Written by Mean Lean on Sunday, 18 September 2011 12:33

*Sigh*

Is it even possible to analyse Arsenal anymore? You just do not know what you are going to get and once you do is it always possible to explain it?

Blackburn Rovers are struggling at the bottom end of the league, they had already lost at home to Wolves and Everton this season. Arsenal had reached rock bottom before victory against Swansea and then a very good draw against German champions Borussia Dortmund.

This was supposed to be the run of fixtures that would see us get ourselves firmly back on track. What makes it worse is that everything was going according to plan. Andre Santos started ahead of Kieran Gibbs for his first start of the season, Arshavin had started ahead of Theo Walcott and the fit Aaron Ramsey had replaced Yossi Benayoun.

We looked sharp and smooth in possession, we had moved the ball around well and our combination passing had improved dramatically from displays against Swansea and Dortmund.

Alex Song, Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey were dominating the midfield and because of that, we were very much on the front foot. Gervinho opened the scoring after a great threaded pass from Alex Song, Gervinho's low early shot rolled into the bottom corner from the right side of the penalty box.

Andre Santos was culpable for the Blackburn Rovers equaliser, playing Yakubu onside when his defensive team mates had pushed up. The impressive Hoilett flicked a pass into the path of Yakubu who nudged the ball very early past the advancing Szczesny.

Hoilett will play for a bigger club in a few years, quick, skilful and can pass the ball well. He was Blackburn's best player and we found it difficult to control him, especially in the second half.

At 1-1 it wasn't a big problem, although you would want the defence to be more in sync with another but it is understandable given the fact that Santos hadn't started a game for Arsenal until Saturday afternoon. The Arsenal players still looked dominant and scoring again was very possible if we just kept it tight defensively.

Alex Song released Ramsey down the right and the young Welshman who had a very good first half had the composure and vision to pick out Arteta who had strode into the box to side foot high past Robinson.

On the 45th minute perhaps came the turning point. Gervinho obviously buoyed by his earlier goal, wriggled his way through towards the edge of the penalty area, van Persie had spun into space and was gesturing for the pass and I am sure screaming for the ball also but Gervinho instead chose the shot with his weaker foot which was blocked. van Persie's glare at Gervinho was very reminiscent of Thierry Henry at Jose Reyes all those years ago.

Arsene's philosophy has always been for his players to make the pass if a team mate is in a better goal scoring position. Wenger's last trophy winning team did that better than anyone.

What grates more than anything is that the first half display at Ewood park was our best of the season. Four days earlier the team put in a remarkable defensive showing against the German champions. So much so that it took a wonder strike to bring the home team level.

You would expect pretty much the same defence to be able to hold out against Blackburn Rovers but this Arsenal team is schizophrenic. We can change personality every three days regardless of which personnel we have on the pitch.

The second half defending was disastrous. It is amazing how a team can look rock solid on a Tuesday and then look like they have never seen each other before on Saturday lunchtime.

Last season man marking from set pieces became an issue, we were letting players run off us and win headers, this season we have reverted to zonal marking. For the most part we have seen an improvement. Szczesny has been commanding and Koscielny has a remarkable percentage of aerial duels well everything unraveled yesterday, especially when Bacary Sagna had to come off through injury. Johan Djourou is in terrible form right now and playing out of position at right back certainly did not help him regain any confidence.

Two set pieces undone our good first half work, Firstly Song deflected in a Blackburn set piece and then Yakubu scored his second nine minutes later after we failed to clear our lines at the back post. Yakubu might have been marginally offside but it was a very difficult call for the assistant to make.

3-2 down after dominating Blackburn in every stat apart from the one that counts, the score line.

Those two goals had meant that we had to push forward and commit players forward and we were punished. Djourou went to ground and missed the skipping Olsson who continued his run past Alex Song, his cross was turned in by Laurent Koscielny. Two own goals and a poorly defended set piece. Offensively we played well enough to have beaten Blackburn 9 times out of 10 home or away, but not with defending like that.

Chamakh came on and gave attacking left back Andre Santos something to aim for. Chamakh scored his first goal since February from a delightful whipped cross from van Persie. Mertesacker and Chamakh could have equalised at the death but it just was not to be.

Conclusion

We seem to be a Jekyll and Hyde team. Two new defenders in our back line must have contributed to the disarray at the back and it cannot be ignored that having these players during pre season may have solved these teething problems. Especially defensive players who need to develop understandings and partnerships. Yet having said all this, it was pretty much this team that worked so well as a unit in midweek against a much better team.

Personnel has changed throughout the squad, experience has been added yet problems remain. Our run of results since the Carling Cup final have been of relegation standard. We have the quality of player to be challenging for the title but right now we are witnessing the very opposite.

Man of the match: Aaron Ramsey

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Comments (56)

• 18-Sep-2011 14:41 | | Gervais Cangy  - On Arsenal
  

  Arsenal to finish fourth from bottom the way they are playing! Like it or not Wenger is guilty for not strengthening the team in the Summer! That's thanks to his stubborness. The season is over..let's not kid ourselves..There is always next year..that's if we are not relegated!!

• 18-Sep-2011 16:51 | | Spectrum
  

  If "our season starts now " then God help us !
  " ******************"

• 18-Sep-2011 16:54 | | Spectrum
  

  Mean Lean - "We have the quality of player to be challenging for the title but right now we are witnessing the very opposite". Hmmm. Any clues as to why that might be ?
  " ******************"

• 18-Sep-2011 19:41 | | Man United Killer
  

  Speechless!

• 18-Sep-2011 19:54 | | CHGooner  - How much more evidence required?
  

