Things change very quickly in football.
In a poll on the Sky Sports website, 83% of voters suggested that Wenger should be given a new contract at Arsenal – two months ago, the AST were suggesting that the club hold off on talks at least until more ambition was shown in the market.
The signing of Ozil was a great start, even if it wasn’t universally accepted by all fans – with some baffling claims that he was an unnecessary luxury. The good start to the season shown by the likes of Ramsey, Giroud and Flamini provided further encouragement, and despite the disastrous opening game against Villa, results on the pitch have been very steady indeed.
But we’re talking about a club that has seen more than its fair share of false dawns. And despite the positives, there are minor negatives which could either resolve themselves or become bigger issues – the succession of injuries to attacking players, for one; the prolonged, unproductive run of games being wasted by Walcott on the right; the precarious balance of the defence, which has seen three different central partnerships (with the longest run of consecutive games standing at two).
Sound bites coming out of the club suggest that Arsenal are keen to offer Wenger a new contract, and Wenger is keen to accept. The question is: is this all too soon? Six consecutive victories is impressive, I’m not claiming otherwise; but ultimately, one wonders what it actually proves. Arsenal have been on longer runs without any quantifiable, tangible improvement being seen come season’s end; while the signing of Ozil is a much-needed shot in the arm, I’d say it’s now only as important as what follows: is Ozil the sign of a different era of team-building? Or was he a political signing, designed to placate a volatile fan base?
Wenger is prone to falling into a sense of false security; would offering him a new contract now prevent such complacency? Knowing that his employers are so easily swayed by a brief run of good results, would he be in the best possible position to strive for the best? It would be a kick in the teeth for all involved if, having secured his own job, Wenger would then revert to type – flinging the chequebook into a drawer and tinkering with the formation to give his favourite players more minutes.
I’m sorry if that sounds overly negative; it certainly isn’t my intention. But at this stage of affairs, and with Arsenal’s penchant for swinging from consistency to crisis and back again, shrewd caution is surely more productive than premature hyperbole and rash decision-making.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal are truly turning a corner, or if they are a step away from falling down a man-hole.
Back with a Wengance?
posted on 27/9/13
The way and circumstancies we got Özil may suggest that. Dont think we were after him in the first place but its a good beginning.
============
True, I think the signing of Ozil was more to do with being in the right place at the right time, than any kind of pre-planning.
It almost seems like the solution for Arsenal - don't plan transfers, because those attempts always seem to fall flat. Just wait to pounce.
posted on 27/9/13
good article indeed. I would say the end of this season will tell us everything about the proposed 2nd coming of Wenger and what this current Arsenal team attains.
if we finish 4th yet again, then things are up for a very good debate, do we go on with accepting this or move on ?
Well see, good luck to Wenger, he certainly has rebuilt another Arsenal team once more even if it was not all planned.
posted on 27/9/13
Of course it's too soon, just wait for a draw or a loss then everyone will be asking for his head again.
To me we are walking on a tightrope with our team, I just hope we can get to January without any other major injuries!
In regards to change of management, it would need a big re-org, no manager does as much as Wenger does. It's seems from when Dein left the board left too much responsibility for him and I can't see anyone else being able to take this on. Our board seem to be a bit incompetent.
I'm just praying for a good season and for a good transition when he decides to leave so that we're not left in the lurch.
posted on 27/9/13
Good article, at the moment I am happy at things are. Wenger's contract is up in May and as far as I am concerned, he is currently on trial for a new one. He should not be offered a new contract until he proves he deserves one. He needs to show more ambition in January, as well as progression on the pitch. He needs to show he can learn from his mistakes or he needs to go.
posted on 27/9/13
You softened your speech Bats
Has the Ozil's signing won you over?
Anyway, despite my username, I have no objection with Wenger leaving and not given a new contract.
But ideally, I'd love to see the back of Gazidis and Kroenke first. As Ozil's Optometrist said, our board seem to be quite incompetent, at least when it comes to football matter.
posted on 27/9/13
All I wanted was some ambition and progression, he has shown it so far which is an improvement but he hasn't proven he deserves a new contract or anything like that yet.
posted on 27/9/13
Fair enough and agreed with you. Lets just hope that this is the start of something different from both him and the board.
posted on 27/9/13
Yea I think January will go a long way to showing how serious we really are about competing.
posted on 27/9/13
yeah, it always boils down to money. Wengs brings in his top man (OZIL), gambles a little with the strength of our squad rather than bolster it more at the start of the season. reviews where we are at come January, it's one way of doing it if your always trying to save money and that's his way you can never deny that and it's not a criticism either!
posted on 27/9/13
Here are some quotes from the Guardian
" Wenger loves Aaron Ramsey. He has done since he courted him as a Cardiff City player and flew him and his parents to Switzerland on a private jet in the summer of 2008, where he was working as a European Championship pundit, to convince Ramsey to sign for Arsenal. As Manchester United dithered, Wenger's personal touch was decisive"
Who ever comes after Wenger, he needs to be able to do things like this.