Ian Tanner
Succinctly yet accurately, as befits the great statesman he could have been, Arsene summarised the destruction of Wigan Athletic. To paraphrase: 3-0, a[nother] missed penalty, and their goalie was Man of the Match. Part of me would love our own Wojciech Szczesny to be so but, as always, one should be careful what one wishes for. Such would imply a porous defence; ours kept clean sheets in all three Premier League matches in January.
My best Gooner mate was AWOL; skiing apparently. He was off piste when I phoned at half-time and sounded piste off that it was only 1-0 as I dissected the first 45 minutes, questioning whether we’d rue all those missed chances, Ali Al Habsi’s brilliant reflexes and various defenders’ heroics, launching their bodies into the line of fire. Doubtless many glass half empties closer to the action concurred, as would I until recently. Not now. With “Chesny” in goal we may be embarking on a prolonged period of defensive Solidarity (geddit?). Not before time. He’s conceded four goals, including a nearly-saved Pickwickian-style penalty, Johnson’s once-in-a-lifetime thunderbolt at Elland Road, and Park’s freakish – but highly skilful – header at Old Trafford.
If, when Szczesny retires in 2026, just turned 36, he’s still conceding less than a goal every other game, he’ll be Poland-bound with 600+ appearances, dozens of international caps and a drawer full of medals. It’s just a shame that it took simultaneous injuries to Almunia and the improving Fabianski for his current opportunity. For that, even as a rabid Arsene Knows Best – I feel compelled to criticise our manager who, earlier this season, also had Vito Mannone ahead of Szczesny in his pecking order. Incredible.
Single-handedly – his right – Szczesny kept us in the FA Cup. Becchio’s header at 0-1 is worth recalling. From my vantage point – a pretty good one – I was convinced it hit the post or a defender’s knee. Nothing else made sense as the ball rebounded so far, towards the touchline. Only after replays and amid involuntary head-shaking did we realise how much he got on the ball. Sensational. A big hand for a large hand.
The AMG – Arsene Must Go – brigade want the board to splash the cash, implying incorrectly that they’ve not “invested” in the team. Manchester Citeh’s expensively assembled squad are underperforming. If a typical AMG were granted an audience with their narcissistic multi-billionaire owner, I wonder what advice they’d proffer. Do tell.
