Well despite the result last weekend it’s clear to see that the great divide between the 2 clubs in North London is even greater than we first imagined as even though they actually seemed to outplay the Arsenal all they could end up with was 1 point and attempt to avoid relegation come May. Ashley Cole’s display of fortitude was something to behold and as “bogey” months go the Arsenal is still top of the league! Now if that’s not something to be cheerful about then I don’t know what is.
A mid season “report card” caught my eye this week and I was dumbfounded that “more” was expected from the captain Patrick Vieira and yet everyone else with any knock (so called “more popular players” as quoted on here) like Pires, Bergkamp, Ljungberg etc. are allowed to skate free and avoid criticism yet Henry and Vieira are singled out for being a bit off. With all the “world class talent” (another quote from an earlier AA editorail I remember) at Arsenal I’d expect a LOT more from the rest of talent and an undefeated Arsenal going into Chrimbo. Of course that’s plain rubbish and all players have their moments of less than stellar performance and yet the 2 main jewels in Wenger’s crown are singled out for chastisement. But then again when these 2 come on form I hope I read retractions on their “less than stellar performances” but I doubt it.
Enough on where I stand on Thierry and Patrick (as you can guess I’m always in their corner and rate them each at least an A- for their performances this season so far with Henry scoring the goals and Vieira being the business in the midfield and keeping his cool with this intangible being unmentioned despite the way other midfielders try to wind him up with their scathing tackles on the pitch on him), I’d just like to take this time to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. As I write this we’ve just beaten ‘Boro and we’re STILL top of the league so let’s enjoy the run into the new year (WBA and scousers before then) and give thanks to Arsene because he truly “knows”! “Merry x-mas to all and to all a good night…..”
1 life
1 love
1 club
1 nil!
1 TEAM IN LONDON!
– EINY, when you are the brightest stars, you receive the closest scrutiny. While I may have criticised Henry for a bad patch or two, I also said he was one of the top five strikers in Europe. As far as PV4 goes, I recognise that he does positive things on the pitch that aren’t immediately obvious, but I just don’t see him storming down the field and distributing to our forwards for scores. He isn’t scoring the goals himself and too often I see him make poor passes. Do I think he’s capable of more, yes. Do I think we need him to do more if we are too go further in Europe, yes. Will I bestow “Iron Balls” and other kudos upon him if he delivers the goods, absolutely. Would I have given him more slack if he had had a major injury like Pires or Ljungberg, yes. Would I give him more slack if he was older, like Bergkamp, yes. When you are the captain more is expected of you. That’s why at the end of the year when you win trophies you get to hold them aloft for the press photos, and Cygan, Kanu and Wiltord don’t. I may have favorite players on the team, but I don’t judge players based on my personal opinion. At least I try not to as much as possible. — Rick
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
