There have been many legends to have worn the red of Arsenal throughout the years, and how Arsene Wenger could do with one of those fighters in his current squad. Gunner's fans, some more recognisable than others, are taking to every social network site to express their concern for the London club.
With a realistic chance of going a seventh year without a trophy after dismal displays in the same week against AC Milan and Sunderland, Wenger must repair his squad in the summer. This includes getting rid of the deadwood who are unwilling to fight for the team and reinvest in exciting spirited players who can dig deep for a result when called upon.
On Twitter Piers Morgan highlighted the small amount of players at the Emirates who have heart, desire, hunger and passion. And his damning conclusion was that there were too few.
Above all else what the team is lacking in is leadership. Robin Van Persie may be an outstanding footballer but Arsenal desperately need a leader in the mould of Tony Adams or Patrick Vieira, to wear the captains armband. Someone who the younger players can look up to. The closest player to this at the Emirates is Thomas Vermalen, yet he is too often on the injury table. The way Steven Taylor plays for his beloved Newcastle is a prime example of what Arsenal are lacking. I am not suggesting that Wenger should bid for the Englishman as he is not the answer. However, I do believe signing a player who has a passion for the club itself is a must.
One thing that all previous Arsenal greats possessed was that they were true fans of The club. Patrick Vieira, Dennis Bergkamo and Martin Keown would sweat blood and tears to grind out three points. It was clear to see how much the north London club meant to another ex-Gunner when Thierry Henry returned last month. His sheer determination and passion for Arsenal was blatant from the moment he scored his match winning goal against Leeds in the FA Cup. The Frenchman erupted with emotion at the final whistle. Not because he had scored on his second debut, but because his side had won. It is hard to imagine the likes of Andrey Arshavin or Marouanne Chamakh reacting in that way. They are both decent players but they are not what this club needs to end its trophy drought.
There are many great players out there who should be considered to don the red shirt. Phil Jagielka, Yann M'VIla and Danielle De Rossi are just a few that would add an extra dimension to Arsenal's fluent attacking side. Though, it must not be forgotten that in the likes of Jack Wilshere, Alex Song and Emmanuel Frimpong Arsenal do possess young players with the ability to standup and be counted. Yet, more players willing to fight for the famous crest can turn this great team into a winning one. A small margin but a big difference.
Friday, 24 February 2012
Monday, 20 February 2012
Boxing Mad
As well as being "no angel" David Haye has also proved he is no dignified sportsman after his astonishing mindless brawl with fellow boxer Dereck Chisora. The outburst occurred during a Chisora press conference and ended with both fighters and the name of boxing tarnished in shame. After feeling he had been unnecessarily provoked, Haye took it upon himself to retaliate with a blast of crude insults and taunts.
Just days after the incident, Haye released a statement apologising for his actions. Yet, the former Heavy Weight World Champion believes the majority of the blame should be on his compatriot.
"Chisora began firing insults at me from his position on the top table. In fact, he has recently made a habit of saying derogatory things about me in the press.
"Moments before declaring he wanted to go face-to-face with me, he assured the gathered media that he would give me 'two slaps'."
It has also been revealed that Chisora was shockingly recorded repeatedly claiming that he will "shoot" the 31 year old.
In his statement, Haye added: "Chisora then climbed down from the top table, removed his robe and then walked towards me, entourage in tow, in an aggressive manner. I held my ground, but, unfortunately, he caused a serious disturbance to occur, something which threatened to damage the reputation of the sport we both love.
"I realise I am no angel — and don't mind a bit of professional trash-talk to help raise boxing's profile — but, during my 21 years in the sport, I have never been involved in, or even witnessed, such a serious fracas."
His defence of "holding his ground" has not been enough to prevent being charged by the police which is expected to happen this week.
The unprofessional scrap was captured on video and has already become a viral YouTube sensation. Furthermore, with both the fighters being British, the mêlée has added negative publicity in the build up to the London Olympics later this summer which will need amending.
With so many great British boxers in our history, it is shameful to see two overrated and pompous fighters show how little class they possess and how little respect they hold for the sport. It is also hard to imagine a boxing legend like the late great Henry Cooper performing like this. Perhaps, Haye and Chisora should remember that they are representatives for Great Britain outside of the ring as well as in it.
Just days after the incident, Haye released a statement apologising for his actions. Yet, the former Heavy Weight World Champion believes the majority of the blame should be on his compatriot.
"Chisora began firing insults at me from his position on the top table. In fact, he has recently made a habit of saying derogatory things about me in the press.
"Moments before declaring he wanted to go face-to-face with me, he assured the gathered media that he would give me 'two slaps'."
It has also been revealed that Chisora was shockingly recorded repeatedly claiming that he will "shoot" the 31 year old.
