(This blog is partially inspired by the 160,000+ Australian fans who showed their love for The Arsenal over two games in Sydney this past week. True love is based on shared values.)
Believe it or not football fans, July 1st is the official start of the new football year, at least in Europe. As of June 30th the books were closed on the old year. The turning of the calendar is the start of new beginnings. Players’ contracts expired or advanced one more year. So it did for many administrators and staff who survived the twists and turns of the previous season. Some may have already been collateral damage as owners engaged in the obligatory sacking of managers and their staff mid-season while others had to endure the pain of relegation knowing full well they would not survive the changed economic circumstances of their club.
In such a ruthless economic climate it is a wonder so many fans retain year-in, year out, that undying, innocent, enduring love of their professional football club. It seems to me that as of July 1st, most fans forget the pain, disappointments and frustrations of the past year and begin to look forward to a new year of hope and opportunity, in most cases, somewhat naively in my humble opinion. That is unless you are a bitter Wenger-outer who foresees a dark, bleak world until the Professor is sacked and a bright, new shiny manager is appointed who will immediately outspend United, City and Chelsea and lead Arsenal to a glorious, golden future of unchallenged success in both Premier and Champion’s Leagues.
Apart from such nonsensical delusions by the Wenger-haters, the vast majority of Arsenal fans remain proverbial optimists, ever hopeful that the club will challenge for the title next season. I happen to be among them despite cultivating the image (successfully I hope) of a cold, dispassionate analyst who despairs at our falling possession stats, lack of chances created from midfield, etc.
During my recent vacation, when I finally emerged from the 9-month football bubble that is the Premier League season, I discovered that such optimism is not shared by the average non-Arsenal football fan. In fact, those who are aware of my voluntarily writing a weekly blog for PA think, if not mad then I am clearly delusional. Why should someone in their right mind express such overt support for a football club that came 5th in the League even if they won the FA cup. These same persons by the way, particularly United supporters, are oblivious of the irony that the Red Devils came 6th in the League and only sneaked into the Champions League via UEFA’s consolation prize (Europa title) in one of (Ed.) the dullest finals in football history.
As for being delusional I must admit that, like most of my readers, I am a bit of an obsessive-compulsive. How else do you explain such devotion to a sport and a football club year-round.
I suspect only amateur psychologists would consider the mumbo-jumbo above sufficient explanation for our enduring love and optimism for club. If being an obsessive-compulsive was the underlying reason for the love of our marital partner or significant-other, then how does that explain our neglect of them during the football season. Evidently that obsession must be very fleeting or transient, i.e. anti-obsessive.
Like love of any type, supporting a football club is surely very personal and due to complex reasons. I initially fell in love with the club 13-years ago because Arsenal played beautiful football. Like sex it was not always orgasmic and to be frank there were many, too many, poor games over the years. But the club was always genuinely committed to playing football the right way, even when it had to break-up The Invincibles and sell off several great players to pay for the new stadium. Over time I learnt that the manager had a deep and abiding commitment to beautiful football. In his own words:
“Football is an art, like dancing is an art – but only when it’s well done does it become an art.”
I am convinced that the key to Wenger’s longevity at Arsenal, despite the haters, despite the many disappointments, despite the failure to win a title in 13 years, is his commitment to football as an art. Playing the “Arsenal way” is now a commonly accepted part of football lexicon. Supporters of the club have deep, divisive debates as to whether so and so is an “Arsenal player”. How many other clubs dare hold such discussions and not hold themselves to contempt and rididicule? Can you imagine a United supporter proudly advocating the “Mourinho way”? Or fiercely arging that a 6 foot plus mountain of a man with the first touch of concrete is an ideal “United player”?
While it is easy to disparage him for the recent lack of titles, even though to date he has made Arsenal the 2nd most successful club in the Premier League, it is readily apparent to those who have two neurons and working synapse that Arsene Wenger is building a foundation and a philosophy of playing that will outlast by generations, if not ages. His legacy is in sharp contrast to the the transient work of the many cheque book managers who win titles but contribute nothing to the sustainable future of the football club with which they were entrusted.
Going back to the metaphor of enduring relationships, Arsenal may not flash the most bling, not be the biggest spenders, have the most attractive bod, but it certainly has class and values that can sustain a relationship with its supporters. How else do you explain over 160,000 fans packing one of the largest stadiums in Australia in the recently ended tour of Sydney, to support the club over two games playing against League One level opponents?
