Dies Ist Meine Box

The most striking component of the Invincibles side [no pun intended] was their collective attacking ability, representing the epitome of Arsene Wenger’s footballing philosophy: score first and ask questions later. Although not quite held to the same high regard, there was a much-vaunted resilience in that Arsenal team that became a hallmark as well. While Wenger has managed to achieve some similarly breathtaking attacking play since then, we have all witnessed a massive decline in that latter quality.

There is an all too familiar scenario: a tough road trip after a grueling run of games against the likes of United, Chelsea, and Liverpool, traveling ‘up norf’ to play on a less than ideal pitch, towards the end of a long and difficult season. It is the kind of cocktail that would mean almost certain defeat to recent squads. In 2004, it was the kind of game that threatened the unbeaten run.

We Won A Golden Trophy

These days you just about cannot turn around without someone reminding you how long it has been since Arsenal last lifted silver. Just recently as I took in a match down at the Factory with the NY Gooners, we had the misfortune of having to stand next to a bunch of Chavs watching their match. But it was the one against Southampton, so we had the good fortune of watching them lose that match. Early doors, TJ made a joke about Torres’ face-mask, then started be-bopping and skatting all over it. One of the Chavs took umbrage and asked how many trophies we had.

Historically the Arsenal sit third in terms of league titles at 13, since you asked. And the last one, as long ago as it may seem to some narrow minded twits, is made of gold. There’s only one such trophy in the history of the Premier League, and it’s ours by virtue of competing for an entire season without losing a single match. That we did so against the likes of commercial behemoth United and oil-daddy funded Chelsea, makes that gold shine just that much brighter. That we did it just a year after Wenger was lampooned for claiming we could do it, even more so. Deserves a chant no? The color and winning the league in May ties in nicely with “She Wore A Yellow Ribbon.” 

We won,

We won,

We won a golden trophy

We won a golden trophy in the merry month of May

And when

 They asked

 Why was the trophy golden

We said it’s for the Arsenal ‘cos we never lost a game

Not a game,
Not a game,

We won a golden trophy ‘cos we never lost a game

Not a game,
Not a game,

We won a golden trophy ‘cos we never lost a game

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The Return Of The King [Redux]

Dumping Carragher on his ass. Thierry Henry.

As 2011 came to a close there were more than whispers that Thierry Henry would return to the club on loan, in a period when Arsenal definitely needed freshening up. Just how much impact he might have was a source of great speculation, with factions both for and against the move. To pay homage to his second spell at the club I wanted to select a trademark moment from our French master, perhaps optimistically wishing for a revival of Henry’s vintage form.

Which to choose from so many? The volley versus United? The Charlton backheel? The 227^th goal [even if the 226^th was way nicer, and by the way how fitting that he would tie Ian Wright’s record then surpass it in the very same match?], the full length pitch run versus Tottenham? I decided on this goal, that played such a crucial role in Arsenal’s crowning achievement.

Like A Boss

"Yet Again Arsenal In A Matter Of Seconds Have Turned Defending Into Classic Counter Attack"

It is a well-worn tale that Arsene Wenger insisted upon the signing of Patrick Vieira from AC Milan before he would put pen to paper on his own contract to join the Arsenal. As much as Wenger was an unknown quantity, so too was Vieira. It wouldn’t take long for either to justify themselves in the Premier League. Vieira became the fulcrum around which Wenger weaved Arsenal’s intricate passing game, combining the graft and guile with which to strip opponents of the ball and immediately launch the Gunners into attack. 

There's Only One Dennis Bergkamp

"I play a different kind of game"

The caption above is from a chapter entitled "A Short Interview About Killing" in David Winners Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Soccer."  The quote is the conclusion of a conversation between Dennis Bergkamp himself and the author, the by-product of a chance encounter after an interview with someone else. Winner pressed the Dutchman about the imbalance of his relatively low goals return with respect to his outstanding ability as a striker.

The Return of the King

Dumping Carragher on his ass. Thierry Henry.

It will be very interesting to see how much of an impact Thierry Henry will have on the current squad. We have all been well advised not to expect moments like this one, when he turned around a deficit to Liverpool to preserve our unbeaten title push after crushing defeats to United and Chelsea in the cup competitions.

But there he was again versus Leeds, peeling off the shoulder of his marker, same foot-same post, making the difference in a match we needed to win and having the kind of impact we need to provide in Van Persie’s absence. And in some cases, he will be available to play in tandem with the Dutchman, in tasty encounters with United, Milan and possibly Tottenham.

I especially enjoyed the uncontainable joy showing through the competitive rage in his celebration afterwards. The normal scowl spoiled by a grin that betrays an ever-growing adoration for Arsenal. I’m very optimistic about the kind of influence that can have on and off the pitch. 


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