I go back to how Michael wiped out the Corleone family’s enemies. As stated previously – certainly not in the extreme context of mob crimes – we have also closed a few accounts recently. We can add Newcastle to the list. They now lie 18th and are in serious relegation trouble. I love it.
The match yesterday was an open affair. Newcastle gave us a tough time in the first half. We tore them apart in the second half and it could have been much worse than the 3-1 score line. While watching, I made a few mental notes that I’d like to share with you.
• Chris Hughton – Do you know what are you are doing? The man has been an assistant for what seems like forever. He is now substituting for Joe Kinnear as the Newcastle boss convalesces. Hughton is obviously not manager material. If his ‘assistant only’ credentials don’t prove it, his demeanor on the touch line does.
• Paul Walsh – Please retire from broadcasting. The ex-Spurs man has been grating my nerves for some time but yesterday’s comment about Denis Bergkamp’s memorable goal at St. James’s Park in 2002 pushed matters further along. I have never liked the man as player or commentator. Now he’s had the gall to state “but did he mean it?” when the match announcer noted that Newcastle was the site of The Iceman’s amazing spin around Nikos Dabizas to score a truly classic goal. And how typical of an Arsenal hater to suggest that our second goal yesterday, albeit a product of the type of quick movement and fluid passing (my words, not his exactly) that we like to play, was tainted somewhat because Newcastle were temporarily down to ten men.
• Gael Clichy – Allez Gael! Our left back is looking more like the player voted Best Left Back in the EPL last season. I wonder if he just needed some rest or if a certain Mr. Gibbs should be given credit for Clichy's noticeable improvement.
• Niklas Bendtner – It’s obvious that Mr. Wenger likes the boy and has faith in him. It’s convincing most Arsenal fans and neutrals that is proving to be a tough task. Bendtner has not made it easy, despite scoring 12 goals in all competitions so far. He misses the majority of his chances. This might shock some people but Bendtner’s misses don’t worry me. The reasons are simple; we can score goals with or without him, and more central to the argument for Bendtner is that he gets chance after chance. If he wasn’t in the right position, that would worry me. He is doing the right things off the ball. Finishing is where it often goes wrong for him. He needs three things to be a top marksman – a better first touch, composure, and more games. All three are attainable. He’s just 21. Imagine his goals tally when he learns to convert at a higher rate.
• Manuel Almunia – I was happy to see him respond aggressively to the odious El-Hadji Diouf’s attempt to break his ankle last week. I am equally pleased to see that he is more active on crosses and more vocal. Good signs. In fact, a great man asked me recently if I feel that we need to buy a keeper? On current form, Almunia and Fabianski are giving me cause to say perhaps we do not need to. Long may it last.
Finally, I feel the need to say a few things about our rivals. I made time to watch Spurs vs Chelsea and caught the lowlights of the Fulham vs United affair. Guffaw!
Chelsea looked like a spent force. They still have marvelous players in Essien, Terry, Cech, and Fat Frank and obviously Anelka and Drogba can do serious damage, but they looked like a shadow of what they were under Jose Mourinho. Tottenham escaped because of some dreadful finishing by Chelsea but they were able to boss large parts of the game and could have scored more goals.
Paul Scholes looked like a volleyball player as he attempted to save a goal bound header. He had good intentions in trying to prevent Fulham from scoring but how much more blatant can you get?
Wayne Rooney showed his true side yesterday. He has now become the third Manchester United player to be sent off in two matches. Are we witnessing the great implosion?
I’ve found myself not wishing Spurs would lose and wanting Liverpool to win.
A strange but interesting weekend!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Beauty and the Beast
The Champions League draw was upon us, and two weeks ago, I had a suspicion that we would draw Villarreal. I remember telling my team that I didn't think we'd draw an English side. This wasn't out of fear, it was just a random guess. I had previously expected us to draw an Italian team in the Round of 16, so just consider me a lucky guesser.