Isn’t this demonstration that the values of the club are universally appreciated the wind in our sails as we embark on a new campaign? Players come and go, no matter how famous (note to Alexis Sanchez), strategy and tactics change, but the club stands for something beyond merely winning games. In the words of Arsene:
“I believe that despite all the money a club is about identity. Identity is about values and values have been carried through the generations through somebody. Is it the chairman, is it the manager, is it some players who stay for a long period at the club? I hope it will always be the case. It’s not only about spending money or sacking the manager.
“Football has to be a bit bigger than that. That’s why I believe the big clubs worry about values and identity. We have to be conscious that that is important as well.”
Naught more needs to be said.
Positively Arsenal 
Sub on Emi for all Pens
LikeLike
iwobi fires home low and hard into the corner 3-2 to afc
LikeLike
martinez saves and AFC win 3-2
LikeLiked by 2 people
Its only Bayern – Pfft
LikeLiked by 4 people
What a lovely finish from Alex Iwobi – lovely cross but a perfect header at speed – great that he was still hard at his game in the dying seconds
LikeLiked by 2 people
but anicol you will find Ramsey vacated his midfield duties, nay he abandoned his midfield slot, just so he could have the selfish glory of setting up that iwobi goal
LikeLiked by 3 people
overall, our young stars arent looking bad. bayern paraded a strong and experinced team in the first half while ours was a mixture but in the second half we brought more youth to replace the experienced but bayern in a bid to out do us in whatever we do, also did the same but they paid for it. iwobi did what i expect a big player to do. martinez may not have as experienced as petr cech but he certainly can stop penalties. cech can learn one or two tips from the lad. it is not lost on me though that cech kept us in the game.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I didn’t see any of the game, but well done the makeshift Gunners on beating BM, albeit a pre-season friendly, I’m sure both sides really wanted the win. Perhaps Martinez could teach Cech how to save a penalty!
Re Szczesny, I guess the writing was on the wall following 2 seasons away from the club on loan after being Arsenal’s number 1. Clearly whatever his transgressions there was no way back for him and without knowing what went on behind the scenes I certainly don’t have any problem accepting the decision by the club. I also don’t feel too sorry for him because he has really landed on his feet – understudy to one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation with a chance to become number 1 for Juventus. Hopefully he has learnt from his youthful errors and will make the most of this opportunity.
LikeLiked by 4 people
seemingly passenal, szczesny did not mention Arsenal at all in his press call today, he thanked Roma for the last 2 years. Whatever went on it seems relations had badly broken down.
LikeLiked by 1 person
just a bit on todays game.
Cech our stand out player.
Elneny looked very comfortable as a CB, charging out of defense with the ball, read the game well too.
Kolasinac was not at the races, maybe the same bug that seen Per drop out late, and Giroud miss out too.
Willock impressed me in his short time on the pitch, as did Iwobi, and it was an outstanding goal he got us too, charging through their midfield, laying it off to Rambo and heading home the return.
Martinez looks like he is good on penalties.
Monreal took a great penalty, and Iwobi took a fine one too.
Bayern were much the better team in the first half, it was more even in the second.
the officials were woeful
LikeLiked by 2 people
LikeLiked by 2 people
That is sad Eduardo, given how much he used to love Arsenal and the fact that Arsenal shaped him and gave him opportunities since the age of 16
LikeLiked by 4 people
i’ll miss szczesny because i like players coming into the team from the youth team. but with what i’ll seeing from martinez, i can see why arsene might have allowed woj to go. although a lot of what is coming from the fan base are shit. they were the one who never wanted him to succeed from the go. they wanted a big money signing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve just seen the Arsenal goal, it was very good from young Alex. Hopefully we see more of that during the upcoming season.
LikeLiked by 2 people
seemingly food poisoning is what affected the Arsenal players
LikeLike
did someone say food poisoning
LikeLiked by 1 person
Szczesny has posted an instagram message where he is full of praise for Arsenal and how they helped him in his career.
