March 4, 2012
‘You Can Take Your “Shifting Balance of Power”, and Shove It…’

Note: I wrote this in the week, but due to internet complications I have been unable to publish it. It felt a shame not to do so, and I so enjoyed writing it. I made some amendments based on this week’s game: 

I have been professing all season that this Sp*rs are tremendously over-rated and crumble whenever they come under any pressure. Also, that they will fall apart come late February. See their games with the two Manchester clubs (tomorrow’s visit to Old Trafford completing the set), Fulham away, wherein they only salvaged a point by cheating, Stoke away - Chris Foy’s performance aside, they were 2-0 down within half an hour and only got back into the game thanks to a dive from Luka Modric - and they only got the win against a very poor Arsenal in October because we were terrible and they got goals through a handball and a fluke. I have also been shouting to all those who will listen that they are very, very poor without Emmanuel Adebayor and typically, he disappears come the end of February (I still hold a grudge about his abysmal showing against Birmingham in 2008 and subsequent poor performances). And here we were on February 26th! As well as that, it may just have been my internal bias, but whenever I have watched Sp*rs over 90 minutes - only against bigger teams and when their games have been on Sky - I have been very unimpressed. Their main tactic seems to be either lump the ball t’big man or give it to Bale or Lennon for a counterattack. No surprise it has fallen short against the bigger teams.

I had found myself growing worried about the game over the course of the previous week, but come Sunday morning, I could not help but embrace the feeling that Derby Day always creates. Living in a house that backs onto Highbury and which is less than a minute from the Emirates, there is a certain atmosphere that is evident on the day of the North London Derby with the first glance at the street below. A late rising meant that the lineups were already available when I awoke. To describe my feeling I borrowed a quote from 30 Rock’s Tracy Jordan - “I’m scared… but I’m also excited!”. This was the first time in living memory when they came to our ground thinking they would give us a trouncing. All the ‘Mind the Gap’ jibes in mid-February have taken their toll, to a degree. As it always is for the greater occasions - and only them - the Emirates was in full voice.

Even when Louis Saha benefited from the great grandmother of all deflections to put them ahead, there was singing and a strong belief that we would come back among the fans. We pressed, we attacked, we were the better side, but were susceptible to their pace. Bale picked up a Modric pass and darted between Kieran Gibbs and Thomas Vermaelen. As he bore down on goal, the left back did enough to block him from rounding Wojciech Szczesny, while our Pole in the goal had done the same from the other angle. Only one optioned remained for real life’s equivalent to Mr Teeny of the Simpsons: he leapt. He leapt like no man had ever leapt before. His arms extended, he returned to the floor to the sound of angry shouts from the home crowd but more importantly, the whistle of Mike Dean, signalling that his cheating had earned him a penalty. And of all people to step up and promptly convert, it was the man who played six good months for us and left for Manchester City, before he fell out of favour and had now found himself at the bottom rung of society - Tottenham Hotspur. A sort of pre-cursor to Samir Nasri, if you will.

2-0 down. To them. For the negative, it could only get worse. For the bright side-looking idealist, we were only half an hour in, playing the better football and with a stronger team. We just needed a goal before half time, I told myself. I did fear for the rest of the game, but all it needed was one goal to get us back in it. We only had 5 minutes to wait for that. Bacary Sagna’s header reflected the team’s reaction. It was forceful, unstoppable and really bloody excellent. The momentum gathered, the belief increased and soon enough, we were level again, thanks to Robin van Persie.

The highest compliment I can give the strike is that it was one of which Dennis Bergkamp would be proud. There are few more complimentary things you can say about a piece of football; and it was not even his best goal of the season! (Everton at home claims that title). 2-2 going into half time, but had half time come too soon? We had really started to assert ourselves in the game and this was now to be interrupted. Doubtless ‘Arry would do his best to stem our flow, and he did, bringing on Sandro and Rafael van der Vaart and attempting to match our 4-2-1-3. But that could not stop us. Nothing could. Yossi Benayoun had a chance well saved by Brad Friedel, but they did not look as though they had the strength to stop us on this kind of form.

Before the game, I had read a rather interesting stat from @1DavidWall on the Twitter (highly recommended), stating that Tomas Rosicky had not scored in 49 Premier League games. 1 goal in 50 sounded like a nice, rounded stat. It seemed pre-destined. Maybe it was? Or maybe he was just really due for a goal, regardless of the actual number of games? Whatever it was, the Czech captain clearly decided that enough was most definitely enough. He strode forward in the Sp*rs half, nudged a pass to Sagna, and the French right back knocked the ball back into his path and with the deftest of flicks with the outside of his left boot, his goal drought was over. Friedel and Ledley King could only stare despondently at one another. What could they do? They were finished, and they knew it already. But we were far from done with our days work.

Theo Walcott had, to this point, played very much like Theo Walcott often does. Intelligent movement meant he was in the right places, but poor touches and a distinct absence of a decent final ball inspired audible frustration from the crowd. No booing though, as the fine men of Her Majesty’s Press would have you believe. Which left me conflicted - it is not like them at all to lie or to blow events, words and opinions out of proportion. Was this the start of something very sinister indeed?

