Yo Ho Bloomin' Ho

Just got time for a brief 'Happy Christmas' and a review of what turned out to be an excellent day.

The draw for the Carling Cup Semi-Finals couldn't have been better (what do you mean, you wanted Wycombe, shame on you). If the minor hurdle of Liverpool away can be safely navigated we have another two opportunities to rub shalt into the woundsh of Tottenhamsh very own Chrishmush turkey, Martin No-Ja Jol.

The festive spirit flowed freely at the Grove as well. A generous gift of a penalty for Blackburn just two minutes in and it looked like it was going to be another one of those days. Fortunately they arrived with a defence that was even more porous than ours and by the interval it was 3-1. Gilberto looked every inch the captain once again and sparked the comeback with a great header.

After the break there was all manner of tomfoolery at the back as Blackburn reduced the arrears and threatened to level the scoreline. Cue the fairy tale ending the Gooners just about deserved as Van Persie struck twice. Even the announcer got in on the act, hailing the final strike from 'the goal-machine' that is Matty Flamini. Poor old Friedel was subjected to the ultimate taunt, 'it's behind you!', one last time.

So 6-2 it was, and how impressive that must look to those who had not seen or heard the contest in its entirety. For the regular Gooner the spanked-arse expression worn by Mark Hughes was a delight to see, but in fairness they are not the kick-everything-in-sight Rovers of a year or two ago. They came to play, and it nearly worked. Let's hope in the new year more opponents arrive at the Grove willing to put on a show, and not just park the bus!

So I must prepare to meet father of Goonerholic. Whatever you are doing for Christmas I hope you enjoy every minute of it. I'll be back on Wednesday or Thursday. Have a great holiday people.