In last week’s ‘Guardian Weekly’ an article was published about youth unemployment across Europe. We all know that young people are disproportionately suffering from the economic downturn that started four years ago, and although all ages have been affected, it is especially disheartening that so many young men and women cannot start their adult lives in decent and secure employment, currently.
The article attracted my attention because it was published with a picture of a fellow Gooner standing in front of a tower block in Dublin. He is 20 years old and has been looking for employment for two years now, and he was wearing this season’s replica of the Arsenal shirt in the picture.
Buying a new Arsenal shirt whilst having little money does not only tell us something about the level of loyalty this Dublin Gooner has towards our beloved Arsenal; it also tell us where he is hoping to get some satisfaction from in life – as in some relief from the depressing thoughts regarding not being able to start an independent live in which he can earn his own living.
I have no doubt there are tens of thousands fellow Gooners out there in the world who are having a rough time right now, and to a large extent pin their hopes and dreams in life on the fortunes of Arsenal . And it is understandable that those fans vent their frustrations if and when Arsenal are losing, as they once again feel let down in life. Arsenal players and managers should always be aware of their wider social responsibilities: it really is not just a game of footie.
Being an Arsenal supporter has not been easy over the last few years. The main reason for this is that Arsenal are always in with a shout of winning something – which raises expectations at the start of every season – yet we are competing with clubs who do not want to adhere to normal capitalist/business principles, and as a result, manage to simply out-buy/out-debt us towards silverware.
Sometimes, it would be much easier to support say Everton, Stoke or Norwich. Expectations are nowhere near as high as with Arsenal supporters, which makes it a lot easier to just enjoy every game and hope for the best.
Recent losses to Norwich City and Schalke 04 have hurt us all, and there was every reason to be disappointed in our players. We saw some improvements against QPR, but a lot more progress is required if Arsenal are to challenge for silverware this season.
For a start, there has been a lack of cohesion between the players and there was no fluency in our game; and we became risk-averse and utterly predictable. On top of that, a significant number of first team players lacked confidence and let us down technically. It is totally right to be critical of our players about these shortcomings: it was simply not good enough.
However, there was not a player in an Arsenal shirt who deserved criticising for a lack of effort, or could be accused of complacency, during any of our games since the end of the inter-lull. It might at times have looked like that, but in my opinion, it was purely lack of form and confidence that made us look so clueless and ineffective at times.
Mannone, Jenkinson, Vermaelen, and even Santos – despite his poor performances – really cared and gave their all for Arsenal. Ramsey, Arteta and Cazorla bust their gut for us, and Coquelin is made of the same stuff. Podolski, Giroud and Gervinho also worked their socks off for us.
I will always support our players as long as they give their all. If, after a while, it becomes clear a player is not going to make it at Arsenal, he will have to go; but as long as he gives his all in trying to improve and he plays with his heart and soul for the club, I will refrain from slating him.
Slating our players for a lack of attitude and pride in our club is totally uncalled for; instead, we should all stand behind them and will them on to improve their form, confidence and technical performances. That’s what being a supporter is all about.
Against Norwich and Schalke, our players wanted to play a lot better, but it just did not happen. The current crop of players really care about Arsenal and the supporters though, and I reckon it is this attitude that will see us pick up form and confidence again; and soon Arsenal will fill the hearts of tens of thousands of Gooners with hope and pride once more.
Total Arsenal.
Bergkampesque 
An unusual and very interesting Post, TA 🙂
It is true that the fortunes of Arsenal can have a huge impact on Gooners, with some becoming unbearable after a loss, or ecstatic and dancing around full of good will if there has been a win.
I watched a recording of the QPR game thinking I might turn it off if it became too boring.
In fact I became gripped looking at tactical formations to try and see where it was going wrong.
Anyway, you are quite right, every single player seemed to me to be playing his heart out, even if they were frustrated when things did not work out.
Complaisant? uncaring? lazy? Not in my estimation!!
Hi Redders 🙂
After a few days it is often good ot watch a game again, including one in which we did not do greatly. Thanks for email – I have responded! 🙂
Hi GarLIC, my laptop is not good so I will have to wait to see your new video when I get home, regrettably. Cant wait though.
