Comfort For The Occasion

Heart radio is on the background, Sister Sledge playing. There’s a spirited feel good factor within my first Reading week off. I daresay, the permeating winter festivities is linked to, lets call it, a fruitful month. Understatement of the year perhaps?

I won’t divulge into a look back at 2009 – I’ll save that for the post turkey article. We bunch of Gooners may be forgiven as spoilt – many fans I speak to of varied clubs think so. Yet, as soon as Arsenal went 4-0 to the good against Wolves on Saturday, one could not help but feel sorry for those Wanderers in the temporary stand with no roof.

Many a tear was shed on remembrance weekend. I myself, despite being a ‘third generation’ tier in my family, could not help but choke at the silence, in honour of those befallen at the most sacrificial of occupations. Sometimes, it’s only a game.

Upon reflection of the game, Wolves couldn’t have positioned themselves better. Craddock had a half decent chance with a header, Ebanks Blake was a consummate terror. Yet, for all their hard work, Vermaelen yet again put in a shift. His partner, Billy G, was the tip-top performer. Actually, William has been in many ways the better performer; headers, last ditch tackles and no nonsense challenges all engaging in a new, revamped Gallas. Perhaps it his new defensive partner, or most likely, it’s the burden of an Arsenal captaincy gone and alleviated the pressure.

Talking of which, let’s talk about Cesc baby. No, he’s not a baby. He’s evolved into a man, a diamond of a jewel encrusted team. Reposing as the fulcrum of a magnificent midfield, no-one ever doubted his potential and his status. So, what has changed? If you read the London Evening Standard, then Cesc has joined the football elite. After the departure of Thierry Henry, we all saw the permutations of a freed Fabregas, both tactically and mentally. Passes were exchanged both left to right. But as Adebayor turned diminutive and prolific, a new target man shunned the range of passed Cesc was demanded for. Now the long range celebrator has gone, the demand for one dimensional passing has gone. Yes RVP is the potent attacking symbol. The difference is that the Basketball style ‘score more than your opponents’ philosophy of 2009/10 Arsenal has delivered what was promised; the multi-skilled craft of Cesc Fabregas. Long may his scoring run continue.

 

And now, the Gunners are set to break records. AFC official website will tell all. With Sunderland and Chelsea impending after the unnecessary international break.

Come May, let’s hope Kool and the gang will be bouncing off the Holloway Road. Hope – with the cherished and brimming foundations of autumn.

Derby Delights & Doles

Saturday was a momentous occasion. Eye twitching at 9.45 AM, the brain told me; “Dude, your time is upon you.”. Not death, but my first (proper) Arsenal match. And boy oh boy, it was the golden one.

The day started with waiting for the tiny 393 Bus which stretches from Chalk Farm to Clapton (via highbury and Islington). After following a batch of North-London Gooners off the bus and walking down Holloway Road, the tension, excitement and anticpiation rose in my lungs. The heavy police presence and the smell of alcohol from the rowdy middle aged men did little to appease the feeling I was heading towards a grudge match.

First impressions first. The mural outside, replacing the grey and dismal shell, helps create a sense of history. I found it quite artificial and un-stadium like, but I’m sure that will allieviate in time.

After sitting in proper view seats, I had the dignity to walk all the way to the top, penultimate row. The structure of the Grove is way better than highbury, but teh view was a wierdly fascinating one; the landscape of London streching east and west in between the ‘curves’. Sunshine glistening the red and white crowd, as they hoisting their scarves, jumping up and down.

As for the real deal, inside the Halloween cauldron (excuse the pun). it was a tight affair in the first half, Tottenham not impressing themselves and Arsenal failing to impress on most of the possession. Frustration boiled from the terraces, and I was much surprised by the malingment of Abou Diaby. Calls of “c*nt” and groans are not beyond the scope of indignation, but as an Arsenal fan,  the frustation from the fans didn’t surprise me totally.

