Kevin Whitcher
Last season Arsenal conceded 41 goals in 38 Premier League matches, and Arsene Wenger identified this as a key reason in his team’s failure to win the title. After 34 matches so far this time around, 36 is the figure in the goals against column. At the AGM last October I asked the manager how he intended to address this very problem of allowing the opposition to score too many goals. His response was that “We are working very hard”. Hmmm, maybe so, maybe not. But if they are working very hard, then it might suggest that the methods may need improvement. The concept of a specialist defensive coach might be anathema to the manager, but – assuming he is neither about to be sacked or resign – it’s one of the changes that the board need to insist upon this summer. Arsenal have a reputation for being poor at defending set pieces, and once again, it proved the case at the Reebok.
Still, surely, with the manager’s words about not believing he needs to strengthen his squad significantly, at least now the board will seriously have to reconsider the proposed price increases for home matches. The 2.5% rise in VAT has been levied to tickets for silver and red members since the New Year, so will inevitably be added to the price that season ticket holders pay. However, the extra 4% already being asked for club level renewals is taking the p*ss if there is no intention to spend all available money in the player trading account on improving the squad by buying better.
Arsenal lost this match, and finally relinquished what should have been an easy title to win, due to a mix of poor defending at set pieces and their own profligacy in front of goal. They created enough very decent opportunities to have won the game relatively comfortably, but in the end, their failure to net more than once cost them dear. Mind you, I was phlegmatic before the game, the title chucked away for this observer in the trio of draws with Sunderland, West Brom and Blackburn. And when Bolton scored their winner, I simply thought, what’s the difference between a defeat and a draw in the greater scheme of things? And then it came to me. A defeat would be preferable because the manager cannot cling to the statistic of the unbeaten league run as evidence of the quality of his side in post match interviews and press conferences.
So it’s over. Some of my regular correspondents have said they couldn’t wait for the season to end for a while now. They could see the psychological weakness in the team (as opposed to its mental strength) would mean that they would win nothing, even when there were still three trophies still to play for. And there were some – in the comments section to previous editorials – who berated me for suggesting similar. In the aftermath of the Newcastle 4-4, I wrote, “the conclusion of today… is that Arsenal are not resilient enough, and do not have the strength in depth to win the title.” However, as I have not worked half a day in football, Arsene Wenger will tell you my opinion is worth toffee.
However, I will end by responding to ‘Bee Jee Wee Jee’, who, commenting on my thoughts on the 1-1 draw with League One Leyton Orient back in February, wrote, “Why throw stones right now? It's really unbecoming. We just did Barca. We are on our way to Wembley to collect our first trophy. We will win this tie against the O's at home. Finally, the title is in reach. Why don't you sit down and write an ‘Online Ed’ thanking Wenger. That would be a good use of your time.”
So Bee Jee, this is for you. Thanks Arsene, it’s been a hell of a ride. However, can you stop taking me on your journey to the promised land with a young squad that develops together. I want to get off.
The current issue of The Gooner can be bought online here.
Finally, thanks to everyone who got in touch about proofing for the website. I will email you soon if you haven’t heard from me already. Apologies I haven’t had the time to respond to everyone so far.
