Sep 20
Recently we’ve received several stories that, while they address a football-related issue, are not particularly relevant to Arsenal (eg: Mourinho whining, Clough’s death, Beckham is not a genious jokes, etc.)
While I appreciate the effort to submit a post, we try to keep most of the talk here Arsenal-focused, or at least of significance to N. American fans. Especially during the season when we have EPL and Champions League matches being played.
So please don’t be offended if a recent submission didn’t make the cut.
32 Responses to “Postings On Arsenal America”
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September 20th, 2004 at 8:41 pm
Perhaps, then, one of us or a group of us wouldn’t mind creating a board so we all can kvetch about footie in general?
I know I’ve brought this up before, but it’s NOT a bad idea.
— Geoff
September 20th, 2004 at 9:39 pm
It’s a great idea. Let’s call it bigsoccer.com
September 21st, 2004 at 3:09 am
Ha.
I meant more specific to ArsenalAmerica members, but, you know…
— Geoff
September 21st, 2004 at 3:27 am
In agree, I come onto Arsenal America to talk about Arsenal. If i wanted to talk about football in general their are 101 different sites I could visit.
Their is something comforting about talking Arsenal with other likeminded people, I know I am not going to get any stupid comments about the size of our stadium or not being the riches club in the world.
So lets keep it Arsenal related.
September 21st, 2004 at 4:20 am
If something can united football then the death of Clough prove that yesterday and even today.
I know this post had something to do with me. Sorry America but to say the death of Brain Clough is not relevant to Arsenal or N. America is a big joke.
Come of it star, if we can chat about loads of crap here sometimes ie “Ronnie” etc but can’t have a minute or a small post about Brian Clough then boy I don’t know. As it had been proved, you don’t have to support him to know the world of football had lost one of the greatest managers.
But hey what do I know. I came here with peace and will leave with peace. I bet their dressing room will smell of garlic rather than liniment over the next few months .
One love and respect to the mass
September 21st, 2004 at 8:07 am
I agree with you but at the same time I guess lots of our friends across the pond see football as Arsenal and that is it. Or let crap talk about another team or player. As I always say more facts and not fiction. It all about respect and your understand of the beautiful game.
You don’t need a rocket scientist to tell you what Brian Clough meant to football and how big and monster large the bloke was. Was in a pub for the mancs game and as one sky commentator put it Rio is back but how can you forget Brian Clough.
As Wenger put it what Clough achieved no one can repeat it or fill his shoes. May he rest in Peace
September 21st, 2004 at 8:29 am
I’m not suggesting that Clough isn’t important, just that the Internet has roughly 6,500 places where you can read about and discuss his legacy. I’m not sure ArsenalAmerica.com needs to be one of those places.
September 21st, 2004 at 8:57 am
I can understand Rick’s POV here. He and Andrew (and now our other, esteemed board members) work very hard to devote the page to The Arsenal. I support their decision to veto an article that veers into BigSoccer territory in every way. It is because of this dilligence that this site is head and shoulders above the rest.
There seems to be a trend, however. Articles that have to do only with the team end up going in any number of directions, sometimes off-topic, but most comments seem to cover our range of opinions concerning the team. In essence, we purge our need to speak about The Arsenal for the time instead of starting new articles that would address these tangential issues.
So, articles sometime lean away from Gunnerspeak in order to keep the board moving, and refresh our minds. Imagine being at a pub and keeping the conversation on a single subject the whole time. Eww. For me, every team in the Premiership, and Europe for that matter, is a possible threat to our streak and our trophy hunting, and therefore pertinent to the masthead here. And hearing about legends of old enhances my knowledge of the game, and therefore, my appreciation of this great team.
Hey, I’m a proud American who happens to love football, and in particular, an amazing club in the EPL, and I admit I’m scant on footy knowledge in some areas. ‘Tis actually why I feel so at home here. Despite where the topics take the members, I never feel as though anyone is trying to speak over my head. I’ve learned a lot from the likes of Love_G, Andez, Geoff, Teabag, Stagg, KY, miranda, kelvin, Rick et al (if I’ve left you out, its nothing to do with your contribution assuredly) and as I said, it makes me feel less like a glory hunter, and more like someone who loves this team.
When I went to college, I went for writing. Luckily, they forced us to take a number of courses outside my primary discipline so that I would know what the h*ll I was writing about. In the end, better writer, better fan.
