Stone Cold Friday: The Home Stretch Is Not For The Faint-Hearted

Even though he has been busy revamping his website with all sorts of bells and whistles (which you should have a look at by the way) Darius finds time to get this off his chest. Must be a big chest then…

When times are hard, adversity becomes a familiar bedfellow. It’s never easy to draw strength and inspiration. The last fortnight has been one to forget for players and fans alike but getting out from in between a rock and a hard place is easier said than done.

There’s a famous Chinese story that captures the moment for me. It’s the story about the 3 boiling pots over the fire:

In the first pot there was a carrot, in the second pot, an egg, and in the last one, tea leaves. They all faced the same adversity, boiling hot water. The carrot started out strong and hard, but became soft and mushy. The egg started out fragile, but became hard inside. The tea leaves affected the water rather than allowing it to be effected, by changing the colour and flavour of the water.

In the last week or so, it’s been open season on Wenger and the Arsenal players. Opinions have been abound from the football establishment to the association of stadium groundsmen, from despondent Arsenal ’customers’ masquerading as supporters to the kit man at Stoke City.

Everyone has had a say on what they think ails Arsenal, you’d be mistaken to think that they can actually do a better job than the current manager. Wenger confessed that the confidence of the players was severely battered in the last couple of weeks. You should not underestimate what it needed for the players to get back to winning ways. We sometimes forget how badly the player get affected by the losses on the pitch or by what is said in the media and the blogosphere.

I know for a fact that many Arsenal fans were so badly affected, they opted not to come out of their bunkers into the open until Arsenal’s next win. The last time Arsenal had a stretch this bad in the spring of 2009, one fan actually committed suicide.

I do not believe that players become average or useless overnight; something had to give. Taken in isolation, the response to recent losses to Chelsea and United has clouded the steady progress this team has made. Arguments have been made that the team can do better, that Wenger should have reinforced his squad in the January transfer window.

I believe that some of the criticism is right, especially on some of the tactical decisions taken, and on individual or collective mistakes that the team should have avoided. That criticism is part and parcel of the game. As professionals, the manager and players should have a skin thick enough to cope.

It is often simpler to take the easy option and focus on what we think is wrong with the team, rather than knuckle down to address the issues in front of you. It’s the kind of culture that suggests that the only solution to fix the problem of not having a trophy is to spend more money.

I am still of the opinion that Arsenal has the personnel to deal with the challenges ahead for the rest of the season, and moaning about new signings that could have…, would have… or should have… is an exercise in futility. That is what summers are for.

The story of the pot with the tea leaves has a lot to teach us, if only to acknowledge that the ability to influence the fortunes of this Arsenal team is something within our control.

The players showed mid-week that they were willing and able to make amends. It wasn’t just about getting the elusive positive result, their determination shone through the spirit, collective team effort and work rate that they employed.

Any team would have struggled with the fixture list that saw us face 4 really tough opponents consecutively. The key point here is that we’re now past this hurdle, and what didn’t kill us has only made us stronger.

Right here and now, the fight starts for each of the remaining 36 points. It’s inevitable that Chelsea and United will drop points, but we need to shy away from any good fortune fate will shine down our faces and focus on what we can influence.

The tragedy now will be if Arsenal doesn’t take advantage of any fortune elsewhere by failing to pick up points that we know we’re capable of picking up. It’s now a game of mathematical poker whose only constant is the fact that Arsenal can realistically win the rest of its games.

It’s not going to be an easy home stretch though, and that’s why I insist that it’s not for the light hearted. If there’s one thing this team needs now, it’s the unequivocal support of Arsenal fans around the world.

I’m often bemused by my observation that for a lot of the disgruntled supporters, the key issue is that they can’t cope with the humiliation of being given grief by their Chelsea or United supporting friends. If this is the primary reason why some folks go postal on the team whenever the team faces adversity, then it is indeed a selfish one.

There used to be a time when supporters were dependable and they would lift the spirits of the team, and in return, the team would show the supporters that the faith shown in them is not misplaced.

The Gooner nation now needs to get behind this team to help carry them through the home stretch. We’re in a dog fight that demands that we park the red herrings that are any grievances we carry for we can discuss and debate these in the summer.

As our old adversary from up north says, ”It’s squeaky bum time”. It’s not for the light hearted so get with the programme.

’til Tomorrow

Abou-t Time We Beat Liverpool At Home

Arsenal 1 – 0 Liverpool

1 – 0 Diaby (72)

or ‘The Joy Of Six’ for the sake of a cheap gag.

