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.