I digress. Rosicky, on the counter, played the ball over to the isolated van Persie. He held off King and Younes Kaboul long enough for the very embodiment of inconsistency to arrive alongside him. He sent the ball to Walcott. His second touch inadvertently took him away from the goal, but he recovered wonderfully to chip the ball over Friedel and make it 4-2. A few minutes later, Alexandre Dmitri Song Billong (plays the holding role, scores the occasional goal), produced another stunning through ball to add to the collection he has built up this season, and Walcott made it 5 with a smart finish.

It was a marvellous day at the Emirates, but it was not on the same level as the night we beat Barcelona. Sp*rs fans have made their claims that it was ‘our cup final’, but they may want to look a little closer to home before saying that. They are the very same ones who have been making those ill-advised and ill-timed ‘Mind the Gap’ jibes, who have been proclaiming that ‘the balance of power has now shifted’ in North London. Last I checked, positions were not confirmed in February, one season with the mere possibility of you finishing above us does not make you in any way a bigger or better club than us, and how would you celebrate if you came back from two goals behind - not just to win - but to humiliate your rivals? I was there for their comeback last year and the 4-4. They were hateful experiences, standing with gritted teeth as your fans celebrated like they had won the World Cup, while they all put in orders for a variety of result celebrating merchandise. Imagine bringing out a DVD to celebrate a draw and one win against your near rivals. Then again, being a small club who lives only to fail at conquering their neighbours is an alien concept to me. I am 16 and have seen my team lift three league titles and four FA cups. Even the oldest of their fans has only seen them win two titles and four FA cups.

Their was a more savage pleasure about beating them this time around. They really thought they would cement themselves as North London’s Kings (for one season). Now their miraculous gap is down to four points. I have lived through 15 St. Totteringham’s Days, and I am eagerly anticipating the 16th.

1:16am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZWYsLyHQPyiM
Filed under: football arsenal fan piece FA Cup ac milan Arsene Wenger liverpool sp*rs robin van persie 
January 25, 2012
Putting the Injury Crisis Into Context

It is easy for a team to simply put poor form down to an injury crisis. It has been a long-standing excuse at the Arsenal to put our failures down to our excessive injuries. Personally, I attribute the collapse of the 2009/2010 season to the injuries of Robin van Persie, William Gallas, Thomas Vermaelen, Johan Djourou, Aaron Ramsey, Andrey Arshavin and especially Cesc Fabregas - who was beyond world class that season - as we approached the long-prophesied ’easy run-in’. And last season, as we all know, the Carling Cup final débacle was the catalyst for a collapse of mythical proportions, though I am of the opinion that with Cesc and Theo Walcott fit to play, we would have walked our way to victory; and perhaps would have ground it out had van Persie not had to go injured. Some may not share those opinions, but that is my personal view.

But there is no hope of rectifying that which went wrong over those season; they are confined to the past and remain as mere excuses. Perennial ‘what ifs’ and ‘if onlys’; but this season we are not in a title fight, we are fighting for fourth again, though our push is being hampered by injuries once again. After three losses in a row, some (idiots) are turning on Arsene Wenger and though he has made his mistakes, it is worth noting how hamstrung he is by the injuries to the squad.

For starters, there is the much mentioned dearth of full backs. No Bakari Sagna, no Carl Jenkinson, no Kieran Gibbs (shocker) and no André Santos since early December. No right backs since late October - at first, Laurent Koscielny filled in there, as Per Mertesacker and Thomas Vermaelen played at centre half and Andre Santos at left back. Not ideal, but what else can you do when both your right backs have injuries? Then, with Kieran Gibbs predictably injured with a raft of strange and unusual injuries, Andre Santos gets injured. Enter the four centre back back four. Vermaelen has played left back many times in his career and though it is far from ideal to have your best centre back out-of-position, desperate times call for desperate measures. As long as we can keep these players fit for a month or two, until at least one of the full backs returns. Then Djourou picks up a knock midway through a game. Ignasi Miquel, 18 year old centre half, is thrown into the mix as a left back, as Koscielny moved back to right back and Vermaelen in-field. The inexperienced Miquel is caught out of position at we go down 1-0 at Eastlands. The next game, Aston Villa away, we send Francis Coquelin out at right back - not his natural position, but he does have some previous experience of the role - he performs well, a fine solution until Djourou is back.

Next, Vermaen picks up a calf strain and is ruled out for 2-3 weeks. Now Coquelin must fill in at left back against Fulham. In the same game, Djourou picks up a red card at Fulham and is banned. Such was the desperation for defenders, Sebastien Squillaci was called upon. The game was promptly lost. Squillaci would have to play in the FA Cup game against Leeds at centre back, with Coquelin at right back and Miquel on the left. Then, half an hour into the cup clash, Coquelin limps of and joins Vermaelem on the ‘out for 2-3 weeks’ list. 18-year old Nico Yennaris is introduced to the fray for his first professional game. With Coquelin now injured, it was fortunate that Djourou was back for the game against Swansea. But the two fullbacks’ instincts to wander inside was exploited readily by Nathan Dyer and Scott Sinclair. Another loss due to the lack of natural fullbacks. Next up were Manchester United. Vermaelen was rushed back, Djourou remained at right back. The first goal came from Djourou being roasted (one of many times) by Nani, who sent a cross over to Antonio Valenicia who in turn exploited Vermaelen’s poor positioning and headed home. Djourou was reported to get a knock at half time and was replaced by Yennaris. A risky move, but a successful one, as the young Chinese-Cypriot handled the immense challenge of Nani well. In the space of one month, Arsenal were forced to use their seventh choice left back (Miquel) and sixth choice Yennaris on more than one occasion each, such were the magnitude of the injuries; so plentiful were they that we had to play Squillaci!

