Season Review Pt. I - Player Ratings

Almunia - 6.5 

He clearly has improved but still cannot be trusted.

Fabianski - 6.0

I want to believe that he is better than what we saw vs. Chelsea. I want to say that the real Fabianski is more like the player who kept the clean sheet at Old Trafford.

Bacary Sagna - 6.5

We all know he can do better.

Emmanuel Eboue - 6.5

Remarkable turnaround after the traumatic booing episode.

William Gallas - 7.0

Even more remarkable than Eboue's turnaround was how Gallas rebounded from a hellish first half of the season. Our best defender for a long spell before the Villareal injury.

Kolo Toure - 6.0

He has tried his best but clearly that best isn't enough.

Johan Djourou - 6.0

Not a bad season but hasn't played well enough to give the manager a serious selection headache

Mikael Sivestre - 6.0

Injuries limited his season but he also let us down in the Cup semi final

Gael Clichy - 5.5

He will want to sort himself out. Shocking!

Kieran Gibbs - 6.5

A revelation but also tragically at fault for United's goal that ruined our chances to reach the CL final.

Theo Walcott - 6.0

Consistency and better decision making please next term.

Cesc Fabregas - 6.0

Well under the required output.

Denilson - 6.0

Has worked as hard as any player this season but has not been the difference maker an almost ever-present should be.

Samir Nasri - 6.5

This is a player who was hand-picked by Wenger. He is capable of a more complete season.

Abou Diaby - 5.5

Abou needs to affirm his role as a footballer. Find your best position and perform well enough to force the manager to play you there.

Alex Song - 7.0

Another revelation. After a slow start, Song has become a top player for us.

Carlos Vela - 6.5

Clearly a player with a lot to offer but like Diaby, hasn't forced the manager to keep him in the starting lineup.

Aaron Ramsey - 5.5

Cardiff stands out in my mind. Aaron was a ghost on the pitch. He must do better when he gets his chances to jump ahead in the growing queue of midfielders.

Andrei Arshavin - 7.5

A virtual no-show vs. United at Old Trafford in comparison to the Anfield double brace. A magician who's proven that he can turn a game on his own. A proper pre-season will make all the difference.

Emmanuel Adebayor - 5.5

Villareal should not be forgotten but we've got a very poor return from a player with much to prove.

Robin van Persie - 6.5

Very good for a torrid spell during which a brace at Stamford Bridge reminded everyone watching how dangerous he can be. The goals then dried up when we needed them most.

Niklas Bendtner - 6.5

A turbulent and inconsistent season for Nik but he's scored his share of goals. It's just worrying how many more he really should have scored.

The Importance of Style

Now that my jinx on United is complete, I can write about something that interests me.

After failing to win the Premier League last year, most people were quick to point out that it was irrelevant whether or not we had played well and with style.  The season was a complete failure, and the players followed with this line of thinking as well.  Players have to think that way, because they need the main target always in site.

Since we lost, nobody would remember whether we played well or not.  People only remember who won the title, people claimed.  To that, I feel that's incredibly short sided.  Yes, it is a disappointment.  But no, people will not forget football of that calibre.

When a team like Barcelona prevail, they deserve to be celebrated, partly because they won with such style.  

Had Manchester United won, they would have been remembered for being victors, nothing else.  They have a strong defense and can grind out results, but Manchester United this year have become similar to the dreaded Mourinho teams of Chelsea.  They won things, but nobody will remember them in twenty years time.  The efficient United is a boring one.  They're a one man show, utilizing one of the best players in the world (Rooney) to stifle opposition instead of trying to show their own flair.  It is often said that Ferguson is a copycat glory hound.  That's not necessarily a negative term, but what it's implying is that we raised the standard and Ferguson met it.  The problem for him is that Mourinho raised it with Chelsea, and Ferguson followed suit.  The result has been a team that nobody really wants to celebrate other than United fans.

That is something to remember in the face of Barcelona's triumph.  The reason why this Barcelona team will be celebrated for years to come is because they won with such style.  The same with the Spain team that captured the European Championship.

It is something that should not be ignored when assessing Arsenal.  Arsene Wenger turned us from an efficient, boring side into a footballing side that is only rivaled by Barcelona.  Wenger's imprint goes further than merely winning.  And it is not limited to giving younger players opportunity; that is a part of it, but not the entire picture.

Wenger has injected a style to our team that Abramovich craves.  Think about that for a moment.  A man who can buy almost anything cannot buy that.  Chelsea may win a European Cup one of these days, but the path they're going down, nobody will care about it.

When Arsenal win the Champions League, everybody outside of England will celebrate.

Cockney Reds

There are 13 professional clubs in London. 14 if you include Watford who train next to Arsenal at London Colney. London's population of 8 million people, therefore, have plenty of choice in what club they wish to support and follow. So why do some, like David Beckham, become Manchester United fans or "Cockney Reds"?

Comparing the cities of London and Manchester is like comparing New York City with Cleveland, Ohio. Both cities reside in the same country, use the same currency and adhere to the same laws but that's about it.

Manchester has no theatre district. It has one airport compared to London's five. They eat black pudding and mushy peas in Manchester. True, they do have very good Indian and Pakistani restaurants but so does London and more. Brick Lane will atest to that.

What Manchester has that London doesn't is misguided arrogance. They think that they are the capital of the north. The competition isn't that high though is it. Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, Hull, Stoke-on-Trent, Sheffield and Birmingham. You will live a better life in Atlanta or Orlando - cities that American's look down at - than you would in any of those dark northern armpits.

London knows that it will always be the number one city in the UK. That's why it looks at New York, Hong Kong or Paris as it's competition. In the 1990's, Manchester twice failed to win the vote to host the Olymics. London won their bid at first time of asking.

True, Manchester has a music scene. But so does Nashville, Tennessee. I don't like bands like Oasis and I hate country music. Plus, if Manchester is so good, why do Oasis live in Primrose Hill, London?

The man that sums up Manchester is boxer Ricky Hatton. He's a good fighter. An ex-world champion but is he a world class fighter? Watch his last pathetic fight against Manny Pacquiao or his defeat to Floyd-Mayweather. The answer is a resounding no. But the hype that he creates made me believe that he was not only world class but unbeatable. I was duped.

Before yesterday's Champions League final, the hype surrounding Manchester United went into orbit. Not only were they going to beat Barcelona, but Man U were going to create history by winning back-to-back Champions League finals. Remember no other team has done this we were told. This epic feat would be more remarkable than Armstrong landing on the moon or the Wright brothers inventing flight. It's a shame Barcelona didn't read the script.

On Sky Sports and ESPN, the coverage before the game was all about ugly Man U fans arriving in Rome, draped in flags and scarves boasting to the cameras the margin by which they were going to win. Even the Man U players joined in, boasting that they could not wait to create history.

They make me sick.

This arrogance that Man U have is a reason why I feel so great when they get beaten. Yesterday, was a sight to enjoy. Man U fans everywhere gutted. What they seem to forget is that they were lucky when they won the Champions League in 1999 and 20008. Two fluke goals in 1999 and penalty shoot-out in 2008 is no way to become Champions of Europe.

But the fact is that Man United have won the UEFA Champions League. London clubs have not.

Until this matter is addressed - either by Arsenal or Chelsea - then more Londoners will become Cockney Reds and thus despised by yours truly.

Allez Thierry! Allez!

Ibrahim Ba joined A.C. Milan in in 1997. He, like Gianluigi Lentini before him, was a bust at San Siro. Lentini joined Milan from Torino for the then massive fee of £13m. He never justified the fee. Ba would run tirelessly up and down the wing for the entire 90 minutes but provided very few positive moments for the Rossoneri. He would play a total of 56 matches for Milan, scoring just a single goal.

When I first saw Thierry Henry play for France, I thought I was watching another Ibrahim Ba. He was a pacy player stationed on the right side of midfield. Henry however was skillful but also raw and he too provided very few moments to convince me that he could bring much to the cause.

Fast forward to October 19, 2005 - by then, Thierry Had become Arsenal's all-time leading goal scorer. No small feat. Mind, there'd been a potentially confidence shattering stop at Juventus on his way to North London. That Henry never received the World Player of the Year award is not a big deal to me. I watched him every week and have always known that he truly was the best player on the planet. And when you finish 2nd for that award in consecutive years, that kind of consistency says more about you than how much better the players who won it really were.

