Talhah's Blog

I am upset. Arsenal lost to Boro. 2-0 somemore. First loss, first game without a goal. Some would say they were under-strength what with Fabregas, Hleb, Van Persie all out injured, but I still harboured hope they'd still get the result.

Credit to Boro though. First game where Arsenal did not dominate the preceedings this season. I think too many of the players tried to step into Cesc's and Hleb's shoes, as in trying to put in the perfect pass. They should have played their own way. Ah well, there goes the unbeaten record. Still, the League is still within grasp and I reckon when the team's back in full strength tehy may go all the way.

In another sport I like, another team is losing, dropping like flies all over the place. The Singapore Silat team in the SEA games are down to one last fighter, the Captain, Rafili, who remains because he's the only one yet to fight. So far Singapore records only one win in all their matches, and even that winner has lost at the Semi-final stage.

So much for targetting 3 golds.

Is it because the team's mediocre? Is it the coaches' fault? Are the officials prejudiced against them? Were the opposition too strong?

For the last one, I'd say probably yes. Why not? Forget about the World Championship. Ask any of the major Silat teams in the region and they'd tell you they've got their sights on SEA Games Gold. one way to look at World Champ is, it's personal glory. You get the title, hurray! But SEA Games... SEA Games is more important.

Every medal contributes to the nation's medal tally. It influences the nation's standing, so national pride is really at stake here. How much an NSA is funded is largely down to their performance in SEA Games and other major tournament. (Not only in Singapore but other nations too) Furthermore, the nation's eyes are on you.

Yet the Silat team has been so below par this year. Is anything I'm saying wrong? Am I angering anyone with my comments? They only sting because they're true.

Though to be honest, the results were not unexpected and instead of feeling disappointed I feel vindicated.