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Written by Barnaby Merrill

Published: Monday, 20 February 2012 00:09

Obviously Mr Wenger did not listen to my advice regarding tactics, and hence Arsenal were defeated by an admittedly strong Sunderland side. This has caused the dissenting voices to grow ever louder, and the calls for Wenger’s head to become more and more numerous.

An interesting news story I found during my normal post-defeat twitter search was one from the Mail on Sunday that claimed Wenger was to be moved upstairs and Pep Guardiola from Barcelona would take over as manager in the summer.

Before I start the rest of this article, I will just point out that the rumour is utter tripe.

There are no sources to confirm even the possibility, and it doesn’t take much to see that Guardiola would have to be mad to swap the Nou Camp for the Emirates.

Nevertheless, here are the potential pros and cons of such a thing happening.

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Written by Barnaby Merrill

Published: Thursday, 16 February 2012 21:04

As Arsenal sank to another abject defeat at the San Siro yesterday, the usual complaints came out; Wenger isn’t willing to spend, the players aren’t good enough, they don’t care about winning.

All of these issues are issues that can only be dealt with in the summer, whether it be through big-money purchases in the transfer market or at the training ground. But it may be that Arsenal’s problems can be solved by simple tactical alterations.

AC Milan

During the last-16 defeat Arsenal played a 4-5-1 formation with Robin Van Persie as the sole target man. This isn’t really a job he’s suited for, because of his tendency to go out wide and stated preference for playing a supporting role. He can play as an out-and-out striker, but he’s best when supported by winger or another striker. 4 of the 5 men in midfield were attempting to attack, leaving Alex Song alone to deal with Milan’s numerous attacks.

It didn’t help that the defence were affected by the heavily worn San Siro playing surface. If Arsenal had left Arteta or Ramsey behind to help out the anchorman then there would have been less chance for them to catch the defence with their trousers down with the likes of Robinho and Ibrahimovic.

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Written by Brian Covert

Published: Thursday, 09 February 2012 19:49

After the string of results our beloved Arsenal has had over the last month, followed by the ensuing venomous vitriol, I needed to get some perspective. The most pertinent question I sought to answer is why do I watch the Arsenal?

I mean, why would I continue to subject myself to something that would find me punching a wall and screaming in frustration when Bobby Zamora strikes an injury time winner? It can’t be because I believe it’s good for my health like eating rice cakes or broccoli.

Well, here is what I came up with. I watch the Arsenal to be entertained and to have fun and I want this to happen as often as possible.

Now before you jump all over me let me explain what entertainment is to me. Entertainment is competing, it’s putting in an effort and giving yourself a chance for success (in this case winning) each time you step out onto the field of play – whether that be a football pitch, a sheet of ice (I am Canadian) or a boardroom.

But just competing isn’t good enough; if that was the case you could argue I’d be just as happy supporting Stoke or the like.

No, I want more.

I want to compete against the very best and I want to do it with panache and style, and with power and grace. I want Arsenal to step into any arena and, no matter the competition; I want the team to have the confidence in their abilities to give themselves a chance to achieve something special each time.

This is what the best clubs do.

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Written by Graham Hitchen

Published: Monday, 23 January 2012 22:09

There has been a lot of acrimony since the defeat to Manchester United at the weekend - much of it deserved. But, while many have been eager to point the finger at Andrey Arshavin and Arsene Wenger, this article tries to provide a more calm-headed and analytical response.

Where was Vermaelen?

First let’s clear up the business of Arshavin, the Ox, and the Boo boys.

Arshavin wasn’t at fault for the second Man United goal. So he missed a tackle - at least he was back near the edge of the box, trying to close down Valencia - more than he’s done for much of the season. Was he brought on to keep United at bay, or to provide an attacking outlet?  If Oxlade-Chamberlain or RvP or Gervinho had missed that tackle, would they be getting the level of criticism being thrown at Arshavin? I think not.

My question is: where was Vermaelen? I thought he was playing left back. Oh, and by the way, who missed the header for the first goal?

I’m not saying this to ‘blame’ Vermaelen for the loss on Sunday. My aim is simply to highlight how easy it is to pass the blame onto the nearest scape-goat, rather than acknowledging that even strong, reliable, well-loved players like Vermaelen make mistakes too.