THE WENGER THREAD

[Wengerball]

Its not New Year at London Colney yet- Arsene has demanded that the celebrations be held back until the 4th

[North-Bank-1987]

I think I'm reading FrenchGuns post slighty differently here, defending Wenger ONLY for not giving in to players wages and fees, which I have to disagree on personally, I am of the opinion that if we are not ambitious with what we pay players then we will not be able "to shop at morrisons". If you can't beat them join them.

I read FrenchGuns main point as "show him more respect and remain silent in his falldown." My brother has the very same outlook, when talking about the banners recently with him, I pointed out then as I will now that 99% of people speaking out are doing so with the clubs very best intentions at heart. I know its not The Arsenal way to have discontent amongst our own, but I think those acting are doing doing so correctly, I would be more inclined to support a move for change than to stand in peoples way doing so.

[LDB]

Wenger can act the pauper all he likes, its just spin and bullshit to deflect from the fact that we don't make best use of the resources we have. Our wage budget should allow for at least 2-3 quality players on 100k+ per week. We have none because unproven squad players and pure dross are all on at least 10-15k more per week then they should be with long contracts to boot. That is the only reason we cannot compete in the higher end of the market. I accept we'll never be able to match the 200k+ City have offered to attract players but with smart management we shouldn't need to.

[clockender1]

its not the money, its a lack of respect for the opposition, lack of analysis and preparation, lack of team organisation, lack of tactics and coaching.

Arsene said he didn't know why we didn't win today and he really doesn't.

he's senile now imho,

we're a point ahead of west brom after 20 games.20 !

[Barriecuda]

Wenger can act the pauper all he likes, its just spin and bullshit to deflect from the fact that we don't make best use of the resources we have. Our wage budget should allow for at least 2-3 quality players on 100k+ per week. We have none because unproven squad players and pure dross are all on at least 10-15k more per week then they should be with long contracts to boot. That is the only reason we cannot compete in the higher end of the market. I accept we'll never be able to match the 200k+ City have offered to attract players but with smart management we shouldn't need to.

Yup, don't have to spend the most to be able to be competitive. As much as we plead poverty we have it pretty good.

[arseofacrow]

The Guardian:

'Frustration' at team's mentality after Southampton draw

Unfortunately, he is right to be frustrated but unfortunately, a big part of the problem is of his own making and the frustration of a man continually taking it out on water bottles is particularly galling given that he has the power to change things.

[markyp]

i must Admit Wenker did look a bit frustrated after the saints game,almost a bit like 'where do i take this team now' kind of situation,hopefully nowhere if we are lucky.after yesterdays pantomime defending which we have endured for years now i cant help dreaming of a team managed by mourinho,those kind of errors would never happen,oh well dream on

[OneBardGooner]

Inspector Clouseau

AND!



Inspector Clueless.

[StuartL]

The Guardian:

'Frustration' at team's mentality after Southampton draw

Unfortunately, he is right to be frustrated but unfortunately, a big part of the problem is of his own making and the frustration of a man continually taking it out on water bottles is particularly galling given that he has the power to change things.

But isn't sitting their constantly wringing your hands or playing with your zip / hair / water bottle or flapping at the fouth official, providing our team with the guidance and leadership that they need in these tight matches where 1 key moment could mean the difference between 3 points and 1 / 0.

I would love a reporter to ask of him " what did you try to change" or "how did you believe your substitutes would alter the dynamic of the match" after stating we lacked incisiveness / pace and he has brought on Ramsey and Gervinho ffs.

[armchair]

"In the second half we played with a bit more freedom but we lacked a certain sharpness. We didn't find our flowing game, we didn't find the creative side of our game and we had to rely more on character and determination. "

Wenger Nov 2007 after Arsenal 2-2 Man U PL

[armchair]

It is a shame because we gave absolutely everything to come back but we lacked creativity, we lacked sharpness in our passing and therefore were not dangerous enough to come back into the game. "


We were a little bit jaded physically. It was our fourth away trip on the trot and it was difficult for us to make a game of it.

Wenger Dec 2007 after Boro 2-1 Arsenal PL

[armchair]

Saturday's game against Birmingham was very frustrating because the crowd were very good but the team was not. The fans were always behind us, they pushed us forward, but we were not sharp enough.

Wenger Jan 2008 after Arsenal 1-1 Birmingham PL

[armchair]

If we want to finish in the top four we will have to play better than we did at Anfield on Saturday. We were not sharp and Liverpool were more determined. We put them in an ideal situation with the early goal but they won because they deserved to win. They were sharper, more determined, more mobile.

Wenger Apr. 2007 after Victims 4-1 Arsenal PL

[armchair]

I'm not really worried about the lack of goals because I don't feel we were sharp enough to finish off what we created. I believe when everyone is fit we can create clear cut chances. At times against West Brom the final ball was not good enough, too heavy, not timed well enough, and I feel we will improve a lot on that.

Wenger Aug 2008 after Arsenal 1-0 WBA PL

[armchair]

Saturday was a game where we had a lot of possession, but Stoke defended very well and were well organised. We were not sharp enough to create chances and conceded two goals on two throw-ins. They fought for every ball and they waited for their set-pieces.


I believe we tried very hard and I think Stoke are sharp at the moment while we look jaded physically. At the moment we play a lot games and we suffer a little a bit because of that. It isn't a confidence issue but we gave a lot on Wednesday against Spurs. We play again in midweek and that is why, in the repetition of games, if you don't score first you can suffer.


Wenger Nov. 2008 after Stoke 2-1 Arsenal PL