Liverpool were vanquished last night in a solid performance, a win ground out against an obdurate and unadventurous opponent who really only came to life once Abou Diaby had broken the deadlock. With United and Chelsea dropping points, the nine point gap was reduced to six, offering proof that the title race is not a procession, offering hope that the gap can be overhauled. Whether that hope is real or forlorn will be known by mid-April as remaining fixtures run down and the pair encounter the remainder of the top six teams.

Wenger reshuffled before kick-off, Emmanuel Eboue taking the right back slot and Nicklas Bendtner leading the line, ensuring that Andrey Arshavin returned to his most effective, deeper-lying role. The Dane put in a decent performance, for someone with reportedly limited mobility, he appeared to have a full range of movement, including crashing to the ground without concern for his own well-being. The official was suitably unimpressed, a yellow card followed.

The Dane had a few opportunities, skying a couple of shots, denied by Reina in both halves as he sought to make up for lost time, his season being given the opportunity to start now. His general link-up play was good and he was busy making a nuisance of himself to the Liverpool defence, keeping the pressure across the front line, not really allowing the visitors to settle.

There was understandable edginess in the display, partly through a concern for not being caught on the counter-attack, a lot through the nullifying tactics of Liverpool. Chances were at a premium, few clear cut in the first half, some more in the second as confidence grew and the win sought. Almunia intervened from Gerrard’s deflected effort whilst Gallas should perhaps have made Reina work with a header from Cesc’s cross.

Early on Nasri added to injury concerns, eventually succumbing and replaced as half-time approached by Rosicky. The Czech would have a lasting impact, although prior to that his touch betrayed him as he bore down on goal, leaden footed as Reina closed the angle of the near post in the second half.

An unsurprisingly goalless first half transformed when the second commenced. Arshavin and Lucas traded chances, neither troubling the opposition custodians. Ngog though threatened with his pace, Gallas’ tackle reminiscent of Bobby Moore on Pele in the 1970 World Cup. Gallas was excellent last night, his tackles generally well-timed but positionally, he snuffed out a lot of the danger before it really emerged.

With the final quarter of the game in progress, the Arsenal breakthrough came. Bendtner bundled, huffed, puffed and eventually found Rosicky whose pacy cross was met by the marauding Diaby; an absolutely cracking header which was close to being unstoppable. In fact it was since Reina failed to get anywhere near it. Patrick Vieira may have made his return to English football but [Thwack! We will have none of those comparisons here thank you - ed.]

Liverpool picked up a bit after that, although in truth the main threat was from Gerrard conning the referee with his diving abilities. Quite why he did not pick up a yellow card for his tumble as the final whistle loomed when Bendtner received one for a less obvious effort is something that the referee should explain. The EPLs PR department need to look once more at why the officials do not have some sort of limited interview afterwards although the media would not be too happy as it would rob them of the chance to create controvesy.

Almunia has looked under pressure recently. A criticism of him is that he cannot ‘win’ matches for Arsenal. He certainly did his best to dispel that misapprehension with an outstanding save from Babel, tipping the Dutchman’s ferocious drive onto the crossbar late on.

It was not a vintage performance; it did not have to be, a winning one sufficed. There is a long way to go to overhaul the gap at the top and last night should not be taken as a sign that it will be quickly recovered. To the chagrin of those who wrote Arsenal off, the possibility of a title remains, the desire will be the key.

Crucially, patience was shown in the performance, the passes not too hurried on a consistent basis as the points were chased. That will be a key trait that needs to be repeated as opponents seek to stifle Arsenal. Testing times still remain; whilst United and Chelsea have tough fixtures against teams at the top, those at the bottom have points they need for differing reasons. The title race though is not as clear cut as some would have you believe.

’til Tomorrow.

Liverpool Preview: In The Middle Of Difficulty Lies Opportunity

Liverpool arrive at The Emirates possibly in their best form of the season having taken 17 out of 21 possible points from their last seven games. Arsenal meanwhile are licking their wounds; the manager lambasted by sections of the ‘support’, chastised by the media for not buying, the players told that a team which is third in the division might well be relegation fodder come the end of May. OK, the last one is an exaggeration but not much of one.

Little joy could be gleaned from the injury bulletin posted by Arsene with Eduardo not making tonight, instead only likely to take the field again in Portugal next week. At least he has no fresh worries furrowing his already well-ploughed brow in this area.

