The Curtain is Raised!
posted by The Blue Devil @ 8:44 AM
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!
Sunday, August 02, 2015
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!
Contributors
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208 Comments:
Morning, chaps - I've just enjoyed a Dunkin' Donuts brekkies as a pre-season treat. I hope you're all doing well this morning. The Fox Soccer coverage has started with Rob Stone, Warren Barton, Waldo, and Brad Friedel in the studio.
The team news out of Wemberley this morning:
Arsenal: Cech; Bellerin, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal; Coquelin, Cazorla; Ramsey, Özil, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Walcott. Subs: Martínez, Debuchy, Gibbs, Gabriel, Arteta, Giroud, Iwobi.
Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fàbregas; Ramires, Willian, Hazard; Rémy. Subs: Begovic, Zouma, Mikel, Oscar, Cuadrado, Moses, Falcao
Referee: A Taylor.
Very interesting from Monsieur Wenger. Cech is straight into the side. But where the hell is Alexis? Is he crooked?
No room for new signing Falcao in the Chelski line-up.
Boos for Cesc Fàbregas from some Arsenal fans as he warms up. But they are swiftly drowned out by the ludicrously loud Wembley sound system.
Good morning , Bob. It's great to be starting the season again. I'm delighted to be joining you.
Morning Bob
Can't believe the season is starting this early
Falcao better not be a world beater after he couldn't keep on his feet for United last season!!
Name from the past
Cilla Black died today at the age of 72
Another piss poor United man of last season, Di Maria, set for a medical at PSG before a 44.5 mil deal... United lost 15 mil in one year!
United have bought in some players but still have Smalling and Jones in the defense.... sigh
Fox coverage still sucks... still in the studio and commercials
The SPL started yesterday. There are two matches today and Hearts defeated St. Johnstone earlier today 4-3 on their return to the Prem.
First domestic weekend of football for Mrs. Dahlgren
Good morning UWS. It's great to hear from you. I thought you would be in Hawaii.
Glimpse of the Prem league trophy.... I was next to yet a week ago yesterday. Did I send you pics of it Bob? I know I sent Dave
Some moistened bint singing "God Save the Queen" now.
That's true. Observant as always.
Did you? I don't remember receiving it.
Morning MUR
yes I am here
We are leaving for Hawaii on Aug 21
I will miss league play and CL qualification
Morning, boys - it's great to have you on board for another season opener.
Never got the pics - send them along, mate.
I'll text you both right now.... hate the background!!
I wonder if Arsene and Jose will shake hands. Will Arsene finally beat Jose?
It's a six hour time change, UWS. Hawaii does not have DST. At least you will be here for the first two leaguie matches.
And we're away!
They're off from Wembely and the Gunners attack immediately.
Yeah - the time difference with Hawaii is bizarre. Why are you going out there, UWS?
I still feel these are the top two teams in the Prem. Citeh have been atrocious, especially yesterday
If it's balls kicked in anger that you wanted to see, you needed look no further than the Copa America final where Argentina fired a blank in the second international tournament final, running.
Let's go Arsenal! (not actually watching the game, just saying hello from Italy)
Don't like the bloody shadows!
Don't like Jose wearing sweats... wear a club suit you numpty
It's currently 4 AM in Hawaii.
Two pics have been sent
Did you enjoy Hawaii Bob?
Good morning Red Devil. Are you in Italy? Youyr Red Devils have already played two league matches?
Morning, Red Devil - great to have you on board. You're right - I completely missed out on the Copa due to the honeymoon plans.
MUR - how dare you diss my brother's favorite team from childhood: VfB Stuttgart.
But, you are correct. they are atrocious and there's no way they should have mopped the floor with Citeh
Why would you saw the time diff is strange... 3 hours to the West Coast... 3 more to Hawaii
I agree about the track suit pants. I'm ok with a short sleeve shirt in this weather, but either wear dress pants or a decent pair of shorts.
Lively start from the Gunners.
Got your Predictions stuff yesterday
Do we normally allow the changing of pics before transfer deadline?
I would think you could change golden boot but that's all
Hee Hee , Red Devil. I was impressed with the South Gardeners .They didn't look like a team that were battling relegation.
MUR - you are correct. Two games in and we are already calling for the head of the trainer after a 0-0 tie at home.
The 2nd division has a lot of decent teams - really about half of them could get promoted. Dropping points at home to direct rivals is deadly.
