Kevin Whitcher
Ed’s note – I was unable to watch the Manchester City v Arsenal match yesterday afternoon. My thanks for regular Gooner contributor Charlie Ashmore for agreeing to cover for me. Here’s his take on the 2-2 draw…
It is a confusing time to be an Arsenal fan. Hand on heart how many of us in August would not have bitten off the hand that offered us that with one game to go we had all but guaranteed finishing above Chelsea, United and City? Here we are though in exactly that position and yet we are all frustrated. All the big clubs have underperformed this year but we have underperformed less than the others. And yet we are all more frustrated than the rest. Why is that? It can only be because the others believe next year will be different. Although United have yet to confirm it, the other clubs will all have new managers next season. Whether we like it or not, we will not. And despite the volume of those demanding change, what has become quite apparent in the last two weeks is that there are plenty who are not.
As someone who regarded himself as one of the last of the supporters of Arsene Wenger, but who has lost faith in his ability to change things, it has been interesting to see and hear a significant level of support for him. When the editor asked me to write this week’s editorial, he talked about the possibility of yet another "protest". My heart sank but if it happened I missed it. (Ed’s note – A number of banners were confiscated from supporters entering the stadium by stewards that had travelled with Arsenal. More on this in a separate article tomorrow)
Perhaps events at White Hart Lane changed today's narrative. Suddenly the delicious prospect of Spurs' best season in 55 years ending with them finishing behind us yet again was dangling unexpectedly in front of us. Maybe that reordered the priorities of those who had intended to protest. If so, I applaud them for their common sense. Don't get me wrong. I am no longer an apologist for Wenger and I am certain both that change is needed and that change is only possible by changing the manager such is his control over all aspects of the playing side of the club. But as news came through of Spurs' defeat, I found myself hoping that the fans would first and last get behind the team rather than continue the infighting.
The only sign of discord was at the final whistle when a banner (which I assumed was anti Wenger but which I could not read to verify it) was raised by a handful in the lower tier, pulled at by others and some unseemly scuffling followed. However the chorus of "there's only one Arsene Wenger" was louder than any protesting voices today and at least two placards in the middle tier where I was expressed support for him.
On the pitch, there was some real intensity in the game and, although at times City threatened to overrun us, we held our nerve and twice came from behind. I was delighted for Giroud whose horrible run of blanks ended today. He is not as bad a player as his critics would have you think and he has generally served us well since he joined. Having said that we need more up front and our absolute priority this summer is to find that out and about goal scorer. If we had not screwed up the Suarez transfer a couple of years ago, I cannot help feeling that we would not now still be waiting for another title. We must not make the same mistake this summer, but I will not be alone in fearing that we will repeat past mistakes.
Welbeck's injury is a worry, though being selfish if he were to miss the Euros he will at least be fresh for us next year. Wilshere's performance promised much though every time he ended on the ground after another challenge I winced and feared for him until he was on his feet again.
And what of everybody's favourite super sub, Theo? How he gets a game ahead of Campbell God only knows. One good run ended with him running the ball out of play and still getting a corner. A one on one saw a heavy first touch followed by a hopelessly inaccurate dink over Hart. A lovely back heel... straight into touch. And a pass straight to a City player to help turn attack into defence. Mind you he was in acres of space when Giroud was hacked down as he was about to release him. Who knows? That might have been the moment when Theo could have won us back over but let's be honest you would probably have got better odds on him tripping over the ball than scoring.
Overall, you have to give the team credit today. A spirited performance earning a very hard fought draw and one which amazingly keeps alive the possibility that we may yet get the chance to celebrate St Totteringham’s Day this season.
Where does this leave us the fans? It is not inconsistent to want change and yet want the team to win. Let's all get behind the team next week. Let's finish the season on a high and who knows, Newcastle may just finish their shambolic season in style. If so, let us all enjoy the moment together.
Beyond that, those of us who want change have to accept two things - first that there remain others with a contrary view and they are as entitled to their view as we are to ours. However wrong you think they are, they think the same about you. And second that whether we like it or not (and a good number certainly don't like it) the earliest that change will come is one year away. We can choose to spend that year angry and miserable or we can do our best to support the team and see how it plays out. We have a part to play in the success or failure of the team. If we give it our all, and are let down by the manager and/or the players, we cannot be criticised for demanding change. If despite our best efforts we do not win the league next year (and given the Groundhog Day nature of each passing season that is the likely outcome) then we will I believe get the change we believe is needed. And if we do win the league? Well that would be a hell of a nice "problem" to have wouldn't it?
There is a famous prayer which goes something like "god give me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference". Right now that feels like good advice to each and every person involved in Arsenal Football Club. If all were to heed it, then next season might yet confound the current expectations of many of us.
But right now, the game is afoot and for the first time this season I suspect we Arsenal fans might be sleeping a little easier this week than our neighbours, for whom the nightmare scenario of ending their season once more behind us might yet prove to be a reality.
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