That ridiculously unfortunate set of events will hamper any team, but the injuries did not stop here. Oh no. At the very start of the season, we were told that Jack Wilshere would be out for a week or two with a slight ankle problem. A week became a month. One month became three, until all of a sudden he was ruled out until February. So we were to going to have to survive 5 months without our best midfielder, following Cesc’s departure. So on the long-term absentee list, we have Bakari Sagna, Kieran Gibbs, Andre Santos, Carl Jenkinson, Jack Wilshere and for intermittent spells, Thomas Vermaelen. Meanwhile, Abou Diaby had ankle surgery in the summer and was unavailable for the first three months of the season. Though after just 25 minutes against Fulham, he was ruled out indefinitely, with a hamstring injury and no return date mentioned (and rumours abound that he may be forced to retire). Not conducive to success.

Going into the game against Swansea, Mikel Arteta is ruled out, while Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh are off to the Africa Cup of Nations, taking the number of absentees to 12 (Fabianski, Sagna, Jenkinson, Santos, Gibbs, Vermaelen, Wilshere, Arteta, Diaby, Coquelin, Gervinho and Chamakh). Following the 3-2 loss in South Wales, Vermaelen returned (perhaps earlier than was helpful to his recovery) but Thierry Henry picked up a calf injury. Meaning there were still 12 absentees as we went to face United.

To put those absentees into context, the equivalent injury crisis at Chelsea would see Ashley Cole, Jose Bosingwa, Branislav Ivanovic, Paulo Ferreira, Juan Mata and Oriol Romeu out for the majority of the season, while John Terry would have spent spells on the sidelines. To compare to the number of injuries we had against United, they would have had no: Henrique Hilario, the aforementioned six long-term players, Ramires, Daniel Sturridge, Didier Drogba and Saloman Kalou (rough comparisons). A side whose depletion does not bare thinking about.

Or for high-flying Sp*rs, the equivalent long-term six would be Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Kyle Walker, Younes Kaboul, Michael Dawson, Sandro and Luka Modric, with Ledley King often missing. While their equivalent to the injured 12 would be: Carlo Cudicini, those six, Rafael van der Vaart, Sebastien Bassong, Aaron Lennon, Jermain Defoe and Roman Pavlyuchenko. A larger squad than Chelsea’s but one which would still be badly damaged by all those missing.

And one last comparison: Manchester City. Perhaps the strongest squad in the league, but they would be hurt with no Gael Clichy, Aleksandr Kolarov, Micah Richards, Pablo Zabaleta, Nigel de Jong and David Silva for much of the season, with Joleon Lescott out for parts of the season (a better comparison to Vermaelen as he would be . As well as them, no Pantimilon, Yaya Toure, Adam Johnson, Samir Nasri and Owen Hargreaves. 

All very rough comparisons but I tried to compare the players’ positions and importance to their teams to those of the missing players at Arsenal. It is vague but it hammers home the point that our injury list is horrendous, as has been our luck. At this point it is very necessary to give a lot of credit to Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United, who have had similar problems but have done magnificently well in spite of them (their Champions League fate notwithstanding). This has been a ramble, but I felt it necessary to emphasise just how unfortunate we have been and are. We have done very well to be as high as we have been but now, as those players start to return, we must capitalise. If we keep winning games, we will get into the top four and with a full team, there are not many who can match us. Certainly not the other top four challengers. This is not to say this is the sole reason for our recent bad patch, but it is worth taking into consideration. 

And what treatment would those teams get from the media if they were in the same position? More sympathy, at the very least. And we have been lucky in one regard - Robin van Persie has remained injury free, and let’s pray that doesn’t change!

Apologies for the rambling.

11:46pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZWYsLyFMqzKr
(Notes: 7)
  
Filed under: fan piece football arsenal premier league sagna wilshere henry van persie 
January 18, 2012
Gooners: Calm the Fuck Down

No, it is not all going swimmingly at the moment at the Emirates. We are fifth and out of the Carling Cup, trailing the Scum by 10 points and four points off fourth. We lost Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas this summer. Jack Wilshere, Bakari Sagna, Andre Santos, Abou Diaby, Kieran Gibbs and Carl Jenkinson have all been long term absentees. In the shorter term, Francis Coquelin, Thomas Vermaelen and Mikel Arteta have all been injured while Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh have left for the Africa Cup of Nations.

An unfortunate set of circumstances. They have led to us having to play Johan Djourou out of position at right back and seventh choice left back (behind Gibbs, Santos, Vermaelen, Coquelin and Sagna and Jenkinson - who can fill in there and are preferred as natural full backs), who is actually a centre back with next to no top flight experience, Ignasi Miquel. 

At Swansea on Sunday, we were, as all the ‘papers have been saying, ‘out-Arsenal-ed’. They passed the ball better than us, they exploited our lack of natural full backs with their excellent wingers. They are a good team who played very well and exploited our mistakes. Where we would have been one point off fourth before, we are now four. A crisis of epic proportions.