Not so elsewhere and the signs are that, at long last, the straw on the media camel’s back is close to breaking point as far Wenger is concerned. Other managers have routinely banned the media, refusing to give interviews for perceived slights substantially less than those barbs aimed at the Frenchman.

Daily Telegraph hacks invented the story that Thomas Sorensen was a transfer window target, emphatically denied by the Wenger

Back to tonight. Eduardo’s absence hampers Wenger’s choices; Bendtner is apparently obviously not fit, the injury situation such that the Dane seems to have returned too quickly, unable to run freely. It is reminiscent of many who return to fitness at Arsenal although one can only hope that the gentle easing back in will not cause any recurrence, ruling Bendtner out for another period.

Defensively, Lee Dixon and Martin Keown both highlighted the failings of the performances against Manchester United and Chelsea, rather more ratonally than Ian Wright who is apparently fearful that the second leg of the Champions League clash with Porto will spell the end of Arsenal’s season. I do not think I am wrong but the away trip has yet to take place which does rather make it seem that Wright’s glass is indeed half-empty. In pieces. On the floor. Contents strewn everywhere causing others to slip on the misery.

Much is being made that Liverpool can be two points behind Arsenal if they win this evening. A small point, overlooked, is that so will Manchester City be if they win their games in hand, no matter how unimpressive their performances. Liverpool travel to Eastlands this weekend which may well be more decisive in the race for fourth place.

Third should not be the target for the remainder of the season nor should we believe the pundits opinions. The players know the hole they have dug themselves into; tantalisingly, some kind soul left a ladder close to the edge so that they can reach it if they have the necessary belief in themselves and an ample smattering of good fortune from teams facing those above. Arsenal has always talked a good game under Wenger. Arshavin and Clichy continue that vein but both are realistic in their appraisal of the current situation.

The left back is not having the easiest of returns to the side, a tough run in which he has not yet shaken the cobwebs free to the extent that there are calls for him to be replaced. No doubt they will be wanting him reinstated if Traore has a poor match; some people want their cake, to eat it and go back for seconds. I suspect that Wenger is going to be fielding the side, more or less, which started at Stamford Bridge; his options for change are limited which is why I would expect him to go with, essentially the choice is whether Eboue comes in for Sagna and who to choose from Walcott, Rosicky and Nasri.

Personally, I like all three of the midfield choices but Rosicky has more unpredictability than the other two whilst Walcott has the pace to unsettle Liverpool, provided he gets the service:

Almunia; Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy; Fabregas, Song, Diaby; Walcott, Arshavin, Rosicky

Liverpool are obdurate in defence and did well against Everton last weekend although they were not pushed hard in that respect. No doubt that they will have the idea that beating Arsenal is entirely feasible using the tactics employed by United and Chelsea; whether they have the personnel capable of doing so is another matter.

It has been a while since we beat them at home, a betting man would not be far from placing a wager on a 1 – 1 draw which has been the outcome in recent years. A win for Arsenal is essential to keep pressure on the top two, ensuring that they know the race is not over. It will not be if there is a draw or even defeat tonight, provided the gap to first does not widen. A win will see a surge of confidence through the side and ease the pressure from below.

Enjoy the match wherever you watch it. ’til Tomorrow.

Never Give Up

Start by doing what’s necessary;
then do what’s possible;
and suddenly you are doing the impossible

- St Francis of Assisi

A morning where all and sundry continue their onslaught against Arsenal, Arsene in particular bearing the brunt of the criticism. Questioning the decisions of the manager is part of a healthy debate into the state of affairs at the club and should not be discouraged otherwise complacency sets in.

Where I take issue is when abuse becomes part of the ‘game’ which is counterproductive in both analysis and resolution. Put simply, if you do not have the mental capacity to put forward cogent arguments, do not bother; abuse means your input is instantly devalued and ignored. Indeed, this aspect erodes the pleasure many of us derive from watching and talking about football.

Sanity is in short supply. The media love a good transfer story and when they don’t get their fill, as happened in January, the only solution to all ills which may afflict a club is that they should have signed someone. In Arsenal’s case, a centre forward. Or industrious midfielder. Or centre back. Or goalkeeper. Therein is the problem. No-one could agree on which position needed most urgent attention – if any did – and how the multi-million pound spree required to satisfy everyone’s desires was to be funded.

Undoubtedly Wenger has money to spend. A lot of his transfer pot – Arsenal admit that this funds both new signings and contract extensions – was spent tieing down the current squad to long-term deals. Accusations that this has led to complacency and arrogance are without foundation; none of us knows the individuals involved and therefore you cannot say with any degree of certainty that these traits have suddenly risen to the surface in any player. You can assume that but at the same time, you will presumably not mind if we make some assumptions about you.