LikeLiked by 5 people
Wenger’s shoes today
LikeLiked by 4 people
I love it
LikeLiked by 4 people
reports in Derby papers that county are in for Jon Toral
LikeLike
Mertesacker, Kolasinac, Walcott, Giroud, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ramsey all affected by food poisoning
LikeLike
tears in my eyes reading szczesny final goodbye message to arsenal. legend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
with the way he loved and cherish this club, i would have been disappointed if he had left without acknowleging the club and the manager
LikeLiked by 4 people
steve bould didn’t make the trip to China as he suffered a hernia in his neck while in australia
wenger said
“Steve Bould has a hernia in his neck and he had to do it in Australia, so he didn’t travel,”
“It all went well, he didn’t suffer too much but he did it in Australia and will fly from Australia straight (home). But he is okay, I spoke to him on the phone and he is good.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh gawd – knowing Arsenal it will be typhoid
LikeLiked by 1 person
Its being cheerful that makes the days slip by so quickly
LikeLiked by 5 people
Thanks for the updates on today’s match!
LikeLiked by 1 person
An emotional first interview for Juve by WS, hard not to like him and he will be missed.
In the future when he is older and hopefully wiser heh he’ll take pride in a flawless performance* in an Fa Cup final which turned out to be his last game for the Arsenal.
*yesterday’s Lukaku, Bentake couldn’t get a sniff in the area, or outside either (BFG + LK) – both these overhyped (we know by who!) target men that can’t hold a candle up to Giroud were dropped for Origi, though Lukaku must’ve regained the shirt with more minutes last year then the younger player.
LikeLike
Just watching a re run of what was shown on premier sports. Disgraceful bias shown by the commentators
LikeLiked by 1 person
Woj Szczesney showing a heck of a lot of class on his departure from Arsenal.
Hope he thrives at Juventus and shows everyone he is the right man to fill Buffon’s gloves in the future.
LikeLiked by 4 people
What a result in Shanghai today!
Might be a summer friendly but Bayern were 100% setting out to beat us, so the win us so so sweet.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I suppose they’re only following the party line: Do the producers use a three lined whip, or electric shock therapy, or just pay them to shit up and to do as they are told?
What would be the opinion of the upstanding Gary “Au Revoir Venga” Linekar on this matter?
LikeLike
Autocorrect making the right correction above.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Still watching and it’s almost Bayern Munich TV.
LikeLike
Premier Sports commentary, managing to out shit Sky and BT sport’s, almost trying to justify Elneny yellow card for being fouled.
LikeLike
I’m definitely claiming this. Two years ago I was in the Canary Islands when we beat Bayern. Different island this time but another win – and a trophy too I see!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Wenger said Ospina will play 70 minutes of the game v Chelsea on Saturday, with Martinez set for the final 20 minutes, Cech is to have the day off.
LikeLike
Seems the malcontents are almost as outraged at only beating Bayern on pens in a pre season, as they would have been had we lost
LikeLiked by 2 people
MarkyB
Commentators were dire. Didn’t manage to spoil an enjoyable bit of football but they gave it a good shot.
Darke was the main man I think and it seemed pathological with him to find negativity everywhere about us.
It got bizarre when he started knocking our ability to bring through young players. Then followed that with Wenger will dispute we fail there and you can use facts to make either argument!!!?
If you go conservatively, and just use Gibbs, Szczesny, Wilshere, Iwobi and Bellerin, players with us at 16 or before, who beats that in the league? Just Southampton perhaps. But really I think it’s fair to also mention Ramsey, Coquelin, Walcott, Ox, Fabregas, Clichy,too. Players we have put in first team and developed and given lots of chances to from a very young age.
If commentators can find us wanting in that area it’s little wonder they can be negative and critical about everything else, I suppose. Facts don’t come into it.
