An Interview with the Arsenal Manager-a young fan's story

[Mambaman]

Jake's earnest young features were frozen in concentration as he studied 2 newspaper cuttings intently: they had corresponding dates but were from different years and told two very different stories:

AMPONSAH WHO?The Independent Sunday August 20th 2006

By Sam Wallace (Football Correspondent)

Arsenal 2

West Ham 0

A barnstorming start to their new season this may be but the sell-out crowd in the newly open and magnificent Emirates Stadium will have to suspend disbelief for a while yet to see how their unknown new manager, Ben Amponsah, will fare amongst the Premiership big guns......

Rossi Wonder Strike Required to Break Buffon Resistance The Independent Sunday 17th August 2008

By Glenn Moore at Old Trafford

Manchester United 1

Arsenal 0

It required a goal of the highest calibre by wonder-kid Guiseppe Rossi to overcome the resistance of Arsenal and more specifically his countryman Gigi Buffon-the latest and perhaps most important acquisition for Ben Amponsah's assault on the Premiership and European Trophies. Two years ago we all wondered where this passionate and most intelligent of Managers had come from. Now, after steering his side to within a whisker of the Champions League trophy and holding onto 2nd place in the league for most of the season, we wonder no more: Ben Amponsah has arrived and though it may seem strange to be lauding him after a defeat to his Arch rivals from Manchester, you only need to have seen the performance of arguably the best goalkeeper in the world to see the huge significance of this purchase.....

The hot sunlight of an arid August afternoon was streaming into his bedroomn and as Jake lay full length on his bed he turned onto his back to access the shade and reading this he let his thoughts wander. He remembered his Dad waking him up a couple of months previously telling him to turn on Arsenal TV-quickly quickly! He remembered hearing that there was a new master for his beloved club and that there was a significant threat that the new Chairman, Arsenal fan, Dan Saunders was considering replacing Ben Amponsah, who's return so far to Arsenal's trophy cabinet was-well-um precisely zero.

It hadn't happened. The fan protest (initiated and organised by none other than one Jake Patterson-17 and true young Gunner) was so passionate and virulent that Saunders had had to do a rapid volte-face-Amponsah was to stay...for the moment. Jake had remembered crying with his Dad when he heard the news. Tears of relief that turned to tears of joy when he learnt that the Board had given Amponsah £38m for new signings. And with them he captured the final piece in the jigsaw: a goalkeeper that could, by his presence, make the difference between a third and a first place finish in the League and the difference between the runners up and the winners medal in the Cups.

Sneijder and Buffon were in: they would shake things up, Jake thought as he adjusted his glasses and munched on an apple. He got teased for being bookish but despite his rather pretty scholarly appearance there was a deep seated inner conviction about the boy. His most steadfast-and one he had thought for some time was that the Arsenal Manager was a genius...his ambition: to secure a private one on one interview with him.....

[Mambaman]

Jake's earnest young features were frozen in concentration as he studied 2 newspaper cuttings intently: they had corresponding dates but were from different years and told two very different stories:

AMPONSAH WHO?The Independent Sunday August 20th 2006

By Sam Wallace (Football Correspondent)

Arsenal 2

West Ham 0

A barnstorming start to their new season this may be but the sell-out crowd in the newly open and magnificent Emirates Stadium will have to suspend disbelief for a while yet to see how their unknown new manager, Ben Amponsah, will fare amongst the Premiership big guns......

Rossi Wonder Strike Required to Break Buffon Resistance The Independent Sunday 17th August 2008

By Glenn Moore at Old Trafford

Manchester United 1

Arsenal 0

It required a goal of the highest calibre by wonder-kid Guiseppe Rossi to overcome the resistance of Arsenal and more specifically his countryman Gigi Buffon-the latest and perhaps most important acquisition for Ben Amponsah's assault on the Premiership and European Trophies. Two years ago we all wondered where this passionate and most intelligent of Managers had come from. Now, after steering his side to within a whisker of the Champions League trophy and holding onto 2nd place in the league for most of the season, we wonder no more: Ben Amponsah has arrived and though it may seem strange to be lauding him after a defeat to his Arch rivals from Manchester, you only need to have seen the performance of arguably the best goalkeeper in the world to see the huge significance of this purchase.....

The hot sunlight of an arid August afternoon was streaming into his bedroomn and as Jake lay full length on his bed he turned onto his back to access the shade and reading this he let his thoughts wander. He remembered his Dad waking him up a couple of months previously telling him to turn on Arsenal TV-quickly quickly! He remembered hearing that there was a new master for his beloved club and that there was a significant threat that the new Chairman, Arsenal fan, Dan Saunders was considering replacing Ben Amponsah, who's return so far to Arsenal's trophy cabinet was-well-um precisely zero.

It hadn't happened. The fan protest (initiated and organised by none other than one Jake Patterson-17 and true young Gunner) was so passionate and virulent that Saunders had had to do a rapid volte-face-Amponsah was to stay...for the moment. Jake had remembered crying with his Dad when he heard the news. Tears of relief that turned to tears of joy when he learnt that the Board had given Amponsah £38m for new signings. And with them he captured the final piece in the jigsaw: a goalkeeper that could, by his presence, make the difference between a third and a first place finish in the League and the difference between the runners up and the winners medal in the Cups.

Sneijder and Buffon were in: they would shake things up, Jake thought as he adjusted his glasses and munched on an apple. He got teased for being bookish but despite his rather pretty scholarly appearance there was a deep seated inner conviction about the boy. His most steadfast-and one he had thought for some time was that the Arsenal Manager was a genius...his ambition: to secure a private one on one interview with him.....

[Mambaman]

Walking the dogs was a pastime made much more bearable when Jake could pore over and study the Arsenal Programme notes and Team sheets. It meant he sometimes walked into people and things and it had got him into trouble on at least one ocassion but Jake, rightly, figured his pretty-boy looks and glasses would avert all but the most thuggish of elements.

It was an impressive squad and one that would get stronger as the season progressed: there was now top class cover in all positions and some very impressive youngsters coming through. No doubt about it Jake mused, as he meandered after his leaping Alsation, Ben Amponsah was indeed a genius....

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> 15th in English Premier Division

| Pkd | Inf | Name | Position | Morale | Form | Con | Apps | Gls | Av Rat |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| GK | | Gianluigi Buffon | GK | Very Good | 6-7-7-7-7 | 93% | 2 | - | 7.00 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| DR | Wnt | Justin Hoyte | D RL | Good | 7-7-7-8-7 | 89% | 2 | - | 7.50 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| DL | Wnt | William Gallas | D LC | Good | 7-8-8-8-7 | 90% | 2 | - | 7.50 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| DC | Wnt | Kolo Touré | D RC | Good | 7-5-8-8-7 | 92% | 2 | - | 7.50 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| DC | | Micah Richards | D RC, DM | Very Good | 7-5-7-8-7 | 92% | 2 | - | 7.50 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| MR | | Aliaksandr Hleb | AM RC | Good | 7-7-9-10-7 | 87% | 2 | 2 | 8.50 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| ML | | Wesley Sneijder | AM RLC | Okay | 7-7-7-8-7 | 86% | 2 | - | 7.50 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| MC | | Tomás Rosický | AM LC | Good | 7-7-8-9-7 | 84% | 2 | - | 8.00 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| MC | | Gilberto Silva | DM | Good | 7-8-7-7-7 | 88% | 1 (1) | - | 7.00 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| FC | | Sanli Tuncay | AM LC, F C | Okay | 8-7-6-9-7 | 78% | 2 | 2 | 8.00 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| FC | | Robin van Persie | AM L, F C | Okay | 7-8-7-7-6 | 90% | 1 | - | 6.00 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| S1 | | Maarten Stekelenburg | GK | Good | 7-7-5-7-6 | 96% | - | - | - |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| S2 | | Philippe Senderos | D C | Good | 7-7-7-7-7 | 100% | - | - | - |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| S3 | Wnt | Vassiriki Diaby | M C | Good | 7-7-7-7-7 | 95% | 0 (1) | - | 7.00 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| S4 | | Shaun Wright-Phillips | AM R | Good | 7-7-7-7-8 | 98% | - | - | - |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| S5 | Wnt | Theo Walcott | AM R, F C | Okay | 7-7-7-9-6 | 99% | 1 (1) | 1 | 7.50 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| - | | Thierry Henry | ST | Good | 8-7-8-7-7 | 83% | - | - | - |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| - | Bid | Emmanuel Adebayor | ST | Poor | 6-6-7-7-7 | 98% | - | - | - |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| - | | Denílson | DM | Good | 7-7-7-9-6 | 95% | - | - | - |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| - | Int | Gaël Clichy | D/WB L | Very Good | 7-7-7-8-6 | 97% | - | - | - |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| - | Loa | Nicklas Bendtner | ST | Very Good | 6-7-8-7-7 | 98% | 0 (1) | - | 7.00 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| - | | Lauren | D/WB R | Good | 7-7-7-7-7 | 99% | - | - | - |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| - | Inj | Francesc Fàbregas | M C | Good | 7-6-7-7-6 | 76% | - | - | - |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| - | Wnt | Armand Traoré | D/WB L | Good | 8-8 | 97% | 1 | - | 8.00 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| | | | | | | | | | |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

[Guest]

an interesting start to the story, mambaman; keep it up!

[Mambaman]

cheers fella-watch out for the next installment posted tonight or tomorrow

[Mambaman]

‘Calm down Jake!’ Jake’s Dad was trying his hardest to soothe the frayed nerves of his excitable young son whilst Jake, for his part, waved the newspaper article around, gesticulating wildly in his rage.

‘Lawton doesn’t know the meaning of even-handed-that Man U supporting piece of ****! He can NEVER see the good side in Arsenal-always the worst. I mean look at this Dad-look at it!’ He wafted the headline in front of his Dad and continued his rant:

ARSENAL STROLL TEMPERED BY LOSS OF BUFFON The Independent Thursday 21st August 2008

By James Lawton, Chief Sports Writer in Salzburg

Salzburg 1

Arsenal 3

Arsenal treated this game like a playground stroll but were jolted by the news that the 14th minute injury to Gigi Buffon will keep him out for a month……

‘I mean I ask you Dad-we treated it like a playground stroll did we?’ The hot flush that Jake’s anger had brought to his cheeks made him look like a little comical and it was as much as Matthew Patterson could do not to burst out laughing. Past experience told him that this would result in a Vesuvius-like eruption from Jake that he really would not be able to control. Still at least he could pretend to study the road and keep his eye on the driving: he had learnt to shunt Jake and his little tantrums into the background.

".....it’s as well for Ben Amponsah that the Dutch International goalkeeper, Maarten Stekelenburg, was on top of his game pulling off a string of fine saves to remind his manager just why he invested so much faith in him at such a relatively young age for a goalkeeper...."

‘f*****ing ridiculous!’

‘Jake! Don’t swear like that or I’ll turn around and we’ll head straight back down the M6!’

‘Sorry Dad.’ Jake deflated like a burst balloon and fixed his gaze on the motorway. They were headed to the Reebok to see Arsenal vs Bolton on a cloudy but dry August day. The weather was somewhat fresher today than it had been of late-the whiff of Autumn in the air.

‘I mean who wouldn’t buy Buffon given the chance…’

[chesterfan2]

Nice start. Keep it up , cos it makes for a good read.

[Mambaman]

thanks Chester-hopefully post some more tonight-your feedback is most encouraging-can be a lonely business writing these stories

[Mambaman]

Authors Note: I am effectively writing this story as I go along and its from my FM07 game (with latest patch). Had a bit of an up and down 1st season and ended 2nd-a long way behind a rampant Chelsea but hoping that my recent signings will swing title in my direction this time around.

Hope you enjoy all-the angle that I am taking with this story is a different one (unlike my last 'Steel City Messiah', which was very much in the mould of flipsix's 'Leaving the Past Behind'-my inspiration). Hope you all enjoy and send me any feedback you want-I always appreciate it

[Mambaman]

Jake was a boy in a hurry. He’d spent all of Friday at College in a state of high distraction or, more like what his friend Gemma called, ‘that Ben Amponsah dream mode state!’ The fact was that his idol, the Arsenal Manager, was being interviewed by Garth Crooks on Football Focus that Saturday, the 20th of September: a date that was now etched indelibly in Jake’s young mind.

