Bay Area Gooners

I read the news today, oh boy

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.

In other news of the world, the Bay Area Gooners received a mention in a recent Daily Mail piece about Premier League fans in the US.

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.

Best,

Mark

Liverpool redux

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!

Best,

Mark

In which we get hammered

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.

Best,

Mark

It’s up for grabs now

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.

Best,

Mark

That time of year again

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!

Best,

Mark

Something’s got to give

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.

But you only have until Sunday to order yours!

Look forward to seeing you at the pub Saturday! Please bring a food donation!

Best,

Mark

Arsenal through the lens

If you were unable to watch Arsenal’s mid-week Champions League match against RC Lens, you owe it yourself to at least see the highlights.

It was a bit like watching a Harlem Globetrotters match or an Oprah special, You get a goal, and you get a goal, and you get a goal! Perhaps this is why Premier League teams are often reluctant to play football against Arsenal, preferring instead to park the proverbial bus and dare the Gunners to break them down.

Please, please let some of the fluidity, swagger and dominance we witnessed Wednesday spill over into Arsenal’s weekend matches.

Transatlantic Trip Kits are back!

At the request of Gooners who missed out the first time, we’re bringing our Transatlantic Trip Kit back for a limited time only.

Emblazoned with our logo, Maggie McGarry’s as our sponser, a numerical nod to our patch of 49 square miles, Arsenal’s Invincibles, and San Francisco’s own 49ers, and featuring the late Patrick Dunphy, on the sleeve.

Beginning today through December 10th, you can order them from Olive & York.

Order here! Ends December 10th!

They will probably not arrive in time for holiday gift giving, but we have a lovely certificate I can supply you with, to present to the recipient and let them know what’s coming. Just drop me an email.

Back at the pub tomorrow for a 7am kickoff against Wolverhampton, and it looks to be a real test for Arsenal, as Wolves have defeated the likes of Man City and fought Newcastle to a draw.

Look forward to seeing you at the pub tomorrow!

Best,

Mark

Did you save room for Arsenal?

Hope everyone was able to enjoy time off this week with friends and family. Don’t worry if you over indulged, as long as you saved a little room for Arsenal.

The Thanksgiving holiday and another dreaded interlull behind us, it’s now back to business for the Gunners. Annoyance at Trossard and Jesus playing a full 90 minutes for their countries, aside, here’s hoping we pick up where we left off.

Let us know on our Facebook page if you’re coming!

In case you missed it, here’s the latest in our Ooh to be a Gooner series, where we profile Gooners at the pub!

Hope to see you tomorrow! We’ll have BAG t-shirts and scarves for sale, if you’d like to get a jump on your holiday shopping.

Best,

Mark

Ooh to be a Gooner: Sean

The latest in our series profiling the Gooners joining us at Maggie McGarry’s on match days.

Sometime around 1999, San Jose high schooler, Sean Estill found himself in search of a team. Playing FIFA 98 with his skateboarding buddies, they supported clubs like Liverpool, Manchester United, Juventus, Chivas and even Spurs. Initially drawn to Arsenal by their French connection and their style of play, the more he learned, the more he becamed attached.

Flash forward to 2015, Sean is living in San Francisco and finds a coworker who also supports Arsenal. This particular Gooner, Nick hips him to the Bay Area Gooners and Maggie McGarry’s and Sean’s been coming to matches ever since.

Of the Bay Area Gooners, Sean says he loves the community, No other supporter group has the same feel. BAG is welcoming, fun, has great attendance and a culture of camaraderie.

His all-time favorite player is Thierry Henry while Saliba and Saka rank as his current favorites. When asked about manager Mikel Arteta, Sean says, I’m quite happy with him these days, although I accept he is young and still growing as a Manager. I question some decisions, but above all, he has brought the club back to fighting for the top. We’ve had so many painful dark years, so its great to be competing again, with one of our own as Manager. I back him and want to see further progress this season.

Sean has had the pleasure of seeing Arsenal play in London, LA, San Jose and New York, including a big group trip to the Emirates last season. His support is ever expanding, The Arsenal is a special club, and I’m proud to support it. The club and the supporters are welcoming, accepting and diverse. I’ve actually got my whole family to join in and it is the only team we all support together. I hope to keep the support going with the next generation. COYG!

We’re continue to share stories of our Gooner family at Maggie’s. If you’re a regular, who’d like to be featured, talk to me at the pub.

Cheers, Mark

Six ways to Saturday

Arsenal’s decisive win Wednesday over Sevilla in the Champions League group stage served as a bit of a palate cleanser, but The Travesty on Tyneside is still stuck firmly in one’s craw.

To have VAR examine an opposition goal for 4 possible violations and still stand could only happen to Arsenal. Topped off with several unpunished assaults by Magpie players, it’s enough to make one believe in conspiracy theories.

There was a bit of every Gooner in Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments. His rage was our rage. Hopefully, by Saturday, I’ll be able to say, I’m not angry anymore.

Let us know on our Facebook page if you’re coming!

The match viewings at Maggie’s have been really good this season. We’ve been getting a nice mix of regulars, first-timers, out-of-town visitors, and a few prodigal Gooners, returning for the first time in years. This is our last weekend match until after Thanksgiving, so I hope to see you at the pub!

See you Saturday!

Best,

Mark