TFG
To date this season, the EA Sports Player of the Month award has been won twice in succession by Wojciech Szczesny and Robin van Persie respectively. Given their contributions to our vastly-improved displays and consequent fortunes, this comes as no great surprise. Arguably, it would be quite possible to pick from a pool of five or six players to find potential winners for the remainder of the season, fitness permitting.
Mindful of this, I began to wonder if there was any mileage for corporate sponsorship of some alternative “awards”. For example, You Tube may have possibly missed a trick. They should consider sponsoring an award for (at best) average players, who positively influence a game with an extraordinary performance: completely out of the blue and equally, of character.
To qualify, the game in question would have to be significant and the performance a genuine shock to fans and pundits alike. A suitable prize might be a compilation of the best moments from the game, made available on the website – the player’s “You Tube game”. This would also represent an excellent marketing tool for the club in question, if they sought to take advantage of a sudden rise in stock. In addition, best-of-the-season could be rewarded by a commissioned marketing brochure, similar to that which tempted Manchester United to employ Michael Owen – albeit as a free agent.
Cast your mind back to 9 January, 2007 and to Julio Baptista’s quartet in a Carling Cup quarter-final, which finished Liverpool 3 Arsenal 6. “The Beast” would surely have won “You Tube Performance of the Month” (if not the season). Some might argue that this award should have been given to another Arsenal forward, repeating the feat in the 4–4 draw at Anfield in April 2009. Elsewhere, West London witnessed a strong contender for an award in September 2009, as Fulham were kept out by Vito Mannone’s heroics. Supposing Poundstretchers awarded “Most Expensive Flop of the Season”, one might expect that trinket to reside less than two miles from Craven Cottage. The possibilities are endless.
Preferring to leave the stand-up comedy to the professionals (Chris Foy’s officiating at Eastlands on Sunday being a case in point), I followed my own train of thought to a more topical conclusion. Our squad contains players who must be retained as a nucleus: decent squad players and a few real worries. With the transfer window open, and the virtues of adding experience now beyond debate, we must hope for a similar injection before the month is out.
I am extremely relieved that my relegation concerns have, in hindsight, made me look foolish. There are lies, damned lies and statistics – but when I voiced these concerns, our form could not have been further from top-four quality. We have a few integral players to return from injury and have shipped out most of the “worries” in the summer.
There will be departures – some perhaps bringing regret at unfulfilled potential and some plain relief. One or two will stay, contrary to our belief in their (lack of) quality. All the while, certain “clubs” will continue to distort reality, leaving the rest to play Fantasy Football within a stipulated budget. Laurent Koscielny has epitomised a Wenger bargain, with one obvious moment blotting an otherwise decent record. At the other polarity, we have Marouane Chamakh.
Top four now appears possible, most likely at Chelsea’s expense. Clearly, this depends upon their activity prior to the onset of February and notably any decisions involving managerial personnel. Arsenal cannot influence what others do, but we can increase our own chances with a pragmatic approach. Deals are invariably complex, but early action and avoiding overt brinksmanship increases the likelihood of a profitable period – if not purely in financial terms.
Without a pre-season, buying players from outside the Premier League in January can simply represent an investment for the following season. Acclimatisation is sometimes an issue, although this period can vary – becoming unusually excessive in certain cases, where the “transition” is far from a stroll in the Park. However, in my opinion, Jan Vertonghen would immediately add qualities similar to those of Thomas Vermaelen. I would venture that both could help out as a holding midfielder, if required, or anywhere across the back four. Rather than impede Francis Coquelin, such a signing would facilitate the possible departures of a duo whose stark impact cost us a winning position at Fulham. Availability for Champions League is a bonus, but should not be a deal-breaker if the quality is there.
Demba Ba will attract attention, irrespective of his involvement in the African Cup of Nations. If the rumoured release clause is accurate, we should get involved. Whilst the return of Thierry Henry may promote wistful nostalgia and merchandising opportunities, this should not be the extent of our movement. Despite significant improvement, there is still a propensity to rely excessively on our brightest stars and, equally, to suffer the shortcomings of those more mediocre. Players make mistakes, but the best learn from them.
Traditionally, the football version of the January sales usually creates a last-minute rush, rather than overnight vying for the most advantageous queuing position, de rigueur in better days for retailers. Arsenal should act incisively in making additions and perhaps ask Spike Lee to make the necessary arrangements for any urgent sales. Surely, even Francis Jeffers had a “You Tube game”?
