Wenger, what have you done to my Arsenal?
Written by Jonathan Chong on Saturday, November 1, 2008
| Date | Time | C | Opponent | F | A | R | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Nov | 3:00 PM | P | Stoke City (A) | 1 | 2 | Lost |  |
At the time of writing, I'm still nursing my disbelief of a season that is not yet half way through but sees us as having 3 losses on the board already, and none of them to our title rivals.
I cannot bring myself to believe anything that Arsène Wenger says any more. He's put so much spin for me to see any truth or facts in his interviews. Please do not get me wrong, I love what he's done for the club, and I love that he's put the club in a sound financial position, but the results that matter now are those that come from the pitch and that is what is lacking.
We've been told that this, and many seasons before, are seasons of transition. However, I think we've turned the corner so many times in this transition that we don't know when to stop. What exactly are we transitioning to, can someone tell me?
After the disappointing draw against Tottenham, Wenger said: "It's not all bad but it is disappointing. Our run is going on and I would say the future of our season lies in how much we learn from games like that. We have fantastic potential but the future of the team is about what we do with that potential. We want to address that very quickly and respond."
What does that mean? He's been saying that for years and I'm starting to wonder if Wenger understands what he says to the press. Fantastic potential counts for nothing if we don't realise it, and we've had fantastic potential for awhile now. Where are the results?
Our last trophy win was the FA Cup in 2005, an inept display that resulted in us winning a penalty shoot-out. What happened to the magic of seasons such as winning the title at White Hart Lane, being unbeaten away for a whole season and then clinching the title at Old Trafford with a 1-0 win? Then came the season that no Gooner will ever forget - the amazing run that saw Arsenal go an entire season unbeaten, grinding out wins and draws on wet winter nights at tough grounds such as Fratton Park and the Reebok Stadium.
Times like that were magical and there was a certain steel that accompanied the flair and rapier-like thrusts of an Arsenal attack. Now, the Arsenal attack is akin to faffing about in the opposition's half without any end result.
The possession we had against Stoke today was an amazing 72%. How does a team that has 72% possession end-up on the losing side, having a player sent-off? I cannot wait to see what the spin doctors and Wenger have to say about our latest adventures at the Britannia Stadium.
What's even more disappointing, was that Stoke threatened (and scored) from Rory Delap's infamous long throw-ins, a threat that we (or rather, Wenger) knew about. We know that they're a threat from set-pieces, so why did we do our best to concede fouls and make ourselves vulnerable? What's even more frustrating, was Wenger's words yesterday saying: "We will counter it by attacking the ball in the air and by not making too much of a fuss of it. They score one goal every one or two months and it is not like a penalty, it is a throw-in.
"I think you shouldn't be obsessed by that, just try to dominate the game and score goals yourself. We know that they are very dangerous on set-pieces and those long throws especially. What is most important is that we have the ball and we put them under pressure."
Arsène, the bottom line is that you did not prepare the team for Stoke and that is not good enough. You may have said all the right words to the journalist's microphone, but did you communicate that to team at London Colney, and reminded them in the dressing room?
At Fulham, Arsenal did not turn-up. It was a shocking display of not wanting to be there and it seemed like one or two players were thinking about their next photoshoot. If the players are not motivated, it is the manager's job to motivate them. If the players are losing their focus in the last few minutes of the game and concede two goals, especially in a local derby, it is the manager's job to ensure that they are focused for the full 90 minutes.
I cannot even begin to fanthom what was going through Wenger's mind when he said that Arsenal were in a good position at this stage of the season. We've had a piss easy start and haven't played ANY of our supposed main title rivals, yet we already have 3 losses.
After the match against Tottenham, Wenger said: "We know the truth on the inside and that is not what has been projected on the outside. We know what we have to do." What is the truth? Bloody hell, share it with us please because YOUR team are doing everything they can to make a mockery out of the words they are telling the press. No more losses? Passion and determination? Title challengers?
I remember a time when we had a defence that would put their body on the line to prevent a goal. A defence that was commanding physically, and mentally. I remember when Patrick Vieira squared up to Roy Keane, and said to him that if José Antonio Reyes was roughly treated, there would be hell to pay. I remember Martin Keown and Tony Adams marshalling a defence and laying into their team mates if they failed to deal with a high ball crossed into the heart of the defence. I remember the passion, and determination at the heart of an Arsenal team that dismantled teams with such ease, an ease akin to Vieira playing with an injured knee and carrying the team to win at Stamford Bridge in an FA Cup replay.
There would be no bickering. No moody sulks in the centre circle. No spin in press interviews.
Enough talk, please. Just put your hands up and admit that you were wrong. You were wrong for not adding spine and steel to the squad. You were wrong for not addressing the height problem, something which you've openly admitted. You were wrong for not replacing Bergkamp, Vieira and the defence of Keown, Adams and Seaman. You were wrong for not selecting a captain that could lead the team and be your voice on the pitch.
You've been wrong for at least a couple of seasons now and if you want to win the league this year, the inept performances have to stop, and the team have to start delivering.
That, Mr. Wenger, starts with YOU.
User Comments
152sahil
Posted on 7 Nov, 2008 at 09:16 AM - Reply
arsenal will only win trophies if wenger leaves....his tactics suck...ROBERTO MANCINI IN FOR ARSENAL....Buy experience players not stupid young kids
151me
Posted on 6 Nov, 2008 at 09:36 PM - Reply
It was my opinion at the start of the season that Wenger had 'lost it.' It didn't start this season. (1) He's a bad judge of goalkeepers and defenders. (2) He plays people out of position.
(3) His substitutions are ineffective and too late. (4) He thinks he has a right to win a match just because our football is more beautiful than the other team's
(5) He's been giving the same press conference for a couple of years now
(6) He's chosen a really, really bad captain
150tohni
Posted on 4 Nov, 2008 at 01:21 AM - Reply
I don't believe it! Some people are calling for Wenger to be sacked. Right now I cannot think of anyone who is better at what he does. - And someone said Arsenal should get someone like Seaman. C'mon, SEAMAN? IMO, there are millions of better goalies around.
149l2dsh
Posted on 4 Nov, 2008 at 12:39 AM - Reply
Sacking the greatest manager this club has ever had is not the way forward.
Every Arsenal fan has the right to be frustrated after the last two awful results, and the last fruitless couple of season, but calling for his head is pretty premature.
I think the problem is AW has got too comfortable and there is no pressure on him from the board to go out and win trophies.
Hopefully they are sharing our frustration, and will remind Mr Wenger that going four years empty handed is just not good enough.
The team is devoid of any leadership, and hopefully Wenger will realise he has made a mistake and sort it out in January.
If he doesn't, then I don't think I can defend him.
148gunnerbaz
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 11:32 PM - Reply
yes yes ali thats a great idea. For anyone who wants a good laugh.. look at comment number 128. And who is exactly farting these golden nuggets out? Perhaps we do have enough for all them big players, but will Wenger buy them. No! get real man. Lorik cana is a central midfielder aswell... not a center back.
147Pissed Off
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 11:09 PM - Reply
I like this article the best in as many years as possible.
146jm
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 10:49 PM - Reply
I still have believe in wenger, but i think we should put everything in the champions league. This are always open games end that's perfect for the arsenal style. But premier league teams know how to deal with us now, by defending very low. It's never the case in de CL. But lets hope that we don't face an english team.
145Andrew B
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 10:16 PM - Reply
Love Arsenal but... continuing to resist buying good players in the transfer window is really hurting us and if Wenger refuses to do it, then he is no longer the man to help win trophies for this team.
144Stocko
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 09:11 PM - Reply
Now is most definately the time to show our worth its simple how much do we want it?? We need players with big hearts, big guts, big commitment on show in every game. I think you'll find that Big game players come with Big names.
143Andrew
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 09:00 PM - Reply
I said at the start of my season, and i'll say this again now.. 'we are moving backwards!'
Wenger is a genius, and is the best football manager Arsenal have ever seen.
The problem? Arsene is.
He has not bought a new player, i.e. a player not replacing a departing player (hleb-nasri)... for almost 4/5 years, well since Reyes! yes Reyes. And there is the key, wenger is frightened of being wrong.
However rather than say so, he is unrepentent. Like someone telling a bare faced lie in front of your face... worse, its arsenal. it's your girlfriend lying to you!
It's just so painful to watch him these days. There is a sense of sadness all over him.
My nephew can spot the mistakes - And here's a list for all to see:
1. 2nd Rate Keeper (Schwarzer went for free! is he not cultured enough for Arsene? He is an Aussie but still good goalkeeper)
2. Mikael Selvestre??? not good enough for Bromley let alone the Arse.
3. Flamini, Diarra and Gilberto ----- Song, Denilson and Diaby.
You get my point. These are just 3 unforgivable, misguided and damn right arrogant pieces of business within 6 months of each other.
Don't sack him - but someone, maybe a decent captain and not wenger-appointed Gallas should've been the one. Would Terry let this happen? Would Keane or Vieira?
Oh Arsene, you break my heart
142Fa, London- Home of Arsenal
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 08:27 PM - Reply
Wenger, what have you done to my arsenal?? What a stupid article!!! You forget what wenger did for us!! You all a plastic fans and are disgrace. A true Arsenal fan is behind Wenger and our team. This not a time to critise the team!! You all are bunch of ignoratnts and hypoctrates!! TROPHIE OR NO TROPHIES IN ARSENE I TRUST AND IN WENGER I BELIEVE!!!
