1989 - the Summer of Misery

Can nostalgia be bad memories as well as good? As the Australians visit for this year’s Ashes and easily won the first Test I think back to the 1989 series. Then the visiting team were not given little chance and ended up trouncing the hosts 4-0. English cricket is not nearly as bad as the 1980s so the comparison is limited but this series is worth recalling for all the wrong reasons.

English cricket was in an awful state in the 1980s and into the 1990s. A national joke really. They came into 1989 with three series wins in six years, twice against a weak and equally disorganised Australia. The previous summer was infamously named the ‘Summer of 4 captains’ as Gatting, Emburey, Cowdrey and Gooch all chipped in. While there were clear talents in Gower, Gooch, Gatting and Lamb, these players were in the team on reputation primarily rather than current form. All were able to score centuries on their day but never quite consistent enough. Ian Botham had been in and out since 1985 with occasional brilliance but not remotely the force of the early 1980s.

There were no clear strike bowlers in the team, players like Dilley, Foster, De Freitas, had not been able to establish themselves. England had emerging players like Robin Smith but would be forced to include several untried players in the series with disastrous results. Despite the underachieving of these established players the home side were seen as clear favourites for the Ashes, mostly because of the two previous Ashes series.

The warning signs appeared in the last one-day international as Australia overcame a challenging target. The large total that Australia amassed at the first Headingly Test was intimidating and England responded well thanks to Lamb. But it quickly became apparent that there was a gulf in performance levels. The frailty of the previous years emerged again. England’s stars were unable to resist the Australian will to win that vastly exceeded England’s.

Similar to England, he Australians were able to also mix emerging talent with experience. These emerging players made the difference in the series. Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh were the two outstanding batsman despite neither scoring a Test century before the series. Experienced players: Allan Border, Dean Jones, David Boon, would all perform consistently in contrast to their English counterparts.

The contrast in team selection was astonishing: Australia used 12 players, England used 29. England tried to bring back established names: Tim Robinson, Chris Tavare, Kim Barnett, with little success. They brought in young players who were crucified by the Australian bowlers whose confidence was sky high. Many players never played Test cricket again after this series. Alongside such disarray in team selection on the field tactics were severely lacking. David Gower’s charming and laidback approach became very out-dated compared to Border’s ruthless desire to crush England. The selectors thinking had been to re-create the 1985 success but the England team were far worse than 1985 and the Australians critically far better and far more motivated. Ted Dexter, chairman of the selectors, had initially wanted Gatting brought back as captain, but the decision was vetoed. 

The player of the series Terry Alderman tormented English batsman. As a bowler more suited to English conditions, he rarely achieved as much success in other series. His dominance of Gooch forced the English opener to step down from the team for the last Test.

The series was certainly a watershed for both sides. For England a focus on youth followed with a more successful series in the next winter. Many players from the 1980s would not play again. The rebel tour to South Africa announced during the series forced retirement on several. Gatting, although leading the tour, would continue for many further years. Botham and Gower also continued in the team for another three years with the odd flash of brilliance but were marginal to any success.  Gooch actually had a superb post-1989 career including a triple century in 1990 against India. Debutants Mike Atherton, Devon Malcolm and Angus Fraser were all blooded in 1989 and were regular players in the 1990s.

The Ashes became a one-sided competition until 2005. Steve Waugh, Mark Taylor, Ian Healey and Merv Hughes became dominant players. England stumbled into the 1990s and sixteen years of inferiority to our Australian cousins.    

Red Dawn

Red Dawn

So there is life post Wenger after all. The slick and smooth transition from Arsene Wenger to Unai Emery was completed this week and the majority of Arsenal fans have a renewed optimism. Having previously been derided for ineptitude and dithering, the board have enabled a new era at Arsenal. The announcement of Emery was seen as a random scatter gun appointment by some pundits, but perhaps they didn’t see what recruitment process happened behind the scenes. The frontrunner Arteta appeared on the verge of being  announced until Emery emerged on Monday evening. The Spanish PSG manager had met with the hierarchy on several occasions and was being tracked for a long time according to Ivan Gazidis so the initial perceptions of a spontaneous decision have faded.

