The day it all came crashing down!

On that faithful day in February 2008 do you remember where you were?

I do! I was in my college abode, going home, home (i.e. to the parents) for the weekend because I had a terrible chest infection.  So there I was, plonked in the couch waiting for my drive – feeling sorry for myself. My housemates felt sorry for me too and said to make me feel better I could turn on Sky Sports and watch Arsenal play while I waited.

Oh, how I wish I hadn’t….

The first bit of commentary I heard was “And we have come to the decision not to show that injury again, it’s so horrific.”

Cue the footage of Eduardo lying on the pitch.

The day only went from bad to worse. Just when it seemed Theo was coming of age, we gave away a penalty that wasn’t which saw our Captain go mad – Gallas was on the halfway line (instead of giving some sort of encouragement to our keeper) kicking the hoardings, shouting and I reckon didn’t even see the penalty hit the back of the net. Gallas then planked his arse on the pitch and Le Boss had to go soothe him into the dressing room after the game.

*Poof* went the three points! *Poof* went Eduardo’s season! *Poof* went our season! *Poof* went Gallas’ time as Captain.

Of course that’s not to mention Gallas’ book where he ripped many of his teammates to shreds – not least Samir Nasri.

Back then, many would have understood if Wenger sold him to the first taker. However, he instead stripped him of the armband and what emerged was a much more mature, more driven Gallas. He became the leader he never was for us as Captain. Toure and Gallas never saw eye to eye. Toure left and Gallas formed a far better partnership at the back with Vermaelen.

Now though his contract is up and we must ask ourselves, is he worth keeping. Should Wenger stop this over 30s nonsense and give Gallas more than a one-year-deal or is it time for Gallas to move onto pastures new.

The simplest way to do this is look at the pros and cons.

Pros:

• Gallas is experienced. We need experience.
• He knows what it feels like to win the EPL. We need that winning mentality in our squad. When you win once, you have an even bigger urge to do it again.
• He has been one of our most consistent performers over the last season and a half.
• Despite his tantrums, he has become a real leader in the squad. Arsenal lack leaders.
• He pops in with his fair share of important goals.

Cons:

• He has become very injury prone (His calf injury could rule him out of the World Cup). Considering his age, it is taking him longer to recover. It is best for Arsenal that he moves on and Wenger is forced into signing a new center back much in the mould of Tomas Vermaelen – mid 20s, experienced, tough, nicks some goals, committed.
• He is not well liked by the squad – Samir Nasri has openly said so and nothing has been done to refute this statement. Adebayor was causing problems and the squad seemed happier after his departure – would the same happen if Gallas were to leave?
• He has no problem scoring goals where the ball was “passed” via two handballs and I think tha….. 😳 wrong post 😛

There are many reasons why Gallas should stay or go.

Personally, I think Gallas has been a top defender for us and has formed a good understanding with Vermaelen. However, his injuries do worry me. He has been getting them increasingly over the last two seasons and can no longer be relied upon.

The best situation would be for Gallas to sign a contract extension at the Grove while Wenger also brings in another top class defender so we have three international class center backs. However, this is Arsenal and as I don’t see that happening it might be best that Gallas goes on to pastures new and forces Wenger’s hand into the signing of a new CB.

William Gallas – Should He Stay Or Should He Go? Well, if he goes there could be trouble but if he stays there could be double.