September 21st, 2004 at 9:44 am
Rick you have done a very good job with this site but I’m not with you here at all. Yes this is Arsenal America but that doesn’t mean some issues are out of bounds. I believe even if the Spurz does something right we should be able to talk about.
I have been one man who had always been against personal attacks and cheap shorts. Was against most of the post here 2 weeks ago from some ppl, which had nothing to do with football but player?s personal life, but this time I guess you got it wrong about Clough’s death. My post about Mourinho was about some of his silly comments after the Spurz game.
NB: Rio welcome back even you play for them. Son wishing you all the best but remember Sol is back and he is the best
September 21st, 2004 at 9:52 am
Scotty thanks for your comments. I have also learned alot from this site and made a few good friends from here whiles in the states and met a fews guys on match days in London as well.
One big happy family but have to agree to dis-agree on some issues.
September 21st, 2004 at 1:45 pm
I take Rick’s point about irrelevant posts - boring Becks stories, for instance - but I can quite understand why members hearing of the death of a major figure - Clough or, last year, Marc Vivien Foe - want to express their sadness here, where they feel among friends, rather than going to some more ‘appropriate’ site they’ve never visited before.
I’m also worried about certain subjects being deemed out of bounds. The best thing I’ve read on this site in the last few weeks was a completely off-topic discussion between Iceotter and, I think, Stag about the Manure. It was thoughtful and interesting and, I’d argue, not at all irrelevant to Arsenal: our opponents - their strengths, weaknesses, tactics, etc. - matter to us, and, for me, they’re more relevant to Arsenal than sports presenters, say.
A suggestion: perhaps, in addition to the normal posts, we could have a blank sheet of paper where people can briefly raise minor questions and points. Some of these will turn out to be duds, which people will ignore, but others will take off into a really a good discussion. Last week, for example, I was wondering why van Persie got such stick from Ajax fans last season - far more than can be explained by the Ajax-Feyenoord rivalry. It’s not a big enough issue for a proper post, but maybe some Dutch fan visiting the site could explain it. I like there to be an uncensored forum for asking questions of that sort.
September 21st, 2004 at 2:06 pm
I’m with Love_G and Geoff here. Rick has created a wonderful site here. What makes this site unique is - we don’t see too many one-liner nonsense or personal attack here. Many regulars here do seem to have a legit passion towards the game, and geniuely know a thing or two about football. Naturally, as every hard core football fans do, we may wanna talk about everything relates to football.
And to be frank, since joining this site since last season, I found that the subjects we have talked about have basically covered every corner of the club. It would make things a bit refreshing if we could talk about something else once in a while..
September 21st, 2004 at 2:11 pm
This site really reminds me something like a cyber-pub! We are all the regulars there!
By the way Scott, in terms of writing skills, i gotta say you are the best here!
September 21st, 2004 at 2:27 pm
oh no, not the “people-across-the-pond-know-nothing” thing again, it’s getting a bit boring.
September 21st, 2004 at 10:06 pm
I am actually new to Arsenal America, but got to say this is the first page I opened in the morning at my office. Being an Indonesian, sometimes I had hard times to associate myself with some of the discussion. But I really enjoy reading all that. To me, what matters is I am reading opinions and discussing with fellow gunners, and I learn more. Thx to Rick and Andrew for your hardwork.
Of course, when you open ArsenalAmerica page and see posting about Becks, ManU’s revival,Mourinho’s stuff or Camacho’s sacking,and no posting about Arsenal on the main page, something got to be wrong. So, I can accept and support filtering.
BUt things like Cloughie’s death, well it’s not happening often rite. And anyway, Cloughie’s name and Arsenal are often mentioned in the same article nowadays, we know why. Now if there are 4 or 5 persons try to post about Cloughie, then indeed Rick, you got to filter. But I believe there is no harm to allow 1 posting on that to show up. If other members don’t think such topic worths discussing, those posters will realize it and won’t bother to post such things in the future anyway.
BUt for the sake of this website’s identity, and that’s really important, easiest way might be to just put these non-Arsenal or non-AmericanGooner posting into another page, and provide the link. I don’t know, just suggestion Rick.
