There’s quite a few infants here among the readers lately. They’ll get the joke as they grow up. I certainly hope so.

About the video game I think it would be intresting to see if there is a difference between the video game generation and the older generation ? I have never played such games but I can imagine that if you win the league time after time you could imagine that you know better than Wenger. In the game that is, not in real life.

And on topic: I was just wondering Simon, if we would be more like ManU would your mother not start hating us ?

I think these games and simulations have probably played a role in the “spend, spend, spend” philosophy. Take EA’s FIFA Soccer, for example, which I played maybe 8-9 years ago while in college. I’ve always wondered how games like these could give players such exact ratings for things like “tenacity” and “vision.” How the f&ck do you measure that?

In these games, you always want to play with the fasted, most-skilled players because that makes the game more fun. But players’ “ratings” don’t change. Which means the only way to improve your team is to “Buy, buy, buy.” So you go out and buy a player like Luis Figo (who in the version I played was God-like).

In these video games, long-term development means nothing. And there is always an allure to get the biggest names in football all on your team.

Man City, Chelsea, and Real Madrid run their clubs like video games.

It’s all a fu^king illusion.

(Sorry Simon and others…quite off topic…)

Getty — I agree w/ you about posters like “neutral fan” and “gunners lover.” It’s good to have different voices, even if most of us completely disagree with them. Like you say, it gives people here a chance to make better arguments.

Simon great write up there. I’m a rehablitated Arsenal fan came back from the brink of distruction with ManIOU. Long time ago, that is.

Wow, I definitely underestimated the power of ignorance. ‘gunners lover’ is the mighty ignoramus itself.

Good piece Simon.

Back home, cruising the internet always gave one a sense that that MSM had it in for Arsenal. Back then, you could only rely on very few blogs for a positive outlook on the Arsenal life. Nowadays, it seems even supposedly pro-Arsenal blogs, have taken to bashing the team, the manager, the players, etc. Myles Palmer, who I once read with some respect, suddenly morphed into this snide, sniping, prick who used every opportunity to slag off the team, the manager, everything, and a lot of bloggers out there probably followed his lead.

I remain eternally grateful to Sir Tony for creating this sea of calm amid the raging oceans of negativity one has to put up with out there, and to Walter and you Simon for your capable assistance to the big man.

Nonetheless it was clear as day. I’d say if he appeals, he will lose and I think most would agree – even Man Utd. I doubt they will appeal as it’s hard to see on ‘what grounds’ and they surely won’t want to risk a longer ban.

its tricky when were both on telly at the same time, but as she says, i’m more computer literate so i can watch a stream. unless were both on different sky sports channels and then we can both sit in different rooms and cheer our respective teams.

gunners lover, i would argue your point that our financial stability isnt bringing in the quality. well last year we bought 2 players, arshavin and vermaelen. with that simple statement i know i have won the arguement, but theres more. a lot of our money is spent on scouting and youth development. the list of ‘quality’ players that have come through this direction rather than the multi-million direction is too long to list. also, our stadium has cost us a fair few quid, but it will be the magic porridge pot when the mortgage is paid off. more money for youth development, scouting and even a few astute purchases.

Will this be a Ramsey situation all over again? I have never seen Smalling but I’d LMAO if Fergie got beaten to the punch again. TBH it’d be worth offering 2 million more than them, just to bump the price on poor cash-strapped Man Utd and see how they respond!

The bids are allegedly at about £8Million which does seem a lot but if both Arsene and Fergie say he is good the chances are he is good.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/7073774/Goldman-star-Jim-ONeill-attacks-Man-United-fund-raising.html

Speaking of family allegiances, I don’t know whether to rejoice at the fact that my wife hates Man United with all her guts, or hide my face in shame because she’s a die hard Chelsea supporter.

I guess it’s true what they say about marriage being a compromise and finding common ground to work with and stuff like that.