What's wrong @ Arsenal?

[M-50]

Premier League teams have become well accustomed to Arsenal over the last few years, perhaps it's no surprise that's why we've struggled.

We play the game one way and one way only. Many times, especially this season, we've been found out with no plan b, well we do have a plan b, lump the ball forward in desperation with 10 mins to go.

Except maybe 4 or 5 players, the current Arsenal squad have very little understanding of football. They can't adapt to situations on the field. Teams set up against us to shut us out and we can't cope with it. We run around in circles, get fustrated and make stupid errors as a result.

We also lack urgency, commitment and leadership.

How often have we been cruising in games in recent years only to slip up, it's still occuring. Newcastle, spuds and other games this year.

I've really admired Wenger over the years and no doubt that admiration has blinded me for the last couple of seasons but whilst the admiration is still there my loyalty is diminishing. His tactics, man-mangement and transfers aren't working.

Considering we pay top dollar to watch the Arsenal, the current state of our squad and vast majority of our performances is absolute bollocks

PS: WE WILL NOT WIN THE PREMIER LEAGUE

[REB]

too many average players earning great money who dont have the passion needed and are just too comfortable with the manager, i now believe we need a change at the top if we are to get back to winning titles again.

[M-50]

too many average players earning great money who dont have the passion needed and are just too comfortable with the manager, i now believe we need a change at the top if we are to get back to winning titles again.

I'm believing now myself mate. I ain't spending any more money on those over-priced tickets until I see some improvement in our performances.

[M-50]

Some honesty from Arsene for a change

http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0 ... 61,00.html

[Zippy]

For me the single biggest problem at the club is that the fans are divided now. Completely. Right down the middle.

It would be nearly impossible for any club to ever achieve anything of genuine note with hostility like we've got running through it. I'm not sure if the fans are ever gonna be able to be completely united behind Wenger again now. The disatisfaction in some quarters is now too well ingrained, too vocal, and too intertwined with individual egos.

I think the only way we might ever see a resolution to this particular issue now is through a change of manager that sees Wenger replaced by a genuine Arsenal legend, or by someone similar, a significant figure and presence, coming into a prominent role in the backroom/coaching staff. And again, by significant I mean someone the fans can get behind, an Arsenal legend, someone that nobody is gonna turn on - Steve Bould, Martin Keown, Bergkamp, Henry, whoever...

If and when Wenger is replaced, if the next incumbent is someone like, say, Guardiola or Hiddink (who I often hear mentioned), I think you will see them do no better than the current manager or possibly not as well, and those who are currently Wenger-loyal would turn on him very quickly if there wasn't an obvious and rapid improvement in the way the team turns out. And then we'd be back in the same situation we are now.

[SteveO 35]

For me the single biggest problem at the club is that the fans are divided now. Completely. Right down the middle.

It would be nearly impossible for any club to ever achieve anything of genuine note with hostility like we've got running through it. I'm not sure if the fans are ever gonna be able to be completely united behind Wenger again now. The disatisfaction in some quarters is now too well ingrained, too vocal, and too intertwined with individual egos.I think the only way we might ever see a resolution to this particular issue now is through a change of manager that sees Wenger replaced by a genuine Arsenal legend, or by someone similar, a significant figure and presence, coming into a prominent role in the backroom/coaching staff. And again, by significant I mean someone the fans can get behind, an Arsenal legend, someone that nobody is gonna turn on - Steve Bould, Martin Keown, Bergkamp, Henry, whoever...

If and when Wenger is replaced, if the next incumbent is someone like, say, Guardiola or Hiddink (who I often hear mentioned), I think you will see them do no better than the current manager or possibly not as well, and those who are currently Wenger-loyal would turn on him very quickly if there wasn't an obvious and rapid improvement in the way the team turns out. And then we'd be back in the same situation we are now.

I can understand why you say that, but I'm not sure I agree (if that makes sense !). I think most Gooners, myself included, would forgive Wenger the sins of the past few seasons, if he really did make a difference in the transfer window this Summer. Not reckless abandon, and we know it brings no guarantees, but if he signed a keeper, centre half and striker in the current window, I think he would buy himself more time and popularity. Its the constant sleepwalking from one year to another with no obvious sign of learning the lessons of the last one that is driving fans mad.

Football's a fickle game - two / three decent signings, a good start to next season and I think he could win people over. However, one centre half in / one out, no cover for Song, no additions at GK, and failing to add a striker with a bit of pace......and I fear that you are right. The club will forever be divided amongst the fan base.

[frankbutcher]

For me the single biggest problem at the club is that the fans are divided now. Completely. Right down the middle.

It would be nearly impossible for any club to ever achieve anything of genuine note with hostility like we've got running through it. I'm not sure if the fans are ever gonna be able to be completely united behind Wenger again now. The disatisfaction in some quarters is now too well ingrained, too vocal, and too intertwined with individual egos.

