Arsene’s constant struggle to paper over the cracks

Wenger’s natural reaction to a pitiful first half at Stamford Bridge. Photo: PA

When a ship hits an iceberg, cracks appear, and it begins to sink. First, the process is very gradual: the descent is barely noticeable but slowly gathering pace. After some time, the cracks become chasms, the hull is easily penetrable, and you have a shipwreck. What is the best way to prevent the forthcoming disaster? Is it to soldier on, trying desperately to plug the gaps with the resources already at your disposal? Or is it safer to take drastic measures and jump ship?

The malicious mob mentality in football

Is this how to support your club?

Meet Joe Bloggs, well-respected businessman. Wife, two kids, dog, semi-detached house in the suburbs and a convertible sitting in his driveway. He works nine to five in an office in London. His colleagues look up to him, turn to him for advice. Clients always choose his company because of his respectability and professionalism.

It’s time the Ballon D’Or was in safe hands

Expect to see this again shortly

As recognition of individual achievement in football goes, it doesn’t get any higher than the Ballon D’Or. From Stanley Matthews to Lionel Messi via Johan Cruyff and Zinedine Zidane, you need only look at the list of winners for affirmation.

Why Robin Van Persie owes Arsenal nothing

An all too familiar sight for Arsenal fans

If you could spare just a few moments of your time, I’d like to draw your attention to the cause promoted by Arsenal Football Club.

For years on end, St Arsene the Shrewd has been slaving away to help sickly and unloved footballers put bread on the table, despite being constrained by limited state funding from Stan Kroenke and Alisher Usmanov.

You Only Live Round the Corner

A grand welcome: Barnet's Underhill stadium

I have a confession to make. I am guilty of one of football’s deadly sins: I do not support my local team.

Who’s in charge around here?

Mancini gave Tevez a second chance he should never have had

Extortionate ticket prices. Diving. A dearth of traditional Saturday 3pm kick offs. Foreign owners motivated solely by money. Luis Suarez. One more problem pervading the modern game is the increasingly irritating transition towards ‘player power’.

2012: Year of the Noisy Neighbours?

Gareth Bale celebrates his latest stunner with the Spurs contingent

Sunday was the biggest day of the season for the Sky Sports corporation. Mega-Ultra-Awesome-Super Sunday, or something like that. First, Man City hosted Tottenham, but, more importantly, the biggest fixture in the Premier League calendar: Arsenal against Manchester United.

The Mickey Mouse Cup – for kids

A League Cup win is not enough to constitute a successful season for the top clubs

Thirty years of hurt will soon become fifty, and England’s repeated dismal failure to perform at international tournaments looks set to go on for the foreseeable future.

An Expensive Case of Food Poisoning

Torres celebrating his first Chelsea goal - with Anelka and Benayoun

 

Chelsea may have grown accustomed to fine dining at Europe’s top tables in recent years, but the return provided so far by Fernando Torres has been more, well, Nando’s than haute cuisine.

The World’s Against Us

Wenger remonstrating with the fourth official at Craven Cottage

So, it transpires that there is a referees’ conspiracy against Arsenal. And Stoke. And just about every other Premier League club.