Arsenal host Liverpool this Sunday for the third time in the past six weeks. The first time was a hard fought draw at Anfield, while more recently the Reds bounce the Gunners out of the FA Cup.
Liverpool sit atop the table and have not lost a Premier League match since last September. Arsenal rebounded from back to back losses with two wins in a row, giving supporters a modicum of relief, but Sunday’s match is still a big ask. Still, hard not to feel like any chance of winning the league, depends on Arsenal taking points from this one.
Seems the transfer window has ended with a resounding thud for Arsenal. No signings to speak of, but then no one else seem to do any significant business. Not that that is any consolation.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the pub for the big match.
Quick note to let you know that Arsenal have a match tomorrow and that Maggie McGarry’s will have it on. The Gunners travel to Nottingham, kickoff is 11:30am PT, and Maggie’s is 21+. The match will be on inside and out.
I won’t make it tomorrow, but look forward to seeing you for the next weekend match.
We’re back at it tomorrow, early in the morning. Almost two weeks since Arsenal’s last match and the boys have apparently been resting and practicing in Dubai. Hopefully the Gunners can re-find their form and get back in the title hunt.
Our first pre-dawn kickoff of 2024 and of course, Maggie’s will be open for us. Coffee, tea and non-alcoholic drinks until the Guinness bell rings at 6am.
Once someone brought their own alcohol to an early match. Don’t be that Gooner, who gets themself banned permanently.
In case you missed it, we posted another in our Ooh to be a Gooner series, profiling one of the regulars at the pub.
I may not make it Saturday, but look forward to seeing you all soon.
Another in our profiles of Gooners you’ll rub shoulders with, when you join us for an Arsenal match at Maggie McGarry’s.
Miles Thomson grew up in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and moved to San Francisco in the summer of 2017.
He was first drawn to football by the 1998 World Cup, finding the star power of Roberto Carlos and (Brazilian) Ronaldo undeniable. But being French Canadian, he developed a soft spot for France and noticed the play of one Thierry Henry, who would fast become his favorite player.
While Miles didn’t commit to being an Arsenal supporter right away, he remembers, it was the arc of Henry’s career that made Arsenal the team I wanted to support for the rest of my life. Thierry Henry remains his all-time favorite Gunner, but it’s defender, William Saliba who’s become his current favorite player.
Of Arsenal’s manager, Miles says, Mikel is the man for the job and has my full support…my teams in other sports (Toronto Raptors, Colorado Avalanche, Pittsburgh Steelers) all had stability in the front office and at head coach/manager, in common.
Arsene was iconic for two decades at Arsenal and we’ve finally found his successor…it’s imperative that we continue to support him for the next 5-10 years. He also recommends Revolution, The Rise of Arteta’s Arsenalby Charles Watt, which he’s currently reading.
Being a tall, blonde Arsenal supporter, friends back home labeled him Mertesacker. Miles says that’s where the similarities end, as he was far from the most composed man on the field. Despite frigid Canadian temperatures, he has fond memories of playing 7-a-side footy.
He definitely finds the weather in San Francisco preferable, but that’s not the only thing. Last summer, he finally made it to Maggie’s to watch with the Bay Area Gooners and is happy he did, I appreciate being around other knowledgeable football fans, interested in how we are playing as well as how we are doing in the table.
Miles (center)
While some of Miles’ strongest friendships have been with other football supporters, they’ve mostly been Liverpool, Chelsea or Spurs fans, so he’s looking forward to remaining a regular at Maggie’s, cheering on the Gunners and making new friendships along the way. With Gooners.
Miles (right)
We’ll continue to share stories of our Gooner family. If you’re a regular at Maggie’s and , want to be featured, talk to me at the pub.
Gooners everywhere are trying to figure out what to do with themselves during an Arsenal-free weekend. Our next opportunity to gather at Maggie’s is January 20th and it’s the first 4:30am kickoff of the year. Not for the faint of heart.
The lull gives us nothing to do but anguish over recent results and dream of that signing to lift Arsenal out of their malaise. Though our manager cast serious doubts as to the likelihood of signing a striker in January. If the return of Partey and Timber is indeed eminent, perhaps that will give us a much needed boost.
I could quibble about some of the quotes or the fact they gave Maggie’s other supporters equal time. That group pales in comparison, in terms of numbers and dedication, but no matter, it’s nice to be recognized.
Our group shows no sign of slowing down and it’s always a joy for me to hang at the pub with you lot, and meet new Gooners.
2023 ended with a whimper not a bang. Following the West Ham loss, the Gunners were embarrassed by Fulham, looking very ordinary and powerless.
