Sixty Thousand Voices Singing “Manuel Almunia”

March 28, 2011

Imagine this:

It’s our next home game. The interlull is over at last and we’re playing Blackburn Rovers in the latest ‘must win’ game.

As the players emerge onto the pitch, the crowd at The Grove gives voice as one. It’s a visceral, emotional outpouring of passion, enough to make the hairs on the back of even Gladstone Small’s neck stand up.

And what are these 60,000 people (alright nitpickers, 57,000 people) chanting? It’s this:

“Manuel Almunia, Manuel Almunia, Manuel Almunia etc.”

Just contemplate the impact on our goalkeeper.

A week ago he was a broken man, shaking his head in disbelief and, one must assume, self loathing for his latest clanger (the goalkeeping equivalent of trying to execute a 180 on the M25 in rush hour).

But he will almost certainly be turning out between the sticks for the Blackburn game – and he must be dreading the reception he’s likely to get. The image comes to mind of a baby seal being asked to waddle into 60,000 Canadians armed with clubs.

But what if his reception was a massive outpouring of support? What if the whole home crowd really was singing his name (with fervour, mind; not with irony)?

The more I have thought about this, the more I feel it’s exactly what we, the supporters, should do.

You don’t have to love the man. You don’t have to want him in our squad next season. But when he steps out for us against Rovers you have to support him. You have no choice.

You’re an Arsenal supporter, right? You want us to win the league this year, right? Well you have to support the man in goal because he is playing for us and we need him to be the best he can be.

There’s no guarantee that a vociferous round of support for Manuel will make him less likely to make blunders – but it’s sure as hell got to be more helpful than booing him or cheering ironically, which will only dent his confidence even further with possibly disastrous consequences.

He doesn’t pick himself. If he’s not good enough that’s Arsene Wenger’s fault, not his. So when he steps out for us let’s show him that we are behind him.

It will also show the rest of the footballing world that we are the classiest set of fans in the country.

If you think otherwise, if you think that you would prefer to boo him then, and I do not use this phrase lightly, you are not a true Arsenal fan. If you want to try and damage further an already damaged member of the team I have supported all my life, with the likely outcome of making him even more error-prone with a consequent impact on our chances of silverware, then I can only conclude that, deep down, you don’t want us to win.

The nearly six years without a trophy seems to have produced a masochistic minority among our fan base, people who seem to get off more on the disappointments than the successes.

When we lose, they are the first to get online with an outpouring of rage against the players, the manager and the board. When we win, their silence is deafening – The Silence of the Shams, you might say.

If you really support The Arsenal and you’re going to the Blackburn game, then give your full support to Cesc and Song and Theo and Samir and all the rest of them. And above all, give it to Manuel.

Let’s lift the (nonexistent) roof off for our goalie.

He needs it and, who knows, it might just turn him into the ‘keeper who wins us the league title.

RockyLives


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Posted by RockyLives

The future is so bright…….Jack’n’Aaron both strut their tekkers…..

March 27, 2011

Written by Harry

As 69,000 and a couple of blow up sheep packed into the Millennium stadium, to watch a home nations clash, something that has sadly been missing from the annual footy calendar, it was however just seen as a mere sideshow to the main event for many gooners…..

As GIE pointed out yesterday, watching Jack and Aaron go head to head was that added ingredient that made watching an England match worthwhile, perhaps even more interesting than John Terry’s love life for a change…..I must admit as much as I am proud to be English, at times I have found it hard to watch them play, often more painful than sitting on a whoopee cushion full of nails…

On to our two boys, I am not sure Jack looks quite as good in an England shirt, perhaps it was a bit over stretched from Frank Lampard normally wearing it…………

Aaron looked the part as the new Welsh Captain, the youngest in their history, lining up in the tunnel. Aaron understandably looked very nervy and as the play got underway, his nerves were certainly unsettling our welsh maestro…..But a game of this intensity can only help Aaron get his sharpness back..

Jack settled very easily and as England dominated early doors, he just seemed to glide around the pitch as if he was dancing on ice. His movement and positioning just seems so second nature, he makes the side tick as he moves through the gears more effortlessly than Jordan’s knickers come down. Tenacious in the tackle, strong on the ball, his maturity is only blighted by his occasional reaction to certain situations where he feels he didn’t get a decision from the referee……but in some ways that’s his desire to win which sets him apart…..

