And no, BD, there is no "PM Conspiracy" that you seem to have identified in some strange fit of paranoia.  

 

I've never said there was - I was referring to the PMs that were sent to me slagging other members off not long after I joined. But please, point to the posts where I've said something about a PM conspiracy.

 

 

 

I'm an older gentleman, so am not truly aware of the full meaning of "internet troll", but, having looked it up I find your behaviour in this forum from day one has displayed all of the attributes of a "Playtime Troll" with some of the more pernicious attributes of a "Tactical Troll".

 

 

I wasn't even aware there were different kinds of troll. As it is, I've long said that I wouldn't say anything on here I wouldn't say to other members. I don't insult members but I do disagree with people and some may take that to be arguing. 

 

You on the other hand have decided to indulge in name-calling which I wouldn't expect from either an 'older gentleman' or a Chelsea fan. Maybe the term you should've been looking up was keyboard warrior.

 

As it is, Ploks and I seemed to be having a respectful discussion about a player we clearly disagree with right up until the point Ploks took offence to me asking if he had actually watched a match he was discussing. Then he decided to bring up stuff that had little bearing on the discussion.

 

As I explained though, he said nothing insulting to me. He's a good poster and I respect him a lot but I was a little disappointed on this occasion. You on the other hand....well there's no reason getting personal behind a keyboard so I'll just leave it there. Enjoy the rest of the season and hopefully you can make it down to the Bridge for a pint this season (hey droogs ).

 

 

This is a match thread for an important game - people really don't want to see some pathetic argument so if someone wants to say something to me can they please think of other members' boredom levels and PM me. Cheers.

Edited April 22, 201511 yr by Blue Daze

So I did.  That's the joys of Alzheimer's for you

Apparently if Arsenal win it puts down a 'marker' for next season. How absurd.

 

It absolutely does in my opinion. They've been on a tremendous run and the key result was probably the win away to Man City. If they beat us at home then it may well indicate a new approach to matches against the big sides, even moreso if they follow it up with a win against United.

 

Since Christmas they've been the form team and Wenger seems to have a more pragmatic approach to matches. With the title sewn up this is definitely a chance for us to put them back in their box.

Edited April 22, 201511 yr by Blue Daze

I want Drogba to score a last minute goal.

This, a belter free kick to win it would be great

It absolutely does in my opinion. They've been on a tremendous run and the key result was probably the win away to Man City. If they beat us at home then it may well indicate a new approach to matches against the big sides, even moreso if they follow it up with a win against United.

Since Christmas they've been the form team and Wenger seems to have a more pragmatic approach to matches. With the title sewn up this is definitely a chance for us to put them back in their box.

If they beat us it means nothing, both teams are gonna have several differences next season in personnel for one. All a win against us would do is give them something to be happy about going into next season.

A win for us pretty much cements the title and just shuts up a few gobby Gooners.

Edited April 22, 201511 yr by Bobbywoodhogan

If they beat us it means nothing, both teams are gonna have several differences next season in personnel for one. All a win against us would do is give them something to be happy about going into next season.

 

Couldn't disagree more. This season is pretty much done and already you see people on here talking about next season. Arsenal are the same.

 

They've made changes since the turn of the year not just in personnel but in terms of tactics and approaches to bigger games. I'm not saying they're close to being the finished article but they are the team I'm probably most worried about going into next season and you can bet their players and fans are looking to set down a marker for it. 

 

That's why we need to stop them in their tracks. So long as we don't lose on Sunday I'm happy, but a win for Arsenal emboldens them not just for the run-in but throughout the summer and going into next season.

 

But we'll just have to agree to disagree.

Edited April 22, 201511 yr by Blue Daze

You forgot the pint in the pub.

 

I forgot "We'll have to agree to disagree" too :)

Couldn't disagree more. This season is pretty much done and already you see people on here talking about next season. Arsenal are the same.

They've made changes since the turn of the year not just in personnel but in terms of tactics and approaches to bigger games. I'm not saying they're close to being the finished article but they are the team I'm probably most worried about going into next season and you can bet their players and fans are looking to set down a marker for it.

That's why we need to stop them in their tracks. So long as we don't lose on Sunday I'm happy, but a win for Arsenal emboldens them not just for the run-in but throughout the summer and going into next season.

But we'll just have to agree to disagree.

We will because win or lose this game it isn't gonna make a blind bit of difference next season.

We will because win or lose this game it isn't gonna make a blind bit of difference next season.

 

Well you've already said yourself that a win would give them something to be happy about going into next season which is already changing their approach is it not? The only thing we disagree on then is the extent to which this alters their mentality going into next season and I'm not taking this one game in isolation but in the context of their amazingly strong run after Christmas, their win away to City (as well as some other tricky games) and also the possibility of beating United.

 

Like I said, we'll just agree to (sorta) disagree.

