Eboue and the man in the mirror

Results

Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
06 Jan	5:15 PM	FA	Liverpool (A)	3	1	Win

There are players, or better put - a player, currently at the club - who are a disgrace to the shirt

Emmanuel Eboue. A fantastic talent going forward no doubt, and a key man in the defence during the Champions League run last year. But an absolute disgrace to the shirt - what is with this guy?

I read an interview with a few months ago and he came across really well, so it gives me no pleasure to say this but he is a cheat and I do not want to see him in an Arsenal shirt again. I was embarrassed to watch him once again react to an imminent booking by collapsing on the floor like a child being told off by his mother.

It isn't the first time this has happened, it happened during the north London derby in December. It happened at Bolton and it's really unnecessary, he doesn't need to do it. If you've fouled someone you should be man enough to take the booking.

This is forgetting the goal he cost us by staying on the floor expecting a free kick at home to Spurs last season, and the dive in the Champions League final that ultimately brought us a goal.

It seems to me the old adage, "Remember who you are and who you represent" needs drumming into this young lad because he's making an arse of himself right now. It was great to see Justin Hoyte replace him immediately as he went down again in the Kop end penalty area.

Seems to me Hoyte's attitude is the complete opposite of Eboue's and while the consensus maybe that Hoyte has no future here, for me, it's really refreshing to see a young lad who just wants to play for the Arsenal.

At least I can't imagine Hoyte going down with imaginary injuries! I think Eboue really needs to take a look in the mirror because the speed with which he was replaced on Saturday does not bode well for his Arsenal career.

Of course, Eboue may well be injured, but for me, he's now the boy who cried wolf and we all know what happened to him, right?

User Comments

John

Posted on 16 Jan, 2007 at 04:04 PM - Reply

So I suppose you want Van Persie kicked out of the club too? 8 yellow cards already this season?! A shocking dive a few weeks ago? Reacted to Morgan's punch like he'd been plugged with a knife rather than winded? Many away teams will tell you the penalties he wins are often a bit soft?

Cop on to yourself. Eboue has attitude problems but it's daft to say 'get rid of him'. Myopic and foolish. Surely better to work on the attitude than sack him?!

Rain Dance

Posted on 16 Jan, 2007 at 11:28 AM - Reply

Maybe a bit of the line, but what is the big ruckus about diving.
Ronaldo dives ALOT!! Still he was the World Best Player( Blind Judges!! Henry is WAY Better than the Fatso)
Totti (I think) dives in WC,SO?? Italy became World Champs. The Aussie will back me up on this
Maradona uses his hand to score and ? He is worshipped as god of football
Come on I can go on and on about this.
Diving, handsball, elbow in the gut is a part of football;
I think Arsenal is too honest in football. we need 1 bad boy out there.
A striker would be better.

Hjörvar

Posted on 15 Jan, 2007 at 02:52 PM - Reply

I hope he stops this noncense and goes on with his game. He can only become better.

bobia

Posted on 15 Jan, 2007 at 11:52 AM - Reply

This is the worst article to ever grace this rather good site. I know everyone wants to write and all, but this is taking it too far. There is hatred for Eboue in this article that is really unhealthy. You seem to hate the person for reasons other than football, you need help Mr. Williams. If Eboue is a disgrace to the shirt, then you are an embarrassment to Arsenal us fans. Rival fans who read such rubbish must be laughing at us, how can AM allow such an Article on the front page? What are you Mr. Williams, a palmer wanna be? Get a life!

Citizen

Posted on 15 Jan, 2007 at 06:15 AM - Reply

Eboue one of the best young player in the Arsenal squad who can play in the front as well as in the defence. He is not a diver. The article sucks.

King Meatheart

Posted on 14 Jan, 2007 at 10:20 PM - Reply

Who is the absolute tool that is going on about Hleb and Clichy being replaced. What a retard.

Johnny

Posted on 14 Jan, 2007 at 03:24 PM - Reply

What a pile of shite this article is, the only thing that's a disgrace is the fact that this has been allowed to be published on what is a very very good site.