His move to Arsenal was instrumental in transforming the speedy winger without much end product into the world's best player. Later today, Thierry Henry will attempt to capture the elusive Champions League medal that is one of the very, very few prizes missing from his collection. One that he couldn't bring to North London. One whose absence from his C.V. that tools like Tommy Smyth have used to label the player as "not a big game player". It will be well deserved and fitting climax to a wonderful season for the Blaugrana. It will be a fine resurgence to what seemed a waning though prolific career.

I have no dog in the fight when Manchester United face Barcelona in Rome but there will be players lining up whom I like and one or two I actually covet. Little Iniesta reminds me of Alain Giresse - the perfect foil - and Messi is a player who any neutral would pay to see. Rooney is not just the English bulldog but he can mix it with any of the super technical players who will grace the Stadio Olimpico. It is Thierry Henry however who will be my player to watch. It is Thierry Henry who will be most joyful when Barcelona defeat the current holders. It is Thierry who will send millions of Gooners into rapture when he lifts that trophy and the Red Scum watch in defeat.

As I have said previously, it is good vs. evil.

Allez Thierry! Allez!

The CL Final and What Really Matters

The UEFA Champions League tomorrow is between the two best teams in arguably the two best leagues in the world.  That has not happened since 1994 when AC Milan dismantled Barcelona.  It is a match that is laced with interesting storylines.  It is a Final that one cannot miss as a football fan.

And it absolutely pains me that Arsenal are not in it.  I cannot effectively argue that we deserve to be in it, playing in what would be known as the purist final.

So, for that reason, I'll approach the final in an extremely objective manner.  My hatred for Manchester United runs as deep as other great men, but I will ignore that to deliver a more level-headed analysis.  It's just one person's opinion, of course, and I would be genuinely excited for it if my memories of United beating us at the Emirates had dulled (they haven't).

Each team will be missing key personnel.  75% of Barcelona's back four will be missing.  Of those players, Dani Alves is the player who will be missed the most.  Quite simply, in a match where I expect United to be cautious and play counter-attack football, he is another weapon to stretch the United defense.  Neither Iniesta nor Henry are fully fit either, although they'll be no way they'll miss the final.  You never know what that extra 15% might cost you in the long run, but the season will be over for both of them after today, so they will play.

For United, Rio Ferdinand is in the same condition that Henry and Iniesta are.  In effect, I've read that Rio will never be the same again, because it is a back injury.  In this game, Rio Ferdinand is by far the more important central defender for Manchester United.  Vidic is a fairly good defender, but his power/stopper game suits the English Premier League more than any other league.  He'd still be very good, but he wouldn't shine nearly as much.  Barcelona have made him their number one target, and he'd do them a world of good, but he won't have as much impact as they think he will.  The key to this pairing is due to the fact that Vidic is a left sided/left footed defender that matches up perfectly with Rio's strengths.  But leave Vidic on his own, and he can be beaten.  Nasri and Theo once hoodwinked him, and so has Fernando Torres.  He's a very good defender, but not an elite one.  Rio, with his anticipation skills and speed, will be more adept at cutting out the probing passes put forth by Xavi and Iniesta.  His injury could create the fraction of a second they need to score a goal.  Darren Fletcher has been praised to no end by Sir Alex Ferguson.  He called him an honest player.  In Carrick and Fletcher, he believes that he's found his replacement for Roy Keane (it's too bad they're two men, instead of one like Keane was).  The truth is, Fletcher is not a great player, but he does do the dirty work for United, and he does it with far more precision than Anderson does.  In a game where constricting the midfield will be of primary importance, this is a problem for United.

I expect Manchester United to play a counter-attacking game.  They will be cautious, and they will take their chances when they can.  This is how they play in finals.  Ronaldo has even told the press that they have been practicing penalties extensively, which tells you where their thinking is.  Barcelona will attempt to pass their way through the United side, but that will prove to be difficult when Ferguson deploys five men across the midfield.

This match also features the two players that most consider to be the best offensive players in the world, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.  This will not be the pivotal battle of the night, but one of the players will be a pivotal player in the match.  That player will not be Lionel Messi.  Theo Walcott was hounded to death by Evra and Rooney on every minute during the two legs against United.  Wayne Rooney is such a gifted player, but he's willing to do all the donkey work to help his team win.  He has such bags of stamina that he can track back to defend and join in on a counter-attack.  Obviously, Messi is ten times the player that Walcott is, but there is an area where even Theo is better than Messi.  Arsene Wenger once commented that Messi does not appear to make good runs.  He always receives the ball, sort of like Bo Jackson in Super Tecmo Bowl, and he proceeds to destroy opponents with it.  Blessed with the best first touch in the world, he makes it look like the ball is glued to his foot.  But, he rarely receives a key pass in a dangerous, final position.  He roams for space so he can receive, then attack.  Messi will be marked out of the game by the two United players, while Ronaldo, one can never predict what he does.  In my eyes, once you remove the antics of Cristiano Ronaldo (something that is incredibly hard to do), you'll see the best player in the world.  Here's things he can do that Messi cannot.  He can score free kicks, he can defend corners, he can use both feet, he can score headers, he can make decisive runs, and he can hold off players using his strength.  He's a prat, simple enough.  You could even call him a cheat, but Messi has scored goals with his hand and taken human growth hormones to further his footballing career, so neither is he a complete saint.  He's just a more likable guy, by a huge margin.  But Ronaldo is the best player to ever have played for Manchester United.  He is the important cog in their challenge next year to win four straight Premier League titles.  He leaves for Madrid, you can kiss that goodbye.  That's a guarantee.  He is the head, not Ferguson, of this United side, and Sir Alex knows it.  The reason why that's true is because if any other player had done the things he had done this year, Ferguson would have destroyed him.  Ronaldo was never reprimanded for any bad actions this year.  Never.  And there have been great players in the past who Ferguson has gone out of his way to humiliate.

Messi has never impressed in the most important occasions, neither for Barcelona nor Argentina.  Cristiano Ronaldo has unfinished business with Portugal, to be sure

Last year, Manchester United accomplished a historic double in the 50th anniversary of Munich.  This year, they can achieve a historic defense of the Champions League since the new format premiered on Matt Busby's 100th birthday.  Sir Alex Ferguson is a man who thrives off achieving history.  He has almost done it by tying Liverpool in League Titles.

The key players for Barcelona tomorrow will be Xavi, Iniesta, and Thierry Henry.  The fact that Barcelona have two players of Xavi and Iniesta's quality is devastating.  Cesc couldn't walk into this team.  The luxury of having two players like that is that if space is restricted, you can always reset and re-position to open up new opportunities.  You shut one player down, and the other one will take the mantle.  Iniesta, although not fully fit, is more likely to score of the two, because he knows how to pop up in the right position and he's also possesses a shooting foot.  Dani Alves would have been another huge weapon, because he could have made it harder for United to mark Messi out of the game.  He has guile and the skill to make things happen, but he will not play tomorrow.

For Thierry Henry, redemption could possibly await.  Henry has played well against Manchester United in the past.  We all remember his stunning goals against them.  He genuinely dislikes them, because he's a great man.  But, Henry is also keenly aware that he blew an opportunity to hand us our first European triumph.  That must eat away at him at night.  He must be thinking about it right now.  For Henry, if he's to win it, his time is now.  But a part of me feels as though that ever since he changed his white Nike boots for black Reebok boots, he became human.  He was a legend in his prime, but he's still very good now.  Which will be key, because John O'Shea will be playing right back.  And if there's a player to target in the United defense, it'll be him.  No matter where he is, I'll always root for Thierry.

Arsene Wenger said the other day that Barcelona would not win the English Premier League.  When he says that, I know exactly what he means.  Of course, if Barcelona were in the Premier League, they would have to build their squad differently.  But Messi has never scored against an English club, doing so tomorrow will help immensely.  Manchester United have the ability to suffocate the match in midfield, leaving the Barcelona three of Eto'o, Henry, and Messi without supply.  It is a tactic that has already worked, albeit in a horrendous manner, last year.