It's an interesting tie, one that I will go into when we get closer to the actual first leg. Villarreal are a team that plays football, loaded with a couple of gifted strikers (Rossi and the frequently injured Nihat), skilled midfielders (Santi Cazorla, Ibagaza, and sometimes Pires), and a decent defense. The problem for them this year has been injuries (like us), but as we saw before against them, it's going to be a tight tie. Manchester United failed to win either of their two games against Villarreal in the group stages this year.
I will say that it's a bit of a fortunate draw in the sense that we will only have to play one of the four clubs in the other side (Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Liverpool). We may or may not play United, but we don't have to play all four of those clubs.
Anything can happen, last time we went to the semis, Pires tackled Vieira and fed our goal as we went on to topple Juventus. I cannot predict anything other than another tense, exciting two legs.
Before that, we play at St. James' Park against Newcastle. Newcastle has been floundering ever since N'Zogbia's Aunt placed a voodoo curse on JFKinnear. They've churned out a lot of draws and are in danger of being relegated. They have enough talent to survive, but injuries play a part in everything and they're struggling.
Hughton has already announced that he'll sit Owen and play a five man midfield. We haven't won at Newcastle since Jermaine Jenas gave us a penalty kick via a handball, featuring one of the most sublime penalties I've seen from Thierry Henry.
It will take a lot to break this team down, featuring talented defenders in Bassong and Habib Beye. But we do have a sprightly Russian who has recently provided such a spark in this team. To say that the Russian is one of the best players in the world would surely not be far off the mark.
It'll be an interesting game, a tight affair that may depend on a clinical finish or two. We must continue to put our foot down Villa's throats, as they play Liverpool tomorrow.
One final note on Phil Brown. The man is an embarrassment.
It's an interesting tie, one that I will go into when we get closer to the actual first leg. Villarreal are a team that plays football, loaded with a couple of gifted strikers (Rossi and the frequently injured Nihat), skilled midfielders (Santi Cazorla, Ibagaza, and sometimes Pires), and a decent defense. The problem for them this year has been injuries (like us), but as we saw before against them, it's going to be a tight tie. Manchester United failed to win either of their two games against Villarreal in the group stages this year.
I will say that it's a bit of a fortunate draw in the sense that we will only have to play one of the four clubs in the other side (Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Liverpool). We may or may not play United, but we don't have to play all four of those clubs.
Anything can happen, last time we went to the semis, Pires tackled Vieira and fed our goal as we went on to topple Juventus. I cannot predict anything other than another tense, exciting two legs.
Before that, we play at St. James' Park against Newcastle. Newcastle has been floundering ever since N'Zogbia's Aunt placed a voodoo curse on JFKinnear. They've churned out a lot of draws and are in danger of being relegated. They have enough talent to survive, but injuries play a part in everything and they're struggling.
Hughton has already announced that he'll sit Owen and play a five man midfield. We haven't won at Newcastle since Jermaine Jenas gave us a penalty kick via a handball, featuring one of the most sublime penalties I've seen from Thierry Henry.
It will take a lot to break this team down, featuring talented defenders in Bassong and Habib Beye. But we do have a sprightly Russian who has recently provided such a spark in this team. To say that the Russian is one of the best players in the world would surely not be far off the mark.
It'll be an interesting game, a tight affair that may depend on a clinical finish or two. We must continue to put our foot down Villa's throats, as they play Liverpool tomorrow.
One final note on Phil Brown. The man is an embarrassment.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Unbeaten in the Premiership for 4 Months
Arsenal are the only team in the Premiership who are unbeaten in 2009.
On Saturday, Arsenal will make their longest journey of the season (280 miles) when they travel to Newcastle. There are few factors that will work in Arsenal's favor:
1)Tomorrow Arsenal will know their opponents in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The squad will be buoyed by this regardless of who they are drawn against.
2) The kick-off time is 5:30 pm. This means that the players and staff will not have to stay overnight in a hotel on Friday. Wenger will treat the game like a Champions League match. The players will meet at the training and fly up to Newcastle at lunch-time. They will be back in London before eleven o'clock. This suits Arsenal.
3) The Phil Brown furor and the Hull City result has united the team and given Arsenal focus. At the end of Tuesday's win I noticed a very happy Kolo Toure run on to the pitch and hug William Gallas. I thought they weren't friends.