Expectations

So Arsenal fans have optimism, but of course results will damper or fire this. Wenger has left Arsenal in a mediocre position, finishing 5^th and 6^th, so expectations are measured. Emery has made strong statements so far that he will maintain Wenger’s attacking style: “I’d prefer to win 5-4 than 1-0.” There is a realism giving the financial clout of Manchester clubs but as Klopp at Liverpool has shown, good coaching can overcome financial disadvantages.

Personnel

This is the biggest question facing the club. The biggest criticism of Wenger’s regime was how certain players appeared to either lack effort or have regressed. How Emery will motivate Mesut Ozil is the going to be fascinating and also critical to his success. Ozil is still the team’s outstanding talent but the player himself and manager need to work out what is wrong with him and why he has drifted so much lately. Other main players like Ramsey, Aubamayang and Lacazette did appear motivated under Wenger so can achieve a lot under the right coaching and leadership. The future of Jack Wilshere is unclear. Having been snubbed by England for the World Cup, he will need a vote of confidence to stay and is likely to be considering his options at other clubs.

Defence

The second most important issue facing Emery. There is an argument for wholesale rebuilding of the defence. But with different coaching, the defence might improve with players being sold. Wenger’s ability as a defensive coach was a major weakness and Steve Bould seemed to have little impact in his time as his assistant. The two Spanish full backs Bellerin and Monreal might respond to a fellow countryman better. With Koselney injured for at least six months, it is likely that a new player will be signed. It is also how the team plays defensively that’s important. The exposure to counter attacks under Wenger was a team issue not just the defence. The team has been crying out for a solid defence midfielder and whether Emery sticks with Xhaka will be interesting.

The Board

The directors and primarily Stan Kroenke have been the target of Arsenal fans complaints over the last few seasons. Wenger as the front man took a lot of the blame for their failings. Emery won’t be able to act in this fall guy role so the board are more exposed in their decision-making. Gazidis has needed to step up and having pushed for a restructure, needs to deliver. Gazidis was clear in his reasoning for choosing Emery but he needs to back him with money for transfers and keep the expectations high- perpetual 6^th place finishes isn’t going to cut it.

Semi life

After hundreds of millions spent on players, Manchester City can finally say they are in the European elite. Reaching the Champions League semi finals shouldn’t be undervalued. They were the only leading English club not to get to that stage. The club had been presenting themselves to break into the elite since the UAE takeover in 2009.

What happens next may tell us more about this status. Are they here to stay? PSG were disappointing and City didn’t have to do much to achieve a 2-2 draw in France. In earlier rounds they played.

But the likelihood is that they will play either Madrid teams, Barcelona or Bayern in the semi finals. Three of these teams have comfortably beaten City since 2010. Most commentators would expect a similar outcome. However with the semi final atmosphere and a new talisman in Kevin De Bruyne, there could be a closer outcome this year. City have beaten Bayern home and away in recent years, so perhaps this might be the best option.

Elsewhere Real Madrid overturned a two goal deficit and reached their sixth successive semi final. This is a great record of consistency driven by Ronaldo’s goals, although only once have they reached the final. The quest for undecima might not quite have the same obsession as the decimal, but given their lack of La Liga success, this is Real’s best trophy opportunity. With a new manager Zidane looking to repeat the 2002 win, they may be favourites.

The other major story from the quarters was the dumping of Barcelona by Athletico Madrid. This was a repeat of the 2014 quarter defeat, the only other time since 2007 (!) that Barcelona hadn’t reached the Champions League semi final. No team has ever retained the Champions League. The last team to do so was AC Milan in 1990, under the previous format. Having looked set for another treble, Barcelona have now lost 3 crucial games in 4 and their league position has become less certain.   

The draw today presents City with a tough game. Real Madrid are now coming into form having had a very mixed season.

The final battle

This year’s Masters marks twenty years since one of the most dramatic final round collapses in a Major. Greg Norman’s losing of a six shot lead to Nick Faldo was the most painful of sporting occasions. At several previous Masters Norman had been in prime position to claim the Green Jacket only to be eclipsed, but this was by far the most self-inflicted defeat. His closing 78 turned a six shot lead into a five stroke loss, a staggering reversal of fortune.