‘You’re not sweet on him are ya?’ Gemma had asked in that annoying way that girls sometimes did. Jake wasn’t annoyed though-he wasn’t listening: the reports into how Arsenal were likely to hammer a Newcastle that had started the season in a typically shaky manner, were far more interesting than his irritating friend.

‘Cos you don’t show any interest in girls do you?’

Jake smiled as he read the article:

AMPONSAH WARNS BUOYANT ARSENAL AGAINST COMPLACENCY The Independent Friday 19th September 2008

Brian Viner writes:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Ben Amponsah has warned his side against complacency in their upcoming home fixture against a struggling Newcastle. Amponsah has stressed that Newcastle are a team that could cause Arsenal problems but that his team should beat them if they play to their best: surely an understatement given that the Gunners have now notched up 9 goals in just 4 games at the Emirates and, the freak defeat against CSKA aside, have looked utterly dominant in their newly expanded 75,000 seat stadium…… </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

‘You’re not listening to me at all are you?’ Gemma moaned.

‘what? Oh sorry Gem-listen I’m going home-have to prep for tomorrow’s interview and all that’ And with that Jake beat a hasty retreat.

'PREPARE!! Prepare? What for? He's a bloke Jake-just a bloke!.....' She wailed at his rapidly disappearing back.

Friday night passed agonisingly slowly in a way that only seemed to afflict Jake and some of his friends: his Dad was never bored….He tried to pass the time in guessing what Garth Crooks would ask: Can Arsenal win this season after 2 seasons of no silverware at all? Is Henry still up to it? How is Buffon settling in and is Sneijder over-rated? What about the talented youngsters like Traore, Denilson and Walcott-would they get an extended run in the 1st Team this season? What’s the relationship with the new Chairman and Board like now? So many questions but would Garth ask the right ones?

Sleep was hard to come by that night as Jake’s active imagination went into overtime-tossing and turning was an occupational hazard whenever Ben Amponsah was in close proximity and boy did Jake feel close…..

[Mambaman]

It was a pleasant September lunchtime as Jake sat glued to the box in his bedroom: first the melodious strains of Football Focus and then the presenter Maniche with the talking Heads, Lawrenson and Shearer (God he was sooooo boring!)

‘Good afternoon all and welcome to Football Focus. We have with us today Mark Lawrenson and with him Alan Shearer. Over the next few weeks we’ll be looking at who are the most likely challengers for the Premiership title this season as well as which side is most likely for the drop. And who better to start with than the Team that is widely tipped to lift the Championship, Garth Crooks is with Ben Amponsah, the Arsenal Manager. Garth....'

Jake was now sat hunched forward inches from the TV. His Dad, who was about to watch the same programme from the comfort of the living room, stuck his head through the door and shouted 'Jake! Don't sit so close to the TV! How many times?' He might as well have been talking to a mute....

'Thanks Maniche. Ben, what a pleasure it is to be here in the newly expanded Emirates Stadium-what's your view of this magnificent arena?'

Jake groaned 'Oh Garth what a facile question!'

'It's an amazing place to call your home Garth for sure-a truly wonderful theatre and stage for my team to showcase their skills.'

'And you've got a pretty good record here so far this season-you beat Salzburg 5-0 in the Champion's League Qualifier then Fulham 2-0, Villa 2-1 but what happened in your first Champions League game?'

Ben Amponsah shifted uncomfortably in his chair and looked away as if contemplating some painful memory. 'Yes that was an anomaly that game. Look at the stats Garth-it was a game that we dominated but we had a young goalkeeper in Kasper Schmeichel and the team just never really got going. Fact is we had 14 shots on their goal with 6 on target-it's no conicidence that their Central Defender got man of the match with the goalie not far behind. The whole situation wasn't helped, of course, by Thierry missing a penalty in the 12th minute and then having to go off injured after only half an hour.'

'Yes let's talk about Henry and injuries: he's already been out for a couple of weeks at the beginning of the season with a twisted knee and now he's dislocated his shoulder and will be out for a month-you're striking options are still severely limited without him wouldn't you say?'

'You're such a tit Crooks!' Jake exclaimed. That was one question he'd kind of predicted though...

Ben Amponsah smiled humourlessly, 'Garth, no man a whole team makes-you know that and whilst I would concede that Thierry brings much to the Team in terms of not only his goals but also his link up play, it is also true that there are others who can fill that slot.'

'Like Walcott? He is widely seen as a direct like-for-like replacement for Henry-'

'Theo is very young but he does have many of Thierry's attributes-there is also Sanli Tuncay and Robin Van Persie of course, both of whom are interchangeable and can play on the left wing too'

'Of course-Tuncay especially looks like he could score alot of goals this season-he's scored 5 already. The papers say that you had been tracking him since before you were appointed Arsenal Manager?'

'Yes that's true-I am a great friend of Arsene's and we still keep in touch: I did have an inkling I was going to be asked to take over but Arsene was the person who tipped me off about Sanli so he deserves the credit for that one-not me.'

'You have an impressive squad Ben, who are likely to be the stars this season?'

'They can all do well Garth but I am expecting great things from Gigi Buffon, of course-also young Wes Sneijder, Tomas and Aliaksandr Hleb, both of whom I have asked for more goals from this season. Add to that the promise of Micah Richards, Armand Traore, Justin Hoyte, Denilson, Niclas Bendtner and Theo of course and you have a pretty solid squad. I am very happy with them.'

'I'll bet you are. And getting to the all-England final of the Champion's League against your arch rivals Chelsea-what was that like?'

Now it was Jake's turn to remember painful memories.

'Getting there was great Garth, losing to Chelsea was as bad as it gets to be honest....'

'It was an epic game though-you must have felt you were in with a chance when Henry scored after only 10 minutes?'

'Yes we did but they do what Chelsea do and came back very strongly to equalise and tnen take the lead. The equaliser was due to a howler from Stekelenburg, of course, but I was hoping that Cesc's goal on the hour mark would enable us to kick on-in the end they were too strong and scored two late goals to take the trophy-disappointing.'

'You've said that losing makes you feel ill-much like your predecessor did but was it worse losing to Mourinho's men?'

'I admire Mourinho's achievements-it's his manner and methods that I question. sometimes a little humility and modesty can be a good thing don't you think Garth?'

And there was that smile again: the type that never reaches your eyes Jake thought.

'And back to your youngsters: young Cesc Fabregas does not seem to be firing on all cylinders again this season and nor did he last season-what's wrong with him?'

Ben Amponsah looked uncomfortable again-he almost looked, Jake thought, as though he was at a loss to explain why the young Spaniard, who had looked truly World Class the season before last (and before that), was now looking distinctly ordinary. At least this was true for both club and country-maybe he had peaked too soon?

'I think Cesc needs games-he will improve-he is still only 21 remember-don't be in such a hurry to write him off.'

'But you seem to prefer playing Rosicky and Richards in the centre-the graft and the craft as they are sometimes called.'

'For the moment Garth.'

'And Buffon? 3 Clean sheets in 5 appearances-only 2 goals conceded so far-is he the key to your season?'

'Well that's certainly what the papers are saying eh?' Amponsah laughed with some humour now. 'It was a 2 year hunt for Gigi-I got my man in the end. The Board was most generous.'

'Yes the new Arsenal Board: you'd been under the cosh for almost the whole of last season with rumours and innuendo and at least one prior takeover attempt-what was that like?'

'I tend to concentrate on the matter at hand but it did become rather distracting by the end. It was something of a shock to be told by the new man after last season ended that my position was being considered. In the end it seems that I have fan power to thank for my reprieve.' And at this point Ben Amponsah looked square at the camera and said 'especially you Jake Patterson....'

Jake couldnt breathe, the voices faded into the background: his hero had namechecked him-had he just heard that? Dizzy? Hot flush, walls crowding in-ground rusing up to meet him.....

'JAKE! JAKE!' It was his father's voice-a cool fanning on his face-strong hands lifting his head. Memories flooding back.

'Dad, did he? I mean-'

'Yes Jake you silly moo-yes he did just check you. Christ you gave me a fright there son!'

Jake wasn't listening-he shut his eyes and smiled a smile as wide as could be and let himself relive the memory again-bliss..............

[Mambaman]

'Remember the day Jake-son-remember the day: Saturday the 20th of September-a day when once again the Toon Army plundered the fortress of the Gooners....'

'F***ing give over Matt!' Jake snapped. He was in no mood to be reminded of last Saturday's debacle at the Emirates and certainly not by his Geordie friend. 'I'm here to watch the Champion's League game not to be hauled over the coals by you' Jake was flushing now, a sign that he was getting annoyed so Matt stopped his heckling. It didn't stop him surreptitiously sliding a newspaper cutting of the latest League placings under Jake's chair as he sat down, though:

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Holders - Chelsea

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Liverpool | | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 5 | +4 | 13 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Tottenham | | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 3 | +5 | 12 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Chelsea | | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 4 | +6 | 11 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Reading | | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 4 | +6 | 11 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Arsenal | | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 3 | +4 | 11 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Aston Villa | | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 3 | +3 | 11 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Portsmouth | | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 7 | +1 | 11 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Blackburn | | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 11 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Bolton | | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 7 | 4 | +3 | 10 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Man Utd | | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 7 | +2 | 10 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Q.P.R. | | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 8 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | Newcastle | | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 7 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Man City | | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 11 | -2 | 7 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | Charlton | | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 6 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Middlesbrough | | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 6 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | | West Brom | | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 9 | -5 | 5 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 17th | | Fulham | | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 10 | -6 | 5 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 18th | | West Ham | | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 11 | -5 | 4 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 19th | | Leeds | | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 11 | -7 | 2 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 20th | | Wigan | | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 11 | -8 | 1 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| | | | | | | | | | | | |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

'Yeah funny haha!' Jake exclaimed but he could taste the bitterness of that Saturday's toothless bore-draw with the Geordies in his mouth. He had arrived at the Emirates with his Dad and some friends of his Dad-all true Gunners in an air of expectation : they fully expected that the Toon Army would be packed off in defeat and failure so it was a rather stunned Stadium that watched Newcastle make all the early running, twice calling on Buffon to pull off agile stops in the first 20 minutes...in the meantime there had not been one Arsenal attempt on goal.

'Who's the home team here!' people around them started to chant. Jake, meanwhile, was intently studying his hero in the dug-out. Thus far Amponsah remained impassive and composed: maybe waiting for his team to wake up?

At last on the 23rd minute Arsenal sprang into life and a sweeping left-flank move that started with Richards in the centre of the midfield ended with a magnificent parry from Tuncay by Harper in the Newcastle goal. The corner, however, sparked a vicious counter attack that Martins gobbled up and was unlucky to be denied a scoring chance by the back-tracking Clichy. It seemed that Newcastle had taken a counter-attacking leaf out of Ben Amponsah's own handbook and were looking the better team by far come the first half. The home fans frustrations were magnified by a Theo Walcott in profligate mood who spurned no fewer than 4 gilt edged chances to score in the first half hour alone.

'Are you Adebayor in disguise!' sang the travelling support. Sadly the only time the ball ended in the net was when Gabbidon headed in from a corner but was aggrieved to have the goal disallowed for a push on Gallas.

As the Arsenal faithful discussed their frustrations at half time all Jake could think of was what would Ben do? He was like Mourinho in 1 regard at least: he was never afraid to make the necessary substitutions when needed.

The Teams filed out and Jake scanned the Arsenal Manager's face: he looked as though he had delivered one of his famnous 'beastings' to the Team and the initial stages of the second half seemed to bear this out as Arsenal attacked with vigour and purpose driven on by Richards and orchestrated by Rosicky (God they were a good pair in midfield, Jake thought: no wonder Fabregas was out of sorts!). The two central midfielders promptings led to immediate efforts by Tuncay from the left and Walcott: one wide and the latter over the bar. Van Persie then shot straight at Harper with the goal at his mercy.

By the 65th minute with the crowd baying for Bendtner to be brought on Jake did find himself wondering at Amponsah's indecisiveness...why didn't he bring the Dane on? Surely Walcott's performance thus far, was crying out to be relieved?

