A post by @Swales1968
How many of the fifty five thousand Arsenal supporters that will be at the Emirates to watch the opening game of the season against Crystal Palace could be called “loyal supporters”? How many would turn up if Arsenal were in the position that West Ham or Aston Villa find themselves in season after season. Their main objective is to avoid relegation, a good cup run will treated as a second team try out and a hindrance at the expense of three points on a Saturday
So how many supporters would there be?
I started going to watch Arsenal in 1976. Attendances were good then at around thirty thousand, if memory serves me right. (If this figure is incorrect I am sorry)
In the early nineteen eighties regularly, there would be figures of sixteen to twenty thousand. On one snowy night just over fourteen thousand turned up. Yes the standard of football was poor, we were cheering when an Arsenal player had a shot, it didn’t matter that it missed, someone had a shot.
It was the period just after “Chippy Brady” went to Italy, and if you think the Dutch skunk RVP’s move to Manure was bad, it was no where near as bad as Frank Stapleton’s move in the same direction. This was the start of the bad feeling between the two clubs, reports at the time said that at the following Arsenal V Manure game at Highbury that the Arsenal board refused the normal hospitality given to opposition boards. I think this was just hearsay because the one thing that Arsenal have always been good at is to rise above such petty things (personally though, I would love to know it was true)
Anyway, I digress. Attendances? How many of those fifty five thousand would have turned up thirty years ago. Nowhere near the fifty-five to sixty thousand Arsenal get today. Expectations were lower, could Arsenal have a good cup run, could Arsenal qualify for the EUFA cup? Win the league; you’re having a laugh, not the league. It was the same level of expectation that a Spurs supporter has now.
Would the Arsenal fans standing on the old NorthBank and ClockEnd get at the players the way Eboue and Ramsey were got at by fans? NO, we laughed, please don’t get me wrong, we wanted to win, we wanted the best players. We were even happy for a game or two when Lee Chapman signed. (And for all those who think Wenger has signed the worst duds they really need to look up Mr Chapman’s career at Arsenal)
Of today’s supporters and their expectation from Arsenal, I think maybe ten to twenty thousand would be bothered to turn up if Arsenal were in the same situation as Aston Villa or West Ham. There would be more attending than fifteen thousand attending as younger fans that have no chance of getting tickets today would be able to attend.
The atmosphere would be better as these younger voices would get behind the team. The people attending would be going because they love “The Arsenal” and will go whatever position the club find themselves in.
The signs were there a couple of seasons back, attendance figures stopped being read out at the matches, people stopped attending matches even though they had already paid for their tickets and this was in a season when Arsenal finished forth(again)
This is what Arsene Wenger has done to the majority of the supporters, he has raised expectations. He has moved the club forward, a huge leap forward. And today’s supporters expect trophies, demand trophies, forth is seen as a failure without a trophy. That’s why I believe only around ten to fifteen thousand out of the fifty five thousand would be bothered to attend if Arsenal were in the same situation as Aston Villa. Fans only seem to be loyal if a trophy is on its way.
Yes, Yes, Yes, what about the eight seasons without a trophy, I can see the replies now. Look at my inbox hundreds of replies from fans saying “I stayed loyal during this period; I paid for my season ticket which went up when Arsenal wasn’t winning anything. It was a disgrace that it took that long to win something”.
During the eight seasons without winning a trophy, Arsenal have been playing Champions League Football, finished in the top four every season, they have not been relegated like West Ham they have not struggled season after season like Aston Villa have done on a very regular basis.
In the early eighties the fans’ expectations were a cup run and/or qualify for the lowest ranked European competition the EUFA cup. Clubs like Aston Villa or West Ham don’t even have these expectations in today’s league; their only aim is SURVIVAL
Under Wenger Arsenal have won trophies, qualified regularly for the Champions League and are now after a period of belt tightening and careful spending are spending again.
So the question I am asking is: –
WOULD YOU GO TO WATCH ARSENAL IF SURVIVAL WAS THE ONLY TARGET?
Positively Arsenal 
“June”? = “the”.
