(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 
no no no fins, its “Wenger playing another player out of position”
LikeLiked by 3 people
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/07/20/arsenal-reject-16m-calum-chambers-bid-crystal-palace/
LikeLike
Matt LawVerified account @Matt_Law_DT
Pochettino deserves a lot of praise for wanting to make the Tottenham players he has better, rather than just wanting to buy new ones.
ha ha ha ha ha ha
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yeah he’s not tight miser like that Scrooge Vengarrrghhhh who never had a record of spending before he had to mind the purse strings for a bit (Sylvian Who? Whose Reyes?)
Yes indeed. It’s almost as if the looney nut cases hate the Arsenal almost as much as they have working class nurses and revolutionary middle class doctors (yep they briefly formed their own party before Labour was partially restored).
Eh?
LikeLiked by 2 people
An idiot can be paid to write upon behalf of a psychopath but what is one to make of the poor unfortunate who is willing to believe such gibberish?
“Vengargh keeps changing his position”
Yep. Alongside Cazorla and so many famous examples like Schweinsteiger who ended with a legendary performance as the lynchpin of the three CM German system, but who most of us saw early on as a, yes you guessed it, as a left sided forward.
Should we expect better from people who blew or pocketed the large sum of money theclub gave them, whips they critique the club’s fiscal policies? I suppose not, but that does not mean that they are above ridicule.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Carl Jenkinson is a target for Newcastle, Brighton, Burnley and Swansea, sources close to the player have told ESPN FC.
West Brom Newcastle and Watford have been looking at Gibbs
Everton hope to sign Olivier Giroud now Borussia Dortmund are keeping Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Source – Daily Telegraph)
LikeLike
if PSG are signing Neymar why would they want Alexis too, and if they are in for Alexis too, should we do it and demand Draxler or Di Maria in part exchange.
LikeLike
Arsenal being linked with a move for Ross Barkley, Everton say he will cost £50M.
Am I missing something, or what is the fuss over this lad, I really don’t see it, the odd good goal, or good pass, but any time I’ve watched him, most of the game by passes him. Is there more to his game that I just don’t see.
LikeLike
Kids in bed, packing all but done and having a last few quiet holiday moments before heading for home tomorrow. It’s been a hard, difficult and sad few months since January but more than a few silver linings too, both personally and Arsenal wise. Memory not what it was and no books to hand but Louis Macneice and Sunlight in the Garden springs to mind.
But what I wanted to say is a big thank you to all of you positivas who do more than you can possibly imagine to keep me ticking along. Your steady support means the world to me and you are an ever present refuge in times of strife.
I almost chucked this whole Arsenal thing in last season, not because of the results, disappointing though they were, but because of the quite horrid reactions to it all. But in the end we didn’t do too bad, did we, especially if you are of a vintage which sees the FA Cup as equally important, and twice as glamourous as the League.
And this coming season already has a bit of a buzz about it, and I think we might have a few fun times over the next several months.
So thanks again one and all and looking forward to getting off the subs bench and playing a more active role from Monday onwards.
LikeLiked by 10 people
various media outlets running the story that Ozil is close to signing a new deal with Arsenal
LikeLike
We love you too Heady
LikeLiked by 4 people
I watched the program where Klopp made a joke about it not being difficult to face Arsenal, which the media reported. What they didn’t report was Klopp echoing Wenger over the past years and saying that he doesn’t want to bring in too many players because it disrupts the team and the way to improve is internal rather than always focus on buying. These players got us top 4 which is very important to us, so give them a chance again.
He also responded to the question ‘Is winning everything?’ by saying yes we are all in football to win, but what about developing players and that it is something that is important and it is very difficult to do this in the current setup and environment in England. He kept comparing it to the structure in Germany.
Imagine if Wenger said these things. Actually we don’t have to imagine. Because he’s said these very same things and has always been under attack for it. Liverpool aren’t even paying off a new stadium. What’s the reason to not go after Klopp?
LikeLiked by 3 people
Klopp also said the transfer window should close before the season starts.
