Good riddance 2008 - the Arsenal Annus Horribilis
So the Annus Horribilis of 2008 is almost over – and I don’t think there will be many Gooners who lament its parting.
Rarely can there be such a disappointing year in Arsenal’s history.
Forgotten how much has gone wrong?
• Eduardo’s bone-shattering injury which effectively ended our title challenge
• Dubious penalties awarded
o Birmingham away PL (Clichy)
o Liverpool away CL (Toure)
• Penalties not given
o Liverpool home CL (Kuyt on Hleb)
• The departure of Mathieu Flamini after arguably proving to be our best performer of the season AND the sale of his most obvious replacement, Gilberto
• The sale of Alexander Hleb to Barcelona - future possible Champions League opponents
• The year-long absence of the experienced and skilful Tomas Rosicky. Will he ever return and play injury-free for us?
• Niggling injuries and medium term absences to key creative players such as Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott
• The collapse in form of Kolo Toure upon his return from the African Nations’ Cup, capped by a bout of malaria which seems to continue to hamper him
• The mental breakdown/diabolical PR by club Captain William Gallas which hampered the already frail confidence of his young team-mates
• The recurring summer soap opera of one of our top players being touted with a move away from the club, and refusing to state outright that he was 100% committed. Thanks for the reassurance, Adebayor
Can you think of any more? Then feel free to share them using our comments function below.
In the meantime, roll on 2009 – let’s hope the club’s fortunes are as good in the year to come as they were indifferent in 2008.
Happy New Year fellow Addicts.
David Alexander
Reader Comments (5)
How about losing out on 6 possible trophies in one calendar year? (2 x PL [incl. 08/09], 2 x CC, and 1 each of FAC and CL) Then, all those other shorter-term but vital injuries not mentioned above, at significant times. Then the whole boardroom saga(s) and the inability to replace Dein until now. The property crash affecting Highbury Square. The development of our very own reprehensible 'boo boy' culture. The loss of confidence throughout the squad. etc., etc. It really was a dreadful year to be a gooner. Get thee hence and welcome, oh welcome, 2009!
You're forgetting the nailed on penalties we should have had against:-
Hleb, Fulham (a)
Adebayor, Birmingham (a)
handball, Middlesbrough (h)
Van Persie, Newcastle (h)
Nasri, Manu (h)
As well as the countless off-side goals ..............
Team is fine but just KICK that crap Denilson out
Boooooooooooooo DENILSON
Boooooooooooooo DENILSON
Boooooooooooooo DENILSON
Boooooooooooooo DENILSON
JOIN IN AND BOOOOOOO DENILSON PLEASE. KICK HIM OUT NOW?
AFSAR,
why boo Denilson when there are far worse players in the squad? Song, Eboue, Diays inconsistencies, Ades constant offsides and inability to score easy chances. Or even Boo Wenger for his idiotic team selections or his constant lies. Why not boo them instead?
youse arent fucking gooners if you boo anyone, this just shows that the team needs our support now more than ever. get behind them you cunts, instead of on their backs. everyone makes mistakes get the fuck over it and get behind the team.