One could write even more about this Final.  It is simply that good of a matchup, but I'll wrap it up here with a prediction, which I'll make because there's nothing really on the line and Arsenal are not involved.

Manchester United will win it 2-1.  The first goal will come from a set-piece and Ronaldo will have some role on it.  In the second half, United will score a counter-attack goal and go up 2-0.  Barcelona will score in the final ten minutes, but it will not be enough.

Writing all these positive words about United is making me sick.  I want to vomit.  I hate this team with a passion, but I see United winning definitively.  Or perhaps, I have just put a jinx on the entire team and city of Manchester.

And with that, I'll post a picture of something I care about more than anything else at the moment:

The first FA Youth Cup in eight years.  Effectively, the first with Wenger's influence in full.  The Future is not far away at all for players like Jack Wilshere, Kyle Bartley, Francis Coquelin, and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas.

I love The Arsenal.

Hicks of Northern England

Here are some interesting facts about certain cities and towns that have Premiership clubs:

The London borough of Newham, where West Ham play, is the most ethnically diverse area of Britain.

There are no black communities in Stoke-on-Trent, Bolton, Blackburn, Burnley, Hull, Sunderland, and Wigan.

99% of Wigan's population is white. Hull and Sunderland are not far behind with populations that are approximately 98% white.

The north-west towns of Blackburn, Burnley and Bolton have large Pakistani communities. Over 20% of Blackburn's population is Pakistani. Yet, 99% of it's season ticket holders are white.

Blackburn's population is only 105,000. Wigan has a population of 81,000

Burnley has the smallest population, only 73,500 and is only 12 miles away from Blackburn.

What these small towns have in common is clear. They have small populations that are about as ethnically diverse as Hitler's Germany. They have high unemployment rates, high teenage pregnancies, and high drug use. The result is an increase in white trash getting high and procreating.

This sounds like the Hicks in South Carolina or Alabama. It's not far off.

In the eyes of the Stoke, Blackburn and Hull fans, clubs like Arsenal represent everthing that they are not and never will be: ethnically diverse, cosmopolitan, urban, modern, properous and foreign. The last point is important. If you support a team like Hull, then you have to accept that your team is never going to win anything - unless it's a promotion play-off.

In fact, supporters of teams like Stoke and Hull will endure more disappointment than success. Every season they face a battle to stay in the Premiership. Eventually, however, they will go down and disappear like Bradford City. It's the reason why their supporters take a bigger interest in the English national team than any of the fans from the top four clubs. Supporting England gives them a superiority complex that Hull or Stoke never can. Success is far more likely to be achieved with England than any Wigan or Blackburn.

So when a club like Arsenal employ mainly foreign players and coaches, supporters from clubs like Stoke are resentful. After all, Arsenal are an English club, yet contribute nothing to the English national team.

But this xenophobia isn't just related to certain English fans, it's widespread among English coaches. Fabio Cappello and Sven Goran Eriksson are secretly despised by English coaches like Sam Allardyce. In the eyes of Allardyce, the England job should be for an Englishman not a foreigner. England is the home of football and beer. Italy is the home of pasta and opera.

So why is Arsenal the target for this English xenophobia and not say Chelsea, a fellow London club that has a foreign owner, coach and just as many foreign players?

The answer: Arsene Wenger.

Wenger epitomizes everything that coaches like Alladyce are not: sophistication, style, multi-linguist, international and educated. Wenger was the first foreign Premiership manager. He revolutionized English football with sports science, continental coaching methods, diets, communication, training facilities and foreign players. Because of Wenger, Arsenal will always be the founder of change in the way Premiership clubs, think, act and play. But not everyone likes change.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan says he will never appoint a foreign manager. He hates the foreign influence on the Premiership, stating that it has brought an increase in diving. However, the biggest xenophobes are the managers at clubs like Stoke. Tony Pullis thinks that his coaching methods are just as good as fellow foreign managers.

Pullis has never coached or studied abroad. His experience is with lower league teams like Bristol Rovers. He has never coached a team that has played in any European competition, only English teams that fight relegation. He knows that he will never coach a top four club. Those jobs rarely come around and when they do, they go to foreign coaches. That fact hurts him.

So when Arsenal play teams like Bolton, Blackburn, Stoke, or Hull there are certain factors you have to remember. They employ managers like Phil Brown, who like to play traditional English football - long ball, in-your-face, no time to settle, kick and rush. They pick big, burly, physical players like Ryan Shawcross to score goals from set-pieces or crosses. They play for a draw, stating that they are fighting relegation even though it's September.

All of their managers are English, born and raised in these small, white, northern hick towns.

They hate Arsene Wenger. It's why they try so hard to beat Arsenal more than any other club.

Wenger represents everything they know they can never be or will be. Wenger represents change. He is a pioneer. He is Arsenal. Without him Arsenal are nothing.

The Negatives need to remember that.

How Do You Measure Progress?

Progress, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is:

• an expedition, journey, or march through a region
  
• a forward or onward movement (as to an objective or to a goal) : advance 
  
• gradual betterment ; especially : the progressive development of humankind
  
• in progress : going on : occuring
  

However the word is interpreted there seems to be a divide between the forward-looking Arsenal supporter who understands that great teams are not built over night and the one who feels the club must win at all cost. The Wenger model that I often speak about is a work in progress. The 'win now' types neglect the fact that a sustainable plan is an absolute must. They long for big money buys in the transfer market, popular star names, and to be like Chelsea and United - successful even if with a precarious plan. Success is not just in winning a trophy now but in building a base for multiple titles.

The weight of fan expectation and Arsenal's own success (under Wenger) have helped undermine the current project. Add the strength of the other "big four" clubs and it is understandable that fans are frustrated. The forward motion and development of the club are clear to see but fans only care about trophies. At least the short-sided ones do. The balanced view of a supporter accepts that it is a journey we've embarked on.

While the signs of progress are evident i.e. CL football next term yet again, reaching the last four in Europe without our best team/players, the healthy financial figures that Emirates Stadium was built for, we can and will do better. 

There was joy and laughter under the bright sunshine yesterday as we defeated Stoke rather easily but it only served to remind us that we went missing or just couldn't get it done in matches when it mattered most. Timely goals were an issue in 2007-08 and remained so this term. Suggestions that the manager should leave elevated the matter to crisis proportions yet if you listen carefully to what he says, you will feel that he's not leaving Arsenal. In past seasons when we've won, his remarks about contract negotiations and his future in general have been far more cryptic and non-committal. This time around he has said enough to clearly suggest that he will not leave the job. He's been far more open. Maybe due to the obvious need to get things right or just that (as I believe) this is the only club for him. Regardless, there's room for major improvement even if not via major changes to the squad. 

And he knows it.

My measure for progress next term will be if our season is extended to this month's two remaining finals - CL and FA Cup - and obviously by winning the damn league.

The Farewell and The Future

The farewell is only to one thing: The 2008-2009 Premier League Season.

I won't get into a season review just yet, but I've reached a point where I myself need a break from football.  Just for a few weeks of course, and the summer comes at a good time.  I've been mentally drained, but I'm optimistic (not blindly) about where this team is headed.

Tomorrow, we play Stoke City.  They have managed to solidly confirm their place in the Premier League next year.  They've basically decided to take a Pass/Fail grade on their campaign, and that's what they've achieved, a Pass grade.  They beat us at the Britannia, and so we do have some motivation there if we needed.  That's relatively minor to the real emotion I expect to see from the fans tomorrow.

Our last home game of the season must be a platform for our fans to support both our manager and our players.  In the past two weeks, the papers have been slaughtering our fans (quite rightly, if you ask me).  That's not to say there aren't amazing Arsenal fans, because there clearly are.  But it's been well deserved, and like players and managers who are challenged throughout the year, we have been challenged as a group.  I've rarely seen fans be the subject of such talk, and frankly I'm glad there's some criticism leveled straight at our fans.  It is up to us to show them that we don't deserve these labels.

So, it is on the fans at the Emirates to show Arsene how much he is appreciated.  The chants will be deafening, and he will chalk up a huge smile before going to work on the next season.  Let's give the players some deserved applause.  I'm not going to single any of them out, but we've gone through a lot of adversity this season.

