In 2002, after a tense game between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, Tottenham’s manager and several players complained that Arsenal’s winning goal should have been disallowed for offside.
Arsène Wenger, then at the height of his powers as Arsenal’s manager, delivered a line that’s since become football folklore:
“Everyone thinks they have the prettiest wife at home.”
What he meant was – every manager believes their team plays the best football and deserves the best results. It was a witty way of pointing out our universal bias. We all defend our own side, even when we’re not entirely objective.
I think about Wenger’s remark often when I feel the urge to defend the people around me. It’s natural.
But the best we can do is stay aware of that bias, and keep perspective when push comes to shove.
