Not quite the performance expected

So another dire performance from Arsenal consigned them to yet another away defeat last night, Fulham taking the points by winning 2-1 and virtually ending any title ambitions Arsenal may still have harboured.

Despite resting several regular first team players, the replacements should really have had enough experience and quality to have been able to cope with Fulham, who are a mediocre side at best.

Arsenal were caught out at the near post early in the game yet again as this time Brian McBride rose to flick past Lehman and Flamini to give the Cottagers a 6th minute lead, Flamini re-taking his 2005-06 position of left back with Clichy being rested, would have cleared the header had he not have moved from the post.

Fulham doubled their lead just 13 minutes as ex Arsenal player Luis Boamorte cleverly rounder Alexandre Song to cross expertly to Thomas Radzinski to smach home from close range, Flamini not really at fault this time just a good ball and a good run by the ex Evertonian.

And so the Gunners found themselves trying to come back from two goals down, a difficult ask at the best of times, never helped by some unconventional refereeing by Howard Webb. Webb, who refereed the Man Utd v Chelsea game at the weekend, obviously felt honoured by the award of the United fixture and having elevated himself to celebraty status in his own mind proceded to make poor decision after poor decision. Yet another foul this time by Rosenior on Hleb, lead to Van Persie smashing home from 30 yards, 2-1 at half time.

Arsenal seem to be suffering at the hands of referees who, perhaps cause they are so used to seeing Arsenal play fantastic football, penalise the Gunners when they choose to adopt a more physical approach.

The result may not have been affected by those decisions, Fulham were truly head and shoulders above Arsenal by all accounts, but the Premier League specifically is crying out for consistency not just by a referee from game to game but consistency in the same.

Webb showed 10 Yellow cards in the game, two of them to a relatively unfortunate Phillip Senderos, and incredibly only one to Boamorte, who on a different day could easily have picked up two yellow cards and a straight red. But it was Senderos who paid the penalty picking up a sending off that again could be deemed a little harsh to say the least. A tackle from behind in the first half on Radzinsky one of those tackles which caught the player after the ball had been played, perhaps a free kick only, and only just but definitely not a booking. Boamorte's tackle on Hoyte from behind with the ball three or four yards away from Boamorte just looked like an intentional excuse to bring the young defender down, penalised with a free kick only. Boarmorte finally got himself booked when he struck Jens Lehmann whilst waiting for a corner.

How Webb can jusitify overturning the as yet untaken corner, giving a free kick and then only booking Boamorte is beyond me, astonishing, if Webb saw Boamorte strike Lehmann then he should send him off. The ensuing scuffle for the ball which saw Helguson take the ball back over the to corner to waste time and involved a number of Fulham stewards was badly handled by Webb who managed to end up Booking Flamini (and Helguson) simply for trying to get the ball back to Lehmann. Helguson then hacked down Fabregas 20 seconds later only for Webb to award a free kick only.

Oh well so Tottenham at the Emirates on Saturday, no predictions any more LOL



Boamorte wasn't




Arsenal kept pressing Henry flagged rightly just offside before slotting home Rosicky's pinpoint pass Walcott hitting a low skidding shot which Niemi did well to palm onto the post. Fulham had their chances to extend their lead, Lehman of the woodwork foiling them.

Watching Ashes cricket can damage your health

So I managed quite to see about 5 or so hours of live Test Match cricket throughout the duration of the first Ashes test from the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia.

Admittedly it wasn't exacly worth watching with Australia running out comfortable winners. England looked fragile in all departments, with Australia winning the toss and batting first, they racked up a mammoth 602 for 9 with Aussie Captain Ricky Ponting unluckily losing his wicket when he reached 196 (shame), England could only manage 157 all out.

Ponting then surprised the watching world by not enforcing the follow on and sent his side back out to turn the screw on the wayward England bowling attack, Langer helping himself to a 100 not out before the Australians declared at 202 -1.

England fared slightly better in the second innings with promising knocks from Cook (43), Collingwood (96) and Pietersen (92) but were bowled out comfortably short of the end of the fifth day, Australia winning by 277 runs.

