Just Arsenal Fans

Hi,

Just wanted to write about the two teams which go into battle this week and as the wait is getting longer and I am tired thinking of tactics, haha, I thought I can write a few thoughts about the contrast of the two teams.

No i didn’t mean Liverpool and United, frankly speaking I don’t care much what happens in that game though it will make me smile knowing United lost if they do so. For me the game that matters is City vs Arsenal. The game between the champions and probable contenders.

Just for the record, Arsenal have been the most successful team against City in recent times. Out of the last 30 games played, we have got 68 points of it with 21 wins and 5 draws. Going into this game, though, I think it’s fair to say all we Gooners will be happy with a draw. How did this happen? Money is the easy answer but wait, there is a bit more to it as well. Yes money has played the most vital role in it. City, with the sheikhs on board, transformed from being the noisy neighbors to champions and, even though we hate to admit it, we have fed them well as well.

Arsenal have sent or lost most of their players to City and it’s no coincidence. Money and ambition does play it’s part but the bigger picture is that, while Arsenal consolidated its position, City went overboard and jumped above all. It is no coincidence that after 2005 while Arsenal moved on to their new stadium and yet continued their self sustaining model, the likes of Chelsea initially and now City took over Arsenal’s position where it really mattered- in the league table. Arsenal’s greatness has been able to sustain and not capitulate in the burgeoning modern day football whereas City’s success is bred on the theory that what you don’t have can always be bought for the right price.

Whether Arsenal would have been still challenging for top honors if they had not moved on to a new stadium or had they not lost their most important players for whatever reasons or if they had pumped in money is an all together different question. A decision was taken by the club and, whether it was liked or not, it was the right one. That Chelsea and City capitalized may have left a bitter taste in the mouth but that would have still happened. Eg- say Arsenal had enough funds to go for a player like, for instance, Javi Garcia. Does anyone think we would have paid more than odds to get him at all cost? Unlikely, even if we wanted to, would we have got into a slug fest with City as if it was a bidding war and keep raising stakes? No way no chance.

There needs to be a sense in the insane world and proudly I say it is us who have it. What has happened is the transition did take it’s toll on the Gunners, not by their league position only, but also because suddenly they weren’t the “lucrative” option anymore. In comparison, City suddenly appeared with bright headlights to anyone with a bit of a name and game, who wanted to play in a team of stars and insane weekly wages.Arsenal was never the team for the superstars but they were the most attractive to play for.

To be fair on City,it has not just been spending insane money, its been a project which has started paying dividends now. Initially it was like smash and grab whereas now it is more meticulous. The result is that City have assembled a “team” rather than 11 super stars.

As Arsenal play City on Sunday, it shows the changing times in football and in life. City represent the the amalgam of power and money and ruthlessness to succeed on all counts, whereas Arsenal represent the old school of principles, ideologies and charm and hope. Don’t get me wrong, at end of the day both teams play for the same reason-to win at all cost, means maybe different. City have chosen their path and Arsenal did so as well. Are City wrong and is Arsenal right? No, each one will say we are right.End of the day ask a supporter, he will say go and win the damn game mate we can talk about ethics later.

Last but not the least to all City fans-You can buy anything but you cannot buy class,you see class is permanent.

Till next time
Praying for an Arsenal win,
Vinay