Jake had his answer in the 68th when Walcott charged down a throw in just inside the Newcastle half, ran at speed down the right, drove towards the goal with the Newcastle defense trailing in his wake and cut the ball back to Clichy, arriving at the left side of the 6 yard box. Clichy's shot was wide and across goal back to Walcott, who's snap shot back across the face of goal was whiskers wide....that was why Amponsah was keeping him on. Jake smiled to himself: it was always good to be reminded of why he worshipped that urbane man in the Arsenal dug-out.

It wasn't enough, however, and the game fizzled out-not even the belated arrival of the exciting Bendnter could salvage the win as Newcastle sat behind the ball for the last 10 minutes-disappointing, very disappointing indeed. It would have been even more so had Martins not made more of his break-away in the dying seconds but with the goal at his mercy he had lobbed Buffon well wide. By this time Amponsah was apoplectic: his earlier reserve swept away by Arsenal's complacency. He swept from the dug-out as soon as the final whistle went-face as grim as the clouds now lowering overhead....

[Mambaman]

Jake sat at the breakfast table eyeing the Sunday Mirror askance, tears welling up. The result was bad enough but this......

AMPONSAH WARNED BY SAUNDERS IN BUST UP AT ARSENAL The Sunday Mirror Sunday 28th September 2008

Andy Sharpe Sports Writer, writes

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> War has threatened to break out at the Emirates after the newly installed Arsenal Chairman delivered an unequivocal warning to Gunners Boss, Ben Amponsah, following the shock defeat to West Brom yesterday afternoon. Our sources at the North London club report that Amponsah was summoned to the Chairman's office, the evening after the game, to be told in no uncertain terms that the sort of ineffectual performance that Arsenal had just served up was simply not acceptable. Following close on the draw at Newcastle at home and then a draw away to Werder Bremen a defeat to a club that many predict will only manage a mid-table finish, at best, must have been too much to bear for the combative Chairman. Reports suggest that Amponsah was not best pleased at this challenge to his authority and had to be prevented from angrily tendering his resignation there and then by the Assistant Manager, Pat Rice. This is not the start to the season that either the Arsenal faithful or Ben Amponsah must have had in mind..... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

No it wasn't thought Jake angrily but his anger was not directed at Ben Amponsah-no it was aimed full square at Dan Saunders: how dare he? HOW DARE HE?

[naspa]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Two years ago we all wondered where this passionate and most intelligent of Managers had come from </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

are you for real?

maybe, a bit too modest?

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> The fan protest ...virulent that Saunders had had to do a rapid volte-face-Amponsah was to stay </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

how old are you?

Good idea with the articles!

[Mambaman]

thanks Naspa-never ask a writer his age lol and yes a bit modest but I am trying to get the perspective as if from a devoted young (and slightly obsessive) fan

[Mambaman]

Jake hung his head in shame and disbelief as the chants of the visiting Spurs fans echoed across the cavernous bowl that was the Emirates stadium...how had it come to this? Being beaten by the old enemy and being well-beaten at that.

''You're not fit-to shovel S**t! You're not fit to shovel s**t! 3-1, 3-1, 3-1! came the cry. Jake could only look up at his Dad-the tears welling again. Damn! He wished that he was a bit more manly about these things sometimes. The fact was, though, that Jake always became emotional when his team and his hero were struggling. Jake's Dad put his arms around his son-who wouldn't? He always looked like a little boy lost in times like this: perfect for the cameras though: you could be sure that when Arsenal lost some Cup Final or another, that the cameras would always find Jake, his blonde hair tousled, his pretty face a picture of wounded innocence.

'Come on Son-It'll be ok' Sebastian Patterson said but his efforts lacked conviction: he was obviously hurting too. The fact is that the season so far had been very up and down. The calamitous away loss to West Brom had been duly followed by home victories against Reading and Maccabi Tel-Aviv, the former 2-0 with Micah Richards opening his account for Arsenal from his less-favoured right back position. 2 weeks later the hapless Israeli's were seen off with room and energy to spare, Sanli Tuncay, in particular revelling in his new role as a striker and bagging a brace. Even more encouraging was Cesc Febragas returning to his imperious form of 2 seasons back, spraying highly accurate passed all over the pitch and bossing the midfield: he even scored a stunning 25 yard snap volley to put the icing on the cake. Jake had remembered the cameras catching Ben Amponsah's grin of satisfaction at that moment: a vindication maybe? Others had apparently urged the Arsenal boss to jettison the malfunctioning Febragas long before but Amponsah had kept faith with his star. The apparent difficulty was what to do with Rosicky but this dilemma had been sorted by moving Tuncay to support Van Persie up front and moving Rosicky to the left and giving him a free role. Just like having Robert Pires back in his pomp, Jake had thought happily.

And so it was a bouyant set of fans that arrived at the Emirates anticipating nothing less than a ritual hammering of the old enemy. Jake had remembered reading up on the Spurs line up and an involuntary shudder passing down his spine when he saw the Spurs defence of King, Woodgate (how had Spurs managed to snap him up?), Chimbonda and Finnan. The moment had passed but now Jake was beginning to fear that it had been some kind of premonition.

The Gunners had started slowly, allowing Tottenham too much time on the ball and not closing them down quickly enough: all the early chances went to Spurs with Malbranque and Lennon causing particular problems. And was Gallas just looking a little out of sorts Jake had asked his Dad's mate, Erwin? Sure enough the 1st goal, when it came, was as a result of a defensive howler from the normally dependable Toure: Lennon robbed Clichy on the Arsenal left, fed a long ball to Keane, who's instant cross-field pass to Berbatov should have easily been dealt with by Toure. Instead it came off the witless Ivorian's back into the path of a grateful Berbatov , who was easily able to round the despairing lunge of Gigi Buffon. 1 nil to the Spurs and this was only after 19 minutes....Jake had remembered putting his head in his hands and then looking down towards the Arsenal bench to see the great man doing the same. 'What was he thinking/' Jake had thought-'if only I could get into his head'

It was to get worse, with the midfield struggling to keep the ball and the usually inventive Tuncay dropping ever deeper in search of the ball. Some collective malaise seemed to have gripped both the defense and the crowd: there was an air of panic all over the ground. Berbatov missed a sitter only 3 minutes after the goal. And then on the 31st minute an innoccouos free kick from the Arsenal right somehow managed to get through the massed ranks of Arsenal defenders to Finnan who was amazingly unmarked in the 6 yard box and rammed the ball home from close range. Disaster. Ben Amponsah had turned his wrath on a nearby water bottle kicking it from the dugout and slamming his fist down into his lap. Disaster.

And now it was 3-1 after, first some hope had been restored with a Van Persie goal, and then was dashed as Gallas (who was having a really poor game) gave away a penalty. Losing to Spurs 3-1 at home and all before half time-how would he ever live this down was all Jake could think through his tears.

There was to be no improvement after half time-Arsenal huffed and puffed but thery never even got close to blowing Spurs's house down-it was a poor defeat-as poor as Jake could remember. By the end he was intent on watching Ben Amponsah seethe: it was like watching a kettle boil-'what can he be thinking?' Jake thought 'If only I could read his mind'..............

[Mambaman]

AMPONSAH'S VIEW: : The Official Arsenal Manager's E-Mail

Sent: 03/11/08 1345 to Jakep@hotmail.co.uk

Arsenal v Chelsea-My verdict

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> I was as disappointed and frustrated as any one of you at the result on Saturday as it was not a fair reflection of a game that we dominated. To have Chelsea score in the dying seconds of extra time to level the game at 1-1 was almost too much to bear but therein lies the quality of players like Ballack who must be watched right up to the end of the game: it was a lapse of concentration when the players must have felt that the game was almost won. We are now in 11th position in the league and I agree that it is not acceptable for a team of our quality to be there-if we had won the game, however, we would be up to 7th, which is far more respectable. I do not believe that it is too late to mount a serious challenge for the title. There are only 8 points that seperate us from Liverpool in 1st place and as we all know a couple of results can completely change the look of the table at this relatively early stage to the season.

I have told the players that it is vital to kill teams off when we have the chance-even teams of the quality of Chelsea: you don't get a 2nd chance. The players were buoyant coming into this game after we had buried what was, in effect, the same team in the League Cup 3rd Round on the 22nd Oct: this result was all the more remarkeable because we played a younger team and we were away from home. To win 2-0 was some achievement and I am very proud of the players for it. It is especially good to see the promise of players like Denilson and Traore, 2 stars of the future.

Much has been made by the media and certain parts of our support about our lack of consistency and I would agree that to go from beating Chelsea away in the League Cup to then drawing with Man City away is not acceptable but I would just caution that people look at the number of chances that we created. Both in that game and versus Chelsea we had over 30 shots on goal: our problem is scoring as it has been in seasons past. We should, however, keep faith in our young strike force (average age 22) because I firmly believe that the likes of Tuncay, Walcott, Van Persie and Bendtner can all be world beaters. They will be strengthened by the return of Thierry in a couple of weeks time because he gives us composure in front of goal and that is what we lack at the moment.

We should not be despondent: we have elevated ourselves back into 2nd in our Champion's League Group after 2 convincing wins against Maccabi Tel-Aviv, we play Liverpool at home next week in the 4th round of the League Cup and, as said, can still mount a meaningful challenge for the title: it will be much closer this year than previous years. We have twice now come 3rd in the League under my stewardship-nothing less than 1st place will do this year.

Thanks for your support

Ben Amponsah </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Jake closed the e-mail and sighed: he would always support his hero no matter what but it was hard at the moment and as for Arsenal's league placing.....

[Mambaman]

Thurs 11th Dec 08 1630hrs

The Rosetta Ladyhurst School, Islington, London outside the Headmasters Office

Jake sat with his head in his hands, the tears streaming through his fingers, his face flushed bright red. Waiting for his Dad to come and get him out of this mess: how had today ended like this? Him losing it in front of all his classmates. The shame and confusion were unbearable-what was happening to him?

The truth was Jake had not been feeling right for some time now-ever since the Arsenal Chelsea game over a month ago. He'd been waking with a growing sense of foreboding every morning-sometimes he'd have nightmares that he could never remember in the morning, when he would wake up screaming the house down and bathed in sweat. His Dad had said that he shouldn't get so wrapped up in his football Team's fortunes and should be less obsessed with the Arsenal Manager but it wasnt that easy for him: the truth was that he was beginning to fear that his mental health-fragile at the best of times for most adolescents-was inextricably linked to the goings on at Arsenal, the utterances of their Manager and the form and fitness of its players.

How else could he explain his extremely sunny disposition in the 2 weeks following that game, as the good results came rolling in: first Arsenal overcame stubborn Liverpool resistance to knock them out of the League Cup in the 4th Round on penalties. Then 2 of the Arsenal Squad played superbly for England in the 3-0 friendly victory away to the Czech Republic: an away game it might have been but the papers had been full of how Richards in the centre of defence and Walcott, in his less favoured position on the right wing, had been instrumental in the impressive victory. With Wright-Phillips also coming on from the bench Jake had remembered thinking that it was getting back to the halcyon days when Arsenal, Man U and Liverpool had dominated the squad. His mood was lifted still further when Arsenal tore into a hapless QPR 3 days later at the Emirates, beating them 4-0 with Walcott starting the rout, Tuncay adding 2 fine goals and Toure gilding the lilly in the final quarter. Van Persie could have added a 5th in the 90th minute when the rampant Gunners were awarded a penalty but he blasted the ball straight at the keeper: about the sum of his season, Jake had thought darkly. Newspaper reports had indicated that the Arsenal Chairman was very pleased with this drubbing as he had began to wonder about Amponsah's abilities....the cheek!

His demeanour lightened even more the following week when the team travelled to an icy Moscow to take on CSKA in what was a pivotal game: win it and Arsenal were through to the next round and in a good position to qualify 1st as their last game was against Werder Bremen at home. Lose it and-well it didn't bear thinking about. But win it they did: 2-1, in spite of 2 missed penalties, 1 by Hleb and 1 by the mis-firing Van Persie-God, how they missed Henry!

