Arsenal: Problematic pundits are the only avenue for negativity

Arsenal legend Paul Merson came out with a very controversial statement recently. With all of the positivity right now, pundits are grasping for straws.

World renowned pundits on main stream sporting networks are encouraged to come out with controversial statements in order to get their respective networks much needed publicity. Arsenal legend, Paul Merson has spoke out recently about his opinion on Emery’s style of play.

Merson was quoted as saying, “Arsenal are going to be on the end of a thrashing soon…” on Sky.

With the overwhelming positivity around the club right now, many fans find it difficult to comprehend why Merson would make a statement such as the one he made right now of all times. This is not the first time the Gunner legend has said something that has rubbed fans the wrong way, and it most certainly will not be his last.

Pundits spewing negativity sells

It is no coincidence that there is currently significantly more in-depth analysis of the likes of Manchester United as opposed to Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea. Gigantic corporations such as Skysports and BT sports thrive off of big teams going through rough patches.

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Pundits like Merson are doing a service for those who pay their mortgages by coming out with controversial headlines such as the one mentioned earlier. But if the former players genuinely cared about the well being of their former clubs, would they come out with statements like this?

It is a possibility, yes. Platforms such as AFTV are perpetually ridiculed for having similar negativity within their content, but does it just come down to the individual’s opinion? In some scenarios, yes, however, on many occasions it seems like controversial statements coming from Pundits and “Rant” videos on AFTV are merely a ploy to get a larger amount of views on the discussion and more money to the person who is running the platforms pocket.

How can positivity outweigh negativity

Unfortunately, most fans do not have the “voice” to have their opinions heard, despite many of them having a better knowledge of the game than that of the former players on the TV. One way the good can outweigh the bad is if normal fans  choose to ignore mainstream media outlets as well as platforms that spew negativity, but that is most likely not going to happen.  The main way that negativity can be removed (for the most part) is for the team to continue in their winning ways and for fans to remain unified, even if results begin to go against us.

The truth is we live in a world where negative rants and controversial statements are viewed as entertaining, so negativity will inevitably always be creeping behind waiting for the team to slip up.

The most important thing is for the fans to try to remain positive and stick behind the team in even the darkest of hours. Only then, will the negativity be as limited as it possibly can be.