Its not really something most of us haven’t noticed before… but in my opinion, the team chemistry goes a long way in explaining not only why we are so good… but why the streak has continued for so long. (I am hoping this article isn’t the “kiss of death” to the streak!)
I re-watched “The Untouchables” as I often do. Our players seem to have quite a bit of fun out there, don’t they? The players truly seem to enjoy playing together. They seem to truly like each other… comrades… friends… fellow warriors. Perhaps team chemistry can be over-rated?
But I believe it can lead to some very self-less play… the extra pass being made… and standing up for each other in the face of adversity. ( see: handbags at Old Trafford last year)
The group of players last season were very much a very together group. Personalities can certainly go a long way in the make-up of a team, as nobody wants a team cancer in the dressing room. From Arsene Wenger on down the line, these players look like they enjoy playing with and for one another, and I rarely have heard any griping about playing time. Kanu… Wiltord… Keown… Parlour… None are here any longer, but I don’t really remember ANY of them complaining about NOT playing enough last season. They all contributed in their own way.
I firmly believe our recent success is due in large part to a returning core of players that have played together for YEARS, have been successful for years, and have the utmost confidence in themselves and more importantly in EACH OTHER, no matter what situation faces them. This type of chemistry takes time. It can’t be BOUGHT. This is what the “other” London team Chelski lacks… and will continue to lack with all the players they have brought in. They are no cohesive unit. Not like us.
Thats what sets the current Arsenal Football Club apart from the rest of the talented teams. Thats why “we are the champions… my friends… and we’ll keep on fighting, til the end”
(see: Freddy Mercury!)
11 Responses to “Why we’re so damned good!”
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September 25th, 2004 at 3:56 pm
I know were so damned good, but I am starting to wonder if the Premierships is also so damn bad. Just look at how poor ‘Boro was today, could scarcely string together three passes. And this is supposed to be one of the pretenders. Chelsea was little, better, think they were a better team last year and really don’t see why teams respect them so much. Guess watching Arsenal highlights the gulf in class…
September 25th, 2004 at 4:17 pm
Awesome Ashley. He must be the best left-back in Europe. (Which reminds me: during the Ryder Cup, which I didn’t watch - golf bores me rigid - I was wondering what a Europe football eleven would look like - which Arsenal players would get in. Ashley definitely, I think. Also Viera and Henry must be the best Europeans in their position. But not sure about anyone else. Sol, maybe, though there’s no shortage of excellent centre backs in Italy. )
The defence? Bit rocky at first, I thought, but it improved, perhaps as Sol and Toure found their rhythm again.
Lehmann? Excellent. (So sucks to the person who prophesied a howler!)
Reyes and Henry looked a bit tired, don’t you think? Hope they revive for Rosenborg on Wed. Also hope Cesc plays instead of Edu - he’s not good at the moment - though don’t suppose Wenger will let him.
September 25th, 2004 at 5:49 pm
I thought ManCity played WELL. They played football with us… they had a go at us, and some teams don’t even try that! Our defense played well, especially Ash… and I agree Miranda, Lehmann had a good game. (he does like to punch the ball and push it over the top, doesn’t he!) I also think Lauren was his usual solid self, and its a CLEAN SHEET for Kolo and Sol to start!
There has been alot of chat on here about SWP. He’s a “nice” player, but he would not get into our line-up… no way. I wish Pennant played some… and perhaps VanPersie got a decent shot. After we started out quite effectively… we weren’t in our usual attack mode in the 2nd Half. Pires was missed… and David James played very well.
ANOTHER WIN. STILL UNDEFEATED. and a CLEAN SHEET for all the naysayers…. something for everyone!
September 25th, 2004 at 5:52 pm
I really don’t think the other premiership teams are so bad AT ALL. Some might be a bit afraid to open up and play some footy with US or Chelsea… but ManCity certainly came to play.
Look at the other top leagues and whats going on there. Most of the teams you might view as TOP TIER are struggling…. Real Madrid lost AGAIN. Italy’s top teams… struggling… its not just the EPL.
September 25th, 2004 at 7:57 pm
I’d like Pennant to get a shout, but once games pile up Freddie prone to short term layoffs, will get some knocks and Pennant could get a game. But City came to play. You’ll always give that to a Keegan team…
September 26th, 2004 at 6:49 am
Yes, City played well and attackingly - there’s nothing Keegan likes better than to be a goal down so he can bang everyone forward! They’ll be up for the Carling, I fear, which is tough for the kids.
Madrid - again! How satisfying. But Barca aren’t struggling, I think. Nor are nasty Juve. Still you can’t have everything in life.
Shaun Wright-Phillips: I’ve loved him since early last season and I’d definitely prefer him to Pennant, if that were an option, but it isn’t, I think. Bradley: I’ve not seen seen him and don’t know his best position, but if he’s as gifted and gutsy as Shaun and his stepdad, perhaps we should just buy him on spec! To miss one Wright-Phillips is forgiveable, but to miss two would be careless.
September 26th, 2004 at 9:00 am
let me be the first to admit i was wrong about my lehmann prediction! but don’t tell me that every time he went skyward you didn’t inwardly cringe a bit. and for the record, that is one prophesy that i am glad did not come true!!
September 26th, 2004 at 9:53 am
Oh god, yes, he’s a total health risk - people with nervous dispositions should be prevented from watching. But I also kind of love and admire him so I’m happy to rejoice at his good days. I guess it’s the CL that worries me most so if Wenger announced in Jan - dream on - that we’re buying Casillas or someone similar I’d be mighty relieved.
September 26th, 2004 at 1:27 pm
Stag, spot on my friend! i love football is because it’s a team game. And I love Arsenal because of its team spirit. You are right on about the current side’s team spirit, but team spirit is also something we always had trailing back as far as i could remember. Top mark for AW to sustain it.
Btw, has anyone noticed A. Cole’s goal was actually a clone of Henry’s strike against Bolton?! No backlift, just passed the ball into the net following a dribble with the same foot… Cole even pulled out a Titi trademark goal celebration, fun to watch!
September 26th, 2004 at 4:39 pm
i think we were very o.k against man city , u all don’t expect all matches to be rosy, would u! but i kind have hard feeling against ljunberg i think i would prefer wenger trying reyes playing left as he did against boro and trying out pires or throwing van pierce into the fray.
i kind of don’t understand why AW is not using this guy i saw some of his game with feyenord last season and this guy got a wonderful left foot and he his quite creative as reyes not forgetting his height when set pieces are played. i think the unbeaten run is still going but we need something special in the CL
September 26th, 2004 at 7:56 pm
You want to bench Freddie? Based on what? he has scored a few goals already…. has great pace, and hasn’t done anything to deserve to be benched.