Does this really bother Arsenal’s gaffer?

Yesterday’s goalless draw with Chelsea made it 13 games without a win against Jose Mourinho for Arsene Wenger. The boss will be quick to point out that the record is insignificant and the results are only “linked to the performance on the day,” but you would be forgiven for thinking that the stat bothers him more than he will care to admit.

In fact, Wenger himself could be forgiven for being bothered. 13 games is a long time to go without a single win, not to mention it is at the hands of a man he absolutely cannot stand. Everyone associated with Arsenal feels it for him, with his own players admitting it would be nice for the boss to get one over on Mourinho.

Perhaps the bigger picture is the clash of ideologies. Much has been made this week of Mourinho’s uncanny ability to outsmart Wenger. Pragmatism was the word used to describe his approach, and so far it has gotten the better of Wenger’s purism. Mourinho’s side is more than happy to allow Arsenal to enjoy possession and play expansive attractive football, so long as they are set up in a manner to thwart them from penetrating before springing a counter.

It is a tactic that usually works unfortunately for us. Such was the case in the 2-0 scoreline at Stamford Bridge earlier this season, and such was the case yesterday when Chelsea set up for a draw and got exactly that. The celebration from the Chelsea players after the match said it all. Another successful implementation of the game plan.

In truth the gap between the two sides is closing, but that will do little to quench the thirst for victory. In many ways, Arsenal’s inability to beat Chelsea symbolizes how far we still have to go challenge for the title. The money they spent on the likes of Matic and Cesc and Costa has seemingly been justified, and as such has spurred calls for Wenger to follow suit.

Whether or not Wenger will concede it bothers him, the record bothers us gooners. This summer will be huge for the club, as Wenger must invest in a few men capable of taking Arsenal to a new level. A level capable of winning the title, and ultimately of downing Chelsea.