But as a patron of the Twitter, a read down my timeline would suggest Arsenal have relegation and administration looming. It is not that bad. Vermaelen and Arteta will be back for the Manchester United game on Sunday. Not everything is terrible. We are still very close to the Champions League places.

Oh yeah, there is the Champions League - that competition that we are still firmly in. And the FA Cup - our best chance of a trophy this year - we are still in that. It is January and we are five points off the top four, not May. We have one of the best managers in the business and a squad which is definitely strong enough (when there are not a ridiculous number of injuries).

Darlington stand on the verge of going out of business. There has been shocking mismanagement afoot at the club for several years. Yet on Twitter people are moaning about the running of our club. Pathetic. We are fine on that one. Twitter petitions - ‘Twititions’ - calling for the removal of Peter Hill-Wood. While I think he is stuck in the past somewhat that is no way to treat someone whose family have been patrons of the club for so many years. I feel change is necessary but a ‘Twition’? Really?

It will all be fine. (And don’t worry about Spurs, we will be celebrating St. Totteringham’s Day this year). It is January; there is a lot of season left, as well as Champions League and FA Cup runs which could get going. We are not in crisis. We are fifth. In Arsene We Trust.

8:29pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZWYsLyE_5L5R
(Notes: 14)
  
Filed under: fan piece arsenal arsene wenger jack wilshere football premier league sagna cesc fabregas samir nasri 
January 10, 2012
Oh, Wondrous Day!

In March of 2007, Arsenal played the second leg of a Champions League knockout round tie against PSV Eindhoven. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, they had a tough ask ahead to score two against the Dutchmen. An hour in, we needed something special. Our record goalscorer was on the bench and he entered the pitch in our hour of need. We went ahead through an Alex own goal; extra time beckoned. Until Alex managed to score at the other end, confining us to elimination from the competition.

After full time, Thierry Henry was ruled out for the rest of the season. Three months later, he became a Barcelona player. A 1-1 draw which culminated in our being knocked out of the Champions League was no send-off for a player who had done so much for the club. 226 goals, 2 Premier League titles and 3 FA Cups were his legacy after 8 magnificent years in London.

He has always spoken of his great love for the club and the fans - a love which has always been reciprocated - and recently, Arsenal unveiled a statue of their former captain. It depicted the Frenchman’s iconic knee-slide celebration after his stunning solo goal against them in the 02/03 season. His emotion in his speech said more than words ever could about his feelings on The Arsenal.

While Robin van Persie has had a 2011 similar to Henry’s 2004 (when he was the best player on the planet), there has been cause for concern further down the list of striking options, with regard to the misfiring Marouane Chamakh and the allusive Park Ju-Young. While the Moroccan ventures off to the Africa Cup of Nations and Park remains in the shadows, we needed a temporary centre forward. The stage was set for the man who the fans voted as their ‘Greatest Ever’ to return in a more supporting role. Of course, while we appreciate that he will not be the same player that set the Premier League alight between 1999 and 2007, there is no way we could not be thrilled to see him back.

Until around 9:30 pm yesterday evening, his record against his first opponents on his second debut, Leeds United, stood at 11 goals in 11 games. We were struggling to break down a stubborn Leeds, but the whole stadium seemed to lift when he entered the pitch. Seeing him back and singing his song rekindled wonderful memories of those glorious final years at Highbury.

Then on the 78th minute, the moment that left myself and so many others in ecstasy. Alex Song played the through ball as Henry evaded the offside trap, just as he used to do so devastatingly in his prime. An excellent first touch allowed him to advance into the open space. The finish was typical Thierry. He lent back, opened up his body and slotted the ball into the far corner. The epitome of composure; the archetypal winner. While celebrating, he shared an embrace with Arsene Wenger - the delight on both their faces says it all. It’s an iconic image.

His celebration seemed to embody the joy and elation of the 60,000 Arsenal fans in the stadium and the millions over the world. The King of Highbury had come home and had created a new goalscoring record at a time when we needed a goal. Five years after leaving, he came back and scored within 10 minutes of coming on. Personally, I am still unable to articulate the immense joy that moment brought. The Thierry Henry and Arsenal love story goes on and on.

6:59pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZWYsLyEZTM3j
(Notes: 4)
  
Filed under: fan piece football arsenal thierry henry robin van persie alex song 
December 30, 2011
Fan Piece: The Return of the King

It looks like Thierry Henry is coming back home to the Arsenal. The euphoria of it all seems to have pulled the blinds down on my rationality purely because it will be so brilliant to see him back. During his first stint, he became our record goalscorer with 226, as well as 92 assists to go with them and for a time was the most lethal and deadly striker on the planet. With him we won the double of 2002, the FA Cup wins of 2003 and 2005 and, of course, the magnificent unbeaten season in 2004, when he was the instrumental player of the side.

That stint bordered on perfection. Recently his statue was unveiled at the Emirates Stadium and his emotion was plain to see. He has always spoken with deep love and affection for the Arsenal and the fans have always returned this adoration. But he is 34 years old now, not the 26 year old who was the best player on the planet. Does it really make any sense to bring him back on the grounds that he performed the miraculous back then?

