I want to start this blog by giving Arsene Wenger the praise he deserves. He was a key influence in
the modernisation of English football. His European philosophy of high
fitness levels and possession football had a profound influence to football in
this country, and we still see the legacy he left throughout the league today.
He has led Arsenal to three Premier League trophies, six FA cup wins, and was
the mastermind behind the infamous ‘invincibles’. Even his financial management
during Arsenals transition to the Emirates stadium deserves credit, but now,
eleven years from their last title triumph, questions are being asked. It is
time for Arsenal fans to acknowledge that there is no more he can do for the
club. Arsenal will not win the Premier League whilst Arsene Wenger is still in
charge.
Following Monday night’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool, Gary Neville
questioned Arsene Wenger’s competency claiming he was either “naiive or
arrogant”. Arsenal supporters have been quick to rubbish this claim, but
without taking on board what Neville actually said. His argument was
controversial, but it was well reasoned and supported with evidence. Neville
accurately pointed out that Wenger has consistently left Arsenal with a soft
core; that Coquelin and Cazorla in the centre of midfield are just not strong enough
to win the title. It is a problem that has plagued Arsenal for the last eleven
years, and he still fails to address it. Over the course of the current
transfer window, Arsenal fans have been screaming for the likes of Morgan
Schneiderlin and Arturo Vidal to strengthen their core, and yet they have both
slipped away. They have never replaced the likes of Viera and Petit.
Wenger responded to Neville’s comments by claiming;
"When you don't, you're wrong and people find reasons. Are
they good reasons? I have enough experience to know when it's right and when
its wrong.".
Well, if that was the case Mr. Wenger, you would have addressed it
at some point in the last eleven years. It may well be that Wenger
believes that grit and power aren’t necessary, and that good ball players are
the most important aspect. He certainly has conviction in his beliefs, but at
what point does the belief become delusion. They are crying out for a player of
the mould that Alex Song had. Arsenal’s centre midfield just does not compare
to the likes of Yaya Toure at City, or Matic at Chelsea. He has tried various
combinations including Flamini, Ramsey, Wilshere, Arteta, Coquelin, Chamberlain
and Cazorla, all of which have failed to provide the steel that Arsenal need in
the centre of the pitch.
Wenger is not naïve; he is far too experienced in this league for
naivety, but it’s his arrogance that continues to hold him back. His failure to
adapt his tactics to varying scenarios all stems from his blind faith in his
philosophy. Now, I understand Arsenal are never going to play direct football,
or sit back and counter attack; their supporters wouldn’t want to see an
Arsenal team play in that style, but it has been proven time and time again
that the team that wins the league is one that has been able to adapt to the
opposition. How many times have Arsenal supporters witnessed their team go
ahead, continue to push forward, and end up capitulating? Far too often. Look
at Mourinho’s Chelsea last season, at times, they played attractive possession
football, but when it was required, they would adapt and play a more direct
style, or sit back and play on the counter attack. They were able to adapt to
both their opposition and to the changing events within a 90 minutes. I think
this has hit Arsenal most in their Champions League performances. When they
can’t get control of the game, there is just no alternative. When Wenger’s
philosophy is working it is a beautiful thing to behold. We all remember the
delicious goal against Norwich in 2013. That was Arsenal at their best, but
when the philosophy isn’t working, Wenger is either far too slow to address it,
or doesn’t believe it needs addressing at all.
When Mourinho referred to Arsene Wenger as a “specialist in
losing”, it was unpleasant, it was disrespectful, it was crass, but it had a
ring of truth. Arsenal have always had talented players, have always played
attractive football, but often it is their mentality that has been questioned.
Arsenal have a reputation of falling short, of missing their opportunities, of
being the ‘almost’ men. Arsenal are at their best when there is no longer any
pressure on them to win the league. They are chasers, but not winners. It is a
reputation that Arsenal just can’t shake off. Do Arsenal believe they are good enough
to win the title? It must be difficult, when the man charged with instilling
that belief in his players has consistently failed over the last eleven years.
Can Arsene Wenger take Arsenal to the next level?
Comment below.
