Arsenal v. Arsenal......?

On a Wednesday that finds the world a little emptier with out Heath Ledger, though I was always to homophobic to watch Brokeback Mountain. A Wednesday morning that must have Gooners scratching their heads. Both for the loss to Spurs, in yesterdays Carling Cup tie. Also because, apparently, Emmanuel Adebayor can't do math. We all know winners like to win and no one wants to loose, but when you loose 5-1 its the five that makes the difference not a one. We can all assume that having come on late into a 4-0 spanking and scoring with in minutes of his introduction Adebayor must have been frustrated at the score line. But Nicolas Bentender's own goal that put Spurs one to the good wasn't the straw that broke Arsenal's back and for a club that has scored as many as seven goals in a match this season Bentender was not the one to be blamed.

The truth of the matter is that the loss to Spurs was inevitable in the first leg of their tie Spurs had jumped to an early lead that Arsenal was, by full time, able to over come. So if not Bentenders own goal could any one person be blamed after all football is a team sport. Usually the answer to these questions is of course no. However, maybe this time there is a sole person to fault for Arsenal missing a Carling Cup final at Wembley. Normally when his name is uttered it is followed by the word genius. His free flowing football and ability to find young talent is well documented and though any other day of the season Gooners would praise their "brilliant" boss, today they will question Arsene Wengers decision to play such an inexperienced side in a semi-final. The truth is, however, they shouldn't. The Frenchman’s decision to play a younger perhaps less experienced side in the FA Cup and Carling Cup over the years is the reason the Arsenal was not only able to have a like A.H. (After Henry) but challenge eternal Premier League champions Manchester United, who I hate only slightly more than Chelsea.

So to Arsenal supporters I say "Eh, its only the Carling Cup". Let's face it no one cares about the Carling Cup. If Wengers tactics can produce a team that is capable of challenging for a title the season after the departure of the highest scorer in club history. I say, "be grateful". If the Gooners steal a title from Manchester United, a feat of magic in itself, who's going to care about a Carling Cup semi-final. Now, for words you'd never expect to hear from a red fan of Merseyside "I kind of hope Everton can upset Chelsea". I know the rivalry of Everton and Liverpool literally stems from our beginning, however, it would be nice to see anyone other than Man. U. or Chelsea lift pieces of British Footballing silverware. So for the today and today only, I'll hope the best for Everton at home in Goodison Park against Russian savings and loan club Chelsea. I still can't get excited for the Super Bowl but, I guess that'll have to wait for another bloggin'.