Managers
In my years as a Gooner, Arsenal have only had three managers – George Graham, Bruce Rioch and Arsene Wenger. Managers make the decisions, and ultimately, are responsible for success. Great teams have great managers; Alex Ferguson, Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley are all regarded as such because of success and the things they did to change the club as a whole. Wenger has had amazing success and has revolutionised Arsenal football club in every area, but I don’t think he will be regarded as great until he is long gone, or unless he wins the an abundance of trophies in the next few seasons. Winston Churchill once said ‘Responsibility is the price of greatness’, Wenger has been responsible with transfer funds and made us one of the most financially stable clubs in the world, but has it cost him success? Brian Clough is another referred to as one of the greats but he only won the top league once. That said, he did win the European Cup in 78 and 79, so is European success the key?
Supporters
We have to be totally honest with ourselves and say that us Gooners are not going to be top of the league of football supporters, and probably not even in the Europa places (unless via the fair play league) because even though we are passionate about our club, we are nowhere near the level of Millwall, Leeds and Liverpool fans. Supporters create the atmosphere that players from time to time refer to as an extra man on the pitch. Rarely will you see an Arsenal fan in the pictures that portray why English football is great. Instead, it will be a fat Newcastle fan with NUFC tattooed across his oversized stomach, or a pearly king with a West Ham scarf around his neck.
Stadium
The Emirates Stadium is amazing and is ranked as one of the best in the world, but it isn’t a fortress like Old Trafford or the Bernabeu. Perhaps it’s because we’ve only been playing in it since 2006, so in stadium terms, it’s a youngster. I don’t believe teams fear coming to Ashburton Grove. This season we lost 4 home games which may not seem many, but it’s the most we’ve lost at home since we finished 6th in the 1996/97 season.
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This is one of the worst articles i’ve read in a while. Bergkamp, not world class! Are you out of your mind? Having domestic, european and international success does not automatically make you world class. Bergkamps individual attributes as a player are what make him world class and it really isn’t his fault that the dutch are near enough incapable of winning a trophy.
Hi Kai, appreciate you taking time to read the post and make a comment. It’s my first ever so it’s nice to get a reaction even if it isn’t positive. I think the we all have views of what world class means, don’t get mr wrong I think bergkamp is the greatest player to play in England. Cheers .
Worst. Post. Ever.
Kai and homer, not sure you know what you’re on about. I really enjoyed reading this – fantastic. Brought back some great memories. Bergkamp was a true great. Lovin your work mark.
Agreed weston, really enjoyed this one. Mark must be a bit older going by the names and memories. Ok i’ll start it, my greatest arsenal team: seaman, adams, dixon, cole (sorry), campbell, overmars, cesc, vierra, petit, henry, bergkamp
stupid article…….if you wanted to kill time find a PSP or something!!
enjoyable read mate….Kai and Homer probably don’t know what they are talking about. It’s grt for a start…..
Thanks Vivek, really appreciate that. I really enjoyed writing it.
lame article!