Collective Leadership??
I have been meaning to write this for a while now. Today being a holiday I thought I’d snatch a bit of time and write it.
Well, we’re doing reasonably well till now and are in the title race due to being very consistent so far. Yes we lost a game in the FA Cup, I only hope that doesn’t derail our title bid, I can only hope. What I wanted to discuss apart from the normal Who played well – Who didn’t – Who should we buy or not is a more general question – How important is “leadership” on a football field?
I’d like to draw a bit of a parallel between football and cricket(coz that’s what I have been more exposed to for over 20 years). In cricket everything goes through the captain – he gets the time to think, consult, plan in advance and talk to people about strategies. There are drinks breaks, intervals and even mid inning breaks in the newest format. All in which plans can be reassessed and course corrected if nothing has gone according to plan. So the point being – A captain has a huge role here to play in strategising and in being a tactician. Sports like baseball from what I saw in the USA are even more remote controlled with a coach per base? So strategy I guess is a big part here as well. Now a quick look at football.
The manager is the closest thing that comes to a captain in other sports. He is the one who strategises etc. If it flops he is the fall guy, not the captain.. ever. The only time a captain is the fall guy is when his performances are bad. Which leads me to the question of the thread? What is the need of the captain at all in the first place? As per me the tune that Arsene sings all the while – ‘Collective Leadership’ is very valid.. from a footballing perspective. No its not another KoolAid article , let me explain.
Who were the most inspirational leadership figures (football) that you remember? Why? Is it possible that a guy would ever be made captain if he wasn’t up to scratch on the field – relatively speaking? No I guess. The role of the captain, tactic wise is very limited on a football field. Sure you learn a few tricks about positioning and movement and intelligent fouling with experience but all that still translates to ability. A captain in a football field really is just one type – One who can lead by example. Lift the team with his own performance – and implement what the manager says. Nothing more. Nothing less.
I’ve watched Arsenal since maybe the 2000-01 season and seriously followed it only after THAT WILTORD GOAL. I’ve seen a few leaders since then. Paddy who would destroy midfields , Gilberto the passive leader who upped his game and scored goals, Titi who was well a moody genius and now Cesc who is showing signs of shall we say a more skilful Steven Gerrard? But this being such a young team.. yes still…. Cesc cannot do it on hos own. And that is where the other people .. Gallas at CB, Rosicky, Arshavin, even RVP come in and all lead.. not the men.. but by example themselves. It does not have to be the captain who does it every time – the others can sense and lift the load off his shoulders whenever a problem that they can solve comes up. Really that’s what all successful teams do as well – its just not been said in the terms Arsene did.
In a nutshell – I think Arsene’s idea of multiple captain in football .. makes total sense – especially when you have a team growing together and when evryone takes that extra step and wants more at the same time. You can’t make em all captains but you got to keep them happy. It all points to distributed leadership – forget the armbands ; those are nice but not the end.
Lastly this season I think we’ve season various people step up at multiple points. RVP, Cesc, TV5 , Gallas, Rosicky… hell even the much maligned Denilson who once got into a fight. Oops taboo ;) .. how can Denilson do anything good?
Anyway forget the last point?.. What do you think? Collective Leadership. I’d love to hear your thoughts. DAG – Can you delay the preview a bit so we get feedback on this? Or if not.. lets repost this after this weekend maybe where there is a one week gap.
56 comments
Leave a reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Regarding online streaming:
Between the links posted above, those without the game on TV should be able to find the game at least 80% of the time. More if it’s a big game (such as our next month).
My favourite site to watch is by far http://www.veetle.com Esp the channel that goes by the name of “the streaming lounge”. The stuff put out is high quality.. you would be able to stream it on your TV and not be disappointed. They are pretty good at showing arsenal games as well.
Other than that, if all fails:
http://www.ustream.tv
http://www.freedocast.com
http://www.sport89.com (This has links to basically every game. The problem is that half of them don’t work.. but worth a shot if all else fails).