4) The players are playing for their places. All of them will want to play against Chelsea at the new Wembley.
5) Arshavin will thrive playing at St James Park. It's a big stadium, with a hostile crowd, but home to a team that are fighting relegation. Only goal difference is keeping Newcastle out of the relegation zone.
6) Newcastle are short on confidence having only beaten West Brom 3-2 in their last 13 games. They have only kept three clean sheets at home all season. Against Bolton (late August), Aston Villa (beginning of November) and Everton (late in February).
Newcastle have held both Chelsea and Manchester United to draws this season and Arsenal have not won at St James Park since December 2004 - when Patrick Vieira scored a deflected goal just before half-time.
The following season was Arsenal's most miserable time at St James Park under Wenger. Arsenal lost 1-0 to a Nolberto Solano goal after Alan Shearer had elbowed his way through the game. The only good thing about that match was Jens Lehmann knocking out Scott Parker's front tooth. Nice one Jens!
That defeat to Newcastle was the second in a trio of defeats. It was and is the only time that Wenger has lost three Premiership matches in a row.
The first was against Sam Allardyce's Bolton at The Reebok(2-0).
The second was away to Newcastle (1-0).
The third was a home defeat to Jose Mourinho's Chelsea (2-0).
The media had a frenzy. They always do when things are not going well for Arsenal.
That season Arsenal finished 4th, knocking Spurs out of the Champions League qualifying spot on the last game of the season. They also reached the semi-finals of the Carling cup - only losing on away goals to Wigan Athletic.
They also reached the Champions League final. It was a good season in my book.
This season is shaping up to be a good one as well. Tomorrows Champions League draw is proof of that.
On Saturday, Arsenal will make their longest journey of the season (280 miles) when they travel to Newcastle. There are few factors that will work in Arsenal's favor:
1)Tomorrow Arsenal will know their opponents in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The squad will be buoyed by this regardless of who they are drawn against.
2) The kick-off time is 5:30 pm. This means that the players and staff will not have to stay overnight in a hotel on Friday. Wenger will treat the game like a Champions League match. The players will meet at the training and fly up to Newcastle at lunch-time. They will be back in London before eleven o'clock. This suits Arsenal.
3) The Phil Brown furor and the Hull City result has united the team and given Arsenal focus. At the end of Tuesday's win I noticed a very happy Kolo Toure run on to the pitch and hug William Gallas. I thought they weren't friends.
4) The players are playing for their places. All of them will want to play against Chelsea at the new Wembley.
5) Arshavin will thrive playing at St James Park. It's a big stadium, with a hostile crowd, but home to a team that are fighting relegation. Only goal difference is keeping Newcastle out of the relegation zone.
6) Newcastle are short on confidence having only beaten West Brom 3-2 in their last 13 games. They have only kept three clean sheets at home all season. Against Bolton (late August), Aston Villa (beginning of November) and Everton (late in February).
Newcastle have held both Chelsea and Manchester United to draws this season and Arsenal have not won at St James Park since December 2004 - when Patrick Vieira scored a deflected goal just before half-time.
The following season was Arsenal's most miserable time at St James Park under Wenger. Arsenal lost 1-0 to a Nolberto Solano goal after Alan Shearer had elbowed his way through the game. The only good thing about that match was Jens Lehmann knocking out Scott Parker's front tooth. Nice one Jens!
That defeat to Newcastle was the second in a trio of defeats. It was and is the only time that Wenger has lost three Premiership matches in a row.
The first was against Sam Allardyce's Bolton at The Reebok(2-0).
The second was away to Newcastle (1-0).
The third was a home defeat to Jose Mourinho's Chelsea (2-0).
The media had a frenzy. They always do when things are not going well for Arsenal.
That season Arsenal finished 4th, knocking Spurs out of the Champions League qualifying spot on the last game of the season. They also reached the semi-finals of the Carling cup - only losing on away goals to Wigan Athletic.
They also reached the Champions League final. It was a good season in my book.
