Lay off Sanderos and Gilberto

Gooners

Coming into a match after a long lay off or lack of continuous playing time is bad enough. Coming back against Sevilla away makes it even worse. I admit I was gasping in disbelief in some elementary defending. But Sevilla at home are no pushovers and any mistakes are bound to be magnified several times.

The fact that the whole team, bar Toure and Bendtner, were playing well below par, that criticisms were mainly targeted at these two players and not at the other players’ beggar’s belief. Have we not learnt from last season? The way some Gooners continuously criticise Gallas but suddenly this season showering him with acclaim as the captain we were looking for (not forgetting the disbelief early in the season when he was made captain at Gilberto’s expense and Wenger must be mad by appointing Gallas).

Sevilla was a learning curve, nothing more, nothing less. The fact that we lost the winning momentum is not as great as some sceptical Gooners and media would want us to believe. Players needed rest and the last two CL and up coming Carling Cup matches provide the regulars with much needed respite from the gruelling December schedule.

So what if we fielded the first team and drew at Sevilla? Would that make any difference? No, it wouldn’t. Players like Traore and Denilson gain more from the experience of losing and playing at such an intimidating atmosphere in Sevilla. I was surprised Wenger didn’t field more reserves. I hope he does in the last CL match. It has been a long time coming that we can do this and blood the younger players. Playing in CL is a step up from Carling Cup.

As for Sanderos and Gilberto, their performances were woeful but what do you expect from them? They have not played regularly and the opposition were not Derby, all due respect to Derby of course. I remember Edu. He needed a good three to four games to get into stride. Sanderos and Gilberto are no different. There are only a handful who can actually come back into the squad like they have not been away. But the way Arsenal play, familiarity is an important aspect set up. Even Hleb needed two continuous season before he realise his full potential.

I would rather we lose now and exorcise the unbeaten ghost in a meaningless match than in the Premiership or later stages of the CL at the same time giving play time to players who need them.

Gunner6

England and quota

Gooners

I usually don’t give two seconds to England or international football for that matter. The only reason I watch those sleepy internationals are to watch how the Arsenal players are performing. My interest always ends when they are substituted or only begins when they come in.

But when the managers, players and media start talking about matters that concerns Arsenal, while I can look away most of the time, the current accusation of Arsenal being bad for England is just too much for me. In the next few days, we will see whether the press will either shut up about how great the English national side is or continue to over hype average players as if they are Gods on the pitch. I hope it is the former. What England need is a reality check. The only thing going for them is their marketing ability. That guy/team should get a huge pay rise. Not the men sitting on top of the FA administration.

As for the managers and players who blindly advocate for quota, I have only one question for them: if you are so damn righteous about the idea, why don’t you start or get your non-English manager to start?

On Agbonlahor, the media just loves printing shit. I remember The Independent running an article on Benayoun to Arsenal for over £15m. The only thing those media goons have that we don’t is access to clubs’ officials. Otherwise, they are no better than most bloggers on the web. No wonder blogging is such a massive success. Granted there are few really good writers in the media around, the rest are just shit.

Villa would be lucky to get more than £5m off Arsenal for Gabby. £15m for achieving what? And pro-quota wonder why Arsene would rather buy non-English players. If Gabby has potential, going by what has happened in the previous few seasons, Arsenal will only do a structured deal ala Walcott. Dream on if they think they can hustle Wenger for £15m up front. Then again, it is probably the media having shit for brains on this.

Gunner6

Manure, psychology and quota

Dear Gooners

It has been a busy 3 months for me as my family and I prepare for the arrival of baby Gooner number 2 in December. However, thanx to the FSI crew, we have managed to keep up to date with the majority of Arsenal’s matches. My little girl screams just as loud when Arsenal scores, so I guess she is moving in the right direction.

Although the match was 2 days ago, some Scottish Sir keeps mouthing off about how they have the psychological edge, we are not English enough and the ref is biased. I wouldn’t dwell too much on how bad referee’s can be sometimes because it can also work in your favour. So I will take whatever good fortune that comes our way because I know it could just as easily work the other way. But I will say that referee’s have been doing Manure favours at OT for years. All of a sudden, that old man thinks referees are biased towards Manure.

