Types of Arsenal Fans.

Arsenal football club boasts of a fan base of about 100 million people worldwide. That’s like having a one Arsenal supporter in at least 10 people. It has the third largest supporter number for a football team worldwide. There are different types of fans though. Some real, some well…….

1. The Diva fan

This one is an Arsenal fan because they heard that Arsenal is class. They want to be associated with classy trends. This fan has the latest outfit, latest watches and jewellery and they match from the top to the bottom. On match day, this fan will don a home jersey, red shoes and a red cap. This fan is also a staunch fan of Barcelona and really loves Christiano Ronaldo (though he/she won’t admit it in the open).

2. The Escort

This usually refers to female fans though it may apply to some guys. This one is an Arsenal fan as long as she/he is dating an Arsenal fan. When there is a break-up in the relationship, Arsenal has lost one fan, unless of course the next boy/girlfriend is also an Arsenal fan.

3. The Idolizer

This one supports Arsenal but idolizes one player. They have the players name on all 8 replica jerseys they own. They have the player’s country jersey also in all available colors. This fan has the players name on their Facebook, Twitter handle and even personal e-mail. They possible have a tattoo of the player somewhere. Their computer wallpaper, phone wallpaper has the players’ picture. The fan knows all personal details about the player…birthday, favorite colour, birthplace, parents’ details, career path, height, weight just to mention but a few. This type of fan will try to imitate the physical appearance of his idol to extreme extents like an Arteta fan trying to imitate Arteta’s hair. This fan gets angry when the player is benched or even doesn’t play because of injury. You do not want to hear or read the responses from this fan if the said idol is criticized. The said fan usually moves along with the player… I know a few Cesc fans that moved to Barcelona with Cesc.

4. The Ignorant

This is the Arsenal fan that has no idea that Clichy and Kolo Toure left. He/she still thinks that Fabregas is captain and van Persie is out injured. This fan knows that ARSENal is so called because it is owned by one ARSENe Wenger (and that’s why we bought ARShavin). The ignorant fan watches three games a season and doesn’t know why the Arsenal/Tottenham match is more important than the Arsenal/Liverpool match. This fan is akin to the Manchester United fan who still thinks CR7 plays for them.

5. The Seasonal

This fan is only an Arsenal fan when the team wins. They usually carry their Arsenal gear in a bag and keep them concealed for during the game. The jersey and other gear will be donned if the gunners win or get an honorable draw. At the stadium, these are the fans that leave as soon as the team is two goals down. Most of these fans have since shifted to Chelsea or Manchester City following Arsenal’s trophy drought. Expect the number of Arsenal fans to increase to 120 million worldwide when the Arsenal get a trophy….. the prodigal sons will be back. The ones who are still here, keeps saying “We need to spend money and buy Messi”. Yes, too much of FIFA Manager.

6.The Suicidal

This fan starts prepping for a Saturday game on a Sunday the week before. On the eve of the game eating, sleeping or just doing normal stuff is impossible. Game day is like a 9 year olds birthday, the excitement and the worry…emotions and hormones run wild. This fan watches pre-match analysis anywhere possible. If the game goes well, this is the best character you will meet. However, the gunners lose and sometimes they will, this fan has to be put on suicide watch. This fan cries and cries and then some. He/she breaks the TV remote, crosses the road without checking, drink some strong dry vodka without stopping, and picks fights with wrestlers and all kind of destructive behavior. This fan will even commit suicide if left alone. Remember this guy

7. The Obsessed

This one has everything Arsenal. From personal items like toothbrushes, soap dish to clothing to beddings to books…everything. This fan always has an Arsenal item on regardless of where they are, be it a job interview, wedding, funeral…wherever. He/she knows everything about the team, the players and their families, the coaching staff and even the mascot. This fan watches all Arsenal matches..the senior team, the reserves, the ladies team, the under 18s, under 10s and even repeat matches from 1965. This fan eats on an Arsenal plate, drinks from an Arsenal cup and sleeps on an Arsenal bed…literally eats, drinks and sleeps the Arsenal. All their Facebook updates and Tweets are the Arsenal. This fan will pick the team over anything on this earth.

8. The Optimist

This fan is always positive. Also a fun type. He sees nothing wrong with the team. This is the fan who at 2-0 down with 1 minute of extra time to go believes we can still win it. This fan blames every mistake on the referee, the opposing team, the weather, the time, the ball absolutely anything that can absolve the team of blame. This fan claims that the goalpost is too small when Gervinho shoots wide, no tackle is Vermaelen’s fault he always gets the ball. This fan loves the team just the way it is.

