Sunday’s disappointing defeat to Manchester United has once again raised questions about the manager and the players. A lacklustre display with no character has again raised questions about the mentality of this side. Nicknamed the bottlers and chokers Arsenal have once again lived up to their title. But what has gone wrong?
Flying High
Not too long ago Arsenal were flying high at the top of the league beating Manchester City and laying down a marker. On the night it seemed as though Arsenal were turning a corner and this year would be the year they lift the tile again. However, since that day things have never been the same. Humiliated at Southampton on Boxing Day was just one example of a weak mentality being shown by this Arsenal side. Cracking under the pressure again raised questions but Arsenal recovered with scrappy wins against Bournemouth and Newcastle with the latter being the better team on the day.
Struggling for form
It was imperative that Arsenal picked up points with a set of away fixtures coming up and for 89 minutes at Anfield Arsenal had been excellent. However, Joe Allen equalising in the last minute was a bitter pill to swallow but this was followed up by a good point away at Stoke. This followed with defeat to Chelsea and a draw at home to Southampton. Arsenal then went to Bournemouth and won to give fans hope once again and keep many dreaming.
The Return of Welbeck
Then came one of the biggest matches of the season with league leaders Leicester coming to the Emirates. With an Arsenal side struggling to find the net they somehow used all that character to score a 94th minute winner with Welbeck scoring on his return after 10 months. As the ball nestled in the net the Emirates erupted which many thought would be a turning point.
Out of Form
However, reality hit home when losing to an understrength Manchester United side. So what has gone wrong? Players such as Ramsey, Walcott, Sanchez and Giroud are all struggling for form which has definitely been evident with Sanchez who doesn’t look like the player he was. The same can be said about Giroud who cannot score a goal at the moment which is shown as he is on his longest drought of 9 games. Furthermore, Ramsey has been poor in the centre which has not done him any good after complaining about playing wide. Without Cazorla the midfield does not have the same control.
The Future
The last 24 hours have been emotional for all Arsenal fans who are seeing the league slip through their fingers once again. Yesterday’s performance was not good enough and was abysmal. Apart from Cech and Ӧzil no player turned up which is disappointing considering we are going for a league title. No leadership and a lack of effort really sat uneasy with a lot of fans and rightly so. However, as a massive Wenger fan it left me with one question. Is Wenger still good enough? The romantic in me believes so but if Arsenal fail to win the league questions must be asked. Arsene Wenger has put his faith in this team and refused to sign an outfield player in the summer. Now he must be judged on that decision.
Although, the blame has been with the players and manager, questions must be asked of those above. Their leadership and mentality is an issue as well but this could also be said of the fans. It amazes me on Twitter when fans celebrate an Ӧzil assist like that gets you points. We as fans must have a winning mentality and not just celebrate individual achievements. We must encourage the players at every opportunity which has not always been the case with the Emirates often been quiet and flat.
The next two games could define Arsenal’s season and decide Wenger’s fate. However, in all of this we must remember the good work Wenger has done for Arsenal. Whatever happens Wenger deserves to be treated with respect and leave with dignity. It’s time for those players who Wenger has believed in and trusted to start delivering. On Saturday Arsenal play the second of those games against their north London rivals which is a must win. There are no more excuses for this side and Wenger especially if Leicester or Spurs win the league. This time it will not be down to the money spend like previous years.
Comments
The players do not look the same as they were before Christmas. Has Giroud managed a premier league goal this year?
I think he should treat each game on its merits. When I played we discussed the oppositions strengths and weaknesses.
What I always realise was that rite before a stating of a game he use to point out how he want to substitute even if that person plays well. For instance, just check out what happened during arsenal bacelona's game, why did he substitute coquiline with flamini and flamini came in by seeing him you know he was afraid of the game.
Look at yesterday game why chambell.
PLEASE WENGER SHOULD LEAVE ARSENAL AND A FRESH COUCH.
I have been saying AFC will not win the premiership since November.
Assuming the only achievement is CL next season, which is nor an achievement for AFC, the game is up either for Wenger or for me.
Wenger assured us a busy Jan tfr window. God did we need it! Mertesaker OUT, a real Viera like DMF and a striker were, all requisites to win the Prem.
Sorry AFC are not showing any ambition, They will get what they deserve - Nothing.
I think i will put my energies elsewhere from now on, and perhaps return to Conference matches.
Moreover,Wenger is a reactive coach,he allows sn opponent to score b4 he starts making corrections
1. Kroenke doesn't give a $hit
2. Wenger is about 10 years past his sell-by date
3. Total lack of leadership at the management and playing levels, and
4. Season tickets holders should be staying away in droves, and not renewing.
His style is too predictable with a series of passes sideways and backwards and seldom forward.When they get to the box they try to weave their way through. This is easy to counter by putting bodies in the way.
Watch how MU scored .A direct ball to the centre evading the defenders and found the upstart who shot home.
Why cant Arsenal go direct instead of a series of complicated passes.Until this changes the gunners will have problems scoring and Wenger will have to pay the price.l
Watch how other teams score against Arsenal and the gunners trying to score.You do the Maths.When MU scored ,they had 5/6 players in the box against the same no of defenders. When the gunners try to shoot,they are faced with 9/10 defenders and yet they still want to thread the ball through.So when it is lost/intercepted a counter attack is on . Why cant the forwards score with acres of space and time on his side.
Until Wenger plays like other teams ,the gunners will continue to lose.
I hope he can prove the cynics wrong by beating Swansea nd Spurs other wise I' , m afraid his days are numbered.
Wenger is suffering manager's block. Run out of ideas!
Angry Gunner