To the Guardian/Louise Taylor

Responding to this article:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/feb/07/newcastle-united-arsenal-premier-league

Football Editor/Louise Taylor:

If you had hoped to write an article commending Alan Pardew with regard to his halftime talk, well done. The two-sentence paragraph which you have written is a superb documentation of his efforts.  However, if your intention was to criticize Arsene Wenger's refusal to agree that the match was a good advertisement for football, you have failed.

The headline for your article describes Wenger as "One-eyed", but I would suggest that any writer so careless with their reporting of the events which transpired should be the one earning such a moniker.

You certainly have your right to your opinion with regard to the challenge on Diaby by Barton. Equally good arguments can be made on either side of the issue, and you have made your opinion clear with your highly edited version of the incident. However, leaving out important facts as a means of supporting your criticism of Wenger is an effort more commonly associated with either an amateur or a propagandist. Diaby shoved Nolan AFTER Nolan shoved Diaby. On the field, Dowd awarded a yellow card to Diaby for that push, and added to the yellow card for his neck grab, got him sent off. Nolan was not punished.

Your description of another Nolan escapade was equally "myopic". His headlock on Szczesny (see attached pic), which you so politely refer to as a "hefty" shove before dismissively claiming the keeper was petulant in refusing to return the ball to Barton. Excuse me, but the ball belongs to Arsenal in that instance and Nolan again displayed the same behavior as Diaby earlier. It is certainly correct for Wenger to expect equal application of the laws of the game.

To claim that Wenger does not "see the big picture" is ironic, considering that while you may enjoy the thrill of a big comeback, you do not mind seeing it accomplished at the expense of abandoning the concept of fair play. Your view is akin to that of a self-professed racing fan who is actually more excited when viewing accidents than actual skill behind the wheel.

As an Arsenal fan I am disappointed we only earned one point, rather than three, from the game, and I do not for one minute begrudge the joy Newcastle fans must feel following their comeback. However, the inept display by Dowd (even you concede that errors were made) has me worried for the game. The quality of play by Arsenal in the first half, the determination of Newcastle in the second half, and the amazing long range strike to equalize, should be memorable, but the intervention of the referee erased all of that. He was the amateur on the pitch, his failings on display for all to forever associate with the English game.

So, it is left to you and all of the sports reporters out there, to see "the big picture". This is a league you want to promote as the best in the world. This is a league which you hope will attract the greatest players. Yet, articles are written chastising managers for simply asking that fair play is enforced. Articles are written celebrating a match that, had it taken place in South America or the Middle East or Asia, would have us laughing at the ineptitude of the officiating, or scratching our heads wondering what type of corrupt forces were at work.

Every player knows the rules of the game. If everyone played by the rules no referee would be necessary. The official is on the pitch to ensure that the rules are followed. When that official, entrusted by the League, by the teams, by the players and by the fans, no longer follows the rules, nothing good can come of it. Wenger is absolutely correct in his belief that this match was not a "peerless advertisement for the English game".

Victoria Concordia Crescit

Arsenal 2 - Everton 1

Arshavin 70                   Saha  24
Koscielny 75


Despite the best efforts of the match referee, Arsenal overpowered Everton scoring two goals in the second half to claim victory at the Emirates. The game was a high-energy affair with plenty of physical play. Moyes sent out his team with instruction to press and disrupt the Arsenal flow, but the home side was up to the task and responded with equal determination.


Second half substitutions included Diaby on for Song(injury), Arshavin and Bendtner on for Rosicky and Wilshire. 


Arshavin was brilliant and appears to be on the road back. His confidence on the ball producing wonderful opportunities, and his goal well-deserved. The back four handled a barrage of long balls and set pieces while coping well with the tricky Saha.


The opening goal was allowed to stand despite Saha being in an obvious offside position when the ball was struck.


Great character exhibited by the Arsenal kept everyone on the pitch and spirits high. The focus remained on equalizing, then pushing hard for the second tally. With Man U and Chelsea winning it was imperative the Gunners earn all three points. The victory, and the manner in which it was accomplished are a testament to the great spirit and determination within this Arsenal team.


Victoria Concordia Crescit

Time to Begin the Build Up

Tonight: Arsenal v Everton.


At home the Gunners should be looking to correct the course. The match against Huddersfield was a warning. Let your foot off the gas and even the least likely will do their best to catch you.


A good run is needed, with a return to form and the confidence that will bring to the squad. Barcelona is on the horizon and the next two games need to be seen as a "ramping-up" opportunity.


Good support from the fans is crucial and a solid win tonight will go long way toward improving the sometimes restrained displays of encouragement echoing through the Emirates.


We will miss Nasri, but have the personnel to cover in his absence.




