Matt 1Arsenal Doesn't Need a New Captain! The Birmingham Blunder Should Be Forgotten
February 29th 2008 04:27
Morrissey sang so long ago about "Panic on the streets of London". Yet it's March 1st, 2008 tomorrow and his tune seems oh so relevant, as the end of the English Premier League season draws near.
As per usual, it appears that only Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea can win the 2007/08 League title, in what one anticipates will be as exciting a finish as any in recent history. The Gunners seemed at the beginning of the season to be the most unlikely of the trio to finish on top yet they are 3 points clear of the Red Devils, their nearest rivals. However, the draw to cellar-dwellars Birmingham City at the weekend has brought a sense of alarm amongst certain members of the Arsenal community and London media. An untimely penalty and a captain's dummy-spit have aroused calls for William Gallas' head. Yet in a topsy-turvy season, the last thing Arsene Wenger's side needs is axe-swinging and rash decisions. It shall be the "sook" Gallas who will steer the Gunners to the top of the table.
Acquired from Chelsea in a straight swap for unhappy England left-back Ashley Cole, Gallas has been influential in Arsenal's rise this season from an up-and-comer to a legitimate title hope. The 30 year-old has provided experience and calm for a team who, for much of the season, have lacked both. Partnering at various times Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue, Phillipe Senderos, Bacary Sagna, Justin Hoyte and the aforementioned penalty villain Gael Clichy, Gallas' leadership has often shone through acting as the beacon of a tremendously underrated and inexperrienced defensive unit. He has led his side to some wonderful victories this season and scored crucial 'captain's' goals; none more important than his headers to escape with a draw at home against Manchester United in November and then defeat his former side with the only score of the match a month later. His value has been immeasurable up until the Birmingham clash.
Following the Clichy mistake, Gallas' displeasure was a highlight (or lowlight) on sports reels across the globe. The leader of his side was not backing up his young team-mate and instead sulking in the opposing half and near tears when James McFadden's penalty hit the back of the net. Birmingham City fans jeered the Frenchman for acting like a fool but deep down were just pleased to be escaping with 1 point against the unlikeliest of opponents. There is no doubt his actions also would have received stern words from Wenger and several players in the dressing room.
However, this one blunder has prompted an unbelievable over-exaggeration from various football media circles, particularly those in England. To call for Gallas to be dropped as captain in the most vital part of the year is as ludicrous a suggestion as Wenger would have heard all season. Arsenal still hold onto a 3 point lead with 11 games to play. And while there is much football ahead, one childish incident from the Gunners leader and fan favourite should not count against him until at least the season's end.
With the upcoming fixture against tricky 6th-placed outfit Aston Villa, Arsene Wenger and his men need order, discipline and strength at the back. Martin O'Neill's Villa outfit will be difficult to undermine unless the Gunners have the same agenda - to stay calm in defence and lively in attack and most importantly, get the 3 points! This weekend is a chance to quash uncertainties arising from the Birmingham blunder or the 5-1 FA Cup thrashing at the hands of the Red Devils. It is a chance for Clichy, his team-mates and particularly captain Gallas to prove their worth.
It has been a while between successes for the boys from Emirates Stadium. Written off by many as too young and too inexperienced to successfully challenge Chelsea and Manchester United this year, the Gunners have shown a lot of fortitude so far this season to be where they are. What lies ahead will show the captain's true form. Gallas, though outspoken (formerly clashing with keeper Manuel Almunia), unpredictable and fiery, is the experienced and passionate leader that Arsenal needs in charge of its youth brigade as it marches through March and beyond this season.
A hiccough against Alex McLeish's men last weekend won't be a stumbling block for the determined Gallas and his men as they seek to prove their doubters wrong. That is, if Gallas and Clichy get back to playing the sort of football they were at the beginning of the month and late last year.
"Billy" has the opportunity to join former Arsenal captains Viera, Henry and Adams in lifting the Premier League trophy aloft. Only then will the Birmingham City fans and the media nay-sayers be proven wrong and the football world can sing Morrissey again and chant "William, It Was Really Nothing".
