Guest post by Arsenal Andrew (aka @luckietwit)
What a wonderful game we saw played in Brighton at the weekend by two teams equally deserving of much credit, sandwiched as it was between the thug-fest of the earlier kick-off in the semi-deserted Potteries and the passionless snore-fest at Old Trafford. Great calls by the local broadcasters, there, by the way.
That Arsenal’s Great Well of Potential is finally being recognised more widely is to be welcomed. That Arsene continues to attract more than a little doubt on a wider level continues to bemuse this observer, at least. That Arsene will likely only win back the doubters with significant trophy-based success over successive seasons (just to prove it’s not a one-off) is quite possibly the bottom line in all of this.
The last time I had a chance to write at any length was on A Cultured Left Foot just ahead of the opening of the Transfer Window. Much water has passed under the bridge and some old friends have departed in regrettable circumstances, at least from the pages of ACLF. But the two things that remain from my last ramble seem to be the need for at least two decent additions to the squad and there are grounds for optimism that in Diame, we may yet secure a beast of a cover for Diaby – all 6′ 1″ of him – and in A N Other, a back up for a Centre Forward berth that will require immense talent to dislodge the resident immense talent of our very own Olivier, coming good now in a way that delights the faithful and surprises the doubters.
That Arsenal’s support base can now be easily recognised as falling into two camps – the doubters and the delighted – is clearly a simplistic notion. But there is some merit in this construct although I’ve little doubt myself that the doubters are as delighted as the next fan with a good goal, an improved performance, and a win, be it scrappy or spectacular. But the temporal nature of these more positive vibes in the minds of the doubters can scarcely be disguised let alone denied. Until such victories turn into winning runs leading to trophies (plural, mind), one anticipates little chance of change, on this front at least.
In the overall scheme of things – so what? Does this even matter – supporters, we are often told, have always criticised their players and the team, critiqued the manager and his directors?
Well, I think it DOES matter.
I get that fans should in theory be free to support their chosen team as they see fit and I’m all for healthy debate – is player X being played out of position, should player W have passed or shot – this is the meat and drink of following football and I’ve never had a problem with it.
The problems emerge when the atmosphere around the club is such that banners become unfurled at games that lead to violence in the crowd.
The problems emerge when players can’t begin the difficult journey back from injury or loss of form without the accompanying castigation by a vocal sector, united in a refusal to recognise the challenging nature of that same journey.
The problems emerge when decent, honourable and faithful supporters are blocked from blogs having been so wound up by the provocation and sometimes baseless barbs of some of the doubters that they have veered over the line of acceptable debate, in the eyes of those who matter.
Until Arsenal win – and win well – these problems, which are reflected throughout ArsenalWorld, will remain.
And for this writer, the divisions within the support at large are as tragic as they are damaging.
Tragedy is not a word to be used lightly but it’s how the fragmentation of the Arsenal Tribe might currently be described. We are all fans of the club, but not of each other, it would seem.
I hope Arsene finds his men. Whether it’s one, two or even three players matters little to me. I’d love us to win a trophy though my support for the club is not contingent upon this. What I’d love more is for the doubters to rediscover their faith and get back behind the club and its players and staff 100%. Maybe we need a small miracle to help that happen?
The sight of fan fighting fan – with actions or words – is something I’d happily never again see. Healthy debate, for sure. But the crossing of the line into the abuse of players – and each other – is something I find intolerable regardless of perpetrator, regardless of victim.
I’m not blaming either side for this although I know which side of the supporting fence I stand. It’s a consequence of sky high expectations dashed on the rock of financial reality, in my opinion. What that ‘reality’ actually comprises will continue to be the subject of much future debate, I’ve little doubt.
It’s a bit late for New Year wishes I know, but maybe I’m just holding out for a small miracle here. If Arsene can get the team back together, who knows, maybe the rest of the tribe will follow.
Arsenal still have the potential to be the biggest club in the world. In my biased eyes, they already are the best. But the next time anyone thinks about knocking the club or their fellow supporters – regardless of which side of the fence they sit – it might be worth remembering this.
If we ARE to become the biggest AND the best, we will only do it as one. And with ALL our cannons in a row.
The responsibility for such unity rests with each of us. Passionate debate by all means. But the continuous running down of players and the club with ever-more diverse weapons of mass distraction are doing none of us any favours.
If we are ever to start to win our biggest battles as a club, then, one day, our fighting – as fans – has to come to an end.
And that’s one day that can’t come too soon, for this fan.