Its also been reported that an Arsenal fan abused the Tottenham manager (with words)

“He was swearing and there were little kids standing there. I don’t understand why people do that. I just asked if he could behave himself and act like a proper human being.”

Sir Alex Ferguson has also bemoaned the open style structure of dug-outs in the past, and that must be rectified. As far as I can see, there is little security between fans and managers. For the good of the game, and genuine convenience, AFC need to buck up security. However, its good to see Harry red hot under the collar.

So, mind the gap Harry. Your cockerel boasts about replacing Wenger’s AFC has not permissed. Nor is it permissible to piss on the red carpet. But it is on a blue one.

Fresh As A Romp

I had the choice on Sunday of either the two;  ending Fresher’s week with a trip to Thorpe Park, or waking up late and easing onto my cushion for a lunchtime date with Arsene’s historical match. I think we all know which one was favoured.

Yes, we had a shaky start. But Blackburn did, for the large part, get into the faces of Arsenal. For the first 20 minutes, it was attack one way, attack the other. But, as ever, the great Thomas V, fists clenced and jaw locked, smashed home the sweetest and most passionate of volleys I’ve seen from anyone, let alone a (freescoring) centre half. Big T is proving not just a rock, but an inspiration to all his team mates. As much as Kolo was the smiler, Thomas is the beast.

This is a different Arsenal. Once, if you stopped Cesc Fabregas, you stopped Arsenal. Now, the Spaniard is reflected with jewels – Van Persie, Arshavin, Rosicky, Walcott, Nasri – all match winners.

Lets talk about Cesc Baby. Four assists, a goal to give and a slick, mean machine, our no.4 has grown and tuoghened since big TH14 left in 2006 and PV4 in 2005. He is our lynchpin; pay him whatever he wants – just bloody well keep him!! I’m sure that those pesky journalists cannot find anything better to do. Continual Cr*p about leaving, rumours of discontent. Perhaps in the end of career, Cesc may leave for a return to homeland. For now, he’s gunning for trophies.

The return of Theo marks another landmark, or if not, just another safety point. With internationals returning, I fear another impending injury, just when the Arsenal doctor’s room was emptying.

And so, I return to Fresher’s and University…with a ticket to the Arsenal v Spurs match!!! Ca Va!

Love Is In The Air

There is an unseasonal air of spring, a feeling fo warmth and good feeling. No, I’m not talking about the London sunshine, but the camarderie amongst this crop of Arsenal first team. After watching them deliver a gritty performance agiasnt a fighting FUlham side, Van Persie confirmed the new ingredients of success.

“When I first came to Arsenal, I was 20,” he reflected. “Kolo came to me and said ’see me as your older brother. You come from another country, you speak a different language and are a bit nervous’.

“I now say this, along with Gael Clichy, to the youngsters. There is the Dutch guy Nacer Barazite, Jack Wilshere and Armand Traore who still need to find their way, along with Thomas [Vermaelen].

“After two weeks, Thomas said ‘you are right, everyone is so nice and kind’.

There is a saying that the publicity of the football pitch brings about the truth; so far, we’ve lost two in a manner that showed that we shouldn’t. If further evidence is to show that there is a difference, then Arsenal are taking the small boys more seriously.

Last night win agiasnt Fulham came curteousy of a man-of-the match midas touch winning performance from Vito Mannone. After being much maligned by sliipery performances agiasnt Wigan and Standard Liege, the Italian had one of those days. As a goalkeeper, I fully understood his ecctasy of emotion; once in a while, a keeper has a day when everything he touches is pushed past the goal. Everything.

On this note of positivity, October is drawing closer, and it seems that Arsenal FC’s generousity is all encompassing. For matches agiasnt Olympiacos and Blackburn consecutively, tickets have been released on general sale. Brilliant stuff! But i’ve got my red membership now…

The Cycle Of Karma

After last Sunday’s showdown, the magnamolia of a thunderous opening of a can of worms and even more down the road, I thought it would be finally appropiate to make my first post of this campaign.

