The hammer came down

Just like that, the hammer came down and our league cup run is over. You’ll hear Gooners rationalize it as freeing Arsenal up for more important things, but the truth is, it was an anemic performance all round.

This was a chance for a number of squad players to bolster supporters already shaky faith in them. There are so many of us in the Kai Havertz “I want to believe” camp at Maggie’s, but this outing did nothing to shore up our doubts.

No time to dwell, as the Gunners head to Newcastle Saturday. This will be a stern task though Newcastle don’t seem quite as puissant as last season. But then, neither do Arsenal.

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

Because of the time change, the 10:30am kickoff might be the latest start to a weekend match (outside of a final) we’ve ever had at the pub. If previous late starts are any indication, the pub should be hopping.

See you Saturday!

Best,

Mark

A is for Arsenal, also anxiety

Nervy late moments in our mid-week Champions League match against Sevilla, but don’t let it diminish two stellar goals by Martinelli and Jesus. Martinelli’s was reminiscent of his legendary goal a few seasons back at Chelsea. Also laudable was our stout defense with a rock star performance by Tomiyasu.

Next up, Sheffield United, who have one of the worst starts ever to the Premier League era and on paper, look like easy pickings. But as all Gooners know, Arsenal rarely make things easy. Here’s hoping they don’t wait until so late in the match to join the fray as they did at Chelsea.

There is late news that both Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus will be out for a few weeks. Also, can we talk about the inconsistent play of Martin Ødegaard? Our Captain does not entirely seem himself and along with the injury news, my Arsenal anxiety level is creeping up.

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While I always try to capture the true Gooners at Maggie’s for each match, sometimes the crowds makes it challenging.. I’d love if any photographers (aspiring or otherwise) who take photos during the matches, shared them with me.

We’ve been getting really great crowds for the later matches, but now it’s time for y’all to show up for something a little earlier. Hope to see you Saturday!

Best,

Mark

On the rebound

Loved the late fight back from the Gunners on Saturday, but feel a little fortunate to snatch a late draw from the mouth of defeat. The lads seemed a step behind for most of the match and made an ordinary Chelsea team look like contenders.

No time to dwell as Arsenal head to Spain to face Sevilla Fútbol Club in another Champions League group stage match. The team needs to rebound not only from the weekend’s frustrating effort but their last Champions League debacle against RC Lens.

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

Sadly, the Man is keeping me down and I’ll be unable join you at Maggie’s for the match.

Best,

Mark

Old familiar foes

Another dreaded interlull behind us and Arsenal’s triumphant win over Man City begins to fade into memory, as we prepare for the lads to get back to business.

This might seem like a good time to face Chelsea, currently sitting in 11th, having won only 3 matches. But two of those were their most recent, so woe to us if we take them for granted, just when they may be finding their form.

I truly loathe Chelsea, easily as much as any of our other rivals and hope we trounce them on Sunday. Saka, Saliba, and Trossard all are questionable for the match due to injury, so how sweet would it be for Havertz to have a big “revenge match” performance against his former club. Here’s hoping.

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Great to be headed back to Maggie’s. Lovely late kickoff ensures the pub will be packed. Get their early to get a good seat.

See you at the pub!

Best,

Mark

Rollercoaster of love

Just over two months into the season, we’ve hit the first real dip in the Arsenal supporter rollercoaster. Our trip to France ended up so much sour milk, with RC Lens taking advantage of our sloppy defense and Saka limping off. Again.

And of course, it would occur just prior to our biggest match of the season thus far. Man City visit the Emirates this weekend, and while they’re missing a few key players, they are still the team to beat in the Premier League.

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These matches with Manchester City always have the added importance for Gooners at Maggie’s because of the exiguous City supporters group one occasionally encounters at the pub. You might not see a lot of them during the regular season, but they always mange to turn out in droves for matches with Arsenal.

Thus, it is incumbent upon us to use our overwhelming numbers to maintain our pub dominance. Please join us as we sing, There’s only one team at Maggie’s. And of course, the framed dollar bill, now named for Patrick Dunphy, hangs in the balance. We claimed it after the Community Shield, and can hopefully retain it Sunday.

