Stoke City vs Arsenal, 1-3: Full time analysis and player ratings
For You, Aaron
I never expected to be sitting here, writing today’s ratings article, near to tears, despite winning the game and cutting the gap to only three points. But watching Aaron Ramsey go down like that, one of the players I so-much wanted to see as regular last season was too much for me.
I’m not in the mood to go deeper into the game or provide ratings. The other members of the team will surely provide updates on the injury of poor Aaron, though keep in mind I will not allow any photos or videos to be published, I’ll leave that to the sad individuals who are ready to do anything for a couple of clicks. After all, just read what Eduardo said earlier this week to understand how painful it can be for the player.
As for me, I sincerely don’t feel like writing anything, not today and not tomorrow because a 19-year old kid doesn’t deserve something so horrible to happen to him on the month in which he finally secured a regular place.
My thoughts are with Aaron as he will soon find out how serious his injury is and how many months he will face on the sidelines. Sorry for not providing the usual service I provide for every game, but I will be back for Burnley as seriously, this injury overshadows the rest.
![[Video] Blackburn vs Arsenal highlights: Big win as we go second in the table!](http://www.thegunninghawk.com/wp-content/themes/arthemia-premium/scripts/timthumb.php?src=/wp-content/uploads/video.jpg&w=80&h=80&zc=1)
This is shocking to all of us! All the Arsenal fans are with Aaron! Hope he gets back soon in the field.
LET’S WIN THE TITLE IN HIS HONOR!
i feel so baddd… lets win title for ramsey now
To start, what a horrific injury to Aaron Ramsey. I had a feeling all game he would get hurt as he was playing his heart out and flying to the ball regardless of the rough play of Stoke. Walton (ref) was letting so much go that you knew someone would get hurt. We had two clear penalties that were not given when Ramsey and Bendtner were both knocked down in the box with no intention of playing the ball. I just pray he will be able to recover 100%, although it will take a long, long time as we saw with Eduardo. We are probably looking at Fall of 2011 for his full return. What a shame as he was really playing well and has matured so much in the last year and finally was getting opportunties to play with Cesc and was is such a class act out there.
I have been in two matches myself (outdoors and indoors) with the exact same type of play and the same result. In both cases I was the closest player to my teammate when it happened. Just horrifying to see and hear the bones break and then see the excruciating pain the player is in. In each case the challenge was from the front and legal with no bad intent on either play. In this case I don’t think the Sunderland player was trying to be dirty, just two players going for the ball and Ramsey getting there first. It definitely wasn’t anything like the Taylor challenge on Eduardo and you saw the true remorse of the young man.
Back to the match (although I know after what happened today most won’t want to focus on the match, but on Ramsey’s recovery), overall I thought it was a solid match for us. Of course we fell asleep on the first goal, but really other than that I thought played a very solid match on both ends, especially in such a tough place to play for us. We did a very good job of not letting the ball go out of bounds cheaply for throw ins and I thought the back four was very solid. Although nobody really stood out and stole the show in midfield I thought everyone played solidly after a slow start for some. Eboue continued his run of solid play and Song/Fabregas/Ramsey all picked things up as the match went along. Bentnder continues to get his feet under him and did a great job being a target against a lot of contact. A friend of mine called me up early in the match and I said to him that Bendtner needs to stop shooting from the outside and plant his behind in front of the goal and let them play into him there either as a target player or with the crosses. Cesc soon found him with the cross for our first goal (can’t remember our last goal on a cross like that).
Speaking of Cesc what a statistical year he is having – 13 goals and 13 assists in league play – even though most of us believe that we haven’t seen his best. This is mostly without so many key players (RVP, Diaby, Bentdner, Arshavin, etc.) for much of the season.
It was great to see the emotion and determination of the players at the end saying that “we aren’t leaving without three points” and to be able to pick themselves up after the Ramsey injury. With a string of games coming up that we can very easily get 15 points out of getting the three points today was crucial for momentum and also to finally get some more goals on the board.
Thank you Mark, I know you guys are as good as I to analyse games, cheers mate.
Chris
Totally disagree with you, please read my comment to you below
Good analysis!
I agree with it, almost completely. The sole thing I would like to add is that Campbell was great. He definitely brings valuable height in our defence and is now fully match fit. He deserves the right to compete with Gallas for a regular spot in the back four, imo.
On the Stoke goal from the throw in: may be we should have handle it like a corner, with one man safeguarding the far post.
Let’s wish a speedy recovery to Rambo!
Yes, I felt Campbell was great as well. Always in the right place and a monster in the air. Not only that, but you could see his leadership out there and how the players respond to him on the pitch. You would never see the same with Silvestre. For all the grief Wenger gets for not buying players for large fees, I think he has done a great job with Vermaelen and Campbell this year.
mark have to agree with you there 200% mate good analysis!
I don’t know why Silvestre gets castigated for not being a ‘leader’. I agree that he isn’t, but neither was Kolo Toure and nobody ever complained, so long as he was paired with Campbell or somebody who would do the directing and yelling for him. In the current backline, this is Vermaelen or Campbell, leaving a player like Silvestre (or Gallas) to just get on with playing.
how will we decide if Shawcross intended to hurt Ramsey?
There is nothing to decide mate.
As Mark said, Aaron was giving it all, full of heart and determination, I think it would be immature at this stage to accuse Shawcross or fate or whatever. A 19-year old kid suffered an injury which could damage his career, that’s all we need to realise.
fully agree
such a shame to lose rambo as I rate him very highly, he was having a successful season and just breaking into first team. Wish him a quick recovery as he is one of our best players for the future, hope arsenal can in some way use it to inspire them to the title and do it for ramsey.
I understand the anguish and pain that all Arsenal fans are going through. Seeing those distressing scenes of a 19 year old lad who just started playing full games was so sad and I was full-out crying for the lad. I didn’t think anything of it at the start not until I saw the faces of Thomas Vermealan and Cesc Fabregas. But the humbling scenes of the whole team uniting together brought it all into retrospect and I hope that Arsenal win something to atleast avenge some sort of happiness on a lad who is uncertain if his footballing career is still existant. I honestly hope know that the FA investigate this; which is horrible saying it know as lessons should have been learned when it happened to Abou and Eduardo…
P.S. Hope Aaron makes a speedy recovery and that it doesn’t majorly affect his fantastic talent.
i cried for the first time in i dont know how long. i could not believe what had just happen, i wanted to go through the tv and attacke the guy who hit ramsey. it is very depressing. The team showed a lot character to win this game.
