Let me start by saying, I despise fans labelling fans as either an 'AKB' (Arsene Knows Best) or an 'Arsene Out!'. It isn't as clear cut as that and it creates divisions within a fan base that, in spite of everything, want the same overall goal.
For Arsenal FC to achieve success.
I doubt it's just me, but things at the moment feel like a steep downward spiral that the club is going to have to work very hard both on and off the pitch to recover from. Whilst I won't go as far to say it was the final nail in the coffin for our season, Saturday's abysmal performance that led to (in my opinion) the most gut-wrenching result this season, certainly seemed to singify an end to any chance of success in the league this season. Based on that performance, and those of recent games, 4th place may even be a step too far this season.
Now, I've never been one to call for the manager's head, all too often it seems a gut reaction from people who think for one reason or another, sacking the manager is the answer, and will bring around an instant turn around in fortunes.No I believe, as do many others particularly in light of the recent AGM meeting, that the problems stem from higher up. It is absolutely no secret that Arsenal FC have a board that are interested in one thing and that is the bankroll, and everything that needs to be said on the fleecing of fans and the weakening of the squad has no doubt already ben said on this board ten-fold.
My point is, that whilst there are no doubt issues with the current board, the manager has a lot to answer for as well, and perhaps it is time to ask, is Arsene Wenger the right man to lead Arsenal forward anymore? Look at the evidence this season alone, we've dropped points where we shouldn't have all over the park at home against Sunderland, Norwich, Swansea, Stoke, Everton and Aston Villa. What ever you think about our current squad, it IS stronger than all of those teams, and even if we'd just managed wins against Swansea, Norwich and Villa, we'd now have 8 more points and be in third place. This isn't a new trend, dropping points against inferior opposition has been something that has cost us year after year, it's no doubt cost us trophies in the past 6-7 years and usually its the same weaknesses that aren't addressed.
The Team aren't motivated enough, not consistent enough, not physically 'up for it' for the full 90, these are things that the Manager needs to address. Remember January this year, March onwards in 2011, February onwards in 2008. These problems have existed for far too long. If the current run of results is worrying, the perfomances that have been put in have been truly horrifying and questions have to be asked of the manager and why these trends have been able to continue.
My question to you JA606 is this: Can you honestly see Arsene Wenger turning Arsenal into a successful, title winning side at this moment in time?
Long live the king?
posted on 3/12/12
My question to you JA606 is this: Can you honestly see Arsene Wenger turning Arsenal into a successful, title winning side at this moment in time?
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At this moment in time? NO! Emphatically no. But how do you define "succesful"?
Can they make the "top 4" (that's how the board and even Wenger define success atm)? Yes, believe it or not they can...
However as I've said until I'm blue in the balls, to genuinely challenge, for better or worse, ANY club NEEDS money pumped in! It really is that simple. Look at Chelsea, City and UTD. It's not coincidental!
posted on 3/12/12
Thing to remember is we are only 5 points off 3rd spot so lets not get too carried away, of course this form is a cause for concern but its not the end of the world.
posted on 3/12/12
Great article and my sentiments exactly.
posted on 3/12/12
As for turning us into a title winning team...forget that...does anybody see Wenger turning us into a team that at least was in the mix until April? 2 season in a row now we have been out of the mix by October.
posted on 3/12/12
^^^ what you fail to understand is that after 15 league games we are 15 points behind the leader what will be the gap after 38 games 38 points.
posted on 3/12/12
I agree, we can get top four this season, of course we can, however think about your point ofr a second.
For years fans have been angry that top four has been seen by Arsene and the board as a successful season. Now however, we are saying lets not get carried away because top four isn't out of our reach. It's satisfactory for the Arsenal now if we can still potentially reach top four?
I'd like to add, this isn't a knee jerk reaction, it's a question that I'm starting to ask myself, and many gooners surely must be too.
In the next few seasons do you see us getting back to how we used to be, or just slipping further behind? because I can only see it going one way.
posted on 3/12/12
It's the same story every year; being two good players off of a really good side.
This year we're really missing Diaby, I think we can score goals with our attack. Our (repeated) mistake is hoping Diaby will be fit. Get someone in who is fit and if Diaby is ok then he'll play. Secondly the whole RVP thing, but essentially we need another forward (or winger if Theo moves centrally).
This seems to be obvious to every single fan, even those who a die-hard Wenger supporters, so why is it never addressed? For all his qualities this is now becoming too much of an issue, the thought of the SAME thing happening again next year is depressing.
posted on 3/12/12
I question if the same thing would happen next year, I can only see things getting worse to be honest
posted on 3/12/12
I can't see us progressing under Wenger anymore, he has failed to address the same issues in the squad for almost 5 seasons now so what makes you think he is going to change now?