Positively Arsenal 
Is it even possible to make such a decision? On current form maybe Ramsey. Our best player in that position is Arteta I think. But my (and it seems Mr. Wenger’s as well) favourite has gotta be Diaby
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while we are at it,
http://www.arsenal.com/news/ladies-news/ladies-to-play-friendly-at-boreham-wood
give the ladies a chance! ( i have been to their champs league games in lyon and potsdam, and will certainly go to london if they make it to the final. can you imagine, Arsenal and Arsenal Ladies in the champs league finals?)
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korihikage if we were on twitter i would retweet you, if you held the flag id follow you , if you were standing for office id vote for you great speech
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arse or brain
thanks… probably the effect of a couple of glasses of wine though!
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Brilliant Korihikage!
I’ll have what you’re drinking!
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AA
a riesling actually. the germans got three things right: beer, riesling and players who can bloody shoot (look at poldi)
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Thanks Andrew & Frank, my last great idea (ashtrays on motorbikes) got laughed out of town.
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What’s the blog equivalent of seeing two beauties at once? And will I need Viagra?
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Beautifully written as ever Andrew.
I have to say that those who try to castigate both ‘extremes’ as being the same and just as bad as each other really get my goat though. One extreme is extremely vocal and passionate in it’s support for the club and the other is full of hatred for the team and club they pretend to support.
There is no similarity between the two, whatsoever and pretending to be reasonable by suggesting otherwise is an entirely unreasonable position for someone calling themselves a fan.
OK, carry on.
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Good job on here George! Keep it up. I’ve always try to find the positive even in the most negatives of situation for AFC. I do question some of Arsene’s decisions but I think most AFC fans takes it too far to the extent of calling him names and calling for his head. I will always adore and respect the man for everythg he has done and will not use any abusive word(s) on him irrespective of my OPINION on any of his decisions. I always wish him to be the one to bring the next trophy to our cabinet. There is only one ARSENE WENGER!!
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Well said. Thanks for this.
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First blog post I could be bothered to read for some time and it was well worth it. Excellent work Andrew. And can I just say hear, hear Steww – I was going to quote my favourite part, but it would have been the whole comment! Nothing more to add really.
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Excellent post, Andrew.
This part hits on how I feel about it.
“The responsibility for such unity rests with each of us. Passionate debate by all means. But the continuous running down of players and the club with ever-more diverse weapons of mass distraction are doing none of us any favours.
Exactly, it is the continous moaning and disrespect that drains the heck out of me. Worst of all, most of the times people don’t have all the details but keep carry on about it.
I actually don’t agree with only supporting on match days in the Stadium. Not that you cannot say what you want but we support every day. If we moan all live long day, I don’t buy that support will be at its best on matchday. No marching and all that.
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How are you!
I have really missed you. I hope all is well!
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I have missed you too, Steww!! How is everything with you?
I agree!
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I agree with Stew
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..and I agree with Passenal
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..and I agree with Paul N
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Ashtrays on motorbikes?? you are a frickin’ genius Sir.
I understand what you are saying there Steww. See I never thought it was “extreme” to be vocal and passionate about your support anyway. If that makes you an extremist then I guess I’m happy to be an extremist where the Arsenal are concerned. That’s what it’s all about for me. We support the greatest club in the world after all. It’s not perfect (what is) but it’s near as dammit.
I don’t object to criticism of the manager or the club’s hierarchy either (I happen to believe AW is a genius and maverick, and am baffled that anyone would be blind to this but that’s by the by) it all depends on the nature of that criticism and the spirit in which it is offered. All the politics and the endless talk of finance, wage bills, balance sheets and profit margins (ugh) are in danger of sucking the joy out if it though. It’s becoming seriously tedious. And misery, like most afflictions, is contagious.
Anyway, enough of my rubbish. Here’s to Wednesday. Should be a cracking match. Can’t wait.
COYG.
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Wow, to see you back again! You have been sorely missed. Welcome back!
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so do I Frank
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Marvellous
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Something very impressive has happened. George, Andrew.. what stars you are.
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I want to echo the thoughs of those that are showing the same surprise as I am at being labeled as an extremist in recent times for what I think should be the modus operandi of a supporter.
If supporting your club and trying to have a positive outlook on it is considered extremism, I am truly baffled why that’s considered to be something bad and why that shouldn’t be the prevailing opinion in the Arsenal community.
