Don't feel too bad about it. 'Themself' was all there was until 1466 when 'themselves' crept into the language. So 553 years ago you'd have been spot on. I think we were in the Third Division North then.
He wasnt having a pop, or being nasty, he was just expressing an opinion.
An opinion he was entitled to have, just because his opinion is different to yours, there's no need for you to jump to the writers defence!
You'll be taking offence next!
Did feel like a bit of a pop although, as a fan of the blog, I also found myself for the first time simply scanning the first couple of paras. But I always look forward to it, and never find myself other than in full agreement with the footballing and character observations. On which, time for Hiwula and possibly Jobs to be rested.