Meanwhile, last night at the Emirates, the Future was on display once again.  There were 33,000 fans in attendance.  I think it should have been a sold out crowd, considering that tickets were only 5 pounds and it was a Friday night.  Regardless, our youth team showed once again why they are ace.  Afterwards, Jack Wilshere said, "I think any of us can break into the first team because we are all that good."  This squad has played together for years.  They have heart, they have drive, they have the talent, and they have a bright future.  And for the people who say it's just another trophyless season, well on Tuesday, that may no longer be correct. 

The Lesson of Leeds United and Fiorentina

When a powerful club disintegrates, the result is usually conflict, consecutive relegations or even administration. Top international players are sold, season ticket sales dramatically fall, and transfer funds suddenly disappear.

A case example is Leeds United. Champions of England three times, runners-up five times, European Cup finalists in 1975 and Champions League semi-finalists in 2001. Leeds have more accolades and honors that I haven't mentioned, but who cares about a club that went into administration in 2007 and were relegated to Division One. No one.

Football is a business and thus holds little sympathy for clubs who are poorly managed.

There are other clubs like Leeds of course. Back to back European Cup winners Nottingham Forest are the only European Cup winners to have been relegated to the third tier of English football. In three seasons, 1984, 1985, and 1986, three times English champions Wolves were relegated from the First to the Fourth division. Wolves were bankrupt, with very low attendances and three sides of their decaying stadium condemned. This was a result of the club being sucked dry by the infamous owners the Bhatti brothers.

The message is clear. The most important factor for any club is how it is managed off the pitch. In June 2002, Italian club Fiorentina ceased to exist. They had accumulated debts of $50 million, were relegated to Serie B, and went into judicially controlled administration. This resulted in Fiorentina being refused a place in Serie B for the start of the 2002/03 season and they were forced to close.

No fan wants their club to be a Leeds or a Fiorentina. But the reality is that more clubs will follow their path.

Arsenal will not be one of them. That's because they're one of the best financially run clubs in the world.

However, The Negatives think otherwise. They claim that Wenger should spend more. Myles Palmer claims that for an extra 200,000 pounds Arsenal could have bought Alonso from Liverpool. These people are like men who can't be bothered to wear a condom on a one night stand. They want the short-term glory. The FA Cup, another shag to their list, a major signing or a hot dumb bimbo for the night. Their short-term glory is debt, high interest loans, an STD or baby that they never want to see.

Arsenal fans are in a civil war. You are either with us "The Wenger Knows Brigrade" or you are with "The Negatives."

The Negatives don't have a long-term plan. They would like an all English Arsenal team, but were incensed when Wenger didn't sign the Spanish midfielder Alonso. They hate Wenger for promoting youth, yet they will be proudly watching Arsenal academy players in the FA Youth final tomorrow. They want Wenger out but have no idea about a replacement or the chaos that his departure would bring.

Some people think that hooliganism is dying. Take me to Nevada Smiths on a day when I have lost my house, job, wife and car. Show me a Negative and you will see if hooliganism is dead.

We are after all in a midst of a recession, so that day may not be far off.

REDaction Takes Action

End of Season Finale

In light of recent press coverage saying that the majority of Arsenal fans want Arsene Wenger kicked out of the club, we've decided to lead a march of solidarity in support of Mr Wenger. We want to send the message out to the press that the concensus among fans is not only that he should stay but also that he's one of the few managers in the football league that's earned the right to walk away. To think of Arsene Wenger being fired by the board is sickening yet it seems that this view has turned from a minority opinion to what we all want (thanks to the press following the shareholders' meeting). 

If you want to join us in a march of solidarity for Arsene Wenger and show the world that not only are we grateful for what he's done for us but also that we have faith in him, please join us for a special march from The Rocket at 3:15pm before the Stoke kick off. If you don't drink at The Rocket, no problem! We'll be congregating around the roundabout in front of the Armoury (aka The Bear roundabout) at 3:30pm to sing songs in support of the our gaffer. Le Boss.

The above is taken directly from the REDaction website - http://www.redaction.org.uk/front.html. 

I cannot think of a place I'd rather be more than at The Rocket at 3:15pm GMT (+1) on Saturday.

Gutted To Tears Pt. II

It's been four days since United were crowned EPL Champions. I've rebounded fairly well from the trauma of watching The Red Scum add another title to their collection. I remember a mate saying that he couldn't understand why Taggart was bringing Giggs into the game. It's simple, Giggs hates Arsenal so much that he had to be part of the affair. He more than any other United player represents the hatred between our clubs. Believe me, it's mutual. 

He's the new Teddy Sheringham.

My mate couldn't stomach that United continued to go forward in the 80th minute. I told him to accept it. It's their right to do so. 

These things have a way of leveling themselves. Sometimes cruelly.

What annoyed me most is how fearless they've been against us. We were determined Saturday but in the two previous (CL) games we were tame. No drive! That must be addressed. 

Playing against United is as serious as it gets.

Could this new detente between Taggart and Arsene be diluting the acrimony between the two clubs? Are we witnessing a thawing of relations? Funk that! I don't want to be friends with United. I don't want to share warm moments with Giggs, Neville, Anderson, Ronaldo, Evra, etc. not one of them.

I hope Barcelona thrash them. Fock this England vs. Spain tripe people are spewing. It's good vs. evil as far as I'm concerned.

Here's to a blaugrana fiesta. United can stick their title up their bum 18 times.

Arsenal

A Defense From Another

Amen.

But it only takes one look at the first comment made by a reader to indicate just how delusional people can be.

Jack Hobbs

In the summer of 2005, Liverpool and Arsenal were in a tug of war over Jack Hobbs, a 16 year old English defender who played for Lincoln City. Hobbs had just become the youngest player to represent Lincoln, when he played three minutes as a substitute in a League Two match against Bristol Rovers.

Shortly after his debut, Hobbs agreed a development contract with Liam Brady, Arsenal's Academy Director, as clubs cannot sign players on professional contracts until they are 17. However, the deal was never completed because Arsenal refused to accept a sell-on clause demanded by Lincoln as part of the six figure compensation package.

Hobbs instead signed for Liverpool in a transfer reported to be in the region of 750,000 - 400,000 pounds.

Hobbs had a good start to his Liverpool career. He was made captain of the reserves and was a member of Liverpool's 2006 FA Youth cup winning team. However, he only made five appearences for the 1st team, three of which were as a substitute. After mixed reviews, he was loaned out to Scunthorpe where he only made nine appearences in the 2007-08 season.

Last July, Liverpool loaned Hobbs out to then League One side Leicester City, eventually selling him to The Foxes for an undisclosed fee. As part of the transfer, Lincoln gained 200,000 pounds due to the 25% sell-on clause from their deal with Liverpool.

Hobbs made the PFA League One Team of the Year, while on loan at Leicester, an accolade that Arsenal striker Jay Simpson won when he was on loan at Millwall last season. It's an important award for the player when his agent is negotiating a new contract. For the selling club, like Liverpool, the award is useful when negotiong a transfer fee and this is my main point.

Players like Jack Hobbs are signed for two reasons:

1) They could turn out to be the next John Terry; or
2) If not, you can then sell them and make a profit.

Jay Simpson probably will not make it at Arsenal but the Gunners will make a profit if they decide to sell him. That money will then be reinvested into Arsenal's academy and scouting network.

The buying and selling of very young players is a good source of income for the top clubs. Arsenal have sold Jerrime Aliadiere, David Bentley, Mathew Upson, Justin Hoyte for million pound sales. While, Manchester United have sold Kieran Richardson, Nicky Butt, Jonathon Spector, and Giusppe Rossi for similar amounts. Chelsea have sold zero.

Arsenal's forte has always been to buy young players (Vieira, Song, Toure, Ramsey, Walcott) or to pry youth players (Fabregas, Anelka, Djourou, Bendtner) from other clubs around the world. Jack Wilshire and Kieran Gibbs are the first home grown players that Arsenal have produced since Ashley Cole made his debut in 1999.

The emergence of home grown English players is not a volte-face by Arsene Wenger. The Arsenal manager has always stated that he would love to promote English players from the academy to the first team. English players are more likely to stay with the club and ignore the lure of more money from the top clubs abroad.

