For the last decade, Arsenal have been on the verge of success, with one thing holding them back. One stumbling block, that if they could overcome, they would be serious contenders for every trophy they went for. One big, ever-changing, “if”.
“If they get a new stadium, Arsenal will compete financially”
What’s the point of a new stadium when an oligarch can give you 3 times the revenue?
“If they wait for the kids grow up, Arsenal will have a team for a generation”
Unless of course, they leave, become perennially injured, or (god forbid) turn out to be Denilson.
“If they sign a tall defender, Arsenal won’t be bullied in defence”
A tall defender who can only function with one partner and is having a 5 month World Cup hangover.
“If they keep their best players, Arsenal will compete with the best”
Ramsey, Cazorla & Koscielny have been the club’s best players over the last three years. They’ve had approximately 5 good games between them this year.
“If they get more British players, Arsenal will find some passion”
The only British player willing to fight for his teammates spends most of his time either on the injury table, or being told off for needlessly squaring up to an opposition player who has successfully wound him up.
“If they sign the best players, Arsenal will beat the best”
Arsenal signed Ozil as the best number 10 in the world, and he is not playing as the best number 10 in the world. Sanchez can only carry the team so far.
“If they win a trophy, Arsenal will gain momentum”
As enjoyable as that day in May was, the club are lacking the confidence and momentum they had last season. The exact opposite effect has happened.
If they take a step forwards, Arsenal will take one back
Seven “ifs” have turned into a reality, without any noticeable improvement. Every time one issue gets sorted out, a new one crops up in its place. The club continues to Ping-Pong between 3rd and 4th place in the Premier League, while the last “big” team Arsenal beat in the Champions League was Milan in 2008. The club is stagnating.
However, if they sign a holding midfielder…
