Mails: Luke Shaw to Liverpool, more Arsenal woe…

No doubt some of you will have something to say…mail us at theeditor@football365.com

 

A love/hate relationship with Mediawatch
Sometimes I bloody love Mediawatch. The pure sh*tehousery that the red tops and mainstream tabloid media get away with on a constant, daily basis provides me with great levels of joy. The outrageousness of Collymore, the ridiculousness of Mourinho super-fan Duncan Castles and everything in between provide me with a welcome break at work on my lunch. There are days when I should really get out of the office and go for a stroll, but I then see the Mediawatch article pop up when I refresh your page (I’m sure lots of others here can relate to the F365/F5 refresh loop) and suddenly ‘the weather looks a bit grim’ or ‘I’ll go stretch my legs later’.

Lately though, Mediawatch makes me sad. Some days, it just plain makes me angry. The pure sh*tehousery that the red tops and mainstream tabloid media get away with on a constant, daily basis now provides me with great levels of misery. I believe other mailboxers have attested to this before, but the some of the absolute guff that they seem to be able to get away with beggars belief. The straw that broke the camel’s back is this vendetta they seem to have with young, black footballers. As a Liverpool fan, I didn’t used to mind the Sterling-related articles of 12/18 months ago – I was angered by his exit, called him a snake as lots of others did. But time is a healer, and my feelings of displeasure (is it envy?) towards Sterling have subsided. After taking this step back and taking off my rose-tinted specs, I now see how vilified he was and I feel sorry for the lad. I’m glad that F365 stuck by him, and it now seems as though he is becoming a better player, and hopefully a key player for England’s future. But let’s make no mistake, most of the vitriol he received in the press was largely because of the colour of his skin.

To now see Marcus Rashford getting bashed for ‘building a massive house for his family’ detracts from the fact that this lad is (hopefully) one of England’s brightest prospects and that he is using his wealth at such a young age to provide for his family should be celebrated, not seen as a stick with which to beam him. I really cannot remember the media subjecting any young, white players to any of this sh*tehousery, apart from perhaps Jack Wilshere (smoking, partying, generally being Jack-the-lad) or Jack Grealish (the ‘hippy-crack’ incident). What’s different there is that both of those players actually did something wrong, or acted in a way that painted them in a poor light. Sterling, Rashford et al. are being criticised for doing something completely different.

So you see, now I never know what to expect from Mediawatch. Will it make me laugh, or make me shake my head in disbelief. What a sorry state of affairs. The point of all this, is what can be done about it? Most of us probably already boycott the mainstream tabloids – that is why we flock to F365 – for your valuable and accurate insight on the ‘current affairs’ of Football.

Perhaps Mediawatch needs to introduce some sort of end of year awards – similar to the razzies or something like that. Actually confront these lazy, headline-grabbing, exclusive-creating, fake-news b*stards. Present them these awards at press conferences for the rest of the media to see. Maybe through embarrassment and humiliation we might be able to reach them and enlighten them to why they are such d*cks. I just want them to have some accountability for the crap they print.

Anyone know a cheap trophy engraving shop?
Lee (I just want my football back), LFC

 

Luke Shaw to Liverpool makes sense
Alright, follow me here, even if the end position is possibly sacrilege.

Liverpool have (apparently) 100 million quid to spend, and (as F365 kindly pointed out) no pulling power for established/’sh*t-hot right now’ players. We need both depth and quality added to the squad, and we’re going to have a tough time doing it. One of our most glaring weaknesses is left-back, where Milner is doing a pretty good job for a converted midfielder but nothing special in terms of actual full backs. We also need more capable cover in midfield, as without Hendo and Lallana we look a bit ropey.

Meanwhile, down the road, a young left-back who was toasted as part of the future of England’s defence is apparently on the outs with his manager. I know it’s not happened for ages (decades?) but a direct transfer between Liverpool and United might be a good deal for everyone. Think about it – from Shaw’s perspective he gets to switch from Mourinho to Klopp. Clearly Mourinho is a more decorated and accomplished manager, but I can’t imagine anyone saying he’s a better motivator and builder of players than Klopp, and Shaw needs some motivating and building right now. From United’s perspective, they can bleed a hated rival of a massive transfer fee for a player they clearly no longer rate, so that’s a win as long as they trust their management team to be right.

