"That was not a football score, it was a hockey score ... in training I often play matches of three against three and when the score reaches 5-4, I send the players back to the dressing room, because they are not defending properly." - Jose Mourinho on Arsenal 5, Spurs 4 before the expiry of the Invincibles.
OK. So maybe it's not the most controversial thing the Portuguese manager has had to say during his short, fantastically successful but turbulent reign as Chelsea chief. And maybe it's too early to pronounce the death of the Invincible Arsenal squad that went 49 games without defeat led by that great professor of footballing economics Arsene Wenger. And don't even get me started on the potential FA Cup final clash to come in the early May Cardiff sunshine (optimistic??) against those fiercest of 21st-century-rivals Manchester United. Wo Mama!
One guesses that Mr Mourinho's intention with this particular shot-across-the-bow early in the 2004-05 Premiership race was to underline the importance of good defending, but he was preaching to the choir. Three out of the last four Premiership champions have featured the stingiest goals against including the last two years when Arsenal and Man U took the title. Chelsea looks set to continue this trend in 2005.
My Arsenal wish list for the remainder of the season is quite simple really. If all/some/none of these wishes come true I shall remain an ardent fan. They'll just make it easier.
- Finish second in the league
- Beat Manchester United in the FA Cup Final
- Destroy Tottenham at Highbury on a Monday evening under the lights
- Beat Chelsea away at Stamford Bridge
One day at Stansted Airport seven years ago ...
I was buying my ticket for Paris when I turned to find Arsene Wenger standing at my side, dressed in his suit, and looking every bit the professor. Arsenal had just been knocked out of the Champions League again and he was heading to France for a few days. Unable to resist I requested a photo (blurry beyond recognition when developed) and we spoke briefly about the team's fortunes that year. We headed in different directions but met again in the waiting lounge as the flight was delayed. We spoke for about half an hour on everything from websites to Canadian maple syrup and of course the mighty, mighty Arsenal. He was every bit the gentleman you see on television, respectful of his colleagues and players, and obviously interested in a fans' perspective, the way a chef likes the chance to sit down with a customer to discuss a meal. We split up again getting on the plane, disembarking in Paris, and going through the vagaries of European Union customs. Before catching a train into the city I hopped into the loo at Charles de Gaulle only to have the manager of the greatest football team in the world walk in and occupy the urinal beside me. If you guessed that Arsene Wenger walked in then you correctly identified the greatest football team in the world :-). So this was the way it was going to be. He was going to follow me around until I gave him a few footballing secrets. So I reached into my treasure troff of knowledge and brought a real gem: "I don't think you should ever take Thierry Henry off the field!" Ever since that day you'll find a healthy Thierry Henry on the pitch for Arsenal. Coincidence?
As Wenger walked away from me I shouted after him, for a moment perhaps slipping into akind of crazy fandom I had not felt since watching Guy Lafleur, the great Montreal Canadians ice hockey player, as a starry eyed nine year old: "We respect you! Thank you!"
"Make way for this man. He deserves our respect!"
The crowd parted and there were a few wry French smiles passing by, a few looks of recognition but mainly just enjoyment at watching another crazy foreigner. Wenger turned back once (It is Love! :-) and I gave him a wave. He had taken my advice. It seemed everything was going to be all right and Voilà the mighty Arsenal go on a seven year domestic rampage that cumulated in the Invincible undefeated season of 2003/04 playing a silky smooth but gritty style of entertainment football. The ball always on the ground, little give-and-gos raising the patrons from their seats. And of course the best player in the world playing on my recommendation If you guessed Thierry Henry then you correctly identified the best player in the world :-).
So Jose Mourinho and his Chelsea machine can mock the bulging scorelines that result from a team continuing to play the flowing style of the mighty Arsenal, despite leaking at the back. While Mourinho sends his players back to the dressing room for scoring to much, early Wenger was said to hold the whistle between his teeth during practices, blowing hard each time the ball rose above shoulder height. "On the ground," he would repeat, as mantra. And Alex Ferguson has got more than his fair share of issues to deal with so he isn't paying much attention to us or his rivalry with Wenger at the moment.
Arsenal fans, and you know who you are. Trust in the professor, the svengali of smooth, he of the furrowed brow, the man in the magic hat! Caveat: Except 4 goalkeepers. Wenger continues to bring the most entertaining brand of football to the English Premiership, competitive with any club in the world. Well I guess the goalkeepers have been entertaining as well, in a way. Look for a revitalized Arsenal squad to storm the gates again in 2005/06. Wenger is chomping at the bit.
For your latest Arsenal news visit:
Arseblog - A comprehensive and current account from true Arsenal fan(s)
Arseweb - A classic with a great archive
Arsenal Football Club - Not as strong on content as the others as censorship prevades but great location for ticket and official club information. Also check out fan columnist Frank Stubbs.
Sporting Life - Latest headlines and scores to keep up to date
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