As for psychological battle, I believe the pendulum swung in Arsenal’s favour more than they did Manure. That old man knew Manure lost the chance to hammer into Arsenal’s confidence and character. I truly believe he is doing his best to try and hide his disappointment more than anything else. Even some Manure sites have fallen for this. Comments like ‘the celebrations in their (Arsenal’s) dressing room like they have just won a Cup…’ is a classic. Of course any club would celebrate especially after coming from behind against a team renowned for doing just that onto others.

More importantly, it strengthens Arsenal’s conviction and belief against all the doom and gloom spewed out by the media that without Henry, Arsenal will be nothing. The players have shown that they are better without the great man. Outplaying Liverpool and not giving up against Manure. Last week’s matches against Liverpool and Manure have consolidated Arsenal’s belief more than anything else. The young players needed that. It is a mark in a season every team needs to move onto the next level. This will be our catalyst for this season.

That old man and Canadian thinking he is English can say whatever they want. In the end, we have shown strength and character. They know it.

The comments about having a quota are irrelevant in modern football and globalisation. That old man’s remark is just to get at AW. If that old man were righteous about the development of English football, in his 21 years in charge, why is it that his only English product ended with Scholes, Beckham and the Neville sisters? Don’t even start on Ferdinand, Rooney, Hargreaves and Carrick. These players were bought at inflated prices, with the exception of Hargreaves. Prices no one outside of top 4 would be able to pay.

I love the fact that UK is in the EU. All this useless rhetoric by Sepp Blatter is just that, useless rhetoric. Further, having a quota does not guarantee increase in quality. It breeds mediocrity. English players know they can get in to the team because the team needs them more than they need the team. It is a double edged sword. If the rule ever gets implemented, would the clubs reduce ticket prices in line with the potential reduction in quality? I think not.

The comments coming from Manure quarters supporting their old man on this is laughable. AW may be protecting itself by challenging Blatter’s move for a quota. But are the supporters losing out in terms of quality? Thing is, Arsenal was never set up for the purpose of improving any national teams. It was set up for the purposes of Arsenal supporters. If that old man is so righteous, why not breed and buy and play all English players for the good of the England team. Then only, can he stand next to Blatter and scream what he believes in.

I believe that the current English players do not have the quality to play for the top 4 or those that do have the quality do not come cheap. Why should Arsenal become a feeder for England? Why stop short at quota? Why not do what NHL ice hockey in the US does by allowing lesser teams to take players from top teams so that top teams cannot monopolise talented players and keep them on the bench?

Blatter is short sighted and have a political agenda. If his quota plan goes through, I believe football would be the biggest loser and England will be filled with moderate players. The bar has been raised by foreign imports. The English players should strive to meet it. Not by moving the goal posts. If English players have always had the quality, they would have been snapped up by top clubs already. In the end, it is not nationality the old man, AW or even Jose Maureen looks at, but quality.

Going back to players like Pennant, Bentley and Sidwell. They may have the quality, but they sure didn’t have the character or patience to wait. In short, look at Walcott. He is willing to knuckle down and wait. His development is for all to see. Bentley couldn’t wait for Bergkamp to retire. Sidwell had Paddy and Petit ahead of him. Pennant had Ljungberg and Pires ahead of him. Walcott seems smarter and is prepared to work for his place. Pennant, Bentley and Sidwell may have more Premiership games under their belt, but Walcott looks certain to jump ahead in international recognition. Do we need quota, or do we need reality check for the English youngsters?

Gunner6

Dividend out

Gooners

I mentioned in one of my columns of 27/09/2007 that Usmanov would seek to declare dividend if he had sufficient control of the club. Well, this has rung true in the FT write up of 02/10/2007 in that Usmanov wants the Board to consider declaring dividends. Defensive words now, but when he does have sufficient control, he will declare dividends and who is to stop him draining funds out of Arsenal.

