back just in time for Chicha to put the nail into Chelsea coffins.
WOW! 1-0 United!
YES! CHICHARITO SCORES AFTER 35 SECONDS!
Great finish from the lad. What a great buy he's been.
There's your start guys!
Two more please!!!
That should settle the nerves, gents. Chelsea need two.
Come on Man U
Come on Man U
Come on Man U
Was the goal too early?
Great pass from Park to Chicharito was helped by a slip from David Luiz.
Keep it tight United... keep it tight
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