9. The Perpetual Complainer

At 5 goals up and the ball rolls out for an opponent’s throw in, this fan complains. He complains when the team scores, when the team concedes whenever. This fan will complain win or lose, big win or big loss… all the time. You can never satisfy this one. He complains that Cazorla is too short, Mertesacker is too tall, Walcott is too fast, Arsene Wenger speaks too many languages. This fan gives a player 10 minutes to prove himself, blames the goalkeeper for letting in a penalty etc. You do not want to watch a match with this fan. That guarantees you 90 minutes of negative commentary.

10. The Crush

This mostly applies to the ladies. This type of fan supports the team because there is a “hot” player in the team…most went for Walcott’s cuteness or Henry’s sexy demeanor among others. Most of these fans have since grown tired of Walcott and has moved on to Chelsea in such of a certain Hazard or to Newcastle to see a certain Ben Arfa.

11. The Real

This fan is a realist. He/she has some Arsenal regalia…jerseys, arm bands, maybe a cup or a cap just not in excess. This fan wears Arsenal regalia on match day only. This fan appreciates a win and accepts a loss with dignity. Compliments where deserved and criticizes once in a while when necessary. He/she knows about the team; the injuries, the formation, goals and assists per player, player positions and other football related information. He/she follows the Arsenal football information and nothing else. This is the best person to have a football discussion with. They agree when a win is deserved and agree when it is undeserved. This fan is as faithful as a dog and still has hope of a trophy 8 years on. He accepts the team with its strengths and weaknesses.

Quite the fan base ha? Where do you belong?

Written by,
Fridah Kariuki

*images are for representation purpose only*

THE GAME CHANGERS

Football as we all know is played by 11 men with the option of substituting 3. It is the ultimate team sport. Everyone of the 11 men has an important role to play and not only is it vital but it is also unique. However, some players shine at their roles, they stand out from the rest of the team. They become what we call "key players". The presence or absence of this players largely influences the outcome of the game and eventually the overall team performance. I aim to look at the "game changers" in every team in the English premier league. 

1. Manchester City

The defending champions have not had the great start that they had last season. The campaign has started rather slow for them though still unbeaten. The key players remain largely unchanged from last season. The men dictating the team are Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and their very influential captain Vincent Company. Aguero, the dangerous and pacy striker, won the league for the Etihad boys last with a last minute strike. He scored key goals for the team that helped them win the league and consequently won Manchester City Player of The Year.

Yaya Toure plays a vital role in the midfield of the city boys. He is seen as the heart of the team. He links the defense with the attack. Provides asssists and scores some important goals too. He is rated as one of the best midfielders in the EPL.

Vincent Kompany is one of the best center backs in the world. He forms a solid rock at the heart of the Citizen's defence. He scores some important goals too. (Manchester United can attest to this). 

2. Manchester United

This is a tough one. The key players from last season have started on the bench. There is one obvious one though: Robin van Persie. Hurts to admit this as an arsenal fan. van Persie will be looked upon to score goals for the team. If he stays injury free, he will be very key to the Red Devils. Wayne Rooney also remains a very key player for the team. He is a prolific goal scorer and his assists remain vital. Lastly, Antonio Valencia also holds a lot of keys to Manchester United's race to the title. He can play on the wing and right back equally well. He provides assists for the team. On top form he is a player to watch.

3. Arsenal

This season the gunners have had a better start than last season. The players look more like a team and have generally improved. It is hard to pick a key player but there is always that special one. For the gunners I think the key men will be: Santi Cazorla, Lukas Podolski and Mikel Arteta. Santi Cazorla is already showing some amazing statistics. He creates goal scoring chances and scores them too. He has already been seen as buy of the summer by many football pundits.Lukas Podolski, the Prince, also a summer signing is showing his worth already. He is a world class finisher and we have seen his ability defending and tracking back. Mikel Arteta has taken on two new roles at the club: a defensive midfielder kind of role and the vice-captain. He has shown that he is adept at breaking up the opponents play and starting Arsenal's attack with his brilliant passes and vision. In only his second season with the team, he is a favorite to many fans already.

4. Tottenham Hotspur

After a disappointing end to last season and a poor start to the season, Tottenham have recorded important wins in their last two matches. The key players in the team are: Gareth Bale, Jan Vertonghen and Clint Dempsey. Gareth Bale was influential in Spurs 4th place finish last season. The pacy winger scores important goals and provides important assists. Jan Vertonghen is a very versatile defender. Besides getting the blocks in you can be sure he will be getting the goals in as well.Clint Dempsey scored the winner against Manchester United. He was an influential player for Fulham and he will continue to be for Tottenham in the battle to a Champions  League spot.

5. Newcastle United

Newcastle United will be relying on the services of Papiss Cisse, Hatem Ben Arfa and Demba Ba. Papiss and Ba have proven to be natural goal scorers and their goals contributed to the success of the team last season. Hatem Ben Arfa is a massive talent and when he puts his mind and legs to it he can be a game changer. He can score from tight angles and also assist. 

