Arsenal FC: An (other) Inquisition into a Frenchman's Tainted Philosophy

Perhaps by some form of sea vermin vexation, an internationally celebrated vessel has found itself drifting precariously towards uncharted waters. Six years after absconding some place adrift of the Big Rock Candy Mountain, crewmembers of the red and white vessel are conspiring against the very establishment they had vowed to fight for, and the first sailor to pronounce his perfidy? An under-performer—Denilson.

Arsenal’s fringe-man wants out of the club, and it was a wish that did not require the services of a Genie’s lamp. On the contrary, Arsène granted his request for a season-long loan move to Sao Paulo, which frankly didn't need the slightest hesitation. No need to get the guy to walk the plank, I have to imagine.

Oh, but it could have been anyone.

If Denílson had indeed brunt “…the worst season of (his) life”, what of the fulcrum of that side, from Robin van Persie to Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, not to mention little Theo Walcott? It does not bode well. The bonehead Brazilian rambled on:

‘I am a winner and I came here to win trophies, but I’ve been here for five years and won nothing. Until Arsenal stop throwing away silly points in stupid games, nothing will change’

Although Denilson was himself the architect of a few “stupid games”, one must argue that this lad may not be the solitary thorn on the rose.

The opacity of the Arsenal façade has surely dissolved. Arsenal’s faithful are beginning to lose patience with the Frenchman, and there are quotes to back it up. Whether its the onomatopoeia of birds flapping over the Emirates Stadium or the fat lady singing, voices of all kinds ring one word in cruel unison- ‘boo’. Denílson has triggered, somewhat righteously, a disillusion that has seeped through the floorboards of the dressing room. His words, so sententious, so brutally sincere, will echo throughout North London until change egresses itself.

At the very least, it is, after all, only Denílson. Wily Wenger has ducked one bullet, but the rifle is locked and loaded, and he remains in sight. The Frenchman must act before the trigger is next pulled. It has been a dark and stormy winter, but for Wenger, the summer will not be of any relief. One thing remains certain: signings have to be made—the right kind. Sealing the signature of Ivorian Gervinho points in the right direction; however, any parsimonious deals–such as the free transfer of a certified muffer—will spell shipwreck.

Sway but a little, and this ship will be well off course, heading for a Titanic-like death. One question remains; could the Frenchman emulate Captain Sparrow’s antics in guiding his vessel back towards the Promise Land? It remains to be seen.