End of season blues

Did anyone notice how depressed Wenger was in the post match interviews?

Yet again he had to justify himself, answering the same questions he has since Arsenal began to collapse a month ago. It was as if it were a series of questions too far.

Why do you think that is? There were banners out that called for money to be spent, or to sod off. There was a lovely banner which said 'Wenger don't be a buffoon, sign Buffon" The former banner was confiscated by the stewards at half time, the New Labour Hall of Football cannot possibly allow complaints.

The match was an aside. Fulham had other things on their mind and Arsenal slaughtered them. Game over.

Then we had a miserable parade, lead by a very forlorn Fabregas, who, according to Gulliem Ballague is to leave for Barca by the end of May. Wow. That is a quick transfer even by our standards. That would complete a turnaround of denials and rejections that undermine the process of loving the badge to a new level.

Personally, I think Fabregas should go. Barca are too reliant on Xavi and he doesn't score enough for club or country. It makes sense and Barca need freshening up. Arsenal need a new change that Wenger will not bring about. However, if it is forced on him, then we could see a return to the strength, speed and skill that was so prevalent in the 2004 team. Cesc is a wonderful player and I hope we keep him, but I would not be gutted if he left. It is good business and Wenger will be forced to spend and buy two for the price of one.

Nonetheless, a clear-out is what the moody parade highlighted. The walk of shame was compounded by the likes of Almunia, Rosicky, Eduardo, Vela as well as Silvestre's and Gallas' absence. The only highlight was Eboue and RVP getting the plaudits they mostly deserve. Saying that, RVP cannot play more than half a season and cannot be relied upon. Vela was the sole reason that Wenger did not spend the money from Adebayor. Vela played 1 start and scored 1 goal. That is good business!!!??? Please.

Wenger is holding the club to ransom. They cannot imagine a club without his prudence. He won't sign a contract until he 'feels the love' again. But at the same time, the fans vote with their feet and the stadium was half empty for the 'lap of appreciation'. It was shocking but that seemed to be a fair reflection of the capitulation of the club. They can stave it off until later and later but it will still come and still be devastating to their chances of success. There were so many empty seats and boxes during the game. "Signings or sign off" and that upset Arsene. A lot.

3rd place according to the manager is a trophy. Arsenal are in a state of atrophy as the try to tread water without feeding the muscle base.

I am truly excited about the World Cup and hope I have time to write about players I have never seen before and look at in more detail. It is always false as players can peak at the major tournaments and never transfer that performance level into regular play. Toto Schillachi anyone? Poborsky? Gascoigne?

Anyway, Arsenal have come up short and have run out of excuses for now. A few characters and some experience could rejuvenate a squad which is not missing much. Even a trade involving Fabregas might dispel a few myths about over reliance on the one man a la Henry. Arshavin can go to Barca as part of that deal too. He can take his freakish Russian website with him and get it translated into Spanish. Then when he insults the women, cooking, manager, sun and size of the beaches, we can all pay no attention because we will never know. He is the Marcel Duchamp of football. Genius, clown, fuckwit and a little legacy.

I have to renew my season ticket soon. I am going to leave this until the last to see who we sign. If I am unimpressed, I may forgo Arsenal and concentrate on being a human for a bit. It is a strange thought and choice, but faced with the impending nature of tomorrow, coupled with the permanence of breathing, it is only likely that we will sign free or cheap youths and the so called quality will be for Wenger to enjoy on his own at the training ground.

If you picture a naked Wenger on a throne at training (nice image), in front of a huge frame cinema screen - with Diaby, Denilson, Vela, Almunia, Fabianski, Sagna, Traore, Rosicky, Merida, Eduardo, Silvestre and Senderos immediately behind it, all playing no opposition beautifully, against a green screen/pitch with Pat Rice and Boro Primorac furiously running CGI all over the shop, deleting the ball or any evidence of poor footwork. THAT is the training Wenger takes week in, week out.

Opposition got a big centre forward? "Don't worry boss, we'll just make the pitch lower down on the screen and increase Fabianski's height using After Effects. Problems with long throws? "We don't need to worry as this software never crashes boss - we will increase the head size of all our players"

Keep missing obvious chances to shoot? "Don't freeze your nuts off boss, we can increase the size of their feet, the size of the goal and slow down play using the special Jamie Redknapp 'He Can Quite LIterally Stop Time: Michael Chopra' filter"

Oh fuck off Dan. Bring on the World Cup.