Goddamn autocorrecting dictator. I blame Pravda, Newscorp. and that Scrooge Vengaaaaaaaaaaargggghhhhhhhhh for my inability to spell.
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heh fins…throw!!!! …ill catch with my feet…
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Haha @ Anicoll5. I take it I’m not allowed a smiley?
Finsbury: That’s a good theory. It’s not like we lump the ball up for Giroud to head it down to a smaller game. His bulk and strength come into play when he’s running with the ball or when he’s looking to play a pass in for someone.
Diaby or a similar physique player would be better suited to drive from midfield perhaps. I don’t know though. I just can’t see Wenger using Sanchez as a lone striker against the more gifted teams. I love Giroud and think he’d do well for the team. But what the flip do I know. I knew, absolutely knew that Chris Wreh was going to be the second coming.
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Or an Uncle Fester impersonator ?
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Are you referring to The Wreh man’™ George? Never seen Uncle Fester do any natty backflips just for man’s laughs.
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So Carl to West Ham?
Well Fat Sam will surely improve the defensive side of his game. I do hope he comes back next year.
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Hunter, hehe! We don’t expect him to be dribbling like the three year old Baggio when he is at the same age but we are hoping that he will have moved on from playing catch (and learning how to say “ball”!) by the time he may or may not decide to join a football team…
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Els I was thinking about the defending from set pieces etc. too.
–
George meant Fester = Jonjo!
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Was hoping CJ would go on loan to Swansea or Southampton, they do play serious football. But he could get more games in E.London (?) and there may also be other reasons that influenced his decision. Rumour wrote that West Ham have an option to buy, we shall see.
Biggus Sammus is drooling over the prospect of Jenks slingshotting over crosses to his new striker. Right now he’s watching replays of that early and crucial goal in the Hull home game and rubbing his blubber with glee.
Gazprom Away 3-5
Munchen Away 0-2
Liverpool FA Cup Home 2-1
The unbelievably epic debut against di Natale’s Udinese.
Etc.
Jenkinson’s had some big games for the Arsenal.
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Finsbury Oooohh Yeah.
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Some are reporting an option to buy. I hope not.
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Haha. Uncanny. Looks like Kojak to me. Jojak. Only that’s not insulting enough really.
George I really hope that’s not true. You can’t buy what Jenkinson has. This sounds cruel but we could take advantage of Jenkinson’s love or the club. He would be happy with 10-15 games a season for the rest of his life. Can’t think of a better second choice right back in the league. Maybe Sagna, ha!
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That the one Fins. I would have done that but I dont know how to copy and paste pictures.
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It’s not the most important skill George!
The West Ham loan could work out for Jenkinson if they have guaranteed him the games. IMO because of his previous path he’s now at a stage where he does need to play, it doesn’t matter who for. We saw the consistency when he covered for the maimed Sagna. If he wants to stay at the Arsenal he just needs to show what he learnt from the F Word, a crap/unprofessional attitude on and off the pitch for the last few months of his time there (not as bad as the F Word then). Job done! Heh.
You don’t mess with the Law.
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I suppose there are a couple of players we’ve had from a young age have gone out on loan and made it. Aren’t there? Jack and Song I can think of.
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Those that don’t make it usually make it elsewhere at some level. But you need some luck. Aneke could have interesting progress, I hope. Lansbury and all Forest fans and players are unlucky to be managed by the bitter buffoon Pearce, again.
Miquel also was unlucky at Leicester. I guess that they promised him some minutes and then kept him as cover during their push to win the league.
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gunner_getcha: “First of all there’s no such thing as a defender that doesn’t make mistakes. Koscielny gives away too many penalties and Merty can be, well clumsy at times. Occassionally getting his legs tangled in amongst various limbs all over the pitch. Saying that I love them both. It’s the best pairing we’ve had since Adams and Keown. Hummels makes mistakes, mainly distribution and the odd slip of concentration. However last season he didn’t have Subotic. Am I right in thinking he would be first choice? I think that Subotic does a lot more that the Greek bloke and allows Hummels more time.”
