Are the criticisms of Arsene Wenger well founded or another child of media sensationalism? Since winning the FA Cup in 2005, Arsenal have endured four trophy-less seasons which has included losing a Champions League Final, a Champions League Semi-Final, a Carling Cup Final and an FA Cup Semi-Final. The club has also thrown away a healthy lead at the top of the Premiership in the season 2007/2008.
Lack of experience is the mantra of footballing pundits attacking Arsenal, yet it was Jose Mourinho who kindly pointed out that although young, Arsenal players have a wealth of experience at domestic level and have continuously represented their respective countries. Indeed the likes of Fabregas, Adebayor, Bendtner, Van Persie, Clichy and Eboue have all been around for many seasons. Is it then likely that these players are yet to develop the mentality to handle a wet and windy afternoon at the Reebok stadium? Unlikely.
Lack of physical presence is a better argument. The Invincibles of 2004 were a team of giants and yet this is no longer the case. One can only speculate that in the mind of Arsene Wenger, technical ability dwarfs any other attribute.
The sale of Gilberto Silva should perplex any Arsenal fan. Flamini wanted to leave but Gilberto was a man whose heart was in the club and had been an unsung hero every year since the departure of Patrick Vieira. Even as a squad player the Brazilian would have added value to the team.
Player retention has also been a problem. Integral to Manchester Uniteds early success in the Premiership was the contributions of Giggs, Scholes, Beckham, the Neville brothers and others. However, after propelling themselves into the limelight last year, Flamini and Hleb no longer apply their trade at the Emirates Stadium. Furthermore, the handling of Ashley Cole was farcical which saw a world class full back take a short trip to West London. At present murmurs of Adebayor leaving the club have grown and Arsenal run the risk of not developing a core set of players.
The lack of sophistication behind defending and attacking set pieces, the choice of club captains and the need for squad depth could also be mentioned, but in reality these are with little perspective. In Wenger’s tenure Arsenal have built a brand of football synonymous with style and beauty, their facilities and methods have attracted praise from all directions and one feels the club is never too far from winning silverware.