I think the only way we might ever see a resolution to this particular issue now is through a change of manager that sees Wenger replaced by a genuine Arsenal legend, or by someone similar, a significant figure and presence, coming into a prominent role in the backroom/coaching staff. And again, by significant I mean someone the fans can get behind, an Arsenal legend, someone that nobody is gonna turn on - Steve Bould, Martin Keown, Bergkamp, Henry, whoever...

If and when Wenger is replaced, if the next incumbent is someone like, say, Guardiola or Hiddink (who I often hear mentioned), I think you will see them do no better than the current manager or possibly not as well, and those who are currently Wenger-loyal would turn on him very quickly if there wasn't an obvious and rapid improvement in the way the team turns out. And then we'd be back in the same situation we are now.

Zippy,

For once, and I hate to say it, you are absolutely spot on in your assessment. We need 'one of our own' to take over, to instill the Arsenal way again - FIGHT, FIGHT, AND FIGHT AGAIN.

Who are the options though, considering the size of the Club, and the complexity of the job? It needs to be someone with experience for me. Otherwise failure is almost guaranteed. There are just no options unless we take a massive gamble on the following:

Adams and Bould. Perhaps Bould would keep him on the straight and narrow. They MAY be a decent double act. Bergkamp is not an option for me. Too raw at the moment, and can't fly.

[Henry Norris 1913]

are you seriously suggesting the reason behind our downfall is the fact that some fans are against wenger? I'm pretty sure this is the other way around .

[skipper]

For me the single biggest problem at the club is that the fans are divided now. Completely. Right down the middle.

It would be nearly impossible for any club to ever achieve anything of genuine note with hostility like we've got running through it. I'm not sure if the fans are ever gonna be able to be completely united behind Wenger again now. The disatisfaction in some quarters is now too well ingrained, too vocal, and too intertwined with individual egos.

I think the only way we might ever see a resolution to this particular issue now is through a change of manager that sees Wenger replaced by a genuine Arsenal legend, or by someone similar, a significant figure and presence, coming into a prominent role in the backroom/coaching staff. And again, by significant I mean someone the fans can get behind, an Arsenal legend, someone that nobody is gonna turn on - Steve Bould, Martin Keown, Bergkamp, Henry, whoever...
.

If and when Wenger is replaced, if the next incumbent is someone like, say, Guardiola or Hiddink (who I often hear mentioned), I think you will see them do no better than the current manager or possibly not as well, and those who are currently Wenger-loyal would turn on him very quickly if there wasn't an obvious and rapid improvement in the way the team turns out. And then we'd be back in the same situation we are now.

Just couple of comments on bold parts...it is impossible that Arsenal fans will ever again unite behind Wenger and he has only himself to blame...as for 'new manager' and AKB turning on him if there is no radical improvement within 6 months say...if that's the case it only shows how clueless AKB brigade really is, as it will take at least two seasons for anyone to make this team genuine title challengers...and how ironic that people who are willing to stick with Wenger for 6-7-8-27 trophyless seasons will turn on new manager if results are not there within 12 months...how ironic...

Whats wrong @ Arsenal - no heart, no balls and no soul - in other words this club that plays on Emirates is Arsenal only by name and occasionaly by shirts, but that will go too very soon I'm afraid...

[Perryashburtongroves]

It's a similiar situation to the mid-80s, just before the board got Graham in to drag the bunch of over-paid, under-performing, lacking in confidence, almost good enough to win things team together. The fan base were split then too- especially the older generation that had seen the 70s double winners get stuck in and win things through hard work and effort- with some fans going as far as to cheer on the opposition during some really shit home performances. The thing then was that the team was almost good enough but needed a boot up the backside from an Arsenal man that had been there before and done it before. The fans got behind the new man and trophies followed.

[Glitch33]

Some honesty from Arsene for a change

http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0 ... 61,00.html

Good that he admitted that he said it was a poor performance.

Bad that he doesn't know why.

He has hand picked these players, trains them, rewards them. motivates them and tells them how to play. He has the power to make the changes during the game, either subs or messages at pitch side. Things had gone wrong before half time. He had 10 minutes of their undivided attention at half time to gee them up and put things right.

Epic fail on his part.

He needs to get some better coaching staff around him instead failing where it really counts - on the pitch.

[SteveO 35]

It's a similiar situation to the mid-80s, just before the board got Graham in to drag the bunch of over-paid, under-performing, lacking in confidence, almost good enough to win things team together. The fan base were split then too- especially the older generation that had seen the 70s double winners get stuck in and win things through hard work and effort- with some fans going as far as to cheer on the opposition during some really shit home performances. The thing then was that the team was almost good enough but needed a boot up the backside from an Arsenal man that had been there before and done it before. The fans got behind the new man and trophies followed.

