Lakenheath Old Boys

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!

Monday, December 17, 2012

Reading v. Arsenal

Last time these two sides met (in the League Cup) they produced a 5-7 thriller. Here's hoping for 12 more goals tonight. I've got a meeting that should take me out for the first half but I hope to be back by the second to join you. Ta ra for now!

148 Comments:

Blogger gooner71 said...

0-12 would be lovely, thank-you.

2:28 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Good afternoon BD and Gooner. Thanks for the birthday wishes. I look forward to seeing you soon.

2:52 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Afternoon, lads - I'm back from my tedious meeting and settling in to watch the match.

2:56 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

This one seems to be working:

http://www.thefirstrow.eu/watch/159376/1/watch-reading-fc-vs-arsenal.html

2:57 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Those twelve goals were scored in 120 minutes, but there will only be the 90 today, so I don't expect as many goals. Both teams are in a poor run of form, but I expect the Gunners to win. The pressure will still be on Wenger even if they Gunners win as it would be at basement club, Reading Railroad.

2:57 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Hello, BD. If you are at home, then you can watch the match on ESPN2

2:58 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Glad the meeting finished. Perfect timing.Pav Pogs starts in place of Adam LeFondre while Jimmy Kebe starts in place of Gareth McLeary. There should be goals in this fixture.

2:59 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The teams for tonight's clash:

Reading: Federici; Cummings, Gorkss, Mariappa, Shorey; Kebe, Leigertwood, Tabb, McAnuff; Hunt, Pogrebnyak. Subs: Taylor, Gunter,
Pearce, Le Fondre, McCleary, Robson-Kanu, Harte.

Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Podolski. Subs: Mannone, Koscielny, Rosicky, Giroud, Ramsey, Coquelin, Gervinho.

Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)

3:00 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Still in the office, mate. I'll be grading a few binders while watching the match.

3:00 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

WOW! Arsenal have all ten of their previous meetings vs Reading. And they're off from the Madjeski

3:00 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

And we're underway at the Madjeski Stadium.

3:01 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

IS th semester winding down? I took off today, but we start semster exams tomorrow. Glad to have the pleasure of your company. A perfect way to spend a birthday

3:01 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - The Ox with an early shot on goal tipped aside by Federici. And Poldi was ruled offside before he could pounce.

3:02 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Great save by Federci from Ox, then Poldi is offside. It allstemmed from a long ball by Arteta.

3:02 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Tippy tappy from the Gunners and they easily give it away

3:03 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

An attacking lineup from Wenger as he is up against former Gunner, Brian McDermott.

3:04 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

A decent cross from Ox and Cummings clears for a corner./

3:05 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

You are a fund of information, mate. I had no idea McDermott had any association with the Arsenal. Can you imagine him as a future Gunners boss?

3:05 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Leigertwood heads away the corner from Theo and the Gunners retian possession.Leigertwood fouls Poldi about thirty yards out

3:06 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Arsenal have a free kick. Decent effort there by Theo but always missing that left post.

3:06 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The free kick from Theo is about three yards wide.

3:07 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Great break by the Arse here - end to end stuff now.

3:08 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Ta, BD. He actually played for the Gunners hen we were in high school. He was never really a regular under Terry Neill and had to retire in his mid twenties.Never a chance of him being the Gunners boss.

3:08 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Pav Pogs failed to make the proper connection , then offside was called on Reading's first attack.

3:09 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Despite being bottom , Reading have given every team a tough time at the Madjeski this season.

3:09 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Pav Pogs wins corner as the Gunners failed to deal with a routine long ball.

3:11 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

OH! A great corner from Shorey and the header from Noel Hunt lands on the top of the net as the Gunners defense was at sixes and sevens

3:11 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Better from reading, but Jimmy Kebe was caught offside froim a nice through ball.

3:12 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Lots of Arsenal possession , but they cannot find the right pass once they get into the Reading box.

3:13 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

This match has a nice open feel to it. We may not end up with 12 goals again but we'll see a few.

and GOAL! Poldi opens the scoring for the Gunners!

3:14 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

GOAL !!! 0-1 GUNNERS! EASY PEASYAS GIBBS WAS UNCHALLENGED DOWN THE LEFT AND HE PUT IN A NICE PASS THAT WAS EASILY FINISHED BY POLDI

3:14 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Great cross over by Gibbs and superb control and finish on the volley by the German. Poldi is the Gunners' top scorer now.