Anyways, I am out of here. Just saying hello!
Hee Hee , Red Devil. I was impressed with the South Gardeners .They didn't look like a team that were battling relegation.
Wembley and Harlingen are both bright and sunny this morning. Harlingen is probably more humid.
It's odd because they have a varied approach to dealing with network shows that we see at the normal times. With certain shows (e.g., The Tonight Show), they try to maintain a reasonably normal time but with others, the prime-time shows are on in the middle of the afternoon.
I knew Jose would want a penalty. How did I know that?
See you soon, Red Devil. I hope that you're still considering a night of High Volt-age rock and roll on Thursday night.
It sounds like they don't have much of a chance in Hawaiii. The earl;y Prem match would kick off at 1:45 AM local time. The late one kicks off at 6:30 AM. Surely, UWS can get in a match or two.
Enjoy your vacation, Red Devil/
I'm being very generous this year in order to get as many entries as possible. I remember a lot of complaining the year that RVP went to United because for many it changed their title picks. I just reached out to our old pal Mark Enderle who is likely to toss in this year.
I didn't see much wrong with that challenge by Ivanovic on Cech. Not exactly agricultural.
Is it true that Arsene was having his new keeper check the opposition. First pun of the year.
Nice touch, Bob. Also, I woke up two minutes before the strawberry alarm clock went off.
Corner doesn't beat the first man - Terry and Cahill won't be pleased with having to lump it back.
I wonder if Alexis is being rested due to his exertions in the Copa America. I noticed that a lot of the Argies were in pre-season, but surely he's been rested enough.
Probably the worst pun of the year too!!
Mark was telling me that he's typically up at 4:30am on Premiership weekend mornings - crikey!
I suppose that you could watch the match when you came in from the pub and then go to sleep afterward.
Correct, he's two hours behind me.
That should work for UWS. He can order an Irish Coffee and hold the Irish. Sorry, mate it's pre-season and I'm not up to full match fitness in the dog days of summer.
Chippy by Coq Au Vin on what looks a warm Wembley day/
Cahill has caught an elbow in the hooter - he'll need to go off for treatment.
I am going to start the season with a downer
I am not loving the modern day game
It is based on possession and not attacking
It happens all the time.. passing the ball backwards and sideways to try and 'open' the other team up
So many times there is space to go forward and teams don't do it
One of the worst culprits... my beloved United
Shut up LVG with your 'philosophy of football'
UNITED ATTACK HOME AND AWAY... DO IT!!
The crossing of ball is a lost art. Gone are days of Coppell, Kanchelskis, Beckham and Giggs
The Premier League is supposed to be the most exciting... try attacking
I'm done complaining this early in the season
Crikey. Another bloody nose for Cahill. He got one on Tuesday vs BArca when he made it Desmond due to some comical keeping.
Just pre-season jitters, MUR - you'll be back up to full fitness with the puns next weekend.
I agree UWS and I will add to it that all the leagues play the same exact style of football. In the past it was fascinating to watch teams from different leagues and countries play because of their different styles. Now it's like watching a bunch of robots. I am not a robot.
That is true - it's the Tiki Taka Barcelona approach. At least Chelski give it a go from set pieces. Arsenal don't even do that.
I will be in the Big D visiting friends next weekend. I might be around a little next Saturday, but will probably be on the road on Sunday/
Walcott with a decent header on goal - Courtois gathers easily, though.
I don't want to fall out of love with this sport
I want to be entertained... but now I don't have answers to my yank fans saying there is not offense
Theo heads a near post free kick straight to Courtly.
No offense meant by those statements? Hee Hee.
GOAL.... Great goal by the OX
GOAL! The Ox fires the Gunners into the lead!
Goal. What a finish by the OX. He blasted it in the upper 90. The Gunners take the lead.
Cracking strike there from the Ox to put the Gunners 1-0 up. Nice feed from Theo.
Theo received a pass from the left and passed to the Ox who beat Azpi and scored with a spectacular finish
That's what happens when you feed the ox.
Loic Remy caught offside again. Where the hell is Diego Costa? I cannot believe that these guys are injured already.
Stupid offside by Remy He's doing his best to imitate UWS'S beloved Falcao.
Did you get my pics
Diego Costa was in action last weekend. I'm not sure why he's not playing.
If they were texted then no, but it might be my phone.
Did you hear that Miguel Herrera was fired as manager of the Mexican national team for punching a reporter in the Philly airport the day after they won the Gold Cup?