We simply do not know how much there is available. Arsenal has a ethos of not talking transfers until they happen although at times talking about it several days after deals are known to be completed is a touch too secretive. Wenger created a rod for his own back after recent transfer windows by mentioning failures in transfer negotiations, something that started with the attempt to sign Xabi Alonso. Open-ness has its pitfalls as well.

These are testing times for the squad. In years to come, it can be looked back upon as character building for them. Unfortunately, the Premier League’s creation eradicated long-term views; it enhanced focus on the short-term where resolution is simple: sack the manager, allow their replacement to spend a sum equivalent to the GDP of a small nation and then sack them when they do not bring in trophies.

Arsenal stand firm as a mote of rationality in this maelstrom. Transfers are funded from the business. It might change if ownership falls into one pair of hands but at this moment in time, cloth is cut according to that which is available, rather than nipping in through the back window of the tailor shop next door and stealing theirs. Is it the correct route? Yes. Only Chelsea and Manchester United has won the Premier League title in the last decade, aside from Arsenal. Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester City; they have all spent vast sums in recent seasons but are with the exception of the latter, no nearer to the title than they were last season.

Buying a player or two will be necessary in the summer and depending on the nature of those incoming, moving to the next level may occur. It might not and then we will be where we are now. A top three side with an outside chance of the title and a 1 in 16 chance of winning the Champions League.

Wenger’s problem this time around is that he has admitted to putting his eggs into two baskets: the Premier and Champions League. Domestic cups are highly valued in the press for they save effort, stories almost pre-written before finals and no sniffing around hunting for tattle to fill column inches. The FA Cup is losing its shine, saved this season by the exploits of Leeds and Reading. Looking at the upcoming fixtures, there are few shocks which can have a reasonable chance of occurring, it might even be a shock if Southampton do not dump Portsmouth’s run into the depths of The Solent.

The media are unforgiving if cup competitions are disrespected, losing little chance to lambast Manchester United for their failure to compete at the turn of the century. Ironically, the same hacks who criticise Arsene for not fielding his strongest team at Stoke wanted United to do the same whilst the first team competed for Fifa’s World Club Cup.

Liverpool represents the same opportunity as Chelsea. A chance to get back to winning ways. Victory coupled with the failure of Chelsea and United to take maximum points reduces the nine-point gap to the top which currently exists. No doubt that this would make the world around Arsenal seem less grey. Crucially, it offers hope. Without that, what is the point of following a football club?

’til Tomorrow.

Not Quite Fatal But A Damaging Defeat

Chelsea 2 – 0 Arsenal

1 – 0 Drogba (7)
2 – 0 Drogba (22)

The title chances took a dent, not ended as some would have you believe but battered and bruised nonetheless. As a performance, the team were vastly improved from last week’s defeat at home to Manchester United but still fell short at Stamford Bridge.

The wounds for this defeat were self-inflicted. Marking was absent for the opener; Terry had a free header, losing Vermaelen and Diaby with an entirely predictable run to meet the corner; Drogba was left unmarked by Song and Clichy went walkabout. Errors which were individually avoidable with the collective being punished.

A sense of déjà vu with the second. An Arsenal attack broke down on the edge of the Chelsea area with Lampard allowed to roam free through the midfield before finding Drogba on the left, isolating Clichy. The run into the box and shot had an air of inevitability about it, Drogba not wasting the opportunity.

The lessons of the previous week were not learned. Apparently Ancelotti observed that the best way to play Arsenal is on the counter-attack, a point proven by the second yesterday and most of the goals scored by Manchester United at The Emirates in the last twelve months.

It is a deeply dissatisfying result. Arsenal had most of the possession yesterday but failed to convert their opportunities. Chelsea, once the lead was established, showed professionalism in containing the Arsenal threat, reducing it to sporadic moments, repeating their tactics from earlier in the season, content to see the ball in midfield with their opponents, defending in depth on the edge of the area.

That is not say that Chelsea were entirely comfortable but Cech dealt with all that was thrown at him. Between the goals, Arshavin played Cesc in, the Spaniards volley well saved. A freekick driven under the wall was blocked by the Chelsea goalkeeper, Gallas narrowly failing to convert the rebound.