A lot of fan social media ire to kickoff 2024, pitchforks and torches raised high, raging about useless players and speculating about ones we absolutely must buy. And the return of the absurd Arteta Out crowd, forgetting Arsenal’s upward trajectory since he took over.
Next up, Liverpool, the second of three matches in six weeks against the Scousers. This time, the 3rd round of the FA Cup, the only trophy we’ve won under Arteta. Unless of course, you count the Community Shield.
Personally, I love the FA Cup and would love to see us win it again. We’d all prefer a Premiership or Champions League trophy but I don’t dismiss this competition as many other Gooners do. In my mind, the treble is still on for us.
Looking forward to being back at the pub Sunday. Hope to see you there!
Following a tough draw at Anfield, one could be forgiven for looking at our mid-week fixture and thinking Arsenal could get a result. And in those opening minutes, it seemed like we would do just that. We were stylish, crisp, tricky and yet ended the match with 30 shot attempts and nary a goal to show for it.
The Hammers can be commended for their resolute defending from start to finish and taking the scant opportunities presented. Sure, scoring off a ball that went out of play is beyond frustrating and oh so familiar, but at the end of the day, not taking our chances is what doomed us.
We had a fantastic turn out at the pub. Great to see the mix of regular, visiting and prodigal Gooners. Next up, Arsenal head to Fulham on Sunday at it’s an early one for those of us on the West Coast. Maggie’s will have the match on and kickoff is 6am. Here’s hoping we can close out 2023 with a win.
I’ll be out of town and won’t get to the pub, but look forward to seeing you in 2024.
Happy new year to all our Gooners and their families.
All very tight at the top of the Premier League table right now. Arsenal sitting one point ahead of Liverpool and only 5 points separating them from Man City in 4th. A win on Sunday would go a long way towards establishing our title hopes bona fides.
Liverpool at Anfield is always going to be one of the tougher asks though they’ve just had two disparate results this past week. They demolished West Ham on Wednesday in the League Cup just days after a turgid, grind it out, scoreless draw against United.
I expect Arsenal will actually come to play and we’ll get a fairly wide open affair. Let’s just hope if it comes down to a late winner (as both clubs have seen recently), that we’ll be celebrating with the away fans.
Arsenal America membership packages are out and we’re thrilled they include a scarf designed by none other than our own, Holly Hickman. Holly’s previous work includes our website, scarves, t-shirts, the banner which hung at the Emirates, and of course, the fantastic Transatlantic Trip Kit. If you’re not already a member, we encourage you to join.
I’ll be out of town and won’t get to the pub, but expecting a great turnout Saturday
Happy holidays to all our Gooners and their families.
Heading into the holiday season, still in the thick of the title race, with Gooners casting a longing glance towards the transfer window, wondering who, if anyone might arrive.
Can’t shake the nagging feeling we’re one or two injuries away from seeing it all slip away. Elneny picked up a knock against PSV while Martinelli didn’t even travel. Partey is slated to return before January, though I can’t decide if that’s a good thing or not. Tomiyasu and Viera are at least a month away while we likely won’t see Timber until next season.
Always try not to get sucked into the transfer roller coaster, but I am hopeful we’ll pick up a striker and some additional depth. Meanwhile, the matches come fast and furious this time of year and we’ve got Brighton Sunday to focus on.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Food Drive for the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. We were able to collect a significant amount of food as well as a number of cash donations from generous Gooners!
Look forward to seeing you at the pub Sunday! Bright and early!
What a ride, this Arsenal team. Snatching victory at Kenilworth Road in the last 30 seconds of stoppage time against a surprisingly formidable Luton side.
Declan Rice’s towering header was every bit as thrilling as Reiss Nelson’s late game winner last season at Bournemouth. And yet, there’s a different resolve, more steel to the Gunners this time around.
But immediately, Arsenal face another stern test. Aston Villa are no joke and they’ve won 14 home matches in a row, including Manchester City 1-0 on Wednesday. Unai Emery has them playing with intensity and purpose and will want this win, given his unceremonious departure from Arsenal. Oh, the last team to be at them at Villa Park? Arsenal. Something’s got to give.
Bay Area Gooners Food Drive Saturday!
Speaking of giving, we’re hosting a Food Drive for the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank during this weekend’s match. A food donation gets you entered into a raffle for BAG scarves and t-shirts, so please contribute!
Last 3 days to order your Transatlantic Trip Kit!
At the request of Gooners who missed out the first time, we brought back our Transatlantic Trip Kit from Olive & York.
Bay Area Gooners 