Also Man U had/have far greater finances and spending power than us, have more fans and arguably a bigger brand yet they struggled for all the reasons you mentioned, which I feel all go hand in hand as part of changing from a long standing manager. We could continue to improve, fill some obvious gaps in the squad, become more ruthless and really kick on with a new manager - it's definitely close to the time for Wenger to step down. But considering wengers control over the 1st team, training, recruitment, the youth teams and scouting, not to mention his financial responsibilities - it's going to take a big ask for a seemless transition or for their not to be a drop off in. Performance while the players get used to the new system. Doesn't mean it's impossible or unlikely, just that it'll be a big ask, regardless of our resources.
You missed the part then when PISKIE spent several hours making several posts to say other clubs having problems was 'obvious evidence' that we would then.
The difference here lies in the states of both squads. Let's say, regardless of whether we win the title or not, Wenger leaves at the end of the season. We would need reinforcements, but not wholesale changes to the team. Flamini, Rosicky, Arteta and possibly a couple of others would leave but these are all squad players that needed replacing anyway. United's squad when Ferguson left was in much worse shape than ours would be if Wenger left in May. Also, there can be a debate either way on the new appointment. Whilst some may say he wasn't given enough time (and he wasn't), was it wise to appoint a manager that had never won a piece of silverware in his career as a top level manager and had always done a solid albeit unspectacular job in his 12 years at Everton? Changing mangers is always a calculated risk, but there were questions to begin with Moyes' appointment from day one, based on the him not showing any glaringly obvious traits of being a top manager. So for us, we would have to take all these factors into account too. Although it would probably take longer than 7 months for AW's successor to make his mark on the team, so I would like to think that we would show a bit of patience. This is another thing. With a new manager, in the first season, the expectations won't be the same for the predecessor and fans will see it as an opportunity to adapt to the demands of the Prem, rather than winning every trophy in sight.
And that's where you've been going wrong all along. I said that the evidence of man Utd and Liverpool suggests that we could also struggle. You've tried to claim that I've said it will definitely happen to Arsenal when I haven't said that at all. I do however believe that based in the historical evidence from other clubs that it's a likely scenario when it comes to replacing Wenger.
Also this idea that whoever takes over would have to be an idiot to fail given the resources that he'd inherit, is a gross over simplification. We are in the healthy position we are precisely because of Wenger. He is the one who has signed these players, developed the style of football, instilled the ethos at the club, given us the sound financial footing and enabled this situation to flourish. it wouldn't take much to unravel if it was all given to an inept manager. It's a great legacy to leave for the next man, but don't over simplify it by saying anybody could do it.
1. You said the 'evidence' was 'obvious'. Your words. Now you've backtracked and it's just a 'suggestion'? 2. You're again using the word 'evidence' incorrectly. 3. You're under the impression that everything is fine with the club and that it could all unravel. Not everyone agrees with you. If he managed until he was 90 and we finished 4th every year and got to the last 16 of the CL every season I'm sure you'd still be calling our position healthy.
1. Wrong 2. Wrong 3. Wrong I've consistently said that the evidence of what happens when clubs replace long standing managers means that it could also happen to us. You are clearly misunderstanding the use of the word evidence. It is evidence that it can happen (as I have repeatedly said and as demonstrated by historical facts) It is not evidence that it will definitely happen at Arsenal. (although my opinion is that it could well happen) Please find a quote where I have said that it is evidence that it will definitely happen at Arsenal Also I have never said that 'everything is fine', unless again you'd like to provide a quote where I have said it is ?
And, aside from United (which was a different scenario to how we will be when AW leaves so not really relevant), can you state this 'evidence'... And it would be good if you could prove it was the manager leaving that caused said collapse.
We could spend countless hours debating United. Fergie was also top class and could get a mediocre squad to win a title. Wenger can't get a good squad to do that. Anyway, let's disregard United as we won't agree. What other evidence have you got?
Disregard Utd because it doesn't suit your argument, convenient. The issues about changing managers, backroom staff, ethos and approach has been covered already in this thread, but I suspect we'd be going round in circles for hours with you arguing for the sake of being contrary.
No you've obviously missed the point - it's evidence that other clubs have struggled in the past when changing a longterm manager. Not sure why you (and only you) are struggling to grasp this simple point?