And so to Adelaide Thursday evening, it is quite likely that Panesar will take a spot in the side, though Australia have released their second spinner Stuart McGgill so if Panesar is to make his Ashes debut it may be at Ashley Giles' expense. Cmon England dig deep.

Missed the Arsenal v Bolton game Saturday, sort of had a feeling about the result and resent paying £8 for an individual PremPlus game to watch it. By all accounts the way Arsenal performed meant that we should have taken the points, but instead having hit the woodwork three times, Arsenal's defensive frailties were evident again as Bolton stole in to win 3-1, Arsenal old-boy Nicolas Anelka helping himself to two goals.

Fulham at Craven Cottage tonight, Henry, Van Persie and Rosicky back available after injury and suspension, I fully expect to to beat the cottagers comfortably and may put myself a couple of pounds on a rout.

Andy Robinson finally jumps from the England Rugby Union Manager's job prior to being pushed by the RFU, hopefully the right man for the job will be found soon.

And then it rained

Hmm additional training required for all of those Englishmen and Women who did rain dances in an attempt to prevent England's huge loss in the First Test Match of the Ashes series.

The rain came, by the skipful, sadly all of it here in England and not Australia. So England trail the five match series after being comprehensively outplayed in Brisbane.

The fact that Ricky Ponting scored more runs individually than the England side explains the main reason behind this defeat.

Englad must re-group ready for Adelaide on Friday, Anderson may miss out at Panesar forms a twin left arm spin attack. Test Match Prediction - DRAW.

Arsenal slumped to another away defeat at the weekend, but not without once again having totally dominated the game. Inexperienced defending is making them pay currently as Faye ghosted in to head Bolton into an early lead. Ax Gunner Nicolas Anelka doubled the Trotters lead with a wonder strike, before Gilberto headed home moments later the half the deficit.

Arselan went on to hit the woodwork three times before Anelka finally finished the game as a contest with fifteen minutes to go. A satisfying perfonamce but an unsatisfactory outcome.

Fulham on Wendesday, Henry and Rosicky are likely to return from their respective injuries, Fulham v Arsenal Prediction - Arsenal Win - 3-1

The Beast finished off Hamburger Feast

My first visit to the Emirates Stadium ended in a victory as two goals in the last seven minutes swept aside a resolute Hamberg side.

Van der Vaart, shot Hamburg into a suprise lead after just four minutes as he twisted and turned on the egd eof the box before making space to fire into Lehman's top corner from twenty or so yards.

Hamburg then set about defending that lead stoutly and despite Hleb hitting the bar from six or seven yards, the Germans were good value for their slender lead at half time.

Mr Wenger must have had a few ripe words with the Arsenal team, as they started the second half at a quicker tempo and immediately looked more dangerous as they broke against a settled five in midfield formation employed by the Bundesliga side.

The breakthrough was not long in coming as great work from Fabregas, enabled Van Persie to bear down on goal before calmly slotting home under the body of the so far untroubled keeper, 1-1 and the Germans had finally stopped singing.

The game reverted back to first half type with Arsenal pressing against a solid blue wall of well drilled defenders and defensive minded midfielders, with Van der Vaart springing them forward whenever he had the chance.

Bookings followed as the tensions rose, Henry picking up his third booking of the campaign and is sadly suspended for the next game away to Porto.

It took the introduction of the Boy Wonder Theo Walcott, who once moved to the right hand side, linked brilliantly with Eboue to carve a goal scoring opportunity for the Ivory Coast defender, who from a tight angle, squeezed the ball home off the underside of the unfortunate keeper. The Emirates erupted into a cacophony of noise, the relief must have been felt by Arsenal fans all over the World.

Arsenal all of a sudden seemed settled, and as Hamburg decided to push themselves forward, Eboue and Walcott combined again to cross for Julio "The Beast" Baptista to fire home a thunderous header from ten yards, a fantastic effort considering the distance from the goal and the pace of the inch perfect ball by young Theo, who at 17 years old, is reminding the Country exactly why Sven took him to Germany in the Summer.

