Arsenal needs a reality check

Arsenal fans have always talked about how they are just about to win a trophy or two. When we look at Arsenal there is always a lingering doubt about what’s going to happen in the future. The fans and the pundits have always been excited about Arsenal’s young guns and their possession play. But lets take the blanket off this hollow truth and throw some light on the reality.

Barcelona‘s re-emergence:

When Real Madrid won the title in 2007 the Barcelona team was an aging side who had lost the old horses like Ronaldinho, Deco etc. The dilemma for Barcelona was whether they should sell any of their players? or depend on young and inexperienced players. They went into the transfer market and invested around 80 Million on the likes of Dani Alves, Keita, Theirry Henry. They have integrated youth with experienced, ‘Quality’ players. The likes of Iniesta, Messi, Busquets, Pedro have blossomed under Barca, winning all the trophies

1) Keeping The Squad

For the past seven years Arsenal’s biggest problem has been our inability to keep our first team together. It’s very shocking to see that the first team has changed completely from the team they once were two years ago and this has been the trend for the past seven years. In order to win Arsenal must keep the players together.

2) Buying Quality

There is a reason Arteta does not play for the Spanish national team, there is a reason Benayoun was considered surplus by Chelsea. No disrespect to them but they do not make the cut for a top four side in the premier league. As good as they may be on their day, they are not what a club of Arsenal’s stature should be looking for.

3) Wage Structure

You just cannot expect top quality players to be playing for you at 100K/week in this era. The players should get what they deserve. Arsenal have to change our wage structure in order to keep the stars at Arsenal. The likes of Flamini and Nasri were sold solely due to a disagreement over wages.

4) Lack of Leaders

The success which Arsenal achieved from 1996-2004 was in many ways down to the team spirit and leadership of players like Patrick Viera, Tony Adams, Theirry Henry, Matrin Keown. The current Arsenal side are missing these characters. There is no team spirit or the passion to win in this current squad. There is lack of grit and the must-win-attitude.

5) Ambition

Seven seasons without a trophy and no drastic changes were made to the squad. Which board in the world does that? Ancelotti was fired after winning the FA cup, Frank Riijkaard was fired a year after winning the champions league, Liverpool despite not featuring in the Champions League splashed out 80 Million in the transfer window. What is the Arsenal board doing? Increasing ticket prices? A weak board of directors means no pressure on the manager to perform. The Emirates wears a guaranteeing look for the non-performers instead of showing them the door. From “The Invincibles” the first team has gone to “The Untouchables”. Under performing players have been kept on high wages and we are being told that the club follows a strict “WAGE STRUCTURE”.

6) Experience over Youth

After failing so many times, doesn’t Wenger realize that playing potential stars is not the need of the day. Arsenal should have followed Barca’s example and integrated their academy stars with quality match winners. We have always bought potentially good players, who by the time they are about to peak, leave the club.

If Arsenal is to redeem its previous glory, drastic steps need to be taken. Last night’s performance against Milan was an absolute disgrace. Hopefully this result turns out to be an eye opener for the arsenal board and they respond in a positive way.