141stavros
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 07:37 PM - Reply
three possible reasons for our downfall
1-Fact is arsenal football club are running a business ,Wonder if arsene and the board are content in creating valuable assets from players ,massive gate receipts week in week out,champions league every season. Why spend money
when we are making enough to pay the stadium.2-players are been starved with wengers stupid steamed fish and vegetable diet-when Reyes went to real Madrid hes physical appearance changed and managed to nudge players out the way, rather than be rolled over.I saw Jens Leamen in the street before he left arsenal , I thought hes legs were going to snap!Look at our team no muscle!!
3-wengers lost it !
140JUAN LUIS SANCHEZ (PERU)
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 07:23 PM - Reply
AS I TOLD YOU ALL FANS OF THE WORLD WE HAVE TO PREPARE FOR THE WORST SEASON EVER .
WENGER IS DREAMING THAT HE IS GOING TO WIN MANCHESTER UNITED GAME RIGHT NOW THATS IMPOSSIBLE .
FORGET TITLE FORGET CHAMPIONS .
RIGHT NOW WE HAVE TO PLAY TO GET 10 PLACE IN MAY 2009
OUR TEAM IS REALLY , REALLY BAD.
IF YOU DONT GET ANOTHER PLAYERS FORGET EVERYTHING.
MISTER WENGER BEGIN TO PICK UP ALL YOR STUFF AND GO BACK FRANCE
139B.C
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 06:05 PM - Reply
I believe that arsenal can still win it will be very difficult but you must not give up the faith. A.Wenger has been in these kind of posistions many times before and has got us timelessly into the top4. We all know this team can preform its just amatter of time I believe that arsene will pull us through this with this team
138v man
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 05:55 PM - Reply
i agree with stu! we've lost one game so stop whining! Wenger is the reason why we have such high expectations in the first place! You can't expect to win every trophy all the time and besides we've been on drier spells then this
137understand what is written below
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 04:33 PM - Reply
The fact that arsenal is not playing well is certainly not good to see. But we all know that this is temporary. Who can decide right now that arsenal is gonna win or lose the premiereship with less than ten games played? I see these days fans get pissed off very easily and start blaming players and manager for it....well thats right to do but some even go beyond and say arsene wenger to be removed. Now that is too much saying...u cannot just remove wenger.....he is the best manager in the world u fools....no one can replace him.....most talented players of our squad will surely go if he goes followed by the fans with the likes of me.....because i know arsenal will perform more worse without him. To Arsenal....arsene is a driving force who leads them with responsibility and determination. So the solution of this problem is certainly not removing arsene wenger(its the worst one)......the solution is picking up a responsible captain......arsenal needs a leader on the pitch....who can direct other players to do things.....a person who should stand bold and say how things are to be done.....like vieira. Gallas is good but i believe we need a captain who is a midfielder....who is more involved in the game.....i believe Fabregas is ready to captain arsenal.. which might be another way to tie him to arsenal.....arsene must give him a chance...he deserves it even though he is still 21....tony adams also was. I love arsenal and believe they will win and i dont care much abt the result but i want them to play in full spirits against manchester united.
136jesh
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 03:15 PM - Reply
well if our trophy less season continues im afraid Cesc and Ade even RVp may move out...
Last season i thought we wer unlucky to loose the league and next season with the team we had then we could win anything...But Wenger could'nt hold hleb, flamini and they left...Flamimi's loss is been the greater last season at this point of time we did'nt loose even a single match and still didn't win anything but this season we have already lost two and i clearly don't know where are we leading........
135dudu_cro
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 02:47 PM - Reply
DID YOU FORGET EDUARDO? HE WILL BE BACK, AND READY TO KICK ASS!!!!!!
134Toba: The Only Gooner.
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 02:38 PM - Reply
Arsene Wenger nearly made me to lose my home that I have strongly built over the years- I nearly quarelled with my wife!!
I watched in dis-belief seeing Stoke, STOKE CITY, dimantled the Arsenal we all loved as a result of the way they play the beautiful game of football. The Arsenal we so much admired, the invincibles!!
I saw an Arsenal Striker in Bendtner that was a passenger for 90 minutes. I saw a defence that melted down with average strikers attacking it. I saw a midfield that was completely afraid to mmove the ball forward. It is all Arsene Wenger's faults. He has gotten it wrong again.
If we dream of winning anything(Premiership has already slipped away), we need to sell Bendtner and the Captain. We have had enough of Gallas confusion. Toure needs to be replaced, and Alumnia needs a better safe-hand he could deputise for. Enough of heartbreak.
133Sreejesh P
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 02:30 PM - Reply
I will say, wenger is a master in tactics, hopefully we will come stronger, and i wish if wenger spend the 40m$ he got from the directors during january..........
132phader
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 01:41 PM - Reply
great article mate...
this has been the worse arsenal team since arsene wenger has been at arsenal in my opinion...
you cant win anything with 4-4-2 anymore..
we have only 2 world class players in toure and fabregas which is not good enough..
131pastorvikolo
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 01:38 PM - Reply
Arsene,please bring back the good old days....
130Keygun
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 01:30 PM - Reply
Took the words right out of my mouth. We all love Arsenal and all Wenger has done for the club, but our problems have been OBVIOUS for years and he still refuses to address them. Lack of height and spine, passing too much, trying to walk ball into net, etc. He has seen his Invincibles disperse, while Fergie successfully rebuilt his fading side of 2005 and Mourinho came in and won trophies galore and i think that has made him more stubborn and fussy. I think it has become more of a personal mission to try and win the title/UCL HIS way and say Eff You! to his doubters. But even if we win this year or next, so what? It most likely wont happen again bec our problems are still there and will more than likely be exposed again
129Padraig Conway
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 01:29 PM - Reply
Have to agree with this article entirely. As stated I have alot of admiration and am grateful for the position the club is in however his descions are beginning to baffle me. After not spending a penny in the summer and insisting we had the squad necessary to win the title he is now complaining of fatigue. It seems he is the only one who thought we did not need to strengthen during the summer to have any chance of winning the league and the teams terrible start prove he has made a serious error. 60.000 people now have to spend a fortune going to watch us battle Aston Villa for fourth.
128ali
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 01:20 PM - Reply
what do you think of replacing gallas by lorik cana captain of marseille?
and xavi together with fabregas nasri and diego in midfield?
127ALLENIA
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 01:15 PM - Reply
The ting is dat Arsene Wegner is messing us up, until he stops his business attitude towards Arsenal we'll be trophyless for a long time
How can a team like Hullcity,Stokes,fulham beat Arsenal, when we haven't played our rivals. am bittered he should go anfd look for players or else we'll be trophless for a long time......
arsenal4life till i dieeeeeeee.
126SacktheBoard
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 01:02 PM - Reply
Arsene out George Graham in !!
Seriously deluded...
125Mat s
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 12:32 PM - Reply
If I am consistently giving sub-standard performances week in and week out in my job, and when questioned by my employers as to the reason behind my poor performance, give repeated excuses, i will be fired. Soemthing to think about Mr Wenger.
All of the Arsenal fans who say 'Wenger is a legend, look at what he built, have faith' etc have got the blinkers on. This club is going f**king backwards and there is no starker warning than Wednesday night to show that should it continue on the downturn that it is then sooner or later we will be the smalelr team in North London, mark my words. Wenger has been a fantastic servant to Arsenal FC but it is time to do something new, move in a different direction. These kids just cannot cut it and not one of them are beyond reproach. Clear out the garbage and lets start again.
124kris
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 12:29 PM - Reply
some fan you are. Why dont you just go and support man u or chelsea? Do us all a favour cos we dont need fans like you!
123gooonneeerrrss
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 12:13 PM - Reply
Steve,How long do you expect us to wait How long do we have to wait and if we do wait what are we waiting for !! ITS BEEN 5 YEARS TROPHYLESS 2 years before this we did a 49 UNBEATEN RUN!!
What are you expecting us to do sit here quietly and wait another 5 years for 1 trophy it just is not going to happen for a club like Arsenal who were and are one of the finest clubs around!
122Arsenalstars
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 12:11 PM - Reply
Problem with arsenal is they have big mouth and less action. Before every game you would here them saying all kinda garbage etc arsenal ladies could beat spurs. Now a team who are to become relegated hear that they become superstars all over night. Could someone tell these lot winning also include pyschology.
121kalipo, gh
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 11:56 AM - Reply
Wenger should not be our Mugabe. Someone should wake Wenger up to smell reality. Hes policies are Utopian. We are proud of the youngsters but experirnce is also key unless we are not planning on winning silverware in the next three years. and who says the youngsters would not be gone by then. Wenger should not be our Mugabe,
120David
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 11:20 AM - Reply
Guys, the problem is not we lack creativity, it's because we can't score goals after creating so many chances in most games, and that makes the likes of Nasri and Fabregas frustrated sometimes. And we also don't have a sound defensive pairing, I never rate Toure, actually his stupidity cost us many games in the past. Gallas could be a good partner to someone because he scored important goals, which is way better than Toure, who can't even convert from 6-yd out. As long as we are scoring goals up front, we won't feel much pressure at the back, and Almunia can continue to pretend he is world class, like the game at Fenerbahce. So we need at least one CB to replace Toure, and one fine finisher to replace Adebayor, who has no class at all!
119Jesper
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 10:48 AM - Reply
I do not understand why everyone is saying that wenger should leave. Maybe for English fans it is frustrating but as a dutchman I can say that Wenger has given Arsenal a sublime reputation all over the world with the football that his teams play.
