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