1-0!

3:15 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I think it will be less because it took 120 minutes to get 12 goals. At that rate, there would be nne goals in 90 minutes.

3:15 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Reading is showing why they are rock bottom.Now that the Gunners have scored , it's a case of how much the winning margin will be.

3:17 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Do you agree with Macca that Arsene is a genius?

3:18 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Nice long range effort from Carzola that was only about a foot wide.

3:18 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Better from reading as the Gunners blocked two hots, but Jobi McAnuff was caught offside from a nice ball down the left

3:19 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

That lone goal lifts Arse up from 8th to 5th, level with Everton and WBA but with better GD. Still - Spurs occupy the 4th berth, which will be an irritation and an incentive for the Gunners.

3:19 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Poldi drags a shot well wide as the Gunners were given far too much time and space.

3:20 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - Theo was in one on one with Federici but the big keeper did well. Might have either lobbed him or take it around him.

3:21 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

That should have been 2-0 as Theo beat the offside trap, but with just Federici to beat he shot against his legs and out for a corner that was easily cleared.

3:22 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Why are Reading playing such a high line against a side with the speed of Theo and The Ox bombing at them. I always think the best way to play them is a deep line and let them tippy tap around.

3:22 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Reading win a corner and Kieran Gibbs is none too pleased. He would do well to play on.

3:23 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Seudio does well to catch a corner from Shorey , under pressure.

3:23 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I agree, BD. They are paying into Arsenal's hands. They need to press more or else it will be a long evening for the Royals.

3:24 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

United vs Toon will be on ESPN 2 on Boxing Day. Leeds have a really early match vs Forest on Boxing Day

3:25 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

A corner from Theo is headed out for a throw.

3:25 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Magic - really looking forward to that.

3:26 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Great save b Federici from Young Jack and out for a corner as the Gunners were given far too much room. The corner was cleared.

3:26 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I don't know if Leeds is being televised, but there should be a link. I think kickoff is at 7:15 AM EST

3:27 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Pav Pogs gets behind Arsenal lines but his cross well well blocked out.

3:28 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I'm hoping to get out a tedious meeting this week in order to run home to watch the League Cup match.

3:28 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Better from Reading as Vermalen made a key block to preserve the lead , Gibbs blocked from Leiogertwood, then out for a Reading corner.

3:28 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

GOAL! Arsenal are two up - Cazorla!

3:32 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

A rare headed goal for the Spanish schemer. This time it was Poldi with the sumptuous cross and Cazorla did well to dive at the header.

2-0!

3:32 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

GOAL !!! 0-2 GUNNERS ! FAR TOO EASY AS AGAIN GIBBS HAD LOTS OF ROOM AND CARZOLA, WITH A FREE HADER IN THE SIX YARD BOX EASILY MAKES IT 0-2.

3:32 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Arsenal certainly have the goal difference to contend for the CL spots; it's the points situation that's holding them back.

3:33 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Was it Poldi? I was talking to the missus and was back just in time for the goal. Her nephew was in a horrible automobile accident.

3:34 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I agree with you, mate. That was too easy.

And now it's three! Cazorla again!

3:34 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

GOAL !!! 0-3 AS CARZOLA HAS A BRACE. GIBBS HEADED DOWN A CROSS AND CARZOLA EASILY FINISHED. COMICAL DEFENDING.

3:35 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

How bad are Reading? Another cross over, this time from the other side. Easy uncontested knock down by Gibbs at the back post. And Cazorla swiveled and shot well. Easy.

3:35 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Now it's Cazorla who's the Gunners' top scorer, with six goals.

3:36 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Gooner wish of a 0-12 final is starting to look realistic.

3:36 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Doesn't Poldi have eight or is that in all competitions?

3:37 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Pav Pogs must be regretting joining Reading instead of Fulham. What was he thinking?

3:38 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Young Jack was kicked in the goolies by McAnuff, who was booked for that. Ian wanted a ered, but it was unintentional.I agree with Webbie.

3:39 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I wouldn't go overboard with this performance. Let's see how the Guners do against a real side.

3:40 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Reading easily clear a corner from Theo , but the Gunners easily win back possession.

