There’s a lot on my mind today so I’m diving straight in:
Swansea…
As predicted, a very tough game. Perhaps one we could have taken a point from but ultimately, we got what we deserved and were beaten by the better side on the day. Nevertheless, it’s hard not to analyse our own shortcomings. RVP (who else) put us ahead after just five minutes with a super finish. A great start which should have seen us kick on and step up the gears. Instead, we were harshly penalised when Ramsey was caught by Dyer in our box. At 1-1, we had chances but yet again our inability to take chances and kill off games came back to haunt us as Swansea took the lead. A misplaced pass from the knackered Ramsey picked up by Dyer who smashed in from just outside the box. All of a sudden the Swans grew in confidence, passed the ball about magnificently and bossed possession. Somehow we got ourselves back in the game at 2-2 with Walcott finishing like we know he can (frustrating that he’s so inconsistent), only to shoot ourselves in the foot immediately after. 45 seconds from the restart, Graham was played into a huge gap down our left side and he coolly slotted home to beat the onrushing Szczesny. Game over. Arsene was refreshingly honest in his post-match interview, not blaming the pitch or the weather – he was graceful in defeat and was clearly annoyed with our lack of concentration and killer instinct. In fairness, it’s hard not to be annoyed by the penalty decision but this is football.
Injuries and Squad Depth…
It is almost unbelievable that we are missing all four full-backs (Gibbs, Santos, Sagna & Jenkinson) and both of the makeshift full-backs (Vermaelen & Coquelin) all at the same time. Some fans are blaming Arsene (how, why, I don’t know) and are also annoyed that he’s not buying replacements. Premier League rules stipulate that we can have only a 25-man squad – which doesn’t really allow for more than 4 full-backs and what do we do if they’re all fit (Gibbs excluded!)? Incidentally, the absence of our regular full-backs have no doubt had a detrimental impact on our game. It’s no coincidence that Theo, Gervinho and Arshavin have looked ineffective on the flanks as the threat they pose depends firmly on the ability of our full-backs driving up the pitch as support mechanisms. This just hasn’t happened with Coquelin, Vermaelen and Miquel (who looks a good player every time I see him), leaving our wingers to play much deeper and thus less productive.
Looking at the squad as a whole, I can’t help but think (with the beauty of hindsight) that it’s obviously not a championship winning squad but for the first time this season, may struggle for a top-4 finish. There are several players who simply won’t/can’t play, for whatever reason; Almunia, Mannone, Squillaci, Chamakh, Park, Rosicky, Benayoun, Diaby & Arshavin. Nine players taking up valuable places in the 25-man squad who have 15 Premier League starts this season between them. Consequently, there has been clear over-reliance on the 15-16 remaining players leading to fatigue, both mentally and physically. An example of this would be Aaron Ramsey. I’ve heard some scathing criticism of his form and it upsets me. The boy is 21 years old, in his first full season since his horrific leg-break and is clearly knackered. With Mikel Arteta now out and Jack Wilshere yet to kick a ball, it doesn’t look like Rambo will get his much-needed rest anytime soon.
So, what now? It’s obvious that our first team could do with a little tweak here and there (nothing drastic) but having thought carefully of the ‘deadwood’ above, you can’t help but wish for some investment in our squad. Which brings me quite nicely on to Finances…
£££’s…
If I had a pound for every time I’ve heard an Arsenal fan ask, ‘why don’t we spend some fucking money’, I would have bought White Hart Lane and had it destroyed by now. I suppose I’m fortunate enough to be an Accountant, so perhaps I understand the financial statements a little better than most but let me explain a few things to those who don’t:
- According to the club’s official ‘Statement of Accounts and Annual Report 2010/11’, we reported a net debt of £97.8m in 2011, down from £135.6m in 2010.
- Arsenal FC has a healthy cash balance, but cash balances and cash to spend are not the same thing.
- People point to Arsenal’s net transfer profit in recent seasons, claiming it’s bad to do so while our rivals continue to make transfer losses. This is both stupid and irrelevant – there is money to spend on transfers and wages but our wage bill is HUGE, the fourth largest in the Premier League in fact. If anything is worth criticizing, it’s this.. our insane wages for a squad with only one or two true superstars.
- Fans forget we do actually buy players; Gervinho, The Ox, Arteta, Mertesacker, Park – though you would be forgiven for questioning why we didn’t address our problem areas sufficiently.
- Match-day revenue which includes all those over-priced, yet delicious, pies, was £93.1m whilst wages for the same period came in at £124.4m (i.e. we spend more than we make excluding sponsorship and player transfers) and the gap will only get bigger as wages increase year on year.
- Profits from our property venture have been lower than forecasted due to the adverse economic climate.
Basically, what I’m trying to tell you, is that the money just isn’t there. We need to balance the books and Arsene can only spend within his means. There is no point asking for an overhaul or endlessly seeking that super-star who we (including Arsene) all crave. We have reduced our debt substantially since the move from Highbury and we will reap the rewards very soon.
United…
And finally, looking forward to Sunday (or not in my case). Of course, I’m excited that the Champions are coming to town and that on paper, it’s a mouth-watering clash. Memories of Vieira/Keane, Wright/Schmeichel, Keown/Van Nistelrooy, Henry/Bartez, and Wiltord at OT fill my mind with joy. The prospect of Nani/Rooney/ Valencia & co attacking a team crippled by injuries, low in confidence and on the back of two straight defeats fills me with fear. Heart says 2-1 home win, head says 3-1 MUFC.
Whatever happens, and it all boils down to this, get behind your fucking team on Sunday. Show the players and the rest of the world how much it means to wear that cannon on your chest. Arsenal Barcelona, Arsenal Chelsea, Arsenal Manchester United – we were there. Ultimately, any number of bad results or lazy performances will never take that away from us. We support our club because that is what we were born to do, and the shitter we get, the louder we must sing. (in X-Factor man’s voice)… ‘’It’s time… to face… the music’’.