It’s “funny” because I also can’t remember the last time I cried yet after Cesc’s second goal I really was close to tears, as I kept on thinking “For you, Aaron”.
yea me 2 chris i was devastated until i became really emotional when cesc scored the penalty as i kept on saying “win it for ramsey” i never remembered screaming n crying with a bit of tears when he scored
yeah tears bust out of my eyes just watching the pic… I am really glad sky sports decided not to show the replays.
btw , Arsenal fan claims stoke fans singing : he’s got one leg
its shameful and disgraceful.
I wont be able to sleep tonight maybe tomorrow….
Credit to team to show the resolve its hard just sitting here at home god knows how much hard it was for them , credit for the character they showed to win this one for Aaron .
wishing Aaron speedy recovery
Laila,
Sadly, I’m not as optimistic as you are about the FA! I wrote them in the week following the Eduardo injury and all they said was that the matter was dealt with in the game by the referee given Taylor the red card! So going by that the red card is the end of the matter and as we can see Shawcross is now in the England team!
If this had happened to Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerard or someone else vital to the English national team and they went out of the first round of the world cup then maybe the FA would do something about this culture of anti-football when teams play Arsenal!
Like Arsene and Cesc said 3 identical injuries in 5years is no coincidence!
Yes football is a physical game/ contact sport but its not ice hockey!
you can just see the bias being shawcross just earned his england recall after the game as I think thats what capello is looking for , I dont want to wish this but seriously now with so I am out of patience and I think as being pointed out I think similar injury to Rooney, Gerrad or even that thug Terry will open the eyes of FA………..I wish they dont have to go thrugh this but it sometimes its the only solution…………..
AS far as injury , Good news we can consider is that its not knee and not sure about ankle because recovery will be faster and being given his age I hope to Rambo in less than a year,…………..
SHAME SHAWCROSS………….SHAME FA………..SHAME CAPELLO ( for giving him a cap call after his play)…………….
SHAME FA SHAME…………………………( I just wish we could do a Shame campaign at FA and for these so called commited players……………..)
The first thing I saw was Cambell’s reaction. I wasn’t quite sure what had happened. Then I saw Aaron’s foot and was horrified. As I saw the reactions of the others players and thought of what this could mean for Ramsey I couldn’t help but crying. I hope he has a full and quick recovery…
I think we have thank campbell to being he was the senior most player I saw him maintaining his composure making sure we sail through this……..because other players are young and it was horrifying scene………….
I think to the effect Eboue was substituted being he is very emotional player and wudnt hv focused…………….
and I should say this but the best moment of match was when Cesc told Pulis and Stoke bench to shut up…………………..
and also it was good to see the Huddle back as it will give team strength and again I will say
SHAME SHAWCROSS
SHAME FA……………
guys i missed the game……no highlights are posted like anywhere.. what the hell happened?
I’m sure Renzo will be online and post highlights soon, but no video of the injury.
Basically this was Arsenal’s best game of the season, especially in terms of determination and fighting spirit. It was however overshadowed by Aaron Ramsey who suffered an Eduardo-like injury
I know this victory put Arsenal right back in the title race, but when I think about Ramsey… I had tears in my eyes when I saw what happened to him. I hope he makes a full and speedy recovery
its the first time i cry for someone i dont really know, even when seeing wars and famine i feel bad but i dont cry, ARSENAL to win the league FOR GLORY…………..FOR AARON…….. get well soon aaron…………….
I understand why feel up to giving ratings etc for this game. I haven’t seen the Aaron’s injury, and to be honest I don’t plan on seeing it, but from what I’ve heard it’s pretty horrific. A terrible shame as Aaron is just starting to show exactly what he can do. Perhaps the only saving grace is his age; at 19 he’ll hopefully recover better than someone five or six years down the line.
I hate to say it, but a couple of years ago, when Eduardo went down, that’s when our title campaign got the wobbles. Perhaps this will give this year’s the final kiss of death.
Anyway, it’s not often that I put one player in front of the team, but I really want to be able to say this time next year how amazing Aaron’s comeback was, perhaps more than I want to say ‘can Arsenal secure two in a row?’ this time next year.
…………hmm it was obviously very very sad to see him getting injured like that…and obviously i feel the same way as most of you are feeling right now….
but one the positive side, we have LEARNED from our mistakes, and it was great too see the reaction from the lads…
on a side note, did u guys see when clichy was trying to cheer everyone up after the injury…i am so proud of him
OH MY GOD i thought i was the only 1 who saw that he has definitely learnt from previous games and what a game he had today as well he was excellent, really feel for ramsey at the moment and i hope he has a 100% recovery and takes his time to come back stronger, well done to the whole team.
The challenge looked like it was just poorly timed but after watching it again and again it is clear that it was extremely reckless
Luckily he is young and his body will heal faster than most
Here are the ratings
Almunia – 6.5 Didn’t do much wrong but also made it more difficult on himself and his defenders as he always seems to. He is not an effective communicator to put it nicely
Sagna – 7 Defensive rock as usual. Not much going forward as usual but not much is expected. He and Eboue seem to have their side of the field on lock and provide good cover for each other allowing Eboue to get forward.
Campbell – 8 There when he needed to be. Manhandled Fuller in the first half and left him frustrated throughout (although Fuller was playing up front without anyone within 30 yards) Great in the air and even bolted forward effectively a few times. Looked like he wanted to score, even more than some of our midfielders
Thomas V – 8 Same as Campbell and he scored a goal
Clichy – 7 Much better outing than the last few. Looked more assured defensively (although he wasnt challenged much) and did well going forward. Was creating a lot down the flank
Eboue – 7 Not too inolved in the first half and subbed around 70 in the second but when he got the ball he was always dangerous. Needs to keep doing what he is doing, running at defenders. Things hppen when he is on the pitch. Nice dive as well
Ramsey – 10 Got to give him a ten given the circumstances. Was playing very well, looking creative and hungry. Unlucky to be on the bad end of a challenge. Get well soon!
Cesc – 9 Maybe doesn’t desrve as high a rating for his play but gets a bonus for his leadership after the injury and after the game. 2 assists, both based off his excellent vision and a perfectly place (although too soft) pk. Cesc is a genius. He does love this team as his celebrations show
Nasri – 6 One great run was about the only thing that I remember from Samir. The usual dribbling but didnt penetrate much or take even one shot. When Thomas came on it was clear what we were missing
Song – 6.5 A bit clumsy in the first half with a few give aways but still offered the usual – Protection for Cesc, breaking up the opposition play, and switching the ball. He brings a lot to the team every game he plays. Unlucky on the yellow but it may be a blessing. He misses the next two against Burnley and Hull
Bendtner – 6 Maybe he should get a higher mark for a beautiful goal but besides that he did nothing. Seems to always pop up in the midfield when we are going forward. Did create the penalty and should have had another one. But still not up to par and his finishing leaves a lot to be desired
Subs – Rosicky -7 Didnt have much time on the field but did what he needed to do. SHOOT. His shot created the third goal. Linked up well with Cesc
Theo – 5 Didn’t do anything bad, but didnt do anything good. In fact, didnt do anything at all
Dudu – 6 As usual finds himself in great positions but his instinct is still not there. Should have had a goal and his miss could have cost us a lot. But no harm no foul and lets hope he can stay fit until the end of the season
Bendtner deserves more than six. His headed goal was fantastic & got us back in the game & it was his attempted flick / pass through that was handled in the box & won us the penalty & ultimately the game.
