Pie Munchers Wigan V Arsenal 3rd December 2011

Welcome all and apologies for the late blog - was with a good friend last night (amazingly a Spud) Under 15 Crystal Palace assistant manager and scout watching an Under 11 District Game in deepest darkest Hertfordshire so didn't return until late.

Those that say the English game has no talent coming through should watch one of these gamess - ball on the floor, pass and movement, good first touch, respect shown to the each other, the officials and some great goals!!

Onto todays game - and we will have some spies at the game - young Dan Bailey will be on the 8,30am from Euston making the long trek north to be joined up there by Terry and the North West Arsenal Supporters Club making the short trip across from Chester - reminds me of the last time i headed to Wigan and just before pulling into Wigan, the train conductor announced over the tannoy in his best British Airways Jumbo Jet 1st Officers voice " Ladies and Gentlemen, Ladies and Gentlemen, next stop Wigan, next stop Wigan - and for those leaving the train" and then a long pause, all about timing with this one!! he cam eback with " GOOD LUCK"!! ( those that have been to Wigan before you'll get where he's coming from)



Gary Caldwell and Bother?


Some not so interesting facts about the Town of Wigan

1) The Verve are from Wigan as is George Formby
2) Famous Wigan food products (apart from their love of pies) Heinz baked beans
3) Otehr well know firms in Wigan include Girobank ( never have guessed looking around the place) and the Tote
4) Marks and Spencer originated in Wigan in 1894 and had its HQ there for 3 years (soon moved out though)
5) Wigan Casino for its legendary Northern Soul weekenders

6) ......... struggling now .... Oh and Dave Whelan, JJB Sports ( responsible for providing clothing for 70% of the population - cheers Dave)

Catwalk in Wigan?

Some Quick Stats For you

Wigan have won 25%, drawn 45% and lost 30% of last 20 home games
Wigan last conceded less that 2 goals at home some 5 games ago
Wigan have conceded opening goal in 12 of last 20 home games, going on to win 3, draw 3 and lose 6
Arsenal last kept a clean sheet on travels 6 games ago
Arsenal have found the net in 90% of last 20 away games

So 0-0 today then!!!!

Last 2 away games have seen Arsenal lead twice but fail to win, drawing one and losing the other. This i put down to Mr Wenger not paying full respect to Wigan and tinkering with the team - the arrogance of Arsenal as i call it - its "only" Wigan and i don't have to play my strongest team - RUBBISH - you must play the strongest team and in my opinion it has to be a back 5 of
 1) Sczc rb) KOS cb) BFG cb) TV5 lb) AS
5 across middle
rw) TW rm) AR cm) AS lm)MA lw)GERV

1 up to
CF) RVP

subs have to include the OX and any of 8

No excuses Mr Wenger but if Gary Caldwell plays - you must exploit his lack of ---- goodness?

Couple of quick jokes about Wigan

To become a bit more cosmopolitan , In Wigan town centre they've built an Urdu Centre - problem is all the locals keep going in and asking for a short, back and sides!!

Bloke walks into a jewellers in Wigan and asks the man behind the counter if he can make a gold replica of his beloved dog who had passed away. Jeweller replies " Of course we can, that's be na problem, does tha want it 18 carat?"
"Noooo" replies the bloke "I want it chewin a bone you dozy bastard!!!"

On that note Up the Arse

Notes

1) Those not travelling and wanting to watch the games its on live at The Gunner Pub ko 3pm

2) 10th December Everton Home 125 Arsenal Anniversary, Eaglet Arsenal Supporters Club and any fellow gooners Christmas drink starting at 12 pm at The Eaglet Pub starring The Away Boyz