I never said no one makes mistakes. What I said is Hummels is good for a clanger or two every game. He has a habit of dropping his concentration, then ends up giving the ball away in a dangerous position or leaves his man completely unmarked, thus gifting the opposition chances against the run of play.
Hummels not having Subotic beside him is no excuse for his mistakes. Like I said at the beginning of my argument with Hunter: David Luiz and Mats Hummels are donkeys. For all the millions they cost I prefer Djourou. Djourou is the leader of the tightest defence in Europe, he has played in the Premiership and he has vast Champions League experience.
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Ashley is the classic “went out on loan” and returned to glory Els
He went to Palace and played a lots of football – when he came back Silvinho’s little (ahem) passport irregularity allowed him in the first team and he never looked back. He came back “ready” to play – that was the killer.
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Great game today. The second goal was little short of miraculous. Crowd were buzzing throughout.
A little surprised at the timing of the substitution but wtf do I know? Brilliant decision it turned out.
To think of who we had on the bench and some not even in today’s squad… Marvellous!
Penalty? Probably. We’ll get some go our way no doubt at some point and winning is what matters – 3 points in the bag, that’ll do.
Ok I made it up but it’ll fit well at some point in the season (will copy paste it when appropriate to prove how clever and what a prophet I am) much better than speculation and chat about who should shouldn’t play or should shouldn’t have been bought… Hurry the fuck up season and start, I say.
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hunter:
i have to disagree with you about jack wilshere.
modric is 28 now and was a nobody when he was 22, clearly jack is winning in that respect. modric is amongst the best in the world right now – i agree with you on that.
if wilshere can become as good as modric? hell yeah.
will he? we dont know..but all the signs indicate he will get there.
when fabio capello says he is the best young player he had ever seen, i expect no one else to pass comments on his potential. full stop. 🙂
james rodriguez is the hot thing right now and rightly so but you sir of all the people i expect would contain the superlatives on a player based on one good year.
everyone can be a cristiano ronaldo..cristiano proved that already. but only a few ever become that.
in 2008, i honestly expected fabregas to become one of the top 5 midfielders in my generation..is he there yet? i dont think so..can he still get there? ofcourse he can.
it irks some of us when you talk down on one of the arsenal players..why you ask? because we love arsenal. 😐
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http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/the-ox-posts-instagram-video-of-his-awesome-control-at-arsenals-austria-training-camp/
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no fucking smiley faces !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Debuchy and Chambers obviously shit hot
West Ham ?
Fucking ludicrous fucking ludicrous
We shall see
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Right up there with the Mikael Silvestre scoop
Decisive
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Still – lot of football at the Appy Ammers for whoever takes over from Fat Sam next week – lot of right back work – the young man clearly needs to play – who can say ?
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PG,
anicoll5 says:
July 31, 2012 at 4:09 pm
Interesting idea turned up by Glazernomics of tying “key” employees with deferred equity awards/arrangements within the club – to be exercised, presumably, up to ten years hence.
Hmmmmm – these boys know their tightrope
RvP has been given one of caskets in the Cayman Islands!
Andy Green was barred from Old Trafford for suggesting that SAF was a recipient. The executives and players are not named, so SAF could deny the link.
Andy Green was threatened with GBH, IF he dared to show up at Old Trafford.
Just saying, anicoll5 is a wizard.
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Good grief NOTH !
You have a monster of a memory
And the cunning wee buggers have done this ?
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Hey can i put on a guest
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Hey can i put on a guest post a
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Hey can i put on a guest post a positive one
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Hey can i put on a guest post a positive one and I can
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Hey can i put on a guest post a positive one and I can email
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Hey can i put on a guest post a positive one and I can email you it or
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fucking hell
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Sorry never meant to send that much as account been playing up
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What the fuck is going on?
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I’ve just sorted out the iMessages problem on my iPhone and now I see somebody called jalstersgooners going mad
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Alright I’m off to bed. Going to London tomorrow for the Emirates Cup….hope to meet up with Passenal and whoever else would,like to meet. Post on here and twitter for updates or use my email (those who have it)
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I think I like Isaac Hayden. Right-footed, calm, composed & focused, plays CB, Dm or), 6ft+…what’s not to like?