And if alll of that fails, go to GDC to find someone who may have a link. Or even better (cuz of higher number of users), go to the days comments on Arseblog. They are frequently swapping links. Just use Ctrl+F and type ‘link’.. you should be able to find at least one stream to see the game.
.Arshavin..Eduardo..Rosicky
Ramsey….Denilson..Fabregas
Clichy..Verme..Gallas..Sagna
……….Almunia
ok we’re missing a Song at DM but that aside, not too bad.
Interesting to read Arsene’s comments on Szczesny the 19 year old Polish keeper. High praise given in a tone that makes you think Arsene wants him to be the no.1 sooner rather than later. Often praise is broad and interjected with general qualifiers – not with Szczesny.
“I really believe in him that he will one day be Arsenal’s No 1. He has all the qualities you want from a goalkeeper. That means a good basic confidence level, he is very brave, fantastic size, very agile and his speed in his reflexes is absolutely unbelievable. When you think it is a goal, with him it is still no goal. He makes unbelievable saves. We are great believers that he will be an outstanding goalkeeper.”
I know a lot of YAMA’s get quite vocal about Almunia and think Arsene needs to replace him pronto. I’m a bit more sanguine. I agree he isn’t the answer I would want yet often he’s ok. Knowing Arsene, he doesn’t spend on GK, so the best we’ll get is another Lehmann. We won’t get a Seaman. So what is a Lehmann? A Lehmann is a GK at the end of his career – he may even have a flaw to his game that has warded off interest from top clubs. That’s what we’ll get (if anything) – a GK with maybe 2-3 seasons of life in him for 1.5m and who may come with warts.
But my guess is that Arsene will stick with Almunia, and in the next 2 to 3 seasons we might see the young Szczesny getting game time between the posts.
Stag, my take on Smalling is that perhaps Arsene had his eye on him but didn’t know he would be available at this time. Perhaps Fergie has gazumped him, caught him on the backfoot and forced the issue. If we sign him he’d just be another young player trying to make the grade. It’s easy to elevate a players importance once a key rival comes in for him yet when you appraise the facts like the number of games he’s actually played and dilute the hype given that he’s English you get what you get…..he’s just another young player to add to our stash.
As for CB backup I think Arsene has actually made a step forward. Clearly Senderos was on his way out so Arsene needed someone he could trust if, as you say, one of the first choice aren’t available. We now have Campbell and Silvestre – whilst both are past their prime I wouldn’t bet against either of them ‘holding the fort’ should the need arise. In the past we’ve had old warriors like Adams, Keown and Bould doing a job past their normal expiry date. The great AC Milan era had a squad full of defenders well into their 30’s. I’m actually quite pleased Arsene has stacked his CB squad with mega-experienced players.
Looking forward, hopefully Djourou recovers and returns in the pre-season. When he does return Arsene can then make a reassessment. As for now, there is no pressing need to add to our stock.
Stat Attack for tonight’s game.
Arsenal are top of the Away table, Villa are 7th in the Home table.
Arsenal are top of the form (last 6 games) table, Villa are 9th.
Arsenal are top of the away form (last 6 away games) table, Villa are 8th in the home form table.
Everything points to an Arsenal win. ;)
@Stag,
First, of course I’m bias. What do you expect? I’m an Arsenal fan. Not a Wolves fan, not a Man U fan, not a bloody neutral neither. Or I wouldn’t be here at the first place.
Secondly, didn’t Lou Macari do the same thing? As an ARSENAL FAN yourself, why you pointed finger on me instead of him?
Thirdly, Arsene rested his players for the cup. Cos he’s priority is with the league. What was Mick McCarthy’s priority? the Champions League?
AW rested our players because he had no choice (wasn’t YOU who always cried out for him to REST and ROTATE the players?), while Mick McCarthy simply being a COWARD. that he thought his team had zero chance before taking on the MIGHTY Man U.
