Is Unai Emery getting used to the Anti-Arsenal media bias yet?

Unai Emery has only been at Arsenal for a couple of months, but he seems to spend a lot of time denying the usual lies that come out in the English media. The first big one of course was the fact that Mesut Ozil faked an illness because Emery told him to play out of position and refused to play in the next game. Emery has already denied this. And then last week it was “leaked” that Emery had told his groundsmen not to water the pitch for the first game against Man City, to make it tougher for the EPL Champions.

He felt the need to deny these lies once again this morning. Obviouly now that Mesut Ozil has retired from the Germany international side, he has spent the interlull with the Arsenal squad for a change, and so Emery was yet again asked if there were any problems with our highest paid star player. “[We get on] very well.” Emery said. “Here for me it isn’t for a lot of the time speaking about what people are telling us. I have a very good relationship with Mesut and professionally I push him for improvements to give us the best in his qualities and performances.

“Also I read this week in the newspapers in the match against Manchester City I say to the [groundsman], ‘Don’t put water on the pitch’ – it’s not true! This is the moment to say to you that I have a good relationship with Mesut and I didn’t say it to the groundsman not to water on the pitch, it’s not true. We are continuing our process with our positive things and our work.”

I think he is just going to have to get used to it. I think Wenger just completely ignored the media reports and only responded (denied) things that were brought up in press conferences. It is obvious that Emery seems surprised at the false reports and feels the need to respond. I think he will find in the end that it’s just not worth it. The media will continue to post false stories about Arsenal no matter what he says!

Darren N

58 Comments

  1. Why are all fans so sensitive and emotion? It seems like people have convinced themselves that they are always the VICTIM. Every fan seems to think or feel that the media hatee them. Smh
    Chelsea, United, Liverpool, Spuds, City and our GOONERS all keep saying there is a media bias against their club.

    Why have people become so sensitive and SNOW-FLAKEY?

    Smh

    1. …Because maybe we’re snowflakes, and we’re all a bit touchy about it.

      But it wasn’t the media that made up that story about not watering the pitch, it came from one of the city players cause I remember reading it.

  2. Well I don’t understand your reasoning gotanidea and Declan.
    Emery has had tocome out twice to deny any rift with Ozil and denies completely the media spread rumour regarding the City game.
    I haven’t seen any other manager having to defend his relationship with players, or being accussed of sabbotaging the pitch.
    Lets be brutally honest, these are LIES SPREAD BY THE MEDIA.

    We have a choice as Gooners, believe our manager or the media.
    It’s as simple as that and I know from previous examples who I would believe.

    If it’s not anti Arsenal, what exactly is it?

    1. Just another example for you to think about as well.
      Has anyone ever listened to Adrian Durham on Talk Sport?
      If you have ANY doubts at all, try and listen to his durge for just one programme.
      He’s so bad, I stopped listening to the station years ago.
      It’s no myth believe me.

      1. Adrian Durham is definitely anti-Arsenal, but it’s all for entertainment purposes, and TalkSport provokes comments because it’s necessary for a talk-based radio station.

        As for a wider anti-Arsenal conspiracy in the media, I don’t buy it. Wenger made it easy for the media to have a pop at us with his secrecy and complete refusal to face the reality of certain situations, which made it fun for people to wind-up both him and Arsenal fans.

        If Emery does the opposite and simply shows-up the media bullsh*t by providing swift and clear responses then it won’t be fun for them to do it any more, and there will be less of that stuff directed at Arsenal.

        1. How naive are you all regarding Durham? He is just click bait on the radio. He doesn’t just diss Arsenal, he dose it to all teams but admittedly we are quite a target at present. It’s not anti Arsenal, it’s about getting a reaction, and you are all reacting. He’s got you where he wants you. You mugs, just ignore him, switch off.

          1. And ken, I do respect your posts but if you stopped listening to the station years ago how can you comment on this post? Again, as much as I respect your posts, that’s just BS.

            1. Well I’m with you Ken. These people must be blind or don’t care much for Arsenal if they can’t see the anti media that’s been going on for years. In fact ever since the day Sky Sports tried to buy Manchester United. I could show you hundreds of examples over the last 25 years, especially the ten years that United and Arsenal fought for the title between themselves, of the FA giving us a hard time and being backed by Sky Television. Funny that the most rescinded red cards just happened to be when the club in question were playing Arsenal. All the records of penalty decisions for or against just happen to involve us. Coincidence, is that what you call it, or is it everything even itself out at the end of the season. Yeah, heard it all before.