And then came the fall and the real start of Jake's problems. Instead of building from there the team once more went into schizophrenia mode, losing convincingly to Blackburn away the following Saturday. This result couldn't even be put down to wasteful finishing as so many before; it was a hammering plain and simple and the final scoreline of 2-1 was flattering. At least Van Persie had got the monkey off his back and scored for the 1st time in almost 5 games (all as sub-clearly Amponsah had lost faith in his Dutch star). This horror show in Jake's eyes had been followed by a similarly abject performance at the Emirates, mid-week, where Portsmouth had very nearly departed with all the points: they were first to everything, harrying and chasing the Arsenal players all over the park and but for the man of the match defiance of Gianluigi Buffon would have claimed a convincing victory. Jake had woken the next day with a crashing headache and mood to match and had not uttered a word to his Dad at the breakfast table. He'd then had to endure the taunts of one particularly odious class-mate at school, Chris Brown, as slippery and as dishonest a character as Jake had had the misfortune to meet. And to make matters worse he was a Spurs supporter and Spurs were currently 2nd in the League whilst their more illustrious North London rivals were languishing in 11th! Jake had ignored Brown on this occassion but inside he had been screaming....

Redemption seemingly arrived in the shape of the long-absent Captain, Thierry Henry, who was pronounced fit to play in the Leeds away game and duly announced his return with a goal in the 11th minute, profiting from the inability of the Leeds defence to handle the lightening thrusts of the quicksilver Walcott. Rosicky had then crashed in a 25 yard bending, dipping piledriver in the 73rd Minute before completing the route with a jinking run and crisp shot in the 88th. Welcome back Thierry! The nagging feeling of unease that seemed to have gone was back with a vengeance the following Tuesday when Henry was stretchered off injured after only 2 minutes of the Champion's League game against Werder Bremen. The fact that Arsenal went on to win the game that gusty night and top their Group was really something of a sideshow as far as Jake was concerned: he had peered down from the stands at Ben Amponsah when Henry was stretched off and seen something that had really disturbed him: was it fear? Back home Jake had watched in disbelief as Sky Sports News had repeatedy asked a rather exasperated Amponsah how long Henry would be out for and whether he felt that Niclas Bendtner could fill in for the stricken Captain......Jake had exploded at the TV:

'Bendtner for f***'s sake! Are they f*****g crazy-JESUS!' How absurd. The Arsenal Manager seemed to echo these thoughts as his response was terse:

'Thierry has a sprained ankle, which will keep him sidelined for a further month-yes it is a blow and no Niclas Bendtner, promising as he is, is not going to be a suitable fill in for him-thank you.'

'Bloody idiots.' Jake had mouthed before grabbing some extra strong Nurofen and retreating to bed; his headache was back with a vengeance.

Middlesborough were up next at the Emirates in an early lunchtime Saturday kick-off. Like it or not Amponsah was going to have to stick with the goal-shy Van Persie and Walcott up front with Tuncay on 1 flank, Sneijder on the other and Rosicky and Gilberto in the centre. The defense was the now settled back four of Clichy, Senderos (who had long ago replaced the out of form Gallas), Toure and Richards. Boro were duly despatched 2-0 with an encouraging man of the match performance from Senderos of all people and goals from Van Persie and the substitute Bendtner. The Arsenal faithful especially loved the Dane's goal as it was an angled drive from the edge of the box, taken at full pace and on the volley-beautiful! Jake had not been celebrating, however, as instead he had been recalling the newspaper headlines from The Saturday Independent:

Amponsah recalls Adebayor to Mis-firing Arsenal Attack The Independent Saturday 6th December 2008

Ed Hollister (Sports Journalist of the Year 2008) Writes:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Ever the unpredictable Manager, Ben Amponsah has stunned Arsenal by recalling out of favour Gunners striker Emmannuel Adebayor from exile in Valencia. Call me cynical but some may say that this might have something to do with a combination of the fact that Adebayor is setting La Liga on fire with 11 goals in 11 appearances in all competitions and Henry's continuing injury woes. The fact is that in spite of all their promise, Tuncay, Van Persie, Walcott and Bendtner are not doing what Amponsah wants, which is to put the ball in the back of the net regularly........... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Adebayor back! This was really clutching at straws: Jake couldnt care less how well he was doing in the Spanish Primera Liga-he had been utterly rubbish in the Premiership and his wastefulness in front of goal a constant frustration to both his manager and to the fans.

It turned out that Jake needn't have worried: Adebayor promptly sprained his ankle in the subsequent mid-week game at a wet and windy Wigan: another defeat: this time 2-1 with the decider being scored by Senderos who seemed to be back to his one serious mistake in every game habit. His Dad had tried to console him by stressing the positives:

'At least van Persie scored from the spot son.'

'I dont care!' Jake had screamed from his room.

'Jake there is no need to shout' his dad had said as he came in,

'KNOCK KNOCK!' Jake had shouted 'Don't patronise me Dad and F******G KNOCK WHEN YOU COME INTO MY ROOM!!!' The force of Jake's anger surprised even him and stopped his dad dead in his tracks.

Jake started to sob disconsolately, 'We were supposed to do so well this season Dad-we were supposed to be challenging for the title-Ben was supposed to be Manager of the Year!' he cried, sobs racking his body.

Jake's Dad sat down on the bed with him and hugged him close. What was happening to his son he thought anxiously.

'Son it's too early to give up hope and you can be sure that Ben won't have done. He has said himself that you can only get a really clear idea what's going to happen once Christmas and New Year are out of the way-let's wait until then son eh?'

His Dad's words had helped but when Chris Brown decided to throw one too many 'you're gay and you fancy the Arsenal Manager' slurs in his direction at school the next day Jake had lost it again: this time he ended up shouting and alternatively screaming in the middle of the Junior 6th Form Common Room whilst flailing his arms violently as he was stopped from attacking a clearly surprised and satisfyingly frightened Chris Brown. That had earnt him his trip to the HeadMaster.

When Seb Patterson arrived at the school and made his way to the Headmaster's study he was greeted by a still disconsolate Jake, eyes puffed up from crying, hair dishevelled looking every inch the abandoned waif-had Jake's personal hygiene started to slip too, Seb thought with horror-his son was normally so careful about that?

'Oh Son'.............

[T_Side]

Great concept! A lovely way to tell your FM story - as a Boro fan, I've been in Jake's position many, many times...

[Mambaman]

hehe-thanks T: I'm enjoying telling the story from this different perspective though not the maddenning inconsistency of my Arsenal side

Thanks for feedback though fella-always appreciated

[Mambaman]

Saturday 13th Dec 08 The Valley, Charlton

'We're with Jim and the Man of the Match, Robin Van Persie. Jim:'

'Thanks Richard. Robin-what can I say about that match? It seems that you and Theo refused to accept defeat in that game?'

'That's right Richard-it's important to keep going. It was a hard game but it's not usual for us to concede 3 goals: Gigi is normally very angry to concede 1 or 2.'

'It was highly unusual: I know that your season has been a bit up and down so far but this was a real ding dong affair-look we've got the goals on this monitor Robin. Talk us through them.'

'Erm-ok. Yes the 1st goal was a real shock to them. Theo did what Theo does and carried the ball at speed into the penalty box but the goalkeeper saved. The ball rebounded to me and I had an easy tap in.'

'This was within 20 seconds: that may be a new Premiership record Robin.'

'It may well be Jim-yes'

'And then Charlton were rocked again-a flowing move which ended up with you having a shot saved into the path of Walcott this time-your partnership really looks like it's beginning to bear fruit?'

'Well we do enjoy playi8ng together: we have to convince the boss that we can score goals consistently I guess.'

'True. I know there have been questions about your accuracy in front of goal and rumours that you are particularly unhappy about the team's position at the moment?

'Well I don't think any of us are happy. It's up to me I guess to get the goals to help us out of it and into a position where we can challenge for the title as our boss wants us to.'

'Absolutely Robin but back to the game: and then it seemed that Charlton had a revival on their minds eh?'

'Yes they managed to pull one back just before the break and then scored not long after to peg us back to 2-2.'

'And then step forward Theo Walcott again eh Robin? At this stage the Arsenal fans didn't know whether they were coming or going: 3-2 to the Arsenal. There's no way anyone could say you were boring again!'

'No this is true. Unfortunately they pulled another one back late on but luckily I managed to find something extra in the last 10 minutes to win the game for us'

'It was another goal scored from kick off-has Ben Amponsah been getting you to practise that or something Robin?'

'Haha-no it's just important to really have a go from kick off-especially after a goal. The Boss has certainly always stressed that this is when teams are vulnerable.'

'And where to from here Robin-are we going to start to see the real Arsenal?'

'Well we needed to answer the fans after the Wigan defeat so this was our response-we need to push on from here and get ourselves in contention for the title-Manchester United are only 6 points ahead of us and they are coming to the Emirates in 2 weeks time so we will see.'

'Yes very true Robin but they have 2 games in hand on you. Anyway well done Robin-our Barclays Man of the Match.'

'Thanks very much Jim-see you.'

Jake would normally have been watching all of this on TV with a smile on his face on this gloomy Saturday afternoon but instead he wore a deep frown: today was his first Psychiatrist visit. What was he going to say?.........

[Guest]

like T_Side said, it's a great concept and it makes for a very interesting read!

i'm intrigued to see what happens with young jake as the season goes on..

[Mambaman]

Saturday 3rd Jan 09 1200 hrs

'Come!' Dr Drempetic, a handsome compact man in his late 20s looked up from his case files as Jake tentatively entered his office.

Ah hello Jake-how are you today?' The Psychiatrist spoke English in a pleasantly accented voice. One that hinted at maybe Central or Eastern Europe. The slight American accent always relaxed Jake and made him feel less nervous.

'Please sit Jake' Dr Drempetic motioned to an easy chair across the room with a low coffee table beside it and sat opposite. The Psychiatrist smiled pleasantly at Jake.

'Did you have a good New Year?'

'Not really' came the terse response. 'In fact it was pretty crap' Jake looked miserable. He had been forced to come to these sessions because of what had happened at school and because his Dad had suddenly decided to play the stern father with him. He liked Dr Drempetic but he said very little, forcing him to do all the talking; talk that inevitably ended up being of Ben Amponsah or Arsenal.

'It was pretty crap' Drempetic repeated.

'Yes the transfer window is open again and what is the first thing that Ben does?' Jake sat waiting for the response that, as usual, never came so he ploughed on. 'Well he's only gone and sold Cesc Febragas! It's an unbelievable thing to do. Diaby I can understand-Adebayor I can understand but Cesc?'

'Unbelievable?'

'Well i guess Cesc hasn't played well for us for a couple of seasons but he's only 21 for God's sake and Arsenal's in his blood. I don't know-it feels like a betrayal....' Jake had to look out of the window as he felt the hot tears sting his eyes-he had been so emotional lately. Some of his friends had taken to describing him as an 'emo'. Others had been somewhat cruder.

'A betrayal? That's a strong description Jake-can you talk some more about that?'

'Talk!' Jake exploded, 'All I ever seem to do with you is talk! Look where it's got me! My friends think I'm gay, my enemies say it, my Dad's worried sick, my teachers think I'm a basket-case! God!' Jake pounded his fist into his lap and curled into a foetal position in the chair.

'And are you those things?'

'I don't know-some of them I guess' Jake whispered. He then reached into the back of his pocket for a folded piece of paper. The Doctor saw that inside it was a small cutting of the Arsenal Manager. Jake handed the larger piece to the Psychiatrist: it was a table of the Premiership.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Holders - Chelsea

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Man Utd | | 19 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 34 | 13 | +21 | 39 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Tottenham | | 21 | 11 | 6 | 4 | 27 | 17 | +10 | 39 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Liverpool | | 20 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 28 | 14 | +14 | 37 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Blackburn | | 21 | 10 | 6 | 5 | 20 | 15 | +5 | 36 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Bolton | | 21 | 8 | 10 | 3 | 21 | 11 | +10 | 34 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Arsenal | | 20 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 30 | 18 | +12 | 33 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Chelsea | | 18 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 27 | 14 | +13 | 32 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Aston Villa | | 20 | 9 | 4 | 7 | 26 | 22 | +4 | 31 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Portsmouth | | 20 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 25 | 21 | +4 | 30 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Charlton | | 21 | 8 | 4 | 9 | 28 | 26 | +2 | 28 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Newcastle | | 21 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 21 | 19 | +2 | 28 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | West Ham | | 21 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 17 | 26 | -9 | 27 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Q.P.R. | | 21 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 16 | 22 | -6 | 25 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | Man City | | 21 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 23 | 30 | -7 | 25 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Fulham | | 21 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 18 | 25 | -7 | 24 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | | Wigan | | 21 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 20 | 27 | -7 | 22 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 17th | | Reading | | 19 | 5 | 3 | 11 | 16 | 22 | -6 | 18 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 18th | | Middlesbrough | | 21 | 3 | 8 | 10 | 15 | 28 | -13 | 17 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 19th | | West Brom | | 20 | 4 | 4 | 12 | 14 | 32 | -18 | 16 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 20th | | Leeds | | 21 | 2 | 5 | 14 | 13 | 37 | -24 | 11 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| | | | | | | | | | | | |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

'That's why I'm so upset' Jake cried, the tears coming now. 'What are we doing there when this was the season of promise: the season when we were going to take the Premiership by storm: it's so unfair!'

