Better Out Than In?

No matter who you support - the start of the 2011/12 Barclays Premier League season has been eventful. From Wolves' superb starting form, to the sheer excitement of watching a new-look Liverpool side play the game with a verve and style they have lacked for many years, the fledgling campaign seems to have something for most fans to get excited about. Even new boys Swansea and Norwich City, while both only on two points, have shown an early adaption that suggests good things to come - especially from one of the more impressive signings of the summer, Swan's keeper Michel Vorm.

Yes, it seems that the early signs show at least some hope to cling on to. That is unless you're an Arsenal fan. Like the Gunners' great 'Invincibles' side that won so many plaudits, Arsenal's beginning has seen them break records. Unfortunately for Wenger's side, and in a depressing contrast to that wonderful campaign, these records include the worst start to a campaign in decades, the first time the Reds have failed to score in either of their opening games in over ten years and, after Sunday's bewildering defeat to Manchester United, the worst result the club has suffered in 115 years. Most of the early season talk, aside from those waxing lyrical over Manchesters United and City, has been about the extraordinary plight of Arsenal, in a campaign which has seen the club lose two of their greatest players, end 3 consecutive matches with ten men and ship ten goals in two games. I feel, after the sheer amount of analysing and re-analysing our beginning to the season to anyone who'll listen, the time has come to get all my thoughts down in one place. At least this way, like a love-struck sufferer of a horrendously failing relationship, I might feel a little bit less empty.

For a start, things could be worse. Yes, shocking but true. Ultimately, although we have had a terrible start we have had some things go our way. Most importantly, after an impressive performance in Udine, Arsenal qualified for the Champions League group stage. If Arsenal had lost in Italy as well, then who knows how much pressure Wenger would be under now. The performance was enough to give some hope, despite the fact that the fleeting satisfaction was destroyed so mercilessly by United on Sunday. It was a performance of real quality - Song, Gervinho and Frimpong all impressive. Walcott took his chance well. Rosicky came from the bench to find some dedication and passion from somewhere. All this, and I haven't even mentioned that penalty save by the impressive Szczesny.


Then came Sunday. Bloody sunday. There are almost too many issues to mention, but like everyone who witnessed what occured i'll have an attempt. As Sir Alex Ferguson's youthful United side (it has been widely pointed out that the average age of the United starting XI was younger than Arsenal's) ran rings around Wenger's, Arsenal fans were subjected to a display to demonstrate the gaping chasm between the two teams in the most brutal fashion. Put simply, there is no comparison between the two, who for years have provided tense, tight football matches that have gone down as some of the best in the Premier League's two decades. The gap between Manchester United and Arsenal is bigger now, I would argue, than it has ever been under Arsene Wenger; the strength in depth of United is completely polar opposite to the skeletal Gunners, who barely had enough players to field a full team on Sunday let alone one to compete with the Champions. Most importantly, the quality of the full-strength first teams perfectly illustrates the difference between the two. The vast majority of Manchester United's first eleven would walk in to Arsenal's side, while I believe you could count on one hand the Arsenal players who could do the opposite.

With such a thread-bare squad, it is baffling that Arsenal approached Sunday's game with the same system they always do. It has long been said that we are only capable of playing one way, and Sunday was one of the best illustrations of the accuracy of that statement. Frankly, for Wenger to send out his team set up as it was, there was only ever going to be one result. The approach was completely ridiculous, and led to the lowest-quality Arsenal performance I have ever witness in my 14 years as a fan - the midfield trio of Rosicky, Ramsey and Coquelin offering nothing at all; not enough attacking flair to get anything close to penetration, and massively short of the kind of defensive capabilities a side needs to avoid such an embarrassing defeat against United. Andrei Arshavin is famously reluctant to get back and help his full back - a reputation he more than justified with a poor display. Theo Walcott must have felt like he was pushing treacle up a hill, and while he received some assistance from the hard-working Jenkinson, the winger was never able to produce anything more than a sub-standard display. Once again away from home, Van Persie was scarily isolated and consequently unable to do much else than make ill-fated runs in an attempt to create something, anything.