Funny how we have different recollections of times gone by. I agree with the last bit about GG's boot up the backside, but honestly Perry that early to mid 80s side were never "almost good enough to win". The Neill and Howe teams never made any sort of realistic bid to win a title and the football was dire to the point that the joke was that the only time Howe ever smiled was in the pre-season team photo when the whole team were behind the ball. Everton and Liverpool were streets ahead of us back then (I remember in particular the 6-1 cuffing at Goodison when the wheels had really come off the bandwagon). Now we're probably 2 or 3 players away from competing for the title....back then I would see we only had 2 or 3 players capable of being in a top class team

You're certainly right about the under-performing side though; we seemed to have a period of signing players that had already made their names elsewhere (Mariner, Woodcock etc) and really flattered to deceive at Highbury.

As I recall it back then, there was a much stronger voice amongst the fans supporting a change of management. When Neill went I don't recall a single dissenting voice, and when Howe went the only regret was that the club handled it appallingly (approaching others behind his back) and that a loyal servant of the club deserved better.

I still think there are far more voices in defence of Wenger than ever was the case for Neill and Howe, and I guess rightly so because at least Wenger's historic roll of honour far exceeds either of those two.

But the similarity is that there is a feeling that things have gone stale and that the time could be right for a change of approach

[Arsenal 1991]

Do any of you remember The Arsenal Action Group?

[augie]

I can understand why you say that, but I'm not sure I agree (if that makes sense !). I think most Gooners, myself included, would forgive Wenger the sins of the past few seasons, if he really did make a difference in the transfer window this Summer. Not reckless abandon, and we know it brings no guarantees, but if he signed a keeper, centre half and striker in the current window, I think he would buy himself more time and popularity. Its the constant sleepwalking from one year to another with no obvious sign of learning the lessons of the last one that is driving fans mad.

Football's a fickle game - two / three decent signings, a good start to next season and I think he could win people over. However, one centre half in / one out, no cover for Song, no additions at GK, and failing to add a striker with a bit of pace......and I fear that you are right. The club will forever be divided amongst the fan base.

See I cannot go along with this - far the past few summers we have seen far too many with this line of thought and it has considerably contributed to this malaise. How long should wenger be given to fix things in the summer ? Do you allow him to waste another transfer window before pulling the trigger this writing off another season cos any new manager would be left with wenger dodo's to work with

The club needs a clean break and they need it done on May 23rd 2011 - we simply cannot afford to risk another season of failure in a blind hope that wenger will correct things. Enough is enough and if he doesnt walk then he should be sacked end of story

[SteveO 35]

Some honesty from Arsene for a change

http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0 ... 61,00.html

Good that he admitted that he said it was a poor performance.

Bad that he doesn't know why.He has hand picked these players, trains them, rewards them. motivates them and tells them how to play. He has the power to make the changes during the game, either subs or messages at pitch side. Things had gone wrong before half time. He had 10 minutes of their undivided attention at half time to gee them up and put things right.

Epic fail on his part.

He needs to get some better coaching staff around him instead failing where it really counts - on the pitch.

Especially when some of it is so fucking obvious to the best part of 60000 people. Some of the extracts from his post match summing up

"It was a frustrating performance because we had no pace in our game"

Well no shit Sherlock; perhaps it escaped you that for the the last 5-6 weeks since Walcott has been out it's been apparent every fucking match, during which time we have won 1 of them....against Leyton Orient. It's because we have no pace mate; you have assembled the slowest Arsenal team since GG's mid-90s midfield plodder era. Yes they dribble well and pass well, but Walcott apart they don't frighten people going forward....and it's BLEEDING OBVIOUS and we've known it for ages. Perhaps if you'd continued the second half experiment against Orient of doubling up Clichy and Gibbs on the left we might have just added that little bit of spark rather than watching lumbering centre forwards plod their way out to the flnaks to play 'pretend winger'.

"Very few players looked to have the resources to put the pace up in the game. Part of it is down to the fact that Blackburn defended well"

Yes and perhaps the two that did, Arshavin and Walcott, you replaced with the reverse gear duo of Chamakh and Super Nic (??). Yes and Blackburn are renowned for their tight defending as witnessed at Old Trafford and in shipping 38 goals in 15 away games.

on going out of so many competitions so quickly...
Football is like that and you have to try to give your best and live with the results. Against Barcelona we went out but we produced the performance we wanted

Is he fucking serious ? The performance we wanted ? The one with no shots on goal for the entire 90 minutes and being hopelessly outpassed, outmanoeuvred and outfought from first to last. Or was that down to the old "special circumstances" again.

on being affected by recent results...
Maybe, but as well that is part of our job and we must have the mental strength to deal with that. You cannot worry about yesterday and lose the targets you have in front of you.

Give it up mate...you sound like a stuck record. It happens every year. Buy some genuine winners and until then please just say nothing on the subject of 'mental strength'. These players didn't have it, haven't got it and will never have it. Half of them are already living the dream of playing for a major club in the Champions League. They've reached the height of their ambition and abilities, and those that don't fit that category have either retired, left or or about to in the next 12 months.