Sorry, you may feel there’s a need to defend the cowards.
I don’t.
I wouldn’t get too concerned about Smalling whatever way it goes – it’s mainly bragging rights at this stage. No consequence to this season nor next.
The defence and midfield looks nicely set. Campbell looks an astute short-term signing. It’s the attack that continues to look injury-prone and undercooked. Not sure what if anything Arsene can do. The sticky situation is largely a product of his own policies. I’ll be really pleased when I see the emergence of the next great striker to follow in the line of Anelka and Henry. That’s what we’re missing. I fear Robin’s too fragile.
Kiwi,
Smalling is of no consequence this season, because it appears he’ll be at Fulham for the remainder of the season.
But, how can you count on Campbell alone if either Gallas or Vermaelen go down?
Campbell hasn’t exactly played much football recently, and NONE at the top level. I wouldn’t wager on him in the heat of battle.
Gallas has an injury history as well.
Scary.
Wolves-‘Pool 0-0 at HT, Best chances fell to Wolves on the break but ‘Pool had most of the possession.
Interesting play when new ‘Pool signing Maxi Rodriguez went down but didn’t get the call and Wolves eventually put the ball out of play, much to the chagrin of Mick McCarthy and the fans who howled when Maxi jogged it off….
I guess we’ve got that “killer instinct” that Wolves lack….
Spurs lead Fulham 1-0, Smalling playing for the latter, hard to tell if he’s really 6’4″ with the White Hart Lane blimp camera angle…
Finishes 0-0, ‘Pool looking pretty bad. Spurs looking good with a two goal lead and 10 mins to go…
I prefer that angle. The pitch looks less congested.
Took a while to get used to watching the Bolton game at the Reebok with the lower angle. Although in that case, it was actually quite a good thing. The old semi birds-eye view just reminds me of Stelios Gianotosserpoulos and the other Bolton thugs that have haunted us over the years at their place.
It is been confirmed that Arsenal’s bid for Smalling has also been accepted.
United jumped the gun as they did not have anything signed from the player – just a fee agreed between Fulham and United.
While I know nothing about the kid except that he IS a life long Gooner – nothing would please me more than signing him just to piss SAF off.
couldn’t care at all if it pisses off Ferguson… but if he can play, then bring him in!
I’d love to have the options of Smalling and Djourou for next year.
Doesn’t help our title chase, but beggars can’t be choosers!
Did you see him in the game against Chelsea? His Premier League Debut against Drogba and he held his own. He did score an own goal that gave Chelsea the initiative to go on and win the game but the kid gave a good account of himself against one of the best strikers in the world.
Djourou and Vermaelen (and Kolo Toure!) have scored own goals in recent Chelsea matches….is it a prerequisite for being an Arsenal CB…or maybe a rite of passage?
Smalling’s was pretty unfortunate in that match I thought and he looked good–tall and quick, but so does Kyle Bartley (and what about Nordveidt?)
who cares about Nordveidt, Bartley or anyone else.
If they are good enough, the competition won’t stop them from making it.
Some more on the Smalling deal:
An hour ago John Cross reported that the deal with United has not been finalized and that Arsenal are still trying to work something out. The player has not signed anything with United at this point.
Like the deal with Ramsey, United think they have the upper hand. How did that turn out?
Also look at the Mirror site later. Supposedly a good discussion with AW with some focus on keepers.
Here’s something to ponder given that AW seems okay bringing back old players –
Many news sources are saying that Anelka’s contract talks with Chelsea have collapsed. Go get ’em AW. Doubt it would ever happen – I am just saying.
Couple of things to think about – contract negotiations can either super motivate or demoralize a player. Given Anelka’s propensity for sulking lets hope its the letter in a fortnight.
Chelsea would be foolish to let Anelka walk….He’s playing extremely well and it should be noted that Chelsea dropped points when he, not the Africans, were out of the line-up.