Song 6.5 ??? He was the shakiest I’ve seen him in a while & very naive in conceding the throw-in in the opening minutes rather than letting it go out for a corner kick (corner would have been easier to defend against than the Delap throw ..which we conceded from.
i dont think he meant it at all .. but mu thoughts are fully with rambo and i wish him the best of luck on a fast recovery … i love u ramsey
that was a horrific injury all my best wishes are to ramsey i hope to see him back on the pitch soon and playing quality football that he can
Im so sorry to see the young man injure so horrifically today.i felt like crying.he’s someone who doesnt back out of challenges and puts his whole heart into is job,unlike Denilso and bendtner.i hope he ll make a full and speedy
come on gooners!!!!! win the title for him!!!!!!!! :’(
firstly myt thoughts are with rambo for his fantastic performances this season, including today and we have to wish him the best because he so deserves it. what a fantastic kid who has the world at his feet and we and the team must now take this experience and use it to get even more determined to win the league and pay him back for his contribution.
what he needs is hope so we should all be positive in that he will come back because he needs to see that he can do it mentally as well as physically and the fans will play a big part in helping that.
i also want to say what a fantastic signing campbell has been for us. not only is he playing fantastically, but everyone will have seen the team huddle at the end of the game which he used to instigate for us and did again today. he showed his strength in the face of the horrible events and was instrumental, along with cesc and vermaelen more than any others in powering the team to victory with commitment and quality. campbell seems to be regaining that influence he used to have and that can only be good for bringing the team together and making us all stronger to fgight on for aaron in his absence. what a fantastic player and a fantastic personality for us to have in our dressing room. campbell plays like a captain every game, just like vermaelen and cesc and i think these 3 are the biggest characters (without rvp in the team) to drive us to glory.
our thoughts are with you aaron, i’m sure when you get your league winner’s medal in a few months you will get all you will need to mentally overcome what has hit you.
AARON,get well soon. I wasn’t able to pick up the phone as my girlfriend was calling just a minute after the horrible incident… I broke into tears,the last time tears came down my cheeks was Sept 2002 when my dad passed away,today i cried again… GET WELL SOON AARON,our future legend.
The INTENT of Shawcross is not the issue that either Cesc or Wenger afre focused on. You saw Cesc give some small measure of payback at the end of the game and Pulis was furious and yelling at him to which Cesc just put his finger up to his mouth to say to Oulis “Shhhh…. you have nothing to say”.
The issue is this – Pulis sends his players out, like big Sam and like so many others – with the intent to foul. The intent to foul when players have the ball, the intent to foul after they have played the ball and the intent to foul before they get to the ball. The line between “intent to foul” and “intent to injure” is such a fine line that the Manager’s instructions – and the referee’s complete disregard for his responsibility to deal with such a cynical (and intrinsically dangerous) approach to a match – are at the very heart of the matter.
That must be recognized and dealt with by the Referees as a participant in each EPL Match and by the FA if they wish to present a league with integrity.
Well said, i think you covered it best.
I like to give benefit of the doubt to people, because in reality, we are all the same. I don’t think Shawcross went into that tackle with any intent, I just think he mis-timed it badly. As long island gunner said, teams like stoke play with the intent to foul becasue there is a belief throughout the league we are a “soft” team. As i recall, last year at the Brittania, Adebayor got tackled 2 yards out of bounds and hurt his ankle, which resulted in no card for obvious intent.
This season should be dedicated to Aaron, and even in a smaller sense Abou and Eduardo, because they are all victims of the overzealous nature of the teams that feel that incessent fouling and sliding is the way to win a game. In situations like todays, no one wins, and judging from pulis’s post match comments, he understands that today was not about football, but a 19 year old kid’s life.
Don’t hold it against Shawcross, hes a young defender who made a bad tackle. Pray for Aaron for a speedy recovery, put your faith into the team and the manager, we will be stronger for it.
In Arsene we trust, WIN IT FOR AARON, he didn’t deserve this, but life isn’t fair.
COME ON YOU GOONERS!
A very sad night for me and many arsenal fans…I don’t think anyone can enjoy the win as it should be,,
But in this night i am proud to be an arsenal fan! the circle the players did at the end of the game was memorable…
I’m not looking for excuses here but does anyone realize that from beginning of the season our team changed in every game with different players? only vermy played in all premier league matches and what a season is having..Does anyone realize that despite all the important injuries, the penaltyes not given and other things they’ve still managed to recover 2 times a 9 and an 11 point gap? And they recovered from the shock suffered 2nite and still managed to get a win!
The title is harder to get with every game that pasess and that will make it maybe more aprecciated than others if it’s won…
We lost diaby, we lost ramsey,we lost song for 2 games (because of an imaginary fault and a free yellow) but the image i saw at the end of the game shows that this team will never loose their determination and pride untill the last game! This win was the win of the season and will make them more determined and furios than ever to win every last game remaining.It will be so hard with so many hard games remaining (4 or 5 to be more exact) but let’s hope that all the bull**** (srry cris for the bad language) and bad luck this team endured untill now was not in vane…Chelsea and man are looking very shakey now and they also have 4 or 5 hard games left to play each
For me Arsenal is the winner of this season whatever happends! Proud to be a gooner!
And a speedy recovery aron!
So is Song now out for yellow card points? If so that is ridiculous as that was the worst yellow I’ve seen, especially with what Walton was letting go all game.
Stoke 1-3 Arsenal.(to Ramsey)
this is the second time i really upset…first eduardo and second ramsey…
Last year, this team was decimated by eduardo’s injury…it left us divided. now with the leadership of cesc, clichy, and campbell, ramsey’s injury has united us. i have never seen our team that unified and motivated. i think we may just win the title for aaron.
whats up craig. how was whole foods tonite? luc
Long Island Gunner is spot on. Pulis foaming at the mouth at Fabregas for a late tackle was ridiculous. I Guess he missed Shawcross’s tackle….and the ugly result. A missed point here…since when do you tackle by taking a full swing at the ball?. What was Shawcross trying to do…drive the ball into the stands?. If your attempt is to win the ball..you certainly don’t have to take a full swing at the 50-50 ball. So what is Shawcross’s intentions? Says here…To Win the ball and take out the Player….
You guys said it all, really.
