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!
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger may be downplaying importance of today's return leg in Udine, but it's a huge night for the Arsenal. I hope we will all be honorary Gooners for one evening. I'll be pedaling home after my 1pm meeting to hole up in Blue Devil HQ this afternoon. Join me from about 2:30pm onward. Come on, you Arsenal!
posted by The Blue Devil @ 12:47 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!
234 Comments:
It hates me to say this as a True Red Devil but.... I am a Gooner tonight... best of luck
Sorry for that last statement.. it was a cross between... I HATE TO SAY THIS and IT PAINS ME TO SAY THIS... but you guys get the drift... a very very very important match of the Arse
Maybe Arsene should tank it and go into the Europa League and win the damn thing... a trophy at last!!
If so, can I change my prediction
Rubin Kazan vs Lyon has finished at 1-1 so Lyon win 4-2 on aggregate and advance to the group stages of the CL. Rubin will play in the Europa League.
I'm back after my extra tedious faculty meeting this afternoon and looking forward to some exciting CL action. Welcome, lads!
Team news out of Udine tonight:
Udinese (4-4-1-1) Handanovic; Ekstrand, Benatia, Danilo, Neuton; Isla, Agyemang-Badu, Asamoah, Armero; Pinzi; Di Natale.
Subs: Belardi, Basta, Denis, Abdi, Pasquale, Doubai, Fabbrini.
Arsenal (4-2-3-1) Szczesny; Jenkinson, Djourou, Vermaelen, Sagna; Frimpong, Song; Walcott, Ramsey, Gervinho; van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arshavin, Chamakh, Traore, Miquel.
Referee Olegario Benquerenca (Portugal)
Hello BD. How are you? I just read that Fenerbache have withdrawn from the CL due to match fixing allegations, meaning that Turkey will not have a team in the CL this season. A replacement has not been dtermined.
There is Carling Cup action this evening too.
I had a awful feeling that Arsene would abandon the Arsenal way tonight and go with a defensive line-up to provide the slim 1-0 advantage from the home leg. Back four + two defensive middies (Ping Pong and Song), a couple of attacking middies and only RVP up front.
Chamakh is the only forward on the bench.
Yeah - I think Pool and Exeter have already kicked off. How about all three promoted Prem sides going out last night - wow!
I was wrong - Pool kick off at 2:45. Interestingly, King Kenny is fielding a really strong side with Suarez, Mereiles, Charlie Adam, and Reina in it.
I think the three promoted sides blew off the Carling Cup to concentrate on EPL survival. I tihnk there are two first round matches in th Carling Cup.
I talked to brother, a Pool fan, and he expected a strong side as he thinks Pool will be trying to win the competition as they are not in Europe this season.
I will be able to chat only for the first half as I have class during the second half. I will see if ESPN has a link.
I will be an honorary Gooner today.
I can't tell you how much pleasure I'm taking from being home watching the FSC coverage for a mid-week CL match with you lot on the blog. Fantastic!
And we're off and Udinese looking to hit Arsenal quickly.
I did not find a link, but I will follow the live scores on Soccernet.
Oh - Gervinho did superbly there but couldn't find RVP with his final ball.
I am glad to join you. The Carling Cup matches have kicked off too.
Oh - Walcott with a nice hit beaten away by the keeper.
Blackburn vs Wednesday, Bolton vs Macclesfield, and Everton vs The Blades kick off in fifteen minutes.
Frimpong gave the ball away cheaply and Badu was able to get a decent shot off that Szesny had to smother.
Boro have taken an early lead at Posh. Robson with the goal.
Szcesny saves from Amaro.
There are even a couple of rescheduled Carling 1st Round matches due to the rioting.
West Ham v. Aldershot and
Bristol C. v. Swindon
I wonder if Fat Sam will adopt the same approach that the promoted sides did last night in that the Carling is not top of their list of priorities?
Oh - Di Natale has the ball in the net brilliantly on the volley on the turn but the flag was up for offside.
I remember that Di Natale was the main threat for Udinese last week.
I would not be surprised if the Hammers lose at home to Aldershot this evening.
I've always loved the hand gestures from Italian players. Di Natale is having a cow about that offside call.
Terrific game so far and Arsenal have to be pleased with the way they've started. 80 minutes now to survive and they're through to the group stage.
I agree, MUR. The Carling Cup should be left to sides like Leeds who really need it!
I think the Gunners should try to score because they have a slim advantage. It is difficult to hold on to a one goal lead.
Badu had a chance but his cross was poor and Arsenal have a chance to clear now.