As the game developed  Wales were still predominantly on the back foot under immense pressure from England, Aaron’s Captains armband was weighing heavy as he tried too hard to affect Wales play. You could see the frustration etched on his face. It just seemed that everything he tried didn’t come off, with some missed passes and losing possession under pressure on a more than a few occasions……

Jack really seemed to be the lynchpin as he continued to probe, always open for a pass, at every opportunity he took the ball and moved it on quickly, often getting a kick for his troubles, his vision saw him set Bent free on more than one occasion with subtle and sublime passes, the only thing Jack lacks for me is a more selfish streak when the goal was in range, because he really has a powerful shot when unleashed.

Although Ramsey will probably want to forget the first half, his presence throughout the 2nd half saw him become more influential as Wales made a more of a fist of it, but in truth they never really looked like getting back into as England stood firm.  Aaron looked calm on the ball and controlled in possession but just lacked that bit of sharpness which would have aided Wales more.

Overall I though the game was disappointing and became a bit flat after England went two up, perhaps caught in two minds as to go for the throat or hold what they had……A welsh goal in the last 20mins would have made the match interesting, but Ramsey and Bellamy couldn’t get a shot on target…

An unbiased opinion from me saw Wilshere get England MotM (ahead of Young) and I gave him a solid 8 for both halves, he was withdrawn on 81mins…..

Ramsey gets a 6 overall, 5 for the 1st half, but a much improved 7 for his endeavours in the 2nd half, where for me he was Wales best player in last 30mins…..

The experience both our young stars will get from games like this can only be good for Arsenal, next season I really think these two will help fully establish Arsenal as a dominant team in the Premiership. Both have great individual talent and confidence to dominate and control games, adding that little bit of difference when needed, a drive and determination to succeed.

Both are leaders in their style of play and the confidence they have to play football, is what will see them become more influential as their careers develop, without doubt Arsene has two of the most talented youngsters in Europe within his grasp……

Both have room for improvement and they are not there yet, but I feel there can only be exciting times ahead at the Emirates with these two, I just hope we keep them both for the next 10-15years…………….

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Posted by peachesgÖÖner

Rambo vs Jacko

March 26, 2011

Written by Gooner in Exile

Not an ex commando out for revenge going mano-a-mano with a chirpy painter and decorator from south London, nor is he taking on a resurrected white gloved moonwalker.

It is instead a reason to watch an International involving England for the first time in as long as I can remember. I have revelled in many moments over the years of watching International football, normally when the team still played the English game. Italia 90 and Euro 96 spring to mind as great England teams neither of which contained many players from the Arsenal side. I have given up more recently as our approach to International football has become more cumbersome and quite frankly boring to watch.

Today, hopefully, we get to see two young skilful ball players go head to head in the centre of midfield, and more importantly they are our young players, and they are the future of the Arsenal central midfield.

A year separates the two in age but their progression through International ranks has been very similar, Ramsey started in the U17’s at 15, and during the next three years played 15 times at that level, he subsequently played another 12 times for the U21’s before stepping up to full international duty. He has 11 full caps and given that he is only 20 and spent the last year in rehabilitation that is an impressive record. It would be more impressive if the Wales squad was not full of Championship footballers, only three in today’s squad play in the Premier League.

Wilshere has always played above his age group at International level, at 14 starting two games for the U16’s before at 15 starting with the U17‘s and going on to make 10 appearances, subsequently he has played once for the U19’s and 7 times for the U21’s. He now finds himself thrust into the senior side, having made his debut at 18, and his full debut at 19. This has been achieved despite the availability of many players with far more experience and to this extent you could argue that Jack’s achievement has been more impressive.

Ramsey has scored 6 goals during his brief international career two in each of the juinor ranks and two for the seniors, Wilshere so far has mustered just the one goal for the U17’s.

Ramsey has also received the honour of captaining his country, a big ask for someone of his age, but I would hope evidence of a maturity beyond those years. Unfortunately a neanderthal centre back playing for a pillock manager for a team in the midlands has deprived us from seeing this from Rambo.

Gary Speed clearly sees something similar in our Welsh prodigy “He leads by example on and off the pitch and I think everyone looks up to him as well” he went on to say “I made the decision because I thought it was best for the team and Welsh football going forward. There have been young captains in the past. I think Cesc was very young when he got captain of Arsenal, Tony Adams was also very young. Once I had stopped worrying about other factors – what people outside the team think – it was a no-brainer in the end.”

