So I had the misfortune of watching Rangers versus United on my own in a Leicester bar last night. It really was painful stuff. Not as painful as watching Valencia’s ankle break under his own weight, but still pretty painful.
I’m starting to wonder about this leg snapping thing that appears to happen on a regular basis. Football like any sport appears to be getting faster and more dangerous. Formula one is the same. The difference is, as formula one gets faster, safety become more stringent. Footballers, at a guess, are probably about a stone heavier than they were back in the day. They are much quicker and they are much fitter.
During this transformation, the boots have gone from a tough leather, to a piece of light flimsy plastic no stronger than one of those garden bin bags. Shin pads used to come with ankle supports and full wrap around technology. Now the players seem to opt for mini cereal box sized protectors for speed and comfort.
Now, when do the authorities step in and suggest that players boots have to offer a certain amount of protection? How many more injuries do we have to watch before it is decided shin pads are not suitable in their current form? What about ankle protection?
I appreciate it’s about freedom of choice, but sometimes authorities are there to impose rules that protect players for the greater good.
Obviously that isn’t going to stop the rash tackles. Wenger rightly didn’t come out and moan about Diaby. He’s become a bit of a laughing-stock in the media for speaking out against bad tackles. I think the boss is right to keep quiet, lets ride it out and wait for a player like Rooney to suffer at the feet of Robinson or Karl Henry. Then we’ll see the full hypocrisy of the English press bleat into action about the subject.
My worry is that if that happens, the solution will be grossly out of proportion to the problem and we might end up losing some of the spark that makes our game so popular. For me, it’s all about the referees and changing their perceptions of what a bad challenge is. Taking a few suggestions from the comments the other day, here are a few ideas that could help revolutionise the way refereeing works
1) Put referees on performance related pay. They are graded on performance by a panel independent of the FA and the referees association and paid accordingly. Is £90k a fair salary when most players earn more than that in a month?
2) Bring in foreign referees. All refs are English at the moment and that isn’t representative of the current make up of the Premier League. I find it impossible to believe that there isn’t some sort of latent prejudice in some of the decisions.
3) Make referees accountable. It’s easy to make decisions and then not have to explain them after the game. They should have to partake in a mandatory press conference after each game to explain their decisions. It takes them out of the protective bubble.
4) A strict code of conduct should be drawn up regarding the way referees interact with players. It’s always going to be easier for an English player to strike up a relationship with an English referee. I don’t like the familiarity Chelsea and Man U players have… I’m sure it’s not healthy and I’m sure it’s not conducive to good decision making. You wouldn’t expect a fair decision if a judge was hanging out in a pub with a criminal before he presided over his trial.
The solution isn’t about increasing the length of punishment for players. Anyone who thinks players make bad challenges because they’re not worried about a 3 match ban is deluding themselves. In the same way the death penalty doesn’t deter people from murder, I don’t believe 10 match bans will deter thugs like Robinson. You’ll never stop red mist moments on the football pitch.
If we want to see real change, we’ve got to change the culture and the mindset of the FA and the referees. That probably starts with convincing the media we don’t appreciate planks like Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson standing up for brutality. It’s a long old slog, but we’ll get there in the end… I just hope it’s not at the expense of another high profile leg snap.
FC Braga
Arsenal had to advertise this game for general sale in the newspapers today. Turn out isn’t expected to be as high as usual. Wenger thinks it’s because Arsenal fans are spoilt with the Champions League, I think it’s because going to Arsenal is an almighty expense whoever you are. Perhaps if we’re struggling to flog tickets, we should entice fans by giving them a free soft drink and a pie when they buy a ticket? You know… give something back?
Anyway, we’ve got Squillaci and Kozzer at the back tonight. Koz makes his Champions League debut, Squillaci is an experienced pro and ex-fianlist with Monaco. Diaby won’t be available, so I’m half expecting to see Denilson make a return to the side, though I’d prefer to see Jack Wilshere in there. I’ve read a lot of hysteria about Denilson in the last week, I think people seem to forget that Denilson has never been a bad passer of the ball. His problem is mental attitude, pace and physique. If he improves in those areas, I think he’s a better player than Song.