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Good job on here George! Keep it up. I’ve always try to find the positive even in the most negatives of situation for AFC. I do question some of Arsene’s decisions but I think most AFC fans takes it too far to the extent of calling him names and calling for his head. I will always adore and respect the man for everythg he has done and will not use any abusive word(s) on him irrespective of my OPINION on any of his decisions. I always wish him to be the one to bring the next trophy to our cabinet. There is only one ARSENE WENGER!
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What I detest is when someone shifts his position simple because times get hard.Then tries to justify their new position and attacks those that are holding theirs.Nothing ,absolutely nothing has changed for the worse about the club of late. In fact with our improved financial position ,thing can only get better.
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@George
I think that’s a very good p. Most Arsenal supporters I value have been holding the same ground for the past 5 or even more years. But some people have shifted theirs and that somehow means that those people that have been consistent in their opinion for years are now suddenly extremists. I don’t really see the logic behind it, could anyone maybe try and explain it to me?
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Totally agree with u George
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Not only has nothing changed for the worse, but this squad has greatness in it. I love just turning up to watch them play. They really are growing into something very special.
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…btw I still have dozens of boxes of chocolate legs from Christmas if anyone is interested.
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I dont think enough has been made of the clubs efforts to secure the young stars .Six of them,thats more than half a team,have committed to the long haul.The prospect of Jack ,Aaron and Alex as the midfield is just about as mouth watering as it gets.Add The young goal keeper with Theo and Ryo out wide .We could witness the sort of team Barca currently have.
Bold talk I know .But I see the possibility at very least.
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..and Kieran and Carl
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How do we get to ‘older comments’, George?
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You are right, George. I also believe we have the makings of a great team. I believe we are witnessing a golden generation at Arsenal. You have not even mentioned some of the reserve players who are obvioulsy quite talented and those who are out on loan like Chuke Aneke (that kid can play). I still have very high hopes for Frimpong also.
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and his twin brother Chuks.
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Oh its the little fly at the top and the bottom. I tried to flit it away and then I tried to scratch it off. Now I get it…thanks
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@Frank
a very small arrow to the right at the top and bottom of the comments.
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Serge Gnabry, Tomas Eisfeld, Jernade Meade and Nic Yennaris have all looked very exciting too
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I was just going to tell you how to do it Frank ,honest I was.
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Are Chuks and Chuke conjoined twins, Paul N? Joined in every part of their body except that one is right footed and the other is left footed and so the only perceptible part of their conjoinedness is they can kick equally well with both feet. Same with the Cazorla twins.
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I think it is very fly-like, George, and now I have stopped fiddling with it..I like it, thanks. You are a technical genius.
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if this blog is gonna be a blog for the positive extremists, so be it.
it’s about some f**king time the people with real guts have got their own space.
WEAKLINGS who lap up ALL THE SHIT the media shove down your throat, go to le grove or whichever blog u have managed to take over.
this place is for people who back the f**king club through thick and thin.
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we positive extremists need to be heard, so f**king journos, come here, and you will see that 99% of gooners back their club. you are just focusing on the 1% weaklings, who certainly do the saying ’empty vessels make the most noise’ proud.
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Exactly right, Frank. I just could not explain it as well as you have. They are going to tear the PL up.
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Paul,
i don’t know if we are seeing a golden generation or not. frankly, it doesnt matter, does it? there are certainly some promising players in the club. but whether they make it, whether they stay on at Arsenal, Arsenal will always remain.
i admit, sometimes it can get frustrating, especially when you know the result, the performance doesnt reflect the quality of the team.
i do feel that the team is quite decent as it is. who do we need to sign in this transfer window? Confidence and Luck.
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I have said this before ,but I truly believe it,I Have never met an intelligent person who did not believe Arsene is the right man for the job.
Of course there may be exceptions ,but I doubt it
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Positive extremists? I like that.
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Kori, I have felt that for quite a while but no, it does not matter.
I am not bothered by new signings, I do think Villa would be good.. He is player that has done it all and could show the current players the way. Apart from that, what I want if for the team to just continue to grow because I think we are onto something special.
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Paul,
personally i don’t like Villa nor any player at barcelona since that whole debacle ( u noe wad i am talking about). i do remember in 2007 or so, while he was still at valencia, wishing that he would come to Arsenal. alot has happened since then.
but if he were to come, i would be willing to bury the hatchet, not that it would matter one bit.
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Paul,
i dream of the day Arsenal will dominate football for generations because of the decisions made in our lifetime.
I dream of the day my children will tell me they are thankful that they are born Arsenal fans, that they will only enjoy the good times because we have gone through the difficult times for them.
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