English capped players traditionally do not like moving abroad. They have a hit and miss record at foreign clubs. For every success abroad, like Kevin Keegan, David Beckham, Glen Hoddle, Chris Waddle or Ray Wilkins, there are numerous failures: Michael Owen, Ian Rush, Luther Blisset, Des Walker, Jimmy Greaves and Paul Gascoigne.

But Arsenal is not an English club. It's a continental club that represents London that's why players like Toure and Eduardo like playing for Arsenal. It's why London born players fit in so well because they have grown up in a cosmopolitan culture. Northern English players like Francis Jeffers have not and thus fail at clubs like Arsenal.

Do you think that Wayne Rooney would fit in at Barcelona? Hell no.

Yes it's true, players like Steve Bould and Lee Dixon are northerners and they were a success at Arsenal. However, they were signed in a bygone era. The late 1980's were totally different and more English than today. It was pre-Premiership, pre-SKY, pre-Champions League, pre-Bosman etc. English clubs were still banned from European football when Dixon and Bould joined Arsenal. Comparing George Graham's era to the Wenger era is like comparing security at airports to that of pre 9-11 and post 9-11.

Northern English players, in general, do not fare well at Arsenal.

Jack Hobbs would have been a failure at Arsenal.

Back in the summer of 2005, The Negatives moaned about Wenger's failure to sign Hobbs. A missed opportunity they cried. I say two things:

They'd never heard of Jack Hobbs before Arsenal's interest in him. Instead, they jumped on the media bandwagon denouncing Wenger for not signing English players.

Now they want to replace Wenger because this season was another year without winning the FA cup or Carling cup - sorry I meant Premiership and Champions League.

Replace Wenger with who? With an English manager? Tony Adams? Alan Curbishley? Steve McClaren?

Your avin a laugh!

Gutted To Tears Pt. I

The seconds ticked away agonizingly. United fans sang louder and louder. We played a good game but it wasn't good enough - the common theme to many people for this season. We crossed into injury time. I was still hopeful of snatching it. I wanted to ruin their day if not their season.

It wasn't meant to be.

I watched the screen with no more hatred than usual for either Taggart or United fans. I had Arsenal on my mind. I have Arsenal on my mind. Arsenal is always on my mind.

For a moment I felt numb. Save the liquid emotion welling up in my eyes, I was a statue of flesh, bone, blood, and anguish. Making my way out of the pub was nothing short of painful. They rejoiced. I receded.

The only solace I have today is that millions of United supporters are battling massive hangovers as I type. But as stated previously, I have Arsenal to think about. My club is paramount.

On my way home I saw a familiar face in an Arsenal top. He looked down and was looking down and I felt down. I shouted to him to keep his head up, that we'll be back next season. We'll be back more determined, hungrier, wiser, better equipped, fitter, stronger, more focused. Another difficult season ends but let's be clear, we have a group of young players who will improve. People forget that not winning when you're young doesn't mean that you are shit and will never do. It means that you perhaps haven't mastered your craft or that someone else is better at the moment.

Arsenal

The Fallout

Sometimes, I wonder if I care too much. I honestly do.

I'm not admitting to this because I want to pat myself on the back. My primary intention in supporting Arsenal Football Club is because I love the Club, first and foremost. I've been called a Wenger Apologist before, and I'll probably be called it again. If I believed that Wenger was being completely ineffective and a change would definitely help our Club, I would be for it. I have zero interest in wanting to seem smarter than other fans or more faithful or anything like that. I care about the Club immensely, and that's really all there is to it.

So, after reading some blow by blow recaps about the shareholders question and answer session, I was incredibly disheartened. The English media described it as Wenger lashing out at the shareholders in defense of his team. One blog gave a more objective description of the event, while another blog said he didn't like what Wenger had become.  That blog had said that he believed the way Wenger acted on the night was similar to a "classic symptom of paranoia."  Now that may be an accurate description of the event for all I know, as the ArsenalTV broadcast of the event was only 35 minutes long, and the more heated segments were edited out.

Wenger was subjected to some very direct questions about our team.  And whereas before, Wenger could shrug off a question with ease and humor, he apparently seemed ill at ease and almost condescending to some of the people who asked the questions.

I could not sleep soundly last night thinking about all of this.  The conclusion I came to was clear.  If Wenger doesn't win a trophy next year, the pressure will be so massive from a large segment of bloodthirsty supporters that Wenger may resign from the club.

To most, that won't be of any concern.  There are many people who ask for Wenger to be fired without asking themselves who would be better as manager of this particular football club.  When I broach them on this topic, they say, "it's for the board to find that person."

Should we consider what our club would be like without Wenger?  No matter who replaces him, even if we get a manager on a level of a Fabio Capello, there will be a massive turnover in the squad.  That much is assured.  Results may arrive within two years, but for a year, it might be a guaranteed struggle if players like Cesc leave the club.  To those that say that players should want to play for Arsenal and not just Arsene Wenger, there is some truth in that.  However, we are a unique football club.  It is Arsene Wenger who has brought us to this level in international club recognition.  He is the man who has led us to the Champions League year after year.  He is the man who has imprinted a style to our offensive play that have people put us in the same sentences with FC Barcelona.  He is the man who seems to trust youngsters more than anybody since Louis Van Gaal at Ajax.  For all these reasons, players are attracted to our team.  Before Dennis Bergkamp signed for Arsenal, he repeatedly asked his agent if Tottenham were interested in him.  Such was the reputation of Tottenham, they were the aesthetically pleasing footballing mavericks.  Now, would anybody consider Tottenham before Arsenal.  The very fact that footballers say "Arsenal is my dream club" is quite remarkable compared to where we were 14 years ago.

Yes, Arsenal is a major club in European football.  But the cold truth is, if Wenger never came along, could we be consistently mentioned as being one of the best clubs in the world by most everybody in football.  I'm going to let you answer that question yourself.

Wenger today said that sometimes with everything he faces, he feels as though he has "killed somebody" to receive so much attention.  People want trophies, and they want it now.  And yes, in terms of the table, we have taken a step backwards in the league.  But if we finish two points behind next year in the Premier League, in the semis of the FA Cup and Champions League, would people still just consider it another trophyless season?  Can people accept progress and are they just frustrated that we didn't challenge for the league this year?  What exactly is it that allows our fans to crucify players like Eboue and Bendtner before they step onto the pitch?

When people ask, "how long can we be a feeder club for major clubs?"  They should look to themselves and ask how a young player might feel when they get booed for every small mistake they make on the pitch.  Wenger is trying hard to establish a team camaraderie that will want players to stay.  In fact, I'd be willing to guess that's why he let Lass Diarra leave; he didn't want to upset the harmony within the squad.  So, how are we supposed to keep up the team spirit and expect young players to stay when they're in their prime if we criticize every mistake and rip players repeatedly? 

A team like Arsenal should compete for major trophies every year, I am not denying that.  Any fan who tells you that their club should WIN trophies every year has no idea what they're talking about.  Liverpool haven't won the league for twenty years.  Sir Alex Ferguson never won the Champions League until his 13th year with Manchester United.  Sometimes we forget that only one team wins the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup every year.

Wenger considers this year to be a failure, but he can measure some progress as well.  We have been fantastically unlucky with injuries yet again, and our entire defense was nearly decimated in the pivotal moments of the season.  Wenger will look to get things right, and I hope he'll have at least one more year to rectify this ship.  He deserves that.

But a fair warning: If Wenger is fired by the board because of pressure from fans, we will become the laughingstock of European football. They'll wonder how we ever let him leave, and he'll get a job with a major club (if he wants it) almost immediately. I bet the moment the replacement steps into our office and sees the funds available, he'll wonder how Wenger ever did it.

As for United tomorrow, we have to look at this game with a burning fire.  We must attempt to prevent them from celebrating in front of our players and our away traveling fans (who are fantastic by the way).  The added bonus to beating them would be the fact that they would have to try to get a point against Hull City the following week.  That means Phil Brown, an utterly unlikable person, may be relegated in a season that once promised them so much.  That would bring a smile to my face.

Get Lost Hull

On the evening of September 27, 2008, the pubs in Hull were packed. Many fans were locked out as drunken celebrations began in earnest over Hull City's shock 2-1 win over Arsenal. Before the 2-1 defeat to Hull, Arsenal had only lost once in 59 games at The Emirates.

