Listening to Fox Soccer analyst Bobby McMahon's assessment of Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross's tackle on Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey was refreshingly blunt, honest and passionate. It was also spot on.
It does not matter if Shawcross did not intend to break Ramsey's leg on Sunday. Let's be fair ... Who in their right mind would admit to such a thing anyway? Okay maybe Roy Keane in his heyday, but there is no doubt the Shawcross tackle was reckless and clumsy. It deserved to be acknowledged that way ... nothing more, nothing less.
It appears, however, that one of the major concerns of the English media is the mental state and well-being of Shawcross. He may have even received a few sympathy cards. Not that there should be a witch hunt but really, he was not first to the ball and as a result his clumsy leg acted like a machete.
Cynically day-dreaming here but imagine if Ramsey performed a 'Shawcross' on Steven Gerrard. Same reaction?
Arsene Wenger
Switching gears a bit, it is difficult to not feel some sympathy for Arsene Wenger's comments following the Ramsey incident. While it may appear inappropriate for him to suggest there is some kind of plot against his players, after three serious injuries in less than 18 months, it does make you ponder the thought. As coincidences go, this is quite the occurrence.
In turn, Wenger's suggestion that the media stoke the flames of aggression also resonates with a nugget of truth. The problem with his thoughts are that as a manager, you cannot write your own rules or press clippings and so what are you to do?
The aesthetic yet somewhat idealist approach Wenger and his Arsenal team have towards the game is admirable. It is why when they are winning trophies people have so much respect for them. However they have not won a trophy in four years. Over time opposing teams have found their blind spot and it is well documented.
As a consequence most opposition have focused on the collective physical frailty of the Arsenal team as the area to expose in order to beat them. Some rival players are wearing their underwear a little too tight when they play the Gunners and the resulting calamitous consequences on Arsenal appear to becoming more regular.
What can he do though? Difficult when Shawcross is paraded as a part victim but if Wenger hasn't figured it out yet then assembling one or two players away from his utopian brand would be a start.