As we're unlikely to see terraces again at football, this is the virtual equivalent where you can chat to your hearts content about all football matters and, obviously, Arsenal in particular. This forum encourages all Gooners to visit and contribute so please keep it respectful, clean and topical.
GranadaJoe wrote:A number of today's papers have long, considered articles (and one by Robbie Savage) having a go at Wenger.
There's references to the Suarez debacle, the players he's bought (Sanogo,Park, Chamakh etc), the cost of tickets, the lie sold to fans about the move to the Bowl, lack of a CB, a striker and a lack of spirit and leaders in the team. All the stuff we've been bitching about for years.
I think the mood is turning and it'll be interesting to see how TOF reacts.
It is good the mood is turning but the problem I have with these journalists is where were they 6-7 years ago? As you say, its the stuff we've been bitching about for years.
What they're writing now would have been equally valid back then but instead many of them chose to make derogatory and patronising comments towards anyone criticising Wenger ... and they chose to have a dig at Arsenal fans who it turns out knew exactly what was happening.
Even the more respectable writers like Henry Winter were far too slow to see the signs. Only now, when its undeniable do these journalist start to acknowledge the problems. I struggle to respect them for this. I know they have to have a wider view of the game than us partisan fans do but when writing specifically about Arsenal they chose to back Wenger. They were wrong and they are part of the problem.
Sports journalists like to be portrayed as experts in their profession and I am sure they get paid handsomely so I would have expected more expertise and insight. And more courage.
But it seems the football world is a world where people get paid obscene money to produce nothing special.
Agree with every word.
I think the media have shown Wenger far too much respect. The way he spoke to Jaqui Oatley the other year was absolutely disgusting.
The man has 'Principles' don't forget, that's what they'll tell you.... not so principled when it comes to accepting his wages and his contract extensions though.
The argument for me is if he is so principled why has he stayed at the club so long with his hands tied, why has he not demanded more from the club and people around him?
If his hands weren't tied then his principles have indeed held us back for many years in relation to less principled teams and managers.
In either case it is him whom has led us to where we are and it is about time he stood up and accepted it if he is such a principled individual.
2 games gone and we can already see how this season is going to play out!!
AND - it's already so bloody obvious what a huge difference a hungry, bloody minded, win at all costs manager can make to an under performing team. Man Utd and Man City fans must be really excited about this season, whilst we're stuck with Groundhog Day Part 13
Just heard Ian Stone on B.T. Sport comparing Wenger in the transfer market to a Northerner visiting London for the first time....."What! £4.50 for a pint?! Priceless and so true.
Jumpers For Goalposts wrote:2 games gone and we can already see how this season is going to play out!!
AND - it's already so bloody obvious what a huge difference a hungry, bloody minded, win at all costs manager can make to an under performing team. Man Utd and Man City fans must be really excited about this season, whilst we're stuck with Groundhog Day Part 13
Yep, this season is clearly going to see the Manchester clubs, in 1st and 2nd, Then you will have Chelsea in 3rd, and it will be between us, L'pool, and Spurs for the VT. By the time this season ends, there will be fans, and the media alike, claiming it is a great achievement to finish 4th. Week no. 2 of the season, and I'm already depressed.
"We want Wenger out" and "Spend some fukin money" chanted by 75% of away end today.
A first for Arsenal fans hpme or away.
Ive always said it'll be fan pressure followed by the media that'll do him in.
More banners to follow (I can personally guarantee that). Anybody smartass naysayers and poo-pooers want to maintain that Wenger will still be Arsenal manager after May 17 2017?
Encouraging that the away support has turned against Wenger but take a look at the fixtures...
A nice run of easy games now for the next month. Add in a favourable Carling Cup draw and a match v a Bulgarian village team in the CL and the fans will be back on side
The reason we started showing banners last season was to encourage Wenger not to sign a new contract and to try to get the media more aware and online of the underlying problems at Arsenal.
We did not as some stupid comments on here have suggested expect to remove Wenger immediately. Its a long war and its still not over, but the tide is turning.
Wenger is going and it will be down to fan unrest, media pressure brought about by his own greed, ego and ncompetence.
Essentially he will be the authour of his own downfall
Two games and his arrogance and sarcastic attitude is already on display - this quote is from tonights post game press conference......
"We are a whole team working on strengthening the teams and I'm not the only one you know, and unfortunately nobody speaks about the performance of Holding today.
"You should be happy. He's English, he's 20 years old, but I'm sorry he didn't cost £55m so he can't be good!"
Priceless and so true.
