Write down the first word that comes into your head when you see this picture. DO IT!!
"I'm this big of an idiot"
One of the most despised players in recent Arsenal history (up there with Ca$hley) did what he hadn’t done in over twelve months for Arsenal, run more than two yards.
I asked you to write down what came into your head for a reason. When that happened I was pissed off. I was angry but also bemused by Barndoor’s stupidity. In that instance he illustrated what he is – an overhyped, money grabbing *&^%. He didn’t care about his new club or fans, he cared about sticking it to the Arsenal fans who wouldn’t put up with his crap the previous season.
There were a lot of words used to describe the Arsenal fans who taunted Adebayor throughout that game – angry, disappointed, maniacs, over-acting, idiotic but perhaps the most hilarious and inappropriate was the label “racist.” Yes, apparently we were all a big, bad bunch of racists. Adebayor is black so that must be the reason, not because he was a useless, over paid git who wouldn’t run to save his life never mind put in some effort for the fans who had idolized him only months before. Of course, for the media and opposition fans to label us racist they must also forget that we have perhaps the most diverse bunch of supporters in the English Premier League and were one of the first clubs to really embrace African players.
At the time Martin Samuel (normally a fine journalist who sold his soul to the Daily Mail) wrote a piece condemning the Gooner faithful as racist. He claimed that the infamous Adebayor, elephant song was chanted throughout at poor old Emmanuel, a song apparently WE had created. Now there is two things wrong here – one, it was in fact the Arshavin song that was being chanted and two, City had chanted the actual elephant song at the City of Manchester Stadium a year earlier. Selective hearing Mr. Samuel?
I’m not at all saying there isn’t a racist element among our fanbase, there is always a minority, or in some cases a majority, when it comes to such vast amount of people. However, as you all know with Adebayor or any player its not racism, its just being sick of putting up with crap from primadonnas.
Its illogical to think that a crowd that worshiped the ground that the likes of Vieira walked on would hate Adebayor because he was African, here are the actual reasons:
- He was overpaid.
- He was lazy.
- He was selfish.
- He disrespected our club.
- He was ALWAYS offside.
The list goes on.
If anything can completely dispel the myth of the Adebayor racism tale, it has to be the current feelings Arsenal fans have towards Andrei Arshavin – our Russian wizard who brought us so much joy last season. Can’t you just feel the air of indifference towards him?
On this blog during the week there was an argument over whether Arshavin’s goal against Fulham was selfish, stupid or just plain genius? You all know what happened, RvP was in acres of space for a tap-in but AA23 went with the impossible and scored from a tight angle.
Personally I have no problem with what he did because 1) He scored and 2) He as done it before.
However, it showed the air of indifference towards him that some claimed it showed him as a selfish git who cares only for himself and not Arsenal – something Adebayor was and is accused of on numerous occasions.
Arshavin is a footballing genius but at times he can irritate. For all the goals he has scored against Liverpool he often goes missing in games, doesn’t track back to defend, rarely seems to get involved in team celebrations, openly criticizes Arsenal and Wenger and speaks of playing for other clubs.
Despite his goals and assists during 2009/2010, Arshavin has failed to delight to such a point that many don’t care if he leaves. Just like Adebayor, we only want people at the club who want to play for us and will put in the effort. It doesn’t matter if your black, white, Asian, world-class, cost £1million or £15million, if you are at Arsenal FC you bloody work for your wages and for our respect.
Some same the Russian has been nursing a groin injury all season and if true that would excuse his performances on the field, just at times you’d wish he’d watch his mouth off it. AA23 is a likable bloke in general – he brings added spark to our squad, really wants to win and can create something out of nothing. But if you don’t put the effort in then you might as well go somewhere else – us Gooners will fight for you only if you fight for us.
Funny season is starting again as the transfer window opens, surely Arshavin won’t be this season’s Adebayor?
Arsenal News 24/7
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Morning all, to me Andrey is a long way off becoming this seasons Ademywhore. I only speak for myself on this question as I feel Arshavin has a great deal more intelligence than the Togo twat ever had.
I’m glad we have a player who has the confidence to shoot as we have an abundance of bottlers who don’t want to take responsibility for forward movement in the opposition’ half.
A lot of the so called negative press he has generated is down to typical lazy hackery and whether he finally goes to Barca, as was predicted he would from last summer onward, I don’t care whether he joins in the huddle after scoring, if his body language isn’t happy-smiley.