A defeat wouldn't feel as sore because we basically have one hand on the trophy.

However it would mark a change in fortunes with Wenger getting on over on Jose for the first time and that would give Arsenal a huge lift both mentally and on the park.

We will see if they can rise to the ocassion and not fold as they usually do.

It absolutely does in my opinion. They've been on a tremendous run and the key result was probably the win away to Man City. If they beat us at home then it may well indicate a new approach to matches against the big sides, even moreso if they follow it up with a win against United.

Like Liverpool laid down a marker with their form/results last season?

I'll await a response about Suarez leaving and Sturridge's injuries.

Well you've already said yourself that a win would give them something to be happy about going into next season which is already changing their approach is it not? The only thing we disagree on then is the extent to which this alters their mentality going into next season and I'm not taking this one game in isolation but in the context of their amazingly strong run after Christmas, their win away to City (as well as some other tricky games) and also the possibility of beating United.

Like I said, we'll just agree to (sorta) disagree.

I think they're gonna be confident going into the season regardless of what happens in this match. But every year they think it's their year.

Like Liverpool laid down a marker with their form/results last season?

I'll await a response about Suarez leaving and Sturridge's injuries.

 

Well yeah, they sold the best player in the league and reinvested poorly. Do you see Arsenal doing the same?

 

Ultimately they crumbled under the pressure at the end of the season and Rodgers showed himself up. As it was I think we very much laid down a marker when we went there and beat them and made everyone very aware that we were a striker away from being the best team in the league. 

 

I can guarantee that Arsenal will be seeing it that way and we need to rid them of that notion.

Arsenal have done what they do every season ended it well after the pressure is off.

Jose's strategy has generally been spot on, and we will put in as much, or as little, effort as he thinks fit. If he feels this one is not worth busting a gut over, I'm happy with that. For us the war is over, well nearly anyway

If we drew this we would need 5 points right?

Arsenal have done what they do every season ended it well after the pressure is off.

They started last season very well before tailing off.

 

The issue for me isn't just the form, but the way Wenger has abandoned his philosophy of playing beautiful football under any circumstances, in favour of a more pragmatic approach. That to me is something actually quite different from previous seasons. 

They started last season very well before tailing off.

The issue for me isn't just the form, but the way Wenger has abandoned his philosophy of playing beautiful football under any circumstances, in favour of a more pragmatic approach. That to me is something actually quite different from previous seasons.

But even the seasons they start well they tail off and then pick the form back up towards the end when the pressures off. I really don't think a difference in them at all, they are a team who doesn't play well under pressure.

But even the seasons they start well they tail off and then pick the form back up towards the end when the pressures off. I really don't think a difference in them at all, they are a team who doesn't play well under pressure.

 

Fair enough. I'm just struggling to think of a time in Wenger's 18 years at the club when he went with the tactics he used at Man City. That was a vintage Mourinho set-up and combined with their newfound ability to spend, I think they're definitely a team who could push us all the way next year. 

Fair enough. I'm just struggling to think of a time in Wenger's 18 years at the club when he went with the tactics he used at Man City. That was a vintage Mourinho set-up and combined with their newfound ability to spend, I think they're definitely a team who could push us all the way next year.

But a win over Man City who have been inconsistent doesn't really prove much. They actually tried to play that way at SB then Wenger got frustrated and we picked them off. They may possibly do but I think us, City and United will strengthen and be ahead of them still.

But a win over Man City who have been inconsistent doesn't really prove much. They actually tried to play that way at SB then Wenger got frustrated and we picked them off. They may possibly do but I think us, City and United will strengthen and be ahead of them still.

 

I think United will run them close, but City are going to need to rebuild massively, find a new manager and adhere to FFP rules. That's IF they make top four this year. I hope you're right about Arsenal crumbling under pressure though, especially this weekend. Not underestimating them though.

Jose:" Didier, we don't have CF this week..."  

Drogba:" Boss, my leg really hurts ,pretty much ..."  

Jose:" Our next match is with Arsenal..." 

Drogba:" Arsenal ?! Give me a hand and get me up!! "

If we drew this we would need 5 points right?

If we draw with them, then they go on to win their next 5 games, we will need 6 points to top their 82 points. no worries 

I think United will run them close, but City are going to need to rebuild massively, find a new manager and adhere to FFP rules. That's IF they make top four this year. I hope you're right about Arsenal crumbling under pressure though, especially this weekend. Not underestimating them though.

They will make the top four and I think this whole City rebuilding thing has been blown way out of proportion tbh. They kept saying the same about us for a long time and while yeah to some extent they were right we kept on winning things.

Arsenal are a cup team

 

Once City and United tool up over the summer they will be back in their usual 4th place next season

 

Chelsea will always compete for the title now the revolving managerial door has apparently been locked by Roman