Also, I doubt that he’s a sulker anymore….missing the final penalty in the CL finals would’ve crushed a lesser player…
It’s hard to believe that Chelsea worry about things like salaries, but you never know now that Abramovich is down to $8.5 Billion (2009) and 51st on the world’s richest list from 23.5 Billion and 15th a year earlier….Forbes does say that the Russian billionaires are in for big gains on this year’s list (due in March….) so maybe they’ll find a way to keep Anelka. If not….
and in the present…
UNITED scoop up Smalling. Didn’t know much about him
to be honest, but a big strong looking CB.
Wilshire to go out on loan…
and about a week left in the window…
Most of the transfers in the last few years, have occured in the
last week of the window being open… hold onto your hats!
(not that we’ll do anything except loan out more players to save money!)
Not sure about “collective leadership”.
I don’t think it exists. I believe you have a true leader,
or a strong leader on the pitch.
In the battle, leaders emerge… and the others follow him (or them).
It usually comes with the experience of having been in the battle before, and knowing what it takes to get to the finish line.
It is not coincidence that young players fail a few times in the
clutch before they understand what it takes, and THEN can climb
the mountain. (they learn the lessons, take notes, and make the needed adjustments)
I don’t know who on our team is that guy, yet… not sure if Cesc
has it in him. I’d say Gallas, but that failed the last few years.
Leaders emerge. Managers can manage, and make moves and have 15 minutes at the half, but they aren’t ON THE PITCH. Its out of their hands when the whistle blows. (in terms of leadership)
Give me a few examples of collective leadership in team sports?!
I think the players could tell you WHO the leader is in the locker room and on the pitch. Maybe there are 2 or 3 they look up to… but its not an “everybody contributes” to leadership.
Just my opine.
I’m not saying its there Stag. Its a rare breed. The Invincibles though was one example .. you had leaders all over. Everyone from Seaman forward had leaders – bigtime. Yeah they looked up to Paddy etc but you could make anyone captain and it’d work. They used to say Ashley Cole was a weak link. it was that good a team. With time – this group if the stick together? It may work.. just just might.
Oh, I think we KNOW that Patrick Vieira was the leader of that team. On the pitch, very much so.
He stood up for teammates, he took yellow (and red) cards when necessary. We did have great players with experience, and that helped, but again… I think Vieira was the known leader.
I think you have to have that person(s) on the team.
I don’t think it works with 11 chiefs!
I have to agree with Stag.
I think there are vocal people on every team. But one always stands out above the crowd.
Collective leadership maybe is better termed as personal accountability. knowing your role and performing it and owning up when you fail.
But that too can be pressed by an individual leader who calls players out when the screw up.(Not in public).
Very fine point, DAG…but how many times can Gallas glare at Almunia?
Free from actually wearing the armband, and blessed with more than competence on either side of him (if not directly behind him) Gallas is maybe MORE of a leader than he was 2 years ago. And sucking it up and playing with pain is another dimension as well…
personal accountability… I like that.
Gallas can glare all he wants, but he’s had his share of feck-ups.
(and curling up in the fetal position and pouting on the pitch a few years ago!)
“Not sure about “collective leadership”.
I don’t think it exists. ”
Even the Borg knew that.
(Whomever had January ’10 as the date of the first Borg reference on YAMA, collect at the window.)
Bjorn Borg?
Great player.
:)
Resistance to his forehand was futile. ;-)
(That’s 2 Borg, and 1 Borg.)
(And still more than 24 hours til KO.)
(BTW, is our match really being delayed on Sentanta by the replay of the Bolton match?? Que???)
Didn’t get the reference so I looked it up….and found the following:
“The collective is broadcast over a subspace domain similar to that utilized by the transporter. Being part of the collective offers significant biomedical advantages to the individual drones. The mental energy of the group consciousness can help an injured or damaged drone heal or regenerate damaged body parts or technology.”