Patrick Chia

Posted on 14 Jan, 2007 at 01:08 PM - Reply

I don't know why the writer is so picky on Eboue, who is much better than Justin Hoyte in terms of both skill and pace, As for diving, what about Pires and van Persie?

Okiror Dennis

Posted on 14 Jan, 2007 at 11:50 AM - Reply

Live the boy alone circumstances can force you to do other things but at the end of the day what we want is the results, because according to your conclusion its as if he is just forging the injury he is out with currently, no professional footballer would do that, dont kill his moral please, all I encourage him is to win many games.

Okiror Dennis

Posted on 14 Jan, 2007 at 11:42 AM - Reply

I think you are being very unfair to Ebue Emanuel, because he has done so well he deserve some kind of credit pliz!!

Herbz - Chicago

Posted on 13 Jan, 2007 at 10:50 PM - Reply

'Disgrace to the shirt' - a pretty harsh judgement.
Amazes me how fickle fans are - can't see beyond the end of their noses.
If you did, you would recognize the fact that Eboue is young, gets kicked all the time (like most of our players - point in case the sending off of Gilberto & Tugay only getting a yellow - WTF?) and that there is inherently going to be inconsistencies in performances by our youth players. The 'Kid' is still developing & i have enough faith in Arsenal FC, our footballing philosophy & the staff & manager to eradicate this aspect of his game. Now if he was 27, i'd say a leopard cannot change it's spots.
Don't forget that Eboue is still young & i'd put it down to inconsistency of youth. Give the lad a chance.

Zee

Posted on 13 Jan, 2007 at 08:49 PM - Reply

I would prefer Lauren to Eboue anyday. But well Lauren is leaving now. But I still rate Eboue more then Hoyte. Whenever I see Hoyte in the starting line up, I feel Arsenal's defence unsecure. He is not mature yet, weak and not experienced. I think Eboue still gives Arsenal defence some confidence. I'm absolutly against the idea of very young players in the starting line up against big time. These kids don't understand the responsibility yet but got lot of passion and pace only. I fume everytime I see AW signing another teen under 19 rather then some one to replace Clichy or Hleb.

Gooner T

Posted on 13 Jan, 2007 at 05:24 PM - Reply

dont be a muppet... he went down because he WAS injured. Hence him being out of the squad for blackburn.

True Fan

Posted on 13 Jan, 2007 at 01:08 PM - Reply

Paul Williams is Mr Perfect?

Cut the guy some slack! We all make mistakes, but are lucky enough not to have millions of people watching when we do.

The boy has talent but has a lot to learn along the way. Give him some space and let Mr Wenger work his magic.

patman

Posted on 13 Jan, 2007 at 12:06 PM - Reply

Dont you think your being a bit harsh?? I agree he does tend to go down to easily and he does play act. But don't forget players the acts of players such as pires and lauren in recent years. I'm sure arsene will address the issue, eboueis a good player, bottom line!!

gooner10

Posted on 13 Jan, 2007 at 12:04 PM - Reply

what a load of bullcrap...fyi most of the time he doesnt dive and is caught in the replays...those dumb commentators said he dived when he didnt and youre just gonna believe what they say without fullu reviewing the evidence?

Eboue deserves more than this crap. He works so hard for the team and tries his best. So who are you gonna criticize next eh? Henry?

hkm

Posted on 13 Jan, 2007 at 10:52 AM - Reply

While I can't disagree with either side of this argument, for me the key point on the negative side is not that he is so unbelievably embarrassing, but that the way he fixates and just keeps stamping his feet completely throws off the concentration of the defense. For obvious reasons these problems usually come up in our end of the pitch, so when we resume more often than not the opposition is taking the ball in something close to scoring position. The last thing we need is to have a key defender totally preoccupied with his own little personal drama, and everyone else on the team distracted, worrying whether he will remember to do his job.
Since Arsene has said goodbye to Ralph, we have to presume that the Boss figures he can sort this youngster out. But until that happens our little drama queen is a major danger on the field.

danny

Posted on 13 Jan, 2007 at 08:51 AM - Reply

i think that we tend to forget that players like eboue are very young and we know how young people get sometimes. i think that under the guidance of arsene wenger he will improve his attitude just like van persie. sometimes us supporter are so quick to judge, just like some did with adebayor. give him some time. i think over the years one must have learn that we should all trust arsene wenger cuz he knows what he is doing. give the boy time before judging him.