The ‘defeat’ to United was a strange one – it was a match we should have most definately won. To say that for a match at OT – were only 3 league wins under Wenger decorate the records – is a massive compliment of attitude and application. Arshavin showed why the possession of a ball will draw intakes of breath from opposition fans, Denilson showed why he played the most games last year, Song is becoming a steady eddy and Vermealen is utlising the magic of a certain Tony Adams. Lofty praise indeed for the new CD, but his gait and assurance, alongside that very masculine jawline, has given Arsenal fans enough hope for a better season protecting Almunia.

And so, on we go to our blonde-ish goalkeeper. After cementing himself into our hearts, the Spaniard-in-disguise has had the most comfortable starts to a goalie’s life since the Chinese emperor built the Great Wall and Basil Fawlty took charge of Fawlty Towers (I seem to recall a Manuel who had shaky hands). Yet, his rush of blood spewed the irony of the past week. I firmly believe it was the luck of OT once again, but I will say that it wasn’t a dive.

The image of Le Prof, defiant agiasnt the jagticulating Mancunians whilst standing upon a roof with one seat (what the hell is that for?) will live to my dying day. It was a gesture grounded in the days of the 90’s/early 00 rivalry between Blue nose and Professor. One has a feeling this will reignite itself for one last hurrah, before both men walk arm in arm into the sunset.

The echelons of football has once again turned, from a media hunry (Anti)Arsenal establishment to one causing spunk to fall on Chelsea’s hands. Oh the horror of my disgust as I flicked open London Lite to see the true bigamy of Chelsea FC!! Now the mega-flithy-rich Roman won’t have a wedge large than his well ordained carrots to despose his money in. However, having said that, UEFA and FIFA, under the Platini era, are relaunching a sinister poke towards the English. Two massive punishments cannot fail to have severe consequences on future laws and regulations. If not, the reputation and system of football’s governing bodies must be called into disrepute.

Thus, it seems to cycle of karma has turned, all the way back from 2005 and Colegate. Arsenal won the FA Cup undeserved, now we lose undeserved. Chelsea wriggle their way out of punishment, now they face the sharp UEFA axe. This season is shaping up very nicely indeed…

Slings And Arrows of Outrageous Fortune

For any of those who read Paul Parker’s column on his Yahoo Blog, it seems the doomongers are back. Well, nearly all. Yet again, it’s a make or break season.

Personally, I Don’t see it that way. Four years have gone like the wind, a lover’s love gone and squeezed in agony. But the rebuilding will continue, and it must. The great Wenger project is still on wheels. The only change from last season is that some weeds have been plucked.

Before I continue, I must apologise for the long expanse of nothingness. Inactivity on the Romford Pele was due to the hectic schedule of exams, and then the boredom of summer. Thank god for The Ashes.

Yet, the same cannot be said for an extraordinary transfer market. There are so many questions, so many ridiculous transactions in light of a so called ‘credit crunch’. Let’s take a moment to recall the depths of genius philosophy; a great English man once said;

“To be or not to be, that is the question. Whether ’tis nobler to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms agiasnt a sea of troubles…”

And so, as armchair fans, Bankers or Wimbledon champions who support FC Basle, what can we make of a crazy summer that defies logic and perhaps, morals. The fortitude of Manchester City is one of magnamoneous, overwhelming ambition, we cant take them seriously. I love City. Always I’ve had a soft spot for the blue half of Manchester. Perhaps it was their suffering, their mediocrity or simply the sky blue jersey. They oozed sincerity and old fashioned “We’ll be there” grit. Now, I fear they are pressing the self destruct button towards short termism and PR doomsday.

A hatred is swelling across all Premier League clubs towards City. I too have felt it; I try to tame it. It’s not the cash, it’s the principles.

