Artlee Mhlanga
I came across the Facebook status: “Arsenal: the only team to finish third in a two horse race.” Considering this came from an Aston Villa supporter it has confirmed, beyond a shadow of a doubt, an embarrassing reality for all loyal gooners. That is Arsenal are the laughing stock of the Premier League.
Status after status about Arsenal were littered all over my Facebook, ‘Typical Arsenal, Same old Arsenal can’t win anything.’ As much as this angered me, l could not defend the one time invincible team. We may consider Wenger highly but what sort of a reputation has he bestowed on the Arsenal?
It hardly becomes a surprise nor does it turn an eye when Arsenal get a bad result. Petr Cech went on record to state how Arsenal have blown it, so did Redknapp and Ferguson. The fact that our potential success is consistently superceded by our failure to stay focused when it counts is there for all to see. Arsenal are far from being a feared super power but more like an ‘almost’ all conquering team.
Everyone has their own solution and Wenger is right, there are only a few things that need altering. We need voices in the team, that is clear. Fabregas and RVP are all subdued personalities. I cannot picture either of them at half time in the changing rooms motivating their fellow players to stay focused and fight for the next goal and fight to protect the goal. Vermaelen is our best bet, but let’s say February next season he gets injured. Then what?
A superstar name would do some good for the team. Nasri is not quite there as he glitters some of the time and shimmers at others. A more flamboyant character, Alexis Sanchez or Aguerro (as far-fetched as it maybe) may provide Arsenal with the cutting edge. Can anyone remember the last time Arsenal had player in the top 10 of the Castrol rankings? Top 20?
Wenger’s philosophy and principles are not entirely wrong. I do hope… pray, that he realises the few figures the team needs in the dressing room and on the pitch. If someone will straighten out some of the players who seem to only have eyes for going forward then hopefully we can restore the reputation we once had.
