January 09, 2018 14:47

Wenger's unnecessary gamble backfired

Arsene Wenger is known for fielding weakened sides in cup competitions. He only just escaped heavy criticism after Fabianski shockingly came off his line to allow a golden opportunity for Hull City to take certain FA Cup victory away from Arsenal in 2014, one case of many in which he has frustratingly been able to justify his decision to play a lesser quality team. On Sunday however, Wenger’s luck ran out, and it was to the pain of all Arsenal fans.

January 04, 2018 12:06

JFS graduation caused me to miss Premier League thriller

The first Arsenal game of the new year is always an exciting occasion. Start the year off on a loss and the mood of the fans can swing the wrong way for the rest of the season, so when it is a London derby against such familiar rivals as Chelsea, the stakes are sky high.

December 03, 2017 21:50

Manchester United looked like no more than a 'rich man's West Brom’

Football is a game of fine margins, and when you are on the losing side it is painful. I spent the whole Arsenal game on the edge of my sofa, or with my head in my hands. Every time the ball came near the goal, De Gea produced another agonising save, using every part of his body available to him.

November 20, 2017 15:34

NLD triumph feels good

Just as it seemed that the winds of change were blowing Tottenham into the powerful position in north London, as the 'Mind the Gap’ jeers were coming from Wembley instead of the Emirates, as the red of North London was fading away into a haunting, empty white, Arsenal produced one of their best performances of the season.

November 07, 2017 11:24

Arsenal should take note of West Ham's action plan

West Ham yesterday announced that they have sacked Slaven Bilic, stating “that a change is now necessary in order for the club to move forward positively and in line with their ambition”.

October 30, 2017 11:49

Everton should stand by Unsworth until Merseyside derby

After 10 games, Everton are in 18th place, with eight points. This has been their worst defensive start in 23 years, having already conceded 20 goals. In the 1994/95 season, they had shipped 22 goals after 10 games, and were rock bottom of the league on three points and no wins, back when the league had 22 teams.

October 24, 2017 11:38

The life cycle of criticism

Last week, I wrote about the Premier League: “A few teams scramble for third and fourth, slipping up every so often, making the top two increasingly unobtainable”.

October 16, 2017 11:31

Premier League already a two-horse race

The Premier League has proudly owned the title of the world's best league for many years. It's competitive atmosphere in every game and the possibility of a giant-killing every week has justified this label, rather than having the best players in the world.

October 03, 2017 10:29

England have sunk to a new low

The England squad has not been famous for recruiting world-class players in recent years. This week however, Southgate has sunk to a new low.

September 29, 2017 17:49

Hoodoo? Do me a favour!

The dawning of a new August, a new season is always a special time for football fans. All the hopes and expectations, the madness of the final weeks of the transfer window and the inescapable buzz that comes with hearing the click of the turnstiles for the first time in months.

September 27, 2017 10:20

Unless racist or offensive, sports fans should be allowed to express their beliefs

FIFA is set to lift the ban on the sporting of poppy armbands in remembrance of those who have died in combat, after Wales and Northern Ireland were fined by the governing body for displaying them.

September 18, 2017 16:50

Expectation degradation

From the way the pundits were carrying on, it seemed like I was watching a different game than the one at Stamford Bridge. The commentators were lauding it over the strong defence and the commanding midfield that was able to deal with the usually undeniable force of Chelsea. Aaron Ramsey was awarded man of the match for his inspirational display, leading his team to a phenomenal one point.

September 11, 2017 12:03

The curse of the Ox

Alex Oxlade Chamberlain looked like an excited schoolboy who had been picked by the popular kid for his team in the playground when he signed for Liverpool last week.

August 29, 2017 10:27

I couldn't blame Sanchez if he leaves

Writing an Arsenal blog for years is challenging. The constant search for new material that plagues all writers plagues me too. But my search is made every more treacherous by Arsenal's lack of variation.

August 22, 2017 12:56

Forget the outcome. It's all about entertainment for me

There are few moments as an Arsenal fan when excitement and tension combines with success.

May 23, 2017 10:25

A generation of Arsenal fans must deal with a season of mediocrity

For the first time in my lifetime, Arsenal has finished outside of the top four. For the first time in my lifetime, Arsenal has ended the season below Spurs. For the first time in my lifetime, I have had to endure Europa League taunts and Tottenham fans’ jeers. For a whole generation of Arsenal supporters, this is their first encounter with mediocrity.