With his poor tactical preparation a given, one of the most frustrating aspects of the performance against United for Arsene Wenger must be the performance given by his more experienced players. Djourou's defending for the vital first goal was ludicrous, Rosicky gave the ball away time and time again in vital areas, while Van Persie's crucial penalty miss is, although perhaps unlucky, a poor error. Between them, these three have accumulated enough experience, international caps and Premier League minutes to do better. Given the pressures of the atmosphere and the context of the game, it is more understandable to see such errors from Jenkinson, Coquelin or the inexperienced Traore. To see them from the elder heads is incredibly frustrating.

Unsurprisingly for such a landmark defeat, there were questions after the game over Wenger's future as Arsenal manager. The question was quickly dismissed by the Frenchman, although the pertinence remains. Personally, I believe it would be a mistake for Wenger to leave now. While I don't think he'll ever be sacked, it would be a shame to see the club's greatest ever manager resign after the poor beginning his side has suffered. While he has been found wanting tactically, and obvious questions remain over his transfer dealings, I doubt there is any other coach who would do better in the current climate. I don't however, want to miss the opportunity to air my main criticisms of a manager who I have always defended vehemently, so often reminding others that 'Arsene knows'. While i've not quite lost my faith, i'll try and establish the niggling doubts that have crept in over the beginning of the season.

My main frustration, like most Arsenal fans', is the apparent ineptitude in the transfer market. In a simple comparison of the players the club has seen depart to those that have come in, the results are quite worrying for the future of the club this campaign. While, of course, Fabregas and Nasri have both left without adequate replacement, we have also lost Clichy, Eboue and Denilson, while Bendtner and Almunia have been apparently imminent departures since July. While Jenkinson has been recruited, I fully believe that Wenger's intention was not to play him straight away. Since Eboue's departure and Gibbs' persistent injury, however, he has started all four games so far. While Denilson was by no means my favourite player during his time at the Emirates, how we miss even a player of his stature now. When the manager is including players such as Lansbury, Coquelin, Ozyakup and Miquel, there is clearly room for an experienced first team player such as Denilson or Eboue in the squad.

Wenger's recruitment has been poor this season, there can be little argument. While the professor has repeated his mantra 'quality over quantity', while reiterating that he is 'not scared' to spend money, Chelsea have signed Juan Manuel Mata, Liverpool Jose Enrique, Manchester United Ashley Young. All of those players would have been easily affordable for us, and indisputably would have added something to the squad. Why, then, is there not even an attempt from the club to land such talent? Another case in point is battling midfielder Scott Parker, who is apparently Tottenham-bound for the measley sum of around £7m. Why has Wenger not got involved?  The biggest mistake the club has made in terms of transfers must be how long they have taken to do anything. Now, with two days left to secure the three players that Wenger has only just revealed he is desperate to capture, the only thing Arsenal have achieved is to push up the price of every player they bid for. Why would Bolton chairman Phil Gartside do anything but ask for £5m more than he would have done a month ago should Arsenal bid for his prized centre-half Gary Cahill, at least? It is unfortunately symptomatic of the naivety that has hindered Arsenal's progress for a few years.


The worst it is going to get for Arsenal FC is a 6th or 7th placed finish, with the latter being nearly unthinkable. In order to sustain our wonderful record of consistent Champions League football, change must come to the Emirates. Not a change of manager, but a change of attitude, policy and awareness. The time has come not for Wenger to step down, but to wake up and face the reality of what his beloved club is becoming. The manager must realise that, especially in terms of transfers, the one thing worse than rushing in to change system, or recruit players, would be inaction. If something isn't done, then it will certainly be a long, long season.

Thanks To A Departing Hero.

On Monday afternoon, a contract was signed that brought to an end one of the most protracted and extraordinary transfer sagas of all time. With the announcement that Francesc Fabregas had joined FC Barcelona, signing a 6-year contract, it signals the end of an era that Arsenal fans new was approaching for a long time. For the second time in 5 years, Gunners fans can only sit and reminisce as we watch our captain ride off into the Catalan sunset. This article isn't a criticism of Fabregas, or indeed his new club, like many have been spewing as the transfer has neared confirmation. No, in fact this is merely a thank you to a young player who has been amongst the best I have witnessed in my lifetime.

