I think all Arsenal fans will know about the apparent insolence of Alex Song a few months ago when he refused to retreat to the halfway line to allow Toure a chance at a corner. Indeed, the sense of immaturity and reserves-playing-above-their-means-ness was at it's utter peak. 

It was arrogant, it was petty and it was unacceptable. But, since then  I've noticed Song grow into the calm, level headed midfielder we missed so much when Cesc was injured. He's got a great passing range, and honestly, barring a few mistakes, he's been a pretty awesome holding midfielder. Admittedly, forgetting to mark Senna in a Champion's league quarter final is more than just a mistake you can let go of, but when you compare it to the way he's listened to criticism and stayed focused in the face of unbearable expectations, as a fan I'm willing to let it slip.

Against united, I'm sure a tough tackling workaholic like Flamini would've been much better but, the farthest he was, was in the stands. That's a fact we've all accepted and I have to say, the prospect of Alex Song guarding our defence is something I very much look forward to.

A few months ago when all hope of a title chase was lost and all Arsenal fans realised that Arsene's trump cards were Denilson, Song and Diaby, my faith in this Arsenal squad hit it's absolute lowest.

I honestly couldn't see any realistic chance of any good coming out of this season and with Gallas and Toure's meltdowns, I was certain I'd be watching the Europa League come December.

But now, end of the season, nothing but pride for the squad to play for, I have to say with the way Song and Djourou have blossomed into very calm young professionals, I have a lot of faith in this Arsenal side.

I honestly don't know if Bendtner's improved or not but the one thing I always had against him was that he's lazy and honestly, who can say that about him anymore? Start of the season I hated the sight of him, he'd just stay up and wait for the game quite like Adebayor does now, and it was tiresome to watch. It was like playing with 10 men and a guy who would't mind finishing once in a way.

Now though he's got a real bustle about him and his timing couldn't be better because Ade's lost his. The worker aching for link up and movement from last season has been replaced by a sloppy lanky oaf who's trying very hard to play the way Henry did, in Kanu's body.

And then there's Denilson who has honestly not impressed anyone this year. But fuck it. He's 19 and he's worked harder than anyone all season long in a system clearly not able to accomodate his own growth, albeit due to injuries. Of all the players in the team I'd say he deserves the most credit this season.

Sure we need an addition here and there, central defence maybe, but for me, the first choice  midfield today would be Arshavin, Nasri, Fabregas, Theo and Song. Anything around this bunch and I'm sorry but no team should expect a clean sheet.

ello all

Been reading alot of Arsenal blogs off the site and I've encountered a few very interesting insights into our season capitulating. Watching that absolutely pornographic CL final, (in that it was full of cunts, not that it was enjoyable) and laughing at John Terry's slippery english backbone I thought I'd sum up the goods and the bads of the season. First off, the bads:

Injuries: As Arsenal fans we are usually labelled whiny self involved bastards, but the fact of the matter is, our injuries while few were significant. Our start to the season, was stunning. BUT, it was very firmly, and very clearly that due to the amazing form of Bobby Van Persie and Cesc. Scoring the lone goal in a dour game at West Ham and smacking in the Blackburn goal, were really not his best but they are the most obvious signs of a striker in a purple patch. Those are the simple goals, like Cesc's at Man. City, or Ronaldo's in the CL final which constitute for the most part goal tallies. And this patch ended with injury. Now, I know how often it has happened and how easy it is to 'expect' it, but the idea is lazy and very simple for a journo to put out. For wenger, to sign a striker as a back up for RVP in case he gets hurt is a stupid, Chelski style move to make. It is VERY FAIR to expect a striker to remain fit. We were simply, and here's for all you Mancs, unlucky.

With Eduardo it was far more blatant. He was on one of those incredible 9 goals in 9 games type runs and was turning into a bit of a Nistelrooy-esque finisher and then- that tackle. But the most significant injury I would have to argue was Rosicky's. I remember the Boro game we lost, and he was, Gael aside, the ONLY player really trying out there. His loss meant Hleb could afford to get complacent, and Eboue got that run in the side. It also could have, with a less patient manager, resulted in Theo being pushed in too early and suffering under pressure. He is a fantastic, creative, quick player and I would rate him over that cunt Hleb any day. The fact that he scored more than everyone but 4 other players playing something like 18 games all season really does show the quality he has. With his new titanium reinforced legs I'd hope he'd be fit to play again and get a good run.

The point is, we had the kind of injuries which would debilitate ANY squad. They were all key players which shaped the dynamic of Arsenal and their loss meant we had to settle for Bendtners and Eboues.

Referees: Most would say we lost everything after Eduardo's tackle in the Brum game. I fervently disagree. I think it was the shifty decision at the end of the match that ended it for us. The players DID get over the tackle and loss of their team mate but the decision was just a very very negative blow and really, for me anyway, started a trend of doubt and uncertainty. I cannot count how many went the other way, and I cannot bring myself to. It's too damn futile, and it's too damn painful. But the thing is, in a 50 game season, everyone goes through weak patches. Manchester United started the season with a string of 1-0 scorelines and were even compared to George Graham's Arsenal. No decisions were shaky and nothing really significant seemed to be hindering them further when they were suffering a shocking dip in form. Some would say that's the mark and the luck of Champions, and I would agree, but I will add that OUR dip in form unfortunately coincided with most of the poor decisions going against us, and THAT is the mark and luck of 2nd runners up.