              1. Kenny, was starting to think that I was the only “immature ” fan on here!
                You should really give some more examples to those who have forgotten, for whatever reason or motive, such discrepancies, as I bow to your superior memory of precisely quoting actual incidents.

                I would take it even further by accusing the referee’s association of the same biase against our club.
                Your point on rescinded red cards is a very good one indeed.
                G.Neville admitted on TV recently that they always expected, and got, more refererring decisions against us whilst the two clubs were the top two in the premiership.
                The Riley performance in the 50th game was a disgrace in my humble opinion.

                DECLAN, I did say I stopped listening to Durham years ago. That was when he introduced a “daily Arsenal” slot. No BS there just truth.
                My grandson tells me as recently as two weeks ago he was still at it, so I have no reason to change my statement.
                Can I ask you if he has done this with any other club on a regular basis? I don’t think so, but I might be wrong, please let me know.

                STUBILL, take your point mate and agree with your comment. I guess it’s because I love seeing him squirm I didn’t count it! Well pointed out and accepted.
                Mind you, it’s about time Utd had some of the media negativity we, as a club, have had to put up with for years and years.
                BUT it doesn’t change the fact that Emery has actually called the press liars on these two issues does it?

                YOSSARIAN, I’m with you on Emery being positive, but he’s still having to insist there is no issue with him and Ozil.
                So that doesn’t seem to be working does it? I just don’t get why clubs like Pool and Spuds have RARELY been hounded with the fact that their clubs haven’t won a trophy for ex number of years, but we were slaughtered yet again in the media. Perhaps you could explain that to me?

                1. I stopped listening when he dropped the Daily Arsenal slot, it was hilarious, proper comedy and equally “for” us as “against” us. If you really think it’s a media conspiracy against us well that’s your opinion but I remember him ripping spurs to pieces many a time.

            2. Declan: I listen to talkSPORT all the time and I can confirm that Adrian Durham openly admits his hatred for Arsenal. So either you are being deliberately obstinate or stupid but you cannot go a day without him launching an attack out Arsenal. He also has a special place for slating Mesut Ozil.

        2. So to summarize your write up, it’s Wenger fault that the Media fabricate lies, write things that are not true against arsenal.
          If Gazidis leaves for ACMilan it would be Wenger fault.
          I believe It’s Wengers fault that Usmanov sold his shares to Stan.
          Wenger must be the reason why Ramsey has not signed the contract papers.
          It’s Wengers fault that Reiss Nelson went on loan to Germany, he never gave him a chance to bench Ozil.
          It’s Wenger! It’s Wenger!! it has to be Wengers fault somehow, don’t you understand? ???

          1. Jay, another voice of reason. Thank god for that.
            It’s as if he’s still here isn’t it?
            I find it so strange that all the things wenger was so criticisedabout are now happening under the new regime.
            The clearest example is the Ramsey saga.
            wenger dithered about, wouldn’t spend the money, couldn’t make a decision because he was obstinate etc etc….and yet here we are again.
            as you so correctly put it, somehow he will be to blame.
            This sudden realisationthat the same owner and board are still there and they are causing Emery problems, was never even thought about before?
            Naive, immature thinking as it turns out, especially as the real picture begins to unfold right in front of our eyes.

