This weekend was exciting for the Premier League, and what is clear is that the media still has it’s in built prejudice against Arsenal. We conceded a four nil lead over Newcastle, and the headlines initially shouted “Arsenal throw away a 4-nil lead” This was a fluke result, never in the history of the Premier League had a team returned from such a deficit. Yet looking at the game as a whole, the sending off of Diaby, after the horror tackle from Joey Barton contributed heavily to the outcome. If Joey Barton gets a bad injury sometime in the next couple of seasons, I wonder if there will be any sympathy for him. Barton is a reformed personality, even as dislikeable as he remains, he is full of passion for his team. My opinion is that Barton went in to injure Diaby, it was a totally reckless, and uncontrolled tackle and even though he contacted the ball first, there was no way that he could have prevented a possible career ending injury. Add to this a ridiculous penalty decision from Phil Dowd, followed by an amazing left footed volley from 25 yards out which found the goal inches from the far post, the real result should have been 4-2.
As Jack Wilshere pointed out in his deleted tweet, Arsenal were victim to “inconsistent refereeing” what is the difference between Geordie captain raising his hands and shoving Diaby in the chest followed by wrestling Szczesny to the ground with a head lock after a penalty where Newcastle cannot kick off? It is the side that concedes the goal that retains possession, so in my analysis, Phil Dowd should have given yellow cards to Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan, followed by a second yellow to Nolan for his aggression towards the keeper. But remember we are the Arsenal, so everything we suffer is reported in such a way as to humiliate the club, we are disliked because Arsene Wenger is seen as arrogant, blind and unwilling to blame his players. Yet Alex Ferguson can boycott speaking to parts of the media, and he still gets hailed as the messiah.
Yes Man United lost, but no headlines to humiliate like “Man United throw away a one goal lead” or “Man United capitulate to the bottom club” No, it’s Wolves end Man United’s unbeaten run…So remember Gooners, we are alone in support of our club, so keep the faith and let’s show the rest of the Arsenal hating world, that we are the best. I am proud of the lads, and we will still win the Premier League, this season, despite the concession of two points at St James’s Park.
On another topic, The News of the World reported that Wenger has nominated his successor, which is amazing. Will this be Arsene’s number two next season? Dragan Stojkovic, the current coach at Japanese side Grampus 8, the same club that gave us Arsene Wenger, apparently is from the same mindset. Attacking football with many passes. The Serbian ex player of Red Belgrade went to Grampus 8 in 1994 and following a good 7 year career, he returned to manage them in 2008. He has kept in regular contact with Arsene Wenger, and received plaudits for taking Grampus to their first J-League title and receiving the coveted J-League manager of the year. Interesting times. I’m off to hit the redial button for my Carling Cup tickets.. So keep the faith my Gooners. Arsenal will triumph!.
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