Ifs, buts, and Muamba
79 comments May 12th, 2007
“If you make a table of the top four we are top. If you make a table of the top 10 we are second, three points behind Man Utd. If you make a table of the top 20 we are 25 points behind the leader.”
It’s pretty clear where the problem lies. But just in case anyone out there hasn’t got it, Arsene adds:
“It means we have lost the points against the second part of the table.”
Nail. Head. Hit. On. The.
The stats do make interesting reading, and even though it’s good to see Arsene take reponsibility, it’s not particularly positive to hear his “I’m lost” comments of earlier this season echoed when he says, “I can’t put my finger one where we went wrong”. Well, at the risk of being condescending to a many I respect hugely, I’d suggest we didn’t take enough of our chances, conceded too many sloppy goals, and dropped points against the league’s poorer teams.
Ken Friar helped negotiate the signing of Åukasz FabiaÅ„ski, which will be all tied up once the season is over. As for Julio Baptista, his future is tied up with that of Jose Reyes, who wants to stay in Spain, where nobody wants him. Once word: “wellthatservesyouright”.
It looks likely that Baptista will play his final game for Arsenal in a weakened side on Sunday. It may also prove to be Manuel Almunia’s final appearance for the club if, as rumoured, he takes up one of several intriguing offers from La Liga.
Finally, goodbye and good luck to Fabrice Muamba. When you’re behind Alex Song in the club’s pecking order, you know it’s probably time to move on. £2m in the bank (that could rise as high as £4m) has got to be regarded as good business.
