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Never Say Die Indeed
One of the most famous football clubs in my country, Accra Hearts of Oak have an inspiring motto: NEVER SAY DIE UNTIL THE BONES ARE ROTTEN. This creed has urged them to brave several storms in their 100 year old existence.
Unfortunately, their lofty plan to celebrate their centenary in style in November this year has crashed miserably and they are now fighting desperately to remain in the premier division.
Even through Hearts have three home matches in the five remaining league fixtures; the most optimistic club supporter accepts the fact with their current unstable form their fate hangs in the balance.
It is this kind of humble acknowledgement of a true situation that I expect from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger in his quest for the English Premier League title this season.
With only four matches to go and trailing nine points behind leaders Manchester United, it is strange that Arsene Wenger is still hopeful and talking about his club's "minimal chances" for the title. What is the meaning of minimal chances? The fact of the matter is that Arsenal don't have a chance at all. Simple!
Honestly, I have a lot of admiration for Wenger's steely heart. I am convinced very few managers can survive the trauma of seeing your youthful footballers’ display all the fine ingredients of the game only to throw away valuable points in the end.
One expert's description of Arsenal’s stock in trade is “they usually have plenty of possession but too often let themselves down by over playing in the final third and often lack focus in defence”.
I think this is an apt description of Arsenal's style of play and I reckon it as one of the wonders of the world that Wenger with his rich experience in the business should supervise this unproductive system for such a long time.
Surely Wenger should realise that his "Invincibles" of the past had durable performers like Bergkamp, Thierry, Campbell and Co. If he sticks to his affection for only youthful players and "never says die", Alex Ferguson and Co will continue to dominate the scene with their rich mix of the young and the experienced and by the time "the bones are rotten" there would be no silverware at the Emirates.
I predicted at the beginning of the season that it would be the same old story with Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool calling the shots. When Chelsea and Arsenal made that flying start by banging in half a dozen goals each in their opening matches, I sensed a terrific contest ahead.
Somewhere along the line they could not contain the hot pace and gave in to the expert marathon runners who are adept in pace setting.
Now at the home stretch the boys are being separated from the men. There is no doubt that the remaining four matches will be full of thrills especially when it involves the top three, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.
The terrific finishing by Liverpool has also added more spice to the competition. Alex Ferguson is however confident of victory and he is puzzled that the media keeps referring to the clashes against Arsenal and Chelsea as if United were going to lose those two matches. “Why shouldn't we win those games?”, he told a questioner.
Well, my bold forecast is that United will be presented with the Cup at the end of their final fixture against Blackpool at Old Trafford on May 22. And then most likely move on to storm Wembley for the UEFA Champions league Cup final.
Admittedly, Schalke 04 are definitely the dark horses in the Champions league. But I don't see them performing another giant killing magic by eliminating United in addition to Inter Milan.
Anyway, you have to admit that football is not an exact science and the pundits often say that without upsets, competitive sports, and for that matter football, will cease to be an attraction.
Cheers everybody and keep loving sports.