The future is now Professor

By Simon Sparrowhawk

Could it be time for Arsene Wenger to scrap his youth policy in favour of a more extravagant approach to the transfer market?

After a another season that threatened to promise much, before eventually petering out into another ‘trophyless’ campaign, in which the same old flaws reared their ugly heads, Arsene Wenger needs to alter his approach. The Gunners boss has earned the respect of everyone in the game for his attempts to win the biggest prizes without spending big money, but his hard work continues to unravel in front of his very eyes.

For much of the 2009/2010 campaign the Gunners remained in the title race, without Robin Van Persie, but when the season reached its climax they were comfortably out of the running. The crushing Champions League quarter-final defeat in Barcelona was a major factor in Arsenal’s season ending without a flourish. They were torn apart by Lionel Messi, ironically a Barcelona youth graduate, but he was not the first. Manchester United and Chelsea outplayed the Gunners at the Emirates last season.

The Barcelona game alone could have had a major impact on Cesc Fabregas’ decision to seek a move away from North London. ‘If you can’t beat them, join them’, you could say. Without Fabregas there would be serious doubts about the Gunners chances of competing for trophies next term. In fact, they could even drop out of the Champions League if Manchester City, and even worse, Spurs continue on their current upward curve.

This summer could mark a major tipping point in Arsenal’s fortunes. If Fabregas leaves and is replaced effectively, while other weaknesses are also addressed, starting with the goalkeeper, the future could be very bright. But, Wenger needs to spend money to make this dream a reality. A new goalkeeper, centre-back, defensive midfielder, Fabregas replacement and striker could cost as much as £100million, but it’s a price worth paying for the success the Emirates fans demand. But will the French manager pay it? It will cost not only money, but also his pride.

Fabregas is leaving because he cannot achieve what he wants with Wenger’s men. Andrey Arshavin hinted upon his arrival, 18 months ago, that more world class players were needed. If Wenger does not invest now, who will be next to jump ship? Van Persie? Arshavin? Theo Walcott?

There can be no doubt that Manchester City and Tottenham are huge threats to Arsenal’s position in the top four of English football. Liverpool’s comprehensive demotion by Spurs, City and Aston Villa could open the floodgates. Could the Gunners be next to fall?

The time is now for Arsene Wenger to dust off his chequebook and rebuild the shattered spine of his side. Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Yaya Toure, Mikel Arteta and Karim Benzema could all be available for hire this summer, and the Arsenal side would take on a far more menacing look with them in the side.

Thanks for conducting your experiment Professor Wenger, but sadly, it has failed to deliver results. Consequently it is time for a change, it is time to spend or time to ship out.

AS Roma and Arsenal: More than just Opponents

So, the Champions League draw have been over, and I have to admit one of the most anticipated matches is Inter vs Man Utd. Italian champions vs English champions. I’m an Arsenal fan, so I’m rather happy about it. Man Utd think they are the best, well eat this! Let’s see how you get past Inter.

But there is another fixture I’m very much looking forward to. Roma vs Arsenal. Why? Both are my favourite teams, and they are 2 very similar clubs. Mirror image in other words.

Firstly, both clubs are having some financial problem. Which is the reason why both clubs doesn’t spend big. Look at the players Arsenal and Roma have signed in the past few seasons: While big stars like Cristian Chivu left, instead of getting a big money replacement Luciano Spalleti got Juan for a mere 6.3 million euros. When the legend of Arsenal, Thierry Henry left, many people was thinking whether his replacement could lived up to expectations. Arsene Wenger chose to fork out only 8 million to sign Eduardo Da Silva, and although he’s injured at the moment, his future looks bright.

Secondly, both clubs have been praised for their brilliant attacking football. Arsenal was believed to have played the best football ever seen in England during their “Invincibles” season (2003/04), and up till today they do just that. Roma have been praised by pundits for playing exciting, attacking football since Luciano Spalleti took over and deployed the 4-5-1 formation. Normally in football it’s “the beauty vs the beast”, but I believe in this match, both clubs will be known as “the beauties” and will be fighting their asses off.

