Last weekend, Arsenal were courageous.
After the horrific injury to Aaron Ramsey and the game poised at 1-1, you could be forgiven thinking Arsenal wouldn’t rally and grab all three points.
But that’s what they did.
There have been comparisons to the Eduardo injury and how that Birmingham game panned out. We went a goal down, got ourselves into a winning position thanks to a Theo Walcott double and then we conceded a last minute penalty. William Gallas completely lost the plot and the rest is history. At the end of the season we would look back and point to that game as the turning point of our seasons title challenge.
But against Stoke City, we showed great character and mental strength to win the game.
And the major difference? We have a winner in the team. Someone that has been there and done that. A player who is obviously greatly respected in the dressing room for what he has achieved in his career.
That man is Sol Campbell.
When you compare him to William Gallas, who was effectively and ironically Campbell’s replacement, it’s clear that while the Frenchman is a fantastic player and athlete, he doesn’t command the same respect as someone of Campbell’s stature.
Campbell has had his critics, but he is a leader and players follow his example.
When Ramsey was shockingly hacked down by Mother Theresa, Sol was the first man to show his frustration and square up to Shawcock. Players like Fabregas, Vermaelen and Clichy followed his example and also his determination to win the game.
I’ve said in the past that with this young group of players, we are missing the raw anger when we score. If you don’t know what I mean, watch the goal celebrations from Bergkamp, Henry, Vieira, Pires, Freddie and the rest of the team in those successful years between 1998 to 2005.
Take a look at these celebrations from years gone by:
Patrick Vieira versus Spurs
Dennis Bergkamp versus Manchester United
Thierry Henry versus Spurs
There’s that swagger and arrogance about them. It’s a “f*ck you we’re the best, get in there!” attitude you have when you’re a winner. Winning is a state of mind and the only player who goes mental when they score is Robin Van Persie. He believes that his goals will make the difference and could contribute to winning a trophy.
The celebrations when Fabregas and Vermaelen scored against Stoke were just like the old days. Of course, the horrific injury to Ramsey contributed to the adrenaline filled celebrations but everyone went crazy. Vermaelen’s celebration was full of emotion and who was leading the fist pumping?
The Sol Train.
You can’t fault the guy’s record – he is a winner pure and simple. When he saw the light and went to the red side of North London he won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups, and won the FA Cup with Portsmouth a couple of seasons ago. Credit to him, he even won a League Cup with Spurs, which is an achievement in itself.
I’ve said that once Van Persie’s injury we’ve missed his arrogance and determination on the pitch. Obviously his goals and assists, he is a winner. He wants to win. Winning is everything and he is one of the few leaders in the squad. You have players like Denilson and who don’t seem to care half the time.
We’ve all said that experience makes the difference when it gets the business end of the season, so if Arsenal can pull off probably one of the most surprising title wins of recent years then Sol Campbell could well be one of Arsene’s greatest ever signings.
Arsenal have been missing that winning influence, to keep on fighting until the end even when things are going against you. That ruthlessness to kill off games and take home all the points.
So in a team that is full of players who don’t know what it’s like to win, Sol could just be that difference come May.
Spot on, mate!
big it up fo-r THE SOL MAN!-DID YOU NOTICE HOW THE STOKE PLAYERS DIDN’W WANT TO GET INVOLVEDWITH HIM AFTER THE LEG BREAK-WHY?COS HE IS A MAN NOT A BOY !
Great article
Sol has been rolling back the years since he came back.
His passion for the game and for the club is second to none, he has a massive part to play in the next 10 games.
You spoilt that article with your dig at Denilson.
Love him or lothe him, the kid is here for the long haul.
He can only get better.
Have you ever watched the clip of Gallas whenever he scores a goal in a match,he is always arrogant maybe because he always score important goals.
Gallas and Sol are great leaders and winners,they’ve both won medals at diffrent level of their carriers and if you look vividly they have the same passion for winning.
I like the way to referenced Stoke on your fixtures list…
Well it looks like Sol is injured for the Burnley game so it’ll be Silvestre who plays tomorrow. And we’re sure to concede goals with that geriatric in the team.
The difference between Campbell and Silvestre is amazing. One is a born winner, and the other is a lazy, over-the-hill liability.
And regarding Gallas, no-one respects him in the dressing room.
One of the best things Wenger did was strip him of the captaincy. I’d love it if Arsenal won something with Cesc as captain, now there’s a inspirational player.
The Arsenal Anthem.
Mythical Arsenal
Glorious Arsenal
Mythical Arsenal
Glorious Arsenal
Touch by the gods
Love by the gods
Go forth, go forth
Courageous Arsenal
Go forth, go forth
Heroic Arsenal
Legend was made,
Legend is true.
Invincible Arsenal,
Invincible Arsenal,
Come one come all
Where legends play
Come one come all
Where legends are in the chrysalis
Arsenal, Arsenal
Touch by the gods
Arsenal, Arsenal
Love by the gods
The Arsenal anthem
By Sagir O.
The anthem is in the form of quire. The anthem reflects our history, achievement and what we currently do. I hope it appeal to all fans.
The above song to be sung in the tune of parachute by cheryl tweedy. Lol I jest. Brilliant article sol is what this team is missing a powerful leader!!!!!
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