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WHat about Laura?
If this question has crossed your mind, like it has done for me, you might find this perspective interesting or at the very least provide a different way of looking at the dynamic unfolding regarding the coverage of players’s recovery.
To be fair the “dynamic unfolding” sounds way more serious that what I intend to. I just really don’t know how else to describe it, yet again proving to you that I am just a guy with a blog and I’m not a proper journalist. So, just hear me out haha.
I understand the focus on Leah, Viv and Beth. We can go over many reasons as to why they are in the spotlight, with some of those things being obvious and others being not so obvious. There is the on the pitch performances, the personalities off the pitch and so on.
Laura has a lot in common with them. She’s an elite player, she’s beloved by the fanbase and by the squad and staff and is also going through hell via an ACL injury, just like the other 3 players mentioned above.
But why aren’t we getting documentaries? Why aren’t we getting more info and/or a closer insight into her life and recovery? Do we read into it?? Is it not going well and it’s not good news? Are the other players “more important”?,
I assume the answer is very simple and I would honestly be surprised if there was any other reason than the fact that she doesn’t want to be featured. She doesn’t want to be the center of attention or the center on an amount of attention at a certain time.
People are different and have different views on things and personalities vary. Being vulnerable is strength and sometimes you don’t have to prove to people you’re strong or that you’re vulnerable, you just want to be yourself or be left alone and we have to respect that because it’s not only completely understandable to want to retreat, but the other side of the coin is actually out of the norm.
We owe it to Laura to not compare, to not expect or assume anything and just let her be herself, let her recovery be what it is, let the coverage of said recovery be what it is, and we must always remember she’s an AWFC player and Arsenal are a supportive, classy, groundbreaking and most of all an empathetic club. So we must learn from that or remember all of those things and BE those things as often as we can and understand that not only is she recovering but that her recovery focus can be whatever she allows it to be just because that’s what she wants and she owes nothing to anyone except herself.
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Can’t watch Step by Step
I can’t be the only one that has a hard time watching the documentary. Obviously the end is that they come back to play, duh. I just can’t even bring myself to start it. I think it’s going to be extremely emotional but I think it’s only a matter of time til I watch it.
Of course I love success stories, and as a musician few things are more constant than being faced with adversity, but what I haven’t truly face has been a physical adversity to a degree like they have, thus triggering things inside my heart and mind that I might not be prepared to deal with at the moment.
I speak a little more about that on this week’s episode of That Arsenal Women Podcast which you can listen to down here and also, MASSIVE shout out to Caroline Barker for mentioning the podcast on her amazing show Three Players and a Podcast with Jen Beattie, Rachel Yankey and Izzy Christiansen. THANK YOU!!!
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Don’t say that…
I’m not in the business of telling people what to do but I didn’t really know how else to title this particular blog post. Oh and by the way, I will be recording a podcast later today, thought I would be doing it super early today but I started working on a song and went all in. Safe to say I wasn’t happy with the outcome and need to re do it all later today. Nice…
What I absolutely cannot stand is when people describe a player’s comeback from injury with phrases like these: “it’s as if she never left!” Like I understand what they are tryin to say but I just immediately think of the journey to hell and back that these athletes went through, just for someone to use a catchy phrase that, even though I’m sure they don’t mean it, TO ME it minimizes a lot of the work.
Obviously there are grays to this conversation and again I don’t think the commentators, podcasters, etc mean any harm. I think that they see those comments as a compliment and I totally understand. I just can’t help to think what I think at the moment the second I hear things like that. I feel there can be something added to the comment that contextualizes more of the magnitude of what it means to come back.
To a degree, I think it also puts on pressure on other players coming back that aren’t returning in full force like some players do. Some of them take much longer, depending on position, technical abilities and of course on how the coach chooses to use them, and to this point WTF was the best striker ever playing out wide? Anyway that’s for another day.
It’s definitely NOT like any of them were ever out. It’s been an arduous process for us fans, now imagine how insane it’s been for these players. Not only from a sentimental standpoint for me as a fan, but also for the team itself, the results, and the success of the club as a whole.
Again, not telling people what to do or how to characterize whatever it is that they feel, it just feels a little yucky whenever I hear it.
I haven’t watched the documentary yet and not sure when I will do it if at all. Might be too tough to watch.
Enjoy your week!
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Last week of school vibes
If you still have strong feelings about the match yesterday or you’re trying to understand how we can beat Chelsea 4-1 and then lose against this team, then stick around because I’m gonna try to offer some perspective or if nothing else, steal your attention for a few minutes.
The first thing I’ll say is that I don’t feel this is Birmingham type of moment where we just knew that the trophy was gone after we lost that match. You kinda felt it and it was basically catastrophic. But as much as this one hurts, to me it doesn’t feel like it was a season defining thing, although mathematically it might be.