Why do people panic so soon? Of course he took too much risk not to buy players this summer but last season he did the same thing and it went well. If Dudu, RVP and Rosicky had not gottn injured Arsenal would have won the league last season with amazing football. So lets wait until januari. And I believe against the top 3 we have a better chance to win as against teams like Stoke. I think this man still deserves lots of credit!! LOTS! We are spoiled with the football Arsenal plays. I'd rather see arsenal winning the league once every two years with amazing football than every year with football liverpool plays.
118Xisco
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 09:33 AM - Reply
maybe arsenal seems to be in trouble at the moment. I do believe wenger knows what he is doing.the players are underperforming. They are seriously lacking spirit and desire.let us show some faith with the manager. he will deliver. i think the injuries,suspension, are the best things to happen. It is time for wenger to put in youngsters, who will step up against man utd now.the youngsters clearly showed a desire when they got to play. Look, Song,Bendtner,Vela,Ramsey, Wilshere , Nasri, Djourou; all of them showed the desire. it is time wenger takes a gamble and put them in against man utd. Look, Adebayor,Van Persie,Denilson,Diaby,Silvestre were spineless and spiritless. It is time for the chop. In come the youngsters who certainly deserve a chance against top top opposition. It is now or never..
117fan from malaysia
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 07:34 AM - Reply
wake up arsenal....please play more beautiful game..
nasri and feb must play together to more creative midfield.please arsene wanger
116RassHenry
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 07:04 AM - Reply
The only things lacked in the team is EXPERIENCE. The combination of Experience & Young Talent can do wonders for our Arsenal Fc. Wenger should & must bring in some worldclass & experience player’s into the team or else just replace him with Jose Mourinho. The special one knows how to shoppe player’s. I’m really getting started to pissed off on Wenger now. His tactical changes as blew our 3 points againts Spurs & his bussiness minded mentality has take us out of the title contention, now. If Arsenal wants to get back to title contention & win some silverwares. Wenger need & must spend $$$ to bring in atleast 4 worldclass player’s. 1 striker (Thierry Henry), 1 winger (Hatem Ben Arfa), 1 defensive midfielder (Mathieu Flamini) & 1 center back (Micah Richards) to add with squad we have now. For godsake just bring King Henry back as there are so much our strikers can learn from him. This real King of Arsenal can show how to put the ball into the net to Adebayor & company. He can perfrom at the highest level for another 2 /3 years & then can be our quality strikers coach, tho Just offload Gallas, Rosicky, Sanderos, Bendtner & Silvestre to roll some cash as well.
Cheers :)
115jozisky
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 06:40 AM - Reply
Am a gunner 4 life yes but this is too much and its pissing me off.Mr Wenger a time has come that you have to wake up from your deep sleep and stop cheating us.LOOK at Chelsea they are doing well because they have quality players both in the starting line up and a very strong substitute bench, with these players am sure they can challenge for all the trophies but look at Arsenal surely anybody whose been kennly watching soccer are u sure the likes of Denilson,Diaby,Song can challenge experienced players like Deco,Lampard or Ballack in midlfield.Common Wenger the point is inorder to compliment your good coaching style we need to see great players in the squad you HAVE to buy players this Jan window to keep alive any hopes of winning the major trophies.Enough is enough we need to see a change in your system and again this issue of buying french players only should come to an end Arsenal is not a french club diversify please we have great players in the german spanish and italian league go for them!!
114Anurag
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 06:30 AM - Reply
Thats my feelings in black and white brother. I cant believe what we have been witnessing. I dont trust wenger anymore nor do i care how much potential we have. When we play teams like Stoke it should be a matter of how many goals we can score against them rather than relecting on a sorry loss. I didnt understand the team selection - Diaby,Denilson and Song in the same midlfield. Come on even Bolton would'nt put a team with two defensive and one supposedly defensive player. This highlights the fact that we are a paper thin squad,we dont have enough creative players. Mentally the players are weak, there is no one to lead them on the field. Young players facing big problems. I can see how this is going to end. Another season of despair,nothing could be worse than watching our rivals win trophies. at the end of the season we will lose important players and thats how this third generation will end.
113Riezal
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 06:21 AM - Reply
On my opinion chances for Arsenal to win the league is 40% or less. Thats it..
112FabulousFabregas
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 06:06 AM - Reply
I love Arsenal more than i love wenger....so do the maths!
111Stupid
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 05:30 AM - Reply
Cesc is having enough. You can tell that on the pitch. He will leave Arsenal next season for sure. Then what?
110Aizen Gunners!
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 03:49 AM - Reply
Hard to accept the fact that Arsenal are such promising at the start of season and now stump like sh!t to a lower team.. Throw those old rubbish in the defence line.. Gallas? Silvestre? Duh...
109Samuel
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 01:36 AM - Reply
Great article. 100% right. I just dont know why Wenger is soooooo against experienced players. Why? Did they do something to him in a past life or something? Fergie keeps giggs, neville, scholes etc when they get old and uses them to blend with the youth and more importantly lead and teach the youth. Yet man u also have other experience like ferdinand and vidic and carrick and berbatov etc so many experienced players. I was thinking the other day, we dont have one centre midfielder above the age of 21.
108crew
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 01:30 AM - Reply
ARSENAL IS SCREWED! ALL WE CAN SAY ABOUT ARSENAL RIGHT NOW.
AM NOT WATCHING ANY ARSENAL GAMES NOW UNTIL WE WIN SOMETHING.
107AJ
Posted on 3 Nov, 2008 at 12:48 AM - Reply
Its like someone wrote what I was thinking for last couple of months. Inconsistency at its best!! I haven not seen Arsenal playing 3 matches in a row with their best.
I have never been to Emirates or Highbury. But I would like to ask one question... is it possible to put some banner during the match may be in protest or let Wenger know how Fans feel. I would really like to see that.
106Faihim
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 11:29 PM - Reply
Before i go on slating Arsene Wenger I would like to say thank you for everything you've done, but i personally feel you have done as much as you can with the club. If you ask me all these problems started wayyy back in 2004-5 when we started losing the likes of Vieira, Pires, Bergkamp, Henry, Campbell and co. Ok Fabregas is a star and has made that CM position his own, but what about the CDM position? Last season we had Flamini who was a complete superstar, best in the world if you ask me DM wise. Why the heck did we lose him? all he wanted was 10k a week more and Wenger was stubborn and did not give it to him. Its the same reason why we lost Ashley Cole and have since suffered due to the inadequate replacement William Gallas. Pathetic, we've lost more money in probably going out early in the Champions League this year than we would if we would ahve kept flamini.Wenger signed Rosicky in an attempt to replace Pires, and if you ask me Rosicky is a top player, but hes been injured for almost a year now - lets face it hes never going to fill the boots of Bobby. Have we ever replaced, or attempted to replace Bergkamp? NO! look at players in his mould today - Man U snatched Berbatov AND Tevez both players who can create something from nothing. Look who we signed - Adebayor who scores 1 goal every 10 chances, van persie whos great but is injured or gets sent off for no reason. Its not good enough. Henry is irreplaceable and ok fair enough wenger eduardo is good and we were unlucky he broke his leg. But we can't live off that forever. i mean look at chelsea, Drogba's injured and Anelka went and got a hat-trick! And don't even get me started on Campbell. What the hell went wrong with him!? Top centre back with an aerial presence. At least he knew what he was doing when a bluddy corner came into the box! We went and signed Silvestre of all people for god's sake! HE'S CRAP!
The main point i'm trying to make here is that Wenger has failed to replace the superstars as yesteryear, which has cost us heavily. Look at what fergie has done - beckham out ronaldo in, van nistelrooy out berbatov in, keane out carrick in!!!!!!!!!!!
Bottom line is - the key to a good team is defence - chelsea utd and liverpool look at their centre backs! and look at ours. do we look like title contenders? no. GET BLUDDY 6 FT 7 MERTESACKER IN JANUARY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you Monsieur Wenger but its time to go! We need MOURINHO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
105sena asare
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 10:14 PM - Reply
wenger,i swear to God,u have to be sacked.u not even shy of wut u've done to arsenal.u still try to defend ur stupid acts.u don't love arsenal like u won't start the season without getting a good replacement for hleb and flamini.i just want u to know cheap things cost.
104The Gooner
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 09:32 PM - Reply
Wow!!!! I've never seen so much response to an article before. Never!!! No one is really panicking! These are comments from pissed off fans. When we sold Flamini and Gilberto without making prior reinforcements, i had a feeling this was going to happen. Let us face facts now..........do you expect us to take on d essien's,gerrards,mascherano's,alonso's,hargreaves',bouba diops,mikel obi's,scholes' etc. with a MUMMYS PET by name Denilson or a confused guy like Song. I believe in young talent, no doubt. But it should be blended properly with experience particularly in the Central Defence and CDM's of any team!!!! Man U is what it is today because of Fergie's ability to blend both youth and experience e.g. Anderson/Scholes, Ronaldo/Giggs, Neville would definintely be handing out instructions to members of the back 4. You don't pack a team with 8 inexperienced players and expect to win! I just hope this serves as a wake up call to Le Boss!
103pessimist
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 08:15 PM - Reply
defence wins games offence sells tickets.