Yes, to a degree, but there is far more to this signing than the vein hope that Henry will be the same player. We all know he will not be. But he is still a player with fantastic technique and creativity. Arsene Wenger has said that he always saw Henry dropping into a deeper, more creative role, which boosts his credentials as a ‘false 9’, which is his probable role on his return. He no longer has the pace which left Premier League defences quaking in their boots but he does have the intelligence and technical ability to be a massive threat.

He is coming in for Marouane Chamakh, who has scored precisely one league goal since November 2011. Chamakh’s form and confidence have hit a trough, which has torn down the reputation he was beginning to form. Ideally, Chamakh regains some confidence with the national team which he brings back to the team and then Thierry heads back to New York after a successful spell. But at this point, Chamakh seems incapable of scoring and reinforcements are needed while he goes to the Africa Cup of Nations. Henry comes in for the perfect amount of time and adds some impetus.

I am a strict follower of the ‘Arsene Knows’ philosophy. Arsene has watched him in training every day and he clearly thinks he has the ability to cut it in the league again. Arsene knows. Another aspect not mentioned is how much love he has for the club. If he were to sign for another Premier League side, he would not have the same mentality but the bond and mutual love the fans and he had may push him to produce more and fight harder than he would anywhere else. 

Hail to the King of Highbury.

1:22am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZWYsLyDz-F7l
(Notes: 12)
  
Filed under: fan piece highbury arsenal thierry henry arsene wenger 
August 20, 2011
Fan Piece/Poem: Dear Mr. Nasri

note: this started as an actual attempt at an article but when I saw words here and there rhyming, I adapted it into a poem (semi-inspired by Gunnerblog’s remix of Eminem’s Stan). Don’t worry, it won’t happen again.

Dear Mr. Nasri,

I remember you saying it wasn’t about the money,
well looking back that, it all seems rather funny,
while your outstanding talent is really undeniable,
it would seem the contract Arsene offered wasn’t really viable,

I admire your salary increase, I really do,
even though I detest that you’re switching from red to blue,
but it’s not all men who can triple what they earn,
you’d think that extra money would make your pockets burn,

you were offered the role as fulcrum of the team,
though this proposition did not attract you, it would seem,
as we bid Cesc goodbye with sadness in our hearts,
we’ll enjoy you at City, with your growing dearth of starts,

you’re joining the realms of the money grabbing scum,
while you’ll go down in history as lesser than a crumb,
your career will take a tumble, straight through the floor,
much like a certain Emmanuel Adebayor,

but remember all those former Gunners who’ve gone on to better?
Hleb, Flamini, Arsene’s old Irish setter?!
Admittedly, there are few, but no, don’t despair!
I’m sure you’ll find Manchester a haven for your flair,

If trophies are your desire then you should have gone to Barca,
what’s that, they didn’t want you? well that is just a farce-a,
why-ever would they not want someone such as you?
it’s like six months of good play simply does not do?!

It’s not like going to City can’t be done without some dignity,
look at Toure and Clichy, dwelling up by the North Sea,
they are not detested as you soon will be,
but then again, they aren’t wankers, you see,

you state your wish that we retain some respect,
but how can we do that when you plan to defect?
respect goes both ways, you see, young man of France,
and the situation won’t change, even if you shift your stance, 

so goodbye, enjoy your new-bought treasures,
I wish you ill-fate in all future endeavours,
your presence at the Arsenal will not really be missed,
even if your leaving will leave many of us pissed,

we have Ryo, Theo and pray to God a brand new signing,
so, see, your going provides its own silver lining,
the future without you is nothing for us to fear,
and when your leaving comes, not one will shed a tear.

2:15am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZWYsLy8X7Tnn
(Notes: 6)
  
Filed under: arsenal football nasri samir nasri fan piece 
August 12, 2011
Goodbye, Cesc Fàbregas

We all knew it would eventually happen. It was always only a matter of time until Cesc Fàbregas re-signed for Barcelona, but we, as Arsenal fans, cannot begrudge his move and our memories of him should not be clouded by his departure.

For the record, I believe he has made a huge mistake in returning now. He’s always going to be second in line to Xavi Hernandez and Andrès Iniesta (despite being better than the former), while the new contract awarded to Thiago Alacantra will go its way to securing him extra playing time; possibly leading to him being played ahead of Fàbregas.

But he has not betrayed Arsenal in any way, nor has he acted inappropriately. When compared to Liverpool’s ‘Captain Marvel’, ‘Leader’ and ‘Inspirational Figure’ Steven Gerrard, who has submitted numerous transfer requests and made so many threats to leave that I’ve lost count, and yet is still adored by the Anfield faithful, you cannot fault Fàbregas at all.

It’s worth noting that Fàbregas is from Barcelona, supported them growing up and played in their academy in his youth. By the sounds of it, he really just wants to go home. He began his trade at La Masia with the likes of Gerard Piqué and Lionel Messi, while he retains friendships with Xavi, Carles Puyol and Sergio Busquets, to name but three. His family dwell in Barcelona and it’s his home. Any Arsenal fan thinking of criticising him should put themselves in his position - how many of them would turn down moves to Arsenal?

