A very subjective look into AWFC

I am not in the business of comparing men to women, specially in an arena where there is no comparison. Arsenal Women have accomplished more than Arsenal men, in a considerably shorter amount of time, including TWO Champions Leagues, so to compare them would be insulting to our women’s historic side and to Vic Akers too, who was also an integral part of the men’s history too, but that’s a whole different story.

There was a post I did a few days ago called “Matriarchal” I which I spoke how about how I didn’t think that Arteta had the humility to go over to Renee’s office and ask her what it takes to win a CL and to be a winner. How to motivate players beyond their wildest dreams to the point where they beat the 2 best teams maybe ever assembled, back to back and win a European Trophy.

However I think I feel like I placed a lot of blame on the manager and not enough on the male players. You cannot convince me that these guys go to Katie, Stina, Steph or Alessia and ask them what it takes to win a CL or the euros for that matter. A club that takes pride in being “a family” and they sell you merch line after merch line, yet there is a clear divide in the lack of mutual support, a visible one, and it’s alarming, only because I think it could be extremely empowering for everyone, including the fans.

When was the last time you saw a single men’s squad member attend a women’s game? Wrighty definitely doesn’t count and honestly I don’t remember the cameras showing him at a game for who knows how long. This is not a dig whatsoever, just an observation. And honestly, we saw the women’s team show up to many, many matches and it never seems reciprocated so if I were them, I wouldn’t go see the men, I wouldn’t post about it, I would frankly not care and if they bottle the league I would be ashamed.

But let’s forget about the men’s squad which have thrown away the premier league, and let’s chat briefly about the usual tension that is the end of the season/transfer situation…

What I will say is what I always say during this time… you are not alone! haha. This is all super traumatic for a lot of us and I still haven’t gotten over DVD, Viv, Jill and Dom leaving us, and I’m sure my heart is still not ready for the imminent departures, regardless of who comes in. Don’t get me started on Lia Walti…

We could have Bonmati, Putellas and Pajor but I’ll take Catley, McCabe and Beth. Yes, I would. Why? Because the latter three, among a few others, are part of the DNA that makes Arsenal, THE ARSENAL, something to be proud of. They are the NOW, not “the past” and they did the goddamned thing and whatever success and trophies comes next will be thanks to them, just like with Alex Scott and Emma Byrne and co.

Can’t you see? These players are what those players were. Imagine reading on a social media app that Rachel Yankey wasn’t good enough. Absolutely insane.

❤

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