This season is shaping up to be a good one as well. Tomorrows Champions League draw is proof of that.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Wembley Here We Come
A resurgent Arsenal has booked a very tasty semi-final FA Cup tie vs. Chelsea. Robin van Persie and William ‘Focus’ Gallas have crushed Phil Brown’s dream of a second victory at the Emirates Stadium in as many attempts. But a spitting incident has allegedly taken place in the tunnel after the match. The victory has shared headlines with accusations by the Hull City manager that Cesc Fabregas has spit at his assistant Brian Horton, but to be clear, the real story is that Arsenal are going to Wembley.
We can discuss the tie at a later date. Let’s look at our injured captain. He has shown a petulant streak in the past with Pizzagate and the post-match punch to the stomach of the despicable Teddy Sheringham – legendary stuff! We’ve seen him mature over the past five seasons yet he remains a real fighter. As they say in America, the kid’s got grapefruits.
And now the porn star double with bad fashion sense has accused Cesc of spitting at the feet of the Hull City Assistant Manager. Cesc has denied the allegations. I’ve seen the seething Phil Brown attempt to state his case to the media after the very bitter, difficult defeat. He was not convincing. He was obviously a beaten man, much like his former mentor Sam Allardyce was last weekend.
Remember in The Godfather when Michael Corleone went on that killing spree to rub out his family’s enemies? After blanking Blackburn on Saturday and now seeing the anger ooze out of Phil Brown, I feel we’ve closed a few accounts ourselves.
I cannot condone humans spitting at other humans. I will not accept such boorish behavior, especially not from my captain. But let’s suppose that Phil Brown isn’t a lying sac of pig shit and that Cesc did spit. My question then is why did Brian Horton’s feet get in the way of Cesc’s saliva? And if Cesc really wanted to spit at anyone, wouldn’t he spit at the wannabe porn star instead?
Reporters asked Phil Brown what precipitated the alleged spitting row. He couldn’t say, yet he “witnessed” it. Phil Brown is a liar. End of.
We’re going to Wembley. Hull City are not.
We can discuss the tie at a later date. Let’s look at our injured captain. He has shown a petulant streak in the past with Pizzagate and the post-match punch to the stomach of the despicable Teddy Sheringham – legendary stuff! We’ve seen him mature over the past five seasons yet he remains a real fighter. As they say in America, the kid’s got grapefruits.
And now the porn star double with bad fashion sense has accused Cesc of spitting at the feet of the Hull City Assistant Manager. Cesc has denied the allegations. I’ve seen the seething Phil Brown attempt to state his case to the media after the very bitter, difficult defeat. He was not convincing. He was obviously a beaten man, much like his former mentor Sam Allardyce was last weekend.
Remember in The Godfather when Michael Corleone went on that killing spree to rub out his family’s enemies? After blanking Blackburn on Saturday and now seeing the anger ooze out of Phil Brown, I feel we’ve closed a few accounts ourselves.
I cannot condone humans spitting at other humans. I will not accept such boorish behavior, especially not from my captain. But let’s suppose that Phil Brown isn’t a lying sac of pig shit and that Cesc did spit. My question then is why did Brian Horton’s feet get in the way of Cesc’s saliva? And if Cesc really wanted to spit at anyone, wouldn’t he spit at the wannabe porn star instead?
Reporters asked Phil Brown what precipitated the alleged spitting row. He couldn’t say, yet he “witnessed” it. Phil Brown is a liar. End of.
We’re going to Wembley. Hull City are not.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Welcome to Hull
Phil Brown is a disciple of Sam Allardyce.
The very fact that a manager like Sam Allardyce can have disciples is a discomforting thought.
That being said, his teams don't cross a severe line like Allardyce's teams often do. He was given credit for playing "attacking" football against us at the Emirates shocker earlier this year.
He is a man who is above his own club.
He is not a manager I would like to play for.
During a game, he had his halftime team talk with his team out on the field. I don't know what the purpose of this was, other than perhaps humiliate his team in front of the entire world. He succeeded.
From that moment, they've gone from the darlings of the Premier League to desperately fighting relegation.
In his spats with Geovanni, who has subsequently been rejuvenated by a goal and the prospect of facing us at the Emirates again, he lashed out at Geovanni's poor attitude and once joked that he wished Geovanni would test "positive" on his drug test.