      2. Ken, You are in a very small minority of Gooners who accept this articles premise. I don’t agree at all. All top clubs can find the odd individual in the media here and there who disses them, and Durham is tedious, I agree, but he is a shock jock type and surely you, of all people, with your life experience can see that. There is clearly no wider media anti Arsenal perspective and Darrens daft article, born out of a form of mild paranoia is, sadly, fairly common among SOME fans, of all top clubs. But is is not a common thing, happily. It saddens me to see YOU succumb to this nonsense, even though on Durham you are correct. He is just ONE maverick though and not typical. THERE WILL ALWAYS BE INCONSISTENCIES; THAT IS HUMAN NATURE AT WORK BUT THERE IS CLEARLY NO WIDESPREAD ANTI ARSENAL CONSPIRACY IN OUR MAINSTREAM MEDIA. ALSO ,YOU RECENTLY POSTED THAT YOU THOUGHT I HAD BLAMED ONLY WENGER, alone and not the regime above him for the problems we had. I ALWAYS forcefully pointed out how awful they ALL were, GAZIDIS, KESWICK, THE BOARD PYGMIES AND ESP THE DREADFUL KROENKE. I SAID THIS CONSTANTLY AND STILL THINK THE SAME. I still say he should not have covered for them, as he did for so long. Had he resigned soon after Kroenke took control, stating the awful truth about this “person” he would still be 100% revered throughout the Arsenal fan world. But he chose not to and paid the inevitable price for his failure to stand up for the fans against the bad people who paid his wages. A crying shame ! I also think he was in most ways an honourable man but on this key factor he called it wrong. And how!

    2. Blimey Ken, have you not seen Mourinho having to defend his relationships with Martial, Pogba, Rashford, Shaw etc. Conte in respect of the whole team last season, there are many others I could point out, but I’m sure you get my point.

      The three media darlings, who seen to be able to do no wrong at present are Guardiola, Pochettino and Klopp, but their time will come at some point no doubt.

      1. That’s not bias against a football club, that’s a dislike towards a manager who abuses the press, is the most rudest manager ever to work in the English Premier League and a guy who walks out of press conference’s when he feels like it, something I might add, Arsene Wenger never done, but somehow got fined more than any other manager. I once remember Wenger saying”I might as well leave my credit card here at the FA”. Just another example for you to ponder.

    3. Are you kidding? As much as I hate him Mourinho gets butchered by the media evem sometimes when it’s undeserved.

      However I do agree that the media is extremely biased against Arsenal. Petr Cech has been butchered by the media for playing out the back. When there’s at least 5 keepers who have performed substantially poorer like 75 million pound Kepa has been awful. Becker got the ball stolen off his feet when he tried to Cruyf someone. How about the fact that we were being decimated for having lost our opening 2 games when we undeservedly lost against Chelsea and Manchester City who won the league by a country mile. The media definitely has it out for us.

  3. I don’t accept the premise made in this article at all. There is no media bias against Arsenal. Fans from all top clubs constantly say this and without justification. There IS social media bias against all clubs. From their rivals. That is obvious but not what we are talking about. News media constantly look for stories; where there often are none and sometimes fans with paranoia about “biased media” misinterpret that as bias, but they are wrong. Journos job is to look for stories; fans stick up for their clubs whether or NOT they are under attack. That is natural and the way things are. To call this bias against (in our case) Arsenal, is just immature and failing to look at the whole picture. Experience of life and perspective helps one to see the truth. And that truth is that there is no media bias against Arsenal whatever. Jounalists are usually football fans too and some support our main rivals. Like Martin Samuel, respected Chief Football Write in the Mail, who supports West Ham. Some also support us, eg John Cross in the Mirror. But all respected established journos put their career first , which is natural and right. So do almost all players; even those wrongly called “traitors” for not sharing the love we fans have for the club who pays them. That is also natural and just how human nature is. Would you necessarily love Barclays Bank just because they may employ you? Of course not! So why expect players (who are employees first and foremost, with families to support) to be different from you? To think otherwise is to refuse to see the wider picture. It will be intersting to see who is mature about this and which fans are not. Bias does NOT reign , but careers do. That is realism . You either accept it or you don’t . Your choice.

      1. Gosh , thanks! You are too kind Declan. I have always thought it better in life generally ( as well as in “mere” football) to be straight with all people about what you think. I find some people play mental games to gain advantage and I dislike that intensely. I am a huge dog lover and one HUGE reason is that dogs are always so honest in showing their feelings and the only games THEY play are physical ones; ball fetching etc. Would that all humans were as honest as dogs are! Just my take on things.

  4. I think right from the onset of Wenger:s regime as Arsenal manager and up to this time of Emery’s newly tenure as Arsenal manager too, there has been a steady campaign agenda of anti-Arsenal in the media and at the Pgmol running against Arsenal FC since after our club won the PL Title in 2003-2004 season.