Set plays were a disappointment yesterday from an attacking perspective. Corners inevitably found their way to a Chelsea head or the for once, safe hands of Cech. With chances at a premium in such games, it is imperative that opportunities are not wasted, efforts on target have to be the order of the day.

Certain bad habits which had been almost eradicated reared their heads. Cesc had the opportunity to score but spurned it, preferring to pass rather than take on the effort. A reverse situation for the criticism Arshavin received last week and out of character with the captain’s form this time around.

Chelsea’s attack was not nullified in the second period, Malouda shot wide, Drogba rattled the bar from a freekick, jabs to the Arsenal jaw, reminders that threat remained even if a breakthrough had occurred.

It did not and Wenger was disappointed afterwards. Possession statistics mask the blunted Arsenal threat.  Bendtner was deemed not fit enough to start yet played for 25 minutes. Surely some leeway was necessary with Eduardo’s absence. Walcott put in a decent enough performance but like all attacking players, when you are stifled in possession by a mass rank of defenders and midfielders, you need options. Too often we did not have them.

And for all of that, the position of the team is not dire. The players are good enough to be in the top three, the mental impact of the manner of the defeat to United still appears to linger.

Where favour can be found is that the remainder of the season, 10 of the remaining games are against sides in mid or lower table. These matches are not straightforward; relegation threatens to around 11th place – albeit tenuously – and clubs have something to play for.

However, compared to those of Chelsea and Manchester United, the opportunity is there to close the 9 point gap. Problematically, whilst there is a reasonable expectation that both will drop points, Arsenal need to recover their strength starting on Wednesday and then win a high proportion of their games.

They can do it and until the mathematics deem the title unachievable, there is no reason to disbelieve that it will not happen. Right now though, we need to show support for the team. Perceived and real weaknesses cannot be resolved with signings – or as Wenger describes it, ‘The English solution‘ – and the squad need to regain confidence. This tough run of fixtures draws to a close on Wednesday when a victory may close the gap immediately, provided that results go Arsenal’s way.

’til Tomorrow.

Chelsea Preview: Bridging The Gap

Stamford Bridge this afternoon represents a stern test following the capitulation last weekend. Some might say that it is not the ideal fixture to face considering that result. I would venture the opposite, a taxing fixture that is akin to falling off a bicycle; the best solution is to get back on and carry on riding.

It is not, as the Sky cheerleading media may proclaim, a ‘must-win‘ match for Arsenal; it is a ‘must-no-lose‘ fixture if the title is to be a realistic ambition for the season. A gap of nine points at the top may prove a bridge too far at this stage, even with the history of recent months behind us.

As Andrey Arshavin put it:

After the Chelsea and Liverpool games the situation will become clearer

Whatever happens this afternoon, the situation is out of Arsenal’s control, reliant upon others dropping points whilst attaining wins to capitalise. The intangible in all of this is the remaining fixtures of Chelsea and Manchester United, both of whom have a number of clashes against top seven teams, home and away. For that reason you cannot rule anything out, the defining statistic is the number of games left which diminishes every week.

Not that the players are looking to draw this afternoon. Thomas Vermaelen believes in victory:

I think we can win there. If we have one of our good days and play as a team we can beat Chelsea. It is important for us to win. There’s a gap again – not as big as before – but we have to win to stay in the race.

It requires Vermaelen and Gallas to pay closer attention to Didier Drogba than in the madness which enveloped the first half at The Emirates. Certainly, the back four need to be more cohesive in their marking than last week, as do the midfield.

Injury news may well improve that. Diaby is likely to return with in all likelihood, Denilson making way if Wenger decides that Bendtner is fit enough to start. The Dane would provide more physical presence up front than Arshavin yet that aspect of football is often overplayed in the English game. The Russian is small but his movement makes a mockery of height; Arsenal do not lump crosses in when he leads the line.

Criticised after the United defeat for shooting too often, the Russian should carry on in that vein in my opinion. If he is not selfish, chances will go begging from someone else’s foot that he may convert. As a world-class player, Arshavin knows his own abilities, whether or not he can score or whether his choice is driven by vanity. You have to trust the player, especially one who has a decent scoring record at all levels.

At The Emirates against Chelsea, the passing game proved fruitless with intricacy being stifled around the visitors penalty area. This time guile needs to be added as well as support from the midfield to the attack. Perhaps Bendtner might add a touch more variety – oops, the height thing again – from which Arsenal may benefit.

