Two weeks ago Santi Cazorla did something that he probably will regret: he dived to win a penalty. In this country, whenever a foreign player dives to win a penalty they’re cheating the game, they’re destroying English football, but when an English player goes over with no contact, he has obviously been knocked off balance when running at speed. This is not my topic of debate. I’m not going to rant and rave over how badly Arsenal players have been treated when taking the plunge. I am simply going to say that I loved Santi’s dive! I think more Arsenal players should go over more often. Before you get up at arms, let me explain..
Arsenal are a team that when playing well, are loved by all. Their passing and movement is most commonly praised by fans across the world and the team is one that all teams should aspire to be like. But this isn’t the real reason everybody loves Arsenal. Funnily enough, Paul Merson once said it best: “everybody loves Arsenal, because Arsenal don’t win nothing”, his choice of words not mine!
However, it’s a very interesting point. Everyone but Manchester United fans hate Manchester United. Why? They win trophies. Man United win titles because they win at all costs, whatever the situation. They do this, because they are winners. Do you think Ashley Young cares about the flack he gets for diving, if at the end of the day, he has a winner’s medal? No. If you had the choice between a trophy at the end of the season, what would you do? Every football fan agrees that winning a trophy is special for any club.
With that in mind, would you forgive your players for diving if it was your club?
Some of the best players in Arsenal’s history have dived to win games. Do you think Arsenal’s 49 match unbeaten run would have lasted without the antics of Robert Pires? France got to the last World Cup, because Henry did what was needed to win games. I will never condemn an Arsenal player for diving, if it means winning a game of football (right now it is needed). I will condemn a player if they’re not doing all they can for the good of the team and winning games. Agree with that logic? Get involved and comment!
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