So Natasha Says: The Podcast

A few quick thoughts on some of this weekend's games in the Premier League.  Feel free to share, follow and comment.

I did a podcast!

Check out this episode on my podcast "It's North London Derby time!": http://podOmatic.com/r/tkYIe

Time to smell the coffee.

Yesterday was a bad day for everyone involved with Arsenal. The 2-1 defeat at Manchester United could have been worse, a hell of a lot worse. Yet, after last season's game a part of me is just glad we got off so lightly.

It's ridiculous to think I found relief in the fact we only lost to our biggest rivals by the odd goal. Except they are no longer our rivals, not in the way they used to or should be for that matter. Times are a changing. United have graduated, and we've been made to repeat the year. Again, and again, and... Well you get the picture.

The most depressing thing about yesterdays game is that we were never at the races. We looked like a newly promoted team who were just happy not to concede too many! There was no part of us that appeared to believe we could or would win. It was embarrassing and for Arsenal football club, it was completely unacceptable.

This is the club that pipped Liverpool to the title in 1989, the club that went 49 league games unbeaten, the same manager that took a team to the San Siro and beat Inter Milan 5-1.

But we don't look anything like that club anymore, and in truth it is breaking my heart. I don't remember a day when I wasn't a Gooner, and I know that day will never come. But that doesn't mean I can't be real and see what's wrong with the club that I love.

It kills me to say it, but I really feel it is time for Mr Wenger to hang up his puffa coat. I don't say it lightly, I'm the sort of person that likes AW more than I do some members of my family!

But let's get this straight. The club is stagnating, to the point where I wouldn't be surprised to see us in the Europa League next year! Unthinkable I know, but on recent showing it's extremely possible. And when things go wrong at a club, the manager has to take responsibility. Given how long he has had to change and improve things, the only option is for him to go.

It's not just the loss at Old Trafford. It's everything. The late attempts to renew contacts of players, the money sitting in the bank, the hesitancy to spend on real top draw players.
The lack of ambition on and of the pitch, the lethargy of the players, this belief that Champions League qualification is 'good enough'.

Admittedly, it isn't just Mr Wenger to blame. The board have to take a long hard look at themselves and decide whether they want to increase their wealth or actually make us successful again. Right now, it seems like the former. I mean, could you imagine the CEO of Tesco getting a bonus for being the fourth best supermarket in the country? No, me neither.

Right now everything is wrong from top to bottom, and it's been going wrong since the departure of David Dein. He was the boss' best friend and right hand man, he protected him from the pressure and made him see sense. Clearly no one is doing that now or the list of players we missed out on would not be growing every transfer window.

The team isn't good enough, the recruitment process isn't good enough. Which means that the manager is no longer good enough.

He's had a great run and has been responsible for some of the best memories we will ever have as Arsenal fans. But unless there is some radical change in the next few months - which I doubt - then this season should be his last.

And who to replace him, you ask?

Roberto Martinez fits the bill for me. He's done his apprenticeship at Wigan, he knows the Premier League and he plays the game the right way.

I've always supported Mr Wenger but I can't see a way back from the drivel and nervousness we see on the pitch now.

If he doesn't go, I will still support him and the club. Because that's what fans should do. But it doesn't mean I won't be seeing the truth.

And before you start labelling me; I'm not Wenger Out.

I'm just Arsenal Up.

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Where The Hell Is Michael G-Owen!

I dunno about you, but there's something extremely sad about watching a player once billed as 'England's greatest striker'; hawking himself around every Premier League club in the hope of getting a contract before the end of the summer transfer window.

But unfortunately, that's the situation we now have with former Liverpool front man Michael Owen. No longer a young whippet, but a 32-year-old with a chequered injury history and quiet questions about his interest in the game overall.

What Will Be...

I haven't said much about the Robin van Persie situation, mostly because so much is being said already. And there's only so much moaning anyone can put up with, from one set of fans!

But I've had this blog in my head for a couple of days now, so I thought it was about time to get it out.

To be honest, I'm not even angry that Robin has decided not to sign a new contract. I'm more disappointed with the fact that he feels that the club doesn't share his vision and more so, with the statement he released on his personal website. For someone who has often waxed lyrical about his love of the club and his respect for Mr Wenger; I'm sure he could've done it with even just a smidgen of class. Although if it was down to his advisers, we all know enough to realise they are not often the classiest of people.