So what of young Jack and what of his chance of captaining England one day, in his press conference Capello was asked about Wilshere’s likelihood to follow in Ramsey’s footsteps and become captain of his country, he answered “It will not be my problem. But I think he is a really good player, to be a captain you need to be a leader and I think Wilshere will be captain in a really short time.” This is something I think most of us assume him to be capable of having seen his impressively mature and hard running performances for the Arsenal this season.

So what can we expect International responsibilities to do for our youngsters. I think the relative qualities of the two players is pretty much self evident, both are good passers of the ball, Jack is probably the better dribbler, but Ramsey appears to have the eye for goal. But who will benefit most or be harmed most from representing their country.

Rambo probably has the easier time of it on International Duty, as captain amongst a team of average players, he is the shining beacon, he is the one others will look to to take the team forward. Also given the low expectation on the Welsh team he is unlikely to suffer the same media criticisms that Jack can expect if he is ever to become the scapegoat for the English tabloid press gang, thankfully Capello is bearing the brunt of their current venting.

Unfortunately for Jack he will have to play amongst the egos of the England team the players who continue to try the same things that haven’t worked for them for the last 10 years. Against Denmark Wilshere struggled to convince teammates to pass the ball to feet, or to give him the ball when he had Danes in close attention, it will be interesting to see how Ramsey is treated differently by his Welsh teammates.

Whatever the result tomorrow it will be an education for us to see the emergence of two future Arsenal stars at International level.

But please……..don’t tackle each other!

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Posted by peachesgÖÖner

Those Rose Tinted Glasses and Me

March 25, 2011

Life is strange; I have just sat and watched the budget and our elected representatives in their place of work. There they were, the guardians of our votes and futures, seemingly incapable of listening to each other. Argue oh yes, quoting the figures and highlighting the same points, anything that apportions blame as directed by the spin-doctors who briefed them.

Members of a tribe every one of them, not an original thought allowed among them. Simply regurgitated negatives or positives depending which tribe they belong to. Mind numbing stuff, but say it often enough and the morons out there who vote us in will believe it.

Sound familiar folks, we read blogs and articles, listen to experts and pundits, pore over Magazines and papers, devour radio and television, produce statistics and facts and now in this digital age, prolong the agony and the ecstasy by publishing them on line in a continuing roller coaster of argument, agreement/disagreement, discontent and sometimes anger. What then is the cause of this mental anguish? Why a professional football club.

Grown men and women unable to agree on what they saw, what is happening and why and what will be the final outcome. All this activity based on the antics of 11 guys who spend their working lives training, practising and up to twice a week, kicking a ball around for a hour and a half in front of thousands of people.

Sounds ridiculous doesn’t it, we watch the politicians with something akin to contempt, thinking if our children acted like that we would sort them out. Then unthinking we turn to AA and begin to air our own prejudices, likes and dislikes and battle is joined again.

Of course we have areas of agreement times of purring contentment and blissful exhilaration and these are enjoyed to the full as the belief floods across the entire fan base.

But now as the season nears it conclusion, animosities and divisions begin to manifest themselves among the faithful, as doubt and despair begin to overtake the more negative of us, made worse by the certain cheerfulness of the positive types, who believe it ain’t over till its over and the manager knows what he is doing anyway.

Nine games to go, second in the league, five points behind the league leaders, a game in hand and they still to come to our place. The potential for a verbal on line war is enormous as the countdown begins, will we, wont we, Can the Spuds do us or will we win the damn thing at WHL as in days of old? Will Chelsea do us a favour and nick some points from Utd whilst continuing their charge up the table? All fascinating stuff, guaranteed to  ruffle the decorum of the blog as we count down the games.

Me I can’t see a problem, why? I have rose tinted glasses, don’t I, Its going to be doddle, sit back folks, pound the keyboard and enjoy the ride to glory.

Written by dandan

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Posted by dandan

Why Won’t Wenger Wing It?

March 24, 2011

Written by CarlitoII

When I sing the song “We’re the boys in Red and White, and we’re fucking dynamite”, a number of iconic players run through my mind. Rocky Rocastle, Anders Limpar, Marc Overmars, Freddy Ljungberg,  Robert Pires sprint through my inner thoughts, terrorising defences as they go. Close ball control, beating their man, finding space behind their opposing full backs and some wonderful play overlapping with their own full backs.

