The trouble with this lockdown and having too much time to think, I often find myself wondering when, or even if, Arsenal will ever get close to replicating the kind of football teams in the past have played. The strength and discipline in the defence under George Graham, the flair, muscle and pace Arsene Wenger added to the outstanding back five he inherited, the clinical finishing of Wrighty, Anelka, Henry or the eye of a needle passing of the great Dennis Bergkamp. Just a few names who are part of my Arsenal memories. The 70’s are a blur for me because as a youngster growing up I was busy doing other things so just checking to see if we’d won was enough. As football appeared on our television screens more often, the easier it was watch Arsenal as I was never fortunate enough to watch from the stands. That came later..
But the internet is a wonderful thing, as is Sky Sports, BT Sport and more recently, Amazon Prime. As long as one tunes in two minutes before kickoff, mute the volume, make a cuppa at halftime and switch off immediately after the referee blows the final whistle that is. Watching Arsenal on television isn’t anywhere near as good as being in the stands but it’s better than nothing. Honest….
Even though Arsenal’s challenge for the League, European and domestic trophies faded, in amongst the years of drought, Arsenal played in some entertaining fixtures. The clip above is from 2011. Walcott, Santos, Gervinho. Chelsea with Terry, Lampard, Torres, Cech and Cole. Walcott was superb that day, Gervinho pretty dire as his miss early on showed. Santos was equally as poor in defence yet decent going forward. van Persie made it 27 goals in 28 games with a fine hat trick with Walcott scoring what was in my opinion, the goal of the game. I doubt RvP would agree though. An entertaining game, but a game riddled with defensive errors from both sides.
Five months later, Andre Villas-Boas was gone and in came Mourinho and Arsenal’s victories at Stamford Bridge were over. Arsenal’s victories over any club in and around the top four were few and far between too as seasons passed, especially away from home. Regardless, Arsene Wenger stood strong and remained defiant. Plus he took us to Wembley Cup Final, winning all of them. The last was the best which funny enough was against the newly crowned League champions.
Mikel Arteta was part of the team which beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in October 2011 and who’d have thought back then that he’d eventually become our manager? Not me that’s for sure yet on the 20th December 2019, he did. Just days after Man City had thumped us 3-0 at The Emirates. He had a job on his hands to improve this Arsenal squad that’s for sure and so far so good I’d say. Anyone who expected miracles though will probably be disappointed. I’m a realist though. Not even Pep or Klopp, as they seem to be footballs favourite managers, would have done any better with the group of players Mikel Arteta inherited in my opinion. Not simply because of who they are but the frame of mind they were in.
I’ve no idea where Mikel Arteta will take this Arsenal squad or the one he builds over the next few years but he certainly comes across as a man who knows what he wants to do and how to get his message through to the players. All the time not forgetting that the relationship between the club and fans needed repairing. The more Mikel Arteta talks about football and Arsenal, the more I want to listen.
Since his arrival, there’s been slow and steady signs of improvement. The players look much happier and the defence more organised. The squad isn’t balanced but hopefully that’ll change this summer as Mikel Arteta, Raul and Edu go through their first big transfer window together. They’ve certainly had plenty of time to discuss what the squad needs. Personally, I expect to see more exits than arrivals as the squad numbers and wage bill gets trimmed. But we’ll see. I’m certainly looking forward to next season.
In the meantime, football fans can only wait and see what happens with this current season. I can’t see it resuming, even more so now that the Dutch FA have brought their season to a premature end with nine fixtures to go. No promotions, no relegations and no league winners.
Go on PL and FA, do the same and put us all out of our misery. Well, nearly all…
I hope you enjoy the video clip, I did. Watching Theo run rings around Cole was great.
Stay safe guys and stay healthy…
Morning Rico 👍 Seeing Terry fall over was pretty darn special too 😂
Was an excellent result… and I think our last win at SB…
I wasn’t overly keen on Cech, so watching him pick the ball out the back of the net 5 times was great!!
Morning Sue.
A lot of funny moments in that game.
I was quite pleased when we got Cech. He had a rotten defence in front of him though. I prefer Leno nut I really want Martinez to push past him next season.
I can’t help but think he was past his best, otherwise why would they have sold him to us?!! But anyway that’s in the past…
Leon’s great and what a steal at 19m… one of the few we’d make a profit from 😂 it has to be now or never for Martinez, he’s had some really successful loan spells..
Perhaps next season will be the one which decides his future. Another ten months on the bench and I think he’ll move on. Martinez is too good to be a second keeper imo opinion.
Cech was definitely past his best..
He may end up back at Reading, Rico 😉
I wish Sue.. 😆
I don’t think there is much between them but Leno has the advantage of the shirt. Should an injury come I would have every faith in Martinez and then it would be up to Leno to dislodge him.
Morning all.
The biggest problem for Cech, imo, had nothing to do with his keeping ability, but this newly loved tactic of playing out from the bloody back.
He lost confidence, I reckon.
Leno was better with the ball at his feet-something I never thought would be the deciding factor for a keeper-got the nod and the rest is history.
Morning all.
Rico, that’s the goal where Theo fell down and hit top speed all in 2 strides, right????
One of those glimpses of world class play he was capable of on occasions.
RVP was at his very best around that time.
Bastard.
Theo had it in him, just never saw it enough. I watched reloaded – our 7-3 against Newcastle… he was superb, a real handful.. and saved his best goal till last!
As for RVP, I agree with Scott – b@#$*£d!!!
Which club is Gary Hoffman from?
I hope so Potter rather than Leno just walk back in if Martinez has performed really well. Same goes in any position.
For remember: https://blog.woolwicharsenal.co.uk/archives/21375
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52402250
Gary Hoffman
We should’ve played the spuds today!
And won Sue.
New post up now