It was twenty years ago today, Michael Thomas taught the band to play … erm .. scored that goal.
Yes, that goal. You know the goal. Possibly the most exciting Arsenal goal that has ever been scored. Hard to believe it’s 20 years ago though.
Our first title win since 1971, the first of my lifetime, and I suspect if I live to be 150 I won’t see another one quite like that. Every time I watch it I think the Liverpool defenders are going to get back at Michael Thomas, that they’ll poke it away from him, but they never do. Outside of the foot, into the net, pandemonium, Mickey’s floppy-fish celebration.
Words can’t do it justice so just watch it again.
As well as that you can check out the news reports on the win and the official site has a great whack of stuff to celebrate the day, including interviews with loads of the players including Alan Smith, Mickey Thomas, Steve Bould and more.
Moving on to other stuff and as will become customary throughout the summer we’re linked again with Fulham’s Brede Hangeland. This time by The Mirror. They also throw in the name of Ajax captain Thomas Vermaelen as a possible summer defensive capture. We’ll see.
Nicklas Bendtner is being refreshingly honest for a footballer. He talks about his mid-season form in particularly candid terms, saying:
You know, I’ve never tried to hide the fact that I had two months in the Autumn where, in my opinion, I played like a Sunday League player. I tried to work hard and do all the right stuff but it just didn’t seem to go for me. But then all of a sudden there came a turning point and since then I’ve got stronger and stronger.
I thought he started the season reasonably well and finished it better but there’s no doubt that middle section is one he’d rather forget. Still, at least he acknowledges it which is not something more players would do. I’m hopeful he can kick on again next season.
Meanwhile in an interview with Marca Emmanuel Adebayor says he wants to stay but will leave if he’s not in Arsene Wenger’s plans any more. He says:
He has always had confidence in me, he knows my qualities. It’s up to him to decide and no doubt, if he tells me he doesn’t want me, then I will find another team, but if he wants me at Arsenal I will be there and as well as that I have will have to stay because I have a contract.
He goes on to say, when asked if other clubs have made offers:
I am very grateful to Arsenal because they have made me what I am and for this I will always continue here.
Strange that he chose the Spanish press to make these kind of statements, maybe he doesn’t trust the English press after the hard time he’s got recently. Ultimately, it seems, Adebayor’s future is down to Arsene Wenger. I think the player knows he’s not going to have convinced too many this season that he’s worth the kind of money he’s getting at Arsenal so it’s in his interests to stay. How it all plays out remains to be seen.
The 2nd leg of the FA Youth Cup takes place tonight at Anfield with Bouldy’s Boys taking a 4-1 lead from the first leg. Good luck to them tonight, fingers crossed they can do the business.
Finally, the London Masters tournament will be taking place soon, Mickey T one of the confirmed players, along with Ray Parlour, Nigel Winterburn, Paul Merson and Anders Limpar. It takes place June 20th and keep your eyes peeled for a competition to win tickets. More details here.
And that’s just about that. Enjoy St Michael’s Day, back tomorrow.