    1. Well let’s face it.The Club have given the media plenty of ammunition to fire at us and it’s their job to do just that.If there something to report then we want to hear about it.I accept there will always be articles that become sensationalised but we are guilty as a Club of never having a rapport with the press to give them what they require and at the same time inform the fans as well.A statement from the Club now on Ramsey’s contract situation will remove speculation immediately.A bold statement from the CEO or (god forbid)Kronke on transfer budgets in the next window or two immediately puts the Club out of reach of the frenzy that we are hit with every year on this subject.
      There will always be anti SOMEONE or SOME PLAYER or SOMECLUB in the press or media especially if there are tie ups (Sky/Murdoch etc) with a rival but on the whole I don’t feel we get treated any more or any less than we deserve by the media as a whole.The Club di a good enough job of creating their own headlines without anyone else helping them.
      And Ken1945-Adrian Durham talks a lot of sense a lot of the time but he does enjoy winding up Arsenal fans more than anyone,Unfortunately I enjoy his comments as I take them pretty much with s pinch of salt but he does have a habit of being correct in predicting what will happen with our Club.Its up to the Club to prove him wrong and ram his words back down his throat but it’s very difficult when he is proved right more than wrong.

      1. I always found Adrian Durham very funny… And it is all a big wind-up at the end of the day. I just hope that Emery gives him less ammunition than Wenger did!

        1. You must be the kind of so called “fan” that rings up and agrees with him. SMH. With me I am staggered that so called fans cannot see what he is up to. He will never concede that an opposing view point out merits his, he will always shout down callers and ridicule them unless they agree with him. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind constructive criticism but at the heart of Adrian Durham it is to destabilise Arsenal.

      2. Yes, I agree partially about Adrian Durham, who is a maverick and personal publicity seeker to a large extent, though usually entertaining. But he is not typical of the print media nor most other radio and TV journos. Social media is a minefield and to be avoided by all but us crazy fans. But without us “crazies”, there is no game and some clubs, including ours, forget that at their peril. It was us lot – at least the absent season ticket holders – who finally got Wenger sacked; something a properly run club should have done years earlier but failed to do. I doubt they will forget our power again! But to expect Silent Stan to keep us informed is to bark at the moon! Billionaires hardly ever speak in public. That is one reason they ARE billionaires.

      3. Phil, if that’s the case, then, as I asked Yossarian earlier, why haven’t we seen the hysteria surrounding Pool and Spuds regarding trophyless years?
        I am sure you remember the media going on and on about our club, but the two clubs mentioned seem like the real Teflon boys when it come to the continues stream of negativity.
        As a club, we have always conducted our business in private and behind closed doors, so maybe it might be an idea to change that part of doing it “The Arsenal Way”, but I feel that would give the likes of AD further opportunities to discredit the club by twisting the facts.

        I can’t comment on the current Durham, but I can’t see how any Gooner can “enjoy” his rants (at least till I turned him off) regarding our club.
        I judge him as a pathetic “sports journalist” who had not got enough talent to put together a programme of factual footballing news.
        Instead he chose to use our club as his easy way of getting clickbait.

        1. Well Ken-there is no doubting that Citeh LPool And 5pur2 do not accept the criticism and media reaction that Arsenal currently “enjoy”.But certainly over the last 4-5 Years we became an easy target.Those three clubs actually improved their own standing whereas we most definitely have not.
          Citeh are pretty much untouchable at the moment because they win,entertain and have a Manager who would walk into ANY position in World Football.Whats not to like about Citeh if you are the media (different story for us supporters of other Clubs of course).
          Liverpool have improved as a Club under a Manager who is loved by the media.They have put the cash up to get the players the Manager demanded and look like they have given themselves every opportunity to challenge.Again from a media point of view just what is there not to like about this Club at the moment?The fact they have not won a trophy is now the issue.If Klopp fails to land any Silverware AGAIN this season then he SHOULD be the main target of the media.It will be interesting to see how the Club and Manager react if they don’t win anything.Adrian Durham for one will not let him off the hook (between the daily Arsenal rants).
          Pochettino is a different story altogether as he has made them a better side without a doubt and he has done it by not spending too much money compared to the Big Clubs,But they continue to fail when it comes to winning anything and the criticism is beginning to mount on Poch from media and their own supporters.Just how long will Levi have Poch as Manager if he fails to win anything?I believe Poch will survive without winning a trophy as long as he achieves CL football to help pay for their Stadium.He will need to do a Wenger and I don’t believe he can continue to do this.He will lose players soon of that there is no doubt.Kane will be gone the second they don’t have CL football.Ali will go to a Club who will soon realise he is nowhere near as good as everyone thought he was and the player himself believes.The World Cup showed what Ali is.Overhyped and Over rated.Errickson will go next season.Too many big European Clubs will want him and he will not want to miss the opportunity.Same with Alderweireld and Rose.All of a sudden they look pretty average and it won’t be long before the media go hunting for Poch AND Levi.
          Which basically means if your successful then the media tend to leave you alone.Its about time we became successful again don’t you think?

