Baltimore World Cup Soccer @ Slainte Pub

Or The Return of LeChat, at least to this blog spot.

I know several people have asked me when I was going to restart the normal spot but there have been several life changing issues over the past few weeks that I won’t go into. Excuse the run on… and the sentence fragment. It seems like my own 2011/12 season has been just as rocky and incoherent as the Arsenal’s.

Personally, I’m waiting for the world to end. S*urs may finish top 4…

I’ll let that sink in for the gooners and wannabes out there…

And now for the knife:  They may even finish above the Arsenal.

I guess the only possible good thing to come out of this is Good Ol’ ‘Arry is doing himself no favors on the stand. If you haven’t been following; allegedly Mr. Rednapp decided to take a few quid as a bonus for the Crouch deal. Not a bad thing on it’s own, however putting in an “investment” account in Monaco and not reporting it on your taxes is something a little, let’s just say, suspect.

Reading a few reports from the Guardian, I swear it sounds like something out of a Guy Ritchie movie. I know I’m not doing it any justice. So, as a rule I don’t trust any geezer who owns a pig farm. Ol’ ‘Arry might be one to own a pig farm or two.

More locally, has anyone noticed the excitement around the pub lately? No, well I guess I’m the only who pays attention. We have quite a few new faces showing up in the crowd; some falling right in step and others still lingering in the periphery. It’s good to have new blood, especially once they’ve lasted a few weekends and learn to order a pint without stuttering.

As SlainteLOSC stated, ‘No one is going to bite you.’

I hope to see everyone out this weekend and to Mr. Suarez…. no biting

Friday,  January 27th

FA Cup:
2:30pm Watford v Tottenham
2:45pm Everton v Fulham

———

Saturday, January 28th

FA Cup:
6:50am QPR vs Chelsea
7:30am Liverpool v Manchester United
12pm Brighton & Hove Albion or Wrexham v Newcastle United

Bundesliga:
9:30am Bayern Munich vs. VfL Wolfsburg

Serie A:
12pm Catania v Parma
2:30pm Juventus v Udinese

Liga:
12pm Rayo Vallecano vs Ath. Bilbao
2pm Real Madrid vs Zaragoza
4pm Villarreal vs. Barcelona

———

Sunday, January 29th

FA Cup:
8:30am Sunderland v Middlesbrough
11am Arsenal v Aston Villa

Serie A:
6:30am Fiorentina v Siena
9am AC Milan v Cagliari

Bundesliga:
11:30am Stuttgart vs Borussia M’gladbach

Liga:
4pm Malaga vs Sevilla

Ligue 1:
3pm Stade Rennais FC v Olympique de Marseille

After the 2-1 loss at Old Trafford, all eyes turned to Wenger and Arsenal’s front office… Is it the end of an Era?

Wenger has now been Arsenal Manager since 1996 for a total of 881 games and 502 wins. This season, and after a heavy loss 8-2 in August against the same Man United, Arsenal does not seduce. Van Persie and Chamberlain are probably the only hopes to “save” the season. Arsenal is now 5th, 10 points behind the Spurs who are sitting on the 3rd place of the table. Wenger’s philosophy is to stay away from becoming a new Man City by spending billions during the transfer window. He believes in Youth which made him become one of the best Manager of the World the past decade. However, it seems now that the recipe does not work anymore…. Talents are leaving Arsenal who ended signing veteran Henry back during the MLS break. The situation is not catastrophic… 5th in EPL, still running in Champions League and FA Cup. But Arsenal has been title-less since now 2005!

The next couple weeks will probably decide for Wenger’s future… A tough FA Cup match up vs Villa, three “easy” EPL matches until the Spurs Derby and AC Milan in Champions League.
I always respected his philosophy regarding the recruitment but a 7th year without a title will probably end Wenger’s love story with the Gunners.

Well, it was another fun-day at Slainte yesterday. The bar was full of so many supporters, including neutrals whose teams had played the day before, on Saturday. Always good to see so many regular faces, including an old one not seen for over a year, and new ones. Then there were the regular patrons present only for brunch and mimosas who probably had no idea what kind of atmosphere they were entering. I love looking at their reactions to our shouts, screams, banter and songs. Patrons entering had to squeeze through the EPL fans on the first floor and the staff are always alert above the noise. Upstairs was less packed and for those wanting to sit and eat.