Although, for every cloud there is a silver lining. City’s bottomless pockets have benefited Arsenal. The rank weed of Emmanual Adebayor – flash in the pan- leaves with his wagon of dough and inflated ego. For a player who served for 3 years and cost us £7 million, the return of £25 million is fantastic business. However, despite the barrier between striker and fans, there is one conern. He scored over 50 goals in his short tenure, many memorable goals (especially vs Spurs).

Replacing Adebayor won’t be easy, but it’s extremly possible. Eduardo should be first choice and, bar injuries, he will be front line alongside RVP. Nicky Bendnter also has his chance to become a target man with his towering headers. Now he can head footballs, not team mates.

Summertime is an awkward time. I’m all philosophic, not that I’m not all the time. A sense of pride embedded in awe of Roger Federer and Freddie Flintoff cannot be replicated for Adebayor. We didn’t ask for a boozy Flintoff or a towering Adams. Just some love. This 2009/10 team looks close knit, with few egos (William Gallas could inflate but that won’t happen fingers crossed).

And so, the biggest question of all, whats going to be the team of this season?

At the crux of the sale of Adebayor, I foresee AW moulding a team once again. But now, he knows. We Know.

RVP in the hole, Bergkamp style. Theo Walcott could be moved upfront using his pace. If so, we may be seeing an Henry/Berkgamp partnership form upfront. Exciting stuff.

In midfield, the return of Thomas Rosicky creates not only competition, but an midfield boasting incredible match experience. Nasri, Fabregas, Arshavin and Rosicky will send shivers down the spines of opposition. Arshavin could also be used as a secondary striker.

Andre could be the key man this year, especially at the start with the news that Samir Nasri is out for two-three months. To start with a bang could be the foundation for a title-challenging season.

Premier League – Ferguson ‘turned down Arsenal’

Sir Alex Ferguson turned down the chance to manage Arsenal before taking over at Manchester United, according to ex-United man Jim Leighton.

Former Scotland goalkeeper Jim Leighton made the claim on a BBC programme about the 1986 World Cup, at which Ferguson managed the Scots on a caretaker basis following the death of Jock Stein.

Leighton said Arsenal approached the then-Aberdeen manager before the tournament in Mexico, but Ferguson refused the offer as he was unwilling to commit to a club while still on international duty.

“Ferguson was offered the Arsenal job,” said Leighton. “George Graham would have been his assistant, but he wanted to wait until the World Cup was finished before it was getting announced.

“Arsenal said they wanted it (a decision) straight away and so he refused it and George Graham got the job.”

“He wanted to announce it when he got back to Aberdeen, to do it the right way.”

Ferguson also refused the Tottenham job, and stayed with the Dons until November 1986 when he replaced Ron Atkinson at Old Trafford.

He has gone on to land a staggering haul of trophies, including 11 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions Leagues.

Graham led Arsenal to two league titles, one FA Cup and the Cup-Winners’ Cup but was sacked in 1995 following revelations of financial irregularities.

Leighton also claimed Ferguson’s controversial omission from the World Cup of Liverpool defender Alan Hansen was due to the player’s lack of consistency.

“As far as Alan Hansen was concerned, Fergie believed that he wasn’t always ‘turning up’ for games against maybe Luxembourg, the Faroes or San Marino,” said Leighton.

“He only wanted to ‘turn up’ for the really important games.”

The Calm After The Storm

 

After the venom of Wednesday night, after listening to Herbie Hancock, Michael Jackson and reminising over Phats and Smalls, an eloquoent purpose swims over me. A cleaness that implores me to do my duty; to write, in truth and honesty, and deliver my own opinions, rather than going with the mass propganda.

The pain of defeat left a taste of suicide. But Arsenal, at the end of the night, were simply blown away by the best team in the league, in Europe, in the world. That is not a statement I type in lightly. Nor should it be forgotten who went out too.