Hmmm…is this why Ramsey and Nasri are suddenly getting better?…I guess it’d be worth trying if the horse placenta leaves you flat….
Oh…..My Setanta guide shows the Manchester Derby CC semi in tomorrow’s live slot. FSC is showing Chelsea-B’ham City. I guess, Chelsea, because they win all the trophies, are more popular, and thus more deserving of the live TV….
Even if you did get the reference, wise saying you had to ‘look it up.’ ;-)
Sounds like my DirecTV guide is lying. What you see makes more sense.
Hope it stopped raining there. They’ve gotten so much in SoCal, my sister e-mailed me pictures of storm clouds. I think she forgot they’re not as novel back East.
My wife is the Star Trek geek in the family….I aspire to be a futbol geek, but I’m playing catch-up (being a noob-tard and all…)
Yesterday was all rain and fat flakes here in Tahoe, putting the kai-bosch on a week of very nice powder…it’s all good (as we say out here…) for spring skiing and our persistent drought issues.
“.I aspire to be a futbol geek.”
You just watched ‘pool/wolves. Brother, aspiration achieved.
Nasri and Bendtner back in full training: http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/nasri-and-bendtner-back-in-full-training?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+arsenal-news+%28News+Feed%29
Shocking quote that says only 5 left on the injury table :O Gibbs, VP, Djorou, Merida and Diaby the last 2 for not too long).
Omg imagine having less than a whole team out injured..
LDE – useful perspective.
Successful teams need contribution from every player. Goals or assists are not the only criteria. Defensive reliability, or even the reserves, finishing a 1st team match with NO serious blunders.
The captain is an extension of the manager – not so much to dictate tactics during the match; but his leadership is necessary when teammate emotions run high – keep everyone focused; referee communication; on occasion, determining set play options. Cesc, Rosicky, Arshavin, Ramsey, – all National Team Captains – all wear the #10 jersey. (TV5 – captain at Ajax- but not sure for Belgian)
Regardless of how Arsenal season plays out – every can see OUR potential is there. On the selfish side, I would like to see a couple of more experienced signings.
sorry guys to digress to Kiwi:
“What is your rationale for him bringing on Arshavin, Eduardo, & Ramsey in the 69th minute? and also put them at risk?”
_______________________________________
I think Arsene’s thinking on this match seemed a bit illogical so I can’t explain it – that’s my point.
With the 3 players getting 20 min’s game-time. It was good for Ramsey who was coming back from injury to have a short run before the upcoming big-4 games. Frankly Eduardo needs all the game-time he can get to find his game and sharpness so I don’t have a problem with 20 min’s for him. Arshavin…..no idea, I can’t explain it, he’s the only fully fit guy in the attacking/wide contingent of players – so why Arsene would play him????
I agree the line up selection and subs were illogical. Here are our players that start upfront (this season): Arshavin, RvP, Bendnter, Eduardo, Vela, Theo, Rosicky, Nasri, and Eboue. Now eliminate those not available: RvP, Bendtner , Nasri, and Eboue . Then add those that are struggling: Theo and Vela.
So for the upcoming 4 CRITICAL matches your best pool of strikers are: Arshavin, Eduardo, Rosicky. So Eduardo needing all the game-time is just as risky as inserting Arshavin. * Bendtner will be returning, but his time off from injury and its effect on his performance is a big question mark.
I do believe he saw a window of opportunity. 70 minutes, score remained tied – gamble and go for the win. Either way, he would be criticized.
The FA Cup is done and dusted and people can take their pick of several options:
1. AW “disrespects” the competition and his selection proves it. This one is for Arsenal haters only…and lacks a bit of subtlety, but good for the xenophobes, etc.
2. AW wanted to throw the competition and thus was an idiot for playing Cesc for 90 and the other key players for 20. Even though nobody got hurt, we’ll still pay for it at Villa.
