Happy Monday. Yes, this is a bit on the late side today, but I’m still here and that’s what matters, right?
I was worried I was going to have to write about last week’s game, dissecting every last detail. I still need to draw the OddSketch for the game, when I’m ready.
But then some news broke this weekend and I’m happy to say Manchester City have come along to allow me to move on from said game.
114.
I was starting to think the bastards had gotten away with it. I had a feeling something may be announced this interlull – long enough away from Pep leaving. I’d say I should have been a betting man… but I also incorrectly predicted the news would break every single last interlull over the past 18 months.
Where do I even start?
Ok. Obviously, my stance on City being found guilty of most of their charges is clear. Serves them right.
Their punishment should impact more than just one or two seasons. All titles they won should be taken off them. They should have a 40 point deduction for each season for the next 10 years. And that’s only if expulsion is off the cards.
The charges may relate to just 8 or 9 years. But even since 2018, their cheating had an impact on the sport. The team they’ve built to this day is off a foundation of cheating. And Arsenal have been impacted by that most recently.
Do I want those titles? Nah. What difference is a title that you can’t celebrate?
Sure, Manchester United and Liverpool may be more interested in the numbers game as they try to increase their own tally in what is essentially a dick-measuring contest. There’s no real point though and probably opens up a can of worms if second place is awarded the titles.
In honesty, United wouldn’t deserve an extra title for finishing 19 points behind city. They weren’t really that good. I hate to say it, but the real victims are probably Liverpool, and Klopp. They were absolutely sensational, and to finish the season with 97 points and still only finish 2nd is absolutely criminal.
So, before I continue, I will say FairPlay Liverpool for standing toe to toe with City, and even beating them in 2020. One title in that time is less than they deserved.
Ok, that’s enough complimenting Liverpool. Snap out of it, OddFather.
Equally, Arsenal – and Arteta – also deserve their kudos. We also went up against the machine – and I’m glad we beat them before any points deduction came in play.
The truth is – and I’m not proud of this – I didn’t mind City winning the league when Arsenal weren’t in the title race. Do you know why? Because I’ve always viewed them as a nothing club. Even their treble meant, and felt, like nothing.
But would I prefer City winning the league ahead of Sp*rs? Hell, yeah.
In fact when I rank the teams I WOULD NOT like to win the league, it would look something like this:
- Sp*rs: A turd should never be a champion of anything.
- Chelsea: The original financial dopers who think a few cheating years suddenly makes them the best team in London. It doesn’t.
- Manchester United: Because Fergie himself had the refs in his back pocket. And who could forget the REAL rivalry between Arsenal and United.
- Liverpool: To be honest, Liverpool and United could be switched round. A lot of Liverpool fans just annoy me.
- Aston Villa: Because I’m a Brummie and I couldn’t deal with a Villa league win from certain people I know.
- Manchester City: Because they’re cheats.
So as you can see, I’m indifferent to City winning the league when it isn’t at Arsenal’s expense.
Still – you have to admit this should be good for Arsenal if the punishment occurs during this season. Who else would put up a title fight against us? Liverpool? Chelsea? Brighton? Don’t make me sick.
What will be interesting is what will happen to the current City players. There’s a few there that I would welcome to Arsenal:
- Haaland. Because Odegaard would like another buddy in the team. That’s the only reason, honestly.
- Semenyo. I’m still gutted Arsenal didn’t sign him in January. I hear rumblings he’s an Arsenal fan… Let’s bring him home.
- Doku. Another LW I admire if we weren’t able to get Semenyo.
- Cherki. I’m on the fence about this one. He’s a dick, but the sort of dick you’d be proud to call your own.
Everyone else could leave in a single file.
I’m not going to hold my breath just yet though, until all is confirmed. City have a tendency to be slippery little bastards. Knowing City they’re going to want to drag this on for longer.So until the punishment isn’t confirmed, I’m going to have to just stay grounded.
I’m just glad they’re finally guilty of being cheats.
