Where’s the trust in Wenger?

After every loss, after every disappointment and every time we faltered, Arsenal fans had a mantra that helped them restore their faith in the once iconic club: “In Wenger we trust”.

After the Capital One loss, the mantra seems to have lost its lustre. Even though Arsene Wenger maintains that the team shouldn’t be embarrassed by the disheartening loss, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for the fans to keep calm and carry on. While several Arsenal fans are demanding a resignation from the fabled manager, these claims get fuelled further by rumours of a growing rift between Wenger and his assistant, Steve Bould. Reports of this feud surfaced soon after the defeat to Bradford City, and while these rumours may not be confirmed, they aren’t completely unfounded.

Despite having five strikers on the pitch, Arsenal had trouble finding the back of the net in the mid-week game. Several quarters have blamed Arsene Wenger’s reluctance to loosen the purse strings to acquire a better breed of talent, and others fault his strategic skills. Post the loss to Bradford City, Wenger went on to congratulate the opponents and admitted that they had a spectacular defence that his players couldn’t overcome. He also said that it was a “great cup tie” and he couldn’t fault the effort from his players.

Wenger’s alleged tiff with Bould may affect the outcome of the upcoming game against Reading, but maintaining the fact that the disagreements maybe baseless rumours, Wenger definitely still has a lot to worry about. When Wenger was asked about the growing unrest in his team, he was rather defiant. He said that he couldn’t control the lies that were published in the media against his team, and that they remain close knit and determined. When asked about the future of the team with respect to the recent dismal performances by his squad, he said that he believes in the potential and competency of his squad, and it is in their hands to prove their worth. While that statement smelled a little like a detachment note, it was passable.

Despite the pompous, politically correct statements issued by the manager, the fact remains that the game against Reading will decide how Wenger will be perceived as a strategist for a long time to come. While Reading might be a struggling opponent, giving the Gunners a great opportunity to capitalize on, unexpected defeats and cold feet aren’t completely unexpected from the team. In that regard, Wenger said, “We are top professional people. What is important is what happens tomorrow, not what happened yesterday.” And as effective as it maybe as a premeditated exercise, fans aren’t willing to buy it yet.

The Capital One loss, as daunting as it was, wasn’t the be all and end all for Arsenal, as they still have the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup to compete in. Here’s hoping that they find a stronger resolve to acquire some silverware, or at least find a way to play the game the way they are meant to – with passion, with grace. A victory wouldn’t be unwelcome either.