Arsenal fan interview (Double Header)
Arsenal could potentially be on Wearside two weekends running if we beat Boro so I caught up with a fan of the Gunners to chat about the upcoming game(s), and his opinion of 'The Other Side'....
I have arrogantly titled this interview a 'league and cup' double and I hope I don't find myself with egg on my chin by the end of Wednesday evening.
If we can defeat an injury ravaged Boro side at the Riverside in our FA Cup fourth round replay we have the pleasure of hosting Arsenal two weekends running at the Stadium of Light. Arsenal have been hit and miss this season but proved they are still a free scoring side on their day by sticking 7 past Blackburn last weekend. I spoke to Londoner Bradley from Footymad.net about his club and waht his opinion is of SAFC.....
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Hi, firstly tell us how long and why you support Arsenal?
"I have supported Arsenal since I can remember. I was fortunate enough to live quite close to Highbury as I was growing up and went to games with family and friends. I could'nt afford a season ticket but made sure I got to as many games as my family could afford. I don't live so close to the Emirates now but still go to plenty games each season. My family are all Arsenal daft and there was never any other option really!"
Who would you fancy in the next round of the FA cup more?
"I rarely watch Sunderland on the box so it will be interesting to see how you play tomorrow night. I don't mind either team really. Both are tough trips up north but both games we will be expecting to win. I'd probably prefer Sunderland when I think about it as teams from the lower leagues can usually raise their game more."
What were your pre-season expectations for Arsenal?
"After Fabregas left I was concerned because he has been our talisman for the last few years, but with or without him Arsenal are good enough to be in the top 4 and my target was as always. Compete for the Premiership title but accept nothing less than 4th. Win a domestic cup. Go for glory in the Champions League. You learn over the years to set high standards when you support a club like ours."
Have your expectations changed now?
"We have had injuries and a lot of bad luck this season. Nobody can deny that. Yet we are still in the FA Cup and I am confident we will go all the way this season. Europe is still not out of our grasp. If Spurs can beat AC Milan I'm sure we can!"
8 defeats at this stage of the season and 17 points behind the league leaders. What are Arsenal missing?
"We have been massively unlucky attimes this season and injuries to key players too. We signed a number of new players in the Summer and its took them time to settle. Defensively we look weak but I am still confident of us in an attacking sense. You fail to mention we are only 3 points behind 4th place."
Is it fair to say that Spurs are now considered the top team in North London?
"No."
Which Arsenal players have impressed you most this season?
"RVP has been outstanding throughout."
Onto Sunderland. What is your opinion of their season?
"A joke under Bruce. A threat under O'Neill"
What is your opinion of Martin O'Neill as Sunderland's new manager?
"He is without a doubt a talented man manager but my question is how long will he stick about at Sunderland once your American stands up to him and dosent give him the funds he wants? Randy Lerner ring any bells?"
Which Sunderland players have impressed you most this season?
"As previously mentioned, I have watched very little of Sunderland. Not a team I normally find attractive on the eye. I was in attendance when you lost at the Emirates earlier in the season. Larsson scored a great goal but thats all he does. Set pieces. Why do you think he didnt make it at Arsenal?
I like Gyan. Shame he wants away from Sunderland but hopefully he will stay in the Premiership."
Would you rather beat us in the Cup or League?
"You are not even through to the same round as us yet! But thats a stupid question if you don't mind me saying. Our standards dictate a win in both games. Both important."
Some Arsenal fans have questioned the future of Wenger this season. Who would you like to replace him?
"Those fans are idiots. They forget how much Wenger has done for this club. The players he has brought in and brought through the youth set up. We have not won a trophy for a long time but that will end this season and shut those fans and critics up. Ive said this for months now and just watch...
Whoever comes in after him will have a huge job to try and fill. They would have to be a top, top coach. Not Mourinho!"
Where do you expect both clubs to finish this season?
"Arsenal will come strong and finish 4th. Maybe too much this seaosn to go any higher. Sunderland about 10th."
Do you expect Robin Van Persie to be at Arsenal next season?
"He is Arsenal. He will be here."
How has Thierry done since his return?
"He still has some of the old magic but nobody is stupid enough to think one man can come back and single handedly win every game for us. He has been an enjoyable cameo but I expect his influence off the pitch has been more important than on the pitch."
Will you have Bendtner back early?
"That arrogant shithead can stay in the North. Never rated him, never have and neither do most of the fans at Arsenal. He is one player Wenger has got wrong."
I'm going to assume SAFC beat Boro on Wednesday night and will now ask you to predict how you think both games will go?
"I am respectful to the fact Martin O'Neill has got SAFC playing with confidence so we will need to be aware of your threat. In the league I expect a narrow win. 2-1 to us. I expect you to go ultra defensive like you normally do against us. In the cup, IF you beat Middlesbrough I think you will play more attacking but so will we. The fact we have more proven finishers in our side, I predict a comfrtable 4-1 win to the Arsenal."
Are you making the trip up for either game?
"I'm not no. Never been to Sunderland in my life!"
Any parting words for the readers of this interview?
"Best of luck for the rest of the season but none whatsoever for our upcoming meeting (s)."
Cheers Bradley
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Chestermackem's Conclusion: "Quite a confident Arsenal fan but I would'nt expect anything less. Hopefully we will get to play them twice in the coming weeks and a double win would be amazing. But, we need to respect they are a tough side to beat on their day and after scoring 7 against Blackburn they will be full of confidence at the weekend. I'd rather see us beat them in the cup as I keep dreaming of us going all the way. Points in the league are still important but relegation now looks unlikely and I would not be too sad if we failed to beat them in the Premiership.
That saying, I'm going for a draw in our league meeting and IF we get to play them in the FA Cup, a home win!"
Photos courtesy of The Guardian