This is the realist/haterade scenario and I don’t quite get it. It would make sense if Cesc or Arshavin were currently in hospital, but they aren’t. Is this crowd HOPING that Villa crush us to prove their point…I would like to hope not.
3. AW was trying to steal a win and stay in the hunt for a lesser trophy while rotating his defense AND his forward line. With the match tied, he upped the ante with his subs…And it didn’t come off…(Sometimes it doesn’t.) Oh well, nobody hurt, fewer matches to play (with our skeleton squad), etc. To me it seemed like a reasonable gamble and at least we “won” 2 of the 3 elements.
Ding, ding, ding….we have a winner (#3!!!)
Big match tomorrow…Perhaps it’s time to move on….
Big match tomorrow…Perhaps it’s time to move on….
_______________
worth noting that it’s arse & you carrying on the discussion from yesterday, the rest of us have moved on ;-)
On second thoughts this deserves a reply.
One of the more crapful posts I’ve read – if you don’t like the thread ignore it.
LDE – thank you thank you thank you!!
Just wanted to follow up on something from the previous thread –
Rio Ferdinand has been charged by the FA for his elbow in the Hull match. If he pleads guilty to the charge – he misses City, Arsenal and the next match. If he fights and loses he misses Arsenal and the next two matches. Either way – he’s missing the Arsenal match.
Also Le Boss had this to say about GK’s:
He thinks the polish wiz kid (he who can’t be named) can become Arsenal’s #1.
Also he believes Theo will improve over time – there goes my dream of seeing him sold to Newcastle in the summer
Happy to hear that. On the Utd CB front, I think they are also preparing for Vidic leaving within the next year or so. They seem to have hijacked our bid for Smalling offering more money- to be recouped with the issue of more bonds no doubt.
Oh well, at least it isn’t another 21 year old in the squad, though that being said, no CB was ever going to get a start in front of Gallas and TV5 so would have been good to have another option. And we know that Wenger is actively seeking to bolster that department further which can only be a good thing.
Ozi –
I don’t remember reading that Gallas has signed a new contract. So maybe the interest in Smalling reveals more to situation, despite Arsene’s recent comments that things are going well.
Hmm.. It’s possible. Although I think with CB, it is the one position along with keeper that Wenger prefers a first choice option that has some experience. TV5 despite being so young has had a fair bit of playing time, and other than that the youngest CB first choice I can recall under Wenger is Toure when he first started in that position. And he was wat? 24 or 25? From memory..
But then again it is entirely possible that Wenger has decided to spread the youth project further through the team. What with the rest of the boys having now turned into men and all that (joke btw.. before anyone gets on my back). I do hope that isn’t the case.
In other news, looks like Wilshere is going to go on loan after all. Club to be announced within the next 2 days.. GL to him..
Is it possible that going out of the FA cup makes Smalling not worth getting into a bidding war with ManU? Just asking….
I dunno.. I don’t think it matters much to Arsene as I’m sure his plans are longer term. We’ll find out how much he rates him anyway. Remember the Ramsey situation? Too bad Fulham’s in London and we can’t impress the guy with a private jet..
LDE, thanks for the article….And I think it comes at a great time, as two of the real “teams” in English Football are about to square off (Villa and us). Your article also dovetails nicely with your comments on the last thread….
It is a ruthless game…Generally the best teams just keep getting better at the expense of the lesser teams. Now and again big money gets injected into the game and some teams get a bounce from it, but as you said in the other thread:
–Club wants money…player wants trophies. Absolutely fine.
–Club sells players ruthlessly. Player behaves like mercenary. This also while unpleasant makes business sense.
A club like Arsenal could take on big money (Usmanov) and jump in with both feet and show real (or Real, Madrid, that is) ambition. And if it didn’t work out….well the players would be gone. We’ll see what happens up in Manchester (City, that is)–big game tomorrow…but if they go blank (no CC, FAC or top4) just wait for the recriminations. Already Robinho wants back to Brazil….And spiteful goal celebrations (Ade, Tevez) are ugly compared to the piles of team love that our boys show….
