The Transformation Of Captain Billy
Nov 25th, 2007 by 'holic
I don’t know who William Gallas gets to style his hair these days, but quite clearly the mohican look is solely responsible for his transformation in recent weeks. I can think of no other explanation for the fact that the bloke who used to play for Chelsea, and talks out of turn a lot, metamorphosed into Captain Billy, inspirational leader and scorer of important goals for the championship contenders.
Another thanks is due. Step forward Emile Heskey, perpetrator of the ‘challenge’ that resulted in Niklas Bendtner substituting for the stretchered-off Theo Walcott. To be fair to the hapless Heskey it wasn’t the worse challenge of the day (was it Mr Bent?), but it was the most significant.
Bendtner featured in the move that started with, and was finished by, the rampaging Gallas as the defensive fortress built by the visitors finally crumbled. Holic’s pound was multiplied nicely when Bendtner fed Tomas Rosicky who finished via the post.
Arsene Wenger was polite to the visitors and once again pleased with his team’s ability to strike late, “Their defence was absolutely amazing… We kept our patience and once again we found the resources in the final 15 minutes.”
Given the changes he was forced into he must have been pleased with the contribution of Lassana Diarra, who has surely earned another start in this weeks Champions League tie in Spain.
Arsene Wenger may take a less than full strength side into Europe this week. If his fashionably-coiffured skipper makes the trip his first stop will surely be…wait for it…
The barber of Seville.
(I’ll get me coat!)
12 Responses to “The Transformation Of Captain Billy”
the biggest difference this year is that the team has changed psychologically and Galla sis a classic example of that. wenger has been working his psychological magic and im amazed the journos havent picked that up
‘holic, here’s one impersonator already.
Its great psychology from Wenger, Gallas without the armband would have been grumpy and disruptive, as captain he’s allowed to be grumpy and have a go at the youngsters but obciously it does them good and makes him lead by example.
And we were all slating the choice of captain, Arsene Knows……
Gallas is amazing. His spirit & leadership influence all the team member. bravo Gallas, another amazing job.
We all agree that Wenger is a master of finding and developing talent. Where his weakness is in game tactics (today, Pool and Manure included). This weakness will cause us problems again in the Champions League and, as the ANC starts and injuries mount, Wenger will be forced to make significant changes (like today at Wigan). He can’t continue to just hope that the players will pull through (like Gallas today) instead of giving them the right formation and players (the way Houllier did at Pool and Lyon) on the field that is best fit to win. Thoughts?
It’s tricky to criticize Arsene because he gets so much right, but there are players making fantastic runs into the box: Clichy, Walcott, Diarra, but nothing comes of it; players aren’t in position to give them an outlet. I’d like to see Arsene get that sorted.
Nice work with the barber of Seville joke.
On the subject of psychology, what must it do for the confidence of the Arsenal squad knowing that Arsene has 78 million transfer kitty, yet, he says, he is happy with his current group of players.
Yesterday’s results, once again have proved the so called experts and football pundits wrong, all the talk over the last month about which of top teams have most strenght and depth to mount a serious title challenge, Arsenal won without their first choise midfield trio and no RVP, yet Manure were only without rooney and ronaldo and lost!! lol
yo smiley, well said!
ManU was the biggest joke yesterday. Without Rooney and Ronaldo, they are a nothing team. Arsenal has a fighting team spirit and determination not seen for a long time.
Go Gunners!
ALL THE GOONERS WERE WONDERING IF ANY MAN URE FANS OUT THERE COULD TELL US IF LICKING OPEN LOSING WOUNDS TASTED LIKE LICKING YOUR OWN BALLS????????????????
The Wigan defence played well for 80 minutes, and we looked to lack the creative spark in mid field, though Denilson and Diarra were ok. Diarra is a tough tackler and wins back a lot of balls, but his passing range isnt impressive. However, given that they dont start regularly, it was a decent performance.
Gallas’ transformation is awesome for the gunners. His yellow wasnt warranted, I thought Heskey was the instigator. Gallas is the captain and has every right to get involved in a discussion with the ref. Why doesnt someone shove Terry when he tries that?
I should always check the Holic’s site before I write, I have just written an article on captain Billy myself!