'I see that you're upset Jake. What is it that makes you feel so strongly? I note that you have a crumpled picture of Ben Amponsah in your hand. What part has he played in all of this strong emotion-this rollercoaster ride?'

Jake sat and contemplated. What did he mean this manager he admired so much. This man he loved-what did it all mean-was he obsessed? Was he a psycho? He sometimes felt like it.

'I cant blame a manager who watches his team go 2 goals down at home to the League Leaders and then inspires them to come back and draw and almost win the game-I just can't'

'You are referring to the recent game at the Emirates? Do you want to talk about that?'

Jake wiped his nose with a kleenex and sighed. 'What's there to say? We started like complete lemons and ended like tigers. They were 2 goals up within 10 minutes...it was absolute disaster! And the irony was we had really taken the game to them in the 1st 6 minutes-we were making all the running and had about 5 attempts on their goal: only their goalie, Kuszczak, kept us out....'

Jake paused 'Do you know anything about football Doc?'

'Yes I do as it happens: I support my home team of Dinamo Zagreb.'

'Oh ok. Well normally Ben gets our centre backs to man mark if they are facing 2 forwards and zonally mark if there is only one. Are you keeping with me? Yes? Good. Fergie, however, being a wily sod, played only one striker with Rossi playing behind Saha. The message did't seem to have filtered down to that Donkey Senderos, however, as he was hopelessly out of position and did a passing imitation of the parting of the red sea to allow Park to run in from almost the centre circle and score. The second scored by Rossi was a hammer blow.'

Jake shivered as he recalled the dread that spread through the massed ranks of Arsenal fans with that second goal. It had seemed that Man U were intent on making a very emphatic statement right in the heart of the enemy stronghold.

'So what happened?'

'What happened was that Ben Amponsah didn't panic. That's what happened. He remained calm on the touchline: he gave some instructions to Senderos and swapped him and Tooure round. We got a penalty in the 23rd minute and I could see after that Ben was urging the players to attack and attack we did-there was nothing to lose but our pride eh? it was still pretty even but then he brought on the young Dane, Bendtner for Walcott on the 73rd minute. It wasn't popular with the crowd as we all love Theo but Ben was vindicated when Bendtner then scored with 6 or 7 minutes left: that's the 2nd time he's done that.'

'So he remains your hero then?'

'I couldn't abandon him now: I know many fans have' Jake was crying again. 'I love what he has done-listen ever since that awful defeat at Wigan we have won every game-we beat Charlton 4-3 away, we knocked Boro out of the Carling Cup and are now in the semis, we drew with Man U admittedly but they are the leaders, and beat Fulham away on Boxing day. we are getting consistency. We are the 3rd best team in the form charts. I know things will change. Rumour has it that we're going to bring in a big name in the transfer window-things will change. They have to don't they Doc?'

Jake's eyes implored the professional to agree with him but he knew what the answer would be:

'What do you think?'

Jake looked away his eyes shining 'I think they will because I think he's the best. In fact I know he is......'

[Mambaman]

Author's note: Sorry about the duff table guys: this is what it should look like

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Holders - Chelsea

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Man Utd | | 19 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 34 | 13 | +21 | 39 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Tottenham | | 21 | 11 | 6 | 4 | 27 | 17 | +10 | 39 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Liverpool | | 20 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 28 | 14 | +14 | 37 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Blackburn | | 21 | 10 | 6 | 5 | 20 | 15 | +5 | 36 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Bolton | | 21 | 8 | 10 | 3 | 21 | 11 | +10 | 34 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Arsenal | | 20 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 30 | 18 | +12 | 33 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Chelsea | | 18 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 27 | 14 | +13 | 32 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Aston Villa | | 20 | 9 | 4 | 7 | 26 | 22 | +4 | 31 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Portsmouth | | 20 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 25 | 21 | +4 | 30 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Charlton | | 21 | 8 | 4 | 9 | 28 | 26 | +2 | 28 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Newcastle | | 21 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 21 | 19 | +2 | 28 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | West Ham | | 21 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 17 | 26 | -9 | 27 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Q.P.R. | | 21 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 16 | 22 | -6 | 25 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | Man City | | 21 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 23 | 30 | -7 | 25 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Fulham | | 21 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 18 | 25 | -7 | 24 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | | Wigan | | 21 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 20 | 27 | -7 | 22 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 17th | | Reading | | 19 | 5 | 3 | 11 | 16 | 22 | -6 | 18 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 18th | | Middlesbrough | | 21 | 3 | 8 | 10 | 15 | 28 | -13 | 17 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 19th | | West Brom | | 20 | 4 | 4 | 12 | 14 | 32 | -18 | 16 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 20th | | Leeds | | 21 | 2 | 5 | 14 | 13 | 37 | -24 | 11 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| | | | | | | | | | | | |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

[Mambaman]

'It's Tuesday the 20th of January and we bid you welcome to the Great Sports Debate on Five Live with me, Jan Zlatki. Welcome also to our panel, Steve Claridge, Martin Keown and Jim Smith. Our first topic for discussion: do Arsenal have what it takes to challenge for the title? Give us a ring and air your views on 0800 500 500. What do you think guys? Steve?'

'I dunno Jan-this is a difficult one for me I have to say'

'Difficult! What's difficult about it!'

'Hang on Martin-you're obviously biased-Steve go on: explain yourself'

'Well Jan...I just think they've lost too many games already and have conceded too many points to Manchester United. 5 games lost and a 9 point gap is just too many at this stage of the season.'

'Ok and what's your view Jim?'

'Erm-it's a difficult one for me: ever since the home draw with United they have been pretty rampant and you have to say Amponsah has strengthened the squad with the signing of the lad Tevez-he's-well he's pretty damn awesome. I think they could do it but it will require United to slip up.'

'Thanks Jim. Martin let's talk about the transfer window. What did you think when Amponsah sold first Diaby, who shows so much promise and then Arsenal favourite Cesc Fabregas-bit of a shock?'

'Well to be honest Diaby was more of a shock than Febragas. Cesc had never quite been himself since the shock departure of Arsene Wenger before the 06/07 season. Arsene was his mentor, guide and the person who brought him to Arsenal: a father figure. Things were never quite right for him after he left. '

'Come on Martin! He was awesome in Amponsah's first season in charge...when he was being played regularly!'

'Hang on Steve-let me finish! Yes he was but look at what he did in the 2nd season-'

'It's true Steve-his stats are not nearly so impressive for the second season and that's when Amponsah started to lose faith in him I think'

'I just don't believe that Jim-he is a World Class midfielder-you don't just ditch people of that calibre'

'Well you obviously do if your name is Ben Amponsah guys. I can tell this is going to be a lively one tonight. Come on and give us a ring if you want to have your say; the panel is waiting. We're on 0800 500 500. So guys, he sells Febregas, who opinion is divided over, and brings in Carlos Tevez. Surely a good swap? And he's got a fit Henry back and scoring. Surely they will push United all the way wont they? Martin?'

'Absolutely Jan-look at our recent form-that confirms it.'

'He's right Jan-I would agree Arsenal are on a roll at the moment'

'I agree fellas but I just think they've left themselves too much to do and United are too strong.'

'Ok thanks guys: we have our first caller, Jake, on the line. Jake what have you got to say to our panel?'

'Hi Jan, hi guys. Er, I am a bit nervous...'

'Hi Jake: you don't need to be nervous, we won't bite, we promise haha!'

'Ok well I happen to believe that Ben Amponsah is a genius.'

'An Arsenal supporter then?'

'Since as long as I can remember. I'd just like to point out to the panel and especially Steve-you only need to look at the form charts and the goals against at the moment: we are top of the form charts and noone has scored against us since that home game against United. That's 5 games guys including the 3-0 hammering of a full strength Manchester United side at home in the Carling Cup.'

'Yes let's look at those results: 1 nil away to Fulham with a nice Rosicky goal to break the deadlock on the 80th minute. Then a 2 nil home win to knock Leeds out of the FA Cup: Rosicky again opening the scoring and Van Persie adding some gloss in injury time. After that a 3-0 hammering of Manchester United in the 1st leg of the Carling Cup semi-what did you think of that Jake?'

'I was naturally ecstatic Jan: it was such an important result cos it showed Fergie that he couldnt just walk into the Emirates again and expect to dominate us.'

'That man Tomas Rosicky opening the scoring again eh lad?'

'That's right Jim-that's why he could afford to sell Fabregas because Rosicky's been playing far better in that position since Ben arrived at the club'

'Oh so you're on first name terms with him now are you?'

'Leave the lad alone Steve!'

'Yes quite-take it easy Steve: how old are you son?'

'I'm 17. I'd like to say that age shouldn't matter. I was one of the leading fans who let the Board know exactly what we thought when they came in and threatened to sack Ben.'

'Ah so you're Jake Patterson eh? Nice one. Shows what fan power can do even when led by one so young.'

'Exactly Jim-thanks.'

'Jake hi it's Martin here.'

'Hi Martin-it's really good to be speaking with you. We met a while back at a Highbury young Gunners fan forum if you remember?'

'How could I forget you young man! Jake what are the fans saying at the moment: there is talk that there are-shall we say-pockets of discontent?'

'Yes there are it's true but people need to be patient and play the long game. Amponsah is in the process of building a squad in his own image rather than the one developed by Arsene-I really think that we will be pushing for honours this season though. As you like to say: it's a marathon not a sprint eh?'

'Haha-that's the spirit son!'

'so the rest of those results: a predictable win, 1 nil, against Bolton at home on the 10th Jan with Henry now playing and making an assist. Unfortunately Rosicky is now out for 2 months after breaking a toe in the 5th minute: a grievous blow Martin?'

'I think in normal circumstances it would be but remember that young Wesley Sneijder can play in the centre as well as on both flanks and there is plenty of cover on the wings. You also have Denilson pushing for a place. I think that was another visionary move myself: watch out for more like that, more of the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger....'

'Interesting Martin. Ok Jake talk us through the last game-what a start for Tevez eh?'

'It was absolutely amazing-I didnt know what to do with myself on the terraces. For Tevez to come on and score within a minute was just unbelievable.'

'And what a goal eh? son'

'Yes, Jim, it was the tightest of angles-he was on the left outside the penalty box and almost on the goal line but he still managed to fire a shot into the far corner: his technique was simple breathtaking!'

'Wasn't it? And then 20 minutes later he's at it again; this time bending a curler in from 25 yards.'

'He was in such an innocuous position wasn't he? That's the beauty of Tevez: he just makes things happen, power, pace, skill: he's got them all.' And the really scary thing for the rest of the Premiership is that he is now in tandem with a fully fit Thierry Henry who, not to be outdone, decided to add 2 goals of his own to the equation. They were really fired up for this one weren't they Jan?'

'yes they were Martin. Mark Hughes hadn't exactly helped by stoking things up before the game by saying that he didn't want to see Arsenal win the title-that was just asking for trouble. Amponsah's response, that Hughes has a thing or too to learn, appears to have been vindicated after that drubbing. Was Amponsah right to get into a war of words with Hughes, Jake, do you think?'

'I do. Look at the response from the players: they are fully behind him at least and so am I. Arsenal are coming-watch this space.'

'Watch this space eh? Well thanks for your input Jake: you keep up your support. Take care.'

'I will dont you worry about that-I will. Bye guys.'

