The visit to Old Trafford for the 5th round F.A. Cup tie was my first visit there, and with 5 of us heading up for the week-end to make a "trip" of it, I was looking forward to the day and checking out the "Theatre of Muppets". (My impression since the game now remains stronger!) The proposed "intimidation" of 67,000 fans in, what is a good stadium failed to live up to it's reputation, and I've heard the same comments from West Ham fans. I won't dwell on the game too much, other than saying that Man. Ure. started off as they did in that "famous" game from last season, and tried to kick, fight and bully us for about the first 10 minutes. When, again, as last season, it failed to achieve its desire, they had nothing left to offer. Giggs' 1999 "wondergoal" has now been replaced by a "wonder miss", which shows that the world can turn "full circle", and although hard to pick a "man of the match", in a outstanding team display, I'll give my vote to Keown for "shutting out" RvN after their last EPL encounter and the potential for added pressure on MK5. However all the other players are up for the "MOTM" vote, and I wouldn't disagree with any other suggestions. I just hope that the F.A. video review panel will look at RvN's "incidents", which make MK5's "push" seem pale by comparision!!! The Arsenal supporters were absolutely magnificent, with 9000 silencing the remaining 58000!! Even to the degree of taunting without a response, with songs such as "shall we sing a song for you", and "We'll be back again in May", (referring to the C/L Final) which couldn't even yield a response. The place was just "Arsenal noise" which, (as I haven't watched the tape yet; but "i'm gonna", (many times!!!) I hope was captured on TV so that you can share the atmosphere. Other than being at a game where Arsenal have lifted silverware, I cannot think of a game I have enjoyed as much. Not only for playing our only other near rivals(?) off the field and recording a second significant victory on their own field, but the crowd winning the day also. A great "all round" performance on and off the field, which Man. Ure. can only sit back and look at, and (although I doubt it) bedgrudgingly admire. Roy Keane has it right as the "prawn sandwich brigade" have taken over at O.T., and on Saturday "we took over them!!!!" "There's only one team in England"!! A R S E N A L
We caught the match live on PPV and we certainly did hear the Arsenal supporters. It must have been quite an experience to be in the stands. What a day for Arsenal. Hope to see more in the CL this week. George Forte
Jeff, you better look out. The BS.com RvN's gonna get on here real soon and belittle you with petty arguments!!! Scary, the kind of smack he talks. RvN, a word of advice: Talk is worth something only when you can back it up. Don't write checks your team can't cash. Vive le AFC! OPArsenal
Jeff how are you. Even the pompous Sir Alex has bemoaned the fact that the true supporters of the club have been replaced by corporate types that sit on their hands and make less noise than church mice. Serves them right. It shows what happens when you sell your soul for the almighty buck by driving ticket prices beyond the reach of punters and supporters.
They might well be. Take heed of plans for luxury suites and boxes and the tell tale increase in ticket prices.
Which is why I'm planning a trip to the The Home of Football very soon. Saving up my pennies for an Xmas trip this year (and taking the wife with me). . . I'm assuming that's the time ArsenalAmerica is going to plan the next tour . . . rather see a game at a 35,000 seat or so stadium vs. the 65,000 behemoths that we already have over here.
I choose to believe all the players who say that Old Trafford is the most intimidating place to play rather than some arrogent Arsenal fans barricaded in one corner of the stadium protected by police. Besides, i remember last year when we beat you 2-0, no lack of atmosphere there. I also watched the Ajax match and there was little noise after the 18 year old trainee equalised.
Hurts dosen't it Rudd, I think places like Newcastle, Boro, Sunderland would be considered more intimidating tham mould tattford, after all when it matters we always seem to get a result there . As for being protected by the police even if you had of gotten close enough to hit us, you would probabally missed us ala Giggs. By the way, are Bolton any good ?
Not really, after all i'm aware that being in this argument you would say that. Not that i care. True, there a lot of Arse admirers now but still, i value the opinions of the players and managers who say its most intimidating in England. After all, it wasn't that long ago i saw some people talking about how referees were just too scared to give decisions against Man Utd there. Well, A) It was the Arsenal fans, on these boards to be specific B) Arsene Wenger c) Patrick Vieira and er *cough* i'd like you to just explain to me right. There was this team, that er, we beat 6-0, that er, would've beat you if they scored a penalty. How good were they? Or even, how good were Ajax - a bunch of key players. Or in fact, how good are any of the teams you've failed to beat in the CL this season. At home that is, thats a couple in a row now isn't it? maybe the arse fans aren't intimidating enough.
Shut up, RvN. Go over to Clock End or the North Bank and try to run that smack. See what happens. If you do that and get out unharmed, without running, then you're entitled to talk about The Home Of Football. Vive le AFC! OPArsenal
Arsenal fans were pretty quiet when we were up there last tuesday. First half we sang and screamed a lot... second half was a lot less noisy. I've been told they're better at away games though. But that goes for most west european supporters these days. And OPArsenal what a BS remark.