If he provides the goal and assists this coming season as he is well capable of then I’ll be glad of his stay – who knows, once Gallas is off he can get the number 10 shirt maybe he’ll move on up another level.
Of course I’m a fan and I’m not going to let mischief making from hacks influence my judgement.
Glad to have you posting by the way Maire – it reduces th elikelihood of me having to bore you with my ramblings ! 🙂 or as Andrey would say :)))))))
Ok 1st I’ll own up to being a yid… just so you get a perpective on where I’m coming from.
Completely agree with your stance on Adebayor. We had similar complaints concerning our conduct towards Sol Campbell. As Gooners will understand we have no problem with his colour just the fact he jumped ship and jumped in bed with our rivals.
The term “racism” is used too freely in this PC world.
With regards to Arshavin… He has the talent and when on fire he is a joy to watch. Maybe one more season with all eyes on consistency. I’ll keep my fingers crossed he is mental and it doesn’t work out! If he was to leave this summer I’d simile as I still see him as one of your better players.
Shit I hope not, this sell 2 buy 1 system is starting to get to me 😦
Hi bazmundo and welcome,
Thanks for your comment. As you can see from my avatar, I am a big fan of the little Russian. If you watch him in interviews, you will see that he has a very impish sense of humour and sometimes his tongue-in-cheek comments are taken too seriously.
I think he played a large part of last season nursing hamstring and foot injuries and many thought he was being lazy whereas he was just saving himself for short bursts of attacking play which is his greatest asset to the side.
Can Arsene wenger just let those that wants to leave leave… Pple like arshavin and fabregas. By selling these 2 guys whom has been destabilising the squad with their comments, we would have stabilised the squad and earn ourselves much much money.
Use the money instead to invest in defence and to buy a defensive midfielder and GK. Aaron ramsey can step in for Cesc when he is back. Nasri can do it like wise. Wilshere, lansbury and JET as well. Replacing Arshavin can be done with Vela, Bendtner, wilshere or RvP himself.
Otherwise if experience is needed then Arsene should use the money to buy Mikel Arteta or Stephen Ireland of Man City
We are incredibly lucky to have Arshavin. Instead of dwelling on sensationalist headlines and bended quotes, and making up stories about nothing we need to support the guy who is one of 4-5 true world class players we have.
There is only one valuable piece of news about Arshavin that I came across recently – and that is not from sports pages, but from property supplement of Evening Standard – and that is the news that Arshavin is house-hunting in North London. According to an estate agent he is looking for a 2-3 mln family house to move from rented accommodations. This is more telling to me than all those Barca stories which even The Sun did not bother to reprint.
Morning Damn_Gallas, welcome to the site.
I think the hope/belief is that we have enough money to buy the sort of players you describe whilst holding on to the world class players that are essential for every top club.
think the press is whipping up a storm (in a teacup) over Cesc and equally with Arshavin. What is clear is that those two players want to see some quality added to the squad and want to win trophies at Arsenal – so their objective is the same as yours.
Morning all,
Test post from work.
It looks like entering the site via NewsNow might just let me on.
DAMN GALLAS – YOU’RE A IDOIT – WENGER ALWAYS SELLS THE BEST PLAYERS {ARSENAL ARE MADRID & BARCA FEEDERS}. WE CAN’T HAVE THIS ANYMORE – GALLAS HAS THE EXPERIENCE WE NEED. ARSHAVIN IS A BIG GAME PLAYER WHICH WE NEED. WE NEED 3 MORE BIG-GAME PLAYES THEN WE’LL WIN THE BIG GAMES!!
HART, VDWIEL, MELO, AFFELLAY. – THESE ARE SIGNINGS WHICH’LL SHOW INTENT!
didn’t barndor say that Arsenal supporters were just a bunch of jamaicans who were glory hunters. whose the racist? As a gooner from jamaican stock he can f*8k off to what ever club / country will take him..
Hi Alex,
It’s interesting, AA’s level of brilliance is not far short (excuse the pun) of DB and yet DB was never criticised for not defending or not working hard enough (I loved DB by the way). If you have a player of that quality, it is up to the players around him to support him and free him to do what he does best – create a goalscoring opportunity out of nothing and change a game.
Hi claryt,
I think it is about time the ‘racist allegation’ was put to bed permanently. Apparently the stats show that Arsenal has the most culturally diverse support. I have never witnessed any racist behaviour from home fans at the Emirates.