I am back from a trip to Walmart
12 minutes in... any chances either end
I agree. I did tell UWS that I am hoping for Man Yoo vs Leeds in the Third Round so we can have a rematch of the Third Round FA Cup tie.
I agree in that attacking is the best defensive posture. Absorbing pressure for 90 minutes is difficult for the best defensive side and Arsenal aren't that. I hope they can keep Udinese busy with some attacks even if they don't score.
Hello UWS. Udinese had a goal called back for offside.
Lots of chances at both ends, including one disallowed goal for Udinese for offside.
The Champions League draw for the group stage is tomorrow morning. I will be teaching, but I am wondering who United will get in the group stages. Fenerbache were kicked out , so I don't know if they will be replaced.
Oh - massive scramble in the Arsenal box. Off the post!
Thanks for the heads-up - I'll try to follow that live.
Don Fabio's here! Who's he watching? Theo?
The Hammers have taken the lead vs Aldershot. I think Fat Sam is doing this to make us look like fools.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mwL6R-Z1e4
Here's a link for SS
It's Stanislas with the West Ham goal.
Blackburn Rovers have taken an early lead vs Sheffield Wednesday.
That was a mad scramble off the post by Udi
Walcott wasn't offside
Balckburn score two quick goals against Sheff Wed
Definitely a second team for West Ham tonight. Some bloke named Ruud Boffin is in goal. Classic name!
No problem. I thought you might find that interesting. They were kicked out of the CL due to match fixing. No Turkish sides will be in the CL group stages this season.
No problem. I thought you might find that interesting. They were kicked out of the CL due to match fixing. No Turkish sides will be in the CL group stages this season.
Somebody named Ruben Rochina with a brace for Blackburn. Anybody know him?
Rovers are three nil up
Alfretown all over again!
Oh - a real let off for Arsenal. Di Natale off the post!
off the post by Udi!!!
Arsenal are going to have some trouble here!!
Mers... off the Sunday Roast!
Vermaelen really should have been able to cut that cross out.
Blackburn are 3-0 up! Goodwille with the strike.
Are you ignoring my posts!!!! I already announced the Rovers treble
A goal somewhere... St. James's Park
To LiverSox... Suarez
Goodwillie is a new signing from Dundee United . He played Saturday against Villa.
Sorry - you beat me to it, Mr. Fast Fingers.
Alfreton were nine up at halftime. Rovers need six more.
Lovely - I like how my Golden Boot man is rattling in the goals.
The Boro Derby is still being led by Middles... Peter wasted all their goals against Ipswich!
Macclesfield take the lead at the Reebok
Nice one, UWS! LOL!
Macclesfield havew taken the lead at Bolton.
Middles double their lead against Peter in the Boro Battle
Another Premiership side not taking the Carling Cup seriously.
Middlesbrough now lead 0-2 in the Boro Derby.
I guess Bolton are not looking to repeat their Cup semifinal run.
No goals yet in the CL matches tonight apart from those in the early kick off that saw Lyon go through on a 2-4 aggregate against Rubin Kazan.
hat is a surprise. I thought we would have seen at least one in the CL. The woodwork is working overtime.
Arsenal have ridden their luck, for sure, but the bottom line is that Udinese only have an hour left to level the aggregate score. That's why their coach is pacing manically up and down the technical area.
Fantastic double save from Bogdanovic!
How did Walcott not score..nice save but...
Udi comes down and could have scored too
End to end stuff! Now it's Szcesny saving well from Di Natale!
I've just had a look at Everton's line-up for tonight's clash with the Blades. I don't understand why sides like Everton don't take the Carling Cup seriously. What else do they realistically have to play for this season?
I agree. That is their neighbors across the Park have full strength lineup
2016: BREAKING NEWS
UEFA has confirmed that Trabzonspor have replaced fellow Turkish side Fenerbahce in the Champions League group stage.
Absolutely - King Kenny understands the true lore of the game and that fans want to see their team compete in all tournaments.
COMPLETELY AGREE
What's that all about? Did I miss something going on in Turkey?
Are you guys watching SS
FC Copenhagen have taken the lead at Plzen We finally have a goal in the CL.
Nah - can't be bothered today. I've got FSC on and Football 365 on the laptop.
Maxi Rod whiffs at the front post when it was easier to score
FC Copehagen have taken the lead.. did they lose the first leg?
FINE!!!
I work so hard to find a link for you and shove it under the bed!!
I read about Fenerbache on soccernet. It's due to a match fixing scnadal. The start o the Turkish season is delayed until Spetember 9th. It was supposed to start last week. I think UEFA is investigating.
