Undoubtedly Arsenal have played some of the most entertaining attacking football of the last decade. There ability to combine sublime passing, pace across the park and exceptional one touch sequences have made Arsenal appealing to the eyes, even in defeat. Somehow Mr Wenger has managed to convince Arsenal fans to buy into his long term projections and the affectionate patience they afford him is something seen at very few clubs.For all the tap in goals, 4-0 thrashings and attacking dominance in almost every match they play, Arsenal have been without a top flight title since 03-04. I'm not hear to question Wenger's football brain but of late history is repeating itself all a little too often at the Emirates.
In recent times, every season has been more or less the same story. Exceptional promise, appealing football and pleasing early results gradually give way to excessive injuries and inconsistencies against Premier League minnows. It's a question I cannot answer myself but I do wonder whether Arsenal fans might want to trade some of the flare for the unflattering grit and to some degree bus parking that Chelsea and Manchester United engage in and subsequently win major titles.
Just as my NRL side the Newcastle Knights need to come to terms with the retirement of Andrew Johns, Arsenal need to stop living in the memories of the mercurial Thierry Henry if they are to progress.
I can hear the Arsenal fans jumping up and down already, regurgitating a typical Wenger rant about how injuries cannot be helped, but when it happens every year and well before the end of season, you really need to start questioning how many black cats Wenger is throwing underneath 13 step ladders.
After just seven EPL matches Arsenal's injury list already consists of Diaby, Almunia, Bendtner, Fabregas, Vermalean, Walcott, Van Persie and Frimpong. Too many key individuals who are repeatedly injured. Taking Ramsay out of the equation due to the sickening Shawcross tackle, it must be question whether some of the Arsenal stars are injury prone, not tough enough for the EPL, overworked by Wenger or being brought in physically not up to scratch with regards to age. Whatever it is, not even the Dad's Army of Chelsea or Manchester United have this many problems with injury and have clearly formulated more complete squads to cope with injury. God save Arsenal, in two weeks you face EPL scum tacklers Wolves featuring the slightly insane Mr Henry.
I'm not basing that on opinion, I'm basing that on titles. As someone who in the past found an Arsenal game win, lose or draw more entertaining than a Chelsea victory under Mourinho I really question whether Wenger is a man too set in his principals to adapt sufficiently to bring Arsenal another title anytime soon.
Watching a prospect as skillful as Jake Wilshere, I often get resentful that he isn't supported by an experienced midfield comprising the likes of Viera, Scholes or Pirlo to guide him, instead there is a reliance on Wilshere to fill the void of the perpertually injured, one foot out the door Fabregas.
On a positive note, I do think the free transfer of frontman Chamakh was one of the most efficient displays of business Wenger has made. Chamakh provides an adequate level of feet skill but more importantly provides a crossing target who over shadows Bendtner in talent, heading and finishing ability.
If Arsenal want to get back up at the top, Wenger needs to open the purse strings and become a bit more ruthless. If Fabregas wants to leave then cash in on him, if Almunia isn't up the standard then drop him, if key transfer targets cost slightly over market then pay it. What was once perceived as Wenger's calm, collected nature, a man not willing to have his pockets tested or hand forced is slowly turning into the perception of a manager clinging to unwavering ideals of French saturation and one two football that isn't winning trophies.
Wenger's comments about the over-priced nature of the transfer market is undoubtedly justified but such is the current climate of the market, so long as Man City and Chelsea are bankrolled by billionaires, it won't be changing. Instead, Wenger is apart of a unique club in the 'big four' who boast outstanding ticket revenue and enormously loyal supporters. Perhaps rather than kicking your feet against the wall proclaming 'It's not fair, Chelsea's Dad bought him a pony and Man City's Dad bought him a pony with a velvet maine' you should use some of this revenue for purchasing yourself the odd unicorn.
Ow and before you go thinking this is some jaded, jealous Chelsea fan ranting about one of the Blues biggest rivals, I'm a huge supporter of Arsenal and their brand of football but I can see yet another year slipping away and excuses starting to rise. Should Chelsea not deal with our ageing squad, we'll be having this same conversation in a year's time about my beloved Blues not for their youth policy but for their pensioner policy.
Truthfully, I'd love nothing more than to see a competitive Arsenal in place of Manchester United as Chelsea's biggest rival but I'm a realist and I think even the very loyal Gunner supporters are starting to grow very weary of Wenger and his excuse-a-thon.
A quote that stayed with me from last season's meeting between Chelsea & Arsenal
"Arsenal play all the football, Chelsea scored all the goals"
Happy Sailing, Oh & just a reminder for club members this Tuesday is Bach and Bocce night down at the Monaco Room, Champagne & Smoked Salmon Pate will be supplied by Chef Leigh Vamessage afterward.
Very good Pix, i love it. Unfortunately l wont be making Bach & Bocce on Tuesday night. I have a pre-planned arrangement that is too good to miss out on
ReplyDeleteNo worries mate, thanks for the RSVP. I'll get Leigh to put some pate aside just in case you arrive late.
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