Written by Mean Lean
on
Friday, 25 March 2011 12:43
Good afternoon Arse world,
I have been missing over the last couple of days for various different reasons. None of those reasons have anything to do with the International break either and for once I am not being sarcastic.
I do not appear to have missed very much though. Every now and then I flicked onto Twitter to see what was going on and conversation was quite often about something completely different. Cricket, Rebecca Black and pretty much everything else apart from the Arsenal.
Much of the focus is on the Wales vs England match and it is one that I am actually looking forward to for a change. Those who have read my ramblings for a while now will know that the International scene is a little like general anesthetic to me, a little like kryptonite to Superman. They usually knock me out and make me fall asleep.
Watching Jack Wilshere vs Aaron Ramsey has certainly given me something to look forward to. Fabio Capello must feel like the average person having just won the lottery. He has had an upgrade from Gareth Barry to Jack Wilshere. Such a difference in class already at the tender age of 19.
Do you remember the hoards of people who were upset that Wenger did not buy Gareth Barry when he went to Manchester City? Luckily for us, we do not come from the Harry Redknapp and Rafa Benitez school of management, buying whoever comes available on the market. Although you do get the feeling that a section of supporters like the idea of buying new players just because they are new players and not for the players actual ability. I digress, as usual.
Stuart Pearce is having a blinking bubble bath if he is seriously considering picking Jack Wilshere for the U21 European Championships. Pearce has vowed to include the top players including Jack Wilshere and Andy Carroll. With the latter it is not so much an issue as injury has robbed him of playing time during this season. Jack Wilshere is a different case, not only has he played almost a full season so far, he is in his first full year as an Arsenal starter. He will need the rest, will need to recharge his batteries.
It seems apparent that the likes of Pearce couldn't give a monkey's about the welfare of the players and as usual it is only about results. It seems to be a common theme in this country when it comes to younger players. I wouldn't be surprised if Pearce instructs Wilshere to whack it long to Carroll at every opportunity.
I am sure Arsene will be furious and will vent away but he could well be powerless.
On the weekend Jack Wilshere will be up against his club team mate Aaron Ramsey who has just been appointed as the captain of the Wales team *Stands up and claps emotionally*
At 20 years of age, having just returned from serious injury; being made captain is just astonishing and just highlights the quality the lad has, not just in terms of ability but also as a person. Before the announcement I remember reading a Welsh player's view on his team mates, I cannot remember who it was now but it was in a newspaper last week.
When speaking of Ramsey he said that his quality was obvious and that he wasn't afraid to speak his mind in the dressing room which I found very interesting at the time. Ramsey appears like an articulate guy, sensible and committed but he struck me as more of a shy kind of character. When you have players such as Craig Bellamy, James Collins, Danny Gabbidon etc in the dressing room, all with more caps and experience than he has then it just excites you. Well if it doesn't then it should. If it excites you in another way then I suggest calling your GP and sorting out your issues. Just don't do it here.
I found myself watching a few Ramsey You Tube moments the other day and I had almost forgotten how good this lad was. The mind failure is largely down to the rise of Wilshere and credit to him for such a fantastic first full season at Arsenal, but Ramsey scores goals and he will improve. I watched him bend in a free kick for his country and also back heal the ball to his team mate, take the return on his thigh and volley it past the keeper.
*Considers going on yet another dreamy ramble about the future midfield of Wilshere and Ramsey but decides against it*
We are continuously told that have no leadership in our squad and we do not have a captain but can that be true when you look at the facts. Samir Nasri will wear the captains armband for the French against Luxembourg. Tomas Rosicky is the captain of the Czech's. Thomas Vermaelen is capi of Belgium. Lets not forget Andrey Arshavin who is the Russian leader. Talk of Jack Wilshere also being a future captain for club and country and come up quite a few times in recent weeks.
It is an easy stick to beat us with and it just comes across as a little lazy. This is how it usually goes according to the media and some of the less optimistic support.
Arsenal victory = Weak opposition or opposition playing poorly.
Arsenal lose = Not wanting it enough, weak underbelly, lack of leadership, cannot defend, no plan B.
Unfortunately our position, or statistics are never compared to our rivals which I would say is a pretty good comparison this season in each individual season.
Going back to the captain's and leaders. I would be more than happy to see Robin Van Persie have the armband permanently, especially after his recent comments.
He has once again declared his love for Arsenal and does not want to go anywhere. I am not sure it sends out the correct message to team mates and to new players who join the club to have a captain that wants to go back to Barcelona whether that be as soon as possible or a few years down the line. Obviously removing the armband from Cesc would not be a clever thing to do to a guy who gives his all to the club regardless of where he wants to go eventually.
Van Persie has had a go at Barcelona and Chelsea for being moany little *beep!!!* what else could you possibly need as a captain?
Ok Smokey, I am off to consume some tasty lunch.
Back tomorrow.
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