Last weekend’s domination of Bournemouth was marred by constant streaming issues with the Peacock app in the first half. This was not the pub’s doing as viewers at home and in pubs all over the U.S. were experiencing the same disruptions. Regrettably, NBC Sports has relegated Sunday’s match to their shitty little app, so fingers crossed we don’t encounter any problems.

See you at the pub! Get there early to ensure yourself a prime seat!

Best,

Mark

The champignons league?

Fine effort by Arsenal to crush a hapless Bournemouth, 4-0. However, Saka and Jesus going off limping is worrisome, especially given Martinelli and Partney are still out. Saka was amongst the top 10 most fouled players in the Premier League last season and that irksome trend appears to be continuing.

Quick jaunt to France for tomorrow’s Champions League group stage match again RC Lens before the big weekend showdown against Man City.

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

Work will keep me from the pub tomorrow but I’ll see you Sunday for the big one.

Best,

Mark

A bowl of cherries

Having dispatched with Brentford in efficient if not nervy fashion during Wednesday’s League Cup action, the Gunners head south to face Bournemouth tomorrow.

There seems to be an undercurrent of unease amongst a lot of Gooners. The team doesn’t seem to be firing on all cylinders and there continue to be ongoing injury concerns. Outside of the victory over PSV, have we seen a “dominant” performance yet this season?

The good news is they’re still winning. Or rather, not losing, having drawn against the tiny Tots and Fulham. Next up, the Cherries, who are sitting in the bottom half of the table. Would love to see a strong Arsenal outing.

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

See you Saturday!

Best,

Mark

In our cups again

Another great turnout for a North London Derby Sunday at Maggie’s. Unfortunately, our dedication was rewarded with a draw that felt like a loss. We watched an Arsenal that despite some flashes of brilliance, seemed to be suffering a lag from Wednesday’s Champions League action.

But this is the time of the season when the Gunners’ depth and supporters’ patience will be tested. Being back in the Champions League, as well as the League and FA Cups means playing practically every 3 days.

Compounding that, many key players, Rice, Partey, Trossard, and Martinelli are all out injured and will miss tomorrow’s match against Brentford and Saturday as well. The scuttlebutt is they’ll all be fit for Man City in a few weeks, so here’s hoping.

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

Our BAG Transatlantic Trip Kits began arriving this past week and some folks wore theirs on Sunday, and they look great!

Those of you who missed out and are regretting it, let me know. If there is enough interest, we may be able to launch another order.

I won’t make it to the pub tomorrow but will see you Saturday for Bournemouth.

Best,

Mark

We are the Tottenham haters

Apologies for the late post, it’s been a busy week for yours truly.

Arsenal won their opening Champions League group stage match against PSV Einhoven in stellar fashion. They played classy, stylish football and notched a 4-0 victory.

But no time to bask in the afterglow, with the first North London Derby of the season this Sunday. Tottenham appear rejuvenated under their new manager, and I expect they’ll present a serious challenge.

Maggie’s will open at 5:30am and kickoff is 6am. Please be cognizant of the neighbors and be quiet when entering the pub.

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

I’ve hearing the Transatlantic Trip Kits have started arriving. Please post or send me your pics wearing them. I’ll also be attempting to get a group pic of Gooners wearing them.

See you at Maggie’s Sunday!

Best,

Mark

Are these the champions?

Great to get the win on Sunday at Everton and banish previous poor results to memory. Not the prettiest, but all 3 points collected, and no one should complain about that. Adding injury to insult, Gabriel Martinelli went off with a knock, not long after having a brilliant goal ruled offside. Fingers crossed about that, but no time to dwell, with the Gunners back in action tomorrow.

Been some time since Gooners have heard the familiar strains of the Champions League anthem before an Arsenal match. Sing it with me now, These are the champions. On paper, our group looks very doable. But as someone who sat next to 6,000 PSV Einhoven fans singing, Always look on the bright side of life, as they saw us out of the competition over 15 years ago, I take nothing for granted.

Naturally, Maggie’s will have all the matches on, so here’s hoping the lads can do the business.

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

I will be at the pub for this momentous occasion. I’ll have BAG scarves and t-shirts for sale Sunday, and hopefully will see you there!

Best,

Mark