If that is how he genuinely feels then he's entitled to his opinion, even if I disagree with it. And if he no longer wants to be an Arsenal player, then I would prefer him to depart sooner rather than later.

But on the flip side I think it's a little cheeky coming from a player who has only had one 'value for money' season in his eight years at the club. Although it was one spectacular season. Admittedly injuries are not his fault, but Wenger and the club stuck by him when many would've kicked him to the kerb a long time ago. It must be galling for Wenger to think that now Robin is injury free, he thinks he's too good for the Gunners.

But should I really be surprised by anything in football anymore.

I also thought it was a little cheeky that his mother and wife had been telling all and sundry he was staying for the past few months. Either they were taking the piss out of all Arsenal fans or Robin had a big change of heart during the Euro's.

So now the bids have started coming in - amounts you could describe as mediocre at best. So it looks like he's really going, once the interested clubs get serious about their offers.

And if that's the case, then Arsenal have to make sure it's on their terms. That they get the cash they deserve and more importantly, that he doesn't go to Manchester City!

Hope Springs Eternal

HOPE POWELL didn’t surprise many with the Team GB Ladies football squad that she announced at Wembley stadium, on June 26.

The squad of 18 featured only two non-English players in Scottish internationals, Kim Little and Ifeoma Dieke. While Scot Jane Ross, and Emma Higgins from Northern Ireland, are among the four reserves.

Fulham Finally Fulfilling Their Potential...

While some London clubs have been having their annual drama; no names, Chelsea!  Fulham, and more importantly, Martin Jol have been going about their business. 

The manager has been quietly making plans and trying to change the mentality of a club that has under-achieved throughout it’s time in the Premier League.  I have a sneaky suspicion that next season; they could well be the ones to watch or the semi-surprise package if you will.

Just desserts!

We all know, I've been pretty vocal about my feelings towards Carlos Tevez on the pages of this blog.  And even though he is wearing the blue shirt of Manchester City again after his self-imposed exile, I still don't have much time for the stocky Argentinian.

I agree that on his day and when he's about eight pounds lighter, he can be the most influential player on the football pitch and the star of the team.  But I still have a bad taste in my mouth regarding his actions over the past year.

The Number One League

Since I've been writing for the Voice newspaper, I have had the opportunity to attend more games. Thus visiting new stadiums and interacting with managers I haven't met before.

With it's close proximity to my home, I have been to Charlton a few times now and I have to say I love it.  Except for the million stairs up to the press box, but that's another matter, that is!  I love the family feel of the club, the fathers and sons that I see walking to the Valley and more importantly the staff.  Everyone from Chris Powell to the security guys on the gates are polite and happy to help.

Be A Gunner, Be A Runner! Sponsor my Madness.

Hi guys,
In a random moment in the early hours of this morning, I signed up for the 'Be A Gunner, Be A Runner' event at the Emirates on March 31st.

It's a 6.4km race and given the fact I haven't ran in ages it could be very interesting.  I mean, if I have the choice; I won't even run for a bus!  But I do have two months to prepare and although I'm nervous, I'm also really excited.  There's something wrong with you, if you don't get excited by a challenge.  That's what life is all about.

As well as it being at my spiritual home, it's for the charity: Save The Children - Arsenal's charity of the year.  I'm sure you'll all agree it's a great cause and they will appreciate all donations, no matter how small.

If you can spare some change and wish to donate, you can go to my just giving page.
Or you can donate by text. Send NATH 81 + the amount - £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 - to 70070.                                            

Thank you all in advance for any donations and feel free to share the page on twitter, facebook or your own blog.  As I said, even £1 will help the charity.

Best wishes,

Natasha x



Journalists Are People Too!

I must admit, I don't think I've ever had as much grief in my life as I've had over my opinion pieces on Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra.  And this is coming from an Arsenal fan, who has lived in both Leeds and Manchester!

Now contarary to what some may think, I know that my opinion isn't gospel.  It is simply my opinion and along with that, my job as a journalist is to report the news.

Eight And Out!

With the news that Liverpool and Luis Suarez have accepted the ban given out by the Independent Commission, all talk turns to Andy Carroll and his disappointing start to his Liverpool career.

The 22-year-old is nearing his one year anniversary at Anfield and it would take a brave man to say the transfer has been a resounding success, or even a mild one.  A return like four goals in 23 Premier League appearances, will not keep the Anfield faithful happy for long.