Any news on Gervinho’s injury?
TA,
The squad for tonight is as follows.
AW says the Gerv has an ankle injury and it is not known how long he will be out for. Chezzer and the OX are also still injured.
Goalkeepers: Martinez, Shea.
Defenders: Koscielny, Squillaci, Djourou, Jenkinson, Miquel, Meade.
Midfielders: Coquelin, Frimpong, Bellerin, Eisfeld, Yennaris.
Forwards: Giroud, Walcott, Chamakh, Gnabry, Arshavin
Where have my friends the troublesome truobadours gone?
I will just have to go and play Glic’s vid again!! 🙂
Hi Redders, I’m here, but not for long, getting ready to shoot down the pub to watch the boys. Really hope Wenger plays youth tonight.
Had a great day Saturday. Those guys GLiC and Terry are so funny. Terry is a level headed and really nice guy, but can you keep a secret? Well, that GLiC guy is soooooo ugly he would not need a mask for tomorrow nights trick or treating, he looks really frightening. He was so cruel he was scaring the life out of kids outside the pub with that face of his.
Redders, I will have to find a way how to keep that GLiC clip so I can watch it occasionally. Cracked me up, as you say, he is so funny and creative.
VCC,
I cannot wait to meet you all. 🙂
I bet he made a fortune when collecting pennies for the guy. With him as the guy – no mask needed, as you say!! 🙂
He sure don’t Redders, he’s one ugly muvva f—er. He’s well suited down at that interbred county of Cornwall. OOOOOaHHHH.
Likewise, I look forward to meeting you. Keep well.
Thanks Total. You cant knock someone if they are giving it their all, whether in football or life.
Hope you are enjoying your break. Is it business or pleasure, or both ? 🙂
Glad you liked the video/movie ( thats, what they call them on xtranormal ) boys, maybe I should do a vid for commenting instead of typing ! hahaha
How did you all like being , hay hay agents !. hahaha
It`s been lovely today in Inbredwall, I wore shorts and t-shirt in Charlestown whilst delivering !
It sent the ladeez wild !. hahaha
Right, an hour on the treadmill beckons, laters
Thanks TA
Ime not well, some kind of man flu or something. As we speak Mrs Terry is damping me down with a hot towel whilst i clasp my nether regions for comfort. hahaha
Your so right in what you say. if a player gives 100% then hes ok in my books. I was there in the early ninties at Highbury when the crowd finaly cracked on Kevin Cambell and Eddie Mcgoldrick. Every touch was greeted with huge boos. i think it was partly frustration with George Graham for persisting with them. Never the less, it made no differnce. Graham still kept picking them, and they were still crap. hahaha.
I shall be watching tonights game drugged up on Night Nurse whilst clutching my balls. So all in all same old routine. hahaha
WE KNOW WHO WE ARE, WE KNOW WHO WE ARE,
WE SELL ALL OUR TALENT,
WE KNOW WHO WE ARE!!!
Well Herb, if we sell Walcott, we will surely know where we are.
Hi Herb. Pleased with the result tonight. Plenty of talking points, especially our performance in the first half. It showed the weaknesses we still have.
How can Wenger think of selling Walcott?
Morning scallywags! 🙂
Well what an evening? What was that?
Terry Baby, I am sorry you are not feeling well. Hope things improve soon!1 😦
Actually I too am a bit snuffy and have a ticklish sore throat. Horrible little viruses should bugger off!!!
That was the worst first half performance I have ever seen in my years of following the Gunners.
That was the most excruciating and dramatic cup game that I can remember with the continuous switches in fortune between the two teams keeping me on edge until Theo’s final goal!!
Dreadful!! Fabulous!!!
What a strange mixture of words to describe a game — and the team!! 🙂
Hi Redders
Didn`t see the game, but was entertained by the comments on AA. I will watch it later, as I will be out soon, I`m taking my Grandaughter to see Madagascar 3, or is it she`s taking me ! . hahaha
The peerless Redders has written another thought-provoking post for BK today!
NEW POST!