Chamakh will continue up front and as far as I know, the team shouldn’t differ too much from the one that dismantled Bolton.
Tonight, we can’t be complacent. Braga (From Portugal if you were wondering) are making their debut in the Champions League, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to be a pushover. United played terribly last night because they didn’t take Rangers seriously. We can’t afford to drop points at home and it wouldn’t surprise me if we had the Rubin Kazan of the Champions League in our group! It’d all be a little too easy otherwise, wouldn’t it?
I expect us to fly at them in the first half and hopefully we can keep a clean sheet. It’s a steep learning curve for the new boy at the back, but I sense his confidence is growing with every game and he doesn’t seem to let mistakes get him down. Kind of like the defensive version of Adebayor… keep plugging away until you get it right (Ignore what happened when he got it right)!
That’s the great thing about our first team this year. We’ve got more of that winning attitude. Chamakh, Vermaelen, Kozzer, Jack, Sagna and Cesc are all people you’d want on your team if you were going into battle… hopefully that’ll rub off on some of the others and we can make a real go of it this year in the Champions League!
Enjoy the warmth as well… it won’t be long before a Wednesday night game require long johns and a half time cup of something hot (I know, the shame…).
Have a great evening Grovers!
Braga Factfile:
- Braga signed 16 players this summer. Quim and George Lucas are my favourites.
- They were the proud winners of the 2008 Inter Toto Cup
- Their stadium is known as the Quarry
- Their fans are known as the Arsenalistas due their kit switch in the 1920′s that was similar to Arsenal.
- Their top scorer last year was Albert Ze Meyong with 11 goals
P.S. Congratulations to long time Grover Bud on the birth of his Baby daughter, Jessica-Rose! She’s probably already rocking an Arsenal kit!
Honest,
It was a ‘what if’ type of question.
I didn’t know you spoke Spanish Micky….
Do you think Wilshere would have got the chances he has gotten if Ramsey wasn’t injured? Looking to when Fab4 finally leaves, a midfield of Wilshere and Ramsey is gonna be great.
Oh ok sorry, my bad.
In that case i would be delighted that it’s not me who has to choose. haha, just imagine, selection headaches at Arsenal.. We can but drream
Imagining a fit RVP is a temporary state. The moment will pass.
Ajg
How about ALL OF THEM in the same team. Both are WAY OFF CESC’S level anyway.
As for Wilshere, probably not.
Hmmm my comments are disappearing. I suspect Tony Attwood.
I didn’t know you spoke Spanish Micky… (re: 22.26)
zeus.. Of course they are way off Cesc’s level. It’s easy to forget how long Fabregas has been a regular starter
We haven’t won at Sunderland for the last two years.
Its going to be a tough game.
Its a pity Eastmond doesn’t look like being on the same level then we’d have a midfield of three great young british players who could play for years together.
Speaking of Fabregas.
He looks decidedly shifty since the whole Barcelona thing.
Van Persie and Chamakh, they found it difficult to deal with Adebayor and Van Persie a couple of years ago.
Though we’re probably end up using 5 in midfield and one of them up front, I’d still go for Van Persie.
At the moment we won’t have Van Persie, Bendtner, or Walcott.
QoS,
Very good
Sheepish is a better word
AJG – We could still get Frimpong in.
I have a dark and mysterious past with a cupboard so full of skeletons that the door has become uncloseable! Speaking Spanish is but a small part of the rich tapestry that is MDI89.
I actually prefer both Vela and Chamakh over RVP in terms of mobility, pace and movement.
RVP is just incredibly efficient and solid though when fit and once he builds momentum, scores every type of goal.
Wilshere for me is the spark though, the really significant difference between this year and last. The balance he brings is invaluable.
Well, looks like its goodnight from him as well.
Goodnight.
I’m very much liking our new signings thus far.
A very pleasant start to the season. Sunderland will be tough, but three points up there (that we didn’t pick up last season) would be a very welcome sight.
Night Micky.
Has anyone seen Mullers goal tonight? Fucking beautiful finish from outside the box. Like Henrys landmark goal against…Sparta something? Dont remember who it was against.
