" The pressure is on Arsenal and they have nothing to lose. That is part of being at Arsenal to deal with that and I accept that completely "
Arsenal continued its four prong trophy quest taking on Ipswich in the first round leg of the Carling Cup Semifinal. In the 1-0 defeat at Portman road, another chapter in Arsenal's quest to end 'the trophy drought' – not to insinuate that Arsenal are starved of honors as you shall read on- was written. A story with an all to familiar recurring theme that loudly resonated in the manner of defeat
In the lead up to this loss to a championship side, a side on the tail end of the championship and smack in the middle of a change of clothes managerial-wise, Arsenal had just manged to snatch a lifeline courtesy of a controversial late penalty against Leeds.
This 3rd round FA Cup tie ,at the Emirates embodied what has come to be expected of football's oldest cup competition. The commitment, energy and team work ethics of the lesser opponent in the duel, Leeds United, was perfectly expected of a Championship side- fighting for Premier league promotion- in a knock-out tie against a Premier League top dog.
Certainly expected of a club with a history as glorious as Leeds. Usimuone Simba Ka Nyeshewa Ukadhani ni Paka- A Swahili proverb that loosely translates, “don't mistake a wet (rained on) Lion for a cat ( the domesticated pet ).
On Wednesday, with Arsenal facing Ipswich away in the first leg semi-final of the Carling Cup, was a different atmosphere. A feverish feeling. A cocktail of emotions: A platter of fluctuating high peaks and low troughs.
The script however was not going to change much for to both teams, facing the likes of Arsenal is always a momentous occasion. It was always going to be tight, spirited and gallant display. Arsenal's only chance lay in matching fire with fire.
Poison fights poison. No chance for complacency for Arsene Wenger's armory if they are to succeed. Instead, a bug of amotivation seems to have hit the Arsenal dressing room. Some fans I hear blame Andrei Arshavin for spreading it around. Unfair it is, but they don't stop here. Allow me to digress an shed my spotlight and reveal the identity of these fellows.
The Carling Cup is a favorite in gunner world. Some of Arsenal's most scintillating displays of attacking football has been on display, yet in spite of all Arsenal's dominance and proud display of exciting immensely talented youngsters, ultimate glory in this competition still eludes Arsene Wenger's project.
Forgive my wording- project- as it tends to dehumanize such fine talent . But it is precisely the conception, implementation and management of the youth project at Arsenal Plc that first IFHHA (awarding Arsene Wenger 'The coach of the of the first decade of the 21st Century), then Arsenalii (in hailing what we call Wengernomics in an in depth piece that shed light on Wenger's prudence in talent management).
When I Grow Up, I Want To Be Like Arsenal
Lately, UEFA affirmed Arsenal's success in their big announcement on the future of the game as determined by club revenues vis-a-vis expenditure on most notably player salaries through introduction of an indirect salary cap that aims at ensuring teams that will participate in future elite European competitions like champions League and Europa Cup cut their kit according to the size of their cloth.
In spite of the all these flowing tributes from the football family. As expected, the french man has his critics. The Anti Arsenal Arsenal (as they are known as in a certain locality of the global gunner world) continue with calls for Arsenal Plc to let go of arguably it's most priced asset.
The AAA are audacious enough to demand the do to be completed by a change in strategy- the same management style that the European football governing body UEFA and FIFA affiliate IFHHA so highly regard- in favor of one that sh*ts on the Arsenal way: Forget talent development, instead buy.
In a way, this call is as brilliant as that tale of babies being bought in the supermarket - given by blushing parents as an answer to the ultimate kid question: where do babies come from'?
Likewise, the blip of success enjoyed at Chelsea over the past few seasons after a 55yr drought-thanks no less to the Russian big daddy, has led some to believe that success in football comes only through one way: Poaching the best talent from competitors, your greed and perchance for 'the easy way' only tempered by the size of your purse.
Talking of purses, Arsenal indeed has a deep purse. Arsenal is blinging all the way: Luxurious Apartments that sold pretty fast in the midst of an economic downtown , spanking new 60,000 state of the art stadium- ask Liverpool, not forgetting what Arsene Wenger in his adamant stand in opposition to direct player salary caps considers the most important asset – the people.
In all aspects, arsenal is a growing sporting brand. Talking revenues, money seems to flow in and not out. The AAA cannot therefore fathom why Arsene Wenger doesn't seem intent on splashing out the dough on the players touted on every available space by the media. To this brigade, this characteristic Arsene Wenger stubbornness and frugality remains the prime reason why the 2005 FA cup victory remains Arsenal's latest reign on the pitch.
