Despite the fact that temperate regions of the world are experiencing Spring, yesterday felt like Winter after England and the world went “cold” following an occurrence that took place in White Shite Lane.
However, the day began brightly as the impressive Swansea ran riot on Fulham in a game ex-Gunner Phillippe Senderos showcased his atrocious side. Sunderland also visited Goodison Park to earn themselves a draw, causing a replay in their cattle grazing center, or the Stadium of Light as it’s called in this part of the world.
In White Shite Lane, Arsenal fans braced themselves up to see their Japanese version of Ronaldinho. He has caused devastating effects when he was deployed on the left wing but Owen Coyle chose to hand him a start from the right. The great Chimp Gareth Bale suffered the ignominy of an embarrassing own goal but he made amends for his error by supplying an assist for Kyle Walker to level the contest.
Alan Bogdan was about taking a goal kick in the 40th minute when ex-Gunner trainee Fabrice Muamba collapsed on the pitch with no player in close proximity.
Footballers have witnessed all sorts of incidents to fellow professionals on the pitch but this was a lot different. Even with CPR and a defibrillator, Muamba was “not breathing” and he was immediately stretched away to a hospital, escorted in the ambulance by Owen Coyle and Kevin Davies. Bolton released a statement shortly after he departed White Shite Lane:
Bolton Wanderers can confirm that Fabrice Muamba has been admitted to the Heart Attack Centre at the London Chest Hospital where he is currently in a critically ill condition in intensive care.
No further information will be issued at this stage.
The club has requested the media to respect his family’s privacy at this time.
Howard Webb had to show great courage to call the match off because the mind state of the players and the fans painted the picture vividly. Rafael van der Fart was seen closing his eyes and telling his God to save this young man’s life. Martin Petrov and Ivan Klasnic were also seen with their hands clasped and praying.
Muamba began his career from Arsenal’s youth academy in 2002 but he turned professional in 2005. Following a loan move to Birmingham City in 2007, the deal was made permanent after a successful loan spell. After amassing close to 70 league appearances for the Blues, he made a £5m switch to Bolton Wanderers in 2008.
Muamba has been an ever-present figure in the heart of Bolton’s midfield and he has already notched up close to 150 appearances for the Trotters at the age of 23. The FA also released a statement sending their thoughts and prayers to Muamba’s family and also appreciating how good works for the England Under-21s were he has notched up 33 caps.
Fabrice Muamba, we can only extend our thoughts and prayers to you. We long to see you make a comeback in the foreseeable future and we wish you the best in your future endeavors.
Please, pray for Fabrice Muamba.
Moving over to Arsenal news, Kieran Gibbs has stated that he’s ready to play every game. This is a bit of news coming from a player I can bet my earnings that he’ll get injured pretty soon. The more fit players we have, the better for everyone involved at Arsenal and I can only hope that he has paid his dues to the injury gods of the Red Half of North London.
Twitchy Ol’ ‘Arry’ has hit back at Wojciech Szczesny following his claims that he’ll love to see Spurs play some Thursday night Europa League football next season despite the fact that they currently occupy third place. ‘Arry said that he won’t even settle for fourth place and the “momentum” is with his Spurs side.
However, he waxed lyrical about Szczesny by saying that he’s a “big fan” of the Pole and he’ll be one of the best goalies in Premier League. He has told the lad to concentrate on his football instead of having a go at his team and Chelsea.
Arsenal’s wingers have also been on the headlines recently. The Ox says that Tomas Rosicky has been an inspiration and Gervinho has stated that he’ll be stronger after his famous penalty miss that handed the African Cup of Nations to Zambia. There’s also this brilliant article on Theo Walcott revealing why his critics should shut their mouths.
To transfer tidbits, Anderlecht wants to offer Park Chu-Young an escape route, Arsenal has been on alert as Real Madrid has made Nuri Sahin available for loan and Yann M’ Vila is set to leave Rennes this summer. Lukas Podolski has cleared the air by saying that no deal has been done and he’ll prefer a move to Italy.
Speaking of Italy, here comes a shocker. Arsenal is weighing up a shock move for the 37-year old Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero.
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