102Tromentos
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 06:06 PM - Reply
AW shud kno tht he sold our team which won an unbeaten season n thts the team wch is called Arsenal, n he bought us arsenal fans to sum up the 11s in te pitch(if he wd find anotha name for his boyz pls, maybe arsenal football academy).. the young boyz hve talent as they where born wt it, bt i ges ol otha players are sharin the same talents too....... bt to be successful they need experienced players to help them develop. they will never do it on they own, even wenger knos. hes playin talent against talent + experience
101Lanko...from Ado-Ekiti Nigeria
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 05:54 PM - Reply
I think times without number Mr wenger as betrayed us trust in him with some many fail promises and lack of sporting ambition.The truth is that the board and Mr wenger have been fooling us,all they care about us their pocket.Good to them that they maintain a healthy financial club but the priority of we fan that put everything we have to support this club all over the world is TROPHY.Whenever i remember of the 2002 double winning and 2004 Invincible Arsenal my heart bleed.Alot of serious questions must be ask and i think we deserve some explanation from the board and Mr wenger.Has wenger don't that much for the club that we can't question his judgment and check his obsession?Is Wenger bigger than Arsenal Fc?What's their idea of a successful football club?Do they have any sporting ambition?
Mr wenger is a man i've so much respect for but i'm fast loosing my confidence in him.I think our problem is obvious,we all knows the qualities any team needs to succeed in English football expect Mr wenger is trying to be self righteous.PLEASE WENGER WE'VE SUFFER SO MUCH.....WE NEED TROPHIES.
100Alex
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 05:49 PM - Reply
Out with Dillan Patel, in with sanity.
99adam
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 05:49 PM - Reply
we need to sack wenger
we need a new keeper like dida thats expirianced.
and a new tall defender.
we need yaya or xavi in center with fab, nasri and walcot with ade and queresma up front
98Stu
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 05:35 PM - Reply
I am a real Gunner, I detest these people coming out and rubbishing Wenger when we have a bad patch. Go to the lane with Harry and you will understand what supporting a club with no sole is all about. Grow up and do what you are supposed to do, SUPPORT YOUR TEAM. I am ashamed of you.
97Sid-San Francisco
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 05:02 PM - Reply
if wenger wants to develop young player then he should just give up his post and be a scout or take over the academy program. Tired of excuses and cannot wait for results. He has to accept that he cannot quickly replace the great players of the past few years. He needs quality players that will give results now. He needs leaders in the pitch to carry the team to victory. Can you name a single player now that has that presence in the pitch like Vieira or Adams? But what can we expect these are kids. Kids who leave the moment they become stars. Who lack loyalty after being made great. Can' t boa e them if you don't win titles. Wenger you are managing one of the biggest club in the world not a football academy. Youbare paid to win silverware not to simply discover, develop and sell players.
96temma
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 04:58 PM - Reply
the world is changing,football is changing wenger is not and arsenal remain the same....................it is up to wenger to change and disallow arsenal fc to be a name of the past in the big four...
95AG
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 04:51 PM - Reply
Wenger's time is up!!! He cannot do any more, he has to go. We need a manager who doesn't care about that irritating youth policy that we are reaping no rewards from whatsoever!
94Syed Haider
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 04:40 PM - Reply
After being an Arsenal fan for a long time, this is the first time I am seeing absolutely ZERO ambition from the board, manager and the players. I have never seen anything like this before. I seriously think we will suffer to cling onto 4th position this season, and still i doubt Arsene Wenger will get the boot. The board will be happy that they have a good accountant as a manager, not the one who will win you any silverware in the near foreseeable future. Wenger fans should not forget that he inherited the dream defense of George Graham, who was arguably as-or-more successful than Arsene. The only good signing Wenger had in the defense had been Sol Campbell, I am sorry to say that Kolo Toure has been a failure.
93David
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 04:14 PM - Reply
I strongly recommend that Wenger step down and let someone with good tactical and managerial skills be the coach, and you, Mr. Professor, maybe retained as a youth coach or a financial advisor. Please resign before it's too late for the season, before star players like Cesc are leaving for other big ambitious clubs, before we further embarrass ourselves by losing to even more mediocre teams, before we will be laughed by our neighbours. It seemed that Wenger still hadn't learnt his lessons from last seaon. And for those who still think Wenger is a great manager, it's time to wake up! The past success under him was largely due to the back four and Seaman he inherited, and the super heroism in Henry. Just look what Wenger has done since their retirement or departure? Wenger is not a good manager at all!!! Personally I never thought he was!
92Some guy....
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 03:38 PM - Reply
this is all true, may i add, you were wrong for selling flamini, he had heart and ability, something which most players lack. you were also wrong to sell hleb, yeh he didnt score much, but he could pass and he partnered well with cesc. but most of all, you are wrong to keep adebayor and pay him, he has no heart, ability and only scores in games he doesnt need to, when the shit hits the fan he is simply smeared by it.
91Elephk
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 03:22 PM - Reply
the season is barely halfway through and we are already pinning our hopes on 4th place.Wenger must face it..his experiment has failed and he needs to toughen up his young babies with a strong leader in midfield and a REAL defender.Appiah was there and we didn't sign him, Yaya Toure' wants to play alongside his brother and has said so repeatedly but wenger does nothing.does he really mean to say that Denilson, Song and Diaby are better than Appiah and Toure?For me this is Wenger's ;ast season to prove he can win something before he loses his job, the fans and Fabregas
90Iain
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 03:21 PM - Reply
Anyone with a working knowledge of footbal knew it before the start of the season, and nothing has changed. It was totally obvious that if Wenger didn't replace Flamini, get a centre back who can win headers, and a striker that can score with less than 10 attempts, we would be playing for fourth at best. The only surprise is that some people still talked about us winning the league. It's not going to happen. Face facts and move on.
89eze
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 03:18 PM - Reply
we've only played 11 games and lost 3, come on does anyone think we'd be among the top 4 this season? I seriously doubt it, we are yet to play any of the other big 3 and we lost 3 games lets add atleast 3 more losses and that would be 6 plus who know what clubs like aston villa might bring, mr wenger pls and pls if u are tired we'd gladly give u a chair upstairs and let those who understand what modern football is take control, for now im not going to give myself a heart attack watching our games enough is enough.
88Wong
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 03:18 PM - Reply
You are dreaming. We will be beaten 5 - 0 by Manure, 6 - 0 by Chelski, then 8 - 0 by Man City. And 1 - 0 by Aston Villa. Bye bye top 4. We are in the mid table. That is where we should be.
87Honest Pete
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 02:50 PM - Reply
Damn those giants of world football, Fulham, Hull and Stoke...
86laurence cox
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 02:30 PM - Reply
i feel that arsenal need a good line right down the middle fo the pitch starting with the replacement of the spanish reject almunia , to often we see him with form matching the weather, then i think a tall center half to partner toure and give some stability to a small (short) defence. followed up with a regular start for diaby . am i the only one who thinks have has the potential to match viera.
finally a world class forward who will not have to miss 5 6 7 chances before getting the goals we need.any suggestions on who to fill the boots
85William
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 02:20 PM - Reply
i believe that all the if david dean was still there this issues we are having will not be going on its a finacial aspec Mr wenger is a reat manager and i still and have the upmost faith in him but the fact of the matter is that if we do not get the correct players in such a solid central defensive midfeilder and a centre back that will put his body on the line such as skertl, vidic, terry and carrager then we will be finished ...i mean look at how denilson just vanishes for periods in the match its fabargas and clichy doing all the work and when they are linked with more ambitious clubs we wonder why
84Jimmy
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 02:09 PM - Reply
Read that Arsenal wants to play like Brazil. there is nothing wrong with that.point is they could have won more wc if the manager had stiffened the defence.
Now AW insists he wants to carry on the attacking philosophy.
How many matches have the gunners won?They dominated against Hull,Fulham,Spurs and yet cannot gather all the points.The defences was in shambles.
MR.AW something is wrong somewhere. We cannot wait another ten years for the kids to blossom . By then Chelsea/Mu will have won ten titles .
83delboy
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 02:06 PM - Reply
krisso no. 17
I agree with your comment 100%. Jonathan chong is entitled to his opinion as is everyone. I do feel he is 'stoking up' (excuse the pun) unnecessary hatred against arsene. No need for it!
82kris
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 01:34 PM - Reply
in wenger i trust. You cant call for he's job the bloke is a god. I think your all pathetic!
81Uncleris
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 01:30 PM - Reply
This is truly inspired. I wonder how this was published. Something must be changing on this blog and I hope in Mr. Wenger's mentality. We obviously are living in a fools' paradise believing that everything is great with our team at the moment...wonder why Wenger does.
We or rather Mr.Wenger has explanations for every poor result. Since he knows it all, why does he not foresee these scenarios before the games and prepare the team to overcome the challenges. Why does he not change tactics during the game to counter what the opposition throws at us. Like I always say, matches are won in 90 minutes of gritty action on the pitch. The team has failed to deliver when it mattered this season.
If Mr.Wenger knows what is wrong and has failed to right it, it can only mean that he doesn't want to or can't. I am sure he wants to, so it can only be because he can't...that can only be because he doesn't have the personel and does not have the courage to admit the mistakes made in the transfer season.
Like the say, figures don't lie. Three losses; two to newly promoted teams,one to a Fulham that was nearly relegated last season, draws to Sunderland and a very weak Tottenham is just not good enough. Nothing that Wenger says in his post match interviews can change the facts.
Wenger is an absolutely great manager, no doubt. But it will appear that at this time, his priorites are not quiet right. The task is neither to possess the ball for chunks of the game or play delightful soccer...it is to win the game. possession and good play are just means to the end, not ends in themselves. When it becomes impossible to win the game, don't lose it! Twelve goals in ten matches, to non title contenders is unpardonable.
No matter the desire and team spirit in the dressing room, people cannot give more that they have. We clearly are deficient in certain areas period. Asking boys to do mens jobs, is asking too much. I think we must be honest with ourselves if we are to salvage this season...hope Mr.Wenger is listening and not giving a press conference. There is work to be done.