On the 28th March 2006, I clearly remember sitting down in my armchair to watch Arsenal's Champions League quarter-final against Juventus at Highbury. Before the game, much of the press speculation was centred around the return of Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira for the first time since his exit the previous summer. The former skipper had, of course, been an incredible talent during his time in North London, setting the stadium alight with his passion and skill. It was slightly unnerving, therefore, to see a young, relatively inexperienced central midfielder selected to face him. That young player was Arsenal's number 15 - Cesc Fabregas.

Of course, in spite of his age Fabregas had already gathered notable first team experience. He had already become Arsenal's youngest ever goalscorer after netting against Wolves. He had already scored a league goal against Blackburn, making him the Gunner's youngest ever league scorer, too. He'd started in the Community Shield final, as well as Vieira's last ever game - the F.A Cup final. In spite of this experience, few could predict what was going to happen that night in March.

To put it simply, Fabregas' performance was one of the single finest I had ever seen from an Arsenal player. In my memories of watching football, certain individual performances stand out as particularly excellent - David Beckham against Greece in that World Cup qualifier. Andrey Arshavin's four-goal haul against Liverpool, Steven Gerrard in Istanbul. Fabregas' showing against Juve was, in my opinion, as impressive as any of these. This is predominantly because it was almost unexpected. As the young Spaniard weaved his way through his opponents one-by-one, he made his former team mate and captain look positively ropey. Fabregas' 40th minute goal was followed by a superb assist to tee up Thierry Henry, capping off a performance that left jaws gaping and hopes high that this young lad could become something really special.

Arsenal fans cannot be disappointed. Sure, this is a player who we have nurtured into what he is, and ultimately the pessimist will say it is another who has not repaid our dedication. However, we should simply feel lucky to have been able to call Cesc our own, even if it was for a disappointingly short time. Some of the moments that man has given me, personally, are worth more than another season or two. The sheer joy as he fired in from 30 yards against AC Milan. The ecstasy as he curled a superb free kick against Aston Villa, to effectively keep Arsenal in the title race. His outstanding performance against his future club, scoring a penalty with a broken leg to level the game. These moments are what football is about, and I would personally like to offer my gratitude to this magician for giving me some of my favourites.

So, what now for Fabregas, and what lies ahead for his mentor Arsene Wenger. The fee for the transfer, reportedly £30m up front with £5m in bonuses and additional payments, seems frankly a steal, considering the extortionate amounts paid recently for Andy Carroll and Fernando Torres. It speaks volumes of the extent to which Arsenal's hands were tied. They knew their captain wanted out. They knew he would eventually leave, and that if he stayed his influence would become disruptive and negative. The deal had to be done this summer, and this offer was the best it was ever going to get. Fabregas has already been given the number four shirt by the Catalan giants, and though many Arsenal fans have maintained that the precocious midfielder is more than likely to sit on the bench at the Nou Camp, i'm sure the minutes he gets on the pitch will be increasingly regular, and more enjoyable than those spent in England for the player himself.

For Arsenal, the remaining days and hours until August 31st form perhaps the most crucial two-week period since Arsene Wenger took over at the club. With the departure of Samir Nasri also apparently imminent, the need to get new players in quickly is obvious to all at the club. While the deals completed so far, for Lille's Gervinho, Oxlade-Chamberlain from Southampton, Carl Jenkinson from Charlton and an apparent deal for young striker Joel Campbell emphasise Wenger's willingness to spend, they leave a lot to be desired. While Gunners fans see Liverpool, Manchester United, Man City and Chelsea spending money for experienced players and established talent, they become increasingly frustrated as more youngsters arrive at the Emirates. Now, surely, seems the time for Wenger to bite the bullet. He simply must spend some money on new, established talent.


Fabregas has gone. Nasri seems more than likely to leave, also. As painful as it may be, we must move on and forget about these two. This season seems to be the campaign for Arsenal to have a fresh start, and I can only hope that Wenger allows one to come about by opening his chequebook. Until then, let me go and YouTube some more highlights of an incredible talent we were able to enjoy for a while.