It was the last day for Bret Holmes for quite a while, as he and Mrs. Holmes are expecting their first child in the next few weeks. Congratulations to them both and Mr. CITEH will be missed. It’s up to Ms. CITEH, a.k.a. Karen, to lead the uproar.

I entered Slainte just as the first big match of the day, Manchester City v. Tottenham Hotspur, was finishing. This would have been an opportunity for Spurs to close the gap on the league leaders. But Mr. Showman, Mario Balotelli, put them in the lead with a late penalty given away by Ledley King, ending the match 3-2. Manchester United, no doubt paying attention to the proceedings in the Etihad Stadium from down in London, would have wished for a different conclusion.

United were to play away at Arsenal in the second and final big match of the day. In recent days the talk had been of a revenge for Wenger’s men who were humiliated 8-2 at Old Trafford in the opening weeks of the current campaign. A repeat performance was too much to expect.

The match, which was televised on local Fox affiliate WBFF Fox 45 as a way of spreading the English Premier League, began with both sides feeling each other out. It really was not the best beginning to such a game as this. But finally, a goal came at the end of the first half when Valencia out-jumped Vermaelen to head into the net. Arsenal returned in the second-half and Van Persie equalized. It was shocking, however, to see Arsenal’s best player, Oxlade-Chamberlain, substituted for the unloved Arshavin, to the dismay of Van Persie. It was the Russian’s mistake it was that led to United’s second and decisive goal, scored by Welbeck.

When all was done, two big matches and big fun at Slainte.

Surprise, usually this is written the day after the game/weekend but since a certain person decided to try and wind me up a little bit on Facebook today before I got a chance to sit down and take a look at the scoreline. I’m going to perform a pre-emptive. Plus this week is going to be incredibly busy with work and other stuff.

Let’s take a look at what my dear old Manchester United supporting friend said.

Maybe Arsene really has checked out and is planning to go to Madrid next year. How else do you explain the collapse of The Arse like this?

My reply, which I won’t quote, since it is my reply, is that Arsenal and Arsene have been frighteningly consistent over the past couple of years. It’s like a roller coaster ride pretending to be a bobsled. I know there are some who are like, I don’t get it. That’s perfectly acceptable as it makes sense in my head.

The coaster is on rails, has a definite maximum speed and braking mechanisms in place and nice little seat belts for the big hills… so everything is for the most part not going to get out of control or too scary. The ride is inspected constantly and if it breaks down, maintenance is a radio call away.

In Arsenal terms, we will be in the Champions League and finish in the top 4, just like the last several years, no surprise there.

Bobsleds, on the other hand, lack these types of controls, so you never know what you are going to get. It might be a fun exhilarating ride but where is the bottom of the hill, who is on the brakes and what happens when it all goes pear shape? You’re not calling bobsled maintenance. You’re calling the medic or someone else in the worst case scenario.

In footballing terms, this would be probably most akin to Leeds quite a few seasons ago and maybe even Pompey currently. So, as an Arsenal supporter for way too many years, all I have to say is that this is the way it is, at the moment.

If Arsene decides to leave, so be it. If Fabergas, Van Persie, Arshavin, Rosicky, or insert random player name here, decides to leave, so be it. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west and the Arsenal is still the greatest team the world has ever seen.

~LeChat

Well – after our Nil Nil love fest at Slainte – it appears it’s time go back to our seperate corners and watch the end of the season.  Only 2 things to play for now – 4th place for City, Villa, Tottenham – and I guess Liverpool – if the other 3 teams all die – and then the big clash between Chelski and Scumbags – I mean – who to root for there? I guess… Chelsea… but I mean – it’s like rooting for Lex Luther or Skeletor – - does it make a difference?