Also, Desmond should be suspended for giving Gary Cahill a bloody nose in midweek.
He was playing last weekend when I saw them.
He was thug then... almost got into two fights inside half an hour
I did text them
Does Jose want another penalty. It was just a slip.
It might take a while because my phone is low on memory
Ramires curls a decent long range effort just wide.
Enjoyed the pics. But who was the stiff standing next to you?
Jose and Chelski have been far too negative in this one.
It's almost 80 in London today. Definitely shorts weather. Arsene must be roasting/
Another good chance for Ramires , who heads just wide. He should have worked the keeper.
Called Matt a stiff!!!
I didn't get the picture, but I'm guessing it's me.
That was Matt? I thought it was a wax figure of Matic or someone else.
Nice cross by Santi and Chelsea struggle to clear.
Ramsey shoots into the side netting.
No rest for the weary. Chelsea will be tested early on. They are currently playing the Gunners and host Citeh in a fortnight.What a start to the season!
Chelski have barely had a strike on goal - wretched stuff from the titleholders.
Oh - The Ox posted up a nice cross for Nacho at the back post. Nice clearance.
A nice cross into the box by the OX and a last ditch header at the far post by Ivanovic prevents a goal.
Chelsea will be tested as they face Citeh in a fortnight. They haven't looked that great in pre-season.
Bob will have a decision to make on Saturday as United host the Spuds in the opening prem match, but Leeds is BEIN shown on the telly at the same time.
No choice at all there - I'll be watching me beloved.
This half has gone by rapidly. Almost halftime.
Cech easily saver from Fab. A minute of stoppage time/
That's that - Arsenal the more positive side by far and deservedly 1-0 at half-time.
The Gunners are one up at the half as Jose was heading to the dressing room early. He will not be pleased.
Falcao is coming on a sub for Chelsea. As the second half is underway. Back just in time from the bog.
Radamel Falcao on for the second half; second half hat-trick to come?
Bayern must feel like they run over by a VW as they lost on penalties to Wolfsburg in the German version of the Community Shield. Xabi Alonso missed the vital spot kick that Brad said was a great save, but it was blasted down the middle.
When I saw him in Pre-season he looked the player that disappointed at United.
Lots of empty seats and on such a lovely day.
I'm kind of shocked that Jose took a risk on him. They need cover for Diego Costa who seems to always be injured but Falcao looks a bad bet.
There's Diego Costa on the bench, staring into the sun.
I was surprised at that move, but pleased as he had a mare last season at OT. As much as I dislike Jose, He usually uses good judgement on transfers.
Apparently he was "feeling his hamstring" this week, so they're taking no chances.
Is anyone up for some midweek footie? A few matches are on the telly.
Perhaps he will be ready by next weekend.
A feeling of Deja Vu As Falcao is offside.
A Brazi swap as Oscar is on for Ramires.
Sorry
busy around the house
I assume so- who do they have on the opening weekend?
Cech decisively catches a deflected cross. Gone are the days of Su Su Sudio.
Chelski host the Swans in the late one on Saturday.
Welcome back, UWS. I know the feeling.
The midweek action is Real vs the Spuds in the Audi Cup on Tuesday at noon Eastern on the Deuce. Chelsea vs Fiorentina on FS 1 at 3 PM Eastern on Wednesday.
OH!!! What hazardous finishing as Cesc superbly put through Hazard, who blasted over with just Cech to beat.
Clumsy by Falcao as he clumsily tripped the Nacho Man. Any guesses why he was kicked out by LVG?
Kate will be delighted as Giroud is getting ready to come on.
I don't really see that Chelski have enough fire power. If Costa is going to be spotty in fitness, neither Remy nor Falcao are decent replacements. And their backline is just one year older.
Kate is indeed excited. She's just putting together our lunch.
Kate is indeed excited. She's just putting together our lunch.
Azpi is booked for a foul on the Ox on th break. Azpi has been a little off the pace today.
Definitely in the red corner today
I'll have them lose every week starting next week
Giroud is on for Theo. Kate must be celebrating. Is it a picnic or an indoor lunch?
I agree, UWS. A first ever win vs Jose by Arsene?
Indoor lunch by the telly today.
Coq Au Vin is booked for a foul on Hazard just outside the box.
Free kick chance now for Chelski. Oscar over it.
Decent effort and and save there
Cech does well to push out the free kick for a corner from Oscar.