[HunterKiller]

Nice story, enjoying this

[Mambaman]

Thanks Hunter-sorry for long break-will post next installment shortly

[Mambaman]

Sunday 22nd February 2009 Wembley Stadium 1445hrs

Jake had never remembered being so nervous: he was so frightened that he had literally almost just wet himself. Being in prime seats in the mighty new Wembley was nerve-racking enough for an afficianado like himself but here was a chance-at last-for his Team and his hero to annex some silverware. It didn't matter that it was only the Carling Cup and it didn't matter that the final wasn't against one of the big 3: here was the chance at last for Ben Amponsah's Gunners to show what they were made of.

It was a clear, crisp, February day in North London and the magnificent new Stadium was rocking. The area where he and his Dad and their friends were sitting afforded a panoramic view of the pitch and the rest of the arena as well as a clear line of sight to the Dugouts. This was something that Jake had insisted on and since he was doing so well with the shrink Seb Patterson had readily agreed. He couldn't be sure whether this improvement was due to Arsenal's excellent League results since Jake had started seeing Dr Drempetic or the Psychiatrist's skills-it didn't matter: his son was getting better. That was all that mattered.

As Seb was lost in contemplation, the object of his thoughts was scanning the programme notes and specifically the excerpt from Ben Amponsah. Jake was smiling as he read since these notes gave him his much needed window into the mind of his hero:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> The last 5 weeks has been a remarkeable passage of time for Arsenal Football Club: a period, which has, I hope, started to repay the great faith that you all have shown in me and in our great team. We started with a fantastic 4-0 win over West Ham where Carlos Tevez and Thierry Henry showed what they are capable of in tandem. That victory was made all the sweeter, frankly, by the injudicious comments of Mark Hughes before the match that he didn't want us to win the title. A foolish thing to say as all I had to do before the game was read out the newspaper cutting to the boys.

We then went to Manchester United in the 2nd leg of the Carling Cup Semi-Final and managed to win through despite losing the game 2-0. We were, of course without Tevez who was cup-tied for that game and I decided to rest Henry but I felt that playing both Denilson and Gilberto in the centre of the midfield might protect us. In the end it didnt but we managed to keep their score down and attain our 2nd major final since I have been manager. The killer for me in this game was the loss of Sanli Tuncay for 2 months with a dislocated shoulder: we haven't been lucky with injuries to our key players so far this season with most out for significant stretches at various times. Still the squad is strong so we will prevail.

Next we did what everyone expected and hammered Plymouth at home in the FA Cup 4th Round but, though it was great to see Thierry scoring an excellent hat-trick, it was the away League victory to Newcastle that gave me much more pleasure. My faith in the boys was amply rewarded when an individual piece of brilliance from our Captain produced the first goal and then another devastating mazy run into the box served up another on a plate for Robin Van Persie. It won't have escaped anyone's notice that both these goals came in the last 5 minutes and that we were behind for most of the match: that is the resilience that I am trying to build in the Team and that is the brilliance of Thierry.

The subsequent home game on the 31st Jan against a well organised West Brom produced a disappointing 1 all draw but I would have to say that Queiroz knows how to set up his teams and he knows his tactics too. We lost a disappointing goal to their new striker Adrian in the first 3 minutes of the game but it is again a mark of the new resilience of the team that we never gave up and equalised in the last minutes with a marvellously taken solo effort by the impressive looking Niclas Bendtner-watch this space for this very promising young Dane: I predict that he is going to do great things at Arsenal.

We have since beaten Reading away but sadly lost to Everton and thereby been knocked out of the FA Cup. It was our great misfortune in that game to have Robin Van Persie sent off by Sean Sykes just before half time. I accept that Robin went in late on McFadden but he had not been dangerous before that so I feel that to send him off was extremely harsh. We were then, of course, on the back foot and my tactic to contain them in the midfield and use the pace of Henry to frighten them was undone by Anichebe's opportunistic goal on the 70th minute. Of such stuff, I'm afraid, are Cup games made: I was as disappointed as all of you with this result.

I think that to go to Copenhagen and beat them 3-1, last Wednesday, was an appropriate response and we have given ourselves a great chance of progressing in the Champion's League. We are here, however, at another Cup Final. The Team is ready: I have prepared them and we will play in our usual way: I will use the pace of both Henry and Walcott to terrorize their defense and I will rely on the wing play of Shaun Wright Phillips and Gael Clich who is deputising for the suspended Van Persie. Injuries have meant I don't have any established attacking central midfielders to choose from but I have promoted Peggy Lokando to the bench and will play Denilson with Gilberto in the centre. Gilberto provides great cover for our back four whilst the tireless Denilson will hunt a little further up the pitch. My back four remains Richards, Toure, Gallas and the quicksilver youngster Traore on the left: he is another great young prospect here at Arsenal. Behind them all is the ever dependable Gigi Buffon who has managed 20 clean sheets so far in 35 appearances: an excellent first season so far.

I have faith in our young team to bring back our major Trophy: it will be the first of many....Ben Amponsah </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Jake folded the notes and put them into his jacket pocket: he blew into his hands to warm them and scanned the tunnel. The roar was building. The players were now coming out led by the mascots. They all looked so smart, so set. This was it-time to make it count.........

[Mambaman]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Henry The Destroyer as Amponsah Finally Annexes Long Overdue Silverware

The Independent Monday 23rd February 2009

By Mike Rowbottom at Wembley

Arsenal 3

Aston Villa 1

It's been a long time in coming but, on a cold February afternoon in North London, Ben Amponsah's Arsenal have finally delivered what he has promised will be the first of many trophies to their ardent supporters.

And how fitting that on an afternoon of passion and skillful attacking football from both sides it should be their Captain Thierry Henry who was to prove the undoing of the Midlands side. Right from the start Amponsah's tactics were clear: attack from both flanks and use Walcott and Henry's pace to turn and unsettle the Villan defence. Within 4 minutes the tactics paid off; Traore collected the ball deep inside the Arsenal half and immediately played it forward to Henry hugging the left touchline at around the half way mark. At this point there was only Cahill opposing him. Henry turned him with almost contemptuous ease and drove for the 6 yard box. 2 more jinks and the trademark finish: a beautifully curled effort from the edge of Gordon's area that the unfortunate goalkeeper could only watch and admire as it flew past him into the net. A marvellous solo effort by a truly world class player. Those who predicted the demise of this most deadly and beautiful of strikers were being somewhat somewhat premature methinks.

First blood to the Gunners then. This brought an immediate response from a furious O'Neill, who you could just imagine shouting to his hapless defence 'I told you so'. Villa now switched from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3 with Aisatti and Angel now supporting Luke Moore from the left and right flanks respectively, Petrov sitting in front of the back 4 and Vayrynen and Davis controlling things from the centre. Aston Villa became a more potent attacking force but still remained vulnerable to the lightening counter attacks of Arsenal and specifically Henry. The closest that anyone got to scoring was a disallowed goal from a Wright Phillips Header (would you believe?) and a thrusting attack and shot from Aisatti from close range that he blasted over.

The game settled into a pattern of attack from Villa followed by counter from the London side but it still looked like Arsenal would be the more likely to score and Walcott was unlucky with an effort that just skimmed the outside of Gordon's right post. However, with O'Neill urging his side on it was Villa who made all the running in the last 15 minutes of the first half. With the Arsenal back four and particularly Buffon in obdurate mood you almost sensed that this suited the Gunners fine especially as Henry missed an easy chance from a trademark counter on the 41st minute. With a surprising 4 minutes of extra time playing out, however, Villa got their reward when a vicious angled shot from Kahlenberg was parried by Buffon into the path of Luke Moore: parity had been achieved at the stroke of half time.

The 2nd half saw the fleet-footed Agbonlahor coming out for the rather pedestrian Angel on Villa's right flank but seemingly no change from Arsenal. A remarkeable close range double save from Buffon was what was required to get Amponsah onto his feet gesticulating wildly in the manner of his counterpart and Arsenal playing in the manner of prospective Cup Winners. Arsenal duly responded and started to shake themselves out of their torpor. A passage of play saw the ball at the other end and from the resultant corner another mazy dribble from Henry into the 6 yard box caused such panic that Ridgewell ended up turning the Frenchman's shot into his own net.

Arsenal then took control of the game but Arsenal had to dispense with the services of their talismanic Captain after he was injured by a rash challenge from Agbonlahor 5 minutes after the second goal. On came Adebayor to try and restore some of his tarnished reputation. He may be many things but an Henry substitute isn't one of them and so it was fitting that his immediate understudy at Arsenal Theo Walcott, who had up until now been anonymous, should put the final nail in Villa's coffin. In the 75th minute He picked up the ball from a very deep position, played a pass to Wright-Phillips on the right and set off on a run through the centre to pick up the impressive return ball from Richards at pace and drill a right foot shot across Gordon and in: an amazing goal much in the mould of his hero. The game was up now and with Walcott rampant and Denilson and Gilberto controlling the midfield it looked like what had hitherto been quite an even contest might turn into a rout. Indeed, in the following 10 minutes, Arsenal had 2 efforts come back off the post-one from Walcott and one from the ever-more impressive Denilson. It was Arsenal fans singing their hearts out on the Terraces and Arsenal players wearing smiles as wide as the Thames by the whistle.

It may only have been the Carling Cup but you wouldn't have thought it the way the side celebrated after the game. The first piece of silverware for over 4 years to adorn the Arsenal Trophy Cabinet-Amponsah has promised many more and playing like this with a seriously depleted squad, who would bet against them? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[SJ234]

this is my favourite story kutgw

[Mambaman]

Ta SJ-have Liverpool (4th placed) and Spurs (2nd) both away next so Jake may take another turn for the worse-we'll see eh?

[Mambaman]

Sunday 1st March 2009 1410hrs

Jake was watching the tv, his face drained of all pallor, clutching a cushion to him in a very child-like way and eyes glued to the TV.

'It's not looking good for Tevez is it Andy?'

Well that was stating the bloody obvious Jake thought. He could hardly bear to watch. Here was his team, fresh from conquering Aston Villa in the Cup and then overcoming Liverpool 3-2 in a thrilling mid-week encounter at a seething Anfield, being given an object lesson in the sin of Hubris by none other than the old enemy themselves: their North London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur!

The game had had an auspicious start. Jake noted with approval in the pre-match build up that Amponsah was likely to go with a 4-4-1-1 formation with the mercurial Tevez given a free role behind Henry. in the center of the park he continued with the defensive pair of Brazilians, Denilson and Gilberto, with Clichy still deputising on the left and Hleb recalled from injury on the right. The back 5 remained the same. The game had started brightly for the Gunners. Tevez was causing all sorts of bother with his wandering brief. God that man is a genius! Jake could only admire as he watched the team carry out their manager's tactics: clearly he had taken Spurs by surprise in opting for a support striker and sure enough the 7th minute saw Jake leaping about his Dad's plush white leather sofa as that man Tevez (who else?) picked up an innocuous pass in the centre circle and danced and jinked his way between Woodgate and King to lash a rising drive past the helpless Robinson. Absolutely brilliant! Jake was straight away on the phone to his Dad who had had to go into the office to work that afternoon-he could hardly contain himself as he described the goal. His Dad was very pleased but reminded Jake that there was a long way to go yet. His words had proved prophetic as 6 minutes later Ledley King, obviously trying to atone for his earlier defensive lapse with Tevez, powered a header past Buffon from a corner.

And now this: with half time beckoning Woodgate executed what could, at best, be called an industrial challenge on the Argentine Striker which left him writhing on the ground in agony. It looked really bad and should have brought a red card frankly, Jake had thought as he willed Tevez to be ok.

'I think his part in the game's over Frank-yep definitely-they're calling for the Ambulance men here' Andy Gray intoned solemnly as Gary Lewin immobilised the stricken Tevez's foot.

Jake could feel the tears again...God he had worked so hard to try and contain his emotions and there was no doubt that the recent run of excellent results and the Cup win had really helped. But now Tevez, on whom so many Arsenal hopes rested, was seriously injured. There was no doubt about it now as the stretcher crew were giving Tevez oxygen. He was stretchered off and Jake buried his face in his hands. Arsenal were extremely dangerous with Tevez, but without him too much responsibility rested on the shoulders of the ageing Henry and he was no longer superhuman....without Tevez what would happen?

His answer came in the shape of a crushing 3-1 defeat that afternoon. Arsenal were just not the same team after the break: Bendtner was no Tevez and the need to revert to a straight 4-4-2 left the Gunners susceptible to the 2 swift counter attacks that were finished off clinically by the superb Dimitar Berbatov. Sickening! This was not what Jake had envisaged at all.