Neither man would win another Major. Norman would come close on a few occasions. Faldo entered a decline. The 1996 Masters was an end of an era for both men and for their rivalry. Although the commiserating hug from Faldo was for the beaten man, it could have been a farewell from golfing gladiators.

Since the 1990 Open, when Faldo also blew Norman away, the two had competed for top ranking and tournaments, notably the 1993 Open won by Norman in style. The two contrasting styles made for great rivalry newspaper copy. Faldo – the grinder, who rarely played a loose shot and relentlessly and flawlessly amassed pars and birdies. Norman – the cavalier, with aggressive driving, attacking shots and the capability to launch storming final rounds. Faldo was the dedicated loner pro before most pros turned into this character. Norman was the powerful driver before club technology allowed all pros to drive like this.

There is nothing to say that the rivalry was personal, but in golfing terms, it was fierce. As the rivalry concluded twenty years ago, Faldo recalls his feeling then: 'The only time I felt sorry for someone I'd beaten'

1996 saw Faldo’s last Major and he would never be close again, missing the next three cuts. The crowning of Tiger Woods the following year by Faldo was a real passing of the baton moment. The player of the 1990s handing over to the player of the 2000s.

It was also an end of an era for European success. Apart from Jose Maria Olazabal in 1999, Europeans have failed to win the Masters since, and haven’t been close. Prior to 1996, Europe’s Big Five all dominated Masters tournaments. Faldo’s win was the seventh in nine Masters. 

1996 was a great tournament, but also a sad one. Personal pain over losing was matched by the end of a great period for golf.

An unhappy hunting ground

In Arsene’s Wenger’s 18 years at Arsenal, he has only won 4 times at Old Trafford. Facing United in their golden years means wins were bound to be scarce, but the results don’t reveal the fear factor or complex that Arsenal have had there. Two of Wenger’s heaviest defeats 6-1 in 2001 and 8-2 infamously in 2011, grate alongside a string of anaemic performances. Two of the wins in 1998 and 2002 were the finest results of Wenger’s career, but seem a long time ago now. The last win in 2006 was a from late goal from Adebayor and at the start of the season, when United teams often made sluggish starts. 

Last season was a great opportunity for Arsenal to strike a blow in the post Ferguson era, but a disappointing display against an average United was another frustrating trip for Arsenal fans.

So now an FA Cup sixth round match beckons. Both teams have been playing well, but still face many questions. Arsenal overturned a hoodoo when winning at Manchester City last month, but were well beaten at Spurs. United have only lost once in 19 games, but have been criticised for their style of play and have had a very easy run of matches. 

One factor is Rooney. He has a great record against Arsenal, scoring 9 goals and since making his name in 2002 with a last minute goal when at Everton, has relished this fixture. There seems no reason why but there’s something about beating the Arsenal.

Obviously winning the cup is the ultimate objective, but I would hesitate to argue that winning this match is more important. There has been a long disappointing run for Gooners against United. Seven successive defeats at Old Trafford and only two wins at the Emirates since 2007 present a very poor record. The post Ferguson era needs a statement from Arsenal, that they will no longer be bullied and fold over weakly.  

SEVE

You develop your own myths about your heroes. They live wholesome personal lives and are free from conflict and dispute behind the scenes. So reading Seve Ballesteros’ autobiography I was surprised to read of conflicts he had with officials, management companies, other players and his family. Of course this was maybe his personality. A fiery Spaniard whose passion to win was one of his strengths. You could never accuse him of being indifferent on the golf course. So while his talent brought him untold success, it wasn’t always happy behind the scenes. 

But first a few personal recollections. I consider myself fortunate to have seen him play a few times. Both times at Wentworth and both times winning. Once in a play off for the PGA championship, then in the World Matchplay. Although he was arguably past his peak at this time, he still produced the magic. His winning approach on the first playoff hole to beat Montgomerie was a classic Seve shot. And his legendary interactions with the crowd: “Please stand still. I know you’re nervous but I am too”. 

They say you should never meet your heroes. But you met Seve whenever he was on the course. Golf is unlike other spectator sports, as the boundaries between fans and players are often broken down. A stray drive into the crowds gives great interaction. You are only metres away from amazing players. This doesn’t happen in stadium based sports where there are clear boundaries. And as Seve strayed off the fairway much more than others, he had constant interaction. 