'The Cost of Football' - or The Beautiful Game's Ugly Truth

For years now, one of the favourite pastimes of the average football fan has been to compare the modern game to that of days gone by. While pub-talk conversations about the speed of the game, the quality of the pitches, stadiums, players themselves and even haircuts inspire great debate over whether the contemporary state of the sport is preferable to decades ago, one area around which there is little debate is the cost of football. Now, thanks to a startling in-depth survey by BBC Sport, football fans across the country are finally able to provide tangible proof for what we've all known for ages: the game is more expensive now than ever. 

The essential basis of the survey is as follows: every club in all division across England and Scotland have told the good ol' BBC a number of statistics about the cost of various aspects of watching their team at home. The survey itself is a quite brilliant idea, and one imagines that only the BBC would be able to pull it off in a climate where it is safe to assume a fair few clubs were reluctant to air their dirty laundry. The figures provided are the price of the cheapest ticket available at any point in the season, the most expensive ticket available, the average price of a pie or other food item in the stadium, the price of a matchday programme and the price of a cup of tea. The results are very interesting, and provide statistics that are eagerly and helpfully dissected on the BBC website. 

While the recession angle that The Sun or The Daily Mail spin on the results of the survey may seem a little bit cliché, it does not mean that it isn't completely true. At a time when so many people struggle for money and household spending power continues to be severely restricted, it is quite shocking to see the amounts that football fans are forced to pay on a weekly basis. The refreshing aspect of the BBC's analysis is that the total values and the subsequent 'league tables' are based on the cheapest possible day spent at each stadium, rather than the sensational values the tabloids bandy around with such relish. 

As an Arsenal fan, such 'sensational values' are unfortunately an unavoidable bi-weekly way of life. The prices at the Emirates Stadium somewhat unsurprisingly top the league tables, and provide the papers with yet more proof of how Gunners fans are ripped off. The most expensive ticket at Arsenal, for a prime-location seat at a so called 'Category A' game (e.g Man United, Chelsea or Spurs), is an incredible £100. This is, of course, the value that is thrown around in newspapers to show how expensive the game has gotten. Obviously, however, this is not reflective of an average game, nor is the figure a million miles away from the £87 at Chelsea or £80 a Tottenham. Regrettably, Arsenal is also the most expensive ground in England to purchase a pie, which will set you back an eye-watering £4. 

Arsenal is not, however, the most expensive 'day out' in the Premier League. Arsenal's cheapest ticket costs £35, the same as the cheapest available at Premier League new boys Swansea City and QPR. There is one more expensive ticket available, though, which pushes the club in question to the summit of the 'Hall of Shame', a fact that bewilderingly the papers have by and large ignored in the hysteria of that hundred-pound-monstrosity in North London. The club is Liverpool, and the cheapest ticket that can be purchased at any time in the season, even a midweek game at home to Wigan Athletic, is £39. £39!  The cheapest 'day out' at Anfield, admittedly probably not the amount it would cost a regular visitor to the ground who will rarely buy all three items, is £46.95. 

The discrepency between the most expensive and the cheapest clubs in the Premier League is startling. Liverpool's total is balanced by an entirely affordable £17.50 at Blackburn, a total brought about because of an incredibly cheap £10 ticket. This places Rovers in a unique group of clubs who offer tickets for a tenner. I feel these deserve special mention in the modern game. So here they are: Blackburn, Watford, Rochdale, Preston North End, MK Dons, Rotherham, Torquay United and  Plymouth Argyle.

I, like many others, feel a mix of strange emotions when I see these figures. Of course, it's fun to pick apart the different values and scoff at some of the numbers involved. However, it is important to remember that these astronomical figures represent genuine problems. Genuine sacrifices. I don't just mean that people sacrifice going to football matches, because football lovers will always find a way to return to their spiritual homes every Saturday. I mean that often people face choices between forking out for that ticket to see the derby match, or buying a new pair of shoes that they need. Buying a present for a loved one. Football fans should not be punished by their clubs. After all, without these faithful fans the clubs wouldn't even exist. They wouldn't have anyone they could rip off. Football clubs should remember who are the most important people in the game, and restore some sanity amongst the soaring prices and the gold-leaf, diamond encrusted pies.