This is not a man who inspires, although you could say that he has.
He is a man who looks like a porn manager and wears gaudy coats.
They are a team who relies on set pieces (notably Michael Turner) and flashes of genius by Geovanni (who has more clunkers than flashes of genius).
I was mindful of this team once, but now I just want to see Phil Brown defeated as much as possible.
The very fact that a manager like Sam Allardyce can have disciples is a discomforting thought.
That being said, his teams don't cross a severe line like Allardyce's teams often do. He was given credit for playing "attacking" football against us at the Emirates shocker earlier this year.
He is a man who is above his own club.
He is not a manager I would like to play for.
During a game, he had his halftime team talk with his team out on the field. I don't know what the purpose of this was, other than perhaps humiliate his team in front of the entire world. He succeeded.
From that moment, they've gone from the darlings of the Premier League to desperately fighting relegation.
In his spats with Geovanni, who has subsequently been rejuvenated by a goal and the prospect of facing us at the Emirates again, he lashed out at Geovanni's poor attitude and once joked that he wished Geovanni would test "positive" on his drug test.
This is not a man who inspires, although you could say that he has.
He is a man who looks like a porn manager and wears gaudy coats.
They are a team who relies on set pieces (notably Michael Turner) and flashes of genius by Geovanni (who has more clunkers than flashes of genius).
I was mindful of this team once, but now I just want to see Phil Brown defeated as much as possible.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Hull City
Yesterday, Aston Villa lost at home to Spurs 2-1. It's a result means that Arsenal are now in charge of their own destiny when it comes to qualifying for the Champions League.
The turnaround in Arsenal's fortunes has been massive.
Two weeks ago some fans and journalists were calling for Arsene Wenger's head. Cast your minds back to the 0-0 draw against Fulham for a reminder.
By tomorrow evening Arsenal could be in the semi-final of the FA cup - IF Arsenal beat Hull City. That is not going to be easy. On September 28, 2008, Hull shocked Arsenal by coming from a goal behind to win 2-1 at The Emirates. Arsenal had just beaten Bolton and Blackburn away, so Hull's win was even more surprising.
Hull have only reached the semi-finals of the FA cup once. That was 79 years ago when Hull were knocked out by Arsenal.
It took a replay for Arsenal to eventually book their place in the final. The first game was played at Leeds United's Elland Road and finished 2-2. At that time in 1930, Hull were bottom of Division Two (Championship), eventually being relegated a month later. Arsenal were just entering their golden years under Herbert Chapman. However, by half-time Hull were winning 2-0 and a shock looked on the cards. It took a fine individual goal from Arsenal legend Cliff Bastin to force a replay.
The replay was held at Villa Park and was a rough game with tackles flying in. Hull's Arthur Childs became the first player to be sent off in a semi-final. Arsenal scored midway through the second half from a David Jack right foot volley, eventually winning the game 1-0. Arsenal returned to Wembley for the second time in four years, beating Huddersfield Town 2-0 to lift the FA cup for the first time.
There were some strange games after the 1930 semi-final victory over Hull City.
Two weeks before the 1930 FA cup final, Arsenal beat Sheffield United 8-1. It's Arsenal's biggest top flight win to date.
Five days before the final Arsenal set another record when, having been 3-1 down at half-time, they eventually drew 6-6 at Leicester City. It remains the highest scoring draw in any English first class game, having only been equaled by Charlton Athletic v Middlesbrough in 1960.
Two weeks before this years FA cup final Arsenal play Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Six days before the final we play Stoke City at The Emirates.
Arsenal's biggest win at The Emirates is 6-2 against Blackburn Rovers who we just thumped 4-0 last Saturday.
In the FA cup run of 1930 we beat Chelsea 2-0 - our opponents in the semi-finals should we overcome Hull City tomorrow.
This season has witnessed some strange results, Hull's win at The Emirates being just one of many.
I feel there are more strange results to come just like there were in 1930.
The turnaround in Arsenal's fortunes has been massive.