Arsenal were deemed to be in a crisis. Gallas was now a target for many Arsenal fans. It was only when Gallas was dropped as captain that they then turned their hate towards Eboue and Bendtner.

The period of September 27th to December 28th - when Arsenal beat Portsmouth 1-0 - was Arsenal's darkest. It was a period where Arsenal were lagging behind Villa in the race for 4th spot. A period where Usmanov looked likely to wrestle control of the club. A period where the Negatives ruled. Gallas was the worst captain in Arsenal's history. Bendtner was a carthorse. Eboue was a clown and Song was a joke.

Wenger had to go. If he stayed, Arsenal would not be playing any European football next season - not even in the Europa League. Wenger had failed to replace Flamini, made a huge error in making Gallas captain and as a result Arsenal lacked fight, character and had no spine. They were the complete opposite to Hull City.

Back in October 2008, Hull City were third in the Premiership. The media were talking up Hull's chances of qualifying for Europe. Their manager, Phil Brown was seen as one of the best tacticians in the game, studying his opponents 10 times more than Jose Mourinho. He seemed affable, dynamic, and fresh - making Hull the team that everyone liked.

Back in October, if Hull City were a pop artist - they would have been MC Hammer. Today, however, they would be Milli Vanilli.

The alleged spitting incident after Hull lost 2-1 to Arsenal in March and the verbal attack by Phil Brown afterward has left a different impression - a very negative and sour one.

Hull City are only 3 points ahead of West Brom who are bottom. I really hope that they get relegated. Seeing Phil Brown's face when they are relegated will be priceless. It will help me to forget that dark period of the season.

It's Not Easy

I've just read an article by a Yank who's baffled by those who call Arsenal a club in crisis. In the article - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/173474-across-the-pond-the-arsenal-crisis - he lists a number of teams from different American sports that have gone through lean periods that make Arsenal's four seasons without a trophy a laughable comparison.

I am extremely frustrated that we have fallen short again this season. Read my posts and you'll understand how much it hurts. That United have bested us yet again is torturous. The fans who have called for Wenger's dismissal - those whom we call The Negatives - won't change. The anti-Wenger brigade will not change. They want to see silverware at any cost. Hence the "crisis".

To say that a large number of our fans have become impatient is an understatement. As a non-betting man I would put down a large sum that Arsene will get us through this. Others may not agree. That’s fine! The disappointing thing is how they've behaved throughout the season. Rather than showing the players their support, they boo or call for the manager's dismissal. A "supporter" best serves his club not when things are going well but when they are not. Arsenal fans have been a collective bust in that regard. Wenger is in it for the long term. It seems that this new breed of Arsenal fan (or at least this new mindset) is willing to settle for short term fixes just to say we won a trophy. In some cases people are now looking at the Carling Cup as an achievement.

Yeah, you pay your hard earned to watch the club and you expect to be entertained and you expect a quality product. I don't question those expectations but the lack of respect shown this season has been a major disappointment. The Negatives’ view is that Wenger is past it and cannot right the ship. Arsene's pedigree speaks for itself.

The Negatives are in the same pool as anyone who chooses to leave the club before winning something with this group of players. Yes, we'll need to add two or three established or emerging stars to this team but we haven't been the colossal bust that we're portrayed as.

Leave now and you are a coward. Leave now and I will help you out the door. Leave now and it's an admission that you are not good enough.

I expect every Arsenal player to link arms and accept the challenge that lies in front of them. Prove Arsene right for believing that you can achieve big things in Red and White. If he's chosen you, it is because he believes in you. You must believe in the cause and in yourself. Leaving now would be the ultimate expression of Keeganism.

It's easy to quit. It's easy to be a Negative. It's not easy stay the course. Be you supporter or player, man up and accept the challenge. The next chapter in our history start Saturday.

A Face in the Crowd

The face above belongs to Derek McGovern, chief betting expert at The Mirror.

Today, he wrote, 

"Fourth place means a potentially tricky tie merely to qualify for next season's Champions League proper.  Arsenal will be desperate to avoid the likes of Valencia and Juventus and draw a no-hoper.  The no-hopers will be desperate to draw Arsenal.

Ladbrokes quote Gunners at 11-4 to miss out on the group stage, which is a great bet, and 7-4 to finish outside the top four next season, which is an even better one.

Boylesports offer 7-2 that Wenger is no longer Arsenal boss at the start of next season."

Watch this space in one year's time, and be prepared to laugh at the English publication who would hire this man to write for them.

Diving

Cheats never prosper.

However, Didier Drogba and Christiano Ronaldo do.

Two dives, two free kicks awarded, and two goals scored against Arsenal.

The first dive resulted in putting Manchester United 2-0 ahead and effectively ended Arsenal's season.

The second dive by Drogba led to Chelsea's first goal - against the run of play - with Chelsea eventually drubbing Arsenal 4-1.

Isn't it about time that diving was punished? FIFA should make the different football associations use technology and punish cheats after the game has concluded with heavy fines and suspensions. Take Drogba's dive, that should carry a 10 match ban, resulting in him missing the FA cup final. Ronaldo should miss all of the group stages for next seasons Champions League.

Adebayor's pathetic dives against Chelsea should also be given similar punishment. I would even go so far as use the Lie Detector Test against those who plead innocence. It's used in a court of law, so why not by the Football Association.

But when has FIFA been a pioneer? Never.

Goal line technology is too much for them even though NASA has filmed - live - men walking on the moon since the 1960's. FIFA is keeping football in the Stone Ages.

In the World Cup next summer, if a player is caught diving he should miss the rest of the tournament. The punishment sends a message out and will cut out the cheating.

I hate divers. Ask any die hard American football fan what he/she hates about "soccer" and he/she will tell you it's the diving.

FIFA needs to start making steps to eradicate it.

Crossroads?

It seems that Alisher Usmanov has called for Arsenal to spend more in the transfer market. The legion of dissenters to the Wenger transfer policy grows in numbers and grows more vocal with each season of failure. There are many reasons why Wenger has chosen to go with youth in rebuilding The Invincibles. We don't need to explore them as they have been discussed many times. The question of resources however is an interesting one. That we've fallen short and at times struggled to keep pace with the teams ahead of us gives fuel to the argument that Arsenal should behave like a big club and employ players who can make a difference now.

I've read a quote this week, attributed to our manager - “I do as well as I can with my resources” . The quote concerns me. Was there something lost in translation or have the anti-board types been right all along? After years of constant reminders to the public by our Board that Arsene has had cash at his disposal but always chose to be frugal, is Arsene saying that there hasn't been cash? I struggle to understand the real meaning of the quote but I stand by my manager and sincerely believe in what he is trying to accomplish.

There's no guarantee that any player of any caliber will perform as he's expected to. Buying big name players can be a cosmetic fix (to appease the dissenters in our case) as much as a real panacea. It's a chance you take in the same manner as you do when choosing to go with youth. The chances are however, that the special payers that Wenger seeks - like AA23 - will come in and do the business straight away. That's why they are special. Importantly though, they don't come easily, often, or cheaply.

This team is not far away. We have suffered greatly from the loss of William Gallas. Like him or not he is our best defender. Defensive mistakes have undermined our chances recently. Arsenal need two world class central defenders. Gallas will be 32 next August and players must come in to push Kolo and Djourou if not supplant them. The form of Cesc Fabregas has been an issue for me since February 2008. But for a few moments over that period, he's not been playing up to his own standards. Against United and Chelsea so far this season he's been shocking. Man of the Match performances against Wigan and City are good but he must play big against the big teams.

We must address our goalkeeping situation. Almunia is a good keeper but he isn't lights out. We need a world class, sound, and safe goalkeeper. Yes, he has improved but he isn't the answer. Without going to deeply into what could turn into a season's review, i'll end the analysis there.

If Usmanov wants to fund transfers and wages I'm sure many dissenters to the Wenger policy will forget the fact that besides being a United supporter, he's got more baggage than Heathrow at Christmas. Such is the level of frustration and disappointment amongst them. The coming months will be very interesting for Arsenal Football Club. We could be at a crossroads where we have to decide not just who will control our club on an Executive level but also how we'll address the seemingly widening gap between ourselves and the clubs above us in the table.