Roger

Posted on 13 Jan, 2007 at 08:35 AM - Reply

Diving is cheating, period. We don't want Arsenal players diving.
Eboue is a really good player. Can be clumsy in defense sometimes, but great when making those attacking runs.

Glo

Posted on 13 Jan, 2007 at 08:12 AM - Reply

Hoyte is good but I want Eboue playing against Manchester United. That ankle injury has to go I hope!

Glo

Posted on 13 Jan, 2007 at 08:07 AM - Reply

RUBBISH! RUBBISH!! RUBBISH!!! Eboue a diver. Tell me everytime he has dived and before you come to conclusion.

I will tell you why I think HE HASN'T DIVED THAT MUCH BY TALKING ABOUT THE SO CALLED INCIDENT.

First, CL final, he was hit in the stomach not his legs. Second, against Spurs, Robbie Keane... Do you have short memory, it was Eboue that got fouled and Spurs did not stop play, and tell me the player that scored. Yes ROBBIE. So what will you do when that player comes near you? I will get into his head and call him a cheat. How can you play when a player is injured and also it is against SPURS.

Thirdly, the last incident. When a player is carrying small injury, it is amazing on how small kicks can be painful. I think Eboue was injured before the game started started or before that incident BUT HE IS DEFINATELY INJURED NOW. IF HE IS FIT HE WILL PLAY. Eboue has an ankle injury. He is our best RB and definately one of the best in the world. I like him because he doesn't do any of this stupid things when he is defending. OKAY HE DIVED IN THE CL BUT NOT AGAINST SPURS OR HIS LAST GAME BECAUSE HE IS INJURED.

HENRY HAS NEVER DIVED, because he held his face instead of where he was tackled makes it a dive. PUYOL IS MORE OF A DIVER. Henry warned Puyol, but I don't think he dived.

tom

Posted on 13 Jan, 2007 at 03:38 AM - Reply

i agree, he does act up, but if anyone can teach him the way forward, wenger can. he's got all the talent in the world and i dont think he should be dismissed so easily, it would be a great loss if we got rid of him

Sydney Gooner

Posted on 13 Jan, 2007 at 01:57 AM - Reply

To True - for one with so much talent going forward (his defending still has alot to be desired) and so much potential there is definately something missing between the ears - he is young though and hopefully will learn sooner rather than later. Wenger has admitted to adressing the issue, and his actions recently seem to indicate that he won't tolerate that sort of behaviour - so Eboue will either have to sort himself out or ship himself out.

ausgunner

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 11:52 PM - Reply

this was an absolutely stupid article. you're talkin as if Eboues the only diver in the world. you cannot deny that diving is a part of the modern game.

and i'm sick of seeing this crap from other gooners. y can't we just encourage all our players instead of talking shit about em. look at C.Ronaldo, hes probably the biggest cheat in the world but because he brings results hes a hero and i dont see how but regarded as 1 of the best in the world.
btw how can we pick on eboue alone when we all know TH and VP also dive alot.
lets stop writing stupid article like this and enjoy our football.

No.1 Arsenal fan

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 11:12 PM - Reply

Whos writing this rubbish Eboue is not a diver he just makes the most of the fouls that happen to him which every footballer does? This guy on form is incredible and does his job well give him a break. As arsenal fans we need to give our boys a break

readingman

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 09:25 PM - Reply

this article....no doubt about it..is the worst i have read in this website...what a load of rubbish...shame on you mate!!

only foriegners dive?

