UNTOLD ARSENAL » 2009 » February » 16

Well not quite every time, but quite often.

Like my call that Arshavin would join us, same with Nasri, Denilson being a great defender, and just before the Cardiff match, about Bischoff.

I pointed out with calm and quiet aplomb that is the trademark of these ramblings, that he was rising up the ladder, noted the goals and recent appearances on the bench, and yes, he got on the field, and played some nice and tasty passes too.

Have to admit that I couldn’t go to the game, so watched it on Satanta, and that was quite extraordinary, because alongside the statutory dull ill-informed presenter (it is statutory because it is in the same rules that says that ITV or BBC have to have the cup final and women’s semi-final day in the national croquet championships), they also had someone whom I could not understand at all.

Now I am sure it was me, and that the fella was speaking perfect English, but really, there was not one word that the co-commentator said that I got.  He would say what I took to be a sentence or two and then the dull bloke would say “yes” (cos I don’t think he understood a word either) and then the commentary would go on.    I think he was Swedish or something.

Anyway, it was on Satanta and not ITV, which meant that we didn’t go to any advert breaks during the goal scoring – although that of course remains a distinct possibility for the final.   Either that or the channel will go bust and they’ll just stop broadcasting, as they did with ITV Digital.

What Satanta did cover very well was the mobile phone and the shoe thrown on the pitch, and some chat about the stupidity of football fans.  Yes, well thank you.  Could we do the stupidity of TV companies too?   Like Satanta not putting in a high enough bid to get all the football they wanted next year, and then complaining that they didn’t win, because they didn’t know they had to put in a higher bid.  Like ITV doing… oh hang on I’ve done some of them.

Anyway, Carlos Vela looked good, Bendtner was Bendtner, Eduardo will have everyone talking about him so you don’t need me, and Gibbs is extraordinary.    So that’s another problem – not only too many midfielders but also too many left backs.  I suppose its too much to ask to see Theo on the bench on Saturday.  I’ll be back in the crowd Theo, and it would be awfully nice to see you.

Bishcoff did look good though, and I told you so.

(c) Tony Attwood in front of the tele. 2009