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.
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