There is a site which has listed the table had all the decisions gone right. It places us in 2nd place 6 a drift of Man United. So, yes, I will concede, even with the decisions we were losing. And I will even go so far as to say fair play to Man utd (I'm cringing....!) because like it or not, having Hargreaves, and Carrick and Scholes and Anderson, even as the over priced cunts that they are, really did decide the title's destination and full marks to the Fergatron on the foresight. While our injuries were far more disruptive, it is hard to argue with Man utd's obvious strength in depth. They're still cunts though.

Performances: Eboue. Enough said. I will back Wenger on this one though. Theo was raw and everyone else was injured. I have to say, as manager, I'd probably have done the same. Sorry, but it's true. An emergency buy in January, is NOT the kind of thing a team in 100s of millions of pounds of debt should do. The long term stability and control of Arsenal football club is something I am fucking proud Wenger and the board upheld and is about 50% of why I love this club so much.

The other one to stick out would, in my opinion be Gallas. Easily one of the best center backs when he cares and he cared for the most part, but with the responsibility he has as captain, I dont think the weak performances in the FA cup and other 'unimportant' games should be tolerated. He has been superb for us, but with that kind of weight on your shoulders, you cannot afford to lie down every once in a while because it usually drops and shatters. Captain next term? Ask me, hell no. Fabres, oh yes please with a cherry and whipped cream!

Basically, there is a certain amount of luck, and a certain amount of tongue in cheek fortune which goes with being champions. There always is. We didn't have it. I thought we did. Specially after the 3-1 over Spurs, I thought we did, but we didn't. We got what we earned in the end. And as tiring and painful as it was to watch, there is enough cause to hope for me to not give a fuck and cheer them even louder next season.

Feel free to add anything or criticise anything.

Till later.

Alright so I was commenting on Manogil's blog and had three bloody comments. Blooming shit. Im sorry about the traffic man.

Basically, I am sick and tired of people whining and whinging about the top clubs. Boo bloody hoo, Lyon keep winning and boo bloody hoo there's a big four in England. None of these teams, Madrid aside, have been born and blessed with riches and talent they worked for it. Man Utd, lost an entire team and rebuilt and recuperated. Liverpool did the opposite and capitulated. Chelsea were on their way to coming into the picture, they came 2nd in the Gunners' invincible season. So an oligarch took over and pours money in. its already cost them! I hate that side more than any other side in the world but credit to them for making the most of chances THEY worked for. Arsenal are ofcourse the most perfect example. Bleating hell look at the club. It's beautiful the planning and efficiency with which they have pushed themselves. The problem is everyone is so damn impatient. Let Hughes, O'neill, Laudrup, Pellegrini, etc. build the side. it won't happen in two years! it takes alot of planning and a very large and unified movement in one direction. Quit whining and applaud the teams for pushing themselves to where they are. And, THEN, learn the idea of continuity and opportunity and push yourself up too. Quit whining it's pathetic.

ello all

Before I go any further, the posts prior to this are much older than the publishing date suggests. i just moved them from my blog. the time of their writing is quite clear from the content. anyway just wanted to make sure you all don't think I'm off my loop or anything. I am fully aware the season is done.

And what a fucking season. The fact that not only top spot, but relegation spots, and 5th place, the most directly influential spots on next year's campaign were all decided on the final day just go to show how incredible a season it's been. Sagna and Clichy and Eboue and Diarra. Fabres and Flam and Jens and Kolo. It's been a fucking roller coaster and bloody hell you throw up here and there and ever since the Brum game its like weve been underwater, but it's been one hell of a ride. I'll probably be posting and revamping the page a bit soon. Till then good bye.

Heres to a good summer of speculation and hopefully elation. Then the fucking Euros. and then back to real football.

ello all!
I don't know when, how and why but at some point this blog turned into a vent space and as I've now learnt is a necessary catharsis for me. Fuck.
I have spent the better part of this past week indoors on account of exams and perhaps it's the claustophobia, but I've had it till here with this.
The other day in the shower it occured to me what's been plaguing me for the past couple of months. I've lost most of my drive. I want to laze. I do not want to do things, I know I honestly do and more than anything else is an overwhelming feeling of just being tired. The problem is I'm satisfied.
A couple blogs ago, much like a victory speech I declared my pride at certain things I'd done and won and that, it seems was my peak. I'm going downhill now. It is the worst feeling to have. The thought that I deserve to rest or that I have earned the right to let certain 'problems' weigh me down because I'm just tired of dealing with it. It's a pain in my fucking ass and I hate it.
But why have I blogged today? In about an hour, Manchester United will face Liverpool FC in a premier league fixture. About two and half hours after that Arsenal will face Chelsea. These two games may not decide, but will definitely be a huge part in deciding where the title of English champions goes. It could be us. Bloody hell it has to be us. We've fought like fucking dogs and mucked ourselves up a fair bit in the process (get well Eduardo) but the 'children' are here to win it. This is as big as it's gotten since the invincible season three years ago when we last one the league, without losing a single game mind you.
This is a time when Arsenal are still achieving. In all possibility, if and when they do achieve, this horrible feeling of satisfaction and being content may strike them too, and from experience I can tell you it can really mess things up (Case in point Ashley Cole). Tonight we could end with our fists pumping and our lungs bursting with the rest of the cunts with their heads drooping. It could possibly not. They said this race would go down to the wire and I think it's safe to say we're ON the wire. It's barbed and it's cutting at the legs but it feels great.
The borrowed thrill of Arsenal still in achievement mode while I sit here like an idiot in chill out mode is in itself exhilirating. Once the exams are done, I begin the next phase of my achieving, hopefully anyway. I look forward to it. And I will always look back at this shit hole of a period of time and only remember that the fucking Gunners rode high and mighty.
Come on you Reds!