Meanwhile, I caught twenty minutes of Liverpool and it was all sunshine, good cheer and optimism.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Rich as I keep saying we can’t blame the main media for these attacks on the club, when so many uber bloggers are doing the same to the club they claim to love
you mention that the commentator blasted the club for not bringing through the youth, well if you look there are many arsenal blogs with articles saying the same, i even seen one complain that we are spending big on new players and selling off or letting go academy players(without giving them a chance). That last bit is one of the funniest things I see, complaints that x, y or z, or should I say Willock, Crowley and Hinds, have been let go or sold, without being given a “proper” chance in the first team – this is usually accompanied by “and look at all the chances Theo has gotten”(never mind over 100 first team goals for TW14). The idea that these young lads should be in the first team but for some peculiar reason Arsene Wenger will not play them even though they are clearly world beaters, is staggering. Odd thing is, most that spout this rubbish have never seen any of these lads play 90 minutes of football, not even at youth level, The view on them is taken from you tube clips, or blog write ups. even failed loan spell after failed loan spell, does not dissuade the already set opinion. No any failure on loan is down to either the loan club or more likely its down to Arsenal picking the wrong loan club for the lad – even though when more than one club offers a loan deal for a player, AFC let the player make the choice, they will advise them, but the final decision is the players. Of course this is AFC’s fault, they should not allow the player this choice, well not when it goes wrong.
I’m still waiting for one of these youths we have released or sold to prove Arsenal wrong. For me we have to go back to when George Graham sold Andy Cole, for the last major mistake in the sale of one of our youths, and I can not recall a youth player we released who proved us wrong.
LikeLiked by 3 people
it seems the Arsenal medics have ruled out foot poisoning as the cause of the illness that affected so many of the squad in recent days. They said their was no common food/drink that all those affected had taken. So they think it was a virus that was passed around the players.
by the way all players were enough over the virus to do light training session earlier today, before the squad fly on to Beijing for Saturday’s game v CFC
LikeLiked by 1 person
re last post of mine — foot poisoning, is similar to food poisoning, need to start spell checking(had wrote spel checking)
LikeLiked by 1 person
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/631186/Arsenal-news-Wojciech-Szczesny-cries-juventus-video-gunners-press-conference
I’ve been quite unemotional over Szczesny leaving even though I like him and hoped he would be back to challenge Cech for the No 1 spot, but this short video made me emotional too. Hope he comes back after his 4 year contract with Juve ends. Long shot I know, but still.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Just watched a replay of AFC v Bayern. Does it concern gooners that after Ozil left there was absolutely no throughballs from midfield?
Lets not get carried away people. Our midfield is still understaffed. I maintain, as I have documented for months, we need another playmaker.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Shotts it’s tempting to consider a combo of Iwobi and Chamberlain providing that third CM. the again both players will probably be better suited to the hybrid 8/10 role in the second half of their careers. Just as it was in Cazorla’s career and so many others. When many of us first saw the Saint at Villarreal he was in the same role we often see Iwobi in, more or less as the left forward/midfielder.
That turn and run and finish from Iwobi was positively Diabyesque.
Hopefully he won’t get clogged off the park by the cheating racketeers. Hopefully he’ll receive more protection then Ramsey and Wilshere, or England’s best striker Welbeck?
Hope rests eternal!
The silence of the blaggers on the hacking and clogging is exceptional. For the record please observe that AFC players are not injury prone until they get smashed to bits.
We wish Iwobi well.
LikeLiked by 3 people
When you hear the blaggers clickbaiting upon Chamberlain’s “position” when they full we’ll know that such players usually settle more centrally later on in their careers, well, I could go on but as Eddy described above these parasites are having an exceptionally negative impact on the atmosphere surrounding the club. Whatever the bungtastic reasoning they may be able to offer in a feeble defence.
It’s time the friends of Wally’s like Olly were called out for their b*ll*cks. If they can’t handle the heat…Everyone has to eat, sure, but Enough Is Enough.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Was there a blue moon yesterday? An English side beat a German side on penalties?
LikeLiked by 4 people
Fins: Big observation about Iwobi. Yes that goal was Diabyesque including the dribble from deep midfield, the pass to Aaron, the continuing run into the box and the header into the far corner. The boy looks far stronger than Diaby was at his age. Abou was as thin as rails. That is why the clogger went after him knowing Diaby couldn’t muscle him out of the way. But I don’t think Iwobi is ready to run a game from s deep midfield starting point. He will in a year or two.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Bryan SwansonVerified account @skysports_bryan 1h1 hour ago
Understand Monaco’s complaint to FIFA over Mbappe relates to alleged conduct of Manchester City and PSG, not Arsenal. #SSN
LikeLike
Shotts
But that must mean that Iwobi, wait for it, he, all together now, he “doesn’t have a set position”.
Crickey. That’s done it. I’d better get on the phone to his agent. My commission doesn’t come for free!!!!
LikeLiked by 2 people