Van Persie fined and punished - Pompey Preview


Champs

By Boris Mellor
March 5 2005

Once again the Arsenal Plus reporter’s interview with Arsene Wenger was in contention for the Garth Crooks award to incisive journalism. In the plus interview for the forthcoming game Arsene went through the list of 24 injured and suspended players.

He also made it clear that Quincy would play some kind of role. He was then asked would Van Persie be in contention for a place. When Wenger replied, I couldn’t believe my ears,

"Van Persie will be fined and punished".

My ears really pricked up, but did the reporter ask what did that actually mean, how much of a fine, what punishment? No he didn’t ask for clarification at all.

Wenger did go onto say that he would not bear a grudge against Van Persie and that it was important to accept that with young players that if they make a mistake they must be educated. But I don’t ever remember Wenger punishing a player for a red card before. Is this a new approach to discipline? We have had plenty of reds we didn’t deserve, and others that were a fair cop. Van Persie’s was of the latter variety, but none of them were fined. His wasn’t even the worst of the latter kind. Does this mean that Wenger is changing his approach, or was he just so pissed off at the throwing away of 2 points at such a crucial time?

Oh the preview, I nearly forgot, well hundreds of players are injured, and even Cygan is on the treatment table. Cole may be rested, Henry could play, and Ljunberg also could play but is knackered.

So what are the prospects, well usually after, and before every CL game we have a mare. Afterwards we are knackered, and before we score one goal and then ease up and give away a draw.

Relegation teams love playing us, we are so generous, we give them easy goals and miss all our chances. Afterward their confidence goes so high that they continue to be a pest when we play at their drum. Wenger says we still have an outside chance of winning the league. Portsmouth gave Man U a hard game last week, only full concentration can ensure a good result. It’s the hope I can’t stand.

Bookmark or share this story with:

 

StreamFootball - Arsenal