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Rather than denigrate Fàbregas, we should remember the good times; the talent he displayed and the joy he provided. His arrival came in 2003/04, when he became Arsenal’s youngest ever appearance maker and goalscorer. In 2004/05, when he burst onto the scene and became the club’s youngest ever League and Champions League goalscorer, going on to win the FA Cup - the only trophy in his time in North London. In 2005/06, Patrick Vieira was sold to make way for the then 18 year old. He was instrumental in the Champions League campaign that took Arsenal all the way to the final. All the while he was growing into a World class player. 2006/07 was a more quiet season for the club and Fàbregas, but he started every league game and made 16 assists. His stock was growing across Europe as Arsenal and he resisted overtures from the likes of Real Madrid, Milan and Barcelona.

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2007/08 was the mark of a break even further forward for the Spaniard. As Thierry Henry and Freddie Ljungberg left, Fàbregas became the key creative influence in the side and he did not disappoint. Arsenal were the surprise packages of the season, taking the league by storm. They played a fantastic brand of free-flowing, attacking football and the 20 year old Cesc Fàbregas was the fulcrum of the side. They were looking sure favourites to win the league until Eduardo’s horrific injury at St. Andrew’s where, as we can all remember, it completely fell apart. Fàbregas made 22 assists and grew as a goalscorer, too, scoring 13 - a record for him in a season. He was crowned PFA Young Player of the Year. Over the summer, he won the European Championships with Spain, having a  pivotal role as an impact sub. 2008/09 was his first season as ‘El Capitan’, after William Gallas was stripped of the role. However, he was ruled out for four months with knee ligament damage and would not return to action until March. His presence was sorely missed, and Arsenal had another trophyless season.

If ever conformation of Fàbregas’s brilliance was needed, the 2009/10 season provided it in spades. In the first game alone, he racked up two goals and two assists, as Arsenal demolished Everton 6-1. He continued to score goals and provide assists - with a joint total of 38 (19 each, respectively), growing as a leader and an on-field presence. He was the subject of intense transfer speculation and the rumours of his departure were stronger than ever, and he certainly didn’t go out of his way to deny it, as he had in previous seasons. Meanwhile, he was crowned a World Cup winner, setting up the goal in the final. Arsenal held out and he remained with them for another season. At the start of his final season, his commitment could certainly not be doubted, but as injury set in and he was constantly rushed back too quickly, did was not the Cesc Fàbregas we had seen in years past. I attribute the injury he picked up against Stoke on February 23rd as the key reason Arsenal fell to Birmingham in the Carling Cup final. After that, we never really saw a fully fit Fàbregas again. His time at Arsenal ended with a whimper, rather than the roar it deserved, his final game being the 2-1 defeat to Bolton.

Cesc Fabregas - Bolton Wanderers v Arsenal - Premier League

His talent is undeniable. His professionalism is, too. He’s shown a love, respect and affection for Arsenal, only topped by his adoration of Barcelona. The pleasant times El Capitan gave us must be remembered above all else. His first goal, making him the club’s youngest ever scorer. His announcing of himself onto the English football scene with his domineering show against Manchester United in the 2004 Community Shield. His defiance of his youth throughout his time, playing like someone with so many more years of experience behind him.

A personal favourite memory of Fàbregas is his stunning show against Juventus in the 2005/06 Champions League quarter final. He ran the rule over Patrick Vieira, the man who he had just replaced, and topped his performance with a goal. His 25 yard stunner against Tottenham and the 35 yard winner at the San Siro in 2007/08 are both well worth remembering. Though my standout memories of Fàbregas will be the goals against Spurs, Aston Villa, and Barcelona, respectively, in the 2009/10 season. I always enjoy a victory against Spurs, but the two goals in eleven seconds was a wonderful memory. As I was still celebrating Robin van Persie’s goal, I turn around and see the ball trailing into the net and Fàbregas wheeling away in delight. He’d managed to humiliate Spurs in less than five touches. The Villa goal was an example of a Captain doing his job. Arsenal were struggling for a goal and he produces a moment of magic. Simple.

Cesc Fabregas Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal scores the second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on October 31, 2009 in London, England.

The Barcelona goal was another special moment. Against his hometown club, with the pressure of millions watching and a broken bone in his leg, he smashed home his penalty. Fantastic show of grit, determination and passion, all of which Fàbregas embodies, along with style and magnificent technique and vision.

Cesc Fabregas Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal scores from the penalty spot to level the scores at 2-2 after being brought down by Carles Puyol of Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League quarter final first leg match between Arsenal and FC Barcelona at the Emirates Stadium on March 31, 2010 in London, England.

He is leaving the club at 24, with just one FA Cup to his name - much like a certain Liam Brady, who is undoubtedly one of the club’s legends, and to suggest otherwise is near-blasphemy (and rightly so). Although it is probable that the manner of Fàbregas’s departure will mean that he is not recognised as a legend - not straight away, at least.

Some may wish him ill in the future. They shouldn’t, he’s been a great player for us, and one who has fitted with the class on which Arsenal Football Club has always prided itself. (And even if you dislike him, remember - if he does well, Barcelona will have to pay up more!). No one can begrudge his desire to go home, all we can do is wish him the best of luck and thank him for the service he has done for us.