Yeah - Copenhagen lost 3-1 in the first leg. It's 3-2 on agg. now.
Ah - thanks, MUR. Couldn't we just ban all the Turkish sides?
GOAL! Udinese take the lead through Di Natale!
OH NO.. UDI HAS SCORED!!
ARSENAL NEED A GOAL
Yes. They lost 3-1 at home to Plzen, so Copenhagen still trail 3-2 on aggregate. They need two more goals as Plzen had three away goals last week.
Great looping header from Di Natale over Szcesny off the post and in.
Bugger!
BATE Borisov have taken the lead away to Sturm Graz
BATE have taken the lead at Sturm Graz. It's 1-2 BATE on aggregate there.
It's leveel 1-1 on aggregate.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
I read you comments earlier about the three promoted teams taking off the Carling Cup... WHY? They play 8 less league games this season.... they won't have fixture congestion!!
Ah - RVP had a chance there but he fell in the area when he might have played Gervinho in.
I would not mind banning them BD.
THis team scared me last week every minute since the Walcott goal
I am very sorry, but I nned to depart as I will have a class starting in a minute or two. It was great chatting.
CHEERS!
Yeah - I understand that, but I do think that those who will likely be facing a relegation battle have to focus on the league. It's the sides in the middle who I think should be gunning for the Carling and FA Cups. They've got nothing else to play for!
Cheers, MUR! Nice chatting with you. Enjoy your class!
Bloody hell - that was a real chance for Udi. Arsenal are rocking now!
Take care MUR
Oh - Theo had a chance to get a ball over but he hits the defender instead. Disappointing.
Arsenal just need a goal and they will be in the clear
Where is this in Italy?
1 added minute
Only a minute of stoppage time to play now as the corner is hit too long. Song with a tame header.
Goal at Goodison... to the Blades!
A town called Udine, up in the northeast of Italy near Trieste.
Half time.. and Arsenal have it all to do!
What a rough start for the Toffees! Failed to score in a game and half at home to QPR and Sheff Utd
Not surprised at all - what the hell is Moyesy playign at?
Looks like a big stadium for a small town
Goal again at Goodison.. to EVERTON.. finally score!
Great double header on FSC on Sunday.. North London v Manchester.... Manchester v North London
Spurs v Citeh at 8:30
United v Arsenal at 11
Again... Arsenal just need a goal
Did you see that Holland are the World's new #1... what the hell did Spain do!!
England are fourth ahead of Brazil
Both Holland and England rise in the rankings because their game got cancelled!
Goal somewhere... Ian Dowie gives a scream... Everton have taken the lead
Don't agree with this!
Jamiepierre on Twitter: "Arsenal fan here, hope we lose. Wenger needs a big slap in the face that he can't get away with this mismanagement."
It's silly season at FIFA obviously. The Dutch have never won the World Cup and have only won the Euros once, but sure - they're #1!
Warnock said he was glad they are out of the Cup... people don't care about it... NO... STUPID MANAGERS DON'T CARE!!!
That was a good response from the Toffees.
Another goal at Goodison...3-1
I agree - Neil Warnock is a prawn!
Second half about to get started... a BIG 45 minutes for the Arse!!!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Away we go... Rosicky on for Ping Pong
We've kicked off again in Udine. 45 tense minutes for both sides. Rosicky on for Ping Pong. Arsene knows that Arse need a goal now.
Great double header on Sunday... I have guests this weekend. Dick and Lina are up from Charlotte... I hope they don't stop me watching!
Just a goal
Champions League draw is on at 11:30 our time
Should be a fantastic Sunday morning - can't wait!
Benfica have scored against FC Twente
3-2 on agg
When is the Carling Cup draw? Tonight?
That Arsenal fan on Twitter is a twit.
ooh, Exeter were almost in there
Red Card at Upton Park... to the hosts!!!
Benfica are now 3-2 up on aggregate over FC Twente.
RVP has a free kick chance now. Oh - Djourou should have done better.
Free kick chance here for Arsenal... RVP likes to shoot from here...ref books a Udi player for gabbing... Song had a chance there.. the ref calls a foul
Walcott takes a shot from miles out... pass it to the bloke running down the wing!
Bugger... lost my link
GOAL! RVP! YESSSSS!!!!!!
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!
RVP SCORES MADE BY THE SLAPPER!!
Udi now need to score two more!
Great cut back there from Gervinho after he'd beaten his man and got to the by-line. RVP did the rest.