He talks highly about the club but ended his sentence with the word ‘portfolio’. No matter how hard he tries, he is first and foremost an investor and will always be one. Genuinely concerned Gooners know the difference between him and Roman. While the latter is investing in a hobby, the former may inject funds into the club. But the injection would most probably be in the form of a loan which the club, in the end, would have to repay.

At a time when we should be celebrating a new Arsenal, we also have to worry about what the club could become if left unchecked.

Gunner6

Bucharest

Gooners

Not pretty but it is still 3 points. If I have to sum up yesterday, it would be the team was playing as a unit but some individual players were evidently below par. There is no point naming and shaming as even if they didn’t contribute going forward, they did their best defending. I can’t expect the players to perform fantastically in every game. But when they do pull together, the least I can do is clap my hands for effort.

Another aspect of the opposition team even at home is now to sit back and hit us on the break. What happens to the good old days of attacking at home and defending away? This goes to show the image of Arsenal that Wenger built. So many teams are so cautious about playing us that even at home, they play like the away team.

But this method suits the current team that is build on technique and pace at every level. We can now defend a whole lot higher without fear of getting caught behind. Almunia may have his detractors but his pace over Lehmann would have been a factor in this set up. Senderos may be the weak link in this. But yesterday, he was nothing of this sort. The benefit of his run in the first team is apparent. He looks more assured and his overall game has improved. First Gilberto, now maybe Gallas to wait for his turn?

Sentiments aside, I would do what is best for the team. The current XI is doing well. It should be retained even if at the expense of a few individuals. Injuries will creep in. Every player will get their chance.

That said, Fabregas looked tired. His all round game seemed to have dropped. May be because he was defending deeper than usual in the last 2 matches. A breather may be helpful for our young Spaniard. There is always Denilson and Diaby.

Sunderland next and I am sure all Gooners will anticipate what Keane will tell his players to do in the first 20 minutes – make your presence felt. I think English referees should let football rule over English passion. While grit and determination is fine and dandy, clattering onto players and not playing the ball is not passion. It doesn’t help the league and it shall doesn’t help the overall development of the English game.

I am not saying teams should let Arsenal walk over them or compete head on head in terms of skill, but the stamps on Fabregas and the Noble tackle should be thrown out of football altogether. While I cannot stop the tugging of shirts or tripping of players, at least they do not injure the player.

Arsenal may not be angels themselves but if you look carefully, their tackles more often than not have their studs facing downwards away from the opposition player. Yes, there are one or two poor ones but with the exception of the Sagna tackle on Huddlestone, I haven’t come across one this season where the body weight of player follows through the tackle.

Gunner6

West Ham & Hleb

Gooners

A satisfying win at West Ham. An incredibly stupid challenge on Hleb. I have never hide the fact that he has been my favourite player since he joined Arsenal, so it will be disappointing not to see him in the CL. I can’t still fathom how commentators can call those challenges ‘passionate’. Wait until someone does that to Rooney during an international match, I am sure Sky will be up in arms. They already missed the two ‘stamps’ on Cesc’s head. This is ridiculous.

I subscribe to the argument that Arsenal players’ do have their share of poor tackles. Flamini was a case in point but it was the foot trying to take the ball rather than the entire bodyweight behind a flying tackle. I am not condoning Flamini;s tackle but in terms of severity, it can be career threatening which is not what you want to see.

I thought Arsenal lost a little bit of creativity and an outlet when Hleb left. Goes to show how important players like Rosicky and Hleb are to the team. Granted Diaby and Eboue did pretty well, but there is no denying Rosicky and Hleb’s worth when they are playing together. Those two can interchange easily whereas Diaby or Eboue wouldn’t be able to provide such flexibility.

Another positive factor is that we are collecting full points when lady luck is with us. Freddie’s ‘goal’ was reminiscent of the good old days but sometimes you create your own luck or ride it whichever you think is more suited. We rode ours and got full points from it. Manure is currently riding on a wave of good luck as well so hopefully when things come unstuck, they go through the same spell as us.

