YAMACast Episode 7 – the one where we get just a little happier
It’s always “easier” to do a podcast after a win and this time it was no exception.
Arsenal simply have to keep on winning and everything will work out in their favor. The drive for the top 4 is entirely in their hands and if they continue to focus on doing their job then come the end of the season the minimum mark of “success” will have been reached.
Let’s just briefly touch on the one big glaring problem from Saturday – the sending off of Per Mertesacker. The BFG is one of the least penalized players in the league. I can’t remember the last time you saw him get a card. But he got a card in a big way as he lost Shane Long and brought him down in the box. The red card, the subsequent converted PK and the last 20 minutes of the match made sure we wouldn’t pass through an entire match without extreme cardiac palpitations.
In the end there it was still 3 points gained and with a draw by our not so good friends from Middlesex and a game in hand Arsenal yet again look poised to pip a Champion’s League spot. Of course as we have seen this season, ANYTHING CAN (and usually does) happen. But as I just mentioned, Arsenal have to just focus on their job. They still have the “best” run in of games. Only Everton and United look to be hiccups. But Everton don’t travel to Arsenal very well and United by the time they reach the Emirates will have likely sown up the title. Still, they have to go out and do the business don’t they?
So why is it seemingly over the last 2-3 years that Arsenal have managed to look sub-par but when the season is on the line in the waning months, they, regardless of they squad, manage to turn it on for the final push? Before I answer that, I need to say, Arsene Wenger deserves a lot of criticism for failures this season both on and off the pitch. That being said, I do believe the reason Arsenal are able to turn it on again is because of the manager and his belief in the players.
Wenger I have always felt is a strong motivational manager. Not in the fire and brimstone kind of way but in the way of a mentor who nurtures talent to get the best out of them. When he clearly believes in players he tries to get the best out of them. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. That translates to the full squad as a belief in them and even when it all goes pear shaped the manager is never going to sell them out – publically at least.
His belief in the squad tied to his tenure here give Arsenal an edge in terms of experience in doing what it takes to get through this time. Conversely you could argue that the Middlesex club’s lack of a consistent manager and a mental block that it will all go pear shaped by the end of the season, self-fulfills their annual meltdown. Of course for both clubs there are still games to play and say it with me again – anything can happen.
Arsenal as a team are riding high. There is confidence brimming over. And only when the fortunes of the match were changed with the Mertesacker discharge, did the result ever come into question. West Brom are well coached and they’ve been a difficult side to play against for all teams this season. They started the first 10 minutes very well but as Arsenal came into the match, really, the gulf in talent and class was marked.
The class between the two sides was personified in none other than Tomas Rosicky (I never remember if its Thomas with an “H” or Tomas without an “H”). He has been over the last two matches, the driving engine of this squad. While the years and injuries have had its toll on the Czech, it looks like he is turning back the years with his performances.
The second goal of his is why I love him. I’ve always been a Rosicky fan and while there were doubts that he would ever return fully from his injury I think it’s safe to say his talent could never be denied. The second goal from the shot, the follow-up and the goal show Rosicky as his ball of energy best. Nothing infuriates me more than when we don’t have guys chasing balls or rebounds in the box. And when Rosicky rocketed a shot that was palmed away byt the keeper, it was his speed and determination that willed that goal in. He was in 2nd gear before anyone else even registered that the rebound had occurred. It was clear and away a true indication that Rosicky is every bit the player we need.
But enough of my rambles in writing. I am sure you’ve clicked through on this piece to listen to my rambles via the podcast. And we’ve got a great line up on this installment. In both interviews we examine the match, the current state of the club and generally how well things are going for the club. My first guest is none other than Pedro (@LeGrove on twitter) from the Le Grove blog. Pedro makes his first appearance on the podcast and what a great time I had talking to him. I know Le Grove is site that divides many but I always have found it as we say here in the states “fair and balanced.”
Next up after Pedro we’re glad to have back to the podcast Sophie Niccolau. Sophie is the former host of World Football Daily, she is currently hosting La Liga Lounge podcast and more importantly she is a Gooner. Her insights are stellar and when we last spoke to her we were all doom and gloom coming out of the North London Derby. Sophie and I discuss where we were then and where we are now. You can follow Sophie on twitter @soccerdiva or visit her site British Soccer Diva.
I’ve also been asked to let you know about the music I use in the podcast and each week we’ll try and do that. The opening music unfortunately I cannot tell you. It’s something I had on the hard drive. The new closing tune is from Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and is “So Long, Farewell, Goodbye” from their self-titled 1998 album. The song before Pedro’s interview is from Fall Out Boy’s album Save Rock n’ Roll and is titled “The Phoenix.” And before Sophie’s interview the track from We the Kings is “Just Keep Breathing” from the same titled album.
Thank you again for listening and until next week – stay goonerish!
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