It is hard to imagine Arsenal without Arsene Wenger. Since his arrival in 1996, he's been instrumental in the success and ambition of the club. The trophy cabinet is full of silverware proving his achievements. His formula is simple. Breed talent from the academy, do not over spend and buy young players that can be nurtured to grow within the system. This principle has been very successful for the Frenchman and for Arsenal Football Club.
The business model at Arsenal is perfect and the envy of the league. The ethos of the club restricts over spending and massive contracts being handed out to players. Never will you see Wenger bending to player demands and the over valuation of potential targets by their clubs. Even when weaknesses are obvious and the urgency to fill the void is immense, he does not deviate from the rule.
This is where the problem begins for the supporters. The stubbornness of the board to open up their wallets and bring in the proper players capable to catapult Arsenal into serious contenders has practically vanished. Or is Wenger to blame for his refusal to put pressure on the board to make a move. His unwillingness to pay that little bit extra is more ego then common sense. Whoever is to blame the club is visibly suffering because of it.
Youth can only take you so far but experience win trophies. The transfer window is almost shut; why Arsenal have waited this long to strengthen is surprising. The sale of Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona has brought in funds and Samir Nasri's expected departure will award Wenger with even more cash to spend. Targeting the center back and defensive midfielder needed should be the priority. Phil Jagielka, Gary Cahill, Christopher Samba and Scott Parker have all been linked. But with Wenger failing to meet club valuations, all bids have been rejected. Prices will only rise as the final day of transfers draws near.
This is where Wenger's plan of attack gets confusing. Refusing to meet the price tag of Cahill and Jagielka is astonishing, considering that’s exactly the type of player Arsenal is starving for in defense. Spending twelve million pounds on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, another unproven prospect who needs time to develop left me scratching my head. Just like the failure to acquire a proven goalkeeper to replace Jens Lehmann when he retired. How many games were lost during the juggling of Manuel Almunia and Lucasz Fabianski? I have a plethora of examples of these blunders and howlers by both keepers. Dozens spring to mind. Thankfully Wojciech Szczesny has stepped up and given some consistency and stability to the goalkeeper fiasco Wenger has faced.
The money is there to spend obviously. That leads to the question of is the manager spending it wisely? Every club at some point has to over pay a little to get the players desired. Soccer is driven by money, its big business and although I agree with Wengers principles it’s not possible for a club of Arsenal's size and stature to sustain itself and compete for domestic titles under these restrictions. Something has to give.
The signs are clearly there. The lifeless performance against Newcastle in the opener was proof that the club clearly lacks an identity. Their will be no Barcelona comparisons this year. Jack Wilshere is injured and sorely missed at the moment. The midfielder will now be thrown into the spotlight and become the focal point and eventual leader of the club. But he won’t be able to do it alone, help will be needed. I’m expecting Aaron Ramsey to have a big year for the Gunners. The Welshman will hope to form a great partnership with Wilshere and become a formidable force in the Arsenal attack. If Robin Van Persie stays healthy he will contend for the golden boot, but the Dutchman is prone to missing extended periods of time through injury every season.
Arsenal could instantly become contenders and challenge for the title if some experience is added. The reason for the usual winter collapse is a result of inexperience inside the locker room. The kids cannot handle the pressure and it’s evident on the pitch. Having Thomas Vermaelen back from injury will help settle the unease in defense but more is needed or Arsenal face the prospect off dropping out of the top four. The club has never missed out on Champions League under Wenger, but there is a first time for everything.
This year’s competition isn’t guaranteed either, following another below par performance against Udinese last night. Opening the scoring early but being outplayed by an inferior side at the Emirates failed to restore confidence. Two more injuries were added to a growing list of casualties with Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou doubtful for the match against Liverpool on Saturday. In addition to Gervinho and Alex Song picking up suspensions at Newcastle, things are looking bleak. A trip to Italy for the second-leg against Udinese mid-week is followed by an epic encounter at Old Trafford to close out the month.
I know it is crazy to think of Wenger being shown the door after his years of service. He has the confidence of the board and respected by the supporters. However doubt is slowly beginning to spread. A loss to Liverpool at home, followed by elimination in the Champions League and defeat to United would be disastrous for any manager to endure this early into the new season. Despite this Wenger has the power to avoid the axe. But if he fails to secure Champions League football next year it will be impossible to avoid.
Do you think Wenger is in danger of being shown the door? If so what will need to happen for the axe to drop?
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