Secondly, if you or your friends are blaming Manu for the goal or the result, I’m here to kindly tell you that you might quit possibly need better friends. This loss is not on her. Like I get the frustration but if you think she should’ve launched herself to the ground as a courtesy for an impossible to get shot, just because you want her to “try” then that’s really not it.
Let’s just say that she could’ve saved it but literally chose not to. Well, what about the chances we missed? What about the misplaced passes? What about the passes that weren’t made? etc etc etc.
You know, I rarely listen to the players post match, or pre match for that matter. As much as I have this blog and a podcast, I don’t consume every single bit of media that the club puts out. I usually just hit like on instagram on anything they put out. But Katie reposted something where LWM was heard speaking post match and she said something that I thought was very important for some people to hear and that is that this one result doesn’t define them.
I agree with that and it’s also so interesting to me to think that this way of thinking is convenient because I would’ve taken the win vs Chelsea as a defining moment, gladly. So which one is it? The answer is probably both.
Overall I totally get the mental exhaustion, the idea that this felt like the last week of school when you’re kinda just running on fumes and aren’t totally present and hope that you can just get by. And I want to emphasize that I’m not doubting the player’s mentality or commitment, what I’m saying is that I understand fully if they were all there fully. So many international matches, travel, the World Cup, etc…
These players need a break, from the pitch, from each other, from social media, from London, etc and I’m here for it.
Season over for the rest of the year but I will keep writing, so since there’s nothing going on expect some random AWFC related content on here.
Happy Sunday.
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OH look! A squirrel!
I’m trying to not talk about the match so I will actively try to be distracted by a few other topics. For record, because I can’t NOT talk about the match, what I will say is that as usual, football makes fools of us, often. I assumed these were 3 easy points and I’m glad I was given a rude awakening, and speaking off, brutal to wake up at 3am for that loss.
One thing I wanted to mention though was how weird it is to see so many outlets talk about player’s relationships or hint at them being a couple, almost putting them on some sort of display as a package deal.
I understand the situation and I understand how you talk about a couple when a documentary about them is what’s being covered, but I’m talking about the overall idea that we are somewhat bombarded about couples in football.
I love and celebrate them all and their relationships etc so I’m not complaining. The news, gossip, articles, support posts, etc don’t affect whatsoever and I really don’t care about any of that, unless the coverage becomes an ugly thing.What I’m trying to say is that if they, on top of the million things they need to battle, now have to deal with some public persona as it relates to the entity that is a relationship, then I would assume that is not productive or helpful.
There’s a fine line and I am no one to say what it is or what it’s been too close to either side. It’s just an observation.
I told you I don’t want to talk about the game. haha
Football is football and nothing is a given at this high level.
Anyway… podcast tomorrow and I’ll be talking about the match.
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Leah’s Piano…
When I tell you that I have been impacted deeply and fundamentally as a person after watching that documentary, I’m being as serious as I have ever been.
I am not in an emotional state to actually go deep into it. I’m thoroughly moved.
If you can, please watch it.
that’s it for now, I’m bawling.
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About LJ
It wouldn’t be hyperbole to say that we all have an opinion about Lauren James, her couple of incidents on the pitch and more. Today I’ll also give an opinion and will be doing so in perhaps a slight different way that what has been put out on twitter.
The main reason why I say it’s different it’s because its NOT on social media or in the form of tweets, so I have the advantage to explain my thought in longer for and it’ll allow me to at least try to add context.
The first thing I will say is that racism is never ok or acceptable, full stop. Neither is the abuse that she has gotten, without a shadow of a doubt. Even if she broke a player’s foot on purpose that wouldn’t justify any sort of racism towards her. I don’t know Lauren, I don’t particularly like her playing and I certainly dislike that she plays for Chelsea, and even then I will defend her and reject any racism, ever, against her or anyone.
We must be empathetic and kind enough to develop the means to express our feelings of disappointment or anger etc without being racist. So we can feel a certain way about the stamp and also not make it personal, and I get it’s difficult. I mean, I have VERY strong opinions about it and I actually think this was a big moment for the FA to take a stand regarding this type of situation and nip it in the bud. To say: THIS WON’T BE TOLERATED.
But I can see why they wouldn’t because of the insanity that would come about do it to a black player, and rightfully so. I’m sure there have been incidents of probably worse aggression and nothing has happened either, so to pile on the situation would be seen as very harsh, specially to a player that a lot of people consider to be the future of England.
Without involving her directly I will say though that if ANY arsenal player did that I would be angry and I would hope they would get not only red carded but banned. There should be consequences for things like these. But “should” is just my opinion. And I don’t just mean a ban, there has to be help provided to her and someone needs to explain to her why X behavior is not allowed and I doubt there are better people on planet earth to do this than Emma Hayes.
Also, that could’ve really hurt Lia and it’s pretty insane.