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1:47pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZWYsLy8Dk8Ds
(Notes: 11)
  
Filed under: cesc fabregas arsenal football barcelona barca fan piece 
August 11, 2011
1. Arsenal 2-0 Chelsea, 4th May 2002

To understand why this game holds such a significance in my eyes, I must take you back to 13th May 2001, the day of my first ever proper match. I had been to testimonials and youth and reserve games, but never a first team match and occasions don’t come much bigger than the FA Cup Final. As a wide-eyed 5 year old, the 7 hour drive from North London to Cardiff passed by in a flash, but there are only five things I remember from the game: a woman tying my balloons to my binoculars so I didn’t lose them, Freddie Ljungberg’s goal, Stephane Henchoz’s handball, Michael Owen’s goals and leaving the stadium in tears as my dad promised we’d go back next year if Arsenal made it.

And make it they did. Somehow tickets were finagled and back to Cardiff we went. My memories of this game as a whole are slightly more sketchy than mine of the aforementioned 2001 final, but I do remember the three key facets of the day as vividly as though they were the last game I attended: the two goals and the trophy presentation.

I vaguely remember a number of missed chances (which I’ve since rewatched) and recalling memories of the previous final, when missed chances had been Arsenal’s downfall. I did have a horrible feeling that history would repeat itself. Then Ray Parlour produced a piece of pure magic. Sylvain Wiltord sent a pass through to the Romford Pele midway inside the Chelsea half. He took the ball forward, switched it to his stronger right foot and from 25 yards, gave the ball a right whack. Carlo Cudicini had no chance. As the commentator said, it was a “vintage FA Cup goal for Arsenal”.

Cracking strike though it was, we couldn’t get too excited - we had seen it all last year. Another goal was needed. Thierry Henry came close after a threatening run from Cashley Cole. Chelsea did not threaten but a one goal lead is not a safe margin at the best of times. (Then again, a four goal lead isn’t exactly safe with the Arsenal.) 

When the second goal came it was worth that year of waiting. Freddie Ljungberg, in the form of his life, picked up the ball down the left hand side. He burst through the gap between John Terry and Mario Melchiot and shrugged off the former like he wasn’t even there. Just over 20 yards from the goal, still slightly to the left, he curled the ball right around Cudicini, who couldn’t even get a hand to it, as he had with Parlour’s. The Swede had scored in successive FA Cup finals and Arsenal were well on their way to their second double in four years. 4 days later the title would be secured at Old Trafford, and there was no question as to who were the best team in England.

In 2001, we had left before the trophy presentation began. In 2002, we stayed and watched Tony Adams lift the trophy with Patrick Vieira, who had Captained the team during Adams’s long term-absence through the season. Finally, we had the FA Cup again, and the pain of the previous season had been absolved. 

9:24pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZWYsLy8Bx7jQ
(Notes: 4)
  
Filed under: football arsenal chelsea fa cup ljungberg ray parlour history fan piece favourite games 
August 11, 2011
2. Arsenal 4-2 Wigan Athletic, 7 May 2006

If you look out from the window in my room, you see huge, very nice looking, apartment blocks. How 5 years can change things. Back in 2006, I could look out and see the North Bank and if a tree at the end of a neighbour’s garden was cut down, one of the goals was visible. My first game at Highbury came in 2001, in a fairly drab 1-1 draw against Bolton and 5 years later, I would be present for the final game at the historic stadium.

It was also a hugely important game in terms of the Premier League as well. Arsenal lay in 5th place, behind local rivals Spurs. Before the game, reports eminated on television and radio that there had been a food poisoning epidemic in the Tottenham camp. Talk was that the game may be called off and that it would go down as a Spurs forfeit, but eventually, the game went ahead. This only heightened the optimism around Highbury. For me personally, and many other Arsenal fans, it bared an extra significance as it would be Dennis Bergkamp’s final game in an Arsenal shirt.

And it all started so well. Just 8 minutes in, Robert Pires had shot at Mike Pollit, which was saved but the rebound fell straight back to him and he finished with ease. News then filtered through that Spurs had fallen behind at West Ham. Glee and hope embraced Highbury. 

But Arsenal, in my lifetime at least, have never had a penchant for making life easy for themselves. Just two minutes after Pires scored, David Thompson floated a free kick into the box and Paul Scharner stole in to knock the ball into Arsenal’s goal. The home side were then lucky not to have a penalty awarded against them and Sol Campbell sent off for a tackle on Jason Roberts. Wigan then took the lead. Thompson had another free kick around 40 yards from goal. He spied Jens Lehmann positioning himself for a cross and simply curled the ball into the free half of the net. Just minutes later, news filtered through that Jermain Defoe had drawn Spurs level at Upton Park. It seemed as though disaster loomed, but Thierry Henry had other ideas. Pires slid his compatriot through and in typical Henry-fashion, the rolled the ball into the corner of the net. 

Wigan had a couple of chances while the scores were level, but from there, it was Arsenal’s game; or more specifically, Thierry Henry’s. He capitalised on a Thompson backpass, rounding Mike Pollitt in a trademark fashion. 3-2, but still in fifth. Then there was another seemingly spontaneous collective cheer and cries of “come on!” - Spurs had fallen behind again, or so it would seem. Being 10, I did not own a phone at the time, and this was in the days before the mobile internet. With the paranoia that Arsenal supporting has given me, I decided that not knowing til the final whistle would just have to do. Easy decision on 56 minutes, but half an hour later, I was in panic mode.