" With the 1-0 ball over the top, deep seated play stifling Ipswich Win on Wednesday, in the eyes of the detractors, the blot on the picture perfect scene grew in size. Glory! Glory! Just eluded Arsenal once again. The early promise had faded as has been the case those five seasons.
Arsenal was back to the motions again: uninspired play, to much beating around the bush with little venom and gullible to the of the long hopeful direct ball sucker-punch. Same old same old Arsenal."Take the current center back situation at Arsenal..
The man who though not Rio Ferdinard costly, could cooled have the dragon balls of the AAA brigade, Belgian defensive linchpin Vermaelen, suffered yet another set back on with troublesome Achilles tendon injury. An injury, I might add, that should feature in sports medicine journals courtesy of its protracted unpredictable course.
Frenchman, Squillaci, acquired over the summer from Sevilla -at again what critics consider to be below par industry rates- has several goals to his name already. The most recent, an own goal that earned Wigan a draw at the DW effectively denying Arsenal the chance of tightening their grip in the most gripping of Premier Leagues.
To a section of the Arsenal faithful, he thirty year old is as expensive as cheap: just another French flea market buy of the Silvestre/ Cygan/Senderos mold. Irrespective of your opinions on the 30yr old, no chance of telling how he will fare against Carlton Cole today in the London Derby away at bottom of the table West Ham.
Arsenalii Favorite Line-up : West Ham v Arsenal
Of Arsenal's five, only two center backs are available today against an Avram Grant side likely to leave a capable Carlton Cole to push it alone upfront: Impressive Johan Djourou still on the recovery path after one year out with a medial ligament ailment and inexperienced Koscienly- who save for a few defensive nightmares that include a couple of sending offs- is an otherwise Ok defender
Arsene Wenger admitted his worry at the thin numbers at the back to the hurray of the AAA, hinting at a defensive purchase this January transfer window. I say hinted as the possibility of Song and young prospect Ignasi Miguel acting as cover as Squillaci and Varmaelen fight their way to fitness is real according to credible reports ( Arsenal.com ?)
Ipswich was telling in this regard as neither of defensive covers got to play alongside Koscienly/ Djourou. Being at a stage only one step away from a cup final, the importance of this match belies this move by Wenger.
The pair is expected to start for a second game in a row against West Ham and could be an indication that Wenger is ready to leave both options-buy/cover- as trump cards to be used only in the event of another defensive casualty. My bet is given Arsene's stealthy activity in the transfer market, he should have a target at arms length before he makes buying pronouncements. A piece of Wenger genius, or just another of his fruitless gambles?
A way from but tied to this debate, the West Ham game is a chance to redeem for the last two slips. The 17:30 late kick off is the first of a series of must win games for the gunners. A win puts Arsenal in a position to take advantage of any Manchester united slip ups at Whit hart lane in tomorrows late kick off.
Triumph at Leeds away in midweek could as well mean the FA quarter final as Huffesfeild in the 4th round should be an added impetus. The chance at a carling cup final presents itself with Ipswich visiting the Emirates, the perfect impetus for the busy schedule coming up including facing Barcelona's trio of the world best three Iniesta, xavi and the first winner of the FIFA Ballon d'Or Messi.
The squad at Portman road was to deliver the spark that would set off the domino reaction. With Van Persie and nasri back into the squad facing West Ham today, it's that time for Arsenal to show THE END can mark the beginning.
With Sagna serving the third match of this three game suspension, Gibbs having an injury free two games covering for Clichy, Wilshere having more game time and Ebuoe/Denilson/ Arshavin/Bendtner have runs in the team to calm any troubled personas, Why Not?
Henry At Arsenal
I shall ease of this now 1664 word piece with Arsene Wenger's thoughts on Henry training at Arsenal for the entire MLS two month break.
"We are happy to speak with him every day. He is in the dressing room with the players and they are happy to have him back," said the manager.
He sees as well how much they have evolved since he left the club.
He can help them to have confidence. He is a very intelligent boy who has massive experience.
He can help the players in the dressing room and that is what he does. But we are happy to help him to get fit and he is happy to be here.
He was one of the greatest players this club has ever had and has done a huge service to this club.
"The only way we can pay him back is always to be welcoming, as we are with all our former players when they want to get fit."Kind Reminder:
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