I think the hierarchy appear to be happy to accept top 4; and whatever else is a bonus.
But for me it’s Wenger. For me (although he appears to have lost the plot) he’s still a very capable Manager, whom if he could just get over his own legend would still be having his team challenging for the big prizes.
I don’t buy the “No Money" argument when it comes to what has blatantly been a change from a winning formula. The money excuse is constantly thrown to excuse the change in direction.
Bull!!
It’s been a stubborn romantic ideal that has been so far without fruits. The team could easily have spent some money on muscle instead of pretty boys that go missing in the big games or cry if somebody bigger is marking them.
The fact that Wenger has known for years his centre backs could be bullied by a strong centre forward and has not addressed it, is a reflection of him and not the finances.
If Arsenal fans still feel it’s a lack of funds, he had 200m to spend on players in Summer 2015. If memory serves he spent 10m of that?! Criminal.
They were my Grandad’s team. But for a bizarre twist of fate where my dad followed Chelsea because they got relegated and he felt sorry for them, they’d be my team.
When Chelsea have been in the lower leagues in my lifetime, I have wanted Arsenal to win the First Division. If they are playing anyone else in a cup final, I have routed for them. I enjoy the banter between our fans on here. But I would have rather Arsenal winning the Champions League than Bayern or Real etc.
Ok I draw the line at Pool and United, but we gotta have some boundries.
I get it, this won’t make me a true Chelsea fan in 99.99% of your eyes………………….Oh dear, what a pity, never mind.
Arsenal who/what is to blame?
posted on 16/2/17
Cesc + Costa
Over the last number of years AFC have been trying to sign a “top striker.”
As the much publicised approaches for Suarez, Benzema, and Higuain demonstrate. After last season’s performances for Leicester, AFC also bid for Vardy, (dodged a bullet there). And those are the ones we know about.
I believe there have been others, however it’s impossible to substantiate due to the sheer volume of transfer gossip.
What is clear, is the club were after a CF, and as they were unable to bring one in, Sanchez was moved up top. To be fair, there were many critical of AW’s decision to move him into a more central role but the switch worked out well. I think he’s the top scorer in the PL – or thereabouts.
Whatever you think of his managerial ability, complacency/lack of ambition are not traits anyone who knows anything about AW would label him with.
posted on 16/2/17
comment by JFK - Trebs oan, Rebs oan. (U8919)
posted 1 hour, 19 minutes ago
i blame the fans.
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Good point! They still pay good money to watch this crap.
posted on 16/2/17
What the hell do you know about Wenger? Why are you so sure you know his personality so much?
Yes Arsenal did go after those strikers, but the approaches were always half hearted. You never gave those clubs offers they couldn't refuse because you were never desperate enough.
In terms of Alexis, Wenger did something similar with Walcott at one point. It's no subsitute for signing a world class centre forward. There are certain games Alexis is not suited to play at striker. It would be better if Arsenal has a world class striker who could play any kind of game.
I personally believe Wenger is content with getting top 4 every year and doesn't want to aim any higher. If he wanted he would sign players who could help him achieve more but he always leaves Arsenal just one or two players short. I believe he does this because he is content with Arsenal being at the level they are
posted on 16/2/17
Cesc + Costa
Over the last 20 years I have read a number of books about him. I’ve also read, and watched hundreds of interviews etc. Over time you get an idea how someone (publically) operates and may think.
Even if you had no inkling into his mentality, a selection of his interview reactions to a defeat, or on occasion his behaviour, reveal he is not a good loser. Quite the opposite.
If you’re interested AW gave a remarkably frank interview to Le Quipe in 2015. Would recommend it to any football fan, as when he does step down at the end of this season English football will be lesser for it.
http://news.arseblog.com/2015/11/arsene-wengers-full-interview-with-lequipe-sport-and-style/
posted on 16/2/17
I mean I'm not really talking about individual games, I'm saying Wenger is happy with arsenals standing in football currently as a whole. You're not the best team in England but you're in the top 4. You're not the best team in Europe, but you're maybe in the second or third bracket of teams in Europe if Barca, Madrid etc are the top bracket. You're good but you're not great. I think Wenger is satisfied with that and I don't think Arsenal fans are and I think another manager could get you higher.
posted on 16/2/17
Cesc + Costa
I hadn’t mentioned specific games.
I’m not sure there are too many managers at the top level of any league who accept mediocracy.
They have attained their respective positions because of their drive and determination.
The problem with AW is he’s been at the club for so long. Too long. And as the club have not progressed as quickly as it should have after the years of austerity, there is a perception (for a select few) that AW is not motivated/driven. Perception however very rarely reflects reality.
Read the Le Equipe interview if you get a chance. It’s a good read.
posted on 16/2/17
Arsenal get spanked to a degree and at a frequency most top clubs don't, I can't remember the last time we let 6 or 8 goals in a single game. Every team will have off days or meet teams in good form when the team is vulnerable but it seems to happen to Arsenal too much.
posted on 17/2/17
comment by MyClub (U21381)
posted 23 hours, 28 minutes ago
Who's to say we couldn't have a similar situation to Chelsea under conte.
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We would never play three at the back or have Moses in our team.
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What Next in his 100th re-incarnation.....
If only your beloved Arsenal had your resilience
posted on 17/2/17
I love to do my dissertation on his disturbed mind. The formative conditions of the persistent wum; a rehabilitation through purpose or lost cause? Or a study of the coralation between the content of a wum and self worth.
posted on 17/2/17
comment by The Droog (U17596)
posted 1 hour, 22 minutes ago
I love to do my dissertation on his disturbed mind. The formative conditions of the persistent wum; a rehabilitation through purpose or lost cause? Or a study of the coralation between the content of a wum and self worth.
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