Though it is still early days in the season, Arsenal look nothing like the team they claim to be. With a history that deserves nothing but praise, and legends that will go down as some of the greatest to have played the game, where has it all gone wrong for Arsenal?
Is it Arsene? Let’s not forget we are talking about the same manager who gave one of the best in the business, Sir Alex Ferguson, a run for the money. An Arsene Wenger team would play their heart out for the badge. His teams were home to some of the deadliest forwards in the Premier League. His midfield was graced by some of the most creative minds in World Football. His defence would kill for him. Such was the aura and magnificence he carried; termed as ‘Le Professeur’ for his tactical zest. For someone who has guided the team to their best ever years, his fall from grace is spectacular; as he’s now against the very fans that backed him and brought him up. Questionable team selections, pointless substitutions and hesitation in the transfer market are the three-pronged tip of the trident constituting criticism aimed at the Frenchman. His decisions of late, have not just left the Arsenal faithful stunned. Neutrals and opponents alike are shocked at the sheer magnitude of mistakes from someone who was once termed, ‘The Perfectionist’.
It’s one of those moments that makes you give a lot of thought, are we seeing the fall of a Footballing great?
Is it the board? Stan Kroenke, Ivan Gazidis, Usmanov and Moshiri are prominent members of the board of directors at Arsenal. The fans have started to turn their backs to the board as well. It’s been year after year of incompetence, but the board has not freed any sort of funds for Arsene. There were many reasons, but they make no sense whatsoever. Arsenal have long moved from Highbury, charge the highest amount for a season ticket in the Premier League and do not have a high wage-bracket in comparison to some of the other big teams in the league. The reluctance to sanction the purchase of the club to other rich owners solely for their benefit is hurting the club massively. Arsenal FC isn’t a kitty fund or an insurance, it’s not an investment; it serves as a way of life for millions around the world.
Is it the players? Heck, the list of greats that have donned the red and white of Arsenal brings goose bumps of all the memories they’ve contributed to. Being a United fan, my adoration of Henry is purely down to his ability to mesmerize. That’s the level that is expected when you represent Arsenal.
This Arsenal team is not short of quality, make no mistake there. They have one of the most creative midfielders in the world in Mesut Ozil; a powerhouse who is adept anywhere on the pitch in Alexis Sanchez; a goal-getting attacking pair in Olivier Giroud and Lacazette; a rampaging RB who still haunts Thiago Alcantara in his dreams for that blistering run against Bayern Munich and a World Class shot stopper in Petr Cech.
On paper, that team would be favourite heading into any game. What more motivation do they need than the mere representation for one of the best clubs in World Football?
Arsenal FC are facing troubled times. It just simply isn’t working for them at the moment. They now stand poised to lose Alexis Sanchez and Oxlade-Chamberlain which could add further misery on their burdened shoulders.
This could lead to one of two things, either we become the unfortunates to witness the falling of a dynasty; or we become the privileged to witness a fallen giant rise from the ashes.
Football misses you, Arsenal FC.
