I won't delve into those funny chit-chats, made up or regurgitated quotes, and their likes. The issue at hand stems from the last discussion concerning the barrage of insults aimed at some of our under-performing players, especially from fans who are supposed to be the team's driving force. Unfortunately, the media gave the first impression that the likes of; Almunia, Fabianski, Denilson, Walcott, Diaby, Bendtner and even Nasri are not good enough to challenge for a place in Arséne Wenger's squad. I mean, the media in this case has been acting very unwisely, very biased because it is not true.
I think from my little understanding, the Gooner blogosphere is even more vocal than the established names in reporting the facts pertaining The Arsenal. The media are not that vocal on core Arsenal issues except for insinuating that the fans are discontent with the club's stingy habit. Now that the media sees it clearly that we won't spend frivolously, they are prepared to adopt their unethical "we warned you" slang, whenever the going gets tough for those blacklisted. Why can't the British media grow up? At least for one season.
The negativity surrounding Arsenal is false. I am not saying that the aforementioned players don't have shortcomings on their part. I am aware that some of their mistakes on the pitch influence virtually every Gooner's thinking faculty. But there are supporters from every part of the blogosphere, who even though are influenced by the nature of things to an extent, have resisted the urge to join the movement and their resistance is demonstrative. Yet, the media doesn't know this. If Gooners had not resisted these differences, our extensive fanbase wouldn't have grown to the enviable position it now occupies. While there are those influenced by the negativity courtesy the media, some are trying hard to resist and the British media should know this better than anyone.
The media should stop giving the wrong impression that the first consideration for a Gunner, particularly a youngster, is his weakness. The problem wasn't as prevalent in the past as it is now, and that is the more reason to address the situation.
On a more serious note, I don't think under the present circumstance, anybody is qualified to openly challenge Wenger's policy on team selection, unless of course, he/she is uninformed. Anybody who is informed or has an idea about financial management won't call for the head of the manager whenever Almunia spills a cross, because it is quite clear that the tactician reserves the right to start any person he deems fit. Even if he fails to achieve the club's objective, it's his call to answer to the relevant powers - not to me, you or the media.
It's high time we acknowledge the mistake of trusting too much of what we read, irrespective of where we read it. Chelsea's Nicholas Anelka, has a lawsuit in motion against a libellous article published about his misconduct at South Africa, on L'equipe during the just concluded Fifa 2010 World Cup. A lot has been said on that, but I think I know where he's coming from, and that is the ridiculous aspect of falling from an editor's pecking order. Somebody must always be blamed, and I think Anelka needs to let go! What difference is it going to make? Anyway I am tired of reading about his next line of action every time I trawl some major dailies.
I believe that the manner in which football related stories are reported is based on self-interest as opposed to public interest and that is directly responsible for the negative end product of what is churned out to us on a daily basis. Hopefully, the reverse will be the case as the season approaches.