    2. Absolutely right Samuel, bias since the beginning of Wenger’s regime, however, the problems started at the PGMOL when Mike Riley took over leadership of the corrupt organisation, with their Northern referees. I’m sure you know my feelings towards this corrupt band of brothers, I’ve wrote countless emails to the PGMOL but never received a reply. It’s a secret organisation that even leading journalists cannot infiltrate.

  5. Of course there is no
    bias against any club.
    Clubs receive a level of focus
    which reflects the club standing.
    So Man U receive the most attention and Cardiff the least.
    Clubs need media attention to keep sponsors interested.
    It’s all part of the football product. What do we do between games?
    Discussing the players the manager can only keep us interested for so long.
    We need other “stories” to fill in the breaks.
    Happy fans or aggrieved fans it’s all good for business.
    Indifferent fans are advertisers worst nightmare.
    Sponsors want a “reaction” good or bad just don’t let fans go.
    So always expect a constant stream of “issues”
    some real but most imagined and oh yes help your self
    to a tablespoon of salt or a beer for each one .
    Cheers 🙂 🙂 🙂

    1. barryglik, what you are saying amounts to the old show business adage “that there is no such thing as bad publicity.” The worst thing in an entertainment type industry like football is to have no one writing or talking about you.
      Arsenal is a long term successful and high profile club based in the largest city in the UK. Therefore it is expected that Arsenal will generate news; if the media don’t know, they will make it up as they never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

  6. doesnt exist. Media posts whatever gets clicks. Have you seen the dozens of negative Manchester United articles? Mourinho and Pogba are easy targets

  7. I read more anti-Arsenal stuff on here than in the media. Woe betide the day the media take a long hard look at this site and decide to write about it. They would have a field day with us. Cech trying to play the ball out has been ripped to pieces on here moreso than in any media outlet. Same as Ramsey, Xhaka, Bellerin, Ox, Walcott, Giroud etc, I could go on and on. So ok to defame players and managers on here but read it anywhere else and we are victims. Do me a favour people!

    1. Declan, now this post I can agree onn 100%.
      Some of our fans don’t need the media to castigate the club, they do it themselves.
      I find it absolutely incredible that, even after the first two games, Emery was being questioned and criticised as to his tactics and team selection.
      For some reason the number two seems to have a meaning at this club:
      22 years for Wenger.
      2 years when Wenger loses the plot.
      2 years without CL football.
      2 losses and Emery is being questioned.
      2 wins and he’s still being questioned.
      2 many fans waiting to stab our players in the back.
      2 many fans waiting for any excuse to criticize and not support the club.
      2 many trophy hunting fans who have no idea of the clubs past and traditions.
      2 many fans ready to beleive the media BS (season ticket prices!) rather than facts.
      2 many fans beleiving that referees biased decisions even out over a season.

      Just my own opinions and observations of course, so don’t get 2 wound up about them if you disagree.
      Life is 2 short.

      1. Excellent post but you should have signed off with…. “just my 2 cents”? BTW I can think of a few on here who make me want to do a number 2 ?

          1. Ken any more gags like that and you will get your wages in loo! And believe me KEN, I HAVE MANY MANY OTHER GROANERS FAR WORSE THAN THAT. TO BE AVOIDED LIKE THE PLAGUE!

        1. What a great gag! And you said earlier you wish you had my way with words. Well, I wish I had said what YOU just said so wittily!

  8. Ken1945 and the doubters, go to the website, Positively Arsenal, read an article, “The PGMOL v Arsenal. Data that shows a clear pattern of bias”. See what you all think of this

    1. Kenny, I wonder how many will even bother?
      It won’t fit in with their scenario of events.
      Bias? What Bl@@dy bias?