I think the argument hinges on whether the arrogance of genius can turn into self-adulation at the cost of a ‘team mentality’. In Ade’s case, he thought (still thinks) he is better than he is. You only have to remember him comparing himself to TH14 afetr one good season – laughable
The non racist nature of Arsenal goes way way back. The National Front were regularly chased out of there in the 70’s, or at least were made very unwelcome. Unlike at many other London Grds.
Claryt. Have you got a link to those AdeNuff quotes about Jamaicans..??
Alright Irish…good post.
I have to admit I’m in the ‘not too bothered’ if he leaves camp at the moment.
I asked a mate the other night if he’d swap any new signings for a significant increase in hunger, desire and never say die spirit, in all our players. I said I prob would.
I’m even including no new GK in that !!
S Sure – the support the NF got at Upton Park and the Bridge is well documented, there was a time when it was thought you couldn’t follow the Hammers without having a subscription to Bulldog also and I’m pretty sure the Chelsea headhunters had some kind of collaborative links with Combat 18.. The Bulldog magazine was regularly sold outside a number of other London football grounds as you know, the Den would have its fair share of takers too.
[…] Surely Arshavin isn't becoming our new Adebayor?! « Arsenal Arsenal […]
Morning all – hoped the post would spark some debate.
I LOVE Arshavin, he’s one of those players that the opposition cannot take an eye of. By that I mean, some players you know if they are having an off game, they’re having an off day, they’ll do nothing while with Arshavin he can be seemingly having an off day then BAM goal!!! Sign of sheer class.
This comment really hit a bell with me ” The term “racism” is used too freely in this PC world.” – HELL YES. You can’t say anything these days for being racist… Call me a Paddy and I might claim ye are racist 🙄
Ha ha Sharkey really we NEED a new goalkeeper, that’s an imperative.
Hi Irish,
Great article. Today’s a sleepy day in the blog world.
A club like Arsenal has to have players of AA’s calibre. I remember the first home game that AA played, it appeared almost half the supporters shirts had his name on the back. We’ve been wanting a player with his ‘unpredictable genius since DB left.
I’ll admit, the moment he signed a got a shirt with his name on the back I was so excited.
Ireland had played Russia a few years back and he had ripped us apart. Its good to have him on our side.
I was there Raspers, it was Sunderland at home wasn’t I t? There was a tangible air of excitement at seeing him and I was also there to see him score his first for us against Blackburn from almost an impossible angle.
I find it very strange that so many of the Arsenal fans want him out now.
I think its about time the ‘fans ‘ of arsenal stopped making scapegoats of individuals and got behind the team for once. For christs sake leave arshavin alone. Talented players often don’t run back but are capable of moments of genius at the other end of the pitch. A team full of gatuso’s would win nothing. Remember Henry? His work rate was probably less than adebayors in his better days but fortunately played in a trophy winning team so got away with it (as well as becoming one the worlds great strikers). Adebayor used to work hard but stopped caring when he realised the fans had made him the focul point of their frustrations and were unfairly booing him. He could have left for milan that year but stayed at arsenal ( unlike hleb, flamini , gilberto)for less wages but was slaughtered as a scapegoat. There will be other good players who leave us because of the crowd at the emirates tuurning on them , it’s becoming a sad problem these days and has put me off going to games there
AA does the impossible…like Bergkamp used to.
I was having a chat with a Leeds fan the other day and he reckons there isn’t a player in recent history that could match what Bergkamp could do – I happen to agree.
What I’m getting at Irish is that we sign Buffon, but allow players to continue showing a lack of fight and hunger in games as and when they choose.
For me, our lack of fighting spirit is by far our biggest problem. Yep, even more so than our two flappers.
Fair point Gooner but don’t you think Adebayor brought it on himself by calling Milan and Barcelona “Beyonce” and looking for a move away before kissing our badge?
The majority don’t turn against a 30 goal a season striker for nothing.
Fair enough Sharkey – can we have the two those please? Cesc had fight oozing out of him this season, I do think and agree that we gave up near the end.
Oh yeah was just thinking folks – should we setup a facebook page (I’d oversee it)? It’d get us some new bloggers I reckon – we could whore ourselves around.
What do ya think?