From Liverpool’s perspective, we get a talented and young player in a position we desperately need some talent in, and Milner is freed up to become super-cover in all midfield positions, or a super-sub on the wings, as he always should have been. He’ll still be a bit of a hero, because (apart from City fans) everyone likes James Milner. At his age (and with his professionalism), he should accept that easily enough – especially as Klopp’s style means he’ll see a lot of game time and a good portion of starts due to injury and tiredness.

So, in my rough estimations, it’s a win-win-win-win for all interested parties. It’s never, ever going to happen.
Matt (Lallana’s injury is final proof that there is no God – we are merely being digested by an amoral universe) LFC

 

Heeeeeeeeers’s Stewie
Following on from Daniel Storey’s evident boredom (hence the laughable Sanchez piece), I’d like to remind you of all the things that have changed at Arsenal since 2005:

* Changed club captains
* Changed stadium!
* Changed assistant coach
* Changed club crest
* Changed academy head
* Changed scouting head
* Changed/sold various top players
* Changed tactics (albeit 10 years ago and copy-pasted formation since)
* Changed ownership

Now. Despite all these various changes, that incredible stench of failure and persistent humiliation, remains. I wonder what the one common denominator in all that time has been?

I’d like to go on record as declaring that Johnno’s email has serious truth to it. If a winner like Mourinho started the relegation process at Chelski, it’s easy for an expert Loser like Wenger to actually do it. No Sanchez, a stack of mediocre weak players on huge money unwilling to budge; an angry fan-base, and no top player worth his salt will want to work under Wenger (not even Vinedine Vardy would!).

The sad conclusion to this is that AFC fans have brought this upon themselves, by never protesting when he was e.g getting tonked 8-2 at OT, by making constant excuses for his failure, and deriding anyone that pointed out that Wenger was blagging it. The smug, condescending typical Gooner has suddenly seen their club become a farce and London’s third club! And know what? They deserve it.

For that reason, and for allowing Wenger to become bigger than this club, I sincerely hope Wenger stays on another 2/3 years. It’s going to get a lot worse! #WENGER IN
Stewie Griffin (“We want you to staaaaay”)

 

When did Arsenal jump the shark?
Reading today’s mailbox and the comparisons drawn between Wenger and Clough, and the slow descent from the lofty heights they once attained, I was struck by a certain similarity between Arsenal’s current plight and that of a TV show routinely hailed as one of the greatest, if not THE greatest of all time, ‘The Simpsons’.

I think we can all agree that for a long time both have been past their best. For the Simpsons, the decline began from Season 10 onwards, possibly even a little earlier than this. This is typically referred to as the end of the Simpsons golden age and its slide into whatever this absolute mess of a TV show is now. It no longer even vaguely resembles what it once was, all of the wit, charm and intelligence it once radiated have vanished and the show and its characters have long descended into bloated, inane self parody.

Much like Arsenal.

I am however struggling to appreciate exactly when this moment happened for the Gooners, and would be genuinely interested to hear what their fans think.
Oisín, MUFC, Ireland

 

How would Arsenal cope with actual problems?
I must say it’s enjoyable watching the Arsenal fans freak out over the Sanchez/Ozil contract situation and all the doom and gloom that comes with it. Imagine what they would be like if they supported Southampton and had to deal with losing their best players every year, while being so close to reaching the next level?!

I think the world may implode.
James SFC

 

Mental idea but what a metaphor...
No matter how mental you find the concept of Arsenal being relegated next season – as per Johnno’s mail – you have to give the man credit for that iceberg metaphor.

Very nice work and more proof, if any were needed, that the line between madness and genius is very fine.
Jeff, Australia

 

Relegated? Really?
Almunia

Eboue
Gallas
Vermaelen
Clichy

Denilson
Song

Bendtner
Cesc
Nasri

Adebayor

Arsene Wenger managed to get this mob to fourth in the Premier League. I think Arsenal might be alright next season.
Simon, London

 

…I don’t usually write in about Arsenal (except to take the mickey out of their “mental strength”) but I found myself disagreeing with Johnno’s letter, particularly the comparisons between Clough and Wenger.

Clough’s career at Forest was something like reaching the top of Everest (two European cups, coming down again (continued presence in top division, some cup final appearances) and then sailing across the Atlantic in the Titanic (relegation). Arsene Wenger has been more like a trip to the Scottish Highlands – quite exciting with some decent highs but ultimately safe and fairly steady.