80Jiji India
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 01:20 PM - Reply
Wait and see... we will win the title this season...
Be optimistic... 3 losses are not bad. The lower teams are putting 10 men in the penaly box... Come this November... we are going to derail ManU..then the Chelski...
We love you Arsenal...
79tanlim08 ( Agunner)
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 01:08 PM - Reply
yea man i totally agree with you.
we will need to spend some money on jan if we still wan to go for the title or even stay on the top 4 as there are many good team emerging this season etc hull.
78Amir
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 01:05 PM - Reply
Yesterday was possibly the worst 90 minutes that could have transpired. I wouldn't be so concerned about Ade's injury, again he looked like he didn't want to be on the pitch- but who is there to replace him? Bentdner? Spare me.
Do we know how Theo's injury is? It's the curse of the England hattrick. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.
RVP should be feeling thoroughly ashamed of himself. All respect I had for him has gone.
Think- if we had just paid Flamini an extra £5k/week, none of this would be happening. It's an embarressment. Why must we put faith in inexperience? Why? It's a risk, and yesterday Arsenal pushed the self destruct button.
77Sami
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 12:57 PM - Reply
All what we need is an experinced central defender. That is it. so please get us that guy and things will be smooth.
76ganni
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 12:41 PM - Reply
absolutly a real crap first against fulham than against a sort of team like hull at the emirates and now besides the midweek against toothenham at the emirates from 4-2 up to 4-4 and now bsolutly now against a stoke side who dont know how to play football ............ all the whole lot is really poor i cant beleve that we win agains porto or fenerbache in istanbul and we lose against these sides and now there is man utd again at the emirates.............. i hope that if we dont play well that we lose for more than one goal because we are really crap....... off goes almunia toure van persie denilson etc there is no team apart from clichy.............we are crap......off wenger too.time is up
75Sonny
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 12:34 PM - Reply
Can't agree more with you mate.. this season is going down the drain fast.. Wenger is too stubborn to listen to the fans.. Don't get me wrong.. I love Wenger and beautiful game Arsenal has played for years under him.. but we need strong players to challenge in set-plays and to score from crosses when teams sit back.. we need experienced players to groom the kids and to act as role models for them.. We need Rosicky back.. someone who is not afraid to shoot from range. Will Wenger buy us such players? I doubt it.. but lets wait and see.. We need to get rid of a keeper and get a good keeper.. Atleast one proper CB, a physically strong CM like Baptista (whom i still believe we should've held on to) and a striker who can score with his head and not just his feet.. Wenger knows this.. that's why he went for Crouch but why did he stop after Crouch signed for Pompey?? There are other players who can do this u know.. Owen, Morientes and Trazaguet to name a few..
I believe it still isn't too late to win trophies if we buy this winter.. Winning UCL will help fans forget the horrible season we are having so far somewhat.. plz Wenger!! BUY experienced, strong players this winter and go all out of CL and FA Cup.. seems season is lost.. just try to hold onto to top 4 spot.
74Damian
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 12:07 PM - Reply
30 got it right there is no money if u can,t afford it now u have to save up Arsene can not afford to buy 20m players so he is trying to find them at 17 when they cost 3m & if he sell 3 off at 7m that he doesn,t think make the grade buy another 7 at 3m eventually he,ll have a Premiership winning side a low Wage structure in comparison due to age and a stream flowing on. That said i can not believe this is his idea but a situation forced on him by owners without enough money millionaires in a now billionaires ball park dictating budgets D Dein was always the driving force to get Wenger the money
73goh
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 11:48 AM - Reply
i wonder this website dont publish my comment as some of the comments here are more abusive!
gooners, just dont attend home games until they improve their performance...simple as that.
72arse4ever
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 11:46 AM - Reply
I believe has AW taken Arsenal as far as he can with his uncompromising brand of pretty which results in loss of points.i doubt any of the top managers would have tolerated the two goals conceded in the last five minutes.
When he was at Highbury he didnt have money to spend. Now at the ES he spends it on kids and is forever looking at younger players.
The redfaced would be relishing at the thought of booting the gunners from the title race.Nothing is guaranteed and if the gunners beat the red faced team it could perhaps be kick in the butt that finally galvanises them.
71david
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 11:08 AM - Reply
Appiah now!! We need muscles!
70Dillan Patel
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 11:06 AM - Reply
Out with Arsene in with Rijkaard!!
69Haris Kurbardovic(Macedonia)
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 11:02 AM - Reply
I agree with you I cant stand it anymore 4 years without a single tittle.He needs to start winning or bring somebody else.I like hes work with young players and the way Arsenal plays on the pitch.I think Arsenal has the best play in the whole world, no better I know that,but without results what is it worth of , lose in Britannia its a shame.Arsene start winning,bring us a tittle this year or please start buying expensive players because we dont care weather we have bigger budget or not WE WANT RESULTS , WE WANT A TROPHY THIS YEAR. THIS IS THE BEST SITE FOR ARSENAL FANS.THANK YOU
68Wong
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 10:53 AM - Reply
Forget it, we will be beated 5 - 0 by chelski and manure
67Matt
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 10:49 AM - Reply
Important:
Don't let the so called 'real fans' call you boo boys and tell you that you aren't a real fan. We are real fans who are brave enough to admit when something is wrong... losing to hull stoke and fulham is not acceptable by any means. We need to let Wenger know that he must spend in January, even if it is only to make sure we can still challenge next season, because at this rate we'll be leaving the top four soon. Does anybody know how we can get the message across? We all love Arsene for what he has done for us, but at this point in time, we need to repay him by reminding him what is required. We don't want you to leave us with uber-stability Arsene, because as much as it's preferable, we would prefer trophies. Don't let your arsenal career be one of two halfs.
Any responses would be appreciated.
66Gunner4life
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 10:01 AM - Reply
i totally agree with u
65SSI
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 09:55 AM - Reply
Not just that - he substitutes our attacking threat against Spurs and complains we stopped attacking. The only possible logic behind that was to keep them (RVP, Nasri & Theo) fresh for Stoke. But then they are on the bench? It just makes no sense at all.
64Rishi
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 09:38 AM - Reply
I would and i have abusively tear apart a piece like this on a normal day during a normal season. But tell you what you have indeed voiced the opinion of quite a few gooners including me. There cant be more tell tale signs of trouble and to get the season back we need some consistency. Still standing behind the boss and the team but who believes in talent and potential. As i see it Potential was 3 seasons back, today the should have turned professionals
63Saraki
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 09:14 AM - Reply
Thank you very much my brother, i wish God will give him the wisdom to listen to what people are saying, cos right now he seems to be the only one that knows, which i believe is a big minus to his personality. what ever your credentials are you have to accept it when ever you are wrong. And Wenger is wrong, and he should admit it and start rebuilding the team.
62antony godfrey
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 09:14 AM - Reply
Got to say i agree 100% how can the same team turn in a performance like that at at stoke,fulham and at home to hull and then go to turkey and deliver such a passionate display? i don`t know prehaps to many minds have been on europe again this year? a top 4 finsh and the champions league would be considerd a great season but is it achiverble?get eduardo back to add diversaty then maybe we could have a chance up front but in the middle of the park we need steal same at the back gallas has not been at his best!and we need a top flight keeper almunia is only good in spats! spend on 2-3players and then maybe mabye!
61paul nsamba
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 08:35 AM - Reply
its time to get rid of the players like gallas who disorganise the whole team
60seyiblack
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 08:21 AM - Reply
Rightfully said Jonathan, rightfully said !
59Tom
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 08:09 AM - Reply
We need what we needed in August, a big, strong centre back and a good DM (i still think Xabi Alonso and Cesc Fabregas can do wonders together)! Wenger is not will to pay and that's our problem! Wenger has to digg deep into his pockets and buy quality players!
58Johnny
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 08:06 AM - Reply
Dude we can't always be the best. That team was a freak.
57Andy NZ
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 07:59 AM - Reply
Excellent,excellent, you took the words right out of my mouth and many other Arsenal supporters.Its all about winning on the field each and every game.Field the best team and win the bloody game there and then.What matters is right now,yes this years league,FA cup etc, build a dam team to win now thats all that matters.Send your Article to Arsene and make sure he reads it. I am afraid but nothing else matters in this moment but straight out winning at all costs.
56gunshot
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 07:11 AM - Reply
forget the past wenger's time hes come give him a another function, no more coaching from wenger!
55Danielcheah
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 07:10 AM - Reply
Well, I've long said this, mostly in soccernet comments. I used to say it in one of these blogs, before the season even began.
Arsene did not build on last season's close to perfection team, in fact he draws out 4 players of that team. 4 main players who were with us through our transitional period. Gilberto, Jens, Flamini, Hleb. Don't blame any of them for leaving, if you had the desire to keep them, you can. Everything is in his hands. Show more desire by vouching on signing better players to building on such success, rather than having them think that elsewhere has greener pastures, since better players (mature) are there, rather than in emirates. It's not entirely about the paycheck, it's the ambition of the club. Milan has more ambition than Arsenal in the last 4 years. They've won the CL at least, with an old squad, they try to lure Flamini away tellng him he's young and he'll replace these stars : gatusso, pirlo, ambrossini, seedorf... These great players.
What's the point of having the players to go through the transition, which we all suffer from lack of consistency, games like these which we lose the in past 4 years, to eventually arrive at last season, but unfortunately, it was truly experience that we lost out. Hence it was our intention to build on that close to winning team. Instead, we took 4 steps backwards, and 1 step forward with Nasri, who isn't really an established player now in Arsenal. He'll take another 5months to trully find his feet, and 1 full season later to begin to spark close to his near best. As long as it took Hleb.
