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

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

OK, Barcelona It Is

The hyperbole surrounding the Arsenal defeat at Old Trafford would have you believe that A) our season is over, B) Wenger has to go, and C)  Anderson is the world's best midfielder. Sorry to all of you naysayers, but with a little perspective such as that provided by the excellent writer at A Cultured Left Foot, Arsenal fans should still view this season as one of great possibilities.


A 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford is not a result worthy of the scorn and condemnation being heaped upon the squad. A disappointment certainly as Man U in its current form is far from the dominant force of years past, but we do have the return match to neutralize the three points lost. We can also appreciate the effort of our widely derided defensive pairing together with the emergence of a quality goalkeeper.


It is my contention that Wenger should have reacted better to the first half play. Other than the tenacity of Wilshere, nothing good was happening in the offensive end. Shifting Nasri to the middle sooner would have been a good start. Or keep him right and encourage Arshavin and Rosicky to take the ball into the center where space was available. It was frustrating to see Samir smothered, Arshavin predictably feeding the ball to Clichy going past on his left, and Rosicky refusing to shoot from range.


It was disappointing not to have a Plan B. There are times when I greatly admire Wenger's determination to "make it work" by sticking to his vision and belief in the players, but when the whistle blows and goals are needed, some flexibility is required. The ability to adapt to the circumstances in front of you are what make a player great, and the same is true of a manager.


Stoke will be a test. Pulis, in his desperate attempt to distract the Gunners with his ridiculous claims about Arsenal and Arsene, has exposed his own doubts about their ability to give us much of a game. Three points are what we need, a tonic of sorts following the outing at OT.


Barcelona. Fine. One (optimistic) way to look at it is that we would probably have to play them sooner or later to win the trophy, so why not sooner?


Another view (more pessimistic in nature), is that should we not get past them it would alleviate some of the pressure as we head to the conclusion of the Premiere League season. Assuming Chelsea and Man U go through, and Man City is occupied with Europa matches, our schedule (which is much lighter after the New Year) becomes far less hectic. It may bode well for a solid run to the League title.




Voctoria Concordia Crescit

To All Fans of Football

I urge all fans of football to read the latest posting by Gunnerblog. An important subject which he addresses with his usual finesse and clarity.




Victoria Concordia Crescit

Second Win(d)

Tonight marks a return to the Emirates for an important semi-final Carling Cup match against Wigan, and an opportunity to re-ignite the passions of Arsenal players and supporters alike.


The scent of silverware continues to linger despite the chilly conditions and a win would/should provide a much needed confidence boost. Success at Villa has certainly helped in that respect but a bit of perspective is in order. Without the dog-faced Agbonlahor, Aston Villa were rather weak going forward and Pires offered little threat. Even the GIANT Carew was muted. It was delightful to see our fluid offensive play with Arshavin back in favor, complementing the outstanding efforts of Nasri and Rosicky. The lineup may differ tonight but we should expect to see no change in the style and execution.


There has been plenty of analysis on the ups and downs of Arsenal with most choosing to berate the players "mental toughness". A convenient bit of jargon used when no specific cause can be ascertained. With the benefit of hindsight the specific reason(s) goals are scored/conceded can be pinpointed and contributing factors applied.


Despite the reluctance from fans and press, Fabregas has to be held accountable for the handball against Spurs. A moment of stupidity? An involuntary reaction? Perhaps he did not expect the ball to continue to rise, hoping to catch it on his chest below his upraised arm, but a blunder nonetheless. Of course one goal should not have turned that game. Wenger erred when he did not respond to the change by Tottenham at the half. Tired legs? Most certainly, and it is his responsibility to monitor the fitness levels of those on the pitch. A tactical change by the opposition? Definitely, as Bale was shut out in the first half so effectively they had no choice but to try their luck through the middle. Sadly, Denilson chose to replicate what must be his most glaring fault as a defender: an amazing ability to watch an opponent run past him and somehow NOT respond.


These mistakes are not about mental fragility as implied by critics. It is my contention that the only consistent area that we have shown vulnerability is in the air in front of goal. Sunderland, Newcastle, Spurs and Villa have all taken advantage of this and except for Villa, points taken from us. Some may point to our central defenders as culprits, while earlier criticism was leveled at Fabianski, but it would seem that regardless of who is at fault, better preparation is needed.


On a more positive note, the game played last night between Barcelona and real Madrid was quite entertaining. The "Great One" humbled and Ronaldo quieted. To his credit he did not lose his temper like so many of the other Madrid players. "Lass" Diarra was demonstrating why Wenger was so quick to let him leave, hacking away at anything that moved, while Barca showed that "tippy-tappy" football can work when done right. The pace of their passing (with the exception of Abidal, certainly their weak link) and quick movement, combined with incessant pressure on the ball, allowed Real very little opportunity into the game.


Cesc would have a hard time finding a place on that team, his lack of speed the drawback. Of the Arsenal squad only Nasri would seem to have all of the ingredients. His ability to control the ball at his feet, pace, and touch in front of goal the equal of many of those starting for the Spanish team.


As a team, Arsenal should seek to replicate the pressure Barca put on the opposition. It begins immediately and is continued throughout the pitch. There were no "soft" areas for real Madrid to settle in to and reorganize. While it is fascinating to watch the offensive prowess of Messi and his cohorts, much can be learned by observing the structure of the team when defending. They maintain a shape, often a "pentagram" of five players, that is incredibly effective. The five "points", one on the ball, two on either side marking close passing targets, the fourth and fifth ready to close down anyone entering the pentagram. This shape was maintained throughout the back half, shifting from side to side without interruption. The efficiency of this formation may be what allows their players to maintain energy levels throughout the match. Puyols was still at full speed when the final whistle blew despite his age and the threat of Ronaldo for 90 minutes.


Well, enough with my attempts to advise Arsene Wenger on the fine art of football. Enjoy the game tonight, stay warm if you are attending at the Emirates and let's hope we have good news to report afterward.




Victoria Concordia Crescit