Readers respond to Jonathan Freedland’s article on Arsenal and one of its most famous fans
Congratulations to Arsenal on winning the Premier League. However, I fear that Jonathan Freedland’s allegiances have led him to a flawed attempted analogy (Arsenal’s title win should be studied by politicians everywhere – and especially Keir Starmer. Here’s why, 22 May). Keir Starmer has already achieved success after a long period in the wilderness – winning a landslide victory in the 2024 general election.
The analogy goes further: both achieved success by being boring – Starmer by avoiding radical ideas, Arsenal by shutting up shop and relying on set-piece goals. Both also took advantage of their main rivals’ weakness. The Tory party was in disarray, while both Manchester City and Liverpool have underperformed – achieving fewer points than usual or expected this season. Mikel Arteta and Starmer took advantage of structural advantages: Labour relying on first past the post and Arsenal the lax refereeing of fouls at corners.
Peter Breitenbach
London
Readers respond to Jonathan Freedland’s article on Arsenal and one of its most famous fansCongratulations to Arsenal on winning the Premier League. However, I fear that Jonathan Freedland’s allegiances have led him to...
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