Strange that this image should come to me as it has been years since we’ve really seen it on the pitch. Wenger has a great history of signing or developing wide men. The only real failure I can think of is Jose Antonio Reyes but I didn’t think he was a failure when he burned up the left wing, only when he left us prematurely.

The left wing has been particularly iconic for me personally- the Limpar effect in 1991 was astonishing and both Overmars and his eventual replacement in Pires exemplify the way I think Arsenal should play. I think many of us felt that Rosicky would become the new Pires, but this has sadly not come to pass.

“But we’ve got wide men”, I hear you shout at your monitors! “What’s wrong with you Carlito11? We’ve got Theo, Nasri and Arshavin and they’re all wizards in their own way!” The key word in my defence is this: Byline. When was the last time you saw Arshavin, or Nasri, beat their full back for pace and whip in a cross from the byline? Theo has done it occasionally but I think most would agree with Wenger that his future is likely to involve a more central role before long. Gifted as all three of those players are, I would suggest that NONE of them are wingers.

As I mentioned, we always got extra width from our full backs pushing up, but I now fear for being caught on the counter when Clichy or Sagna push forward. There is also a distinct lack of the neat overlaps that characterised the Dixon/ Overmars and Cole/ Pires relationships. Our full backs currently push up and stay up- not a quick thrust as in days gone by.

So I wish for wingers! But what can be done? I see two potential solutions.

The first would involve changing our defensive set up to have 3 centre backs or a sweeper, thus allowing Sagna and Clichy to perform the wingers role better. However, it is asking a lot for them to get to the byline.

The second potential solution is the fantastic prospect of Ryo Miyaichi. This lad looks like he’s going to put the dynamite back into the team we call The Arsenal! If you haven’t seen him yet- search him on Youtube as there are extended highlights clips of all his substitute performances for Feyenoord posted there. He’s got broad shoulders, lightening pace and a great eye for distribution. But above all, he has wonderful close control when he dribbles and beats full backs in the Eredivisie for fun! I can’t wait to see him playing at the Mothership next year!

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Posted by peachesgÖÖner

Arsenal – Cannon Fodder?

March 23, 2011

Aura and Grrrr

Written by mickydidit89

I think we, The Arsenal, need a new Aura.

Now, we are not Chavs, so we will not simply pop out to Harrods and buy the most expensive one available. No, because remember we have Class, and while that is something quite tricky to define, we all know that we have the stuff in abundance. As a club it does have much to do with breeding, but also about the way in which we conduct ourselves. However, I believe during different eras of our long and proud history, we have donned more than one type of Aura. We have moved on from the greased back “we’ve got bigger shorts than you”  Chapman years, through to the nine pints of Lager “what are you looking at” Graham era, and this begs the question as to  what type of Aura are we sporting now. Well, I happen to believe that it has become slightly too shiny, and most definitely a little too slippers-and-cigars comfortable. I think we need a little more Grrr about the house, and a little less “no, after you sir”.

“Well Micky, all this Arsenal and class bollocks. So you really do think you are above the rest of us then?”. “ Well, errr, yes actually”, but what is this based on? Thinking about the class thing, at Highbury we had The Marble Halls for example. Is the fact that the other lot have mere concrete and lino floors good enough reason to look down on them. I happen to think it is, but then I have a thing about flooring materials. The Halls kind of dealt with the Class bit in a physical way, which enabled us to flirt with Grrr, whilst always having the Posh bit to fall back on. Now we have gone all Carpets and Diamond Clubs we need more than ever to counter balance this with some unique Arsenal style of Grrr.

It is time to roughen the edges of our Aura.

Now many here will remember the marching band before kick off at Highbury. I do understand that this idea is dated. I also remember them trying to introduce Majorettes and thinking “no, this is all wrong”. So, what’s to be done? Firstly, it has to be bye bye to that bloody Dinnasorous thing. What kind of soppy message does that send out. Hardly a call to arms is it.

So, here it is, my brilliant suggestion, and I did not need to look far to realize the answer was right before me.  Cannons. We are The Gunners and proudly have the Cannon on our crest. So how about four 24-pounder Howitzer Cannons (these boys are VERY VERY loud) positioned at the four corners of the pitch. We fire them off as the teams hit the field, then every time we score. Believe me, we will get used to it, the opposition on the other hand will be needing clean shorts.