Hleb was effective. believe it or not. Don't look at the paper statistics, it doesn't tell you a thing about football. His assist may be less than Cesc, his goals are close to nothing, but statistics don't tell you football. Much of last season was a result of Hleb, also Flamini's work and desire to push the team. Hence Cesc gets all the credit and played incredibly well. Can't you see Cesc is under-performing now? Why do you think is the case? He has someone on the right flank and left of his who barely knows how he operates and link plays with him. Just check out how much Cesc misses the two. He publicly praise them and admit that this current team is far from what he had enjoyed playing football with Hleb and Flamini beside him. One(hleb) whom he looks up as a big brother, a creativity guy who Cesc knows is far better than him, but still who doesn't take credit, and willing to let Cesc get all the credit, while Hleb severely does all the crucial and risk taking creation of creativity for the team, another is Flamini who's so reliable to Cesc, that everytime he moves forward, he knows that even if he's slow, and Cesc is real slow... He has flamini who covers every inch of the pitch passionately with him. Protects him if anyone bullies Cesc on the pitch, by physically challenging the rest. Watch last season's game, and you'll get what i mean. I don't make them up, that's why Cesc implied publicly about Flamini and Hleb. If you watch the games you'll realise that Flamini pushes Cesc to perform better each game, pushes the team to do better. His nagging on the pitch, his fury is remarkable for a quiet team. hence, that was why everytime we're trailing a goal, we made a comeback last season.
Soon, i can assure you, Cesc, 1 of the 4 musketeers in midfield, the 4 stronghold that makes our footbal lbeautiful and patient last season (hleb,cesc,flamini,rosicky) will be out of the club. In no time. He'll get fed up of losing, and inability to play football. Just observe him when he goes to Spain and play for the national team, even as a sub player. He'll realise the beautiful game, the true world class players he gets to play with and along, he can learn from these players, then he'll start to ponder, why at his age he's the best player at Arsenal, and in Spain he's not even starting. This makes him more ambitious to want to leave the club and go to a stronger club. A club like RM and Barcelona, a club like Milan.
54steve
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 07:09 AM - Reply
at last someone is saying it how it is
thank you
53matt
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 07:05 AM - Reply
this has been so heartbreaking. i hope he knows what he is doing. i dont agree with most of it, but am willin to give him this and next season, after which... am afraid he may have to be moved on.
52gooner borneo sabah
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 06:57 AM - Reply
Well said bro!!!
hit him straight!!
51Sammy
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 06:46 AM - Reply
Arsene is the biggest liar i have ever seen on planet earth. I believe why wenger is doing all this rubbish is because he believes no matter what the nonsense he does, he cant be sacked. Just imagine! Something 4 sure is this sentimental nonsense he gives 2 french players that is killing the club. He was talking about youthful side and he went 2 bring methuselah from old trafford, who is he trying 2 decieve? I think this rubbish has to stop. How can 80% of players come 4rm the same place(france). I think we the arsenal fans have seen and heard enough. It has to stop.
50Embarrassed Gunner
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 04:48 AM - Reply
Amen!!!
49Gunner17
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 03:22 AM - Reply
Strong yet necessary words....... I love Arsenal too much and i think if Wenger can deliver the Champions league this season then he is a man of his words.
In arsene i trust and i truly hope it stays that way.
48goonerforever
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 01:58 AM - Reply
Too right.
47Gigi
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 01:49 AM - Reply
Particularly agree witt the last bit. Until Arsene concedes he has been wrong, he is not going to make changes.
In recent times I have been become quite sadistic. Sometimes I hope that Arsenal will lose some matches badly so that Arsene will wake up from his dream !
46CaribKid
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 01:39 AM - Reply
We don’t have a bad team. We have a team who could easily finish in the top 4 if handled correctly, which is not being done:
1) Refusal to play Djourou even when he has shown he complements Gallas and Toure better than the ToureGallas partnership.
2) Refusal to give Vela pitch time when he could be used on the wing to provide width and pace, and is also a clinical finisher.
3) Continued use of Denilson and Fab as CM partnership although this has clearly shown defensive imbalance.
4) Continued practice of putting inexperienced players in positions unsuited to their skills.
5) Continued experimentation with squad selection, tactical formations and substitutions which does not allow the team to get into a proper flow or utilize their skills effectively.
Add to the above Arsene’s insistence on not strengthening the squad, continued expenditures on young, unproven talent and gambling on injury situations like Bischoff and Rosicky and the plot becomes a comedy of errors. At what point do we stop planning for the future and start planning for the present? In fact, if we have no present, there is no future.
Not to mention that we now have the highest payroll in the EPL outside of Chelsea although having a squad with nowhere the quality of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manu. In effect, what we have is a group of OVERPAID but UNDERPERFORMING players who will be difficult to trade because of their high salaries and who will have no incentive to play hard because they are coddled, well fed and have enough money for early retirement.
SOMETHING STINKS HERE
I would love to feel good about something at this time so hope I’m overacting to our dilemma
Could someone please give me some positives which has come out of this season to date. Please, Please, Please
45delboy
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 01:29 AM - Reply
How can i disagree jonathan with what you have said after today's result. However there are 11 matches gone out of 38. We are six points behind. If we managed to beat man u and chelski we are right back in it. I know i'll be a lone voice in this but keep the faith. We're still all gooners and they need our support now more than ever!
44da
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 01:24 AM - Reply
I think it may be time for the arsenal board to put Wenger under some pressure to deliver.
43Arselona
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 01:19 AM - Reply
Wenger is probably as baffled as we are on how a team can self destruct in a space of a week. I agree on the fact that the players looked like they did not want to be there, against stoke. Let's hope the guys do better in their next run of games.
42Leo
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 01:02 AM - Reply
Im one of those guys that have always had faith in mr.Wengar but now after this terrible season i have realised that the problems that we have is his fault.
the midfield i short in both experience and defensiv duties. we have lost both flamini and hleb. flamini was the engine of the defence and there is no replecment and hleb had lots of experience that i think we really miss. Denilson, diaby and song doesnt cut it. we need i defensiv midfielder with experience.
And the rest i up to Wengar to motivate the players because the quality and the potential is there.
41Chris Clarke
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 12:54 AM - Reply
I couldn't agree with you more my friend. I've been trying to sum up my feelings at the moment and couldn't But you just did, utterly and absolutely
40ShifuArsenal
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 12:54 AM - Reply
Its embarrising, defenders that don't want to head the ball, a goalkeeper that don't want to catch the ball, other players living of last seasons performance and poor management decision.
If this was last season we could have looked to the loss of Henry as an excuse but its not. Wenger has done nothing to address the weakness apparent to everyone or strengthen the team. Wenger likes to
talk the talk its time his team walk the walk.
39DRC1
Posted on 2 Nov, 2008 at 12:38 AM - Reply
Here, here. Forget the 'Arsene knows' brigade. There's something rotten at the heart of the Arsenal team, and has been for a while, and it's Wenger's responsibility to change it. But I don't think there's anyone left who honestly believes he'll do it, due to a mixture of stubborness, misguided belief in certain players, obsession with youth, a tendency to treat Arsenal like a youth experiment and, perhaps, a depressing acceptance that Arsenal are struggling to compete with the financial might of Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool and others, so maybe 3rd or 4th is seen as 'good enough'. Anyone who wants to argue with that, analyse the fact that Arsenal collectively proclaimed they would make up for the Spurs debacle, then followed it up with their most inept display of the season yet - translation, the Spurs result didn't actually hurt them or anger them as much as they would like us to believe, or at least as much as it hurt the fans. How many of this current team can any of us really look at and think: 'They want to win the title for Arsenal so much, they'll die on the pitch for it.' The only ones are Gael Clichy and Kolo Toure (funnily enough, the only survivors of the 'invincible' team of 2004). Honestly, think hard, who else is there? And before anyone says Cesc 'Mr Arsenal' Fabregas, where was he today? Or in any game this season (Fenerbache aside)? He has been, arguably, Arsenal's poorest, most ineffective player this season, which means one of two things: a) he's got his mind on Barcelona or b) he's not actually quite as good as the hype has made him out to be (my vote is with the latter - he's technically magnificent when he's got time and space on the ball, but dictating and winning games by pure skill, strength and will like Vieira, Henry etc used to do? Against half-decent palyers, it's beyond him). we were spolied by Thierry Henry for 7 seasons, it grieves me that many fans, within 1 season of Henry leaving are placing Fabregas on the same pedastal as him. The idea is ludicrous.
Add to this list Gallas (he has been found-out as an average centre-half), Adebayor (self-obsessed, mercenary, average-at-best kick-and-rush striker), Sagna (who has somehow degraded in 1 year from the best right back in the league to Mr Anonymous), and a stream of other players who are just not as good as Wenger thinks, and you start to wake up to the reality that a battle with Villa, Everton etc for 4th place is the best Arsenal can hope for this season (again). Bear in mind, Arsenal were on the fringes of the title last season. Wenger chose to sell or loan out a large number of that team and not replace them. He was warned by ALL QUARTERS (fans, pundits etc) you will not challenge for the league unless you replace thse players. You don't need to be a Wenger-esque football genius to see that, it's quite simple. Depressingly, that's exactly what has happened. So despite what Wenger has achieved for Arsenal in the past, at what point will the consensus of the fans be that he has lost his touch? Perhaps when he ignores the obvious shortcomings of his team for 3-4 years or so and as a result sees the team trophy-less, lacking consistency and vision and actually degressing? Hey, guess what, that time is now!