When Dudu suffered the injury, we ended up losing the game by a foolish given away penalty and if I’m not wrong, that was the game in which William Gallas went crazy at full time.
This time, Aaron suffered the injury but the squad reacted better and went on to win. Gael Clichy was not the one making the mistake in stoppage time, he was the one to encourage the rest of the players as inja highlighted. Like you, I’ve never seen the team so determined, so wanting to win the Premiership.
And now the have another reason to do it: Ramsey.
wow, I reckon Arsenal can win it this season, feel so sorry for both players though.
I couldn’t watch the remainder of the match, stopped watching after that horrific tackle on Aaron. Just glad the team could win ater all.
speechless,
still in shock can’t stop picturing it.
good on us for winning…
My heart goes out to Rambo today, and i wish him a speedy recovery. I have an idea of the pain he is in, having suffered a near identical injury as a boy on a identically reckless challenge. it will be a long road for Ramsey, but i believe he can make a return. when i watched that i was brought to tears over not only his misfortune, but memories of my incident and the devasting effect on a person that such an injury brings.
I do not believe Shawcross had intent with his challenge, although it was purely reckless. i hold blame on Stokes manager for encouraging fouls in an attempt to compete with a superior squad, and also on the referee for rewarding such play by allowing it to continue unpenalized.
That said, what a win for the Arsenal today! the pieces seem to be falling into place, if only we can do our part we will challenge for the title at the end. Come on you Gunners!
i cant expres my feeling, i am shocked totally shocked. the refery let the game to be played in a way that was very very dirty. our opponents usualy befor the games they speack about ho they know how to beat us by playing dirty against us, playing strong ( i know they mean dirty), and the refery always let the game to play in this way. it was very very horrible and i cried for the first time after 3 or 4 years. even an albanian comentator in the tv station started to cry. we win the game and it was great to see our players playing in that way just to won the game for Ramsey first. now we are just 3 points behinde cheski so the players can give and i am sure they will give more then 100% to win the tittle for Ramsey and for us. God bles arsenal God bles Ramsey and all gooners all over the world.
I just finished watching the game, did not come on here because i did not want to see the score as soon as i saw that i jumped on the site!
My Heart Goes out to aaron! that was a nasty hit, i saw it about 2x to believe it via my DVR!
I dont think he had malicious intent but that indeed was a bad call on his part to come in like that!
Once again i hope for a quick recovery and a safe one on his part
on a side note, did you see Cesc after he slid tackle from the behind one of those guys, as he walked away he was signalling the Stoke Coach with his finger to keep silence and you can read his lips and he said “fu***en Fabregas”
Oh Dear God
Missed the match as the stream infected my pc with a virus and i spent most of my time cleaning my system and re program it
I have only learned about our match now
Its dam criminal to have to take someone’s leg of this has to stop first edwardo now ramsy i think the very least the culprit should not return on the field until the injured party does as well as paying all medical bills there are many laws covering yellow cards and red cards for incidences covered on the park how could you justify a head but against a broken leg
I strongly recommend all of arsenal to put pressure on and help and motivate others to have an end to this lode cress state of affaires
My sincere apology Ramsey and i hope to god that you get well soon
Shawcross’s challenge illustrates the major differences in soccer style employed by Stoke and Arsenal. Stoke is playing with a big team designed to challenge every ball with an aggressive tackling style designed to intimidate…not really win balls but rather disrupt a possession team like Arsenal/Barca. In this sense Pulis is absolutely culpable in this very unfortunate incident – he trains and advises the players. What do we think of Arsene’s FA Cup decision now – allowing Stoke to win?
I’m just sick that a Aaron Ramsey’s season can be wiped out by a team playing ugly ball.
Foul, foul, foul – throw in. Pulis knows exactly what he is doing.
If the FA or FIFA continue to allow rotating roster yellow cards – the super skilled players like Cesc, Messi, Ronaldo, Van Persie, Ramsey, Arshavin and even Rooney are at high risk of injury. The only way to stop the yellow card parade is to make a team play short if the team gets three yellow cards in a game and/or allow the ball placement to be moved up to a spot 30 yards from goal after yellow.
Without changes to the rules, the challenge we saw today will continue and unfortunately the great skilled players like Ramsey and Van Persie will continue to be injured in Football.
wow, im really shocked honestly as soon as i saw campbell go crazy i knew it i just knew what had happened, eduardos flashback at birmingham was all over my face. Then bendtner, clichy, cesc the whole team realized what had happened it was so emotional, i just hope ramsey comes back in perfect shape as he is a future world class player believe me, his dribbling, vision for such a young boy, passing is all incredible. Just a shame he had to get hurt like that, I dont know if shawcross had intentions and i doubt it but it was a disgusting and unacceptable tackle, and this country brags on about pride of english football is that what they want to see now then??
Such a young potential with huge potential ends his football season like that just after he started to show incredible performances, that is hard to take on seriously!
I agree too, clichy did excellent to drag the players into bravery and continue the game, i was so hurt honestly, vermaelen, sagna, cesc, bendtner and nasri all just looked like just speechless with no reaction, i think if campbell, clichy didn’t play today i don’t think the team would’ve reacted like that credit to them two, even when cesc scored the penalty the passion campbell showed was unbelievable! vermaelens goal too, and what made this game even more emotional was the togetherness at the end of the game with the circle, how i miss that you have no idea! the last time we did that was the season we nearly won the league or the fa cup final in 2005.
WELL DONE BOYS TODAY WE WERE NOT PLAYERS, TODAY WE WERE SOLDIERS THAT DID NOT GIVE UP UNTIL THE LAST WHISTLE, PLAYING FOR EACH OTHER!
AARON RAMSEY HOPE YOU RECOVER WELL AND QUICK, GET BACK SOON!
CHRIS, Oh Chris, big mistake!
I totally respect your sincerity, totally, BUT emphatically disagree with your attitude and decision not to write, and make this now and wrongly a sort of vigil for Aron. If the lads picked them selves up heroically under the circumstances, so should you and write something super special rather then back off with resignation, into grief , stories of how you all cried, followed by long moment of silence. Insread let’s pay A tribute to our great great young captain for his guts and acumen with all goals, and particularly the one that decided the game, a penalty that he took very very bravely, aganst one of the best penalty stoppers in the league. to Eduardo who was able to summon strength and poise to come and play and put himself in scoring position and almost, almost, score ( how delightful would that have been under these very circumstances), to fantastic Vermaelen who was so distraught you thought he is throwing up on the field, and how he was there at the opposition goal line for a cool cool finish in the end make it clear and certain. For great big SOL, how much we missed him over the last years, old as he is, his size his aerial control, his unbreachable presence and leadership, and did you see that one break from defense and resolute fast accurate no nonsense pass to heart of front midfield as if to show the youngsters how the invincibles used to take teams apart on the quick counter with 2 , 3 incisive passes and boom, rather then 10 or 15 as they do now for naught. And of course to Aron, who had a fine game, and beyond that the tremendous and real worry that at the best case scebario he will be set back couple of years of development, yes, and a future Arsenal great is indeed in danger to have become an ex-future…let’s hope.