It’s like he’s purposely conducting an experiment for how the media react to him saying the same things as Wenger.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I know it’s just pre season but I watched highlights of ManCity v ManU and tactical genius Pep Guardiola’s team lost to two goals scored when both their full backs were high up the pitch.
Lukaku scored with a good finish, though City’s new keeper (same as the old keeper) came out of goal and didn’t get the ball. Lukaku isn’t the most polished of footballers but I don’t get the sniggering. He scores goals and will score many for ManU. Mourinho’s 2nd season is when he usually gets the balance right between paying off his special agents enough and keeping all the players from hating him, so I reckon ManU wlll be tough this season.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I cant click like,—but Im with PG and the others at 11.17pm.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting comments from Klopp, and telling reaction.
Matt Law is praising Poch for keeping players he and developing them rather than buying……I really must be missing something here over the years.
The fact is, the media took on Wenger from day 1 and failed, the powers that be do not like the way he successfully changed the rules on how football is played in this country, agents, some of whom have considerable influence over journalists, and God knows who else have their own reasons not to like Wenger. Add to that, members of the club took on the Marseille situation that UEFA tried to sweep under the carpet. And, the club lawyers successfully exposed the lack of precedent and hypocracy over the intended punishment over the alleged Eduardo dive.
Cannot think why Arsenal get a bad press.
LikeLiked by 4 people
mandy wenger also proved at a couple of fa hearings against him that the officials lied, he even got an apology from them for being charged.
LikeLiked by 2 people
are you guys and gals trying tell me that someone that did a great amount for English or British Football has been targeted by the kind of hacks that chose to ignore the decade(s*) long scandal at formerly one of the biggest clubs in the nation Glasgow rangers, who instead shower their praise upon the likes of Peter Risdale, Saint ‘Arry “you’re ‘avin a larf’ Redknapp and the specialist in signing players signed up to special agents?
Well. I never.
I suppose it takes a special kind of daily blagger who during their morning gibberisms choose to constantly ignore this evidential understanding which pre-dates the current manager although they focus all their ire upon the manager. Funny that. Almost as if they have less then zero credibility….
LikeLiked by 1 person
* Please don’t forget that Souness is on the telly a lot becasue he spent a lot of money destroying two great football clubs, a path that many envious shallow souls and their pathetic hangers on would love to see The Arsenal follow.
Why do these blaggers not support AFC?
We can make a good guess at the answer, and it’s not a flattering one.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well well well,
I’d gone to ArsPlaya to watch Ars v BM live. Screen says I can watch as live 11 am the next day. I avoid PA and everything as I wanna watch ‘as live’. Tune in next day. Nowt.
Keep avoiding. Manage to see 1st half at night, but no 2nd half on ArsPlaya?
I find a ‘full match’ type site and watch 2nd half, but not before seeing a pic of a goaly on Ars.com with the caption, ‘I guessed’. So I thought the game must’ve gone to penalties before watching that 2nd half. At the end of the 90 there were no penalties mentioned or shown. I learned Ars won the shootout 3-2, but have only now seen footage of them.
Having read all of the comments I’d missed in trying to avoid any spoilers, I see there were links to the live match and explanations re the team selection, etc, etc, so an unnecessary couple days of fretting about my beloved team.
But whilst watching the match I had the overwhelming feeling of Business being As Usual, in that whilst it took no time for penalties to be awarded against Ars – along with bookings and free kicks, BM were given the latitude they always are against Arsenal.
(I remember posting about the first 30 secs of a match against BM at the Ems, where the BM players crocked Özil, who struggled for the rest of the 1st half, and was assessed as ‘lazy/uninterested/nicking a living’, remember?)
Well, BM, IMO, had the same ‘help & latitude’ during this match that they “earned”? during the last 4 -6 matches we played against them! And that’s why I wanted to watch the full match.
(Did anyone see the BBC highlights of the FkCup final? What game did they cover???
Thanks for posts about WS1. Nearly had wet eyes for that one too. (Not really “nearly”)
Lovely notes from Passenal, Layksite?, edu, fins, everyone…
ITV are showing Chels/Ars live. Program starts 12:25 BST Sat 22nd July.
Thanks PA.
