Agreed. We enojoy a lot of possesion but it is the movement of players that disrupts defensive formations and create space in nwhich to do damage. This has been the central problem in attack for Arsenal for about 3 years now. This is also why we complain about "pass pass pass" going nowhere. Barca, and more closer to home United and City are so potent in attack because their forwards are buzzing all over and the teams playing against them look strecthed in defence. Teams playing against us tend to concede ground, compress the space between defence and midfield and deny the forwards room. This has the effect of bumping upo our possesion stats, but our potency is zilch. If Guardiola came he would whip this aspect of the game into shape, and make the team work harder. Thing is, I reckon if he came and won trophies, he would be gone in 3 years because iff he can walk away from his beloved Barca whilst at top, he can certainly do that anywhere else.
Sadly I think these same people are the victims of the 24hr media brainwashing. Constant need to invent controversy, speculation and debate, create pressure in order to feed the beast that is round the clock 'news'. Unfortunately its all some of the younger fans have known and so in some respects its understandable, for others we remember the days before this when you only had the tabloids serving up the same stories as each other day after day. The media is like the hamster in the wheel just running constantly without any reason; unfortunately they also don't have the integrity to admit that constant changing of managers is LESS likely to bring success. Thats because it does no serve them to admit this; they constantly need speculation and non-stories to survive, to justify their existence and their subscription fees, thankfully there are some of us who can see through this bullsh@t!!!!!!
It's no coincidence that the BBC football site has been running stories about an alleged 'spat' between Wenger and Bould and digging up quotes from old Board members who say that Kronke 'has got no passion' in the middle of our tough patch. The media love to up the ante, to generate clicks. That's their prerogative, but often bears little resemblance to the reality of the situation. I've no doubt that Fergie has 'had words' with some of his backroom staff in the past, and I'm certain that their would be ex board members who have a thing or two to say about the Glazers, but Utd are successful on the pitch and are the media darlings, so those stories aren't deemed 'newsworthy'
It's a myth that Wenger is a great manager, he's not. A great manager would change his style and philosophy to suit the situation and the players at his disposal. A great manager is capable of changing the tactics and style of play when things aren't working. The last 8 years Arsenal under Wenger have played football one way and that way has seen them slowly slip down the top four. Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is called insanity. If it didn't work when you had players like Fabregas, Nasri and RVP at the club do you think it will for players like Ramsey and Wilshere? I watched an arsenal match at the start of the season (forget which one) and saw a number of crosses and good direct (long) balls that resulted in a couple goals and for a second there I was genuinely worried. I thought "Holy sh*t Arsenal changed tactics and now have a plan B", I genuinely had you down as contending the title with us and City.
Wenger used to be a great manager. He was ahead of the game. He brought fitness, diet, control, discipline, an attacking philosophy, and he built it all on an incredible defense. Since then, the rest of the Teams have caught up, and Wenger has not progressed. He won't delegate, he won't deviate, and most importantly, he hasn't LEARNT from his past mistakes, making Arsenal simple to play against. I appreciate that getting someone new in might take a season or two before they begin to win trophies, but in all honestly, what chance does Wenger have of winning trophies in the next 2 years!? I'd far rather someone new, with new ideas, who takes a couple of years to take the club forward, than someone who, given the same period of time and resources, will continue to take the club backwards.
Thats pretty ambitious rather than realistic imho! Lets be realistic here; look at City's, Chelsea's and to a lesser extent Utd's squads and a new Arsenal manager will have the same problems that Wenger has now. Infact I would say unless the appointment is spot on the risk is you go backwards in that 2 year period, rather than forward. One season of failing to secure champs league and it all gets harder, both financially and in attracting players, which is already a struggle because of the disparity in wages. Look at Liverpool for a good example of change for the sake of change, and at how hard it is to get players once you fall out of champs league. Whilst it COULD get better, I think it is equally realistic it could get a whole lot WORSE! Lets face it there are not that many great candidates out there; and those that are will possibly have the Chelsea, Real Madrid, City jobs to pick from first. Whilst I do agree that Wenger has made mistakes; you can equally argue he has been under real restraints the last few years. On top of this every time a class player has come through since the likes of Henry et al.. such as Fabregas, Van Persie, Nasri, they have also gone for fees well below their true value which has even further hampered what Wenger has had available. The philosophy of Wenger is not the problem; infact it is why Arsenal are admired across the globe, the problem is that you are unable(or have been) to compete on a level playing field with your biggest rivals. Arsenal record in the champs league shows that the philosophy is good; the problem really is that you are 3 or 4 world class players away from success, is that all Wenger's fault?