Now I realize that The Lunatic Fringe of Islington Council Health and Safety Department will be less than impressed, but you know what, sod ‘em.

What do you reckon?

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Posted by peachesgÖÖner

The Corporate Playground

March 22, 2011

Written by dandan

The football world has changed a great deal over  the Premiership years, with the top clubs in particular becoming a corporate playground, yet I bet there are still many real fans out there, living as I did in Parallel universes attending games in corporate mode, both as guest and host.  Whilst still harbouring the dreams of your youth for your own club and wishing it was they, that were performing before you

I hated the freebee seekers who came not out of allegiance or love of the club or game, but for the ride, the food, drink and a chance to perhaps meet someone famous who was also a guest.

Personally I would only accept invitations if they were to the Arsenal, so as not to deny a real supporter the opportunity to visit his club. Unless as I did sometimes, I had the good fortune to be offered two invites for the clubs my kids supported, those I grabbed with alacrity, allowing them to see how the other half lived and understand how important was the tribal identity in lifting the enjoyment of the game to  its correct level.

The difference between watching an Arsenal match together with your mates and kids, or even  sitting among strangers who are also fellow fans, rather than those corporate parasites who are only “here for the beer, don’t understand the game really” was enough to make this fan sit on his hands less he did someone some damage and probably forfeits his job. I also refused to use group hospitality at the club, taking only clients on their own who I knew were true believers and would want to watch all the game whatever freebees were on offer.

We had tables however both at Birmingham City and in the Magpie room at Newcastle Utd, where I was expected occasionally to play host, but I would only attend personally if the Arse were playing or a major customer was being targeted. Business you see does in the end count.

On the other hand being based in or near London work wise opened up the prospect of evening matches. Is there anything like the colour of floodlit football? These matches I could watch unencumbered by the unseemly corporate flotsam and jetsam described above. But rather with real fans and friends, fortified normally by a large fish and chips collected from the Highbury chippy on the way in.

So today in my retirement when I see the mass of empty corporate seats as the second half kicks off, I feel no regret for times past, but pity not only for the fans that in these straightened times, would in many instances be living a dream to be sat there. But also for the poor souls who are working their butts off trying to get the barflies up and out, so they can get some compensation for giving up the weekend to entertain the self-indulgent bores and at least watch the damn game.

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Posted by peachesgÖÖner

Has Denilson Played His Last Game For Arsenal?

March 21, 2011

There are certain things Arsene Wenger never does.

These include never inviting pube-scratching meat-head managers of opposition teams to sample his fine claret after a game; never responding to chants of “Arsene Arsene give us a wave” with anything other than the sort of brief, embarrassed arm-flick normally only used by teenagers horrified to have bumped into their dad while out with their mates; and never subbing off a player at half time when they’re playing crap.

On Saturday he broke the last of those taboos.

Denilson was having an absolute stinker in the first half against West Brom. Manuel Almunia may have stolen the accolades for Dick of the Day with the sort of suicidal sprint normally found only in the world of lemmingkind, but Denilson was having his own private meltdown.

Opinion is divided on Denilson. Some men like a neat and tidy Brazilian. Others prefer something a bit more luxuriant.

Myself, I have always felt there’s a role for him in certain games, where we expect to have a lot of the ball and where we have other, more creative, players who can make something happen. In those circumstances Den can play a role in midfield, moving the ball quickly from player to player, switching the direction of play: never incisive, but usually accurate.

On Saturday even this part of his game went missing. Even those simple, sideways passes went too often to a man in a striped shirt.  He played like a cross between Ray Wilkins and Ray Charles.

But, despite his woeful performance, I was stunned to see that he had been substituted at half time. The TV commentator assured us that this was tactical, not due to an injury. Unbelievable.

We have all sat through games where it was obvious that a change of personnel was needed, but Arsene has stubbornly refused to put on a sub before the 60th minute. More often it’s the 70th minute before he’ll make a change, even when we’re losing or struggling to break down a park-the-bus defence.

So for him to remove Denilson at half time feels to me like a significant statement. On one level it shows how desperate Arsene was to win the game (and remember, we were only one nil down at half time); on another level it could well indicate the moment when Arsene has finally given up on the young Brazilian.