3:41 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Poldi has eight in all competitions, five in the Prem.

3:41 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Poldio has a shot blocked off a great run anmd cross by Carzola. Great block by Cummings.

3:42 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Arsenal are slicing through Reading for fun now.

3:42 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Ta, BD. That clears it up.

3:42 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Ian is correct. reading are inept and woeful. You re correct too, BD.

3:43 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - Federici keeps out The Ox there. Great cross over from Sagna after some lovely build-up. It could be 5 or 6-0 by now. The Gunners are in the mood.

3:44 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Another great save by Federici as Ox, one of the shortest players on the pitch got in a great header

3:44 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Correct, BD. reading are fortunate that it they are not trailing by that much

3:45 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

One minute of stoppage time as Reading counter through Pav Pogs, but Jimmy Kebe coughed it up

3:46 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

And that's the interval. 0-3 Arsenal. Wow!

3:46 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Halftime and the Gunners lead 0-3 . It could easily have been double that as Reading fans boo that performance.

3:47 PM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Hey boys
I am watching the match wrapped in blanket on the couch... Half time whistle just blew
Reading have Arsenal right where they want them!
They were 4 up at half and lost in the League Cup!

Still not well. Did take a sick day today. I guess I'll be okay for tomorrow
Back to the couch

TTFN

3:47 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Hello, UWS. Hope you feel better. Thanks for wishing me a happy birthday

3:53 PM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Love the United City commercial that was just on
Problem is that the US audience won't be able to understand most of it

Like they used PLONKER!

3:58 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Well stated, UWS. I agree with you 100%.

3:59 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The second half is underway from the Madjski. Did Brian Mcdermott make any changes?

4:02 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Reading is nicknamed the Royals. Does that mean they Royally suck?

4:03 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Reading break through Jimmy kebe and he puts in a woeful cross.

4:04 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

If Reading think this is a tough match then wait till they go to the Etihad on Saturday

4:05 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Nearly 4-0 as Arsenal broke through Young Jack, he put Theo through and his effort was cleared off the line by Adrian Mariappa, who nearly put into his own goal

4:08 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Pav Pogs is flagged offside as his effort was saved by Seudio after being put through by Shorey

4:11 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Afternoon, UWS - hope you feel better soon.

4:12 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Just wide by Theo friom 25 yards out as the Gunners easily sliced through the Royals defense.

4:13 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Doesn't look like the Gunners have the fire in order to put more by Reading.

4:13 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I am not sure why Nickey Shorey is seeing the funny side of things. This performance is no laughing matter

4:14 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

A corner from Theo isd vollyed by Merty and deflected for another. Te next corner is cleared by Shorey

4:15 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

GOAL !!!! CARZOLA WIH A HAT-TRICK AS HE EASILTY TAPPED IN FROM CLOSE RANGE. tOO MUCH TIME AND SPACE AS YOUNG PASSED TO POLDI, WHO LAID IT ON A PLATE FOR CARZOLA.

4:17 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

A student just dropped by and it's 0-4!

4:17 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Carzola jumps to 7 goals in the Prem. A great day for the Gooner in more ways than one. He predicted that Santi would be the GBB. A dark horse candidate but you never know?

4:18 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Adam LeFondre is on for Pav Pogs and Hal Robson -Kanu is on for Noel Hunt. Hard to blame the two strikers when there was a lack of ommitment in midfield and horrible defending. why weren't those players replaced?

4:18 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Reading are rock bottom on points and GD now. Dead and buried.

4:18 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I don't really see the point of subbing off your two strikers. What is McDermott thinking?

4:19 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I don't think so.Santi won't play against Reading every week

4:19 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - Theo rockets a shot into Federici's chest. He's kept the score down...well, a little.

4:20 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Great save by Federici from Theo. Arsenal have outshot Reading 15-2 . That says it all!

4:20 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

A nice present for Gooner on my birthday!I think I'm being rather generous,.

4:22 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

GOAL !!! A CONSOLATION FROM ADAM LEFONDRE AS KIERAN GIBBS GIFTS POSSESSION TO JAY TABB, YOUNG JACK SLIPS AND LEFONDRE EASILY ROUNDS SEUDIO FOR AN EASY FINISH!