September 21st, 2004 at 11:30 pm
This one is really hard for me to weigh in on. I can really see both sides of the coin. I think if you put a gun to my head I’d say that content needs to be regulated in some way because there is simply too much of it to begin with. Once you recognize the overflow, what do you exclude? I think it makes sense to exclude items that deviate from the sites intended use - the discussion of all things Arsenal. That said, I think that writers can easily pose their issues or questions in ways that address Arsenal. That would improve, though never guarantee its acceptance. I tend to address most of the issues or questions that fall outside the Arsenal umbrella in my responses to other articles. I have never been censored in that regard. For instance I might re-ask a question that nobody answered for me before, such as…
Why does Arsenal ever cooperate with other teams who try to bludgeon the ball down a specific side (the left side at Bolton last week) - and I mean literally the side - as in chalk line? Our forte is ball movement, so why don’t we swing a cross-field pass to open up the field? The Bolton game was like watching two drunks search through a bathtub filled with spaghetti to find a marble sized meatball using toothpicks. It was *painful* at times. Every game I’ve seen us do this we suffer, so why do we puff out our chests and do it again?
September 22nd, 2004 at 4:53 am
Ok Sir,
I hope you sit back, relax and read what I wrote again. Maybe using the word “some Americans” would have help you. PC ness these days every word is taken out of context I guess. “Boring” you might say but don’t see anything wrong in the context in which it was used.
September 22nd, 2004 at 9:08 am
I can only think of a few reasons that Arsenal, or any team for that matter, persist in unproductive behavior and much of it has to do with fatigue and stress.
There was a news story I remember seeing once that described the downing of an airplane into a dark ocean. The pilot had been flying for too many hours, and was under considerable stress caused by rest deprivation. Despite information from his instruments and radio to the contrary of his flight line, he was unable to divert from his course. Studies have shown that when a human being is suffering this kind of fatigue, they will often engage in a tunnel vision type of behavior, regardless of negative information as to its efficacy. The Arsenal may have just got caught in a rut, forcing an issue that was never going to see them through.
Another possible scenario, and I’ve seen it in many sports, especially football and NFL football, is “sideline syndrome”. When a team is being consistently frustrated over the majority of the field, they will nit-pick at the edge, trasnforming their risk of loss and gain to one of equal measure. The result is often a stalemate, which unfortunately, only leads to more frustration.
The Arsenal have been accused of bottling it in the past, and in big games. There’s also been much suggestion that the streak has affected the way we play “not to lose” as opposed to playing “to win”. While I don’t think that is the case across the board per se, I think when we are tired we may have a tendency to panic. The double edged sword of an unbeaten streak is a position in which few teams can train for or from which to draw experience. The thought of losing, at this point, especially in the EPL, is a wave of depression and fear that may just be continuing to build.
Calculated risk is a large part of success. When fatigue is a major factor, doubt can set in, reducing our willingness to take risks. Perhaps that can escalate to the simple fear of crossing a ball. Who on The Arsenal, with this streak looming and competition for starting spots being what they are, wants to be the one who sends a bad cross into the hands of history?
That being speculated, I believe we’ll see a refreshed Arsenal this weekend.
September 22nd, 2004 at 9:36 am
No new article to respond to, so I have to post off-topic here. Apologies.
I know its only Wednesday, but I’ve learned a lot this summer about premature conclusions from Marca. And I have to say, while nothing is ever 100% certain, and the man has earned his respect voer the years and on the pitch, Keegan must be having a laugh this morning:
“Kevin Keegan has warned all-conquering Arsenal to expect a severe examination of their title credentials on Saturday.
Keegan’s Manchester City side ran out 7-1 winners in the Carling Cup on Tuesday, without striker Nicolas Anelka, who was rested…
…after the cup triumph, added to the much-needed 2-1 Premiership triumph at Crystal Palace last Saturday, Blues supporters are beginning to share Keegan’s renowned optimism.
Like I said, AW and the boys are not fools to have written this off, but if you can’t even name check the team you beat in the Carling Cup [Barnesly], what are you saying???
Some people, teams, etc. really should let their play speak for itself for awhile before self-promoting their sticky contention in the league, even if its in the form of a severe examination.
Just trying to get wound up for the w/e, is all.
September 22nd, 2004 at 11:27 am
Great answer Scotty, thank you!
September 22nd, 2004 at 1:11 pm
Terrific question. I don’t have an answer but I think habit must have something to do with it. Our left side has been our best side for a while - speedier and defter than the right. I remember in one of Reyes’s first games he did pass across field to the right. Unfortunately on the receiving end was Wiltord - lousy first touch - who promptly tripped over it!