      1. One more for you to ponder over Ken. The same year that Riley’s decision ended Arsenal unbeaten run he refereed 11 Manchester United games in that one season. First of all what is one referee doing officiating in 11 games for one club in a single season. Secondly during those 11 games he just happened to give Manchester United’s Centre Forward Ruud van Nistelroy 11 penalties when they were Arsenal’s only challenger for the Premier League title. Do the doubters wan’t more or are they now convinced.

        1. Kenny, you and I are singing from the same hymn book, but your knowledge of the FACTS never cease to amaze me.
          The reason behind all the anti Arsenal bias stretches back years and years, from my reading of the situation, when we managed to get promotion to the (then) first division.
          Imagine if the Emirates had not been ready on time, how the media would have reacted.
          The club delivered what it said it would, doing it The Arsenal Way.
          It was on time, within the budget set out for the works to be carried out and a complete success from start to finish.

          Wembley was a total calamity and the media slammed the whole project quite rightly.

          The new spud ground? Massively over budget to the tune of a reported final cost nearing £1 billion. Fans buying season tickets (most expensive in the league) are getting rebates, games are having to be rescheduled for Wembley and when that’s not available they have to play at Milton Keynes!!!!
          The media? Just reporting it as an everyday occurence with no anti reporting whatsoever.

          WHU new ground, paid for by us, the taxpayer, just accepted as another everyday occurence. They are paying less rent than the actual cost of having a premeir league game played there.
          The media? Not really interested.

          Rather make up stories about Emery and Ozil rowing, or Emery ordering the groundsmen not to water the pitch.
          At least some of us see through the BS of this and question why, rather than accept it as something that happens at all clubs.

              1. I read a book once KENNY. I do hope little Noddy had a good life and is now reunited with BigEars. DO YOU RECKON EITHER OF THEM CAN PLAY ON OUR WING!

                  1. You have rumbled me Kenny. I AM an avid book reader. I read books about “avid”, whoever he or she is, all the time! But I do worry over poor little Noddy! I also worry about our defence but loads of other Gooners join me in doing that.

  9. Ken, as you and I know, Arsenal have always been a first class club something the youngsters know very little about. More internationals have been played at Highbury than any other club ground. We had underfloor heating in the dressing rooms in the thirties when the Liverpool and Manchester clubs were changing in corrugated iron sheds. In 1936 both East Stand at Highbury and Shelf Stand at Totenham were built at the same time. The East Stand cost £136,000, the Shelf Stand cost £66,000. Arsenal have never done anything cheap. The seats at the Emirates are 18 inches wide compared the 9 inch bucket seats at Old Trafford. This is exactly the reason that the jealousy is deep rooted hence our nickname, the original Bank of England club. there’s no substitute for class.

    1. Kenny…and the real beauty of all you say is that they are actual FACTS.
      Not opinions or guesswork, it’s there for all to read and digest.
      As Jon says, your knowledge of our club is unbelievable and I am so pleased that you see things the same way as I do on this subject.
      I really hope that one day we might meet up and reminisce about the “good old days”on the North Bank and the Clock End.

      The only time I felt Arsenal Football Club has not acted as a class act was their treatment over Peter Marinello, but that’s another discussion I guess.

      We have been so lucky that Arsenal chose us to follow our great club, couldn’t imagine anything else would have given me so much satisfaction regarding football matters.

      1. Ken, I am the third of now five family generations who followed/ still follow Arsenal. I agree wholeheartedly with your comments above. What other humourous or special memories do you have about Arsenal related things , outside of the actual games? I would love to know. About Kenny’s experirences too! I well remember going to Sunderland as a kid on supporters club coach in Billy Wright’s time and we met him and thr players in thr town. He asked us all to help clear the snow from the pitch, which we gladly di. But still the ref called game off before the start, so it was a long journey home. A friend of mine hitchhiked back to Sunderland the followwing WEDNESDAY TO SEE A YOUTH CUP GAME AND THE SNOW WAS STILL THERE AND THAT WAS ALSO CALLED OFF. I used to hike often to away games when at school. Once , I went with Supporters club coach to Birmingham , having been off all week with flu from school. I was really ill and convinced my Mum I was better, which I wasn’t and I missed the whole next week from school too. She still reminded me off it often , usually when we had people at the house, to show me up and I suppose make me grow up. Growing up? Thats for wimps! I intend never to grow up and I never have. Defiance, even into the grave!

