North London Derby Will Be A Cracker
I have to say, this may be the most intriguing North London Derby for many a year. Both sides come into it in excellent form; Arsenal on the back of the destruction of (an admittedly wretched) Villa, and Spurs after taking apart a defence organised by one of the best in the business - not to mention hitting the heights of a Wembley final. Both have had fairly average seasons thus far, but certainly a feeling in both camps that form is starting to gather momentum; this game really could be a launch pad.
What makes this most intriguing for me, however, is the total unpredictability of how this game unfold, and how it will be approached by both sides.
Wenger apparently listened to his players before City and tightened things up massively in the midfield, throttling the space in which David Silva wanted to work. It was a very professional away performance and most unlike a Wenger side; he seems to finally be realising that a lot of football is played without the ball in the modern age. Equally, he could refuse to give us the same respect and look to impose the traditional Arsenal game on us.
Spurs could go either way. We are increasingly comfortable dominating possession, and have - to my shock - started creating a few chances; it's almost like the Spurs of old (ish). We are also comfortable allowing the opposition to have the ball and concentrate on launching counters or winning the ball back in dangerous areas.
With Kane and Eriksen in the form they're in currently, our defence finally seeming to develop a bit of an understanding, and the return of the very talented Bentaleb, I'd fancy our chances against anyone.
I am quietly confident that we'll get a result here. Arsenal do not do well at 12.45 kick-offs, and suggests that they may struggle to get in the right frame of mind and prepare properly.
Given the work that Pochettino has done on mentality, I think we may have the edge. Add all of that to the fact that it's a North London Derby, which traditionally range from the formbook-out-the-window nonsensical to the downright f**king mental, and tomorrow could be one hell of an occasion. 3-2 Spurs is my guess.
Alex G, THFC
Being Priced Out
My gripe is about being an Arsenal fan living in the North, at the lower end of the 'dedicated fan' spectrum. Arsenal are the highest ticket prices in the country, that we all know.
To even be in with a chance of getting a ticket you have to sign up to the membership scheme, the lowest option of which is circa £30. This gives you the opportunity of getting a ticket for one of the lowest profile games (I've been to watch home games v Reading, Hull etc). The ticket itself costs circa £40-£50 which is inevitably up in the gods. Also you are only able to buy one ticket per one membership scheme. So I only ever go on my own, because none of my pals are Arsenal fans (sob, sob) and don't fancy shelling out £70-£80 for membership/ticket alone. there is zero chance of general sale, apart from league cup games.
Realistically I won't be taking my young son to go and watch them any time soon (sob, sob). I know what the readers will say: move down south; stop whining and watch them on tv; support a local team. Believe me, I've done this and in danger of fuelling the fire of loyal fans, it is not a pleasant experience.
I have been to York City, Scunthorpe United, Bury, Doncaster, Macclesfield etc etc and every single time bar a couple of matches I have regretted it. I once literally fell asleep in the stands at Glanford Park. I have watched over 390 minutes of Bury (including extra time) and seen one goal. I have been to Macclesfield and had a clown behind me hitting a drum with a wooden spoon for 90 minutes.
It is all very romantic and all that but I would generally describe it as a form of self-flagellation. Anybody who goes to watch Aston Villa every week for example deserves a lordship.
I may be losing the thread of the topic here, but it's galling because every game I've been to and have seen on telly there are empty seats at the Emirates. They advertise ticket exchange but this is limited to the season ticket holders and/or those with the highest membership scheme.
I appreciate that it is somewhat a catch 22 situation. High prices result in nice stadiums and shiny players which brings high prices. Clubs like Arsenal really need to start thinking about this.
Andy Smith (Scunthorpe (I know, before you start banging that particular drum))
We're Finally Talking
Can I just add to this mornings letters of praise for Clark Carlisle, and say that he really should be commended for speaking out. I think after Gary Speed's death a couple of years ago discussion about mental health should always be applauded. Football is everywhere in this country and for all the hate pointed towards footballers and their wage packets, taking advantage of it's position in our lives to generate awareness can only be good.
As for the stigma, things are changing, I'm seeing it every day.
Jon (CBT therapist) Lincoln
Grow Up
It occurred to me that many who are at the forefront criticizing managers for being dull are the same ones throwing petrol on this idiotic 'story' involving Bobby Martinez and Aaron Lennon. I'm just glad nothing else worthy of a newspaper's attention is going on in the entire world.
The next photographer who takes a footballer's photo where he refuses to smile is going to be p*ss scared. I never thought the low standards would or should actually extend to managing editor's level.
Ian, LFC Hartford, CT USA
Earning Their Keep
I agree wholeheartedly with Simon Fitzwilliams' email this morning. Football is one of the richest and most popular games on earth. Those who are the best at it - and work exceptionally hard to get there - are entitled to their share of the spoils. Most criticisms are barely disguised envy or even class snobbery.
While there are always stories decrying the greed and indulgence of footballers, very little is ever said about the money earned by those in more traditionally middle class sports, such as golf and motor racing, nor is it often commented on that football - and sport in general - is one area of society in which people regularly transcend their background and rise to the top of their profession.
Matt Hennessey
...I've got to say I agree with the mail this morning from Simon Fitzwilliams, the faux outrage is ridiculous.
£230k (or whatever it is) a week is a hell of a lot of money, granted, but just to put it into perspective - this is equivalent to £12m a year, or roughly $20m.
- Some film stars get paid this (or more) on a regular basis per film, yet where's the moaning about them being overpaid?
- Lewis Hamilton earned £16m last year from McLaren
- Rory McIlroy earned £27m last year (he even has enough to pay off his former management £12m)
- Djokovic earned £22m last year
- Mayweather Jnr will earn an estimated $120m for his fight with Manny Pacquaio
And these are just the examples I've come up with in two minutes and are both sport related, also many top execs in companies get paid this and more per year (if you include share options etc) - although I'm aware this one comes with equal outrage
If you step back and remember he's the best in the world at what he does (or one of the best), then it's actually not worth the uproar....
Pete (Used to take free kicks like Eriksen) THFC
A Heart-Warming Storey
Hats off, or in keeping with the theme of the article hats on to Daniel Storey and his fabulous piece about evening matches.
I think that's something every single football fan can relate to and agree on, how often does that happen!
Aido MUFC
...Loved the Daniel Storey article today. I always enjoy F365, and I like the snarky humour and occasional big club baiting.
It's really nice though, to sometimes remind us that you became football writers because you love the sport of football. The piece today expressed a joy for the game beautifully.
Jeremy Aves
The King Of Dinners
Such is my mind (on a Friday) that after reading about Daniel Storey Googling Graziano Pelle I did an image search for chicken kievs in some weird desperate thought it would solicit pictures of a beautiful eastern European lady.
Instead I only found the poultry ensemble; tender, succulent chicken breast filled with a rich, creamy garlic and herb sauce enveloped in crunchy, golden breadcrumbs. Mmm...
Xris, MUFC
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