Dear Mr. Szczesny, Mr. Sagna, Mr. Mertesacker, Mr. Koscielny, Mr. Gibbs, Mr. Arteta, Mr. Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mr. Rosicky, Mr. Cazorla, Mr. Podolski, Mr. Giroud, Mr. Vermaelen, Mr. Jenkinson, Mr. Flamini.
When Arsenal lined up against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, optimism was high and the fans expected big things from a side that were ready to prove themselves as serious title challengers. While results against Liverpool and Manchester City had humbled the club, the supporters still believed that a miracle could happen. That, despite all signs pointing against it, Arsenal could finally beat Josè Mourinho in West London, putting them in a fantastic place for the final title run-in.
Instead, the performance that was given in the 6-0 humiliation to The Blues was cowardly, embarrassing and quite frankly insulting. The man who believed in ALL of you, despite some of your previous mishaps, was celebrating his 1000th game in charge, a feat not completed by an uninspiring individual. This did not encourage you to turn up however, the lethargic and distant display showing right from the off.
While you may like to criticise the referee, as usual, for making an error in judgement, the scenario between Mr.Gibbs and Mr. Oxlade-Chamberlain ironically reflects badly on the side itself. There should have been no ambiguity that was in fact Mr. Oxlade-Chamberlain’s error and that he should have been given his marching orders. However, as has been seen time and time again over the years, the lack of leadership led to no player heavily protesting and refusing to carry on without justice. Mr. Gibbs preceded to trudge off the pitch without a whimper, almost content with leaving the field of play, unwilling to fight for his wounded army.
Despite not one of you looking as though you deserved to compete in Wenger’s milestone game, Mr. Giroud has to be highlighted from the group as someone who is nowhere near cut out for this level. Regardless of your goals against lesser opposition this year, your gift for fading into obscurity against the top teams showed yet again when it mattered the most. You can’t run at the defense with the ball, you can’t shoot from far out and your strength looks dire. Stick to what you’re good at, maybe that’s not at this club.
For weeks, all of you have been attempting to stumble over the line and mask the truth over the lack of talent that some of you may have. You love to rave about the team spirit, belief, determination and desire, yet actions speak louder than words. Would you really like your season to go down the pan and be symbolised by Spurs boss Tim Sherwood’s quote that Arsenal, “paper over a lot of cracks.”
There is yet another huge game against Manchester City next weekend where you can prove that you are not a waste of space. The FA Cup semi-final against Wigan in a few weeks will be a true test of your character. Do not even bother turning up to your next game if you do not win that clash at Wembley.
Arsène Wenger has dedicated his life to making sure that Arsenal Football Club can compete at the top and has never berated you, even when you deserved a good talking down to. Against Chelsea, you embarrassed the fans, the managers and most importantly yourselves.
Stand up and look at yourselves in the mirror. NOW is the time to rise again. NOW is the time to prove to everyone that you are not a team of losers. NOW is the time that the supporters can be proud to sing your names. NOW is the time for you to win and never look back.
It’s now or never. Over to you.
Sincerely,
Jason Phillips
@jasonphillips10
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