Arsene Wenger had become increasingly under fire as the manager of Arsenal, or should I say not just the manager, rather - the general - the guy who runs everything, at Arsenal. Recent performances or more precisely, recent defensive performances have been atrocious. There’s no doubt in that.

But here’s how I see it.

Last season was a close season. Arsenal dipped at the end, some would say, as expected. However, Arsenal managed to keep clean sheets, albeit conceding as many as 6 in some matches, yes, nevertheless, there were many games where they managed solid defensive performances. But does this not show that Arsenal can defend? That Arsene does have tactical regard? That he can set up his team to defend appropriately?

The difference

Here’s where I think the difference lies. Arteta cannot do it week in week out anymore. Flamini compared to last season has totally passed it, to the point where some even question his existence amongst the Arsenal squad. Last season, Arteta and Flamini were still going decent. Yes they bottled it in the so called ‘big matches’ but it’s fair to say they played their part in solid defensive performances otherwise. They just can’t do it anymore.

Now here’s the dilemma Arsene faces.

We can all moan about why Arsene didn’t go out in the summer and buy a DM. Recent performances by Arteta show he is capable, even if it’s not week in week out, the point is he can still do it. Maybe Wenger thought he can still do a job.

Nevertheless, I’m adamant Arsene searched the market for a DM and I wouldn’t be surprised if the likes of Southampton and Sporting Lisbon quoted ridiculous prices for the likes of Schneiderlin and Carvalho once they knew Arsenal came in for these players. Everyone knows Arsene isn’t going to do a stupid deal. Arsenal doesn’t have the finances to commit the stupid.

So what does Wenger do now? Buy someone else, for the sake of buying a DM? or let Arteta and Flamini show what they can do? Or maybe Wenger has a plan? Just like he had a plan to bring Ozil and Sanchez to the club. Why go for the ‘lesser’ player now, when you can go for a massive signing a season later? Especially when Arsenal don’t have the finances to invest in quality short term players like Chelsea and City do.

Maybe Wenger has a plan. He loves a long term plan. It’s what he’s been working on since the move to the Emirates. Maybe Arsenal must ride this season out, challenge as hard as they can, then next season, Arsene gets his targets. The top quality Sanchez like targets. A Pogba? A Vidal?

I’m sure Arsene has a plan. He very rarely doesn’t. Let’s stick by him because every player would love to play under him, just like Sanchez and Ozil..

Food for thought..