But let’s be combative, that this win might have been a moment of growth and overcoming in this team towards, yes, who knows maybe still a great thing or two this season!
Since we play on Saturday, I’ll write something on this weekend in mid-week. Yesterday I didn’t feel like writing anything else, I always examine the game “in my mind” after the final whistle before writing the ratings and my mind wasn’t that right yesterday
Congratulation to Wenger, he almost stand to give spirit players! and very bad about Ramsey, I hope he get health soon. I love and come on arsenal
The debate about who is ‘responsible’ for Aaron’s injury reminds me of ‘Who Killed Davey Moore?’, a song by Bob Dylan about the death of a boxer in the ring. Check the lyrics out here: http://www.bobdylan.com/#/songs/who-killed-davey-moore
Basically, I think people have it wrong by pointing the finger at Shawcross, referee Peter Walton or Tony Pulis. The problem is more inherent than that, and has already been touched on by quite a few people. Football is a game where superior technical skill can be combated by superior physicality and an aggressive attitude. Technical skill is a much rarer (and hence more expensive) commodity than physical strength, so fewer teams can afford to rely on it to win games.
As such, teams who are relatively poor in a technical sense can still be competitive by being more aggressive, fitter, stronger and faster than their opponents. I don’t see this as a bad thing in itself. The same principle applies in a lot of sports- squash, tennis, rugby, cricket and many others.
The problem is rather how football deals with this tension between technique and physicality. It seems bizarre than shirt-pulling and deliberate hand-ball get an automatic yellow card, while referees will often ‘allow’ one badly mistimed sliding challenge before cautioning a player. Similarly, a stupid handball like Cristiano Ronaldo’s last year receives the same censure as a sliding tackle from behind that takes out a player’s legs (Ballack against Tevez last night, Lorik Cana or Javier Mascherano pretty much every day of the week).
Rugby union offers an interesting contrast. ‘Professional fouls’ are penalised, and repeated infringements can lead to a ’sin binning’ (i.e. being sent off for 10 minutes). However, dangerous play (tackling a player while he is in the air, a head-high tackle) will automatically get a ’sin binning’ and possibly even a straight red card. Serious foul play (stamping, kicking, gouging, headbutting) receives an automatic red card.
In addition, there is an official at every match who can (and do) report players to be dealt with by a commissioner a few days later. Punishments vary, but really bad foul play can result in bans of over a year. Really bad tackles would expect 4-8 weeks on the sideline, and punishments get harsher if the player in question is a repeat offender. If something like Roy Keane’s ‘tackle’ on Haaland had happened in rugby, I would guess would have been suspended for at least 6 months.
The primary concern of the rules is hence to keep players safe. Because football is a lot less physical than rugby, I think the tendency is to think this is unnecessary- the likelihood of serious injury is much lower, and so the law-makers have never really been forced to deal with the issue. The chief concern of football’s rules is a lot less clear.
There are other issues with heavily emphasising player safety, but I think it’s time for football to look at something similar. Having witnessed Aaron Ramsey’s nightmare, I think the cost of not doing so is far, far too high.
it is ridiculous to say that Shawcross’s tackle is not malicious.
But I don’t totally blame him for that because when you play football there is time your adrenaline going high and you wanna take advantage to hurt your opponents. That’s the Shawcross’s case. Sometime you loose control and only realize that when the consequence is so bad.
The problem is that referees in England did not do enough to protect players.
Teams playing rough football should be get punished then this type of injury will be reduced.
Just when Arsene Wenger had seemed to have finally found his perfect midfield quintet of Song, Ramsey, Nasri, Fabregas and Eboue with Bendtner as effective lone striker – This happens, Just when Aaron seemed to have finally achieved a starting place which he deserved – This happens. Just when the title seemed to have come so close that we can feel our hands all over it especially with Chelsea only 3 points away while they still have Man U, Liverpool and Aston Villa to play – This happens.
I have to express my respect to Ryan Shawcross for showing that he is human enough to feel emotional for what happened.
But i agree with the Ref on his decision to give him a red card, as somebody deserved it and i think it was Faye who needed it as he fouled Ramsey when he was the last defender that the maestro dribbled past. The bogus ref waved play on!!!!!!!. Bendtner got shoved to the ground inside the box with no intention to play the ball, the bogus ref waved play on which was funny as he had booked Song for the same kind of push—–But Song had gotten the ball first. And now due to regular stupidity of referees, we have to play the next 2 games without Song!!!!.
What will it take to have Referees overhaul – They are costing some teams and helping others coast to glory!!!!!!!!
after the Ramsey’s incident, it is understandable the the referee did make some ridiculous decisions because I think he was mentally affected too.
But before that, he was so poor. Waving off penalty call for Ramsey and giving a yellow card for Song were stupid decisions.
Yes. No doubt, it is a penalty call for Ramsey when he was brought down in the box. And Song yellow card is ridiculous. Is it really that harsh that worth a yellow? Compare it with the tackles made before this. It is not even worthy a foul if u want to judge it that way.
They should really try to look on these matters seriously.
Nice one. We lose Ramsey for the rest of the season, Song suspended for two matches.
What an “encouragement” for us to go for the title.
First I want to say I love this blog and have followed it for a while. I’ve never felt the need to comment before…but it’s hard to stay quiet when something like this has happened. I felt so sick to my stomach when I saw what had happened to his leg. Hope for a full recovery for you Aaron!
Regarding the tackle, I definitely do not think there was any ill intentions on Shawcross’ part. However, as I’m trying my best not to be biased…I still feel the tackle was so reckless! Put it this way…can you imagine if Shawcross would make that same play if it were Rooney or Gerrard in Ramsey’s place. In my opinion certainly not! Please don’t get me wrong, I wish no ill-will on anybody. I just want to make the point that Arsenal are being single-handedly targeted because the media makes them out to be a ’soft team’.
I was so full of emotion earlier and all I could think about is how I won’t be able to watch EPL games any more. Every time something like this happens, the EPL are losing quality players and fans. It’s disgusting. What technically gifted players would want to play in the EPL after seeing what happened to Diaby, Eduardo, and Ramsey. This is not confined to Gunners either. Look at the constant hacking of Ronaldo too.