Hello Evry1. I said the other day that I wouldnt miss AA and that is true in the form he’s in at the moment but by the nature of the player he isn’t going to do a lot off the ball. To a degree he shouldnt have to. But to incorporate a genius into your side the players around him have to take up the slack. With a more defensive minded line up the little Russian would shine. As did bergkamp Pires etc
sorry.. good post by the way Irish
Cheers Andy.
I wonder how much more it would benefit us and AA23 if he could move into the middle? More of a classic No10 role?
Please stop the crap about Arshavin!! Here’s why:
1) His tendency to disappear in some games was well known even before we signed him. He was accused of the same even during the European cup 2 years ago. Don’t accuse him of sudden apathy towards the Arsenal cause!
2) You can’t question his commitment. In his first season, he played half the season with four stitches. Any other player may have dropped off.
3) He played a major part of this season with injury. And also as a makeshift centre forward in the most phsyical league in the world! Is there a surprise that his form dropped?
4) He has been outspoken from day 1! When he arrived, he joked that he is isn’t a friend of his russian teammate Pavlychenko (cos he played for spuds!). He also said if he had the power, he would ban women drivers! He doesn’t say politicially correct jokes, but thats his character! He doesn’t hate Arsenal!!
5) Most of the so called “interviews” are lost in translation. He himself said this on his official website. Also don’t get animated at the crap from his agent. Arshavin confirmed on the official site that he fired his agent more than a year ago!
6) He is one of the finest exponent of the skill of football. Get off his back!
Sometimes I feel that this rumours are started by some Tottenham supporters – so baseless these are. But some stupid so called Arsenal “fans” latch on to these and get on back of the players! I would urge them to support Man City or Chelski instead if they can’t show some character and support their players!
Yeah Irish trouble is that we have a wealth of talent but they all wanna do the same things. I think ur right that would be his best place and with a few obvious signings to balance the side he would be free to get on with his job safe in the knowledge that others are doing theirs.
Some of you cant stomach Arshavin’s outspokenness, yet you can accept Wenger’s idiotic whining and complaining (almost every match he’s done that!). Just grow up!
Sam – Good response mate. Especially number 2.
Andy – Yep, bet Nasri would like to play there too. And Super Tom …
GS1970 – Maybe some of us see what Wenger’s speak really is, media spiel…
AA has being one of the best player last season and I hope he will stay at Arsenal next season, if not I don’t think we can win any title, unless Wenger some top player likes Messi or Rooney.
Excelent post Sam, obvious staff that not many fans and bloggers consider.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/arsenal-subs-most-prolific-in-premier-league?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+arsenal-news+(News+Feed)
Ha ha shows how easy it is to twist facts. Cesc was the sub with the best goals to game ratio in the EPL despite only appearing as a sub once 😆
Irish,
Looks like my little Russian mate has got the thumbs up 😛
I’m pleased others have acknowledged the similarities with Bergkamp – one difference between AA and Ade is that he didn’t compare himself to an Arsenal legend after one season. The selfishness thing is a bit of a red herring.
How many of the other players in our side would have had the confidence to shoot from the positions AA did against pool let alone score 4?. He is his own man. People accept that if you took the aggression out of Rooney’s game you’d diminish the player and the same applies to AA’s audacity.
Hiya Rasp,
Its been a quite one today…
Yep, glad he got the thumbs up, you know I love our Russian BUT not as much as Mozart of course 😛
Speaking of Rooney – did you see the new Powerade ad? Eeeeeeeeeeugh I don’t need to see that, if you want to show me a guy without a shirt on is a 6 pack too much to ask for?
Haha, he is a tad grotesque 😦 apparently he’s only about 16% body fat so he must be leaner than he appears?
Did you see I put a widget up with some of the more sensible players we’ve been linked with – can you think of anyone I’ve missed out. Hazard is listed as a midfielder – I thought he was a striker.
He must be – he looks like a Sunday footballer ha ha if only he played like one it’d be better for the Arsenal…
Yep, I had a look through it and it seems all covered. I think we were linked with a goalie called Asjeno (??) as well. Is it at Atl.Madrid? But he’s meant to be awful.
Nah, think Hazard is a midfielder, isn’t he in the Fabregas mould?
I’d be surprised if we buy more than two from that list – Chamakh and maybe Cahill, there will be the obligatory ‘unknown’ I reckon. Do you think Barca would let Yaya go without doing a deal for Cesc?
As in a deal down the line? They ain’t getting him now.