But from minute 56 it was all Arsenal. The next notable piece of action came when Andreas Johansson was introduced to the fray for Wigan, as he left the field within a minute. In his brief time on the pitch, he managed to foul Freddie Ljungberg, concede a penalty and receive a red card. From the resulting penalty, Thierry Henry stepped up and made no mistake. In celebration he knelt down on the hallowed turf and bestowed a kiss onto it. A fitting goodbye.

There was little more that would happen in the remaining 15 minutes. Dennis Bergkamp was introduced shortly after the fourth goal and with the game won, the game plan for the final ten minutes was to get him a goal on what would be his final game for the club. Though this was not successful, everyone at Highbury was in high spirits but with a slight underlying air of caution. We still didn’t know what was going on at Upton Park. As we got into stoppage time, the news filtered through that it was all over in East London and the final score was West Ham 2-1 Spurs. Watching the people around me with phones ringing different people, all of whom said the same thing, I finally felt I could relax. Fourth was ours, and it was an excellent cap to a lovely day.

There was a big ceremony after the final whistle, celebrating the ground’s history. So far the Emirates has never been a patch on Highbury in any respect. There is still time, but there was something special about the stadium and it fills my heart with sadness to see that the stadium that possessed 13 league titles, 10 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and a UEFA Fairs Cup and had been home to everyone from Alex James, to Liam Brady, to Dennis Bergkamp is now an apartment building. The grass on which some of Britain’s most beautiful football had been played is covered with fountains and benches. This is not to say I don’t wish to one day own one of the flats - they look fantastic! - but from my first game at Highbury, that otherwise unremarkable 1-1 draw with Bolton at the start of the 2001/2002 double winning season, to my last on the stadium’s final day, I saw two titles won and three FA Cups - five trophies in five years. 

93 wonderful years drew to a close that day, but what will be remembered is the history that was made there. I’m glad they didn’t choose to name the Emirates as ‘New Highbury’ or some variation thereof - the name Highbury belongs to that stadium, and to associate anything else with it would be an insult to it.

11:12am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZWYsLy8BE0mX
(Notes: 14)
  
Filed under: football arsenal highbury thierry henry bergkamp history fan piece favourite games 
August 10, 2011
3. Arsenal 2-1 Leicester City, 15th May 2004

Arguably Arsenal’s finest ever side; arguably English top flight football’s greatest ever side; Arsenal’s “invincibles” of the 2003/2004 campaign was finished off with a win over Leicester City at Highbury. I believe that the attendance, of 35,419 was Arsenal’s highest attendance at the stadium since the introduction of all-ground seating. This was because those in the stands had come to see history being made and for this team to complete an entire top-flight season without losing a single game.

Arsenal had played stunning football throughout the season and they continued doing so straight from the start. Arsenal were dominant, but Leicester had other plans. 25 minutes in, former Arsenal man Paul Dickov headed home at the near post. Although there were three quarters of the match remaining, there was just a slight underlying fear around Highbury that it would not end in the fairytale fashion that so many had hoped.

The home side, as ever, continued to pass the ball and attack. Dennis Bergkamp came close soon after the goal, as did Robert Pires. The pressing continued, but when half time came, Leicester still led. At the return, Arsenal continued looking for the equaliser, and it took just one minute to acquire. Bergkamp sent a brilliant ball over the top of the Leicester defence towards Ashley Cole who, while clean through on goal, was hacked to the floor, earning Arsenal a penalty. The taker was their top scorer, Thierry Henry. The Frenchman had been the pinnacle of the team and made no mistake from 12 yards. Between the opener and Arsenal’s reply, the crowd had been quite subdued, but now there was a return of the party atmosphere that had gripped Highbury before kick off. 

Then the search began for a second. Yet again, a moment of brilliance from the Arsenal number 10 layed down the gauntlet for an Arsenal to score. This time, club captain Patrick Vieira made a good forward run from the centre of midfield and on receiving the Dutchman’s pass, took one touch to take him past Ian Walker, and another to slot the ball home. It was vaguely reminiscent of Tony Adams’ marauding run forward against Everton in 1998, through which he scored the final goal of Arsenal’s League campaign, and it was somewhat fitting that the Captain stepped forward again to put his final stamp on the League season.

Though there was about half an hour left, Arsenal looked like they knew they had won, Leicester that they had lost and the home fans knew that their team would finish the season without losing once. And though Campbell and Edu came close to adding a third, there was an air of finality about Vieira’s goal, and in the circumstances, it was perfect, and a perfect note on which to end a near-perfect season. On 87 minutes came a moment that warmed the hearts of all those involved, as Martin Keown was handed his 10th Premier League appearance of the season, thus entitling him to a medal in what would be his final game of 449 for the club and he was awarded the rapturous reception he deserved. 

The final whistle blew and this team’s place in history was secured. The entire season was summed up by Thierry Henry’s words on the final whistle: “People will remember that the season 2003/2004, we were unbeatable.”

3:39pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZWYsLy88canY
(Notes: 13)
  
Filed under: football Arsenal thierry henry bergkamp vieira wenger history the invincibles fan piece favourite games 
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