Since when is glorifying these actions acceptable? What is the gain from this attitude? A player’s career is in jeopardy. Nevermind the fact that he was going to be a superstar, his right to make a livelihood has been taken away from him. His right to income was literally kicked away. Even when he comes back, his mental state will be shattered. It is ridiculous how much he stands to lose! And the worst part is that it’s none of the lad’s fault. As for Arsenal, they stand to lose so much as well. What stars would want to come to our team given the history of abuse that we are consistently put under? Do you think an Eden Hazard or Lassina Traore fancies having their dreams and right to livelihood shattered just to fulfill their dreams of donning an Arsenal jersey?
Until the FA changes its stance and really puts effort into protecting its star players, it will continue to lose quality players and fans. The referees must protect the players. Their actions must be held accountable as well. Regardless of widespread media bases around the world, these actions put people in perspective that football is just a sport. Enough is enough and these actions are not worthy of being called humane but rather thuggery.
My thoughts go out to Aaron Ramsey and the rest of the Gunners! I’m praying for all of you and a speedy recovery for Aaron!
I love my team, I’ll always live and die by them…go Gunners!
agreed.
I think that you hit an important point there, we are targeted… i don’t think he would have tried the tackle on Rooney, Terry, Bellamy… We are targeted.
Thank you for the kind words, Viet Gooner, please do keep on commenting as good contributors are always welcome.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/01/19/10/derek-ramsay-afraid-knee-surgery
man check this is friki rilli…
BBBBRO you really should pay some attention…i mean
Break some English leg fellas ,then only will the challenge will be outlawed or the press see anything wrong with the tackle!!
if u r not in a mood to write the ratings then why give the title “Stoke City vs Arsenal, 1-3: Full time analysis and player ratings” to the page. u should give the title “no ratings today or something… stop acting too smart.
I’m not sure why I’m answering this because it’s got to be the most depressing comment on our website but I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt and since our strict policy is not to publish misleading headlines, yes, you are right, so you deserve an explanation.
For every game, a set of standard articles are available beforehand. The ratings article is one of them and it was available in the system as “Stoke City vs Arsenal, n-n: Full time analysis and player ratings”. I changed the n-n to the actual score and focuses on writing my thoughts on Aaron
Understandable I think, no?
My deepest sympathy goes out to Ramsay and Arsenal football club but Shawcross was actually in possession and simply overhit the ball with his not so deft touch. It was only natural that he would try to redeem himself by keeping possession and by overstretching he caught Ramsay. From what I have read the injury is to the ankle which would seem to suggest that both players feet were at about the same hight when contact was made. I sincerely hope that Ramsay recovers fully and as quickly as possible from what looks liks a horiffic injury. I was watching the game on sky and the commentators initial reaction was that the Arsenal players had talked the referee into sending off Shawcross. The incident was not replayed so I only saw it once as did the referee but my initial reaction was that it was a 50/50. It is up to the individual to make up their own mind what really happened but Shawcross’s reaction tells me that it was a complete accident and with this in mind I hope that it doesnt affect him.
i think the word “over reach” is a little soft…
i over reach at times when i play footy but i don’t break a brothers leg off…
I too saw that was no i’ll intent but if that’s not a red then was is?
You’re both right. Shawcross was in possession but overstretched himself with a heavy touch. That said, he deserved red for a late challenge.
I’m not sure what the problem is here fellas, in most games if you kicked at the ball like that and collected no ball but the opponent’s shin you would get a yellow right?
so if you do it and nearly “snap his flipping leg off” surely a red card is appropriate?
Best wishes to Aaron for a speedy recovery.
Just on the wider issue skillful players like Fab, Nasri and Ramsey put questions in the defenders mind like “which way is this blighter gonna go?” I dont think there is a problem for the little guy to be thinking “Geez this could hurt?” when confronting a Big defender.
However the man with the whistle is there to make sure people don’t get hurt and it seems they are the ones not doing the job properly. It seems like they are quick to lift the little yellow card for a shirt grab, and it’s good to get rid of that crap. But no one ever went to hospital by having his shirt pulled!
The amount of challenges where big gorillas are knocking people over and it goes un-punished is out of control – when I was playing shoulder to shoulder, hip to hip was OK but I have seen several shoulder to near side shoulder blade challenges that result in the player being knocked sideways over a meter and “out go the ref’s arms …play on!
i felt so sad while i saw worrest ingury faced on RAMCEY. the injury come to my mind through out the night. RAMCEY being you are kid, i wish the wound to be like wound of dog.
be GOD be with you,Bless you. i dont know how to write my deepest sadness any way
GOD BLESS YOU
WE LOVE YOU
i felt so sad while i saw worrest ingury faced on RAMCEY. the injury come to my mind through out the night. RAMCEY being you are kid, i wish the wound to be like wound of dog.
be GOD be with you,Bless you. i dont know how to write my deepest sadness any way
GOD BLESS YOU
WE LOVE YOU
can sumone explain to me whether shawcross was crying cuz he regretted the damage he’d done or was it the red that made him go teary???
2 assists n a wonderful penalty-cesc fabregas is definitely the man of the match
but the real MOTM was shawcross-wasnt he? wat a surprise he had for us!
dear chris
i am sorryy for my comments. i did not know about the standard articles and i m also upset about the injury… sorry for my comments
No worries
The most terrible thing in this injury is that Aaron is just 19 years old and he had just started to show what he is capable of and had finally ousted denilson in the starting line-up. virtually he will be out at least a year and it won’t be easy after that either. both eduardo and diaby who suffered similar injuries and have struggled to stay fit after being long time out. let’s hope the fact Aaron is just 19 means he will recover quickly. he has good examples in eduardo and diaby to follow and that, i believe, makes it easier for him.
At least the operation was successful as stated in the arsenal website.
Aaron was brought as a future replacement for cesc and I think cesc won’t definitely leave the club after this. he knows the team needs him now. still, he is the leader in the team from all perspectives, game play-wise and in the locker room, and he knows he simply can’t leave the team. he knows he is the one that also should give Aaron advice and help him become the ready-made replacement because one day the skipper will return to barcelona. but cesc doesn’t want to leave arsenal in trouble.
Aaron’s injury might well do good for the spirits in arsenal camp after they have got over the first shock. hopefully this will unite the arsenal squad. luckily the next game is scheduled not until next saturday (home game against burnley) so there is time to process what has happened and recover.
Arsenal should really win the title for Aaron as you said chris.
Soo…
after being unable to write yesterday… i have got a few things to say today:
1) like Chris and many others have said, it really sucks that this happens the day where he starting a key game for us ahead of Denilson, Aaron was a really got footy player he was always giving 100% he loved wearing the shirt. I’m 21 and imagining that just thinking about it, i don’t wanna walk onto a pitch again…
2) An incident i would like to hear a little about, is why Fabregas gestured to the Stoke bench to be quiet in the 90+ period. He seemed to be having a go at the Stoke coach… Anyone have any ideas???