RVP takes a while to get going and almost inevitably get injured when he’s on top form.
*Sparta Prague.
QoS @ 22:23, we played Sunderland away after an international break last season. I remember because it was our first match without VP and we lost.
That’s right Stu – i remember now. Hopefully no hangovers at Sunderland.
Fantastic
Wonderfull
Well done you gunners
watching the highlights now
I hope Wilshere doesnt make it.
Well Done Arsenal
I know the plums on ITV could only point out that it was only Braga but hey you have to beat the team in front of you, and if you cant enjoy the show when they do it in such style then when can you enjoy it.
Wilshire, Arshavin, Chamakh and Cesc stood out for me
And what a cameo by Vela. The boy is special and his finishing is surely the best at the club.
Oh and Almunia looked comfortable and confident and did what was required when required. Hopefully he can do it in the big games.
And Squilacci and Kosser looked good. Far more reassuring that playing the likes of Silvestre.
Well Done Arsenal, that was class.
anybody that bashes clichy as far as tonights game is concerned is only looking for what is not missing…..will show completely class of bias as he was ok…just did ok for the game and nothing more.
DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE THE MATCH CAN BE RE-WATCHED IN IT’S ENTIRETY ONLINE?
Fucking hell. Very Henry-esque indeed. Henry had more swerve to it though….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWqv3W096fM
The only thing with Vela now, is he has to score when we are 1-0 down or tied. Its a little too easy for him when we are 3/4-0 up already.
At least the last 2 games opens up his appetite for goals and gives him confidence again.
Mexico int friendlies be damned for now.
We Are GOONS
Can’t believe Ronaldo has failed to score this season already. Has he?
Was anyone shocked at how deep Wilshires voice was ? Never heard him before, sounds a bit odd.
I can see why they call him Big Jack now.
wilshere is a future legend. he reminds me of cesc when started playing for us
Because the seasons started well its gonna be a proper love in tomorrow, which is a shame.
Questions still need to be asked.
You make everyone sound soo fickle, what questions wouldn’t they ask that they would’ve otherwise ?!
zeus the game is on now
Ok, so Mullers goal wasnt outside the box. Still a great finish though.
Keyser, im disappointed in you. Wilshere gave an interview after the youths beat liverpool in the FA cup final. Cant believe you hadnt heard his voice until now. And you cann yourself a fan!
on FSC
*call!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stu I’m dissapointed in you. Cann?
oh u changed it
(1)Sell RVP. (Sorry Robin its business not personal, I will always love you)
(2)Use the money to double Fab4′s wages. Lets see how his DNA stands up to that.
Wooohooo!! I just watched the whole game in a giant lecture hall listening to some boring fuck speak about the black american culture.
BOOM! What a fucking game! Anyone else though Song was monstrous tonight??? Nasri was pretty good as well apart from the obvious Cesc, Chamakh and Wilshere masterclass. Once RvP and Walcott get back we’ll be spoit…not to mention Aaron Ramsey. Denilson who?
Oh and a shout out for Koscielny, a sharper tackler of the ball I haven’t seen in my life. Doesn’t miss anything on the ground and hard as nails to boot. Extremely pleased with him. It’s games like these where I feel maybe Wenger does know.
Football is my life
Arsenal are my religion
Wenger is my god. Just kidding, we all know it’s Bendtner.
RvP almost has Arsenal DNA
TonyS? Does the S stand for Shit?
sxx
No Fsc. Only have the Max pak. Flow u CUNTS.
sixxpac, that’s comment’s worse than Jaguar’s puns.
Tony
Thats just nonsense. RVP is one of the best forwardsin the world when fit. His setup for Theo Vs Blackburn was something Chamakh is not capable of.
Yes he ill be injured 1/2 the time, but when he is fit, he is damn good. And now we have someone that can lead the line when he is out. FINALLY.
Keep em all.
I should have fucking known you were around Sixx Pac. I only make mistakes when you’re about.
Chamakh doesn’t come close to RvP in terms of actual link-up play, passing and intelligence. RvP can carry the team on his own. Chamakh needs service.