After missing opportunities to go up against Chelsea by at least three goals in the first half today - Theo, Diaby, and Song all wasted clear chances - we were punished. Our unbeaten league run ends with a home thrashing in a London derby. The dissenters will want to use the Usmanov missive to gain momentum on the transfer policy matter. Wenger believes in his own policy and will stand firm as long as he controls the makeup of the squad. He won't abandon the project mid stream.

But he will also seek more special players for key positions that need strengthening. I am sure of that. Finding those types of players will not be easy but is certainly possible to do. I trust Arsene will find them.

The Time for Analysis is the Summer

As expected, everybody has called for Arsene to sign players. They want experienced, fully developed players, because, like Arshavin, these players apparently grow on trees.

Last year, the criticism was that we're a feeder club. We develop players, and they leave for greener pastures. There's no hope in keeping players like Cesc, van Persie, and Adebayor, because we're not a big club. Now, after a understandably devastating failure, our fans want us to buy experienced players to replace the developing young players. Of course, they'll spin it to meet their own agenda. "Having experienced players will make the younger players development easier."

There were even calls from Manuel Almunia and Emmanuel Adebayor urging the manager to buy experienced players. To which, Arsene responded that they're players and that they don't necessarily know what is best for their club.

In his press conference, which produced headlines like "Wenger won't splash the cash" in the English papers, Wenger emphasized his point. He said:

"We are criticised because we play young players, then we are supposed to let them go when they are in a position where they start to perform at the top level? That is not acceptable."

He also said that he was looking for a couple of signings, and that the players he will sign will be experienced.

Believe me, as much as I was hurting after the loss the United, it was ten times worse for Wenger. People think that Wenger enjoys his job and doesn't have any pressure or accountability. To which I'd answer that every club other than Manchester United would want Arsene Wenger as their manager and that the pressure Arsene puts on himself is greater than these people think.

It was a shock and a blow to him when we crashed out against United, because he honestly believed in this team. Immediately after, he seemed to be shell shocked. But two days on, he seems to have steadied himself and ready for the next fight.

And on Sunday, we face a team who had their hearts crushed in such a cruel manner that it was hilarious to most Arsenal fans. I'll admit that the sight of Drogba in flip flops made it incredibly amusing. The game on Sunday is important for analysis, but reaching for third seems unlikely. Either way, it's still a derby and the players will be up for it. We'll see how Gibbs rebounds.

More than anything, keep this in mind, Wenger's teams perform best when there is no international summer tournament and a complete preseason with all the players can be achieved. Wait til next year.

Phil Brown, Myles Palmer and The Gooner

Monday night was my definition of a dilemma.

Aston Villa were playing Hull City.

I hate both teams mainly because of their managers, especially with regards to Hull.

Phil Brown has got to be the most obnoxious manager ever - the Sarah Pallin of football. He alone is why I would love to see Hull City relegated this season. So when Villa finally won a game after 13 attempts, I found myself smiling. Why? Because Hull lost again and haven't won a game since the beginning of March - nine games ago. They are in serious relegation trouble. Only three points from the drop.

How I would laugh if they were relegated. The signing of 30 year old Jimmy Bullard for 5 million is a joke, especially since he won't play again until October.

Phil Brown is a mug.

Tuesday was a nightmare. I woke up buzzing, expecting an exciting match. What I got was horrible. Luckily, I decided to watch the game at home with the sound off. I can't stand ESPN's co-commentator Tommy Smyth. It's a shame he wasn't infected with swine flu because football and the world would be a better place.

The game was over after 10 minutes. The rest of the game was torture. I stayed and watched in hope, telling myself that games like this only occur once a decade. Where there is a sickening defeat, like Tuesday, there is also a great win due upon us.

I think that Arsenal have done very well this season. How many clubs have had the injuries to key players that Arsenal have had? Gallas, Rosicky, Cesc, Almunia, Eduardo, van Persie, Walcott, Clichy, Sagna, Adebayor.

Answer: Not many.

Add a change of captaincy mid season and then tell me if a team like Liverpool would finish in the top four, reach two semi-finals and one quarter-final.

Wednesday: I find myself in a rowdy bar full of American Chelsea fans. By half-time, most Chelsea fans are hammered thinking they were off to Rome. What was really strange was the lack of singing. There was none! Then I found out that not one of the American Chelsea fans know of any songs. They just drank light beer and cheap shots only to choke in disbelief right at the death.

It was hilarious and made me feel better about Tuesday.

Thursday: I decide to read some of the reaction about Arsenal's defeat to Moan U. There's a lot of opinion. The Gooner says that Pat Rice needs to go. They recommend George Graham as Wenger's right-hand man! Get a grip!

Myles Palmer - I would like to meet this man one on one - says that he was right all along, Arsenal will never win the Champions League with Wenger. All the other blogs go on about how Arsenal need to buy experience and stop being stingy.

I got bored so I clicked on Big and Busty Dutch Girls. It was better than any dross written by Myles Palmer or The Gooner. I recommend it, especially after a week like this one.

Gutted!

First and foremost, I am proud of all our players. Some performed better than others and some were anonymous but I certainly will not abandon ship. The fans that left the stadium after United’s third goal are disgraceful. I’ve heard many people question the team’s spirit – a code word for ‘they’re a bunch of foreigners who don’t care about results or about the club’. Utterly ridiculous, among other things! The early-leavers are not worthy of their match tickets or the privilege of being Arsenal “supporters”.

The Rover Sport broke down last night. The Rolls lived up to its reputation. Kieran Gibbs will make mistakes again but he will also do many very good things for our club. It was a very unfortunate slip and we were punished.

Could Almunia have done better? Could he have seen the play developing sooner and reacted quicker than he did? Why was he raising his right arm as the ball fell to Park?

Taggart has bested Wenger again. English football’s top rivalry remains Arsenal vs. Manchester United. This CL tie will feed that rivalry – more motivation for Arsene Wenger. United’s swarming midfield and tight defence were well organized. They weathered our early attacks and shut down our main threats. Carrick, Anderson, and Fletcher were like hyenas on a carcass when we had the ball and would take turns going forward when we lost possession. Togo was isolated by Ferdinand and Vidic, Theo was in Evra’s back-pocket, Cesc was largely anonymous, RvP and Nasri huffed and puffed but little came of it. I commented early in the second half that Taggart had made a bad decision to not go for the jugular, to sit back, wait, and then catch us out. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Literally seconds after saying so and before we could build any semblance of momentum, United outpaced us for their third. It looked like a drill that every team practices but they executed it to perfection. Passage to the final was sealed.

Our captaincy has been an issue for some time. However, Cesc Fabregas is the Arsenal captain. Cesc fabregas is our most beloved player. Cesc Fabregas is potentially one of our greatest players ever. But to be that great player, he has to perform far better than he has in career defining matches like the two legs we’ve just lost to United. Mid second half, I saw him attempt to gee up the players. I was glad to see that but his performance when he had to ask questions of United’s defence was inadequate.

Which player has draped himself in glory with us this season? Which player can leave and walk into any of the other three CL semi-finalists’ teams?

The media will continue to publish stories about players wanting to leave our club. Some will be true some will be rubbish. Regardless, which ever player who wants to leave may do so. If you don’t feel up to staying and proving that you are capable of executing Wenger’s plan, you are a coward. And DO NOT show up at The Grove next season to watch us. Seeing Beckham and Flamini in an executive box – Beckham smiling ear to ear and rubbing his hands after United’s third is an image that will stay with me for a long time. It was a kick in the teeth.

That we didn’t give ourselves a chance in the second leg is the most annoying outcome from yesterday. We needed to be at no worse than 0-0 at half-time. We inflicted the worst damage to our chances ourselves.

Could Arsene have done better to ensure that we minimized mistakes over the two legs? Would William Gallas have made a difference?

We must stay the course. We must not allow the mindset of the early leavers to take us off our path. Many people are of the opinion that we are not good enough. Others feel that we lack depth. My feeling is that we are still just two players short – a top class central defender and a top class keeper. We don’t need more than that. I stand firm.