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 09:20 PM - Reply

Shabby2k,

The generalist statement about Ivorians is at best borderline racist. I remember an Ivorian team playing with penache and style at the WC with little or no controversy in comparison to say a certain English team with a certain Englishman stamping on another players bollucks and then having the gall to blame his expulsion on lady boy Ronaldo. Strange how seldom English players are raked through the coals of vitrol and general denouncement when they (Rooney, Gerrard, Owen, Cole....I've seen all of them dive) do it as well. Let's stick to the issue and leave nationality or race out of it please.

ruffneck

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 08:47 PM - Reply

Well....despite everyone complaining about his attitude of late, he still has my vote for his wonderful performances when fully fit. Wenger also has faith in him because Lauren is now dispensable. Everyone has to remember the lad is young and who better to teach him than Wenger. I hear this type of talk about van Persie two season back. Fans are 2 picky in my view, let the lad grow up and mature...he's obviously a wonderful talent.

Rhys

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 05:31 PM - Reply

I think you are spot on mate people like to criticize others but when its their own player they don't like to hear it. But sometimes people go too far and thats what Eboue has done enough is enough.

Rhys

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 05:29 PM - Reply

I think you are spot on mate people like to criticize others but when its their own player they don't like to hear it. But sometimes people go too far and thats what Eboue has done enough is enough.

King Meatheart

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 03:38 PM - Reply

Ok it goes without saying he has been a bit of an idiot at times. But that is microscopic to someone saying he should not be in an Arsenal shirt, let alone an Arsenal fan saying it, let alone someone who runs a frickin Arsenal Fan site. Go on, be the bigger man and admit that was harsh, because on reflection when reading that back you must think that.

Pires dived

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 03:22 PM - Reply

Mr Paul Williams, Pires was a serial diver. In fact you could say that technically Pires is the biggest cheat ever to play for Arsenal(remember Portsmouth at home in our unbeaten season?).

But im assuming you are a fan of Pires? You didnt mind him diving when we were winning titles. So what is your problem with Eboue? He dives much less than Pires.

This is the worst article of the year so far. Congratualtions.

ghuntre

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 03:06 PM - Reply

leave the boy alone! you surely are not gonna make the matter better by slagging him off here... let the boss deal with it his own way.

banjoman

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 02:25 PM - Reply

whats your problem with eboue. he is class. period

gershom, arsenal fun

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 02:24 PM - Reply

eboue deserves credit.....stop pointing the finger, eboue has dived, many others dive, He is not the first nor the last. Lets focus on the good things he has done for us.

Fab

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 02:23 PM - Reply

Hey, he went off in that match and he's still injured from it now so pretty pointless article.
In all honesty i hate it when other teams do it against us and they do it a lot in Europe. When i saw it i thought wow, i didn't think he'd have the common sense to do that, slowing the game down and taking the sting out of liverpools momentum at a crucial stage in the game. Of course he didn't have that much common sense as he was and still is injured, but from me, two thumbs up if he wants to try it again.

Jean Louis

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 01:56 PM - Reply

this makes me very sad because although I know he does this kind of things very frequently he is an EXCELLENT PLAYER that is even better than lots of players that have lots of years more than him. If he manages to stop doing this THING THAT I HOPE WILL happen he will be a great star at Arsenal for years to come. I have faith that Arsene Wenger will talk seriously with him and if he has anything in his head (which I know he has) he will understand whats better for him and the club.

DeiseGooner

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 01:54 PM - Reply

Wenger will sort him out have no fear. He took him off in that game because of it i feel. A short spell on the sidelines will give Eboue the kick up the arse he needs. Both Eboue and Hoyte have areas of their game they need to improve on but its good to have 2 very promising RBs at the club (and thats even discounting Ralph)

shabbay2k

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 01:44 PM - Reply

I agree, Eboue's behaviour recently has infuriated me, all those incidents above and not to mention sloppy and wasteful against Chelsea at the bridge have really soured my feelings for this player. When hes focused he is amazing but this new found arrogance has taken something away from his game and I also agree that Hoyte has been superb this season and I for one at the moment would pick him ahead of Eboue. Finally lets not forget where hes from, ivory Coast, Toure aside look at the other Ivorians in the Prem, Zakora, Drogba these arnt the most honest players either?