September 22nd, 2004 at 1:29 pm
Let’s hope Shaun Wright-Phillips has tired himself out. Terrific player, one of the few in the premiership I wish we could buy.
September 22nd, 2004 at 2:12 pm
SWP is fun to watch, that’s for sure. Let’s hope he disappoints this w/e. Kind of glad we didn’t see his fast young legs last week when we were exhausted and still without Sol.
And speaking of purchases, this bit of news (ahem) regarding the Leece youngster Bojinov again has me scratching my head. If we are interested, perhaps AW sees enough promise in Senderos and Hoyte to start looking “forward” into the future. I hate to harp, especially with a full squad now, but we still got Bentley, Robbie VP and tear-jerker Aliadiere waiting in the wings. As for Jeremie, very worrisome. Wenger is worried that the same thing is going to ruin Rooney’s career.
September 22nd, 2004 at 3:56 pm
Who? Someone at Lecce? Haven’t read about this. Haven’t even heard of him. Shere does he play?
September 22nd, 2004 at 10:01 pm
And why does he give a toss about Rooney is what I’d like to know? Yes, I understand that youthful injuries can spell disaster for future fitness/glory but his comments about Rooney seem rather superfluous. There’s enough to be concerned about with our own lads, i.e. Aliadiere.
And can we please be spared any torturous rumours of Wenger’s imminent defection? The PV nightmare was plenty, thanks. It’s all rubbish.
September 22nd, 2004 at 10:59 pm
He’s just trying to take a little mickey out of the Rooney transfer. It’s pure psychology. Unneccessary in my view, because I think Rooney’s going to self-destruct without any help.
September 22nd, 2004 at 11:10 pm
Scotty, I really have to agree with you. I cannot understand all of the moves for midfielders and strikers. If the last few weeks have proved anything, its that we need quality backup defenders more than any other commodity. For conjecture I can only provide the following:
1.) Wenger has actually begun to believe his own press visa vi “attacking football”, and has become consumed with offensive thinking. I prefer not to believe this idea for obvious reasons, or…
2.) These moves are all carefully crafted smoke screens without any intention of ever truly purchasing the players in question - misinformation. To what purpose you ask? So that when we go shopping for that defensive player we are truly desperate for, we can play sly and say, “Well we’d like to have *so-and-so* join our team, but at that price its not going to happen. After all, if you’ve been following us at all you’ll see that what we really want is a midfielder/striker.” A stretch I know, but football is a funny old game, you know.
September 22nd, 2004 at 11:12 pm
I love Shaun too. I will remember his petulant goal against Manchester United last year for a long time. Brilliant!
September 23rd, 2004 at 8:58 am
While I never really pegged AW as one who bothers much with pschological media games, that may exactly be the beauty of his approach! This guy would make a fantastic general. His cards are always played with every permutation considered. Who wouldn’t go to battle for him?
I also tend to think that Wenger likes Rooney for the way he plays the game. He praised him in the Euro’s, and even when he scored against Arsenal. Wenger is a genius in the way he spots talent in the youngsters. While Rooney is no longer “budding”, I think one of the things AW most enjoys about hs job is developing talent. When it comes to Rooney, he may just not be able to conceal his zeal for the guy.
Of course, having said that, anyone who has a problem getting production from him will look pretty incapable. If Rooney fails to fit in at Old Trafford (have you seen the bit about Keane’s warning him “not to trust anyone”. Gee, Roy, thanks for cutting the paranoia.) Rooney may be more affordable, more humbled, and may have lost his bloom. With Wenger having said that he admired the player on record, we may just see him some day in the Red and White.
September 23rd, 2004 at 9:13 am
Can’t find the original article, but apparently the 17 yr old decided to stay with his current club. Some facts:
Valeri Bojinov
Age: 17, Club: Lecce, Position: Forward, Nationality: Bulgarian
Has taken the step up to Serie A in his stride, scoring freely and attracting the attentions of Internazionale, Lazio and Arsenal.
September 23rd, 2004 at 9:18 am
Incidentally, while some of us are yapping about future signings for The Arsenal and Wenger’s penchant for youth…well, we’re not the only ones.
I understand that Comacho’s real reason for resigning was that he couldn’t get respect from his new recruit.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-09/16/content_375079.htm
September 23rd, 2004 at 3:58 pm
17? You’re kidding! He’s the second top scorer, and lowly Lecce (roughly the equivalent of West Brom) are 3rd in the table! Let’s get our mits on him fast.