EastStandBlue
Life President
- Joined
- May 29, 2005
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When Ryan Shawcross trudged off the field in tears, the last thing the lad needed was to be hounded by a sense of indignation from Arsene Wenger and a loud collage of journalists and Arsenal fans alike. So, imagine the disgust when the pitch forks and stakes came out...
The challenge itself was, if anything, clumsy and mistimed. Shawcross’ foot remained planted to the floor throughout and replays suggest Bendtner restricted his view. Ramsey flew in at a reasonable speed and paid the price with a rumoured six fractures in his right leg... Simple laws of physics dictate that the little man will come off worse.
It’s the third substantial leg break Arsenal have picked up in as many seasons, but to suggest it is anything more than a freak coincidence is sadly misleading. Arsenal might be met with sterner opposition to counter-balance their over complicated passing game and it definitely isn’t ‘Joga Bonito’, but that’s essentially what football is at the highest level: A physical game of tactical chess.
Teams like Stoke and Bolton know full well that Arsenal’s midfield can be attacked, the simple tactical choice would be to reinforce the midfield with stronger options. It’s a simple problem that can be solved by simple solutions, however Arsene is a victim of the incessant belief he has in his own system and, instead, feels that this ugly problem can be fixed by a spate of public bleating.
It’s a tired record that is in distinct danger of breaking.
The real victim here, though, is Ryan Shawcross. A young defender of great ability has had his first England cap spoiled by the incessant ranting of a manager and the inevitable witch hunt that followed. Players and team mates alike have leapt to the defence of Shawcross, not one believing he actually has an ounce of venom in his body.
The saving grace could be the ongoing victimisation of John Terry, but I certainly wouldn’t bet against a tirade of abuse from disgruntled Arsenal fans incensed at the loss of one of their own starlets.
In a World Cup year when defensive options are running wafer-thin, a player of Shawcross’ potential could prove to be invaluable... But it’s almost tradition for England to hang their own out to dry.
The challenge itself was, if anything, clumsy and mistimed. Shawcross’ foot remained planted to the floor throughout and replays suggest Bendtner restricted his view. Ramsey flew in at a reasonable speed and paid the price with a rumoured six fractures in his right leg... Simple laws of physics dictate that the little man will come off worse.
It’s the third substantial leg break Arsenal have picked up in as many seasons, but to suggest it is anything more than a freak coincidence is sadly misleading. Arsenal might be met with sterner opposition to counter-balance their over complicated passing game and it definitely isn’t ‘Joga Bonito’, but that’s essentially what football is at the highest level: A physical game of tactical chess.
Teams like Stoke and Bolton know full well that Arsenal’s midfield can be attacked, the simple tactical choice would be to reinforce the midfield with stronger options. It’s a simple problem that can be solved by simple solutions, however Arsene is a victim of the incessant belief he has in his own system and, instead, feels that this ugly problem can be fixed by a spate of public bleating.
It’s a tired record that is in distinct danger of breaking.
The real victim here, though, is Ryan Shawcross. A young defender of great ability has had his first England cap spoiled by the incessant ranting of a manager and the inevitable witch hunt that followed. Players and team mates alike have leapt to the defence of Shawcross, not one believing he actually has an ounce of venom in his body.
The saving grace could be the ongoing victimisation of John Terry, but I certainly wouldn’t bet against a tirade of abuse from disgruntled Arsenal fans incensed at the loss of one of their own starlets.
In a World Cup year when defensive options are running wafer-thin, a player of Shawcross’ potential could prove to be invaluable... But it’s almost tradition for England to hang their own out to dry.