6. Chelsea

Chelsea possesses a range of great talent so it is difficult to say who is the game changer. I will pick Juan Mata, Fernando Torres and Branislav Ivanovic. Juan Mata is a consistent performer who can score and asssist. He is a highly talented playmaker and a game changer. Fernando Torres is the most inconsistent player in the EPL but he possesses talent that cannot be ignored and on top form he is a very dangerous striker. Defender, Branislav Ivanovic has been a key player for Chelsea. He has been both key in defense and attack for Chelsea.

7. Everton

Everton has shown some wonderful team displays and now lie second after six games. The key players in Everton are Leighton Baines, Kevin Mirallas and Marouane Fellaini. Baines is important with his tackles and sight for goal. He has been an important part of Everton's team since joining them. New signing Mirallas was top scorer in the Greek league before moving to Everton. He has great movement and great goalscoring ability. Fellow Belgian Fellaini has been hailed as a top midfielder and he has proved his goal scoring ability and amazing passing. He is strong and very pacy and has so far been the difference for Everton.

8. Liverpool

Liverpool may have had a poor start to the league but as a football fan I have learnt not to rule out a Liverpool come back. Brendan Rodgers is still trying to build a team but the players that stand out from the rest are: Raheem Sterling, Luis Suarez and of course Steven Gerrard. Raheem Sterling at only 17 has become a regular starter. He has wonderful pace and good dribbling skills. He has the ability to get past oppposing defenders and cause trouble. Luis Suarez has already score a hat-trick for his team. He has the ability to score goals that will see Liverpool back to Champions league football. Age may be catching up with Stevie but he is still very influential to the team's performance.

9. Fulham

Fulham will be looking to Berbatov to supply the goals to improve their mid-table performance, Brede Hangeland to keep the defense impervious and Mladen Petric who has already scored 3 goals in 4 appearances for the team.

10. West Bromwich Albion

I'll start with Romelu Lukaku. Although he has been loaned to the Hawthornes by Chelsea he has been very influential thus far. James Morison and Shane Long are also very influential performers for WBA. They are game changers.

11. Swansea City

One of the key players for Swansea is in almost everyone's fantasy premier league team... Michu. He has been exceptional this season so far scoring 4 goals now. Nathan Dyer ha been a great influence so far scoring 2 goals in 2 appearances. Ki Sung-Yueng if he breaks into the first team will be a great addition to a solid looking Swansea team. He is known for his vision, technique, long range passing and shooting, along with his good set-pieces.

12. Norwich City

Norwich city star players are Grant Holt, Steve Morison and Robert Snodgrass. The three possess a potent ability to score goals and keep Norwich in the top flight.

13. Sunderland

Sunderland will require Stephane Sessegnon to replicate the form he was in last season, Sebastian Larsson and Steven Fletcher are also key players for Sunderland. Fletcher's form has been great so far scoring 5 goals so far.

14. Stoke City

I am tempted to put defenders as star players for Stoke. They play such a defensive game with high balls to look for their striker. Ryan Shawcross is a massive defender, top talent. Peter Crouch will also be massive for the Britannia outfit. Jermaine Pennant is also a star player for Stoke.

15. Wigan Athletic

Last season Wigan staged the bravest battle ever against relegation. It was amazing. They had Victor Moses then...now they don't. They will be looking at Franco di Santo and Arouna Kone to get the goals to keep them in the EPL. Shaun Maloney is also a key player for the latics. Maloney is known for his set-piece accuracy, technical ability and confidence when shooting.

16. Aston Villa

	Aston Villa star players will be Charles N'zogbia, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Karim el-Ahmadi. The team will be looking at this players to improve on their last season 16th place finish.

17. Queen Park Rangers

Barely surviving last season, I don't think QPR will be waiting for another team's result to help them survive. Esteban Granero, Bobby Zamora and Adel Taarabt will have to shine for the team to battle relegation.

18. Southampton

Adam Lallana has been wonderful this season. So wonderful that he earned himself a call up to the England squad. Rickie Lambert has also been exceptional. Lastly, Jay Rodriguez also another wonderful performer. The three players are key in Soton's survival.

19. Reading

I haven't watched a full match pitting Reading FC but I think alongside the team captain Jobi McAnuff, Pavel Pogrebnyak and Danny Guthrie are the key players for the party Russian owned team.

20. Westham United

I find it very hard to pick a star in this team. Westham have come back to the premier league with a formidable team. However, I think Ricardo Vaz Te, Matt Jarvis and Andy Carroll will make the difference for Westham. 

That is my opinion of the game changers in each team. However, a team does have 11 players.....watch all of them.