The next morning was a monday-depressing enough on a normal week but made much more so when Jake picked up the papers and read the headlines screaming from the back page of the Independent:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Tevez out for Season as Spurs bring Arsenal back to Earth </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Tevez had broken his foot and was out for the rest of the season....what would become of Arsenal's season now?

[Mambaman]

Saturday 21st March 2009

'It's a shame we couldnt have gone' Matt was moaning

'Shut up Matt that game was a procession!' Jake snapped pulling off his England football top and flinging it onto Matt's bed in disgust. 'Anyway what do you know about football-you support Newcastle!'

'Oh charming Jake. Thanks friend' this last said with heavy irony. 'And put your top back on why dont you?']

Jake wasn't listening: the only good thing about this 6 nil thrashing of the lowly Faroe Islands as far as he was concerned was the fact that Theo Walcott had started in place of the rested Wayne Rooney and had duly repaid the faith vested in him with the last of the 6 goals. It was a bit of a mystery to both Jake and his best mate Matt how Rooney had been left out of the entire squad but Steve McLaren had remained tight lipped about it in the run up to the game. He was a manager under pressure as England were not even topping the Group that contained such footballing giants as Greece, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Slovenia and of course the mighty Faroe Islands. The reason? England had been beaten 2-0 by the Greeks in Piraeus last October: a topsy turvy game if Jake had ever watched one in which the normally dependable Carragher had managed an own goal and Ashley Cole had missed a penalty. McLaren who had not picked Rooney this time because the forward was injured was nonetheless lampooned after the game with many a pointed question demanding to know who had selected Cole to take penalties? The England management's line was that Cole was the best penalty taker in the squad after Rooney, who was, of course, not available.

'Jake! Jake! For God's sake stop day dreaming will you?' Matt interposed himself angrily in front of his friend and threw his shirt back at him. 'And put your top back on will you?'

Jake observed his friend: handsome rather than pretty: Jake would never have the same attraction for girls. But then girls wanted to mother Jake: they wanted to shag Matt. Still what did it matter: he wasn't really attracted to them anyway...

'I can bet what the object of your thoughts and desires is Jake. Did you see your lover boy watching the game? Didn't he look nice eh all done up in Armani hehe?' Matt crooned swaying in front of Jake as if dancing with some imaginary belle. 'We all know you are in love with him. God knows why? Your lot are no nearer the top of the League than when he was hired. And what have you won in 2 and a half seasons? The Carling Cup-whoopee f*****ng do-'

'Leave it out you jerk!' Sometimes Jake wondered why he was still friends with Matt. These days most of their interaction seemed to be Matt taking the mickey out of Jake or asking him whether he wanted to do naughty things with him.

'Well it's true. So you thrashed FC Copenhagen in the return leg of the Champion's League game and then you beat Man City-well done-really hard! You only managed to draw against Villa away and now you've got 2 difficult games against Liverpool and then Chelsea. You're running out of time my gay friend dont you think man?'

'Please stop calling me that Matt-you're supposed to be my mate' Jake looked away, hurt. Still it was true they had rallied after the Spurs game but it was galling to draw against Villa as, once again, Arsenal dominated the game but came away empty-handed.

'Look you cant talk-where are Newcastle? You're down in 14th. Not very good for the sleeping giant eh? And at least Henry's scoring freely now-we'll be alright unlike your sorry lot! I've had enough of this-pick someone else to be your whipping boy!' And with that Jake donned his top and coat and stormed out into the fresh March air.

'You'd like that wouldn't you?' Matt called after him 'you'd love me to whip you!'

Jake shut his ears to Matt's fading laughter and got out his crumpled cutting of the the latest league placings:

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Holders - Chelsea

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Man Utd | | 30 | 18 | 8 | 4 | 56 | 22 | +34 | 62 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Chelsea | | 30 | 17 | 7 | 6 | 49 | 27 | +22 | 58 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Liverpool | | 29 | 16 | 9 | 4 | 41 | 21 | +20 | 57 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Tottenham | | 30 | 16 | 9 | 5 | 42 | 26 | +16 | 57 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Arsenal | | 29 | 15 | 8 | 6 | 46 | 25 | +21 | 53 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Blackburn | | 30 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 26 | 19 | +7 | 49 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Aston Villa | | 29 | 13 | 7 | 9 | 39 | 34 | +5 | 46 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Bolton | | 30 | 10 | 14 | 6 | 28 | 21 | +7 | 44 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Portsmouth | | 30 | 11 | 7 | 12 | 37 | 37 | 0 | 40 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Man City | | 30 | 11 | 7 | 12 | 33 | 41 | -8 | 40 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Charlton | | 30 | 11 | 6 | 13 | 41 | 35 | +6 | 39 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | West Ham | | 29 | 9 | 8 | 12 | 25 | 40 | -15 | 35 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Reading | | 30 | 9 | 6 | 15 | 25 | 35 | -10 | 33 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | Newcastle | | 30 | 8 | 8 | 14 | 25 | 30 | -5 | 32 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Fulham | | 30 | 8 | 8 | 14 | 22 | 34 | -12 | 32 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | | Wigan | | 30 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 30 | 40 | -10 | 31 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 17th | | Q.P.R. | | 30 | 8 | 7 | 15 | 25 | 38 | -13 | 31 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 18th | | West Brom | | 30 | 8 | 7 | 15 | 24 | 40 | -16 | 31 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 19th | | Middlesbrough | | 30 | 6 | 10 | 14 | 25 | 40 | -15 | 28 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 20th | | Leeds | | 30 | 2 | 8 | 20 | 19 | 53 | -34 | 14 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| | | | | | | | | | | | |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

The fact was the table didn't lie and Arsenal were hardly gaining ground: only 1 game in hand now and Man U still as far away as ever. There were only 9 games to turn things around: the time had gone so quickly. If Arsenal didn't win what would become of his idol, his hero? Still he had faith-he had to. What else mattered? Not alot. He had been dreaming of the Arsenal Manager lately; strange dreams of electric one on one meetings with him and that's when it struck Jake with the force of an express train: a one to one interview. That's what he must secure by any means necessary before the season's end. How he would do that was an open book but Jake was a resourceful, driven lad: he would find a way to track down Ben Amponsah, like a hunter tracking its prey.........

[Mambaman]

Wed 1st April 2009 0830 hrs The No 9 Bus on the way to School

'Look at this Gem-look at this!' Jake was waving his newspaper back page excitedly in Gemma's face 'Read! Read!'

'Ok ok Jake-calm down-what am I supposed to be reading?'

'There-there!' He gesticulated wildly at a section of the paper. Jake was beaming from ear to ear: he couldnt stop. It had been a superb few days.

Gemma started reading the article aloud: 'Amponsah secures future at resurgent Arsenal'

'oooooh!' Gemma was smiling too now: she knew how much this meant to her friend even if she sometimes failed to grasp the finer points of being a fanatical football supporter. 'It goes on...'

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> 'The Arsenal hierarchy were quietly satisfied that despite a bumpy season where their support has not always been assured their promising young manager, Ben Amponsah, has signed for a further 3 years. It is rumoured that Amponsah was initially unhappy that his salary of £35,000/week was not improved on but was persuaded to re-sign by the offer of an increase in money for fees and an immediate injection of £4million into his depleted transfer kitty. There apparently remains lingering tension between Amponsah and the Chairman, Dan Saunders, but the former must be acutely aware of the fact that, as yet, he has won no major trophies.

Nonetheless Saunders was quoted as saying that Amponsah's 'fantastic' committment would delight both fans and players alike. Sure enough the first person to come out and give his thanks was the Gunners Captain, Thierry Henry, who was keen to stress that he was glad that the Arsenal Board had seen the sense to retain Amponsah, who he believes is capable of great things at Arsenal.

Meanwhile a resurgent Arsenal find themselves in 3rd place in the league. They are now 4 points behind Spurs and 9 points behind Manchester United but with a game in hand on both. The Gunners also found themselves the winner of another type of treble yesterday when they scooped the Manager of the Month award for Amponsah, the Player of the Month award for Robin Van Persie (who is proving far more deadly on the left flank than he ever did as a striker) and the Young Player of the Month award for the Wonderkid Micah Richards. They are charging now: remember how they disposed of Liverpool 4-1 at the Emirates last week with almost contemptuous ease? They still have to overcome Valencia in the Champion's League semi finals and Chelsea away in the Premiership and so the question remains whether all this is too late?' </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

'Is it too late?' Gemma asked Jake smiling?

Jake smiled right back, his eyes gleaming wickedly, 'It's never too late Gemma my darling: remember....'

'Yes I know Jake...BEN AMPONSAH IS A GENIUS!!!' And with that the 2 of them both descended into manic giggles on the back seat.....

[SJ234]

i want more plese KUTGW

[marcftm]

Good Story.

[SJ234]

come back mambaman

[Mambaman]

Sorry about that guys: been away with my partner for a bit, which explains trhe hiatus. Will get back to the story on Sunday....promise

[marcftm]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mambaman:

Sorry about that guys: been away with my partner for a bit, which explains trhe hiatus. Will get back to the story on Sunday....promise </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You Better!

[marcftm]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mambaman:

Sorry about that guys: been away with my partner for a bit, which explains trhe hiatus. Will get back to the story on Sunday....promise </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You Better!

[SJ234]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Sorry about that guys: been away with my partner for a bit, which explains trhe hiatus. Will get back to the story on Sunday....promise </div></BLOCKQUOTE> you better

[marcftm]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by SJ234:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Sorry about that guys: been away with my partner for a bit, which explains trhe hiatus. Will get back to the story on Sunday....promise </div></BLOCKQUOTE> you better </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I just said that.

[SJ234]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">quote:

Originally posted by SJ234:

quote:

Sorry about that guys: been away with my partner for a bit, which explains trhe hiatus. Will get back to the story on Sunday....promise

you better

I just said that </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

i know i was just continuing your point

[Mambaman]

Sunday 29th April 09 1000hrs

Jake was nervous. In fact he was almost paralysed with fear. Phone in hand he prepared to call the number: 0500 693 505. He had his newspaper cuttings, he had his almost encyclopaedic memory of all things Ben Amponsah and more than anything he had his plan ,which was about to come to fruition. One call to Gabby Logan on Five Live would be all it would take to realise it...

It had almost been too easy: he had wondered what medium he should use to try and effect a meeting with Ben Amponsah and it had come to him when listening to a madcap quiz on Soccer AM one morning: what if he played on the vanity of one of the Radio presenters and challenged them to see just how 'in' with the footballing elite they were? The person that came to mind was Gabby Yorath, who, it was said, was very close to certain Premiership Managers, Ben Amponsah included. Jake had been assisted in the formulating of this plan by the continuing coruscating form of his team: everyone was talking about Arsenal now as they mounted a late surge for both the Premiership and for the Champion's League Trophies: they had lost the 1st leg Quarter Final 1-0 in a wet and unseasonably cool Mestella Stadium at the beginning of the month but had not looked back since, reeling off home victories against Wigan (4-1) , Valencia (2-0 in the return leg), Blackburn (a 4-0 drubbing) and Leeds (3-0) and added to that battling away victories to QPR (1-0), Portsmouth led by the peerless Marcello Lippi (3-2-Jake could still not quite understand how Portsmouth had managed to secure the services of arguably the World's best manager but that's another story) and best of all a 2-1 away win against Inter in the 1st round of the Champion's League Semi-a superb result which gave Arsenal every chance of reaching their 2nd consecutive Champion's League final-some feat!

Amazingly Gabby had taken the bait and had agreed that for part of her Sunday show, if Jake rang in and could answer all her questions pertaining to Ben Amponsah's life, career and current good form, she would personally arrange for him a one on one interview at the Manager's house. Jake had been stunned. Either Gabby was a good sport or she really didnt believe that Jake could answer all the questions. It didnt matter: Jake was going to give it a damn good shot!

