I've said this on numerous occasions, but Wenger has in many ways done what Brian Clough did to Notts Forest. I'm not sure if we'd get relegated but as much as I'm no longer a fan of Wenger and haven't been since he made Thierry Henry captain, a new manager would have to shell out a fortune to revamp this squad which isn't going to happen.
Then you have the board.
So while Wenger is still here nothing will change and I suspect he's already signed a new contract but between him and the board they will keep it quiet because of the backlash. This summer Wenger will go with a " chequebook ", as a pundit for French Television to the World Cup and sign no one, and then watch our season crumble.
It's now got to point where the club is desperate for the FA cup, which the club will think it will be a springboard. Unfortunately it will lead to more complacency.
The Clough Effect
posted on 23/3/14
I did say at the time that when Arsenal moved it would take 20 years to be a dominant force. Unfortuantely I seem to be right.
To win the champions like and be an elite in Europe you have to be able to dominate your league, win back to back title, not take the mickey out of cup competitions as Wenger has done with the Capital One and Europa Cup.
I know Arsenal as a club have a dreadful European record losing 5 out 7 finals.
I've said too that we as fans are now having to lower our expectations.
I will add, why can Juventus and Bayern build new stadiums and still win things and we can't.
posted on 23/3/14
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 23/3/14
I actually preferred George Graham sides, I actually think if he'd not got in the whole bung thing he would have ended up surpassing anything Wenger has done. He'd already won a European trophy and was one game from going the whole season undefeated back in 90-91.
posted on 23/3/14
I was also fond of Graham's sides - mainly because I'm an advocate of pragmatism and tactical nous, which his sides had in abundance - but I'm not sure I agree with that. I think he was shown the door at the right time, something the Arsenal board of today would do well to heed.
But I do see what you're saying, had he maintained his focus, kept his eye on the prize rather than his bank account, who knows what he may have done with a side that still had the spine of a side ready to win titles.
posted on 23/3/14
not take the mickey out of cup competitions as Wenger has done with the Capital One and Europa Cup.
------------------------------------------
Wenger has never been in the Europa Cup and even if he had I would not be to worried about him considering the league more important.
And all of you saying he has not done any more for the club than Graham are quite frankly deluded. Graham won a few trophies and lifted the club a bit, but Wenger has given us far greater success followed by a new stadium which is the biggest money earner in the league. And Graham didn't have to contend with the current climate of the sugar daddies buying success for the longer term. Yes there were Leeds and Blackburn who had short term success, but nothing like Chelsea and Man C.
posted on 23/3/14
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 23/3/14
Wenger has been in the old Europa cup and lost to Galatasaray in 2001. When he first took over at Arsenal he's was in the Europa Cup equivalent got knocked and said he didn't care much for that trophy.
posted on 23/3/14
Wenger didn't build the stadium. He's just act like he has. Going back to Herbie's first point. Graham rebuilt the club, believe me the football wasn't great before that. Wenger took over and carried on, but he's gradually taken the football to before Graham's time.
posted on 23/3/14
wow I just came across this tonight after thinking how much GG had improved Arsenal and was never given the credit for it like Wenger is given now.
I could write a massive article on the GG Arsenal which was a fantastic team all over the park. The only point I want to make, is there is life after Wenger and other managers that can do a better job!
posted on 23/3/14
wow I just came across this tonight after thinking how much GG had improved Arsenal and was never given the credit for it like Wenger is given now.
I could write a massive article on the GG Arsenal which was a fantastic team all over the park. The only point I want to make, is there is life after Wenger and other managers that can do a better job!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amen!