A Moment of Weakness

Picture the scene. It is Sunday 29th January and three distinguished sports journalists have gathered to discuss topical issues on ‘Jimmy Hill’s Sunday Supplement’ and listen (patiently if possible) to the old boy airing his tired old clichés for what must feel like the thousandth time.

Inevitably, they get on to Arsenal. The F.A. Cup holders have just been beaten by Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok, falling to a late headed goal from the usual suspect, Stelios Giannakopoulos.

Brian Woolnough kicks off with: “Wenger put out a weakened team. I don’t know what he’s playing at” and after that it all seems to take on the characteristics of a Greek chorus. “Completely perplexing” (Henry Winter). “Almost giving it away” (Shaun Custis). “Why didn’t he play Henry?” (All).

What is particularly disappointing here is the lack of understanding from three very experienced journalists whose judgement is usually sound.

Let’s start with the team selection. Taking into account the present state of Arsenal’s season and the status of the players, was this really a ‘weakened’ team? Remember, Arsenal cannot win the premiership and they have just been eliminated from the Carling Cup, so the overwhelming priorities must be to maintain a Champions League challenge this season and to ensure entry to the competition in the next. In these circumstances, even the defence of the F.A. Cup must take second place, particularly in view of the fact that certain senior players – Henry and Lauren for example – were carrying injuries and risking them at the Reebok might have deprived Arsene Wenger of their services in games that would have a more significant impact upon Arsenal’s season and prospects for the future.

What it all amounts to is this. Arsene Wenger, who is paid to make difficult decisions, selected a team for the Bolton game which, though ‘weakened’ in appearance, was in fact the strongest he could field in the circumstances. Nothing particularly ‘perplexing’ about that. And far from ‘almost giving it away’, that team created enough chances to have won the game and restricted Bolton to only one clear goalscoring opportunity, courtesy of yet another exasperating error at centre back. Added to that is the real bonus of seeing a predominantly young team, including 19 year old Abou Diaby, Kerrea Gilbert and Johan Djourou, perform so well in a pressure situation and thereby provide a glimpse of the future of Arsenal.

By contrast, three leading sports journalists, who are paid to pass judgement on top players and managers, reached conclusions on this occasion which fell short of their usual standards. Thereby proving that absolutely anyone can have an off day.