Victoria Concordia Crescit

Arsenal 3 - Wigan 0

RVP 21, 58, 85


Oh how it should have been more! An entirely convincing devastation of a team considered by many to be one of Arsenals "bogey" teams moves the Gunners up to second in the league. The performance today was reminiscent of Arsenal wins a few years back when it wasn't a question of winning but rather by how much.


The score line doesn't do justice to the superior display. Six or seven nil would have been easily appropriate in addition to the missed penalty by RVP. From front to back Arsenal were pure quality and Wigan was never allowed in the game.


A truly satisfying performance that bodes well for the Gunners as they begin their assault on the League leaders Man U, the Carling and FA Cup, and the Champions League tournament.




Victoria Concordia Crescit

Leeds United 1 - Arsenal 3

Nasri 5, Sagna 35, RVP 76


Playing good football at Elland Road, knocking the stuffing out of their loyal and boisterous home supporters, and advancing in the FA Cup, Arsenal capitalized on the confidence gained against West Ham at the weekend. A solid performance showcasing talent at both ends of the pitch.

Excellent games by Gibbs, RVP, and Sagna impressed. The currently "out of favor" Arshavin has predictably been the main focus of those who enjoy taking the "glass half empty" point of view, but to his credit he was on the receiving end of a great deal of rough treatment and never slowed in his efforts to be involved and contribute.

Of course Arsenal should never have allowed themselves to be in this position but the response to their own dismal effort at the Emirates was inspired. Leeds was aggressive and never appeared willing to concede defeat. Some are saying that they would be a welcome addition to the Premiere League next year, and their style of play would indeed fit in well with several BPL mainstays.

The first goal resulted from wonderful play by the Russian and this seasons MVP Nasri, sending a clear message that the "real" Arsenal team had shown up with full intention. 

Sagna's blast was a shocker. Unexpected by Arsenal fans and certainly Schmeichel, it is fascinating to imagine the effect more of those would have in League play, opening up defenses and allowing more space for the Arsenal attack in front of goal.

To Leeds credit, they responded well, and despite questionable aggression against Arshavin to win the ball deep in Arsenal territory, hit back with a storming shot perhaps equally unexpected by the home supporters.

Arsenal was in control however, and any apprehension Gunner fans may have had expecting a dip in focus following the half time break were quickly dispelled. The energy level maintained, the desire evident. Wenger wisely substituted late to ensure fresh legs and the dividend just reward. A fine cross by Bendtner met by RVP and the game was finished.

A string of home fixtures including the return of Ipswich to progress in the Carling Cup requires that Arsenal maintain current form. The opportunity to avenge the earlier draw with Wigan, double up on a patchy Everton squad, and knock out another lower level team in the FA Cup should be approached with optimism. A good run will do wonders for the team prior to a tough trip away to Newcastle.

Another home match follows, this one against Wolves, and should serve as a decent tune-up prior to the highly anticipated arrival of Barcelona to the Emirates stadium.

Often overlooked by pundits when assessing this Premiere League season, the Arsenal schedule over the first half of the season has been a difficult road, and our current position in the league table often underestimated. Assuming we make it to the Carling Cup final, the Spurs game away at White Hart Lane will be moved to a later date and may congest an otherwise inviting run to the end of season. On paper at least, that match and the home fixture against Man U the only obvious tests facing the Gunners.

I will leave the speculation surrounding potential new signings to the experts, but let's hope that the current squad continue to grow in confidence and fully realize the potential for greatness this season promises.

Victoria Concordia Crescit

West Ham 0 - Arsenal 3

RVP 13, Walcott 41, RVP (pen) 77

Well done Arsenal. Aggressive, confident, and energetic from front to back. The Hammers may be a team in free fall but they can never be underestimated.


Despite Avram Grants troubles and the corresponding rumors of Martin "long ball, what long ball?" O'Neill's imminent arrival, the Arsenal squad were the ones playing as if they had a manager to impress. Hustling from the opening whistle the Gunners looked hungry and they dominated. Always threatening and pressing, playing like a team on a mission.


Tomorrow has Spurs hosting Man U and while a draw would be sweet, the wife would like to see Man U suffer their first loss of the season. A pin prick to the bubble bringing them down to earth. We shall see.


Victoria Concordia Crescit

I'm Back, But What of Arsenal?

So much good work by Arsenal undone by two horrendous performances in Cup games. The victory over Chelsea, and to a lesser extent the draw with Man City, relegated to "blip" status - short-lived glimmers of hope that this team has arrived ready to challenge for the title.


Arsene must be the most disappointed, having conceded to the demands of fans to pursue any and all trophies available, only to be let down by starting squads clearly superior to the opposition.


Focus must now be on West Ham. They are a team that cannot be taken lightly. With nothing to lose and everything to gain they will provide Arsenal a stiff test and each and every Gunner must play with desire and intensity. Leadership on the field has been sorely lacking, and Cesc must step up and provide the inspiration.


C'mon Gunners, let's get back to our winning ways!




Victoria Concordia Crescit