4:23 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Why wasn't LeFondre on from the off? A good finish - consolation for Reading.

4:24 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Adam Lefondre recieived a gift , but it's my birthday. not his.

4:24 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Pav Piogs started in his place and Brian McDermott put him on in his place. I guess Brian deserves credit.

4:25 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Bloody hell - it's 2-4 now!

4:27 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

WOW!!!! RADING PULL IT BACK TO 2-4 AS ROBSON-KANU DID WELL TO PUT JIMMY KEBE THROUGH AND HE SCORED WITH A NEAT FINISH

4:27 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Robson-Kanu did well there to play his teammate in. Simple finish.

4:27 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Jack the Lad talks his way into the book there. No going Arsenal's way at this point. Some changes might help.

4:28 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Young Jack is booked for a high challnge.

4:28 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Is it squeaky bum time for Arsene?

4:28 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Gareth McLeary is on for Jimmy Kebe. The other two subs have a goal and an assist.

4:29 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Superb save by Federici from Carzola.

4:30 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Aaron Ramsey is on for the Ox As Webgter looks to shore it up in midfield.

4:31 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I think it is, BD. Possibly for Steve Bould too.

4:32 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Jay Tabb apologizes to Young ack for robust challenge, but the young Gunner doesn't want any of it.

4:33 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Even if the Gunners win there will be more questions than answers about this team.

4:34 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

GOAL! Theo finally gets his goal!

2-5!

4:36 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

GOAL !!! 2-5 GUNNERS AS CARZOLA PUT THEO THROUGH AND HE BEAT FEDERICI WITH A GREAT FINISH.

4:36 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Cazorla was the catalyst again in that move. He's been on a different level tonight.

4:36 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

That should pretty well settle this one.

4:37 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Theo won the ball in midfield ran half the length of the pitch then put Poldi through, who shot just wide,

4:38 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Coq Au Vin is on for Carzola, who put in a superb shift

4:39 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Giroud about to come on. He might have fancied this fixture tonight in order to pad his resume. Theo off.

4:41 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Giroud is on for Theo , who did well in the central misfield role, but he won't be given that much space by other teams.

4:41 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The Gunners must love playing here as they have outscored Reading 12-7 this season.

4:43 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I think everyone likes playing at Reading this season. How on earth did they win the Championship last term?

4:46 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Robson - Kanu did well to put LeFondre through, but it was a superb tackle by Vermaelen

4:46 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Mark Clattenburg signals three minutes of stoppage time/

4:47 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Great quesation, BD,.I am not sure.

4:48 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Great run down the left by Poldi , but blasted well over by Giroud from close range.

4:49 PM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

THought I would join in for the injury time

Impressive by Arsenal tonight except for that little blip with the two goals

Arsenal will be up to fifth


Podolski will play the whole match.. has it happened before this season?

4:49 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - Giroud nearly lobbed in the sixth for the Gunners.

4:49 PM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

That's it 5-2... only seven goals to try answer the 12 in the league cup match...poor effort from both teams!


Congrats Steve

4:50 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I don't think so - a sterling effort from the German tonight.

And that's it - they didn't score 12 again tonight, but 7 ain't bad. Good entertainment for the punters all round. Arsenal press their challenge for the last CL slot; Reading are dead and buried.

4:50 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Federici did well to come out and block from Giroud from close range, then the final whistle blows as the Gunners win 2-5 at the Madjeski

4:50 PM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

I'll hopefully well enough to join in for the big one on Wednesday.... Marching on Together!

4:51 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Cazorla is learning British footballing culture quickly. He went straight for the match ball after the final whistle.

4:51 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Get yerself some good, strong drugs mate. Feel better!

4:51 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I'm back to my grading. Cheerio!

4:51 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Agreed, BD and UWS. I think that is the first time Poldi has played the full 90. Wigan vs Arsenal is the early match on Saturday. Roberto Martinez knows he will be in for a tough ninety minutes.Agreed that Reading are dead and buried.

4:53 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Cheers lads. Hope you feel better, UWS. I agree with Ian that reading are the worst team in the EPL by far. Thanks for joining me on my birthday

4:54 PM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Cheers boys


TTFN

4:54 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Cheers lads.

4:55 PM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Have a good rest of your birthday

4:55 PM  

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