The CROW: Will 2011 see the Gunners reign – or Wilkins for king?
Published: 30th December, 2010
ARSENAL 3 Chelsea 1. Three-one. A battering. Chelsea were crumpled. But remember people, this didn’t happen because Arsenal were, I dunno, better than Chelsea on Monday. No, no-no, nooo. Nothing like that.
It was because Chelsea got rid of Ray Wilkins. Chelsea fans have explained it all to me. It’s not because Theo Walcott left Ashley Cole daydreaming. It’s because of Ray Wilkins leaving. It’s not because it turns out Jack Wilshere is capable of teaching Frank Lampard a few things in midfield. It’s because, yup, of Ray Wilkins leaving. It’s not because Chelsea spent £900 zillion on players and virtually took their pick of who they wanted over the past few years and still can’t get it right. It’s because – you know what – of Ray Wilkins leaving. It’s not because John Terry isn’t as good as he thinks. (hmmmm why do England never win the World Cup?) It’s because of Raymondo leaving. It’s not because of Alex Song’s imperious performance in midfield. It’s because of Ray... Isn’t it amazing? Who would have thought that one of the most expensively-assembled and highly paid squad of footballers can’t do what they are highly paid to do properly without a little gee-up from the managerial giant, Ray Wilkins? He must have been a genius. Wilkins for England. Wilkins for PM. Wilkins for King of England. Wilkins to beat the recession for us all.
Don’t agree? The only possible alternative is the ludicrous idea that Arsenal were simply too good for Chelsea. Oo-ouch!
RICHARD OSLEY
AS 2010 ends, let’s look at my beloved Tottenham Hotspur highlights.
One would be our adventures in Europe, the cut and thrust of it all with its highs and lows. Now our feats go down in the annals of history as Spurs qualify for the knockout stages as group winners.
Another highlight would be the newly held respect from fans all over the country; the fact they know the tide is shifting and that Spurs are a team neutrals now love to watch. Some of the football has been scintillating and with holiday wins against Aston Villa and Newcastle the year couldn’t have ended much better. Having players sent off in both matches and still winning pleases me even more.
Yet, as lovely as the plaudits are, for me it’s about the little things. Henry Ford said, “you take a big job and break it into small pieces” and it’s Harry’s ability to do this that excites me most. I’ve said openly that Spurs are not the finished article. I’ve criticised the lack of fight shown by some who’ve worn the badge.
However looking at the growing belief in this current crop of players and watching them play football that excites mind, body and soul is inspiring. If we harness this type of forward momentum in everything we do then there must surely be better things to come in the new year.
My final highlight speaks for itself, the 3-2 win at the Emirates. It’s been a great year.
TONY DALLAS