For me it is a privilege to support a team that seems to be building something real. We’re strong now and we promise to get stronger in the future. We’re making the financial moves to be able to retain one of the world’s great players (Cesc) AND surround him with young AND older talent. We can argue all we want about whether or not players will come good, or whether they’re worth what we paid for them, but at least we’re in the top echelons of the game, and we haven’t mortgaged our future…
As happy as I am about that, and I still think, with a good draw we can go far in the CL, we lost a real leader when RVP went down to his (non-chronic) injury. He was a unique combination of goal-scorer, passer and hard worker, and he was giving us a very different look and complimenting our midfield skills and our high line defense. We simply are not the same without him and it will take extraordinary guts and luck to get through these next four matches (and the rest of the season) without him. I’m sorry, but the likes of Eduardo, Bendtner, Vela, Walcott and Arshavin have some of the same (and superior) attributes, but not the whole package….(and who might be available in the transfer market? nobody seems to know….)
Nonetheless, we ARE showing some spirit. Gallas, Sagna, Arshavin and Denilson, at the very least, are playing hurt and sacrificing for the team. Rosicky and Dudu are trying to find new ways to contribute even when their bodies won’t quite co-operate and some of the kids (Traore for awhile, Eastmond as of late) have stepped in and done alright. (Others, Vela and Walcott, for example…not so much, but they’re talented enough that you never know…)
These upcoming games are HUGE. And it’s not all about points as each match presents an opportunity to keep points from our direct competition. Four draws would keep the table right where it is (though it might allow one of the other clubs a leg up on 4th place). The points might also be secondary to keeping at least our key players healthy while hoping others can come back and contribute in a meaningful way. We are stretched that thin….
Of course we must play them one at a time and Villa tomorrow is a big one. They are an admirable club in that they’ve got a core of solid players who’ve been together awhile now. (And, IMO they did well swapping Barry for Dunne + 12 mil pounds with ManCity). Personally, I think we’ve got the same dynamic at a slightly higher level of quality and, with Cesc, the chance to control the MF. Both teams will be up for the fight and it should be a close match, tipping on the “events.” (And I pray that the “good” Almunia shows up tomorrow….)
But I guess I should hold my thoughts on the match for the match preview thread, but along the lines of this one, I’ll stick MY neck out and say that I think we’re past the days when we should suffer a hangover from the FA Cup match, and much of that is due to the collective leadership I feel in the squad. Unfortunately, I would also qualify that statement by saying that at the moment we are stretched so thin that an injury to any of our key players/leaders (Gallas, TV5, Sagna, Cesc, Arshavin) and it could all swirl away quickly.
So, Arsenal is “real” but the other big 4, they aren’t real?
Maybe Robinho is fecking off back to Brazil because he can’t get in a game?
The COMPETITION at striker is too much for him. He is about 5th or 6th on the totem pole.
TEVEZ, BELLAMY, ADEBAYOR, DOS SANTOS, BENJANI, ROBINHO?
The idea that there is a “right way” and a “wrong way” is individual perspective.
There is winning and losing.
You do what you have to … to WIN, or you get left behind.
I see nothing wrong with ManCity’s way, or Villa’s way.
Time will tell what is more effective.
Personally, I do think there are more and less satisfying ways of winning or accomplishing whatever level of success you might achieve.
Yes, I would be prouder of my Everton or Aston Villa team finishing 5th or 6th than I would be of my ManCity team doing likewise (which is my prediction for this season). Likewise, if and when Arsenal win the league or the CL (with AW at the helm) I will imagine it as more satisfying than the way Chelsea won their trophies.
And likewise with the players. Ade is king with his big $$ and his goal (and stomps) against his former team, and Tevez with his….Yet both are on “lesser” teams (“the table doesn’t lie” a great man once said…) although you could argue that they both have a shot at lifting CC and FA Cup trophies.