Rant over, and bear in mind, this is from one of Wenger's biggest fans, but I'm not sure where he can go from here. I for one won't be making excuses for him for the 4th season in a row, at the end of this season. His body language today at the end of the game summed evertything up. And like Jonathan said in this excellent blog, when all he had to offer (yet again) was meaningless spin, devoid of passion or anger, I, for the first time began to believe that, come the end of the season, the writing could be on the wall for him. And while his legacy at Arsenal can never be destoyed, this last four years will certainly have gone some way to tarnishing it.
38David Lee
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 11:58 PM - Reply
I fully agree with the article. I think AW has forgotten that his job is to win matches and trophies. Yes the fantastic potential of the Arsenal youngsters is second to none but the thing that matters is now not another three to five years.
he says he won't compromise his football philosophy.Well it aint working for the last few seasons.I'm afraid Arsenal /AW are heading down the cul de sac and if nothing drastic happens it will be another year of works in progress.
37Solomon Akinfolarin
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 11:58 PM - Reply
This article is spot on i could not have said it better but i don't think the board will do anything simple Wenger is making them money which to me is more important than us winning anything how else can you explain us creating good players only to sell them off or wait let me remember when asked why he is not buying barry he said he can't be resold we are all being taken for a ride i think it's time we let the board and wenger know that we have had enough join this group on facebook add your voice to make it sound loud and clear
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=46557671209&ref=mfhttp://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=46557671209&ref=mf
36David Lee
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 11:58 PM - Reply
I fully agree with the article. I think AW has forgotten that his job is to win matches and trophies. Yes the fantastic potential of the Arsenal youngsters is second to none but the thing that matters is now not another three to five years.
he says he won't compromise his football philosophy.Well it aint working for the last few seasons.I'm afraid Arsenal /AW are heading down the cul de sac and if nothing drastic happens it will be another year of works in progress.
35ADEBAYO IDRIS, NIGERIA.
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 11:39 PM - Reply
HELLO JOHNNY I REALLY LOVE READING YOUR POST BECAUSE YOU ALWAYS SAY THE TRUTH AND TO ME IT IS AS IF AERSENE WENGER DOES NOT CARE ABOUT WINNING TROPHY BUT TO MAKE MONEY FOR THE CLUB.
LOOK AT THE PERFORMANCE TODAY AND THE INJURIES INVOLVED, WHERE ARE THE REPLACEMENT FOR THE THESE PLAYERS.
THEY ARE TIRED AND NEED REST.
PLEASDE TELL WENGER TO PLEASE BUY PLAYER IN JANUARY AT LEAST FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE CLUB, AND HE SHOULD FORGET ABOUT ABOUT KIDS; HE SHOULD GO FOR MATURE PLAYERS WITH SKILLS, SPEED, STRENGTH, ETC.
PLEASE AM A GUNNERS FOR LIFE AND I CANT BEAR THIS ANYMORE.
MAKE IT KNOWN TO ARSEN WENGER.
34EssJayJnr
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 11:20 PM - Reply
AMEN to that.
33Finn
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 11:16 PM - Reply
Wenger has to go. His arrogance and desire to prove everyone wrong is destroying Arsenal.
32JOHN FLOWER of Benson Oxfordshire
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 10:54 PM - Reply
I so agree with every word Jonathan Chong writes. As a gooner since 1959, I have seen so much glory, but I have not seen an Arsenal side without a spine to it in a long time. Mr. Wenger's purist and idealistic vision has no room for the type of player so many (british) Arsenal fans would like to see at the heart of the defence. I can't claim to be a tactical genius, but surely there is room for a rumbustious defender who leads by example? I don't mean 5 or 6 leaden-footed bruisers, but one that drives his fellow players on when backs are to the wall. Dare I say a Stephen Taylor (of Newcastle) type?
31Tim
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 10:42 PM - Reply
I agree with you but this Wenger is so stuborn and think of himself so highly that all you've said would mean nothing to him
30Rob
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 10:25 PM - Reply
The problem is that we have to face the reality, we cannot compete with Chealsea and Man U, the money is not there and it will take years to get the finances to challenges them, if ever. We have to face the fact that we are near the top but only a miracle will make us win the title, the season is too long and we cannot get the manpower to compete at every front we may win a cup and that will be it. I think Wenger is doing it right banking on the future, he knows very well that we do not have the £ 100 million to compete on the transfer market but with time we will rise to the top the problem is that poeple expect to be at the top every year and this will not happens. I am sure it wont be long until poeple like you call for AS head to make you feel better but football has changed for ever money talk now and that is it.
29Luckyfrank
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 10:20 PM - Reply
Thank you jonathan chong for speaking what the vast majority of arsenal fans are feeling
I feel let down and disspointed with wenger if he cant change then im afraid its best he go at the end of the season
It feels like an end of an era
28Sege Bee
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 10:08 PM - Reply
I totally agree with you..this loss was one too many.an absolute disgrace to the club, it's history and we the fans who spend some much to keep the club going.we spend so much time, psychological energy supporting our club and all we get is shame.
Wenger enough of your tinkering..look at wat man U n Chelsea have built.They built it with GUTS..splashing cash on top quality players, Ronaldo, Berbatov, Essien, ballack etc. We need to get solid and well established players.so many of these players have gone past wenger's nose and the excuse has always been that they are vtoo expensive. well Mr. Wenger look at the tablE and look at the results over the past couple of seasons.Go out and BUY.,.....yes BUY BUY BUY!!!!!! enough is enough.Then to you the players....Can u honestly tell me that you'd pick up this weeks Wage?...Any Arsenal player , or coaching staff that picks up this week's wage should bury his face in shame.There is no excuse in this world that anyone can gimme for losing to Stoke....even if we started the game with 8 men.Ive been disgraced by Arsenal so many times but today caps a fine perfomance of a SHOW of SHAME.SHAME TO ARSENAL....SHAME TO THE GUNNERS AND SHAME TO ARSENE WENGER
27Disillusioned Gooner
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 10:05 PM - Reply
Hey Jonathan get with the programme, we are transitioning into the doldrums! Anyway i think your article is well laid out, we have heard enough excuses. At present i don't think 'respond' is a well understood word at the club, especially for AW; you only have to look at Chelsea to see what i mean. It is sad to say that we are the most embarassing of the top four and if we are not careful we may no longer be in that comfort zone come the end of this season. I am Arsenal through & through but i have had enough of this crap, something needs to happen.
26Big Derm
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 10:02 PM - Reply
he's right - something has to give. Where's the pride and passion of playing for Arsenal? sadly lacking - need two centre half's and more experience in the midfield for a start. Wenger needs to realize supporters of a club like Arsenal can only take so much of his grand plan.........
25Gordon
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 09:59 PM - Reply
we replaced adams and keown with sol campbell and toure...but we havent replaced campbell with anyone like him...thats why we cant deal with high balls
24oli
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 09:53 PM - Reply
great read, agree wholeheartedly with what you've said. I hate to say it but its time we looked at Wenger and questioned whether he's taking us in the right direction. As a top european club, its pretty appauling to of not won anything in the last 3 years.
23anicet
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 09:37 PM - Reply
Wenger doesn't want to listen to other people because he thinks that he is God. We should understand that all Arsenal'fans are realy sade and disappointing' Wenger attitude who never wants to admit that he is wrong. Yes, Mr Wenger to be honest Everywhere you are wrong. people don't understand why you still stubborn. Let me ask you one question what are you manager for for yourself or for fans? For long time you distroid yourself this team, simply you think that you are more clever than everybody. Mr Wenger let me tell you that even our God who created us had some angels to whom he spoken sometime. So why you don't consider other people. In the past you have been advise to bring few more players what was necessary but you didn't want to listen; and now tell us where are you. before it gets worst it is better to change the direction. thank you.
22a fan
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 09:25 PM - Reply
Perfekt article. That is exactly what I have thought for 2 seasons.
21Alex
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 09:24 PM - Reply
Couldn't agree with you more.
Having been a fan for over 50 years I can't remember a team with less 'steel' in the side.
We all love watching the 'total football' but that's not the only thing you need to win matches.
Too many errors I'm afraid have been made lately by Arsene Wenger. The latest one, apart from the preparation for Delap, was changing the system we were playing against Spurs with about 10 minutes to go by substituting possibly the 3 best attacking players on the night with midfielders yet to get into the pace of the game.
Arsene may be the greatest Arsenal manager (7 trophies in 13 years plus 8 fruitless seasons) let's not forget George Graham. (6 trophies in 8 seasons plus 3 fruitless seasons). GG's team may not have been the prettiest to watch but boy did they make you feel proud the way they battled for the red and white shirt.
No matter what he's achieved, Arsene should be reminded that the past doesn't mean he has a job for life.
20Mo
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 08:58 PM - Reply
Dam.. now THTS how i feel perfectly encapsulated into words..
19James
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 08:44 PM - Reply
I agree with u mate, i'm getting pissed off with wenger's attitude...:-(
18Toju Apo
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 08:36 PM - Reply
Wenger is tearing down the beautiful club he built one season at a time. What puzzles me is that the board can't get over their hero worship and call him to order. They have insisted countless times that money is available for transfers if wenger deems it necessary. It has been necessary for 3 seasons and on each occassion, wenger has insisted the squad was strong in every positiion. On each occasion he has been wrong. Now we the fans are seeing the same old rhetoric from wenger and are steeling ourselves for the end of season heart break already for the 4th time. However, i'll bet my pension, le prof is still in la la land and the directors are too scared to call him to tell him what's what. is it when fabregas tells us at the end of the season that he's leaving that we'll start scrambling? cos we the fans won't be shocked if it happens although the coach and the board will insist nothing of the sort will ever transpire.
