Who's missing who? Arsene knows
- Details
- Created: Sunday, 15 February 2009 00:05
- Written by Benjamin Cullen
Andrei Arshavin, few would disagree, is an exceptionally talented individual. But many people were bemused that Arsene Wenger chose to sign another attacking player instead of a replacement for the dynamic midfield ball-winner Mattieu Flamini.
However, if we look more closely at Arsenal’s 2007-8 home fixtures with Man Utd and West Ham and the corrosponding 2008-9 fixtures, we can see that perhaps Arsene Wenger already had in his ranks a ready-made replacement for Flamini. Not Alex Song, as some may have thought, but the young Brazilian midfielder, Denilson.
No longer are the terraces a hostile and violent place where women, minorities and the infirm aren’t welcome. For better or worse the game now strives towards a more wholesome image. One that is inclusive, marketable and appeals to a broad and diverse audience. 
What’s football without a good sing song? Absolutely nothing.
Brazil playing Italy at the Emirates on Tuesday was the best friendly for as long as memory serves. Media-bashing of these midweek matches has become commonplace but games like this bring balance to the argument.