Roma's golden boy, Francesco Totti

Lastly, both clubs have their own “star talisman” of the team. Francesco Totti have always been associated with AS Roma, and up till today the fans still “worship” him. Francesc Fabregas, although only 21 years of age, has been one of the most popular players in Arsenal at the moment, and seeing how similar both players’ style of play are, it’s certainly a battle of the golden boys. However years ago this could be even more intense, when Thierry Henry was still at Arsenal. I’m sure about 4 years ago everybody wanted to see the 2 best strikers at their peak facing each other on the football field. What a match it would be.

Arsenal's club legend, Thierry Henry

Dariano

Do you agree with me that arsenal and Roma are actually very similar? Or do you feel there’s actually another Serie A club that is even more identical with Arsenal (eg. Juventus?)? Tell me below in the comments box or register at our forum, it’s fast and easy. Thanks for reading.

Problem with Arsenal

Now, now, now. Let’s look at the table:

Some would say it’s only 13 matches played, and it’s still early in the season. But the point difference is 9, and 9 is a very big number in the premiership. In fact, Arsenal’s next match is against Chelsea. This fixture is very important because the match against Chelsea will be the answer, to whether Arsenal can still win trophies or not

The important fixture against Chelsea. Yes, Arsenal did well against Manchester United, and that was one of the best matches I’ve seen so far this season. The Chelsea match, will tell us, if they are still championship material. Of course, Chelsea is a must-win. If Arsenal loses to Chelsea, I dare say, Arsenal’s title hopes are over. Try again next year, Arsene.

Now the big question is: What is the problem with Arsenal? Well honestly speaking, the problem all lies with the manager. But to be more specific, it has 3 different reasons.

Firstly, a lack of a defensive midfielder. And I’m sure I’m not the only one complaining here. The fans told him, the players told him, the press hinted to him, yet Arsene Wenger wants to give Denilson a chance and develop him. No doubt, Denilson is a future star, but how old is he? Only 20? You must be kidding. Time and time again Wenger was always told a lack of experience was the main problem last season. And as if a 20 year-old kid has experience. Denilson is one for the future, but when asking him to play right now, he just can’t cut the mustard. Furthermore, he plays more like Fabregas or Rosicky. He’s a playmaker. Denilson’s situation is just like John Obi-Mikel’s at Chelsea; they’re both doing fine as a holding midfielder, but they fail to live up to their potential because they can do a lot more as a playmaker. In other words, waste of talent.

Secondly, SPEND, ARSENE, SPEND. You see, personally, I don’t really condone other managers spending 30 over million on a single player, I don’t really like that. But if it’s necessary, why not? In fact what I’m trying to say is not Arsene Wenger should pay 30 million for a player, but instead it’s a fact that Wenger is given 30 million to spend, but he only chose to spend 10 over million. If 1 player is worth 10 million, I don’t mind him buying 3 different players worth 30 million all together. To me, it is okay to spend 30 million on 3 players, not on a single player alone. It is clear the squad needs reinforcements. A defensive midfielder (my actual suggestion was signing Yaya Toure), a goalkeeper maybe, and more efficient backups. Instead, Arsene became a stubborn arse and sell the player who plays in the position that we need, Gilberto Silva.

Thirdly, give younger players a chance. I’m not saying that he should play the reserves, but give players like Wilshere and Vela a try. Whenever I check the player ratings for Carlos Vela it’s always “Too little time to make an impact.” He may very well be playing better than the first-team players, you’ll never know. Honestly I feel Vela should start instead of Bendtner, but Bendtner being “Arsene’s favourite boy” he gets more first-team chances when Vela is scoring a chip shot, hat-tricks, and 3-0 wins.

Red Hot Vela

Finally, Arsene Wenger. He is one stubborn arse.

“Spend, Wenger, spend!”

“Nah, we’re a selling club.”

“Play Carlos Vela!”

“Nah, he’s inexperience.”

“Sack Arsene Wenger!”

“Eh… Judge me when the season ends! Basically when we’re going trophyless, again.”

“In Arsene we trust!”

“Oooh… yeah!”

Basically you get it. The quoted lines are what some of us says (don’t take offense against the one on sacking Wenger, it’s only a joke. I myself feels he shouldn’t get sack too), while the non-quoted ones are what the Professor is saying.

Well that’s all I have to say. When I published this Arsenal’s probably facing Man City. Tell me your opinions in the comment box below. Do you agree with what I say or you feel there are other areas worth discussing? Best of luck to the Gooners. Thanks for reading!

Dariano