The papers were there to give Jake fortitude really and inspire him-he had been getting so much joy and pride from them recently: he scanned some of the recent headlines:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Walcott and Henry Imperious as Wigan are crushed by mighty Arsenal The Independent on Sunday 5th April 2009

Arsenal 4 (Clichy, 21; Henry 24, 54; Sneijder 52)

Wigan 1 (Jarolim, 37)

Wigan had no answer for either Theo Walcott, who appears to be making the right wing berth his own in recent games, nor for Thierry Henry, who is determined to atone for all the time he's spent injured this season-they were duly crushed by a rampant Arsenal..... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

and:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Henry brings on his young Apprentice as Arsenal progress in seething Emirates The Independent Thursday 9th April 2009

Arsenal 2 (Bendtner 25, Henry 30)

Valencia 0

Henry and his young Danish protege, Niclas Bendtner, were once again conducting Arsenal's attacking orchestra as their 2 quickfire goals in the final third of the 1st half gave Arsenal the aggregate victory against a dangerous Valencia...... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

And this one:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Inter stunned by late Arsenal Flourish as Gunners line up 2nd consecutive final The Independent Thursday 23rd April 2009

The look on Roberto Mancini's face at the end of this match seemed to sum it up: how had Inter managed to let Arsenal mug them and depart the Guiseppe Meazza with a slender lead to take to their own impregnable fortress that is called the Emirates? The answer would seem to be Theo Walcott and Thierry Henry-2 players who seem to have annexed between them all of the recent man of the match awards (this one went to Walcott in case you were wondering). Despite an horrendous blunder by the increasingly error-prone Italian, Buffon, in the 33rd minute that gifted Adriano an open goal, Arsenal stuck to their task and by playing the 2 defensive midfielders, Gilberto and Denilson, in the centre of the park and sticking to the pace of Walcott and the dribbling of Sneijder on the flanks, they were able to first contain and then overwhelm a decidedly lacklustre Inter in their own back yard.

Even so it was a remarkeable piece of individual brilliance from Henry in the form of his trademark driving run and dribble from the Arsenal half, culminating in a shot bent over the goalkeeper, that set Arsenal hearts racing. Walcott's opportunism profiting from a defensive howler from Walter Samuel typified the never say die attitude that Ben Amponsah has finally instilled in his team...... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Jake was ready: now it was time to show Gabby just how much he was driven by the Arsenal Manager....

[Mambaman]

Saturday 2nd May 2009. 1000hrs

It was a wet cool May morning as Jake arose muttering 'so much for global warming' as he reached for his dressing gown. He always liked to sleep with the windows open, whatever the time of year, but he imagined that that the mornings wouldnt be quite as cold as this one had dawned.

He padded barefoot to the kitchen where his dad was sat with the usual array of Saturday Supplements and papers. Sebastian Patterson was grinning from ear to ear.

'Look at this Jake-you're famous' he chuckled and handed over part of the Independent's Saturday Sports section to his son. Jake rubbed his eyes-quite why he had gotten up so early on a day when he usually lay in at least until lunchtime was anyone's guess?

It was an article by one of his favourite writers, Brian Viner, who wrote in an unfussy, committed way-unlike that sanctimonious old fart, James Lawton, who was always railing at some moral indiscretion or another!

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> ....of course Arsenal are flying at the moment and, having despatched Inter in a tight and cagey affair at the Emirates to reach their 2nd consecutive Champion's League Final, their season will now stand or fall on their next 4 games. The away game to Middlesborough today should be relatively straightforward given the form that they are in at the moment but Chelsea await on Wednesday and could end their slim hopes of catching United. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

And they were slim Jake thought glumly: Manchester United only had to despatch the woeful Leeds away and then had a formality of a home game to Middlesborough to clinch the title, whereas Arsenal had to see off first Middlesborough and then Chelsea away-not an easy task at the best of times. The table seemed to indicate that Arsenal were destined to come 2nd this year, which was an improvement on the two 3rd place finishes managed so far Jake thought glumly-not good enough though.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Holders - Chelsea

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Man Utd | | 36 | 23 | 9 | 4 | 68 | 25 | +43 | 78 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Tottenham | | 36 | 21 | 9 | 6 | 53 | 30 | +23 | 72 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Arsenal | | 35 | 21 | 8 | 6 | 65 | 29 | +36 | 71 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Chelsea | | 35 | 19 | 8 | 8 | 53 | 29 | +24 | 65 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Liverpool | | 36 | 17 | 12 | 7 | 50 | 33 | +17 | 63 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Aston Villa | | 36 | 16 | 8 | 12 | 49 | 43 | +6 | 56 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Blackburn | | 36 | 14 | 11 | 11 | 29 | 28 | +1 | 53 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Bolton | | 36 | 11 | 18 | 7 | 31 | 24 | +7 | 51 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Charlton | | 36 | 14 | 8 | 14 | 52 | 39 | +13 | 50 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Man City | | 36 | 13 | 8 | 15 | 38 | 53 | -15 | 47 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Portsmouth | | 36 | 12 | 8 | 16 | 43 | 49 | -6 | 44 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | Newcastle | | 36 | 11 | 10 | 15 | 32 | 35 | -3 | 43 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Reading | | 36 | 10 | 11 | 15 | 32 | 40 | -8 | 41 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | West Ham | | 36 | 10 | 10 | 16 | 30 | 50 | -20 | 40 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Middlesbrough | | 36 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 33 | 44 | -11 | 39 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | | West Brom | | 36 | 9 | 11 | 16 | 32 | 49 | -17 | 38 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 17th | | Q.P.R. | | 36 | 10 | 7 | 19 | 30 | 47 | -17 | 37 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 18th | | Fulham | | 36 | 9 | 9 | 18 | 24 | 40 | -16 | 36 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 19th | | Wigan | | 36 | 7 | 14 | 15 | 35 | 51 | -16 | 35 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 20th | R | Leeds | | 36 | 3 | 9 | 24 | 23 | 64 | -41 | 18 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| | | | | | | | | | | | |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

He read on:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> ......With United seemingly home and dry it may be that the ever-resourceful Amponsah will concentrate, instead, on winning the Champion's League Final. Will he rest key players for the Chelsea game? Or maybe he will give more time and a run out to his players returning from long term injuries: Rosicky and Hleb. Both played a key part in the win against Inter last week; Rosicky playing the whole game and providing some glimpses of the skill that made him such a force in the early part of the season pre-injury, whilst Hleb came on and caused some havoc with a couple of penetrating runs down the right flank in the closing stages of the game. One of these, of course led to the Bendtner goal after Cesar could only parry the Belarussian's efforts onto the willing right boot of the young Arsenal striker.

After Chelsea there is a home game against Charlton , which Amponsah will probably use as a warm up for the Final itself in the De Kuip Stadium, Rotterdam. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

'Blah, blah, blah, blah' Jake intoned 'what were you looking at Dad-and can you turn the heating on please? It's freezing in this house?'

'There son-there...and stop being such a jessie!'

'Oh don't you start, Sebastian Patterson: I have enough to contend with the people at school accusing me of being gay without you starting too' said Jake playfully giving his Dad a dig in the ribs and laughing.

'sorry son-there's the line you will be interested in-I'll go turn the heating on-it is rather chilly today now you mention it'

Jake smiled as he read the next part:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> ....and it seems that Amponsah has taken his friend up on the offer and agreed to have an interview with a young fan, who answered all manner of trivia questions that Gabby had put to him on a radio phone-in. The young man in question, Jake Patterson, who is only 16, is something of an Amponsah afficianado and had badgered Gabby Logan quite forcefully to agree to this unusual request. The clinching question; 'which part of Ghana does Amponsah's mother, Ursula, hail from?', was answered in a split second by Patterson bringing his tally of correct responses to precisely 20...out of 20. Quite what the young Gunner has in store for the urbane young manager and his North London pad remains to be seen but Patterson has reserved the right to dictate the questions and format of the interview-remarkeable! Since the date is scheduled for Saturday 23rd May-just after the Champion's League final-the subject matter could be very interesting indeed. Would that we correspondents could get that sort of access: maybe we should get young Jake a stint at the Independent's sport's Bureau? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Jake was already by the last line reaching for the phone to breathlessly call Gemma-wait til all their friends saw this.....

[marcftm]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by SJ234:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">quote:

Originally posted by SJ234:

quote:

Sorry about that guys: been away with my partner for a bit, which explains trhe hiatus. Will get back to the story on Sunday....promise

you better

I just said that </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

i know i was just continuing your point </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

mintastic

Yey, he's back!

Good Come back MAMBOMAN!!

[marcftm]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by marcftm:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by SJ234:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">quote:

Originally posted by SJ234:

quote:

Sorry about that guys: been away with my partner for a bit, which explains trhe hiatus. Will get back to the story on Sunday....promise

you better

I just said that </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

i know i was just continuing your point </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

mintastic

Yey, he's back!

Good Come back MAMBAMAN!! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[SJ234]

thank you mambaman

[Mambaman]

Nice to know you guys care sometimes difficult to work out how your story is going down but thanks

Will post another installment tonight as I am enjoying this so much

[Mambaman]

Saturday 9th May 2009 1245hrs

Jake's Dad put his head into the steamy bathroom and shouted at the shower: 'Come on Son! The game's about to start!'

'Jees! Really? Coming!' That was why he'd gotten up early Jake thought as he careened out of the shower room, towel wrapped around and grabbed his luxurious dressing gown then used its voluminous folds to dry himself off before he plonked himself down on his dad's plush leather sofa.

For his part Seb Patterson smiled indulgently at his son's antics: at least he seemed to be over the worst of the depressive behaviour-the recent run of their Team and the possibility of Champion's League glory had really lifted Jake and it showed...and then there was the coup with Gabby Logan-amazing!

'Listen to this son: Henry's won player of the month, Walcott, Young Player of the Month and Amponsah Manager of the Month: a hat-trick!'

'Fully deserved though Dad: that's 2 months on the trot for all prizes as Richards won Young Player last month and Van P the Player with Ben Amponsah also getting last months Manager of the Month-here come the pundits'

'And here comes the newly installed Manager of the Month Martin-I'll bet he's hoping it hasnt jinxed him?'

'Well it didnt last month did it Andy-lets look at the Arsenal line up'

The Sky match graphic came up right on cue:

Buffon

Hoyte Toure Gallas Traore

Walcott Denilson Richards Van Persie

Bendtner Henry ©

'It's all about pace Martin' intoned Andy Grey 'See Amponsah has been crafty these last 6 weeks and shuffled his pack: he has replaced the tiring Clichy at left back with Traore-the lad's quicksilver and really complements the dribbling skills of Van Persie on the left. At the same time he's pushed Walcott back to the right wing to replace Hleb, who was inconsistent. This gives Arsenal real pace on both flanks: Hoyte has been consistent at right back and what can I say about the other 3, Buffon, Toure and Gallas? They need no introductions'

'And Bendtner?'

'Well. Niclas Bendtner has also been a revelation Martin-we knew the lad had skill after that loan spell at Birmingham City in the 06/07 season where he scored 23 goals in 41 appearances. Amponsah knew he was good too but only played him 8 times last season. This season the injury to Tevez and the inconsistency of both Walcott and Van Persie as strikers has given him his chance: he is more of a natural finisher than the 2 now on the wings but-see-what this gives Amponsah is 4 forwards who are good at scoring goals. And listen to this Bendtner has started 15 times this season and scored 10 goals with 7 assists and 2 Man of the Match Awards: No bad eh?'

'Not bad indeed Andy-and what about the midfield? Is it not a negative move to play 2 holding midfielders in the centre?'

'Why? Why is it Martin? Both Richards and Denilson are apt to get forward in a way that Gilberto doesnt but what this gives Amponsah is real bite in the centre of the park. This has been how Arsenal have played for the last 2 months: in that time they have only lost away games to Spurs and Valencia-you work it out! Besides he doesnt need a creative midfielder like Rosicky when the team are going to play down the flanks does he?'

'Good point Andy-now what about Boro-how are they going to contain the threat from Arsenal today?'

'Well...'

But Jake wasn't listening at this stage because the Team were trooping on and the camera was now cutting to his hero: he had indeed adapted the team's tactics and reshuffled his pack brilliantly and Arsenal were indeed flying-yes they needed Spurs and Man U to slip up as Henry had mentioned in his pre-match rallying cry to the Team, but they still also needed to carry on winning to be in with any chance. what had impressed Jake was this new-found 'never say never' attitude that permeated through the Team...only 1 person could have been responsible for that and Jake was looking at him: there he sat, face inscrutable: urbane, intelligent, handsome and passionate-oh what questions Jake had in store for him-what questions!