17Krisso
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 08:26 PM - Reply
Jonathan Chong,
you are falling apart. Do you know how many people take your opinion seriously? Are you not aware you are an opinion leader?Where is the leadership from you that you so constantly demand of Gallas? Why do you have a weak spine during the bad times? Or are you a supporter only for the good times?
You should be asking the fans to hang in there. You should be asking for restraint and control.
I know our team has been deeply disappointing and hurting. But this is not the time to panic. This is not the time to ask Arsene to admit he made a mistake not signing a CDM even if he did make the mistake. Why do you want him to come out and say that? So that you can say you were right? Is it useful for the team for Wenger to make that admission? What impact will that have on our opposition? So please relax and get a hold of yourself. Six points behind the leaders with over 20 games to go is hardly a crisis. Fine, we haven't played the top 3teams at the moment, but why do you see the glass as half empty? Why not look forward to closing the gap by beating the top 3 teams? Why have you not considered that our dark cloud has come and will pass and liverpool's and chelsea's is coming?
You are making all mania fans panic and not think straight. Give us hope. Not despair.
16Nik
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 08:07 PM - Reply
Couldnt agree more.you were right from the first words
15jrock
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 08:07 PM - Reply
We were four points off the pace last season and should have won the league. It hasn't been all bad since the FA Cup in 2005. That said, the signings we need were not made this past off season. I think everyone will agree that we have a very talented squad at the moment. Can you imagine if we added two or three established, well-known, world class players to what we have already. We would be unstoppable. It's one thing to be frugal in the transfer market if you are a small club with limited resources, but Arsenal are supposedly one of the top five largest clubs in the world, it's high time that signings are made to match this reputation. What's the point of moving into a new stadium to boost revenue when the money isn't used to bolster the squad and up our average age. Currently, our first choice starting midfield is 21 years old. Not experienced enough to be consistent I'm afraid.
14Adam C
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 08:03 PM - Reply
Well said.
I feel like the team and the fans have been duped. The grim reality is that the team is not as good as we all thought it was. Wenger has got it very very wrong, and can't pull the wool over our eyes any more. How long does he wan't us to wait before he accepts that we lack key players.
The side lacks the maturity, consistency and the character that we desperatly need. Face facts, this team is not good enough to win any Silverware! Without drastic changes I think we will struggle to stay in the top four or five of the table.
There are so many areas to work on, however I have noticed that on the field Captaincy is lacking. Perhaps such a young team would do better with a hard bastard as a captain. No one seems to be rallying the troops when things are bad, or getting the team to sit on the ball when things are good! Players are in their own little Worlds and need a short sharp shock and strong direction. Even Wenger today against Stoke was having a girly strop and having no influence from the sideline. Where is the leadership or the grit and pride that we love to see.
You can see that teams like Stoke have no fear anymore when playing Arsenal, they know they can break us down and win. It was the Gooners that were the ones scared today, and rightly so. Wenger has built the team up so much, they are going to fall really hard.
It is embarrasing to see the team you love sulk and bicker when the going gets tough. I hope that I never have to see such a weak hearted performance again.
13duyk20
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 07:50 PM - Reply
You're completely true. Wenger makes me sick of his
words on press conference.
12David
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 07:44 PM - Reply
Can somebody please tell me how a team that has already lost or drawn to lowly opponents five times can win the premier league? Wenger, please go. Changes must be made to turn things around like what Spurs did. And they had since replacing Ramos won two and drawn one. And the change should start with Arsene Wenger. We could hire him as a financial advisor to the team. This is where he is specialized in. Now RVP is suspended, Adebayor is injured, so as Walcott and Sagna. The good side is, we finally can see how our second string striking force steps up and play Man U. Like I said before the game: this team will not win anything with Toure and Adebayor in the starting lineups. We will struggle to finish 4th this year if we don't sack Wenger!!!
11Steve
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 07:43 PM - Reply
The media are having enough of a go at Arsenal at the moment without the teams own fans having a go at them. I look at the Arsenal team and see names like Fabregas, Walcott, Ramsay, Wilshire, Vela along with clichy, sagnay, Adebayor, Toure, Bendtner. The first five names are some of the best young players around and the second 5 are players that would get into most other teams. Other than a player to play alongside Kolo I do not think the team should buy anyone else. The fans need to support the team and give it time. The media seem to enjoy having a go at Arsenal and I cannot understand why but for the clubs own so called fans having a go at the club maybe they should look at other clubs to see what success has been achieved by spending money. Namely the lot down the road or the team they are playing at the moment. Neither club has won the league in the last 17 seasons.
10Femi
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 07:42 PM - Reply
YOU are also to blame. You block out posts that revealed these flaws. You have protected Wenger's stubborness for too long. Take the blame also.
9MadGunner
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 07:41 PM - Reply
1000% right
8wan penang malaysia...
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 07:41 PM - Reply
1st..
I believe you are a very loyal arsenal fan..thats why you create a web out of it.
But as loyal as we might be, we all know that OUR beloved arsenal team is lacking the most important thing, that is the winning character.Now, they just play short passes, but without any creativity unlike those we have seen between 2000-2005 seasons. I remember during those seasons, we could just turn a defensive play into a counter attack within a blink of an eye. But now, we just play possession ball without any intention to tear opponents defense apart.
Where is the fighting spirit and the togetherness that we used to see during the period where the likes of Henry, Vieira, Pires, Bergkamp, and even Kanu, gone? We desperately need players who feel so proud wearing the Arsenal shirts and those who are willing perform to their bests in every games.
Today, our midfield maestro is only a 21-year-old boy. Can someone with that age become our enforcer? I believe not. Not to put the on blame Cesc, but our midfield needs to be more creative in creating the chances. A very good holding midfielder is a must. I cannot see that quality in the likes of Song, Diaby and Denilson. Sorry to say, but we really need to get Flamini back into our team. He provided the team with spirited performances. Without him, we look very ill.
Please, anyone, if you have the opportunity, please tell Arsene we really need to spend. Our current players do not have the winning mentality.
7WanpenangMalaysia (wandin109@yahoo.com)
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 07:39 PM - Reply
1st..
I believe you are a very loyal arsenal fan..thats why you create a web out of it.
But as loyal as we might be, we all know that OUR beloved arsenal team is lacking the most important thing, that is the winning character.Now, they just play short passes, but without any creativity unlike those we have seen between 2000-2005 seasons. I remember during those seasons, we could just turn a defensive play into a counter attack within a blink of an eye. But now, we just play possession ball without any intention to tear opponents defense apart.
Where is the fighting spirit and the togetherness that we used to see during the period where the likes of Henry, Vieira, Pires, Bergkamp, and even Kanu, gone? We desperately need players who feel so proud wearing the Arsenal shirts and those who are willing perform to their bests in every games.
Today, our midfield maestro is only a 21-year-old boy. Can someone with that age become our enforcer? I believe not. Not to put the on blame Cesc, but our midfield needs to be more creative in creating the chances. A very good holding midfielder is a must. I cannot see that quality in the likes of Song, Diaby and Denilson. Sorry to say, but we really need to get Flamini back into our team. He provided the team with spirited performances. Without him, we look very ill.
Please, anyone, if you have the opportunity, please tell Arsene we really need to spend. Our current players do not have the winning mentality.
6Ruddy
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 07:37 PM - Reply
well said sir, well said.
5xeeez
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 07:35 PM - Reply
The greatest SPIN doctor even seen !
4Bergky4Life
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 07:27 PM - Reply
Don't be so fickle and remember what he has built here at Arsenal...
3billy big nuts
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 07:22 PM - Reply
Couldn't agree more. The league has gone.
2Xerxes Engineer
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 07:21 PM - Reply
that is an amazing article, i was saying that myself to my friends when we drew to tottenham. WHERE IS ThE OLD ARSENAL???...the arsenal that passed and played their own game whilst the other team would try EVERYTHING..the team that had four defenders moving in a line making sure the goalkeeper doesnt haveto soil his gloves...the goalkeeper who knew how to throw himself on a high ball in the middle and could judge its flight...the midfield that looked challenging even if its having a bad day...BRING BACK THE OLD ARSENAL...BRING ON THE STYLE...MR WENGER BRING YOURSELF BACK...
1Cupid
Posted on 1 Nov, 2008 at 07:18 PM - Reply
I believe you expect him to put on a jersey and play. The boys lost the match and dint deserve to win.
Related Information
Club Profiles
| Statistic | Stoke City | Arsenal |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 28% | 72% |
| Shots (on target) | 9 (3) | 14 (4) |
| Fouls | 12 | 8 |
| Corners | 3 | 5 |
| Saves | 3 | 1 |
| Offside | 3 | 0 |
| Booked | 4 | 2 |
| Sent-off | 0 | 1 |
| No | Player Name | Gls | Yel | Red | Sub |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manuel Almunia | ||||
| 2 | Abou Diaby | ||||
| 3 | Bacary Sagna | ||||
| 4 | Cesc Fabregas |  |
|||
| 5 | Kolo Touré | ||||
| 10 | Robin van Persie |  |
 |
||
| 11 | Carlos Vela | |
|||
| 14 | Theo Walcott | |
|||
| 15 | Denilson | ||||
| 17 | Alex Song | ||||
| 18 | Mikael Silvestre | ||||
| 22 | Gaël Clichy |  |
|||
| 25 | Emmanuel Adebayor | |
|||
| 52 | Nicklas Bendtner |
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