It was also nice to see that City fans outlasted the Arsenal fans on Saturday – I could probably credit that to 3 things – 1. Their absolute LOVE of me and my usual fandom (sarcasm)- 2. The fact that they don’t have anything to play for… or 3. It was just a really nice day – - we had a full house but not too many die hards outside of the City boys, Scoot, beardy – and the Mayor of Fells with BittyGunner and Roscoe with Johnny from Karate Kid – With that said – we had a great time… there were laughs, politically incorrect jokes, shots, hugs, but alas… no goals – so it was a lot like kissing your cousin for 90 minutes.

Well – with all that behind us. City. Damnit City! You are killing me with only 1 point out of United and Arsenal. 2 years ago – that was acceptable – now… it’s just not – especially when we were at home for one. Offense has been not only absent the last 2 weeks – it’s been downright stymied by an awful lineup choice. City are in control of their own destiny – with a game in hand against both Villa and Pool and a head to head against Tottenham next Wed. (I will be back at the pub for that in FULL FORCE) – If City win out – we go to the big dance – if we don’t then – i’m sure the Mayor and Flash’s owner will come up with some more chants to make fun of us kicked City fans – but we’ll laugh all the way to the bank soon –

Lineups -

………….Fulop
micah..toure..kompany../zaba
……..de jong…Barry………
swp………tevez…Bellamy……
………….adebayor……………

Our new keeper instills no confidence in me what-so-ever . But the way Kolo anf VK have been playing I’m ok with that — I think Jono  may have worked his way to the bench with last week’s performance and IF I EVER SEE VIERA on the pitch again – I’ll smack someone – that may have been the worst lineup choice I’ve seen all year – so Robbie Manc – get it together this week and let’s get these 3 points going into wed. fixtures.

In Football anything can happen – so – predicting scores is pretty useless – but I’m going 1-0 City in a yawner – see you at Baltimore’s Best Soccer Bar.  Would love to see someone write up ‘Pool v Chelsea – that’s on Sunday.

Best – ManCity

I guess someone has to do it. It shall be myself. If anyone was to partake a moment and to watch the highlights of this thrilling match, you would see… absolutely nothing. Yes it was a let’s play to a boring nil-nil draw. Now, please don’t get me wrong, I do love my nil-nil draws when they are end to end action, pitched battles in the midfield and great saves by fantastic keepers but this was not one of them.

Sad part for the City fans is that they lose Given due to a shoulder injury. HOWEVER, I am going to blow my top here for a moment. There was an interesting bit of copy in the Guardian earlier today. ManCity is trying to make some deals to replace Given outside the transfer window. Earlier it mentioned the possibility of bringing in a keeper from Sunderland (Fulop) but the latest bit of news is to cancel Hart’s loan deal at Birmingham. Article

While the FA are currently considering this move, I find it appalling. You picked your squad, you have an academy, and you have a FAROE ISLANDS International as your back up. And as everyone knows, I give my support to the Faroe Islands. They are always a sleeper team come International matches.

Anyways, the reasoning behind it is that City is without a first choice keeper. And I quote.

The officials discussing the application have agreed that City meet the criteria, namely having no established first-team goalkeeping cover, and the club hope to be given official approval tomorrow.

By the way, has anyone seen the Arsenal first team keeper coverage? Can the Arsenal have a mulligan on the season? I mean putting in my own self-serving perspective, is it possible to bring in a first team striker or defensive midfielder?

Once more, I am happy to express my disgust with a football governing body. I know ManCity did not plan on losing Given or two back ups but that is what happens.

C’est La Vie.

~LeChat

I have to say that I have no ill will towards Arsenal  – especially the Baltimore Gooners types that split time between Slainte and that other bar… 4 or 5 years ago when I first started coming to games on a  regular basis – it was this unlikely bunch that tolerated my shenanigans the most. They found me annoying like a gnat but I pulled out some jokes and general enthusiam – which I think – for the most part – save for grumpy – they enjoyed.