1-1 (Arsenal lead 1-2 on aggregate).
Udinese need two goals now!
Of course, I don't want Arsenal to be too pleased with themselves... I want them to struggle on the weekend
Of course, now extra time is impossible
Nothing is wrong with my link but the bloke is having problems with his TV at home. He keeps trying to put it back to sky but no luck.... BBC 1 is okay... Racing is okay... come on sky... get your fingers out
STRUTH that was close... Arsenal just clear it... no the REF HAS POINTED TO THE SPOT!!!!
PENALTY TO UDI!!!
Udinese has a penalty!!!!
What was that for?
Verm has a yellow as well. I totally missed that.
Da Natalie to take... SAVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GREAT SAVE
Di Natale takes and.....
SAVED SZCESNY!!!!
What a save!
I've got racing on my link... I am fascinated!!
Bike kick... that was close
That save may well consolidate the Pole's rating among Arsenal fans. Tremendous stuff.
Maxi has scored a second for Pool.
Penalty miss, Udinese: That, ladies and gentlemen, is a staggering save. A potential £20m save, no less. Thomas Vermaelen is punished for a handball in the box - correctly, the replays show - but Wojciech Szczesny spares the defender's blushes with a stunning stop diving to his right, above his head, to keep Antonio Di Natale's crashing spot-kick out. Stunning.
I still can't find when the Carling Cup draw is going to be. Nothing on line about it, even on the official site!
Oh - more great work from Gervinho and he nearly picked out RVP again. Gervinho is looking really good for teh Arse. Great buy at £10 million.
Btw, it was Callum McNaughton who was sent off for the Hammers. Still 1-0 to them but down to ten men.
Why aren't you at home, mate?
From Wikipedia
The draw for the Third Round will take place on 27 August 2011
Ah - cheers, mate. Wikipedia to the rescue. That's Saturday, no?
huh, I am home
The fizz seems to have gone out of Udinese's play now. I can't see them scoring two.
Then why aren't you watching the match on FSC? Why are you doing links with racing on it?
Oh - Gervinho with another nice turn but he took the wrong option there. Went it alone instead of spooning it off.
Liverpool cruising now - Carroll with their third goal.
EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW
The draw for the Fourth Round will take place on 24 September 2011.
The Fourth Round will take place in the week commencing 24 October 2011.
The draw for the quarter-finals will take place on 29 October 2011.
The quarter-finals will take place in the week commencing 28 November 2011.
The draw for the semi-finals will take place after all the quarter-final fixtures have taken place.
The first legs will take place in the week commencing 9 January 2012, with the second legs a fortnight later in the week commencing 23 January
2012.
The Final will be played on 26 February 2012 at Wembley.
YES... WALCOTT SEALS THE VICTORY!!!!!
CONGRATS STEVE!!
GOAL! Theo has done it for the Arse!
2-1 on the night!
I am watching it on FSC... I have SS on the link...well I used to
Tremendous stuff there. Theo puts the afterburners on there and finished nicely at the near post.
Ah - I get it. D'oh!
Now I can start hating the Arse again... I hope you stink it up in the last 20 minutes... get some players hurt... and feel really down going to Old Trafford
Is that wrong of me?
Who is down for the Arse? I was just kidding
It's Wally
Just an elbow... he'll be fine.. bugger
So, Apoel FC, Bayern, Genk, Malmo, and Villareal went through last night.
Arsenal will join Lyon, probably Benfica, Viktoria Plzen, and BATE.
Any of those you'd want to avoid?
That penalty save was HUGE
Walcott has picked up a yellow now.
Will Bayern and Arsenal be lower than a two seed? i don't want three big teams in a group.... of course, in '99 we came out of a group with Bayern and Barca... we drew all four games against those two but hammered Bronby in our other two
Yeah - Szcesny knocked the stuffing out of Udi with that save, I agree. It totally turned the tie.
Wednesday have goal back at Blackburn
Stilll 1-3 down
Bolton have leveled it through Tuncay.
This bloke is still trying to find SS... his tellie isn't working
Still racing and BBC 1
I wouldn't mind a nice home draw against Bristol City or Macclesfield.
Swindon take the lead at Bristol City
Shoot with your right foot RVP!!!!
Another Yorkshire derby??? Who else is left?
Plzen have tied itup and 4-2 up on agg
This comment has been removed by the author.
Was that you that erased your comment?
Yeah - it repeated my earlier comment about the 3rd Round draw for some reason so I dumped it.
Exeter have got one back!
Gervinho has come off - he's been MOTM for me. Armand Traore on now.
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