Hull hath no fury . . .
Tuesday, 17 March 09, 07:27 PM · Comments(4)
Let's get the big controversy out of the way. According to stewards that work in the player's tunnel, a certain club captain did indeed spit towards the feet of a certain assistant manager, but this was apparently in retaliation to being called "a Spanish c**t". Allegedly, Wenger got involved, Phil Brown told Wenger to f**k off, and it's safe to assume that they did not share a post-match bottle of wine.
Supposedly, while the game was still being played, Brian Horton told Wenger to eff off, because he was complaining to the fourth official about Mike Riley's decisions and Hull's timewasting.
Horton and Cesc are probably as bad as each other, and ought to show a bit more class and maturity. The same goes for Brown and Wenger.Having said that, one can understand why Wenger would not want to shake the hand of a man who'd been accusing him of cheating. Wenger is not known for displaying great sportsmanship. Brown should be thankful that he didn't get a swift beating - just ask Alan Pardew.
Brown whinged about Mike Riley's decisions being influenced by a partisan crowd. Maybe, but in all honesty it's encouraging to see that the Emirates crowd is actually capable of being vocal enough to change the outcome of a match. The howls of indignation every time Boaz Myhill took his time over a goal kick were no less than he deserved, along with the yellow card. The blatant timewasting began almost immediately after Barmby's goal, and their defensive approach invited so much Arsenal pressure that a comeback seemed inevitable.
There can be no complaints about Hull attempting to play down the clock, such is their prerogative, but it is up to the referee to keep this in check. Now, I've made a personal pledge not to publicly criticise referees, as this seriously undermines the Respect campaign. However, I don't care for Mike Riley, who's display last night was abysmal. In his defence, he seemed to notch up an equal number of flubbed decision for both sides.
As for Gallas' goal, the ball seemed to ricochet off both Myhill and Djourou. Isn't the ref supposed to give the benefit of the doubt to the attacking side? If it came off Myhill, Gallas is onside.
The 5000 empty seats were allegedly due to King's Cross Station closing, but I suspect with the match on TV, alot of people just couldn't be bothered. Wenger and Gazidis ought to be mightily concerned that so many people failed to show interest in a cup quarter final. Had they not signed Arshavin, you wonder how many more would be voting with their feet.
All the above have overshadowed what was a lively FA Cup clash, where Arsenal were forced to work for their win. Hull ultimately paid the price for parking the proverbial bus, and weren't far off adding a second goal. Had they shown a little more ambition, a trip to Wembley was there for the taking.
Arshavin sparkled yet again, his cool assist for van Persie's equaliser indicating £15m well spent. Bendtner hustled well and gave the Hull defence an absolute raping to create the chance. Kieran Gibbs also put in another good shift. His pace, strength and tenacity ought to be giving Gael Clichy a serious challenge for his first team spot.
Once the bitter taste of last night's shenanigans is gone, we have two tasty-looking clashes in the semis to look forward to.
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4 Comments · Add yours
Has Phil Brown realised that the Premiership is not the place for him?
I think his team's direct football was sussed out in November and Bernard Mendy, good as he is, doesn't count as a Plan B. He seems to have joined Warnock, Bassett, Keegan and Sanchez on the list of moany, shouty managers who are nowhere near good enough for the world's top league.
Fabregas looks like he's about to ride past on a scooter and steal your handbag.
All parties involved have previous in the "being an arse" stakes, but both sides were clearly wound up by events on the pitch so I don't think it's a big deal really. Although everyone knows that in terms of nasty things you can do to your fellow man, spitting is one step above "Fritzl".
All Hull did was knock long balls in behind our fullbacks. When they realised that Gibbs was quicker than Fagan, and Halmosi was never going to beat Sagna, they gave up attacking and just went for set pieces.
I find the whole controversy amusing. Also, it's worth mentioning that Brown is the protege of one S. Allardyce, so anti-Arsenal moaning is only to be expected.
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