***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

[Perceptor]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

This was me during the game:

1st Half: "Stop passing the ball sideways, the other net is IN FRONT OF YOU!"

When penalty was conceded: "C'mon Mertesacker, WTF were you thinking there?"

After penalty scored: "****, we're going to lose to yet another terrible side"

After Per's goal: "See, this is what ****ing happens when you push the tempo and go forward!!!!"

After the penalty shootout: "I feel like I aged about 50 years."

Bottom line, I was on the verge of watching yet another unbearable performance, redeemed only by the last minute fighting spirit of the team. It's clear we miss guys like Walcott, Gnabry, and of course, Ozil, and Wilshere. Ramsey and Gibbs not being match fit hurt.

[Krebstar]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

Three well taken goals today. Glad we've put the pressure on Everton.

Podolski also showed again that in the box with the ball at his feet he's absolutely lethal.

[~LiverpoolRed~]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

Podolski also showed again that in the box with the ball at his feet he's absolutely lethal.

Ramsey's headed pass to Podolski for the 3rd was outstanding.

[Krebstar]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

Ramsey's headed pass to Podolski for the 3rd was outstanding.

We've certainly missed him. Also, Arsene said Ozil should be returning this weekend.

[RoyceDa59]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

We've certainly missed him. Also, Arsene said Ozil should be returning this weekend.

Yes been a really unlucky season with the injuries but hey its not over yet! We will still have a chance to finish well in the standings and with a trophy.

[Krebstar]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

Yes been a really unlucky season with the injuries but hey its not over yet! We will still have a chance to finish well in the standings and with a trophy.

I know I'm in the minority, but I'd be thrilled with the FA Cup. I know we can get both, but if we for some reason could only get one, I'd take the trophy. We can do with CL money for a year.

But, let's get both "trophies". Ha. Damnit.

[rsnomar05]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

Ramsey's play showed just how big a loss his injury was. I'm not saying we would have won the league if he had remained healthy, but if Ramsey, Ozil, and Wilshere had been fit the whole year, I don't think we'd be battling for fourth.

[Perceptor]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

Agreed. I still think tactically at times, we've been a little too naive but the injuries killed us in the winter. At the end of the day, I would be happy with the FA Cup.

Everton lost so we control our own destiny again. Hopefully this time we don't blow it

[Krebstar]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

What do you guys in terms of Szczesny or Fabianski for the FA Cup spot? I'm glad I do not have to make that decision. Fabianski has "earned" it by his performances throughout the competition. However, he's not the first choice keeper.

I'd love for Szczesny to rid himself of those Carling Cup demons from the Birmingham match. At the same time, it'd be nice to see Fabianski finish the job in what is most likely his last match with the club.

[OneDrop]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

What do you guys in terms of Szczesny or Fabianski for the FA Cup spot? I'm glad I do not have to make that decision. Fabianski has "earned" it by his performances throughout the competition. However, he's not the first choice keeper.

I'd love for Szczesny to rid himself of those Carling Cup demons from the Birmingham match. At the same time, it'd be nice to see Fabianski finish the job in what is most likely his last match with the club.

It'd only be fair if Fabianski got the spot. It's been like that throughout the FA cup. You can't just be like "Yo mate I know you did great work but Scszesny is first choice keeper so why don't you just **** off mate?". I mean, it would show Wenger doesn't trust Fabianski for a very big game. And it would be very unfair. It's an easy decision really. Besides I don't think Wojciech expects to play.

[Krebstar]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

It'd only be fair if Fabianski got the spot. It's been like that throughout the FA cup. You can't just be like "Yo mate I know you did great work but Scszesny is first choice keeper so why don't you just **** off mate?". I mean, it would show Wenger doesn't trust Fabianski for a very big game. And it would be very unfair. It's an easy decision really. Besides I don't think Wojciech expects to play.

But to easily counter that, this isn't about being fair. This is about ending a trophy drought.

Plus, I don't think the trust aspect really matters, as Fabianski looks set to leave so he can have playing time.

I'm fine either way, but I can easily see Arsene picking his top keeper for the biggest game this club has seen in years.

[OneDrop]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

But to easily counter that, this isn't about being fair. This is about ending a trophy drought.

Plus, I don't think the trust aspect really matters, as Fabianski looks set to leave so he can have playing time.

I'm fine either way, but I can easily see Arsene picking his top keeper for the biggest game this club has seen in years.

In my opinion it is about being fair. It's not like Fabianski is wank. There's not much difference between Fab and Scszesny in skills. Fabianski will leave but look at the message Wenger sends if he decides to play Scszes. Oh and appearantly Scszes really wants to play in the final.

[rsnomar05]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

Any notion of "fairness" shouldn't come into this. And it's not unfair to have your first choice keeper play in the biggest match of the season anyway. This decision should be about who Wenger thinks gives Arsenal the best shot at winning the match. If it's Szczesny, then he should play. Can you imagine the reaction if Wenger said "I know we played an inferior keeper today and as a result lost the cup final, but I did it because fair is fair."

I'm not saying one should start over the other, but this is the FA Cup Final. Pick the keeper you think will best help you win the match. End of story.

I guess if I had to pick, I'd go with Szczesny, but given how well Fab has played (not to mention the way he bossed the semifinal) I won't complain about either decision.

[OneDrop]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

Can you imagine the reaction if Wenger said "I know we played an inferior keeper today and as a result lost the cup final, but I did it because fair is fair."

I'm not saying one should start over the other, but this is the FA Cup Final. Pick the keeper you think will best help you win the match. End of story.

The same logic could also be applied to the semi-finals then. It's about loyalty to your players. It's not 100% positive Fab is leaving either. Appearantly he's willing to stay if there's more rotation. Bench him now and he's definitely out. Which would then make us spend money on a second goalkeeper while we could def use the money to strengthen ourselves in other positions. This shouldn't be a matter if Szczesny was significantly better than Fabianski, but they're on the same level, so it does matter. He's definitely, definitely, not inferior to Szczesny. And you're right, it's not about being fair, it's about Fabianski DESERVING to play. He's been great every cup game and has proven to be reliable and solid. Not to mention Fabianski is not as reckless in goal as Szczesny. Szczes tends to get nervous in big games.

[Perceptor]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

So this is what it feels like when you get your best players back....Can't complain at all