One of the most difficult things about writing blogs is to keep things in true perspective. It requires that one understands that whilst fighting the inner emotions that are passionate and driven by the heart, there is a challenge to reconcile the facts and harsh realities that are analysed by the head. Many opinions that are driven by the immediate emotions after a game are often modified with the passage of time and the application of empathy. It is as important to plan how a collection of thoughts is going to be perceived, as much as the realisation of the impact of their content.
So it is that I sit here as many other Gooners do somewhat perplexed. The question is how to respond to the almost painful performance at the Emirates against Blackburn on Saturday. Many Gooners booed their own players, yet several of those players had not been responsible on the field for the malaise that now infects our team like a contagious virus. I can understand but not condone this response. The divisions within our club as a consequence of this illness is hitting with all the virulence of a consuming epidemic. Yet within this immediate cauldron of despair, there must be moments that make us all realise the need to put such things into perspective.
The head realises that we lost two points, and that we have few games left to make the goal of winning the title, as every step backwards means that we have to increasingly rely upon the performances of others. But the heart views this with anger knowing that the prospect of lifting that trophy has been devalued by the fact that it might now have to be earned by the labours of teams who win nothing. This frustration is added to seeing the lack of desire of some players. So even if we win the title, as remote as it seems today, it might have to rely upon the juxtaposition of events like the timing of Champions League and FA Cup fixtures.
Every team has an off day, and every game is affected by the availability or not of our best players. However, what cannot be forgiven, is the lack of pride and desire to influence our own destiny by those who are directly involved in scripting that parody that passed for a game of football on Saturday. We are the Arsenal!, the fans sing and We are the best!, but DO THE PLAYERS BELIEVE THIS? Do the players no longer understand what it means to play for the Arsenal? The tragedy of Saturday was not the complacent conviction of some players, but the fact that they wore the shirts of this great club on an occasion that was poignantly reflected by some of the banners around the Stadium.
“We are with you Japan” a touching reminder of the suffering still being experienced by that proud nation in the aftermath of the Tsunami and radiation terror. Japan, where now even the ability to watch a game of football, is hampered by the living nightmare of poverty and prospect of impending illness. Another Banner read “Rocky never forgotten…” The tenth anniversary of the death of a legend of a player who always gave his all for the club that he loved. His pride of wearing that shirt, and the passion that he displayed to show what it meant to play for Arsenal in North London derbies, God rest his soul. He would have been rolling in his grave after that draw against a final 10 men Blackburn.
I hope that when the players return to training, that they take time to reflect what they must do for the remaining eight games. Here are opportunities to prove that they have this mental strength that Arsene Wenger is so often praising them for. They earn a lot of money but wouldn’t it be good if they really earned their pay by winning all of these games? If not winning, then at least putting in worthy performances based upon the pride of playing for Arsenal Football Club and the history and heritage that this represents. Their next performances must confirm that they really understand what it means to play for Arsenal football club.
We need performances that would echo those past exploits of player legends of the club that had worn that badge before them. Performances that would reflect not just their very exclusive and almost taken for granted privilege positions as highly gifted sportsmen but also confirm the effort and desire that one should see in players having the honour to hold a very important place in the lives of many Arsenal fans the world over. But if it seems like loyal fans are being taken for granted by these very highly paid players, which in reality should not be the case, then what of Arsenal Football Club?
Can the same accusation be also made of the Club? The fans have given their all and the Club will demand more even more from their pockets, with season ticket rises and the 125th Anniversary Shirt. I know several fans who are now turning their backs on the club that they love. What steps are the club taking to ensure that these divisions are prevented from becoming civil war in the close season? There is the impression that the Club’s Board is drifting rudderless, or perhaps with no clearly stated objectives to try and bring about that unity. Do we have money to reinforce the squad? Why do we have almost two whole football teams of club players out on loan, yet not a fit decent Goal keeper to call upon?
So whilst Usmanov and Kroenke and Lady Nina decide their next moves, the club’s board remains in autopilot. Even Ivan Gazidis must rue the decision to take on this poisoned chalice. Is Arsene Wenger being asked to make too many strategic decisions that should properly be the remit of the Board? Take the rumoured prospect of an overseas commercial tour, now we hear that pre-season will be as before back to Austria. With much less prospect of earning the club much needed income. All we can do as fans until now and the end of the season is support our club, in good times as well as in bad. Let us hope that when the final whistle blows on May 22nd, we can be proud of what the team achieved what ever the final outcome.
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