COYG
LikeLiked by 4 people
Heady
I rely on you buddy! You have been there and done it as sports man. Your opinions are worth it!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I hope Sanchez stays – he’s a wonderful player although he does often keep hold of the ball too long.
LikeLike
Couldn’t agree more, Rantetta. BM were given all the latitude they usually are, apart from the goal they had ruled out for offside that was in fact three yards onside.
LikeLike
Alexis has flown to Paris, to renew his visa for entry into England, for preseason training next week.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Chris WheatleyVerified account @ChrisWheatley_
Arsenal U23s lost 5-0 to German second division side SSV Jahn Regensburg in Munich today.
Worth noting that a host of top youngsters weren’t there (Bramall, Willock, Nelson, Malen, Nketiah). Team was made up of mostly U18s.
LikeLike
by this time 3 weeks, we will have played our first game of the new bpl season
LikeLike
Bordeaux have confirmed that they expect to complete the signing of Wellington Silva over the weekend.
Its not clear yet if Arsenal have resigned the lad and are selling him on to Bordeaux, or if we are merely taking 45% of the transfer fee
LikeLike
Good luck to huge Gooner Ian Poulter, he’s right up there at the moment
LikeLike
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/little-spending-plenty-sense-how-10838823
And another in praise of media darlings for seemingly doing what Wenger did for years, and got slated for it
LikeLike
Hypocritical bastards to a man. Makes me sick. You only have to look at the tone of the newsnow feed stories of them and us to get the gist.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Arsenal Team to face Chelsea: Ospina, Maitland-Niles, Mertesacker, Monreal, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Xhaka, Bramall, Ozil, Iwobi, Lacazette
LikeLike
Chelsea team v Arsenal: Courtois; Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cahill (c); Moses, Kante, Fabregas, Alonso; Willian, Batshuayi, Pedro.
LikeLike
the pitch is awful, the ball is bobbling all over the place, many players having trouble coping with it.
LikeLike
impressed with ramsey, xhaka and iwobi so far. I like that Bramal is trying things, even if so far they have not come off.
LikeLike
cfc goal disallowed for offside, a close call
LikeLike
willian scores from the edge of the area, in off the post. cfc have had a lot of shots so far
LikeLike
poor defending and its 2-0 to chelsea,
LikeLike
HT: Arsenal 0-2 Chelsea
cfc the better team, they are sharper and more decisive than us, when they get in and around our area the have a shot, while we go for the extra pass, the safe option.
cfc energy levels seem way above ours. Only Ospina, Iwobi, Ramsey, Xhaka and Ozil seem to be anywhere near top levels.
I see the slaughtering of Bramall has started in earnest from the asb on twitter
LikeLike
I’ve been particularly disappointed by the performance of Oxlade-Chamberlain
LikeLike
many mistakes today, especially in defense, poor on both goals, need to step it up a fair bit in the second half if we are to get anything out of this game.
LikeLike
ITV – Giroud not in the squad
Half time sub – giroud on (officials do not want to let him come on as he was not listed in original team sheet)
Koscielny on too.
Lacazette off
LikeLike
conte had to give his agreement for Giroud to be let play before officials backed down.
Coquelin is on too, as is Elneny
LikeLike
Coquelin taking no prisoners
LikeLiked by 1 person
why didn’t giroud head that, it looked perfect height for a header but he went for the volley
LikeLike
ox sells himself and cfc open us up and its 3-0.
LikeLike
kolasinac came on for second half too as did welbeck
we seem to be lined up as
opsina
koscielny elneny kolasinac
ox coquelin ramsey iwobi
ozil giroud welbeck
LikeLike
looks like giroud is taking this freekick
LikeLike
he does and hits the wall
coquelin goes close
LikeLike
willian, is the only chelski player I would want in our team.
I’m not sure why the commentators keep talking about this being chelski’s ‘first run out’, when they have played at least 1 behind the scenes match that they won 8 – 2 and are more or less playing their first team.
LikeLiked by 2 people
“ox sells himself and cfc open us up and its 3-0.”
To be fair to the Ox, he actually slipped
LikeLike