All the events stemmed from an unforunate slip by Gibbs. Specifically, both losses from the F.A Cup semi and Champions League were down to down instruments; the same cause. Inexperience. Gibbs showed despite his bravery, he was caught out of position. Likewise, Fabianski did not have his best of games at Wembley. Unfortunately, this did not reflect the season he has had. I can think of numerous occasions where Lukasz made point blank saves, alongside commanding his area. The latter, however, isn’t his strongest point.

The summer is a focal point because many see the chequebook needing some sunshine. However, with Arshavin eligble for all games next year and loking like a young Freddie Ljunberg, Andre should set the pace for what will be a competitive squad. Rosicky, with any luck, should return from the dead. Eduardo will have a summer to return to proper fitness. And with no international tournament, its generally a time to relax and look forward.

The season hasn’t been all that bad. We only seem it so because of the rollercoaster ride if 2007/08, where we set the pace after a long while. It seems like we’ve taken a step back, and in many ways we have. But if we took a step back in the beginning of the season, we’ve taken 2 steps forward in the second half of this season. The signs are that a new team with Arshavin, Nasri, Cesc and Walcott at the heart. Whats not so sure is the defence and attack. Will Gallas and Toure work? Will Adebayor get his socks up? Who’ll come and go?

Saxophones blow. There is a quiet, new found determination. Perhaps not the exhuberance of the flag waving Wednesday evening. But a feeling of human proportions; that we shall be better. Success isn’t guaranteed in life. The same applies to football. But I feel that it is not far enough, so be patient, be happy, be a Gooner.

Dank Dusk Of Dreams

Has the garden outgrown its potential, or was it simply cut away at the top? Personally, the weeds need to go. And fast.

The feeling of humiliation was so much so that outright sadness dawned over me. I’d like to think all Gooners felt the same.

Just to think, all that flag waving, patriotic feel. The sun lifting our spirits. Yet, before sunset, two goals blowed our sails and ruined our swagger. All Arsenal have, on the best of days, is swagger. I’m going to put some of this bluntly. The weeds that need to be fished out source from many areas, one foremost is “sexy beyonce” lover Adebayor.  For such a tall man with gait, he lacks the basic strength to hold of one defender. He drags himself wide ALL the time (imitating Henry or just foolish?). The decision to hand him a new contract just accentuated the self gratitous motivation. Like many fans, I feel sickened by that attitude. I doubt whether he’ll be as good as the 2007/2008 season.

The irony is, Adebayor’s fall is linked to Eduardo’s. Think back to January 2008, when the Croat burst onto the scene, scored goal upon goal, and provided assists. Then came Birmingham – as a result, competition declined. So much so, at one point, all we had was Bendnter as a conventional striker.

If the Togo man doesnt change his act, Arsene needs to shift him. Because by not providing ultimatums, it tarnishes the culture of the place. And dissent is starting to become gross on the stands at Ashburton Grove. It’s hard to see hot a pleasant atmosphere will be stuck on Sunday.

It’s another soul searching end to a season since 2005. Unlike last year, when we were simply unlucky, the players have let themselves down (bar a few like Gibbs, Almunia and Van Persie). Walcott did not turn up, though Arsene must now see Theo is a striker NOT a winger. Cesc did not dominate the midfield and provide the directness which he was quoted to have wanted. Overall, the Gunners midfield was outshone and outclassed. Remember hearing that back a few years?

But enough of the flaws. We need solutions. Firstly, Arshavin will be available next year. He’s alraedy a hit with the fans, showing maturity, class and skill. One more player like him, and Arsenal should ride the storm next year much more better.

Secondly, no more kids please! Or at least, no untried kids. A caller on phone-in radio station talkSPORT (a liverpool fan) said that Arsenal seem to be like an academy. For what its worth, that isn’t far off from the truth. Yes, the conveyor belt gives us pride. I still feel pride even after this defeat. It’s just the manner of the capitulation was so shell shocking, that it later becomes obvious that inexperience is the downfall.