        1. Jon, I remember taking my girlfriend (now my wife) to watch The Arsenal play Peterborough in the FA cup.
          Can’t remember what round (Kenny will know!!) but we had Alan Skirton playing on the wing.
          My wife hated football and still does, but she agreed to come along.
          We met at Finsbury Park and, as we were the last ones to arrive, had to sit in the middle of the back five seater coach.
          The guy on the other side had an awful cold and kept snorting and sniffing the whole journey….of course it was my fault as usual!
          We lost I think it was 3-1 and Skirton missed so many chances against a side two divisions below us.
          He was awful and we gave him so much stick, I ended up feeling sorry for him.
          We waited until the majority of fans had left and as we walked out, she asked why so many Arsenal scarves, rosettes and bobble hats were lying on the ground. She couldn’t believe that anyone would throw away perfectly good stuff just because we lost!
          That was the one and only time she ever accompanied me to ANY football match and the only time Skirton nearly took my head off with one of his awful shots.
          The journey home was a repeat of the outward journey except that the guy fell asleep, leaned across snoring and then sneezed, the entire contents spraying my, by now, fuming partner.
          I had to drag him off her, change places and she didn’t talk to me for a week.
          Such blissful memories of following The Arsenal.

          1. The poor woman, how could you take her on such a journey? Surely Highbury for the first game Ken. She’d probably still be a regular if that had been the case. Anyway we actually got beat 2-1 after leading 1-0. It was the Doog (Derek Dougan) who done the damage that day. I remember the game well, I was 14 years old at the time and chanting was in it’s infancy. It was the fourth round FA Cup with thousands of Arsenal fans in attendance. I can’t remember who I went with that day, by now my older brother had planted his roots firmly with the enemy down the road, ( something I still remind him of to this day), I think it was my mates, but at 1-0 up we were chanting, “Peterboro HA HA HA, but within ten minutes near the end of the game 30,000 Peterboro fans had turned the chant around to Arsenal HA HA HA. I was devastated, third division Peterboro beating the mighty Arsenal. After that game it completely resurrected Derek Dougan’s career from once being part Blackburn’s 3 D’s attack of Douglas, Dobing and Dougan. From Peterboro he then joint Wolves, had a successful time with them and regained his place back into the Irish national team.

            1. I knew you would remember the game Kenny.
              I had forgotten Dougan’s part in the game, I really am starting to feel old now!!
              Keep an eye on my reminiscing, just in case I make a complete fool of myself.
              Your probably right about taking her to Highbury, for the life of me I can’t remember why I would choose this game!
              Probably thought we would walk it as usual.
              Can still remember those discarded colours though, I felt so ashamed of our supporters as we walked all over them!!

              1. Ken, there’s no problem with your memory we are talking over fifty years ago, I wonder if the youngsters today will be able to remember today’s events in fifty years time, I hope so. I was lucky enough to have a Grandfather to tell me about Bastin, James, Copping, and Hapgood amongst others and a father to tell me about Ronnie Rooke, Reg Lewis, the Compton brothers and his favourite Jimmy Logie. I also remember how he used to push me and my brother into one turnstile. So different to today’s game. Do you remember when the players used to park their cars on the red ocker training ground at the old Clock end. They had to pass through by the the Clock end turnstiles to get to East Stand dressing rooms and it’s there that us kids would descend on them for autographs. Wonderful days.

  10. Am not bothered by the media but definitely the refereeing has been stacked against us compared to other teams around us. For more than 20 years it just has, that’s the only way I can put it. Yes everybody receives both bad and good calls, but I remember the stats coming out for most yellow and red cards, we’d be one of the highest receivers but weirdly in the stats it would show that we made less fouls than everybody else just about. Like how many times were we called soft, yet we received penalties like we played Stoke cities rugby style tactics. We were rarely aloud to be late, yet we were fair game for other teams. This here actually is when I would question the media, they never called the ref or other team out for any wrong doing instead they actually helped perpetuate the tactics.

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