A few more outings will verify things. Can’t wait.
Iggy’s inclusion depends on TV I think.
TV goes, he might stay. If not it’ll be another loan out methinks.
Wonder if the Saints would be iggtrested.
Ozil to Alexis to JC is my dream woodie of the moment.
(Ooh Arsene!)
Sigh…if only Gary Medel was 6ft+.
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Hi Gainsborough. I wasn’t having a go, just chatting about Hummells. I really rate him. That sounds like an obvious statement as everyman and his dog do now. He’s just one of those players I’ve kept an eye on for a few years. I like to watch Dortmund occasionally. Your shout about Djourou is interesting. I like him also. Always backed him and he didn’t deserve his criticism. But that’s what happens with our fans isn’t it. He played for us at the wrong time perhaps. Maybe 2 or 3 years too young.
Do you think there is a flaw in developing defenders for a top club. With midfield the right player can potentially play from 16/17 in extenuating circumstances. A central defender though will usually have to wait up to ten years as a bit part player before getting to a point where he can cement a first team place. What age did we get Djourou at? I would say that (I’m only judging from the world cup, haven’t seen him play in a while) he’s hitting peak about now. That’s too long for him to have to wait at one club for a chance. Even loan deals don’t appease.
But like I say. Good point on him. I didn’t mean to suggest that you said defenders don’t mistakes.
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@Anicoll
“Ashley is the classic “went out on loan” and returned to glory Els”
Yeah! Well let’s hope Jenk can imitate that. Nothing else from that particular player though. I don’t think that would be an issue though, and that’s why we are all so guttered about the Corporal.
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I’m not jealous of a people going to the football this weekend, of people who will get to see Alexis Sanchez play for the Arsenal for the first time.
No, not jealous at all. Have fun!
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Erm, I’ve posted twice today and they haven’t shown. Am I sin binned or summit?
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Finsbury I got to see Özil’s first game at sunderland. I was in the home end but it worked out well as I was practically on him when he brought that ball down for Giroud’s goal. I’d love to be there for Alexis’s hattrick.
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If Alexis decides to score that hat-trick on the opening day against Toony Pooolis’ team I will not be complaining.
It’s going to be a tricky match I think, for all kinds of reasons. The manager who likes to wear his cap in the shower has had the stunning revalation that a bit of pace alongside the power* might help him avoid the sack (and allow variations in his formations). Bolasie ended the season in fine fettle, they have some dangerous players.
These next three games are just for the fitness and conditioning, so hopefully none of the visitors or guests will hack away at the Arsenal players, no niggles will arise and all will be well.
*reports that LJW has been coached into reducing the weight lifting and other such stuff is great news, that will be interesting to see this weekend- please see/remember what happened with Joe Cole, which was not the way forward. Some were worried that St.Jackie was starting to follow the wrong philosofooty, but this is an encouraging sign.
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I can’t understand why some think Joel Campbell will still go on loan. Even if he doesn’t play much he’ll be putting huge pressure on his rivals and teammates for a starting berth, which is what we have all wanted, no? Click hunters have been baiting people with the name ‘Cavani’. I might be biased but I was impressed by one striker in the Costa Rica vs. Uruguay game and it was not Cavani. JC needs to improve his stamina, apart from that he looks ready for the PL.
Gnabbers might go on loan, maybe not initially. He lost out at the end of last season with these current injury problems that are still keeping him out. I think the prescription could be to spend the first half season with the coaches and Arsenal players in training, the league cup games, U21s etc. and when he’s built himself back up possibly a loan in January.
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Fins, yeah if he scores 3 I’ll not be moaning too much. As you say a tricky first game. Pubis has his hoarde well drilled usually. I would have thought they are the type of team that are quite good out of the blocks too.
Hopefully we’ll do the bizo. If not it’ll be Villa all over again.
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Okay so what’s happening with my comments today. 3 that have just vanished. Will this one?
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