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Arsenal frustrating? They should be everyone's second team!
Ed Bottomley reckons the style and panache with which Arsene Wenger's men play is a neutral's dream.
by Ed Bottomley on 22 March 2008
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As an Evertonian, viewing Arsenal from the outside of their inner sanctum, I can say that the Gunners don't frustrate me.
Their endless strings of passes, which if mapped out would resemble a frenetic Jackson Pollock, and the fact that they seem to play the game with completely different priorities from anyone else, captures the neutrals' hearts.
If Kevin Keegan's Newcastle United challengers were everyone’s second team, then Arsenal are the team whose playing style everyone covets. In the cruellest of ironies, it is Arsenal - not Spurs - who are living the footballing dream as Danny Blanchflower expressed it; playing with style and panache rather than chasing mere victory.
Even Spurs fans would admit that Arsenal play football the right way, an astonishing transformation from the George Graham 1-0 machines of yore that makes the evolutionary chain from amoebas to humans seem small by comparison.
Comments (5)
by Gerry Dyer on March 22, 2008
Firstly, let me make it clear that Arsenal have already exceeded everyone's expectations this season. Our recent dip in form is frustrating, and I'm tired of seeing teams come to us, get a spawny goal with their only shot on target and then park the bus. Earlier this season, I loved watching these sort of games, where the whole match was played on the edge of the opposition's box, because we were so good that it was only a matter of time before we got the breakthrough. Now though, we just lack that little bit of sharpness and belief. There is a feeling that our youngsters still aren't quite ready, and that next year they'll put in a stronger challenge. But I don't think we can just expect the passage of time to do it for us. We do need to strengthen in the summer. We do seem to get more than our fair share of injuries, and some of our lot do look like they need a rest, but we can't give them one because the replacements are not good enough. We've certainly got the money to spend now, and I'm hoping Arsene buys a few decent squad players.
by Roger Phillips on March 22, 2008
What recent string of disappointing defeats? They have not lost in the league since nov07 (only one league game all season).
by Doom Day on March 24, 2008
There we go. This is a horrific ending to such outstanding display all the season. Premier League is over and Champions League is not promising either. I sympathize for the players who gave everything all the season. I sympathize for the fans that have been faithful and made Arsenal their identity. I sympathize for the board that trusted the manager regardless of four dry seasons in row. I cannot understand what planet Arsene is on? I cannot understand his mysterious formula. He never invests on squad players sitting on the climax of budget afforded by the board. He would rather want to make a name for himself by overexploiting young players who cannot speak out for their right as the established ones do. You know why he does not spend on big players? It is because he fears the ensuing pressure if the costly players fail to deliver. You know why players who left Arsenal for other clubs can’t do well? It is because they are already exhausted, overworked under Arsene. I think he must be sued at Amnesty International for exploitation of youth labour. I understand I am harsh on Arsene. I may get a lot of sticks from Arsenal faithful. I would rather take the stick than die quietly. Gunner for life!
on March 24, 2008 on March 24, 2008
You cannot understand what Arsene has done for Arsenal? Arsenal were smaller than Liverpool Man U and on a par with Spurs, Newcastle, Everton, when he took over. Now Arsenal are with the new stadium bigger than all teams in this country apart from Man U and Chelsea and we know why they are bigger financially. We are a season or two away from being great again and if you know the type of player we need Arsene certainly does. We still have the champs league and we are not totaly out of the prem yet have faith Arsene knows!!!
by Koren on April 10, 2008
Arsene knows?!?! Out of the Champions league, 6 pts behind united, Arsene refusing to add quality in january, not playing Lehman for Almunia... Yes, Arsene knows!!!
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