So all-in-all the Arsenal and the Liverpool fans usually get my sympathy when it comes to games that have NO bearing on my season – and unfortunately – as the talent of City will grow it will be less likely that I root for them in any capacity outside of cups or end of the season game — or… of course… if they play Man U -

With all that lovey dovey stuff said – City v Arsenal weekend is just as Mega (for the standings at least) as last week’s City game vs United. Important for City – not really important at all for Arsenal. They don’t have much left to play for — and I hope they show up with that in mind — but I have a feeling seeing Kolo and Ade at the old yard – will get the blood flowing a bit – fortunatley for City half their team are in the hospital -

City’s lineup will look the following

…………………………..Given…………………………..

Richards……….Toure…………….Kompany……Bridge…

………………De Jong……………..Barry………………..

A Johnson…………..Tevez……………….Bellamy….

………………………….Adebayor…………………………

Richards will be the only change over last week – bench will have Viera, SWP, RSC, Onuoha, Ireland, and Zabelata – Mancini wants to give AJ a chance to make the WC team I think and will start him – even though SWP is the better match up here against Song – Bellamy looks to be breaking down from the practice reports I read online and both him and Nigel are looking for a break RIGHT after the season ends…

I hate to say it – but this race for 4th and the United Chelsea at the top – are the most interesting races to watch – I hope some people show up – despite your team affiliation  on Saturday afternoon and enjoy what could be a classic – City haven’t won at the Emirates in 10 years -

Final Score prediction – 2-1 City *heart -  2-0 Arsenal *gambling head

Yes, as you may or may not know by now, it took Wigan a full 10 minutes to dismantle any realistic title challenge that the Arsenal could have presented this weekend. I wish I could say the first 80 were spectacular but I can not even muster up the energy to do that at this time.

I am beginning to think that someone broke a mirror while building Ashburton Grove. There is something seriously amiss; whether it is the unyielding string of injuries that the Arsenal suffer every season or the almost got it moments which seem to be inexhaustible.  I am not one to promote conspiracy theories or the such, but this is unbelievable.

79 – There was a jovial spirit in the pub. The local Gooners were all jokes and smiles, enjoying the day, great food, great atmosphere and what was to be a more than assured victory at this point.

80 – A quip about Arsenal keepers only being decent for 80 minutes in a 90 minute game, still the mood remained jovial. Wigan got one and that was it. The Arsenal can hold out another 10 minutes, yes?

89 – The joviality turned to  a shattered silence. The once smiling and joking faces started realising that 80 minutes of decent keeping wouldn’t be enough. The Arsenal had gone from a comfortable win to an awkward tie, rather quickly. The nail was set in place but it would be fine. Chelsea dropped points and Man United barely squeezed pass Man City.

90 – The nail had been banged in, the coffin sealed and the dirt thrown on top. A smack of a post and the ball gently rolling into the back of the net as a stunned keeper stood there, barely moving.  And an even more stunned bunch of Gooners stood in a pub on Thames Street on a Sunday morning in Baltimore in pure silence.

The disappointment at what was supposed to be an easy game could be read upon every single person’s face, Gooner or not.  It was as if all hope and optimism had taken a back seat to the reality of another almost got it.

A few nods of farewell were exchanged… that was it.

~LeChat

Right about now, I have decided that suppressing memories may be a good thing.

Seriously, a loss to the Spurs is the last thing any true Gooner is willing to accept.

It was worst than (insert your own horrible disaster here)!

I remember exactly where I was… standing by my co-workers desk complaining about how my head and how my wrist were hurting. Then I realised that my body tends to fall apart and give me warnings when something utterly catastrophic has happened to a certain North London club.

It is the end of the world, my friends, well at least towards the end of the season as 2012 is fast approaching. Volcanoes in Iceland causing havoc, earthquakes in and around the Americas, flooding in Rio, and Spurs beating the Arsenal.

What’s next?

I figure the only positive thing that may have happened is that Crystal Palace Baltimore has their home opener this weekend. Some summertime football fun to look forward to outside of the World Cup. The 35rs are planning a tailgate around 5PM and the game is at 7PM. I personally know a good deal of pub supporters will be out, so come and join the fun and festivities at UMBC.

Switching gears for half a second, there is a great article in the Guardian about the beauty of the offside rule. LINK

Til the next debacle we call a football match gets along.

~LeChat