I don’t see the problem though. Play them both.
He deserved it Rohan. What a sad comment Tony. I pray u were only joking
RVP is much better, that said, if hes injured half of this season he has to go.
IF Van Persie is sold then its pretty much guarenteed that he will never get injured again.
rohan
but chamacks work rate looks better….coupled with his headers..
not saying he is better but the competition is competitive between them…not like one is vastly better…like am bendtner is better than pele
I hear Bendtner is on his way back. He should give Chamakh some real competition. I like the fact that we have Walcott, Bendtner, Nasri, Diaby, Rosicky, Vela, Denilson all competing for a couple of positions.
Stu – His voice might not have broken by then, can’t really remember.
Bendy to give Chamakh competition. Lol. I like Nick but he’s behind Walcott and Vela at the mo
The odds of Chamakh, RvP, Bendtner all being fit are very small atleast for us. Having 3 top choices to play CF can only be a good thing. I’d like to see us swtich to a 4411 at times though pushing Cesc a bit back so that RvP and Chamakh can both play centrally.
He’s far ahead of Vela and Walcott imo. Neither of them have made really significant contributions over the course of a season. People seem to forget that Bendtner had something like a 1:1 goal to game ratio at a point last season where he was the reason that the title race lasted as long as it did.
Not to mention Nicklas Bendtner is a fucking god.
That’s it from me. Just wanted to spread some Pinky love out there..it’s been missing for a while since I stopped posting regularly.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VT_VLTeYRg&fs=1&hl=en_US]
Chamakh works tirelessly, but that doesn’t mean he’s as effective as Van Persie, Van Persie works pretty hard to but he’s far more incisive when he gets the ball.
He’s probably got the quickest feet and the best execution in the team.
There is no way in hell I think Chamakh is better than RVP. – Was just trying to emphasise how important I think Fabregas is.
Of course irony does not come across well on the net
If I was RVP I would never, ever go in for a 50/50 tackle for the rest of my career, which was pretty much what TH14 used to do.
Who’s scored the fastest ever goal in the history of the premiership after coming on as a sub?
That’s right, Nicklas Bendtner.
RvP on fire is easily among the top 5 players in the world imo.
Chamakh vs. Rvp?
Rvp has more technical skill, a much better shooting foot, can take free kicks and PKs, and pick out a pass. Chamakh has way superior fitness, physical presence, an excellent head and good link up play. His work rate is absolutely tireless and way better then Robin. If RVp is the flashy Maser that breaks down often, Chamakh is a workhorse Benz.
bendtner behind theo and vela?!
different positions, all being fit there’s not a chance in hell of vela nor theo starting ahead of bendy as the central man, but both of them would probably start wide ahead of bendy, certainly theo.
chamakh is a great team player but isn’t close to vp
Good to see you, A. How you been?
No one is saying Chamakh is better than RVP, but perhaps his work rate from the front (which helps our defence), and physical presence gives us that little bit extra.
yeah good rohan, yourself?
you starting school soon?
think he already has A
obviously mean uni when i say school – i was trying to speak the american lingo….
Yeah I think he already has A
Cal Berkley Me think
yep, A..been almost a month actually…lot of fucking work. being an electrical engineering plus econ/stat/applied math double major is not a fucking joke.
actually no one really calls it school here, it’s college.
oh, and I just ordered a giant Arsenal poster with club badge for my room. That should get the chicks: Do you want to see the cannon in my room??
Sixx
I think thats exactly what he meant.
Zeus the game is on now on fox soccer plus…..
longer highlights
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoJxu85jspU&fs=1&hl=en_GB]
Great game last night. Looking forward to the write-up & ratings. Who will it be.. Geoff / Pedro???
Morning/evening grovers. Great win last night, Wilshere is looking more and more like the player his potential promises.
agree on the fact the bendtner is a god!
I’ll put £20 on it being Pedro.
Morning btw.
My head hurts.
You’re both right, it’s Pedro, but I edited it and am now posting, so new post!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xe7z82OA3Io
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SkuqCtiTnk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ6GzmrGHOY