3) Unlike the previous times we won…. after the injury. Prooving to me that the team knows that winning is the only way to talk. Was a little disapointed with Eboue, was not giving the ball away fast enough, he is right to try but there doing and over doing.
4) Finally, hard for me to say this but I really hope that the guy didn’t mean the tackle cuz if he did then I really really don’t know how he will live with himself.
Well i guess everyone probably think that same things… But i would appreciate the feedback on the Fabregas incident…
Unfortunately Cesc tends to show why he’s the captain in a game but goes back to square one in the other. He committed a very silly foul for which he should have seen red and then made the gesture to the Stoke bench, all very unnecessary for me.
ok
thought there was something more about it… maybe the Stoke boss was telling his player to break the game or something.
interesting point though…
You know, even if Tony Pulis was yelling “break another leg” on the bench (to exaggerate a little), Cesc should never reply with such a foolish gesture. It is disrespectful, childish and it makes opponents even more angry, hence not helping us at all.
Agreed, not very professional
but human…and proof that it happens a little too much to us =(
I keep hearing “It was accidental” or “He would never try and break someone’s leg”. When you play a game for 90 minutes trying to make sure that Arsenal’s game is disrupted by fouling them, you’re taking that risk. I’m sure all the opponents are not trying to break Fabregas’ leg, but they are making sure he’s on the deck every time he has the ball. “Poor Shawcross” they say. He was never gonna win that ball, but he still made sure he stamped his authority on the so-called “Soft Arsenal”, that thug. Of course you got a quick comment from Pulis, defending Shawcross for using tactics that he himself put out to the players. That’s right, it’s not all Shawcross. It’s the mentality these managers are putting into their players minds that are justifying this behaviour. They are the ones telling their players to make sure they stop the flow off the game. I know Ramsey is out for at least a year with injury, but I worry how long it will be to recover mentally from this. I wish him all the best.
But on the overall game. Great game boys. Way to stick it to these fucking critics who think we can’t handle thugs whose tactic is to play the ball wide and kick it into the opponent hoping for a throw in. They are an embarassment to the league. They take a minute rubbing the ball with a towel before throwing it. Rory Delap, “YOU’RE A JOKE”. The only reason you’re in that team playing football is because you can throw it long. Even before the injury we were all over them. Dominated on every part off the pitch, except for the first 15 minutes. When I realized what had happened to Aaron, I had tears in my eyes. I couldn’t even imagine how his team mates, who know him on a personal level felt. To go on and win the game after that, shows how much character and determination to win these boys have.
Agree with your article but I mostly agree with Ben’s comments above. The game in England needs to stamp out these sorts of takles and treat them the same as shirt tug. Dont do that and you will see more of the same.
I dont think Shawcross wanted to snap Arrons leg in two but he did know that it would hurt him. The most likely outcome of a challenge like the one he did on Arron is NOT a leg snapped in two. And thats the problem, 99 times out of 100 no major injury is sustained so the FA doesn’t act.
Diaby, he’s French.
Eduardo, he’s a Croatian.
Cisse, he’s French.
Ramsay, Welsh
What if it was Rooney, or Gerrard or Lampard….?
reaction in the media and therefore pressure about interpretation changes….
I dont wish any bad karma to anyone but interpretation of these hard, reckless and high challenges need to be changed immediately.
What if it was Giggs (Welsh)? I’m not sure that blaming the FA for not acting because victims are foreign is the right reason. If it was Gerrard or Rooney they still wouldn’t do anything.
As with everybody else, my thoughts are with Aaron Ramsey, wishing him a speedy and full recovery. his talent is such that it would be a shame to world football for him not to fully recover, but that said, no footballer (even 3rd division Australian Sunday leaguers like me) deserves such a horrific injury. I do not however agree with those who write ‘SHAME SHAWCROSS’. There was nothing wrong with him trying to win back a ball that he had over touched, the problem was the manner in which he did it. He was reckless and late in the challenge, but not malicious. Remember, he is only in his early twenties himself and has lots to learn. It was simply a mistake. The FA and Fabio Capello have been criticised for his call-up against Egypt hours after the incident, but it must be remembered that apart from this incident, he has had a very promising year and probably does deserve a chance to at least train with the senior England side. Please don’t get me wrong here, I feel the injustice of us losing Ramsey for ages while Stoke lose Shawcross for a few games.
I’m not sure that this injury can be classed with those to Diaby in 2005 and Eduardo in 2007. Those were the result of deliberately dangerous tackles, where there was little or no intention to get the ball. Instead, the opponents hoped to intimidate the Gunners with a physical brand of football, and yes, referees should offer more protection from this. However, as I said above, Shawcross was going for the ball 100% and just got there late.
As far as the game went, well, I agree with Chris and most others… WHAT DETERMINATION! No collapse in the face of adversity. Sol Campbell was an absolute hero, what a performance! Vermaelen complimented him exceptionally well, and capped off a fine display with a goal. Clichy, back in form and showing true character to pump up his teammates when he had every right to be dejected instead. Cesc wasn’t his best, but still turned in two assists and a coolly taken penalty – the sign of a magnificent player. I was pleased with Bendtner’s input. it might seem like he isn’t in the game, or is out of position a lot, but he works hard and has scored a few goals, which is what he is required to do. I still feel that we need a worldclass keeper though. Almunia hasn’t had a bad few games, but there is still a sense that the defence are not confident with him behind them.
A final point, I wish I could throw like Rory Relap!
Just a question that I ponder but others may have asked before me finding this blog.
What is the go with Rory Delap’s little towel…I mean seriously why should he be allowed to alter the playing conditions of the ball in order to gain an advantage?
I am surprised this is allowed by FIFA….apart from the time wasting angle, are we to see strikers with caddies who clean the ball prior to penalty shots?
Let the guy wear some gloves or something but this thing of having a little boy with a towel trail him down the sideline is ludicrous!!!
I can provide my point of view on this.
It’s not about towels, it’s not about gloves, it’s about time. I’m sure others who know the rules better than I will know how many seconds a player is allowed to use when a throw-in is given. So although I have absolutely no problem with the towel itself, I believe he uses way too many seconds before throwing it in and this is what referees have to address.
Does anybody remember a match between Watford and Sheffield United a few seasons back, where ball boys on the sidelines used towels to dry the balls only for the home team? I can’t remember which side was at home for that match, but it was a shifty ploy!
Hi all, just saw a somewhat bizarre take on Ramsey’s broken leg:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/354228-aaron-ramsey-ryan-shawcross-a-broken-leg-blame-arsene-wenger
I’m not sure whether or not he’s being serious, and hence if the author is simply trolling or actually is deranged.