I suspect that the line-up will be:

Almunia; Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy; Fabregas, Song, Diaby; Rosicky, Bendtner, Arshavin

If Diaby does not make it, Wenger has two options. Denilson is a logical replacement but Nasri offers perhaps width allowing Arshavin to drift inside. The crucial aspect of this afternoon is that the players apply themselves the whole time and are more alive to the positioning of their opponents. It is time to show last weekend was an aberration, that the belief was shaken but not destroyed.

’til Tomorrow.

Trophies? Graham Questions, Wenger Answers

George Graham’s recent comments regarding Arsenal have struck a few chords. In highlighting the failure to win trophies since 2005s FA Cup, Wenger’s predecessor provided an immediate contrast between the pair:

I’ll give you trophies. We’ll take some criticism, but I will give you trophies

Graham did that to an extent but he lost his way, on and off the pitch.

Having delivered the title twice with teams that had the same capabilities as any that Wenger has fielded, he retreated into his shell, the team content to get the ball quickly to Wright and hope that he scored. They knew that once a lead was established, there was a very high percentage in their favour that the back four would not be breached. Except that really only held true until 1993 when an extraordinarily mundane side had their limitations exposed in the league, a position which would only be recovered following Wenger’s appointment.

Recent summers have seen the Frenchman criticised for not strengthening his squad to the level that people would like. In this respect, he and Graham were remarkably similar. Having romped to the title in 1991, Graham did not bring in many new faces immediately afterwards. Wenger does not operate in any different way. Perhaps this is a contributing factor in why neither has retained the league title. It may not be.

Both changed the style of the team’s play in ‘drought’ spells without trophies. It is hard to argue that Graham’s was not the most immediately effective, delivering 3 trophies in two seasons. The functional style of play was an immediate template for clubs such as Bolton; get the ball forward quickly, keep the defence tight and kick anything that moves. It was not nice to watch most of the time yet equally capable of providing rousing nights as any other manner of play.

Yet the period 1992 – 1994 was the most deeply dissatisfying in terms of spectacle and in truth, further away from winning the title than at any period in Wenger’s reign. Inexplicably, Graham changed the tactics of the 1991 side rather than refreshing personnel. Had he done that, his success would have been more entrenched and quite possibly, his transgression forgiven. Whatever the Board of the time may claim, I would asserverate that the paucity of the football was a significant contributing factor in his dismissal.

The inception of the Premier League meant that the sheen of the League Cup was beginning to dull; in truth the mid-1990s were the last time the competition truly held any sway. Perhaps that is a generational thing since the trip to the old Wembley held more aura. Even that was fading following the decision to hold FA Cup semi-finals at the stadium.

The FA Cup is treading the same path, one that is inexorable with the top sides in the country routinely using the competition to field youth and squad players. Wenger has made abundantly clear his priorities:

it depends on what you call trophies. Is it the Champions League, the Premier League, the League Cup? If you win the League Cup you cannot say you win trophies for me. Of course [finishing third is better than winning a domestic cup]. It’s much more difficult.

His position is clear; domestic cups are not important at all, not even as Graham pointed out, in breaking a squad’s trophy duck. It is an entirely continental position to take where domestic cups carry far less importance than the league. Truthfully, he would probably find backing from Ancelotti and Ferguson although both appear to lean towards Graham’s view than Wenger.

It is essentially sets out his manifesto. This squad is focussing on the league, not only winning it but finishing in the top three:

A season in the English league, when you fight with Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Aston Villa, to finish in the top three is still not a disaster. It’s not enough because you want to win trophies. But it doesn’t say: ‘oh what a terrible season that was.’

We’ve just qualified from the group stage in the Champions League for the tenth consecutive season. That is, for me, three times as difficult as winning the League Cup five times. I know what’s difficult and what’s not difficult.

Few would argue with his theory that a top three finish is harder since it requires a level of consistency that cup competitions do not need. Yet winning a trophy is still that, especially for younger players. Had the Carling Cup been won then celebrations would ensue but not to anything like the same degree that would follow a Premier or Champions League, or even the FA Cup.

Graham questioned whether the Premier League could be won playing ‘total football‘, playing in the same manner as Barcelona. It is entirely feasible since they were consistent and that is the key element. The style of play is not irrelevant but allows a team to find that level, it works only if everyone knows their role in the side and what is expected of them. That applies to any style.

Wenger will have caused some rancour with his comments, almost inviting ‘style over substance’ debates. Those who put forward this as evidence will be ignoring a key plank of his comments, winning:

It’s very important that we win something, we’re here to win trophies

Some are more important than others. ’til Tomorrow.