Quarter-finals, Semi finals, finals. All over these barren years, but none succeeded. Ultimately, patience is running thin. Mine is still largelyt intact, except for my throat. But hearts and minds need to sooth over this summer, and a wallet surely has to come out. Because Gooners, as much as I hate it, vote with their feet. And maybe so too, will players.

N.B; A man in Kenya hanged himself over the defeat yesterday, police have confirmed. He was wearing an Arsenal shirt when he died. Rest In Peace. But this is an example of the human mind and its sometime absurd decisions. By all. Link -  http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/06052009/58/champions-league-arsenal-fan-hangs-himself.html

United’s biggest threat? Arsenal

Before his team’s Champions League tie with Chelsea, the Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said something interesting. Responding to a journalist’s question about Alex Ferguson’s recent generous comments about his old sparring partner Arsene Wenger, Benitez suggested that the Manchester United boss was happy to be magnanimous because he no longer regarded his Arsenal counterpart as a threat.

In which case, if Benitez’s psycho-analysis is correct, you wonder what Fergie will be saying over the next few weeks about the Frenchman. While it is undoubtedly true that Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League title are about on a par with Luton’s hopes of remaining in League Two, on two fronts the club are beginning to look a plausible barrier to United’s all-conquering ambitions. In the FA Cup and Champions League they could prove to be a nemesis.

Indeed such are the delicious possibilities of Arsenal’s late-season rush, you wonder what all those Gooners who, in the depth of winter depression, were seriously and consistently calling for the removal of Arsene Wenger are now thinking. Those who booed the team’s departure from the Emirates pitch after insipid goalless draws against Sunderland and Fulham, what would have been their reaction as Emmanuel Adebayor cushioned the ball on his chest before volleying it over his own head into the one unprotected area of the Villarreal goal on Tuesday night? Presumably they would have been working out how they might get tickets for finals that suddenly look reachable. How quickly things turn round.

The funny thing is, with Arsenal’s season, the clues were always there. The team was never in terminal decline. No side, however well endowed, can afford to miss their centre forward, their most influential midfielder, their electric-heeled wide man and half their defence for long periods of time and hope to make sustained impression on the league. Not even a player as in-form as Robin van Persie can do it on his own. That really was all that was wrong with Arsenal. Despite what his vocal critics were muttering all winter, Wenger had not lost the plot. He was simply suffering from the most appallingly ill-timed collection of serious injuries.

Now fortune has swung back in his direction and he is gaining the benefit of their enforced absence. Adebayor, Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott have returned rested and ready to freshen up the team at precisely the moment they need it. If nothing else, what a relief it must be for Arsenal fans, to see Nicklas Bendtner returned to the bench.

How Wenger must be smiling after Tuesday’s results. Whatever happens in the second leg between United and Porto (and if it is as exciting as the first, who can wait to find out?) he will fancy his chances against the winner in the semi. Porto are clearly an excellent side, but they leak goals; four of them without reply at the Emirates in the group stage.

United’s defensive vulnerability to pace is becoming a liability. How they missed Rio Ferdinand’s positional sense as three of their back four were in the wrong place when Porto scored their last-minute equaliser. Wenger will have seen that and relished the thought of what Walcott, Van Persie and Adebayor might do to the back-pedalling red line if United manage to overcome the odds and progress.

Not to mention Andrei Arshavin’s contribution in domestic competition. Yes, Arshavin, his brilliant riposte to all those armchair critics who told him what he needed to strengthen his squad. Sure, we all agreed he was crying out for an experienced midfield enforcer, a Patrick Vieira reborn. Plus a centre-back. Someone hard, robust, to give a bit of bite to a side too often lightweight in the absence of its injured heart. There was no doubt about it, we all insisted: muscle was required. So what did he do? He went out and bought yet another ball-playing sprite. You might call it stubborn, but it was a glorious re-statement of principle.

Now Wenger has been rewarded. Rightly so: the espousal of quality should always gain the upper hand. And the fact is, over the next fortnight his team could find themselves within touching distance of two serious pieces of silverware. So all those boo-ers: what do you think now?