Two weeks ago some fans and journalists were calling for Arsene Wenger's head. Cast your minds back to the 0-0 draw against Fulham for a reminder.
By tomorrow evening Arsenal could be in the semi-final of the FA cup - IF Arsenal beat Hull City. That is not going to be easy. On September 28, 2008, Hull shocked Arsenal by coming from a goal behind to win 2-1 at The Emirates. Arsenal had just beaten Bolton and Blackburn away, so Hull's win was even more surprising.
Hull have only reached the semi-finals of the FA cup once. That was 79 years ago when Hull were knocked out by Arsenal.
It took a replay for Arsenal to eventually book their place in the final. The first game was played at Leeds United's Elland Road and finished 2-2. At that time in 1930, Hull were bottom of Division Two (Championship), eventually being relegated a month later. Arsenal were just entering their golden years under Herbert Chapman. However, by half-time Hull were winning 2-0 and a shock looked on the cards. It took a fine individual goal from Arsenal legend Cliff Bastin to force a replay.
The replay was held at Villa Park and was a rough game with tackles flying in. Hull's Arthur Childs became the first player to be sent off in a semi-final. Arsenal scored midway through the second half from a David Jack right foot volley, eventually winning the game 1-0. Arsenal returned to Wembley for the second time in four years, beating Huddersfield Town 2-0 to lift the FA cup for the first time.
There were some strange games after the 1930 semi-final victory over Hull City.
Two weeks before the 1930 FA cup final, Arsenal beat Sheffield United 8-1. It's Arsenal's biggest top flight win to date.
Five days before the final Arsenal set another record when, having been 3-1 down at half-time, they eventually drew 6-6 at Leicester City. It remains the highest scoring draw in any English first class game, having only been equaled by Charlton Athletic v Middlesbrough in 1960.
Two weeks before this years FA cup final Arsenal play Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Six days before the final we play Stoke City at The Emirates.
Arsenal's biggest win at The Emirates is 6-2 against Blackburn Rovers who we just thumped 4-0 last Saturday.
In the FA cup run of 1930 we beat Chelsea 2-0 - our opponents in the semi-finals should we overcome Hull City tomorrow.
This season has witnessed some strange results, Hull's win at The Emirates being just one of many.
I feel there are more strange results to come just like there were in 1930.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Take That Sam/Kolo Speaks
Yesterday's exciting victory over Blackburn has confirmed many things, not least that El-Hadji Diouf is an odious human being.
We saw Nik Bendtner miss chance after chance but we also saw AA23 open his scoring account in a manner that confirms his special player status.
We saw Manuel Almunia show some spine, purpose, and aggression in answering the odious Diouf’s dangerous attempt to break his ankle. Jens would’ve handled the matter quick and fast but at least Manuel has shown that he won’t be walked over, literally. It was good to see.
We saw another seamless insertion of Johan Djourou into the back four, resulting in another clean sheet. We’ve kept 11 in our last 20 games.
We saw the face of a beaten man in Sam Allardyce. Take that you big bag of foul air.
Kolo Speaks
A few comments concerning teammates and friends were attributed to Kolo Toure this past week.
Arsene Wenger rates Kolo Toure highly - “For me Kolo is very honest and is a great person, I rate him and I like him.” I have never met Kolo but I can see the quality of character from afar. He has become an Arsenal totem symbol. He is an Invincible. He is an Arsenal legend. I rate Kolo and appreciate all the things he’s done for the club. His long service and commitment are there for all to see. He can be a marvelous player on his best days but Kolo is not perfect.
William Gallas is not perfect. When he let the entire world know that there’d been riffs amongst the players, he was criticised for airing dirty laundry. He was being controversial. Some found his actions reprehensible, others felt that they’ve allowed both players and (most) fans to move on with a fresh start.
Captain Kolo Toure reportedly made comments about riffs amongst the players as well. "There were some problems between the players but this must remain an internal matter because I'm not the kind of man who creates controversies." He continued, "My relationship with William has improved but it's just a professional relationship. Once we are on the pitch we try to keep a professional attitude and to communicate. We never got on well together. You see, I'm friends with Johan Djourou, with Emmanuel Eboue, with Gael Clichy, but it's not the same with William. It's the same within every company, you can't be friends with everybody."