Denilson came to us from Sao Paulo in 2006 as the captain of Brazil under 17s.  In his early outings for Arsenal he looked like he could become another Cesc Fabregas, but that promise has never been fulfilled. He just doesn’t seem to have progressed. He has never made the step up into the full Brazil team and it’s not hard to see why.

This season, with the emergence of Wilshere and now Ramsey, he has probably become a sixth or seventh choice midfielder, playing only when others are injured or suspended.

Admittedly, the holding role in which he was cast on Saturday is not his natural position, but that does not excuse his poor performance.

Sadly, it looked to me as if his confidence is shot. This may be a result of being pushed down the pecking order; it may be because of the moans and groans of the crowd at The Grove whenever he does something wrong; it may just be because deep down he knows he’s not good enough.

Whatever it is, Arsene had seen enough by half time at the weekend and hauled him off.  With key players returning from injury I suspect it’s quite likely we’ll never see Denilson in an Arsenal shirt again.

It’s probably for the best. With Almunia showing the mental fortitude of a dormouse, Diaby displaying the focus of a goldfish and Squillaci looking as safe as a knitted condom, the last thing we need for the title run-in is another nut job in the starting line-up.

The most likely move for Denilson would be to Spain or Portugal in the summer, but I could see him heading home to a team in Brazil.

He has played some good games for us (most recently away at Man Utd in the Cup, when he was one of our better performers in a disappointing display). I would much rather that he had fulfilled his promise and become a must-have member of the squad. But that’s not the case. It probably is time for him to go and Arsene may well agree.

If he does ship out in the summer, I will wish him boa sorte but I won’t have any regrets.

RockyLives

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Posted by RockyLives

Arshavin scores a great a goal

March 20, 2011

Here is Arshavin celebrating his great goal and if you haven’t seen it being scored click on the link

http://videa.hu/videok/allatok/2-1-arsenal-Fy2At09VCGvJaR3p

Out of nothing, Chamakh and our little Russian combined in the 70th minute to score a fabulous goal. What had gone on before the 70th minute was so unimaginative by Arsenal that not only were we 2 goals behind but it looked like there was no chance of us getting anything out of this game.

Poor defending had given West Brom a corner in the first 2 minutes and poor defending gave them a free header to score in the 3rd minute. But it was only the third minute. We had players on the pitch that could undoubtedly change that and surely the Baggies couldn’t park the bus for 87 minutes. Cue boring boring Arsenal.

So much has already been written about Almunia’s inexplicable decision to rush out of his goal to meet Odemwingie whilst having the support of Squillaci and Koscielny that I can’t be bothered to even rant about it. He may be a great shot-stopper but thats only part of his job. What on earth was he doing? Enough, the ball rolled into the back of the net and we were 2 down.

In the 76th minute we had our own goal from a ball that rolled over the line from van Persie, actually it trickled over the line and we were lucky that no-one was alert enough to claw it back before it got there. Suddenly, we were level and the resulting 14 minutes plus extra time were played at a frantic pace, but to no avail. Why did we wait until it was 2-2 to try and win this game?

In those frenetic 14 minutes there were occasions when there were plenty of  our Red (yellow, I know) shirts and West Brom’s striped shirts in the penalty area while we tried to score a  goal. It occured to me that the voodoo is clearly in the penalty area as we have as much luck scoring scrappy goals as we do defending corners or set pieces into the box – unlike manu who once again got an undeserved winner late on. Why is that?

What are this Arsenal team really good at? We often can’t defend and just as often we can’t score goals, we can keep the ball and weave pretty patterns in the middle of the pitch but scoring goals is what counts. Arsène, for all our possesion stats, when it counts we don’t seem to be able to score.

There were a couple of positives to be gained from yesterday game. Arsène changed the habit of a life-time and made a substitution at half-time taking off Denilson and bringing on Chamakh who was infinitely better. Was it a tactical change or did Denilson pick up a knock? I hope it was both. In addition, Aaron Ramsey made his first start since returning from injury and was welcomed back with a huge cheer from the supporters watching with me in Club Level.

We have a two week break and then hopefully the return of Theo van Nasregas at the Emirates for a must win game against Blackburn. The manks must be feeling confident that the title is theirs this morning – 9 games to go. Come on Arsenal.

Written by peachesgooner


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Posted by peachesgÖÖner

Mentally Scarred….Is it terminal?

