No Citeh, no United, Liverpool look beatable, Chelsea are poor, Newcastle fell at Brighton. If we get through tomorrow unscathed there is a real chance for us now. The only real danger is Spurs. What do you think, do we have enough of a squad to make a go at it?
We have to go for it. It's the only realistic chance at silverware. If wenger plays the reserves i'd assume most of us would be furious (aside from Piskie who'll try and defend Wenger as usual)
It's a lose-lose situation, but that's what happens when you lack squad depth. We need Van Persie to play, he's our only real source of goals. I can't see another Henry miracle i'm afraid.
Sorry guys but it looks like Wenger has prioritised a top 4 finish over winning the only realistic thing this year, the FA cup. Even though he says he will still fight for the FA cup, he finds the need to get into the champions league again as the priority? Im sure a lot of Arsenal fans would rather win something then have another barren year but get into a competition we have less chance of winning. Our squad simply isn't good enough! But let the money roll in, thats whats important i guess...... http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16776369.stm Meanwhile, Wenger admitted that, despite his love for the FA Cup, the Premier League remains his primary focus. The Gunners host Aston Villa in the fourth round on Sunday on the back of three successive league defeats. The Frenchman has always prioritised the league, despite four FA Cup successes in his 15 years with the club. "I love the FA Cup, and I will always fight to win it, but I have always told you exactly the same - the priority is to be in the top four," he said. "I won it [the Cup] four times and lost one final, and I don't know how many semi-finals. I always try to win every single competition. "If you look at my record you will see the FA Cup is important for me. I think our record is better than all of them over the past 15 years." Arsenal's most recent trophy was the FA Cup seven years ago, but Wenger insists he would not take Wembley glory in May ahead of another campaign in the Champions League next year. "In recent years, I felt that we produced always the consistency at the top, top level and it is not enough for some people maybe, but for me that is the brand of a top level club - consistency in the top four," he added.
I really don't know how anyone, including the most staunch Wenger supporters, can accept this. Does he or the club have no feelings towards all the loyal fans? The priority should always be a trophy over a top 4 finish right now. It's all about taking the right steps and those are winning ANY trophy and from there you can build success. Aiming for something you have the LEAST chance of winning is foolhardy indeed.
Wenger is not all there, I am now very sure of it. Where are the men in white coats when you need them ? How can finishing in the top 4 be more important, at this juncture, than winning the FA Cup. What a way to alienate yourself from the fans.
It is sad to say but the FA Cup has become less important than league position to many clubs and their supporters.You only have to look at attendances for FA Cup games compared to years ago.Personally i'd take wining the FA Cup over the top 4 any day.
GoonerC - me too .. all day .. any day. Admittedly if we were winning it all the time then that might diminish, but what better way for Wenger and the board to win back the fans !!!
Furthermore . we are sacrificing winning the FA Cup to "possibly" qualify for the Champions League, a competition we don't have a hope in hell of winning - without considerable investment. So it is clear, the priority is NOT the fans, it is NOT to win trophies, it is to make money. I am disgusted.
What Wenger fails to mention is that this team needs to WIN SOMETHING to progress to the next level. If the team does not taste any success, how will they have the confidence in themselves to beat the best?
I think this is important - winning something. It has been a long time since we won something and when we did win that one, it was in a sudden death situation. Winning in the conventional way, call it properly if you like will energize the team. Had we won the Carling last year I'll bet it would have changed the ending to our season and we wouldn't be as depressed as we are now. If we look like winners all the way as we make our way to the FA Cup, the spinoff might be that we do enough to retain 4th too. Personally I too have a massive distaste for Wenger's remark "In recent years, I felt that we produced always the consistency at the top, top level and it is not enough for some people maybe, but for me that is the brand of a top level club - consistency in the top four " . On saying that though making the Top 4 this year could impact positively on our next season and the ability to attract players who will be important in recapturing our form and winning ways. Winning the FA Cup and doing it well could also I believe help us retain RvP's services. Sadly it is what this board and manager have done that has us on this day having to pick between the FA cup and a place as an " also-ran ". What a way to go so indeed, they should go!!!
What Wenger fails to mention is that this team needs to WIN SOMETHING to progress to the next level. If the team does not taste any success, how will they have the confidence in themselves to beat the best?
I would like to agree on the whole get into the top 4 and attract the best players arguement however, i remain skeptical on this. As previous history suggests, we do not operate like this and i doubt if anything changes new season. Not getting into the top 4 will bring about changes in my opinion. Wenger has become complacent, instead of seeking to improve the squad and add to it, he simply patches it up and brings in value raplacements to qualify for the top 4.
Yes you have a point Mr 20K. I guess I was looking shorter term. I really now know I've had enough of Arsene and the entire ******* board. Well, except perhaps Ken Friar though I don't know where he stands on these issues.