While many would castigate Senderos, I think he did well. He never had any pace, and would not suddenly become turbo charged in his career. But we need his dogged defending in the EPL. We tend to defend better on set pieces when he is playing and I am sure Wenger realise that.

Also, a word of praise to Flamsters for his performance so far. I thought he could carve a career at Arsenal but more of a Gilles Grimandi fold than anything else. But he has shown why Wenger brought him to Arsenal. His humbleness in doing all the dirty work for more creative players to flourish is certainly welcomed. Further, I admire his attitude in standing up for the team. We need players like this.

Gunner6

Usmanov again

Gooners

As I suspected, he is in for Arsenal’s money. He knows the club is going to flourish and having a controlling/influential stake where he can call for a dividend is his way of taking money out of Arsenal.

Instead of a full takeover and get logged into a battle with the Arsenal Board, he is playing it smart. I would love to find out how much you need to hold in Arsenal before you have sufficient power to throw your influence around.

Rest assure, a certain person removed from Arsenal not too long ago would have fed the Russian with the info that Arsenal would be a very rich club soon.

I have some bloggers reverting that Arsenal is small change compared to what the Russian is valued at. That may be, but money makes more money. With the kind of money Arsenal is making, he can drain some of it out and when the time comes to sell his stake in the club, he will still at the very least get back all his money spent to buy his current (and future) shareholding.

The return to DD is possibly a seat in the Board. Again, that would depend on what is stated in the Memorandum and Articles. But I am sure 100% is not required to put someone on the Board.

Usmanov differs from Roman because the former became the latter bought into Chelski when they needed money most, whereas Usmanov bought into Arsenal at a time when they are loaded with cash.

I am not criticising his method of making money as buying into Arsenal is the same as us investment in profitable companies to make money although some spare dosh would be very much welcomed for my part. I am coming from the Arsenal angle where I would like the money to stay with Arsenal so that Le Boss can use it to make the club better. I am selfish in that sense for I want Arsenal to become the best and money can help to achieve that although a visionary boss is another.

Unless I have a billionaire uncle/auntie who suddenly appears from nowhere and allows me unlimited access to his/her bank account, I can only hope Usmanov’s involvement does not cripple the club.

Gunner6

Derby stamp

Gooners

Is there any surprise that the media once again took a blind eye to the stamp Cesc got against Derby? Those sort of acts should be removed from football but it seems the 5 goal bashing is sufficient punishment. Would the FA be brave enough to call for video evidence or publicly state that the referee saw the stamp and decided not to take any action?

It was totally uncalled for and such action has no place in football. Cesc got away ok this time round but I would hate to see another ‘Diaby’ incident before any action is taken.

Similarly, the Obi tackle on Evra is a red card offence. I would not defend any Arsenal player going in with studs showing. It is a foolish and dangerous way to tackle. Finally, how many f*** should a ref take before sending a player off? Is it any wonder players don’t respect the refs when they can f*** and official for an unlimited number of times in a match?

I won’t go into the Derby detail as countless Arsenal blogs have had their say. Just would like to add that at least they do not take their foot off the pedal when they have the opposition in the back foot compared to previous years. They remind me of the Manure team of Becks-Scholes-Giggs at their peak when they wouldn’t just stop at 3 or 4 goals but continue to pile on the misery (Ipswich remember?).

This is a healthy ruthless attitude. So often we dropped points last season against less fancied opposition that it is good to know we are picking up full points this season. It is still early in the season but a reasonable points cushion going into November and December is very much appreciated.

Thing is, I don’t think the team is firing on all cylinders even with the run of victories. Players like van Persie and Eduardo have yet to find their scoring touch. The team is compensated by goals from midfield, an area so dearth of them last season. I am not worried as it would be good timing in the end when current contributors like Cesc and Adebayor goes through a lean spell, with van Persie and Eduardo picking up where they left off.

Gunner6