We are also responsible for our actions and Lauren has been involved in two incidents now that people are using to label her a certain way. She’s not a child and she just needs to learn and not do these things, and I appreciate it takes time and the right people around her but it’s all about HER. If she wants to learn, if she wants to modify her behavior, etc.
Lastly, regarding the lack of an apology from her. I definitely don’t think it’s my place to say it on twitter or anyone else, that a woman should apologize. It sounds very icky and I dislike how that feels, so I’m not going to say that she needs to do that. What is obvious though is that it would help curb the situation.
At the same time, news cycles are quick and fast and by the time the weekend comes around nobody will be talking about this… but a lot of us will be keeping an eye out for her.
I hope she overcomes this and these things don’t affect her mentally or emotionally. She has all the tools to be a world class player and we’ve seen things like these with an infinity of male players.
But holy shit that sucked… could’ve really, really hurt Lia.
I’m completely for women in football, for their success, their progress, their learning, their evolution, their mistakes, their mishaps, their struggles, their victories. EVERYTHING. I love them all and what them to succeed, and with Lauren it’s no different.
And if you don’t agree or don’t support her or “stand with her” at the very least don’t feel a need to voice it on social media. If you demand her to do better, maybe let’s start with ourselves.
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There’s a shift taking place
As the NLD kicks off and I’m listening to the soothing sounds of Louise Quinn on commentary I wanted to put the actual match to a side and talk about something that’s been on my mind for a while and that I’ve also hinted at in the past but I don’t think I’ve done so in more detail or with more seriousness.
I personally feel that there is a shift happening. I think that Emma Hayes’s departure will be seismic. I am convinced their cycle is over. And I’m no genius but I’m sure a lot of players will leave when she goes. Add to add the Mary Earps situation, which implies that leaving united will be yet another blow for our opponents.
So, that’s why we have to act NOW. We need to get Mary, we need to make massive statement via transfers and continue this project that, if our cards are played correctly, can set the foundation for the next 5-7 years and this means Champions Leagues, WSL trophies and more.
Simply put this is THE season to change it all. But it’s not going to just happen if we aren’t proactive and few things aren’t more proactive than getting the best keeper in the world from of our historic rivals. And let’s please not forget Mary herself in terms of personality, leadership, experience and more. And I get that we love Manu and I’m so appreciate of her and what she still does for the club. The future is NOW though, and this is bigger than getting Roebuck and her potential, etc… we’re talking about THE keeper in world football, or at least that’s what a lot of people think.
Imagine that spine, Earps, Williamson, Little + Walti, Miedema and Russo. WHAT?!
If that isn’t a Champions League winning side, I don’t know what is.
So for those that are hesitant about signings such as Mary, I encourage you to look at the bigger picture and not involve your feelings if at all possible. And I know its near impossible , but the potential symbolism of that particular signing, at this moment in time is huge.
I also get how some people would want to beat Chelsea to the title with the current squad, but winning is what matters and the pride points are not a thing. We need to win this title THIS year, and how do we do this? With the best players available and weakening our opponents in every possible way, and if taking their keeper is one of them and having to loan out Sabrina, then so be it.
Anyway, this game is getting interesting so I’m gonna go watch. 1-1 so far… definitely won’t end like this.
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Turn the page
Isn’t it wild that these incredible moments, such as demolishing Chelsea in front of virtually 60K people, has to be “forgotten” about? I say that not literally of course, but such is the rhythm and dynamic of the sport where you just have to move on, quickly, and just focus on the next match.
This is one of the many similarities between sports and music. You can’t just live in the past and remember one special gig because being focused and present and in the moment is the only way to guarantee as an efficient and meaningful performance possible, all the while connecting with the fans as we, the musicians, try to tap into something greater than us individually.
So, yes beating Chelsea was great, but we have to move on now. NLD derby for the league cup tomorrow. But do we really have to? Like can’t we just continue to enjoy this amazing feeling of triumph and pride? No?
Ok, fine.
I keep being kinda ignorant and mean and just assume that Spurs pose absolutely no threat to us whatsoever and that is totally wrong. Of course the pose a threat as they are a professional footballing side with excellent players and any squad with Beth England is absolutely dangerous. She is lethal, she never stops fighting and she’s just about as hungry as they get.
Add to that the extra spice of the NLD occasion and we should be in for some interesting 90 minutes. But to be fair, I expect us to be in top form and play them off the park at good ol’ Meadow Park.
It’s important for you to know that I’m aware of what a load of nonsense this post is. Like I’m saying lots of obvious things and kinda going around in circles. I wanted to talk about Joey Barton and what he has said but every time I try I get in such a pissy mood and I don’t want to go there because I haven’t found a way to express what I feel without calling him names.
But the intention to write and to call him names is there.
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AWFC vs CHE podcast out
Hi friends!
Here’s the latest episode of That Arsenal Women Podcast!
Weird post, I know… but I’m a weird guy.
A very subjective look into AWFC 