Bay Area Gooners

Eye of the beholder

Arsenal squeaked away with a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Champions League knockout round v Bayer Leverkusen. Kai Havertz (waka, waka) slotted home a penalty against his boyhood club to even things up. But it was tough sledding against a resolute defense and frankly, I’m happy with the draw. None of the other Premier League sides in the competition fared as well.

Now it’s home against Everton. Since January, over 60% of Arsenal matches have been away and most have not been pretty. Then there’s the constant blather in the press or from other clubs’ managers and fans about the way the Gunners are winning. All of whom, can f–k right off, as far as I’m concerned. Style points be damned, just win baby (apologies to Al Davis).

Because of the recent time change, our match is at an absurdly civilized 10:30 am, so we will accept no excuses for not rolling in before kickoff. See you all at the pub!

COYG!

Best, Mark

Arsenal v Everton

Saturday, 3/14 • 10:30 am Kickoff • Maggie McGarry’s (21+)

Match on inside and outside.
Maggie’s is 21+, even in the parklet.
Dogs in parklet only, please.
Keep the banter civil and friendly.
Outside food is OK.
Outside drinks are NOT.

Facebook Event Link

COYG!

Take two and call me…

Arsenal’s Champions League knockout phase begins with 2 matches against Bayer Leverkusen tomorrow and next Tuesday. The German club was founded way back when, by the workers of Bayer company, which explains why their crest resembles an aspirin.

Leverkusen finished 16th in the tournament league phase, but that run included beating Man City 2-0, so Arsenal cannot take this tie for granted.

Thank you to everyone who pre-ordered a BAG Anniversary Kit from Olive & York. I cannot wait to see you sporting yours at the pub. Anyone that missed out, I will let you in on a little secret, O&Y have left the order window open.

Also big ups to the legends (in the featured photo) who turned up for last Saturday’s 4:15 am FA Cup match, which saw the Gunners best Mansfield Town. I expect to be at the pub for both Champions League matches, so I look forward to watching with you.

COYG!

Best, Mark

PS: In a bit of shameless self-promotion, my wife’s band, Gutter Swan has a show coming up in about 3 weeks. Last time, we got a pretty good Gooner turnout. See the ad below for more details.

Bayer Leverkusen v Arsenal

Wednesday, 3/11 • 10:45 am Kickoff • Maggie McGarry’s (21+)

Match on inside and outside.
Maggie’s is 21+, even in the parklet.
Dogs in parklet only, please.
Keep the banter civil and friendly.
Outside food is OK.
Outside drinks are NOT.

Facebook Event Link

COYG!

Be a legend. Twice.

Some nervy results recently, at Chelsea and Brighton away. At this point in the season, all remaining matches will be a test of Arsenal supporters’ nerves. But the Gunners came away with the points and sit 7 points clear at the top of the table.

This Saturday, we’ll be at Maggie’s to watch Arsenal’s FA Cup 5th Round match against EFL League One club, Mansfield Town FC. Kickoff is 4:15 am PT. Yes, you read that correctly, 4:15 am. Maggie’s bartender Andy is graciously opening for us, so come cement your legend status.

TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY TO ORDER!

Another way to secure your legendary Bay Area Gooners status, is to pre-order our 20th Anniversary Kit!

These are only available via pre-order from Olive & York. They will not be available at the pub and pre-orders end tomorrow, March 6th! Don’t miss out!

Hope to see some of you at the pub in the wee hours of the morning. Consider bringing Andy a fiver for losing sleep on our behalf.

COYG!

Best, Mark

Brighton v Arsenal

Wednesday, 3/4 • 11:30 am Kickoff • Maggie McGarry’s (21+)

Match on inside and outside.
Maggie’s is 21+, even in the parklet.
Dogs in parklet only, please.
Keep the banter civil and friendly.
Outside food is OK.
Outside drinks are NOT.

Facebook Event Link

COYG!

Mansfield Town v Arsenal

Sat, March 7 • 4:15 am Kickoff • Maggie McGarry’s (21+)

Match on inside.
Parklet opens at 8:00 am.
Maggie’s is 21+, even in the parklet.
Non-alcoholic beverages only until 6:00 am.
Dogs in parklet only, please.
Keep the banter civil and friendly.
Outside food is OK.
Outside drinks are NOT.

Facebook Event Page

COYG!

Another Sunday derby

Great time out at Maggie’s last Sunday as Arsenal put Spurs to the sword. Particularly gratifying was a brace of goals from our much maligned striker, Viktor Gyökeres. Sure it was against a poor Tottenham side, but both were well taken stunning strikes. Please sir, can I have some more?

Chelsea visit the Emirates Sunday, having drawn their last two matches and sitting in 5th. I fancy our chances but as our own recent draws have shown, no Premiership side can be overlooked.

1 WEEK LEFT TO ORDER BA ANNIVERSARY KITS!

To celebrate our 20th year in existence, we launched our Bay Area Gooners 20th Anniversary Kit last week.

These are only available via pre-order from Olive & York. They will not be available at the pub and pre-orders end March 6th. Don’t miss out!

The North London Derby drew a good crowd but Maggie’s was far from packed. Keep your Gooner bona fides up to date by joining us Sunday!

COYG!

Best, Mark

Arsenal v Chelsea

Sunday, 3/1 • 8:30 am Kickoff • Maggie McGarry’s (21+)

Match on inside and outside.
Maggie’s is 21+, even in the parklet.
Dogs in parklet only, please.
Keep the banter civil and friendly.
Outside food is OK.
Outside drinks are NOT.

Facebook Event Link

COYG!

20 years leading to this

The Bay Area Gooners was founded in 2006, moving to Maggie McGarry’s later that year. Has a North London Derby in the past 20 years ever meant as much as this weekend’s? Arsenal dropped points in two successive draws and even the most stout-hearted Gooners are feeling the strain. The noise from outside, particularly opposition fans, is beyond intolerable.

Having played Wednesday, Arsenal face a Spurs side, hoping to benefit from 12 days rest and the “new manager bounce”. Former Juventus defender, Igor Tudor was just appointed manager until the end of the season. Demolishing their old foe, would show the world, this is a different Arsenal from recent seasons.

BAG 20th Anniversary Kit

This is our 20th year as an Arsenal supporters group. We’ll be celebrating this milestone during the end of this season and the beginning of the next. To this end, we’re excited to announce a limited edition Bay Area Gooners 20th Anniversary Kit.

These are only available via pre-order from Olive & York. They will not be available at the pub and the pre-order window ends March 6th. They feature a revised crest, legend Patrick Dunphy on one sleeve, and “North Beach Forever” on the other. Holly Hickman has created another stellar design, so don’t miss out!

Nomad East Bay Gooners

As you may be aware, the Athletic Club Oakland closed, leaving the East Bay Gooners without a home. While sorting out new accommodations, they’re watching this Sunday’s NLD at Line 51 Brewing Company in Oakland. It remains to be seen whether this is a permanent move.

Looking forward to seeing everyone Sunday!

COYG!

Best, Mark