I appreciate Kolo’s candor but he has singled out Gallas as someone he doesn’t get on with. Isn't that bound to cause controversy? Or will Kolo receive a different sort of treatment from press and fans? Kolo has cited fellow defenders Djourou, Eboue (more of a midfielder of late), and Clichy as his friends. He has left out Sagna. Interesting because Sagna has stood by Gallas throughout the controversial periods, marveling at how well he has coped.
Were Kolo’s statements helpful?
He was being honest, true. And I like him for his honesty. But is his honesty any more acceptable than Gallas’s honesty?
Were the comments meant to cure any ills amongst the players? Will they benefit the club in any manner?
I feel that they can do more harm than good, especially as they were made (or at least reported) on the same day that Theo Walcott has likened the players to a family, despite the various origins.
Certain players are cast as do-gooders, as ones who can do little to no wrong. Kolo deserves every accolade he has received as an Arsenal player but there is a danger in making people pets and favorites. We tend to give them a pass. We view them with a far less critical eye than less favorable types. This is a classic case.
Hasn't Kolo caused controversy?
We saw Nik Bendtner miss chance after chance but we also saw AA23 open his scoring account in a manner that confirms his special player status.
We saw Manuel Almunia show some spine, purpose, and aggression in answering the odious Diouf’s dangerous attempt to break his ankle. Jens would’ve handled the matter quick and fast but at least Manuel has shown that he won’t be walked over, literally. It was good to see.
We saw another seamless insertion of Johan Djourou into the back four, resulting in another clean sheet. We’ve kept 11 in our last 20 games.
We saw the face of a beaten man in Sam Allardyce. Take that you big bag of foul air.
Kolo Speaks
A few comments concerning teammates and friends were attributed to Kolo Toure this past week.
Arsene Wenger rates Kolo Toure highly - “For me Kolo is very honest and is a great person, I rate him and I like him.” I have never met Kolo but I can see the quality of character from afar. He has become an Arsenal totem symbol. He is an Invincible. He is an Arsenal legend. I rate Kolo and appreciate all the things he’s done for the club. His long service and commitment are there for all to see. He can be a marvelous player on his best days but Kolo is not perfect.
William Gallas is not perfect. When he let the entire world know that there’d been riffs amongst the players, he was criticised for airing dirty laundry. He was being controversial. Some found his actions reprehensible, others felt that they’ve allowed both players and (most) fans to move on with a fresh start.
Captain Kolo Toure reportedly made comments about riffs amongst the players as well. "There were some problems between the players but this must remain an internal matter because I'm not the kind of man who creates controversies." He continued, "My relationship with William has improved but it's just a professional relationship. Once we are on the pitch we try to keep a professional attitude and to communicate. We never got on well together. You see, I'm friends with Johan Djourou, with Emmanuel Eboue, with Gael Clichy, but it's not the same with William. It's the same within every company, you can't be friends with everybody."
I appreciate Kolo’s candor but he has singled out Gallas as someone he doesn’t get on with. Isn't that bound to cause controversy? Or will Kolo receive a different sort of treatment from press and fans? Kolo has cited fellow defenders Djourou, Eboue (more of a midfielder of late), and Clichy as his friends. He has left out Sagna. Interesting because Sagna has stood by Gallas throughout the controversial periods, marveling at how well he has coped.
Were Kolo’s statements helpful?
He was being honest, true. And I like him for his honesty. But is his honesty any more acceptable than Gallas’s honesty?
Were the comments meant to cure any ills amongst the players? Will they benefit the club in any manner?
I feel that they can do more harm than good, especially as they were made (or at least reported) on the same day that Theo Walcott has likened the players to a family, despite the various origins.
Certain players are cast as do-gooders, as ones who can do little to no wrong. Kolo deserves every accolade he has received as an Arsenal player but there is a danger in making people pets and favorites. We tend to give them a pass. We view them with a far less critical eye than less favorable types. This is a classic case.
Hasn't Kolo caused controversy?
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