I certainly predict a close finish to this exciting and at times controversial season but I do predict a smile on the Arsenal captain's face come May 11.
As per usual, it appears that only Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea can win the 2007/08 League title, in what one anticipates will be as exciting a finish as any in recent history. The Gunners seemed at the beginning of the season to be the most unlikely of the trio to finish on top yet they are 3 points clear of the Red Devils, their nearest rivals. However, the draw to cellar-dwellars Birmingham City at the weekend has brought a sense of alarm amongst certain members of the Arsenal community and London media. An untimely penalty and a captain's dummy-spit have aroused calls for William Gallas' head. Yet in a topsy-turvy season, the last thing Arsene Wenger's side needs is axe-swinging and rash decisions. It shall be the "sook" Gallas who will steer the Gunners to the top of the table.
Acquired from Chelsea in a straight swap for unhappy England left-back Ashley Cole, Gallas has been influential in Arsenal's rise this season from an up-and-comer to a legitimate title hope. The 30 year-old has provided experience and calm for a team who, for much of the season, have lacked both. Partnering at various times Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue, Phillipe Senderos, Bacary Sagna, Justin Hoyte and the aforementioned penalty villain Gael Clichy, Gallas' leadership has often shone through acting as the beacon of a tremendously underrated and inexperrienced defensive unit. He has led his side to some wonderful victories this season and scored crucial 'captain's' goals; none more important than his headers to escape with a draw at home against Manchester United in November and then defeat his former side with the only score of the match a month later. His value has been immeasurable up until the Birmingham clash.
Following the Clichy mistake, Gallas' displeasure was a highlight (or lowlight) on sports reels across the globe. The leader of his side was not backing up his young team-mate and instead sulking in the opposing half and near tears when James McFadden's penalty hit the back of the net. Birmingham City fans jeered the Frenchman for acting like a fool but deep down were just pleased to be escaping with 1 point against the unlikeliest of opponents. There is no doubt his actions also would have received stern words from Wenger and several players in the dressing room.
However, this one blunder has prompted an unbelievable over-exaggeration from various football media circles, particularly those in England. To call for Gallas to be dropped as captain in the most vital part of the year is as ludicrous a suggestion as Wenger would have heard all season. Arsenal still hold onto a 3 point lead with 11 games to play. And while there is much football ahead, one childish incident from the Gunners leader and fan favourite should not count against him until at least the season's end.
With the upcoming fixture against tricky 6th-placed outfit Aston Villa, Arsene Wenger and his men need order, discipline and strength at the back. Martin O'Neill's Villa outfit will be difficult to undermine unless the Gunners have the same agenda - to stay calm in defence and lively in attack and most importantly, get the 3 points! This weekend is a chance to quash uncertainties arising from the Birmingham blunder or the 5-1 FA Cup thrashing at the hands of the Red Devils. It is a chance for Clichy, his team-mates and particularly captain Gallas to prove their worth.
It has been a while between successes for the boys from Emirates Stadium. Written off by many as too young and too inexperienced to successfully challenge Chelsea and Manchester United this year, the Gunners have shown a lot of fortitude so far this season to be where they are. What lies ahead will show the captain's true form. Gallas, though outspoken (formerly clashing with keeper Manuel Almunia), unpredictable and fiery, is the experienced and passionate leader that Arsenal needs in charge of its youth brigade as it marches through March and beyond this season.
A hiccough against Alex McLeish's men last weekend won't be a stumbling block for the determined Gallas and his men as they seek to prove their doubters wrong. That is, if Gallas and Clichy get back to playing the sort of football they were at the beginning of the month and late last year.
"Billy" has the opportunity to join former Arsenal captains Viera, Henry and Adams in lifting the Premier League trophy aloft. Only then will the Birmingham City fans and the media nay-sayers be proven wrong and the football world can sing Morrissey again and chant "William, It Was Really Nothing".
I certainly predict a close finish to this exciting and at times controversial season but I do predict a smile on the Arsenal captain's face come May 11.
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