Overall a really brilliant experience, roll on Bolton Saturday afternoon.

Golf Clubs

Ok, so after a good long hard look at my finances with L, we have agreed that I can buy P's golf clubs from him, which is very exciting indeed.

Things may be a little tighter than they were for a little while, but I had some savings that were seperate from the Wedding Fund, and once I sort out selling my existing clubs and with any luck all my cricket gear, I shouldn't have to dig too deep to find the extra cash.

Even better I am collecting them from P at work on Monday, meeting G and then we are off to Hoebridge for a game of golf on the main course what perfect timing.

So if you know anybody who would like to buy a set of Right Handed, Mizuno TP Original Irons, in decent condition please let me know.

I will be posting pictures of these at some point early next week probably Tuesday, and a full report of how my new Irons went on Monday will also be posted.

Football.

Gilberto appears to currently be out of the Country so Arsenal are likely to miss his services for the home game against Newcastle on Saturday, but Baptista is back in the squad and would be an ideal replacement for his fellow Brazilian.

Newcastle are having a poor season and should not threaten an upset, but you never know. Hopefully all players will come through unscathed so they are fit for the important Champions League tie Tuesday against Hamburg at the Emirates, which I am going to. Rosicky still currently out with Hamstring injury, possibilities that he may be fit again by then, Ljunberg back in the squad

Prediction 3-0 to Arsenal.

Happy Friday and enjoy your weekends.

More cricket gear pics

Here are the rest of the pictures of the cricket gear I currently have for sale.

Cricket Gear for Sale

Right here are pictures of my cricket gear, I have had strong interest in my bat, so that may well be gone soon. (No real surprise as it hardly got used).

Gear consists, as you can see, of 1 x Kookaburra 5* Bubble Bat, in really good condition.

1 Pair Kookaburra Batting Pads, also in good condition.

1 Pair Kookaburra Batting Gloves, ok condition.

1 Pair of Grey Nicholls Century Cricket Spikes, size 8, half moulded half spikes, reasonable
condition.

C & D Albion Helmet, ok condition

Cricket Coffin - ok condition.

Money, money, money

I seem to be plagued with opportunities that arrive at the wrong time.

Last year I was looking into replacing my 10 year old golf clubs, but decided that a new set was beyond my means at that time so settled instead getting my existing Mizuno TP-Originals re-gripped by the local shop. But now P, a colleague of mine is selling his basically brand new unused Mizuno MP-32 irons, for £280, that's £220 off of the retail price. E-Bay currently has brand new MP-32 iron sets ranging from £350 to full retail price of £499.

I am feverishly calculating if there is any way that I can afford to buy these of P, it isn't looking too good at the mo, what with saving for the wedding, but I haven't given up hope yet. After all it is nearly Christmas and my birthday follows shortly after

Stay tuned for an update one way or another in the next few days.

It's Monday again

Another very enjoyable weekend.

Stayed in on Friday and watched some TV and chilled out, Saturday morning played golf with H which was really good, hitting the ball generally long and straight off the tee, and despite starting a little slowly managed a respectable 14 over, so technically 4 under my Worldham Handicap.

Just the one birdie this time, but I did lip a put on the long par 5 Tenth leaving me a tap in for par. Mind you that tenth was down wind so my drive went over 300 yards, and my lay up second with my 6 iron was only 40 yards short.

Out and about Saturday evening, tried the White Horse but there wasn't anywhere to sit so we headed off to Reeds, bumped into a R and a different mate called H, chatted for a bit before proceeding to a table with L for lots of chat and even more drinkies. Really good night which ended with a lot of laughter.

Sunday was a chilled day from the off, headed slowly to Sainsbury's having abandoned our trolley in Tescos the previous afternoon as they just didn't seem to have the things we needed or wanted.

L had a kip while I watched Reading beat Spurs and then the main event (well the main event other than my usual Sunday roast, which although I cooked it and am therefore biased, was fantastic) Arsenal v Liverpool.