I don’t really think the Yaya thing will be too big a deal for Barca because he went down the pecking order last season. I’m sure Barca will try it but I wonder how much Wenger will want Yaya that he’d make Cesc part of any deal?
Surely we’re getting a keeper Rasp, surely?
If we buy any keeper from the list, I reckon it will be Rob Green – still, at least we’ll have England’s number 1 again!
My wild imagination wants be to believe we’ll stun the World and get Buffon….
I do it to myself every season and then get let down… Another Vermaelen would be nice wouldn’t it?
Do you think Wenger will go for another English keeper after the whole Wright debacle?
I think Green would be one of the cheaper options. I can’t see him paying for Akinfeev or Buffon. Similarly, I’d like Kjaer but reckon Cahill is more likely. We were linked with Veloso last year but I think he’s not in the running. I’d definitely take Melo because he can play in several positions and would reduce our reliance on Song.
From what I’ve seen of Melo he is an overhyped Denilson – might change seeing him at the World Cup but all I have seen of him so far is sideways passing, intercepting the ball and shooting from distance on occasion = Denilson.
I reckon we’ll get an older keeper if one is coming because Chesney is earmarked as number one and he looks like he’ll be ready in the next few seasons.
We should have signed Brad Friedel when mad Jens left.
Yeah ha ha would have saved our sanity for a few seasons…
I wonder would Mooney be happy to be Number 2 or will he leave?
Evening.
Fine post Irish. I always enjoy a post that is tongue in cheek.
Like Diaby, AA needs the players around him to read his game. Nik & Theo are just not experienced enough. Once RvP is back and Fab is firing, AA looks a different and happier man.
To be fair to Almunia, when he took over from Mad Jens I was quite happy to see him as our No.1.
But he seems to have gone backwards.
Hi all. Good call on this one Irish. If AA was at Barça then no-one would ever question his work rate or ‘selfishness’. He closes down the opposition when they have possession as much as the rest of the team do (which is not quite enough) but only in the top third of the field most of the time. When did you last see RvP tackling back?
We’ll need his even more if Cesc goes…
Cheers Raddy 🙂
He has gone very backwards – he’s a more than adequate number two, just not number one material to us. Mad Jens was making bloopers by the week at that stage too.
Anyway guys and gals, its been a pleasure as usual. Must be off and do something in the real world ha ha catch ye tomorrow.
Cheers Alfa 🙂
Good call on RvP as well. Okay really must be off.
Your points are obviously very clear.
I must actually admit that I support you on most of them.
I am certainly not one to take anything away from the arsenal fans, whose loyalty and committment is almost unquestionable.
However, on your point about African players, there shouldn’t be any pride whatsoever in proclaiming how they (Arsenal fans) are the first to embrace African Players.
It is nothing to be proud about. Players are human beings regardless of their race or colour and should be equally embraced.
And yes maybe Britain is getting there, it is nothing to shout aloud!!
So, first of all, a blog site with the initials AA really ought to be supportive of our own little AA. (Mind you, does that mean in Blogland, we’re the little stumpy ones with a fat arse?).
He’s a world class talent, he often got played horribly out of position this season and at times, because of injuries, some of the players around him just weren’t mentally fast enough to exploit his ability.
Irish, I’m really pleased you picked up on the mis-reporting of the so-called abuse that Adebarndoor received at Middle Eastlands. The Arsenal fans were singing the Arshavin version of the Adebayor song. Meanwhile the Citeh fans had (rather cleverly, I have to admit) subverted the words of the elephant song to make it a pro-Ade song. The new line was “Adebayor, Adebayor… he’s hung like an elephant, his wife is so sore.”
The Citeh fans sang that all game long, and idiots like Samuel wrote it up as the Arsenal fans dishing our racial abuse. Crap journalism.
Evening Rocky – well said, you beat me to it!
Hi Jeantigana and welcome to the site,
Thanks for the comment, If you knew the range of ethnicity of the bloggers on here, you’d realise that the ‘racist argument’ is never going to be an issue. Most of us are ‘lazyist’ though 😛
lol Rasp.
What an amazing game of cricket.
Hi Raddy,
Yep, those bloody aussies don’t know when they’re beaten.I think we’d have had a better chance of beating Pakistan in the final – let’s hope our 2 South Africans and the Irishman can do the business.
Hey Rasputin,
Nice one!
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