shabbay2k

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 01:35 PM - Reply

I agree, Eboue's behaviour recently has infuriated me, all those incidents above and not to mention sloppy and wasteful against Chelsea at the bridge have really soured my feelings for this player. When hes focused he is amazing but this new found arrogance has taken something away from his game and I also agree that Hoyte has been superb this season and I for one at the moment would pick him ahead of Eboue. Finally lets not forget where hes from, ivory Coast, Toure aside look at the other Ivorians in the Prem, Zakora, Drogba these arnt the most honest player either?

Phil Gayle

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 01:34 PM - Reply

I tend to agree, Eboue can be very embarrassing at times.
I disagree with the comment about Justin, if Lauren does move I think he can be hopefull of successfully competeing with Eboue for that right-back slot.

Whose turn next?

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 01:34 PM - Reply

So it's Eboue's turn to be slagged off now is it? - well that gives the others a nice break. So if we had hung on to win the Champion's League Final you would have turned your back and refused to celebrate would you?

true gooner

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 01:33 PM - Reply

what kind of shit article is this???!!! when i read this, i thought it was written by a spurs fan.. what a disgrace to write this bullshit about a great great player.. keep going manu!!

Vuk

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 01:31 PM - Reply

Hey, you're being bit harsh and bit rash on Eboue. Accusing him of faking injury is bit harsh. As for being a diver - unfortunately he is not the first nor the last to make the most of fouls on him.

All in all, the kid was revelation last season, and I think he deserves bit of slack.

jani

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 01:18 PM - Reply

hey give the guy a break will you. dont forget he's a young lad at 22 and he will get better attitude wise with time. no doubts about it he's a very good full back especially when linking up with hleb on the right flank

1thierry

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 01:15 PM - Reply

What a lot of tosh. Firstly, Eboue is far too valuable an asset to just axe on the basis of a couple of regrettable incidents. Secondly, the Lauren situation shows how highly Wenger regards Eboue. If this policy of refusing to play players with a nasty edge had been followed then the likes of Pires, Bergkamp and Vieira wouldn't have lasted long. Hopefully, Emmanuel will soon mature into a consummate sportsman as well as the supreme athlete he already is, but until then this kind of bile does no good for Arsenal Football Club.

Chris

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 01:14 PM - Reply

Absolutely spot on - someone had to say it. How can we complain when the opposition dives when Manu does it all the time! Give me Hoyte any day!

victor okonyia

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 01:09 PM - Reply

As for me eboue is a very discipline and responsible player who works very hard for the sucess of the entire team. all humans make mistakes but that's not enough reason why he should be crucified.

g

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 01:08 PM - Reply

cant get myself to dislike Eboue but the author has a point

Sly

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 01:06 PM - Reply

I think you are unfair to Eboue becos if he'e not injured, he would've been part of tomorrow's squad. he ocassionally exargerate but i think he hurt himself genuinely against KOP

Mark

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 01:01 PM - Reply

I agree with the sentiment of this article, however I also feel that he has come in for some unjust crticism over the LFC incident last week. The guy went off injured, replays clearly show him stubbing his foot or whatever and he is out of the squad for Saturday! The guy is clearly injured!

I agree his past actions were unecessary but I would put this more down to naivety and a lack of understanding of the morales associated with the English game. To be so adamant in your critisism is perhaps slightly premature.

Wenger has taken him aside and I am sure you will see an improvement in this side to his game.

Having said that his defending is average at best and he has the concentration of a 5 yr old at times, that is more worrying to me especially with the seemingly imminent departure of Ralph!

Ronan

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 12:57 PM - Reply

Harsh but true

monster

Posted on 12 Jan, 2007 at 12:54 PM - Reply

Bobby dived all the time, and is an arsenal legend. Why dont you write articles about him???

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