Having been damn unlucky at the very least to lose to West Ham the week before, Arsenal could have done with an easier game to get their title aspirations back on track, but thankfully this Liverpool side have yet to find their feet away from home, having only scored once on their travels so far this season.

Arsenal started the game brightly and settled into their pass and move style quickly. A few nerves were settled when Flamini stole in ahead of the defender to turn in Fabregas' cut back on 40 minutes, the young frenchman rightly picking up a booking for his celebration, having hurdled the barrier before rushing over to a section of adoring gooners.

1-0 at half time became 2-0 just 10 minutes into the second half, as Kolo Toure intercepted a ball played from the Liverpool defence, knocking the ball square to Fabregas the Ivory Coas defender carried on his run, and after Van Persie missed his flick, he retained possession and slid an inch perfect pass through to the marauding Toure who calmy slotted between Reina's legs and into the net.

Arsenal continued to have the better of the game and made it 3-0 with twenty minutes to go as an unmarked William Galls drifted into the six yeard box to head home Van Persie's corner.

Adebayor missed a great opportunity to make it 4 as he raced away from Carragher late on , but Reina blocked well with his legs.

A great result and even good enough to see MrWenger speak to the media this week.

Role on Hamburg on the 21st Nov which I have ticket to go and see.

The past week

Has been an interesting one.

Arsenal spent the first part of the week in the media spotlight after their particularly unfortunate defeat to West Ham at the weekend.

Referee Rob Styles obviously found it difficult refereeing in front of a vociferous Upton Park crowd and several crucial decisions seemed to have been influenced by the crowd, either that or he is just a poor referee.

A stonewall penalty turned down after Spector hacked Hleb to the ground with the keeper to beat, Spector having already somehow escaped a straight red card after a shin high stud showing late tackle on Van Persie in the first half.

Arsenal pressed against a resolute West Ham side, and despite the penalty that Rob Styles missed, a draw would probably have been a fair result, but alas it was not be, Styles allowed Etherington to unfairly rob Flamini of the ball, fouling the young Frenchman twice inside one second, Etherington then crossed for Harewood to slam home from close range with 30 seconds left on the clock. Mr Wenger was not best pleased to say the least.

He will probably look back in embarrassment at the way he acted as Alan Pardew danced around celebrating the goal, a few choice words were exchanged and a short lived pushing match ensued. Mr Wenger still hasn't spoken to the media, even after last nights' game in the Carling Cup v Everton.

Arsenal defeated Everton by an Emanual Adebayor goal to nil last night at Goodison to progress to the Quarter Final of the league cup. Relying mostly on fringe and younger players, the stats show that Arsenal dominated the game, possession and chances wise but had to wait until the 86th Minute for the young tall Togo striker to grab the winner. Macfadden was sent off for Everton by Mr Poll and there seems to be a dispute as to the reason, either way he probably shouldn't have said whatever it was he said to the referee, but it is extremely rare to see a player red carded for Foul and Absuive language. But there ya go.

Mum and Dad have finally moved from the war zone formally known as Windsor close, so finally their lives can return to the peace and quiet they previously enjoyed without having to worry about some smashing their windows, or setting fire to their car or anything like that.

Let's hope that the Police can continue their crack down on the families causing the problems and the remaining residents of Windsor Close can also regain some peace of mind.

Work has been on the busy side, we are currently discussing me taking on responsbility for the BS billing, which seems to make me popular with that department, hopefully I can get it working the way I would like and it will be absorbed into my work load without me pulling my hair out.

K and I are off to see Arsenal V Hamburg at Emirates Stadium on the 21st Nov, very much looking forward to that.

Got a couple of games of golf arranged, this Sat morning with H and hopefully Monday 20th on the main course at Hoebridge with G.

Haven't finished the painting as yet, though am planning to complete it and perhaps start another this evening.

Right back to the grindstone, hmm a cup of tea first though I think.

Painting Update

Here is the painting so far, I should get the chance to finish it over the next couple of nights.