You also have to see Clough in the context of his relationship with Peter Taylor. He was basically never the same after he left. There has never been any doubt that Wenger is very much the man with the management skills at Arsenal, though maybe picking better assistant managers could have benefited him (see McClaren and Queiroz at United).

Clough was also a man who struggled with alcohol abuse and it would take a brave person to doubt that effect that must have had on his management skills. Wenger, as we know, has been credited with bringing a much more professional attitude to the British game and it would be a surprise to learn that he does look after himself in a similar manner.

Some of your stats were also a bit disingenuous. Wenger only has the highest Premier League defeat and although Sky (and some United fans) would have you believe it, football was around for a lot longer. Is it really a surprise he has the highest Premier League defeat having managed over 80% of Arsenal’s games on the competition?

Ultimately Arsene Wenger has failed to deliver Champions League at any stage in his tenure at Arsenal and he has failed to deliver the title for 13 years now. But during that time you’ve failed to finish outside the top four and always qualify from the group stages of the Champions League. The club is well run and still spends quite a lot of money. You will never be relegated under Wenger for the same reason you may not win the league under him – he’s consistently delivers he same results.
Ashley (not saying he should stay, just you’re wrong) Metcalfe

 

In defence of David Batty
I thought your overcapped XI was fair enough apart from one thing. Why does everyone now think David Batty is rubbish? I’m pretty sure that Leeds, Blackburn and Newcastle fans all thought he was great at the time. Maybe he’s another example of a non-creative player being criticised for being non-creative but I would have thought the Makelele role epiphany of 2003 would have put an end to this. He was a solid player who won the ball, kept things tight and fed the attacking players. And he did it better than any other English payer at the time.

No shortage of woefully overcapped players in central midfield either. Milner got 61 and there is no way he’s a better player than Batty, although he probably gets even more stick. Jenas got 21! Jermaine Jenas! Kieron Dyer got 33, Downing 35, Parker 18. I dread to think of the caps won through being young, English and playing a couple of games for Man Utd or Liverpool.

So, in conclusion, England really aren’t very good.
GP

 

And David Platt
David Platt in an overcapped XI? Not a striker (though his 27 goals in 62 caps would embarrass many a number 9) but an excellent central midfielder who always showed up in tournament football.

A player who burst through in Italia 90 (that volley!), with a 100% scoring record in penalty shoot-outs (twice against the Germans) and the only bright spark/consistent goalscorer in Graham Taylor’s ill-fated reign is overcapped? Behave!
Dan (happy to defend Graeme Le Saux as well if required), LTFC

 

…two reasons why your opinions don’t count

1. David Platt (who wasn’t a striker – make that three reasons) could NEVER, NEVER be accused of being overcapped. As he made his name at the Villa, I’ve got every reason for wanting to put him down. However, I only have to say ‘Belgium’ to completely disprove your assertions about him. If Dele Alli continues to improve like any England fan hopes he will, he might one day be as good as David Platt. Because he’s nowhere near yet.

2. You should be congratulated for the fact that you remembered Carlton ‘my second touch is always a tackle’ Palmer. And then you only stick him on the bench. Ridiculous. Have a word with yourself!
Ian, The Albion, Bristol

 

Ince not perfect
Ben MUFC made a great point with regards to the sheer stupidity of Paul Ince as a pundit. He came out with another classic when they were discussing whether Mbappe is ready to move to a big club yet and potentially end up on the bench. His comparison to make his point? “Look at Rashford at Man United. He’s gone there and he’s not getting the games. He’s sitting on the bench.” He’s ‘gone there?’ Really Paul? He’s a youth team product who, at only 19, has already played a lot of games and is only going to get better as he develops. He hasn’t ‘gone there’ from anywhere. They didn’t sign him from another team and not play him.

Again, Jacqui Oatley deserves nothing but respect for having to listen to the utter shite Ince churns out.
Paul, London

 

A World Cup without Messi?
The Russian World Cup is already a bit of a controversial one with its suspect winning bid, on top of fears about hooliganism, and the countries general views on racism etc…

However, there is football story starting to develop that could make the tournament an even sadder affair…

Argentina are currently sitting in fifth place in the South American qualifiers with four games remaining.

Two of them games are against Brazil and Uruguay.
Three of them games are without Messi.
Ecuador sit two points behind the Argies in sixth.

If Argentina finish in sixth, it’s fair to say we will miss seeing Messi on the World stage one final time.
Gary B (I suppose they will win all four final games now, with Messi winning the World Cup)