The problem with us is that we start playing the right way every season, i.e. more direct, higher tempo, and for some reason seem to slip back into our old habits as the season progresses.... it's sad. We never seem to be consistent enough when we are playing the right way. I can't understand it.
I absolutely see where you're coming from. My issue is not the financial restraints that Wenger has been under - I admire him and believe he has done fantastically well under such conditions to guide the club to a new stadium, to consistent Champions League etc. etc. etc. My qualm is that he is not getting the full potential out of the squad that is there are the moment. Look at Everton - perenial overachievers based on budget. The same used to be true of Arsenal. In recent times however, the players look unable to motivate themselves, there's rumours of bust-ups, and even I can see that the tactics are both rigid, not working, and not being changed. The lack of tactical variation makes the team very easy to play against. They play one formation, with the same personnel (save injuries) and teams are able to nullify the Arsenal threat and beat them - look at Swansea, and numerous other examples. Compare this to Man Utd, who set up to beat their opponents with a blend of defensive stability, nullifying their major threat, and attacking prowess. On a different level, consistently playing Gervinho as a striker and Podolski out wide is ridiculous, playing Ramsey as a winger is destroying his confidence too and Gervinho, Podolski and Ramsey have come in for stick from the fans for not playing well in positions they aren't suited for! Has anything changed? No. Will it? Unlikely. With issues like these buying players won't help. It might paper over the cracks, but that's exactly what's been going on for a while now. That is why I think Wenger should go. His own unwillingness to change is becomming his downfall. I respect him, I think he was a great manager, I just don't think he is any more.
As I say I don't beleive he is perfect; what I see looking in as a big admirer of Wenger and Arsenal is a guy that needs some creative input. Now of course that can only occur if Wenger is willing to allow some influence in; what I had hoped when Rice was replaced was someone of the calibre of Bergkamp would have been brought in. Now thats not a criticism of Bould, he may have been needed too, but I think Bergkamp would have given that much needed spark around the place that I admit does seem to have been lost to some extent (at least from the iconic days), it would also give the players a massive lift. So on this score I would have to admit, that yes as a semi-outsider I think there is room for a bit more creativity and inventiveness, something he was way ahead of in his early years. I still think he deserves some time to spend the cash that is supposedly available.
Bould seemed the right, and logical choice. He was experienced, commands respect, and it was the defense that needed shoring up. You saw at the beginning of the season how well he was doing, and you also saw how Wenger seemed to react in his interviews when Bould was praised. I'm a strong advocate of Bergkamp coming back - not as a manager, but as a striker coach. If you look at Ajax, their coaching staff are predominantly ex-players that had very successful careers and command respect, whilst presenting that calm "been there, done that attitude." I'd love to see Bergs & Henry with the strikers, Pires with the Wingers, Vieira with the CM's, Dixon with the full-backs, Bould & Keown with the centrebacks and Seaman / Crazy Jens with the goalkeepers. The quality of ex-Arsenal players is huge, and many of them still have a lot of love for the club. Would this happen under Wenger? Not on your nelly. Lastly, it's great to have a proper, intelligent discussion with someone not on the board to WUM. Consider yourself welcome any time
Why, thank you kind sir; but if the truth be told Arsenal are my 3rd team; behind Halifax Town and Liverpool!!!
Don't think it's been mentioned yet, but theirs rumors Guardiola is going to meet with Fergie in New York next week to discuss taking over at United when Fergie retires. A month or two ago another poster on the United board claimed he knew someone on the inside that Guardiola will take over at United as soon as next season. This was before that rumor happened. Not sure he would be anyone's first choice, but whatever happens, happens.
The landscape around Wenger has changed since the Invincibles and for me he's been operating with one hand tied behind his back in comparison to freedom of Utd, City and Chelsea. I would like to see what Wenger can do with the publicly promised money to spend on the squad.
Me too! Anyone who says he has not been hampered in the last 6 or 7 years is either stupid or has an agenda! I swear some people's ego makes them cling to an opinion once they have expressed it for fear they will disintegrate! Its not just in struggling to bring in the quality required, its stopping that same quality leaving to achieve their dreams and ambitions (ala Fab & Van Persie). This is another fundamental reason Arsenal have struggled to compete fully; they keep losing the few players that have the top level mentality it takes to win things. This either takes time to instill or you buy it ready made; unfortunately you have to pay top whack for the latter, something Wenger hs been unable/unwilling to do.
Hopefully not buy a few more Gervinho's. Or get someone else in to make the transfers, i no longer trust his judgement.
