Football clubs are like families.
Only you are allowed to slag them off. If someone else does it, they’ve crossed a line. Or at least that is the mentality with which a lot of football fans approach punditry and criticism in sport.
There was a feeling of resentment from fans online towards BBC’s Match of the Day pundits, particularly Alan Shearer, when he criticised the team’s defending in their 3-1 home defeat to Manchester United. And Shearer didn’t hold back when Arsenal Fan TV’s Mr DT told him he needed to go to Specsavers.
Absolute state of you @MrDtAFC:
"Shambolic defending. Can't say anything else."
"We have conceded 19 goals. Swansea who are BOTTOM have conceded 18 goals."@ManUtd scored 3, hit the post, missed a one-on-one. You had a lot of possession though. 👏🏻👏🏻 Who needs @specsavers? https://t.co/YNI3saRwBt
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) December 3, 2017
Ian Wright today jumped to his colleagues’s defence, insisting that criticism of Arsenal’s defending is entirely justified, regardless of how much possession they might have enjoyed.
https://twitter.com/IanWright0/status/937276921397817344
He makes a good point. Wright’s former club let themselves down by allowing United preventable chances which ultimately won them the game and undid all of Arsenal’s good work with the ball.
Alan Shearer said United were as good as City yesterday? Jesus Christ, Alan. They’re lucky if they finish within 15 points.
— Calum (@CalArsenal) December 3, 2017
Alan shearer made it out like it was an amazing attacking performance from Man United. Even compared them to Man Cities performances. When in reality Arsenal gift wrapped them 3 Christmas presents.
— BoyWonder (@_BoyWonderFC) December 3, 2017
Maybe, it’s possible that Arsenal deserved more goals, but defended badly, United took their few chances well and defended well. I don’t know, just a thought.
