From Wimps To Wild Beasts?

I think the time has come to accept that we are such a fantastic footballing side that no matter what our players do, we will be criticised.

Of course our players have over stepped the mark on occasions, be it mistimed tackles or play acting to nothing situations, but is the whole Arsenal bashing craze seems to be here just for the sake of moaning.

Not so long ago, the Gunners were a soft, weak and pathetic bunch who 'did not like it up 'em', teams relished facing the red & whites just for the chance to put their foot in against some of the best players in the country.

How things have changed.

In a couple of short years, the world has changed it's opinion of The Arsenal. The transformation from softies to thugs has been quite remarkable.

Gone are the days of rivals claiming we'd crumble under some physical pressure, oh yes, now we are a dirty team, bunch of thugs apparently, a team who are over zealous in the challenge and like to leave their foot in.

Ok, some of our tackles have been questionable, but lets face it, which team hasn't had it's fair share of mistimed lunges? Come to think of it, I'd hazard a guess that Alex Hleb has been on the receiving end of most of them, yet he's still been the player of the season.

So instead of being angered at ridiculous claims (most of which are coming from Vital Chelsea) we should take heart from the fact that only the most dangerous of teams have this much bile directed at them, only teams who are truly terrifying on the pitch have this kind of treatment reserved for them, and when all's said and done, who really gives a crap about what some jealous outsiders think of us?

Up the Arsenal!

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