Was Seve an unfullfiled talent? He won 5 majors, perhaps could of won more. If his mentality had been more of the ruthless iceman like Tiger Woods or Nick Faldo then maybe. In terms of raw talent and creativity, I don’t think there has been a better player in the last 30 years. His temperament was fiery and this, when harnessed like in the Ryder cups, made him great. But in his book he talks about how the death of his father in 1986 and latterly the transition to fatherhood and married life, both took their toll on his overall performance.

He was always quite inconsistent even in his pomp. The 1979 Open was won by a great recovery from the 16th hole car park. He nearly blew a 10 shot lead and fluffed a last hole chip in his two Masters wins. Famously in the 1987 Ryder Cup he misjudged a last hole putt leaving Olazabal with a tricky return to win. But blessed with possibly the best short game in history, he could always recover from poor shots.  

The light that burns twice as bright, burns half as long. Seve died at the far too young age of 53. The miracle of Medinah at the 2012 Ryder Cup was the final chapter for the ultimate sporting hero.

Champions League Brexit

Another round of Champions League matches and another set of disappointing results for the English Premier League clubs. Between them, they have 5 wins from 16 matches this season. The results for Arsenal, throwing away a three goal lead, and Manchester City, folding to a home loss and down to nine men, were most alarming. On current form, only Chelsea, who top their group, look likely to proceed to the latter stages. 

This pattern has been similar over the last few seasons. Since Chelsea won the 2012 trophy, they have been the only one English side to reach the semi finals. In 2013 no team made beyond round 16. In the years 2005 to 2012, English clubs were in the final 7 seasons out of 8. This may be a temporary blip, but there is a sense that despite their wealth, English clubs have fallen a way behind the Spanish giants, Bayern and even Italian clubs like Juventus. 

Manchester City have retained a perverse Cityitis in Europe, where they conspire to make a hash of matches, seem lacklustre and strangely disinterested. The argument goes that they are just adjusting to continental style, but their team is made up of the cosmopolitan Euro elite. The mindset most likely is that European glory still seems like a luxury to enjoy, rather than a burning ambition. When the other Manchester club returned to the Champions League in 1993, they sought to rekindle the glory days of the 1950s and 1960s, particularly the 1968 triumph. Reviving this legacy eventually led them to winning in their sixth season back. City doesn’t have a historic European Cup legacy to draw on and they may well improve by their sixth season, but the club hasn’t invested enough. The Champions League for many players, managers and clubs elsewhere is an obsession, but City don’t seem remotely obsessed. 

For Arsenal and Arsene Wenger, it has been an obsession. Such that, he neglected the club’s domestic cup aspirations for many years. The closest he came, was most likely in 2004, when the Invincible team, seemed Invincible in Europe as well. The 5-1 win in the San Siro in November 2003, was probably Arsenal’s best ever European performance. But with matches building up, it was one trophy too much and they lost in the quarter finals to Chelsea. Arsenal did reach the 2006 final and could have won, but a self inflicted defeat, set the template for the second half of Wenger’s Arsenal career. Since the break up of the 2006 team, Arsenal have only in patched made any impact in Europe. The 2009 season ended in a semi final defeat and a fairly comprehensive one.

Chelsea look most comfortable and undefeated. The experience of their squad should take them to at least the semi finals. Mourinho has won two European cups, both in his second seasons, as he is now at Chelsea. John Terry has played in 2 finals and played in 7 semi finals. They may be slowly progressing through their group, but will most likely be one of the favourites once the quarter finals arrive. 

Liverpool will feel the most underwhelmed by their current campaign. Mostly due to expectations. When they had their previous Champions League run from 2002 to 2009, they had some incredible wins including Istanbul 2005. The squad at that time was not much better than it is now, but Rafael Benitez showed a great European knowledge. With only one win out of four, albeit two matches against Real, this has been a flat campaign. Poor domestic form has been carried into Europe. Perhaps if Suarez was still there, it could be different, but with a manager without European pedigree and a low confidence squad, the results have been poor.