March 18, 2011

Written by Harry

I am still fed up with the way we keep getting beat, when we have the better of the game……it goes to show that even when you do dominate {ala Barca}, games can go against you (so if RVP had stayed on…..who knows), we used to have that ability, to win when not playing well, sneak your one chance and 1-0 would be sung with gusto as we see out a game, or sometimes that 1 goal with ten minutes left would open the floodgates, it’s all about taking chances……..

Our on field issue of converting chances when they come along is symptomatic of our recent history, the ability to take chances, the Carling Cup for example, win that and the confidence would have oozed, I am sure……..

United are a poor side and very average squad {1 domineering WC CB and WC Keeper and a spluttering of just above average players}……., but they retain that ability to take a chance, make something happen and fergie gets the best out of them. How many times have we out played them or Chelsea and that one chance sees them take the lead and we then get caught trying to catch them…….

Frankly I have a grudging admiration for the old red nose pensioner, single handedly he has kept United in the upper echelons of the football world, far longer than they should have been…….

I have defended staunchly certain players and the manager, I always will within the confines of the Emirates, but my belief is been eroded away at an alarming rate and as much as I can be objective about the defeats we have suffered and other games such as Newcastle away, I feel such annoyance that we keep getting so close but falling short, yes we have a larger than fair share of injuries (and always key players)…..How can I continue to berate other fans for being negative, when we consistently disappoint?

Other teams have gone out of all cups, now there are only be 4 left in the FA cup, there are only 8 left in CL as today sees the draw….so we are not alone in being out, many others have fallen, and last night saw the end of Man City and Liverpool as they bit the Europa league dust…(so much for spending loads of wonga, doesnt guarantee trophies)

Now we are only in with a chance of 1 trophy instead of 4 all within a space of about 10days, this is what is so shattering, devastating and in the long term we have to look at the mental scars, is this becoming terminal?

I get so frustrated at the way the press have harped on about the 6 years  with no trophy blah blah,  ask any fan of any team how long since Arsenal lifted a trophy and you’ll get a correct response, ask about other teams and nobody will get it right………………..

Somehow we need the Emirates crowd to get behind the team and in some respect, an away match is probably best right now, get 3 points and we are still in there, by our fingernails….(mathematically strong position : mentally still fragile though)

Then we have to keep winning, if we drop anything, even a draw, then it’s over for the season, then could the unthinkable happen, especially with these injuries racking up? Will we still qualify for the CL next season?

After WBA we have a ten day break, timely to say at least………Time to heal, after WBA we have Blackburn and Blackpool, after those 3 games we need to have taken 9points…………..As after that our run in gets interesting, with Liverpool been a big test right now…….followed by Spurs, Stoke, Bolton, United, villa and fulham…..

I will never ask for Wenger to leave, I hope he’ll know when his time is over and not get forced out, but if we fail this season on all fronts and he decides to stay, he must seriously look at our squad the makeup and then shake it up, with perhaps 6 going and maybe 7 / 8 coming in, remove that brittleness by injecting some new blood, try to remove that mental barrier…….He can still retain his football ethos, but he must admit that the choking at the finish line is a malaise within, a rotten core that needs ripping out and replacing with some real winning mentality…………..

Maybe Jens Lehmann on his ad-hoc monthly rolling contract will at least bring a stronger mentality to the dressing room, a calming influence, did I say that? Certainly more experienced than all others around him, it might just help…..I think he is the best option right now…….

I am trying so hard to retain some belief that we can do it, after 90mins at the Hawthorns on Saturday I will have my answer, it will either strengthen my resolve or it will allow me to prepare for the worse and steady myself for the possibility of total failure…..

Without been too melodramatic, I actually see this WBA game now as been one of the biggest in our recent history….Not just in the sense of fighting for this title, but the very real danger of this squad been damaged beyond repair, mentally can they respond…..

I believed in this team and the squad at the start of the season, all I felt we needed was another CM / CB Warrior {ie Parker/ Samba etc}, and I believe that was right at that time and still do on the aspects of technical and physical ability, but now we have to assess the mental state of some players, they might need to move on for themselves and the best interests of Arsenal…

I will get behind the team and try to be positive till the season ends, all I hope is that it ends on the 22nd May at Craven Cottage with us taking the Premier League Crown………

Lets see what Saturday brings, 3points and a performance, I pray…….All Gooners, Stand tall Be proud, Stand as one Stand together, conquer all……

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Posted by peachesgÖÖner

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