And what of Hleb? He got winner’s medals in 3 competitions last season, but still has said his move to Barca was a mistake. For him, at least, maybe there is something more than “winning”….
It’s all in the eye of the beholder….
And maybe for some who feel that AW is taking Arsenal down the wrong path, not winning anything (and being able to shout, “I told you so!”) IS actually winning….
yes, it is in the eyes of the beholder, no doubt.
like I said before, I doubt Chelsea’s fans have any problem with winning titles, after they won shit for 50 years.
I doubt ManCity’s fans will care a damn if they get into the CL or win a Cup.
And I would not give a shit if we spent 40 Million in the next week, and went on to win the League and CL!
Saying I told you so, for me… SUCKS, because it means Arsenal didn’t win again.
Just read a funny piece – a former United legend Lou Macari came out and slammed how Wenger being so “disrespectful” to the FA Cup by fielding a weaker side.
Only that…. He must have forgotton his beloved Man Utd once pulled out of FA Cup altogether. Speaking of disrespectful.
Ex-pros should really keep their mouth shut. Their commments are just so stupid.
Andez, this is a classic case of YOU did this, not US.
On this site, it happens every day.
You ripped Wolves for fielding a weak team, and then we did pretty much the same thing in the FA Cup.
It’s all about perspective and what color glasses you wear.
Yes, United did not even play in the FA Cup. I think that was a big point in the falling of importance in the FA Cup.
Ex-Athletes give a perspective that FANS can never know about. I think it is valuable. They’ve been there, they’ve been in the locker room. They often know the players personally.
I don’t find the commment stupid at all. It IS disrespectful to the Cup that SOME teams… (plural), don’t value it or care about it. Mr.Wenger is definitely a major suspect in that crime.
I think Andez’ point is that Macari probably didn’t say anything when Man U didn’t even field a team. Pot and kettle and all that.
Totally agree, but WE do the same exact thing regarding Arsenal.
That’s MY point.
Pot calling kettle who’s calling the other kettle.
Love the article LED. Fairly thought provoking. I like the idea of collective leadership. In the terms you put it I feel that it is the willingness to stand up and take responsibility to do something. And like you say, the player must have the footballing talent to execute whatever that is. With 10 team-mates on the pitch, it is easy for any one player to shy away from the spotlight and and real, game-changing responsibility by thinking “whatever, the blame for a poor result will be shared by the whole team.”
A risky defence splitting pass, for example, or an attacking defence opening dribble, or a perfectly timed slide tackle etc etc. Not every player can do all of these things obviously, but every player finds themselves in situations throughout games where they make decisions, and must examine the options they have and have the courage to go for what is best for the team (even if it is a low percentage play that may not come off, opening the player up to all sorts of calls to be dropped etc etc). It’s hard to put this into words. I’ll just use the example of Arsenal. We all remember the days where we used to string about 10-20 passes in wide semi-circles round the parked bus in the opposition box and NOONE would stand up and whack the ball or go on a dribble to try and beat a man. That is when we need leaders to stand up and take responsibility.
Obviously that is an attacking scenario and different situations call for different types of leaders with different skill sets. It highlights the importance of a solid “spine” of the team that everyone goes on about.
On the flip-side, I think a leadership, “responsibility taking” attitude can easily morph into what I’ll call the galacticos attitude where suddenly rather than trying to lead the team to victory, you’re only trying to chase personal glory at the possible expense of the team. So I think a good mix of personalities on the football field is important.
Your whole article popped the first spider-man movie into my head: “with great power comes great responsibility”…
Thanks Ozi. That’s very true. When Cesc has an off day Diaby stands up and if not him then Denilson stands up and so on. In every position. If for whatever reason the big, marquee player in the team isn’t doing it – you do it. Let him not be overburdened all the time. That’s what it is all about. Its probably a facet of “Total Football” as well.