Good save from Cech, despite the shenanigans from Branco.
Zouma on for Azpi as Cech struggles to punch away the corner tyhen does so at the second attempt.
Again... useless effort of a cross there by a world cup winner!
Terrible miss by Giroud - Kate is not pleased, although he is still a very pretty boy.
The Gunners then counter and Giroud shoots over as Kate was about to celebrate.
Don't know what's got into Ozil's head - he looks rubbish.
The Gooner should be delighted . It's 1-0 to the Arsenal and DC United defeated Real Salt Lake 6-4 last night.
Fab wins a corner off a free kick that didn't look like one.
Chelsea take a quick free kick... sometimes that's not the thing to do.
Chelsea get a corner cuz of another pisspoor cross
Cech easily catches a header from Zouma after the corner./
What's the point of that flash "Scoring Summary?" As if we'd forgotten the one goal in the match.
Another poor cross that is easily caught by Courtly.
They should have used it for the match at RFK yesterday.
Ox shoots straight at Courtly.
The goalscorer is being replaced by Arteta
Goalscorer The Ox coming off to a nice ovation. Arteta on for him to shore up the midfield.
The Ox gets a deserved ovation as he's off for Arteta. I don't see him getting much playing time this season.
Soft foul there by Nacho; rubbish free kick - really poor from Fab and the Arsenal crowd enjoyed that.
A piss poor free kick from Hazard hardly was as it was cleared by the first man.
Will anyone be around for the matches on Tuesday and Wednesday. A couple of decent ones if anyone is up for a natter.
More comical play by Falcao. Gibbs is on for the Beaker and Victor Moses is on for JT. Will he part the Red Sea?
Ozil comes off - unconvincing from him today. Gibbs on - pretty obvious what Arsene has in mind now.
Terry off and Victor Moses on for Chelski.
Ten minutes to play.
Light crowd for a curtain raiser at Wemberley.
Gibbs fouls Moses and a soft free kick from Fab is easily headed away
I saw an area of empty seats. Those corporate numpties didn't want to be out on what looks a lovely day.
Boy, I hope Falcao still sucks!
He looked quick and sharp last week watching him live
Jose looks livid as there was head tennis off that Gunners corner.
What was the attendance?
Oh - Caz had a chance to wrap it up but Coutois did well to block him.
Great ball but useless effort Santi
Why a dink?
Place it past him
That should have sealed the match. Santi shot at Courtly with just the keeper to beat then Ramsey had a shot deflected off Matic for a corner that was easily caught by Courtly.
It was a little over 85,000.
I agree, UWS - poor attempt by Caz. Sanchez would have had that one. Not sure where he is today.
This Wembley positioning was not thought out well
I think they turned it from the old stadium
The sunlight is really annoying!! Never like this in Cup Finals with the same kick off at the old place
Time of year?
87 Chelsea players offside for the fee kick
Ivanovic heads well wide from a free kick. Is it back to the Good Old Days of 1-0 to the Arsenal?
Is the extra time if the Blues score an equalizer?
Chelski finally giving it a go now.
I guess they figure that the sun is rarely out in Blighty. It is definitely a problem.
The chant for Chelski opponents should be "You only play when you have to...."
Head tennis in the Gunners Box, then the Gunners have a free kick. Into stoppage time.
Falcao with an elbow in the back of the head for a free kick
Four minutes of stoppage time.
HATE Chelsea... not worthy champions
They park the bus more than Wes Brom do!!
Still a chance for Chelski to level it.
Caz with a free kick rocketed off the Chelski wall. Corner.
Cahill fouls Giroud as the Gunners win a free kick.A free kick from Santi is out for a corner.
Corner for the Arse with two of the four added minutes to go
I can just imagine the Jose post-match interview now.
Bloody corner flagging it during a charity match
BLOODY MODERN GAME
Another free kick - that must be about it.
I think the idea of the exhibition match has gone the way of the dodo.
Oh - Gibbsy should have buried it to put the match beyond Chelski.
I'm sure Jose will say his team dominated the match and that the gunners were lucky. Gibbs should have scored as it was a great block by Courtly.
Gibbs almost wraps it up
Nice ball and run... saved
Better attempt than Sanit
Int ET of ET.
It's over and it's 1-09 to the Arsenal and Arsene finally beats Jose, but doesn't go to shake hands with him/
Sorry . 1-0 to the Arsenal.
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