Best wishes to Ramsey anyway. From what I’ve read, his estimated recovery time is better than it was for Eduardo, because his ankle wasn’t injured in the challenge.
My Player Ratings:
ALMUNIA – 7.5: He atleast held the ball today, but almost gave away a goal by letting the ball slip. (i think that was a foul though)
SAGNA – 6.5: His usual self, but did occasionally help out in attack.
to score
BIG SOL – 8: Was a wall in defense, and almost scored
VERMINATOR – 9: Great as usual, and was obviously driven by the Ramsey injury
CLICHY – 8.5: Had a great game, was running box-to-box the full 90 minutes, as well as having good crosses and a good shot. Match of his season so far.
SONG – 5: Missed many tackles, and gave away a lot of balls
RAMSEY – I’d rather not
FABREGAS – 8: A lot of good passes, may lobs which didnt get far (due to the slightly lazy strike force) and a brilliant set-up for the last goal. Man of The Match.
EBOUE – 8.5: had a brilliant game, got us some set-pieces but wasnt able to get that odd pass through. I still think he is best at right-back, because he can be the ADDED striker and a secret weapon
BENDTNER – 7: Sure he scored, but I still am not comfortable with him yet. Was too lazy to run, and never bother to leap.
NASRI- 7: Made it a living hell for Mr.Huth, and came back to defend as well.
Subs:
ROSICKY – 7.5: A Great goall ateempt from long range, which set-up the final goal
WALLCOTT: N/A
EDUARDO: N/A
Ratings are always about personal opinions but your rating of Song is way off the mark, after the first twenty minutes or so we dominated this game and as the away team had around 60% of the possession and Song was a big part of that. The times when Song missed with passes were when we were chasing the game and he was looking to make key passes, even Cesc misses with those, and Song did make a potential match winning pass at 1-1, unfortunately Eduardo missed what a couple of seasons ago would have been an easy chance for him, luckily it was not crucial.
….also hard to see how you can rate 3 players higher than Fabregas and then call him man of the match
it goes to show that he is best player on the pitch even when he is not at his best,
sorry ! i mixed the fabregas and vermaelen ratings – fabregas is 9 and verminator is 8
i was brought to tears when i saw this injury, almost identical to eduardo’s, when i saw the players reaction, it was too sad to imagine what happend..
but i really hope with all my heart Aaron gets in shape and recovers soon,
my prayers are all with him.
Gunners for life,
I love arsenal, even though this incident happed, i got alot more closer to arsenal,
Go gunners.
We love you Ramsey,
Gob bless youl
Interesting piece of fart by goal.com’s instigating team of toothless buffoons. In Danish, this kind of bollocks is termed ‘mouth-diorrhea’.
http://goal.com/en/news/9/england/2010/03/01/1812788/arsenal-comment-how-many-more-injured-players-will-it-take
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/353893-why-shawcross-is-malicious-pulis-walton-and-fa-must-share-the-blame
frankly, I agree with this guy completely…
maybe Showcross didn’t mean to break his leg, but he defo wasn’t gonna get the ball… the day that Rooney or Lampard get a broken leg is the day that someone will do something about the crazy tackles we see… Specially against the smaller more agile players
Two points on Stoke match:
1) Re the toweling pre throw-in: officials can put a stop to it by booking Delap as soon as he reaches for a towel, for delay of game. He can shove the ball under his kit all he wants to “dry the ball off”, but the towel is an advantage that the opposing side doesn’t get. Stoke can then afford to bring all those sideline towels back to the technical area, where Pulis can use them to wipe away his tears as he remonstrates with the fourth official…
2) Ceac was magnifico, but I do get a bit nervous when he takes penalties. He always seems to target lower right side, and with not much pace. Since RVP went down, we don’t seem to have a designated PK taker. My candidate would be the Verminator. He’s left-footed, hits howitzers, and exudes confidence. Any opinions?
ramsey will simply be missed the challenge was unacceptable shawcross had no right to challenge for the ball regardless of how intense the game was it was there to be seen from the begining of the game that stoke applied the bolton mathematics shame on stoke try to play football next time not kickball.
Two blessings: The Ram is young enough to have bones that will heal well; he has a Welsh heart – determined and focussed. I believe he’ll come through this horror well and become the star in the sport he deserves to become. Every true football fan will wish him the very very best.
As for that foul: there is no way anyone can know what Shawcross ‘intended’ except Shawcross. ‘Intention’ is impossible to define and intended heavy tackles at high speed and over or near the top of the ball will – in a percentage of cases – cause enormous damage. Every footballer knows this. For this reason I blame him but more especially those who encourage players to play that way. Can there be any doubt that certain clubs play ‘hard’ football in order to reduce the advantages of skillful players? Certain clubs have as good as admitted it: that they ‘know how’ to play Arsenal… Football must stay a contact sport but I’d HATE to play for any club with that attitude. It is a terrible lesson for Shawcross – to discover the consequences of such tactics, and the sport can only hope that he and others like him learn from this. I stand by The Prof’s point that these horrors are NOT coincidence. The FA must act and referees must give more protection – instant yellows for the first deliberate/late tackle even on the halfway line. Red for anything deemed reckless. A long ban for damaging tackles… But the FA is spineless.
Why won’t England win any international trophy? Because we encourage players to tackle hard when they should be honing their skills. Rooney had terrible games when he played rough and tough. Now he plays with much more style and the results are there to watch.
Finally, great credit to Fab and the team who rose up from the horror loss of The Ram and showed the determination that will win us the League. They kept their focus, their shape, their heads and their skills – top ratings to every one of them!
A few days later and I feel nothing but disgust remembering the Ramsey injury intermission…. my guts felt like they were going to explode.
At the same time…. I was impressed by the way our team continued the game…. they were determined to win and kept their focus…. they didn’t SWITCH OFF as we have seen in many games before…
The Fabregas incident when he was shushing the stoke manager as he complained about a cesc foul….. the foul at first glance seemed bad…. but the replays showed that the tackle was not that bad… a little wreckless yes….. and Fabregas’ gesture was nothing more than “you’re the last to speak about dirty play..” considering how many deliberate fouls Fabregas had to suffer over the last two weeks and the way Aaron had to leave the pitch…. I would say Fab was quite well composed…. kept good focus and created a GREAT assist for the second goal….
The Ramsey injury is a dark memory for the season…. but I’ll have to praise the boys for the way they insisted on taking the points…. especially considering they lost much time because of the delay which was more than the 7 minutes that were added in the end.
Get well Aaron…. Keep your head up Arsenal…. and let’s get that title.
Chris: The injury has over-shadowed the victory…. but considering how displeased you were with the Sunderland game I think it would be nice to write a few things about the way the boys played…. they really meant business especially in the second half….. just a suggestion. They really were great…. a TEAM.