A Question Of Balance?

So here we are again, an international break looming, usually a quiet news week. Normally you would expect the tabloids to be running stories of rodents being consumed by second-rate entertainers, while the broadsheets pour over the party conference season. To a certain extent that will be the way of things for a day or two, but this time footballs less palatable side is providing some diversion for the weary hacks.

On a weekend when we were privileged to witness one of the finest volleyed goals for many a long day the headlines are about 'cheeky' Joey Barton, and 'sinister' Didier Zokora. Tuesday mornings back pages have already been reserved for the non-story of Lord Stevens' investigation into Premiership corruption.

Let’s get a Goonerholic perspective on these starting with little scamp Joey. Older Arsenal fans will remember an evening game against Coventry in 1979 when Sammy Nelson celebrated scoring a late equaliser for the Gunners by unveiling his backside to the North Bank. It was a full moon, nothing subtle about it, and some who had been critical of the side were suitably embarrassed. Barton’s little ‘adjustment’ of his shorts and underwear surely doesn’t warrant the expense of a police investigation. In Liverpool, of all places, do our constabulary not have sufficient crime to keep their finest detectives gainfully employed on offences other than celebrating a last minute equaliser?

I can add nothing to the condemnation of Zokora’s despicable act against Portsmouth that hasn’t already been said by a multitude of fans who do not share my affiliation, and therefore bias. I have taken great amusement however in the reaction of Martin Jol. Apparently the poor lad was not touched, no argument there then fat-boy, but he did lose his balance! Something he ate, perhaps, played havoc with his ears! Jol’s squirming performance once again contrasted with the class and humour exuded by Wenger. Asked last week if he was witnessing any more foul deeds by the Gunners he responded with a smile, “You think my eyesight has improved after ten years!”

At the moment, the least said about the Stevens enquiry, the better. After the hullabaloo of today’s press conference we now have to wait another two months to discover if he has found any evidence. It’s not only Joey Barton’s derriere that’s twitching tonight!