Arsenal delivered some home truths

Arsenal's critics are out in force yet again after the defeats to Milan and Sunderland, but one unlikely critic took the form of Gunners ex-hero Dennis Bergkamp recently.

Adored in North London and acclaimed by many football fans alike, Arsenal fans may have been alarmed that one of their own publically voiced their disapproval of the current ranks, but is Dennis' menacing assessment correct?

'Predictable, weak and lacking a winning mentality' were the words selected by the Dutchman to describe a current Gunners side which is indeed one-dimensional, slight and inexperienced.

The clubs' recent defeats represented for the umpteenth time Arsenal's lack of leadership, guidance and grit when it truly matters; qualities which were abundant during Bergkamp's time in Arsenal's famous 'invincibles' line up.
Whilst many still regard Arsenal as an assured, slick, passing side, which they remain, it is indeed this style which may be undoing the clubs fortunes.

Possession without penetration and passing for passing's sake have been used to describe Arsenal's performances at times, and the Gunners have always been accused of over-doing it in midfield passing from side to side with no thrust.
In Milan, Arsenal enjoyed greater possession at 57.2% compared to AC's 42.8% but were on the end of a 4-0 thrashing, giving credence to Bergkamp's theories of predictability.

When it comes off for the Gunners, it comes off brilliantly, but in an enduring season, various game plans are required.
Aaron Ramsey, Tomas Rosicky and Alex Song are all good ball carriers, comfortable in possession when needs be, but Arsenal fans have found themselves shouting 'just shoot' far too many times over recent seasons. Arsenal attacks are always through the middle of the defence with intricate passing the key ingredient. There is no such 'plan B' or change of game plan. Arsenal are one-dimensional in refraining from putting crosses into the box on a regular basis.

Thiago Silva and Philippe Mexes found it easy to snuff out Arsenal's few attacks at San Siro, with a solitary van Persie volley palmed away by Abbiati representing the only real chance for the Gunners.

But Arsenal's real problem seems to be lack of experience; experience of handling certain situations and coming through them more often.

Bergkamp said
"You need a few strong characters who can get the team going, in training as well as matches. You also need a few players who can make a difference in terms of scoring goals. I don't feel there are enough of them."

With Thierry Henry now back in the MLS with New York Red Bulls, you are hard pressed to find any real leadership qualities in the Arsenal dressing room. Failing the words of captain Robin van Persie, there is no longer a Tony Adams or Patrick Vieira type character to instil a win at all costs or never say die attitude in the ranks.

Arsenal's squad has altered dramatically since the days at Highbury and many more youngsters have seen themselves thrust into the challenge of battling on four trophy fronts. This has occurred amidst an erosion of experience in the squad with the famous back four of Dixon, Adams, Bould and Winterburn now a distant memory.

Whilst Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere represent skilful and technical slick passers, they are slight in terms of age and experience and only have guidance around them in the form of elder statesmen Andrey Arshavin, Robin van Persie and Thomas Vermaelen who are all not at the veteran stage as yet.
Perhaps this is what Bergkamp meant in his concepts of weakeness in the squad.

The question that remains is whether Arsenal's young squad can offer Gunners fans something to shout about in May. Fans are always likely to find time to listen to the wisdom of former heroes such as Bergkamp. What is sure is that Dennis has a point.

Written by Taylor Williams

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