In his statement, Haye added: "Chisora then climbed down from the top table, removed his robe and then walked towards me, entourage in tow, in an aggressive manner. I held my ground, but, unfortunately, he caused a serious disturbance to occur, something which threatened to damage the reputation of the sport we both love.
"I realise I am no angel — and don't mind a bit of professional trash-talk to help raise boxing's profile — but, during my 21 years in the sport, I have never been involved in, or even witnessed, such a serious fracas."
His defence of "holding his ground" has not been enough to prevent being charged by the police which is expected to happen this week.
The unprofessional scrap was captured on video and has already become a viral YouTube sensation. Furthermore, with both the fighters being British, the mêlée has added negative publicity in the build up to the London Olympics later this summer which will need amending.
With so many great British boxers in our history, it is shameful to see two overrated and pompous fighters show how little class they possess and how little respect they hold for the sport. It is also hard to imagine a boxing legend like the late great Henry Cooper performing like this. Perhaps, Haye and Chisora should remember that they are representatives for Great Britain outside of the ring as well as in it.
Thursday, 16 February 2012
England Manager
English Football In Dismay
Fabio Capello's decision to resign as England manager has come as a shock considering its timing. With only five months until England compete in the European Championships, the Italians decision has left the FA in dismay and with very little time to resolve their latest dilemma, who to appoint to replace the 65 year old. Although he was the most successful England football manager in the last 17 years, Fabio Capello's reign in charge was thwarted by controversy. Publishing the 'Capello Index', where he assessed the performance of his players and the ongoing saga regarding the overhyped captaincy armband are just two topics that prevented a relationship blossoming between the England nation and himself.
The majority of the public believe an English replacement for Capello is what our country needs to fulfil it's potential on the pitch. Favourite to be approached by the FA first is Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp. Having recently been cleared of tax irregularities, the 64 year old is a superb candidate. Boasting an impressive managerial record with the likes of Southampton, Portsmouth and most recently Spurs, Redknapp has expressed his desire to one day take the hardest job in football and has stated that if he were approached it would be"hard to turn down". Yet, with his Tottenham side enjoying their best ever season in well over a decade it would be hard for the Londoner to leave.
Described as one of the best man managers in the game, Redknapps ability to control an egotistical squad is what previous England managers have lacked. Too often have the England team been treated as celebrities rather than sportsmen and have allowed their personal lives to interfere with their perpetration at tournaments. Even some of the most difficult players have been tamed by a quiet word in the ear from Redknapp, with the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor and William Gallas benefitting from their managers caring approach.
The FA has revealed that they intend to resolve this issue as swiftly as possible, yet it is a decision that must not be rushed. For the national team to succeed it needs stability. Current World champions Spain did not become the best footballing country in the world over night. For Vicente Del Bosque's side it was a long process that required patience and dedication. If the FA hope for England not to endure another tournament toiled by embarrassment, they must act wisely and listen to the demands of the public when making their choice. For me that choice is in the dugout at White Heart Lane.
Fabio Capello's decision to resign as England manager has come as a shock considering its timing. With only five months until England compete in the European Championships, the Italians decision has left the FA in dismay and with very little time to resolve their latest dilemma, who to appoint to replace the 65 year old. Although he was the most successful England football manager in the last 17 years, Fabio Capello's reign in charge was thwarted by controversy. Publishing the 'Capello Index', where he assessed the performance of his players and the ongoing saga regarding the overhyped captaincy armband are just two topics that prevented a relationship blossoming between the England nation and himself.
The majority of the public believe an English replacement for Capello is what our country needs to fulfil it's potential on the pitch. Favourite to be approached by the FA first is Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp. Having recently been cleared of tax irregularities, the 64 year old is a superb candidate. Boasting an impressive managerial record with the likes of Southampton, Portsmouth and most recently Spurs, Redknapp has expressed his desire to one day take the hardest job in football and has stated that if he were approached it would be"hard to turn down". Yet, with his Tottenham side enjoying their best ever season in well over a decade it would be hard for the Londoner to leave.
Described as one of the best man managers in the game, Redknapps ability to control an egotistical squad is what previous England managers have lacked. Too often have the England team been treated as celebrities rather than sportsmen and have allowed their personal lives to interfere with their perpetration at tournaments. Even some of the most difficult players have been tamed by a quiet word in the ear from Redknapp, with the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor and William Gallas benefitting from their managers caring approach.
The FA has revealed that they intend to resolve this issue as swiftly as possible, yet it is a decision that must not be rushed. For the national team to succeed it needs stability. Current World champions Spain did not become the best footballing country in the world over night. For Vicente Del Bosque's side it was a long process that required patience and dedication. If the FA hope for England not to endure another tournament toiled by embarrassment, they must act wisely and listen to the demands of the public when making their choice. For me that choice is in the dugout at White Heart Lane.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)