Those who feel that Arsene Wenger should be replaced don’t see the big picture or simply refuse to accept it. Those who say that he has no accountability sound ridiculous. Arsene Wenger is the most disappointed man on the planet today. He knows better than anyone else that we have failed to achieve what we set out to do. We are not on par with those in front of us. He will address that. Arsene Wenger is my manager. I trust him.

The day’s lowlights

• The doorman at the pub where I watch matches would not allow me entry with my protein drink. I binned it. Fuck him!
• I couldn’t go home after the match. I did everything but that. I got home well past 2 a.m.
• The barrage of criticism that was thrown at Arsene Wenger after the match was gratuitous, highly negative, and beyond offensive.
• I sang Almunia’s praises after the first leg – claiming that he’d come of age. Less than a week later, he’s shown why he is NOT to be trusted. WTF!?!?

I hate Manchester United even more than that great man I was so happy to see at the pub yesterday.

Become Legends

Written off by everybody, we need two goals to knock off the Champions. Does that sound familiar to you?

Before the season kicked off, Arsenal and Nike decided to commemorate the 20th anniversary of our famous championship winning victory at Anfield. The campaign featured former Arsenal players like Steve Bould, Alan Smith, Michael Thomas, and Paul Merson talking to current Arsenal players like Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Toure, Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott, Manuel Almunia, and William Gallas. Unfortunately, through injury, William Gallas will miss out today, but the key players had been identified even before the season began.

Now others have stepped up. Alex Song becoming a colossus in midfield, Samir Nasri scoring a brace at the Emirates to beat United, Denilson doing the dirty work while being criticized frequently by others, and Bacary Sagna delivering quiet, no-nonsense defensive performances. Their contributions cannot be underestimated.

We've been written off during this season before. Countless times. By our own "fans" sometimes, the media pundits oftentimes, but never by Arsene. He has supreme confidence and if you saw his press conference yesterday, you'll find a man who has zero doubts about this squad. He believes we will get to the final. Back during the Roma second leg, Wenger himself was astonished by the will in our team. We missed the first penalty, away from home, and ended up being victors. Penalties are a cruel way to decide a tie, but it showed we had backbone.

After being bombarded in the first leg and kept in the tie by Manuel Almunia, we arrive at the biggest match in the history of the Emirates. This, being the full blooded English glamour tie of the last fifteen years. There was once a time in 2003 where a commentator called a regular Premiership game between Manchester United and Arsenal as the biggest match in Premiership history, for it would dictate who would reign supreme. This is much more bigger than that.

One week ago, I just hoped that we would be in a position where we could win the tie at the Emirates. Perhaps I was projecting some bad karma, and we're in a more difficult position than I had hoped for.

Jose Mourinho has proclaimed that United will 100% advance to the final. Ian Wright, former Arsenal striker, said these words, "I don’t see enough of the Arsenal team really loving their club. Of the current team, Cesc Fabregas definitely has a special relationship with the club but that looks to me about it. If Arsenal fail to win a trophy, I wonder how many of the players will really be hurting." Do we really need this sort of tosh from a former Arsenal player on the night before this massive tie?

That is the kind of attitude that we've been fighting against. It is not enough that we're playing against teams who resort to negative tactics in order to salvage their dignity and teams constructed with such ludicrous amounts of money, we have to put up with this kind of crap also.

Which all brings me back to the start of this post. There is a difference between Invincibility and a Legend.

Invincibility is when a supreme force conquers all. I don't need to remind you of a certain Arsenal team that has achieved this state before. And I also don't need to remind you of a cheat and a ref who completely failed to protect our team that brought this accomplishment to a premature close.

A Legend is one that is crafted from a season like the one we've had thus far. Facing incredible odds, being in a position where nobody backed us, a team blossoms in front of our eyes to become the players that we believed that they can be. And in that, the joy created is from watching beauty and teamwork triumph in the face of such great adversity that only a handful of fans believed that the impossible was ever possible.

That kind of joy was achieved twenty years ago when Michael Thomas scored the goal that defined his career.

Tomorrow, against a well-oiled United engine led by a merciless Scottish manager, we have a chance to fulfill the prophecy that Wenger predicted for this team.

Tomorrow, we have the opportunity to Become Legends.

Arrogance and United

Earlier this year, there was a banner at Old Trafford that read:

"Manchester: European Capital of Trophies."

At that point in the season, Manchester United had won three trophies (Community Shield, World Club Championship and the Carling Cup) and were holders of two trophies from the previous season (Champions League and Premiership).

If they hadn't lost to Zenit St. Petersburg 2-1 in the European Super Cup final or Everton in the FA Cup semi-final, then their arrogant fans would be talking about winning seven trophies in one season.

Out of the 4 trophies that United have won, 3 have been won by a penalty shoot-out - Portsmouth (Community Shield), Spurs (Carling Cup) and Chelsea (Champions League). True, it doesn't matter how you win a trophy, but we all know that a penalty shoot is not a convincing way to win a match.

I wouldn't be so arrogant as to produce a banner claiming to be the European Capital of Trophies. The Community Shield is not a trophy and the Carling Cup is only taken seriously by a handful of Premiership clubs.

Looking ahead to the Champions League semi-final tomorrow, there are some statistics that bring me hope:

Derby County beat Manchester United 1-0 in the 1st leg of the Carling Cup semi-final.

Not one Manchester United player is in UEFA Champions League top ten goalscorers. Arsenal are represented by Emmanuel Adebayor on 5 goals from 522 minutes.

Cristiano Ronaldo has the highest amount of shots gone wide in this seasons Champions League - 18 shots in 830 minutes. Manchester United have fired 81 shots wide. Arsenal 61.

Cesc Fabregas is third in the Champions League assists table - 5 assists in 720 minutes.

There's one thing that football and life have in common - both are full regrets. I just wonder if Man United's dominance of the first half last week and the 1-0 scoreline will come back to haunt them?

In the 1993 film Carlito's Way, the main character Carlito Brigante beats up Bennie Blanco from the Bronx. Afterward, he regrets not killing him, knowing that Blanco will be back for revenge. At the end of the film, Carlito and his girlfriend are frantically about to board a train and escape from the troubles of New York. That is until Benny Blanco kills him with a silencer.

Which Arsenal player will silence his critics tomorrow?

Take your pick, there are plenty of candidates to choose from.

Almunia Comes of Age

“Then it is a choice left to the England FA or Manuel’s desire. I am not to be involved in that. Of course he is good enough to play for England, not only good enough, he is the best.” AW

Arsene Wenger puts people in situations that allow them to do their best. Ever the motivator, he rarely has a negative word to say about his players. His public statements are measured when reporters ask probing questions. I understand of course that what is said to players behind closed doors may be another matter.

But let’s be clear, placing Manuel Almunia amongst the “cream” of the EPL’s top keepers is as much a motivational ploy as it is an indictment on the sad state of English goalkeepers. Banks, Clemence, Shilton, Seaman have virtually no English peers in today’s game. Save Ben Foster, it’s hard to nominate a potentially better keeper in England than Manuel Almunia.

David James is not better than Manuel Almunia. The rest of the of the pack have yet to impress consistently or cannot get into their first team a la Foster.

I have been as vocal as anyone about our keeper’s shortcomings and general inability to be the commanding, no nonsense presence that we need. I have also been as vocal with statements on his improvement. Kudos where due! He’s come a long way.

"What is more convincing about him on the night was that not only did he make big saves but everything he did was spot on. The decision making is, for me the most important for a goalkeeper." AW

Shot-stopping is his obvious strong point and perhaps not the area which required the most polishing. Decision making and command of his area, especially on crosses, are two such areas. Nevertheless he, more than anyone else, has kept us in the tie vs. Manchester United.

I’ve always felt that there’d be a great deal of work to do to make me forgive soft goals conceded in CL and League Cup finals. Last week’s heroics have helped. Going into Tuesday’s match will be a motivated Arsenal with an in form keeper.

“Almunia came from Celta Vigo. We took the chance he'd make it here - I'd like to get out some papers on him when he played his first game, which will make you realise how far he has come since he played the first came and between now. He must have done something right at the Club." AW

I’m hoping he keeps getting it right - right through to the final and beyond.

Capello will be watching. So will Arry, I guess.