  ML, your assessment of the game is correct, and your frustrations well outlined. We have a 'decent' squad, we are no longer carrying sub-standard players and yet we still concede 4 against a side that had scored 1 goal in 3 previous league games and whose manager was looking down the barrel. We are in trouble, there is no getting away from it. Forget the title, forget 4th, think instead of where we can really finish. I stick to 6th -8th. We will score enough and win enough home games to get us there. The time has surely come, when even yourself can concede that the problem lies with the manager? Or not?

• 18-Sep-2011 20:21 | | IndiGooner  - Disappointment
  

  Sigh We lost, another pathetic loss. I am certainly disappointed with the result. But wait a minute this is what Arsenals fans like Spectrum and ManuKiller have been dreaming for... I still stand by Wenger and Arsenal what ever the result is.. wenger we re emerge like Phoenix..

• 18-Sep-2011 20:29 | | MeanLean
  

  Clearly not all is well right now, the results speak for themselves. Arsene, the board and the players all have to take their share of blame for this. When you take into account our run since the Carling cup final then obviously this is not good enough.
  
  As I said, I think blame has to be passed around to many and not just the manager. I truly believe that he has not been able to assemble the players that he has wanted and I do not buy the argument that he personally was sitting on his hands wanting to wait until the end of the window to do last minute shopping.
  
  I have so much respect for Arsene and CHG, I totally disagree with you that he is arrogant, quite the opposite in fact but I believe that this will be his last contract with us. The last thing I would want is for Arsene to leave the club at such a low depending on what happens from now until the day he leaves the club.
  
  We all have to wake up to the fact that Arsene will not be Arsenal manager forever, some are pleased with that and many do not want that to happen. Defensively he has not managed to solve that issue consistently but minus yesterday I thought we were actually looking rather good in that area but that is not the point.
  
  My point is this.
  
  It is all well and good saying that it is time for a change, time to buy big, time to invest world class into the squad etc but some people are forgetting what our current manager is working with. There is no use highlighting his flaws and not balancing that with his strengths. Let us not forget that his strengths are massive.
  
  This is not excuse making or defending the manager. I am trying to balance out the argument.
  
  Sack Arsene or Arsene moves on and then manager x comes in. Who know's who manager x will be but this is what new manager has to work with.
  
  * Manchester United - Biggest club in the world, much bigger transfer kitty and far larger wage bill
  * Manchester City - Billionaire owners, massive bill
  * Chelsea - Billionaire owners, massive bill
  * Liverpool - Big club who are far more gung-ho in the transfer market
  
  So let us say that manager x comes in and is an expert defence driller (whatever that means) and we become fantastic at set pieces and keeping clean sheets. Great.
  
  Does this manager also have the ability to find top quality players that the competition are not trying to buy for fees and wages that the CLUB want to pay. I insert capitals to avoid confusion with the manager.
  
  Does this new manager also manage to combine this new wonderful defending with attacking, exciting football?
  
  Does this new manager also have the ability to develop and improve the massive amount of young talent we have coming through, especially at under 18 right now. Because we have plenty.
  
  I love Arsene Wenger but if you can find a manager who can do all of the above and work within the structure of the club then I am open to that. But if you think sacking Arsene Wenger and then rolling the dice to get a new manager in will fix everything then I just do not agree with you.

• 18-Sep-2011 20:30 | | MeanLean
  

  I so, so hope so because this guy really deserves it. I doubt there has ever been an Arsenal manager that works as hard as he does for the benefit of the club. Long way to turn it around but if anyone can, Arsene Wenger can.

• 18-Sep-2011 21:40 | | GoonerOz
  

  I've always been an Arsene supporter and accept your points around the strengths of the other teams. However, I really am starting to believe that AW is a man out of his time. He's never been great tactically and now the defensive organisation is so poor you have to question why it hasn't been sorted.
  
  Also if he is genuinely unable to sort the defensive side why will he not bring in some new ideas the way Ferguson has over the years.
  
  I hate to say it but if Arsene was to go I'd no longer be disappointed which I could not imagine as recently as 2 years ago.
  
  As regards potential other managers I'd suggest Van Gaal on a short term basis while trying to get the likes of Klopp but it's no longer enough to say there's no-one to replace him. it's no defence of a manger to say he's the least worth option.
  
  However, in spite of all I've written I'd love to be eating a large helping of humble pie in 2 months.

• 18-Sep-2011 21:50 | | Man United Killer  - How Silly
  

  How silly of you to make a comment like "Arsenals fans like Spectrum and ManuKiller have been dreaming for." We might be critical of Wenger but why would we not our club to do well.That is a shameful comment even from you.You can stand by Wenger..I don't think the man has much more to offer.He is done and dusted.I might not agree with you on our manager but I certainly don't want my club to NOT do well.

• 18-Sep-2011 22:00 | | Eagleye
  

  When I think of the legendary players we've had that have sung Wengers praises it really surprises me when fans forget how good he is and has been for us.
  
  Another thing is that for all the players that have left the club to go and win trophies or earn more money, Wenger has stayed loyal throughout it all. Which makes him a proper supporter, he hurts more than anyone when we lose. He wants nothing more than to see The Arsenal become the greatest team on earth and just wants to see his players fulfill that ambition.
  
  With the money we have what other manager could do a job for us in the hardest league in Europe? Everyone jumping on the Klopp bandwagon as if they've watched german football.
  
  I think we will come good, the champions league is where we will shine this year - the league will take another season for players to settle but we could do well in the cups if the run allows it. Keep the faith

• 18-Sep-2011 22:07 | | GoonerOz
  

  Eagleye
  
  Short of your 'Klopp bandwagon' comment you've ignored every other point made. I'm genuinely interested if people feel he can sort out the defensive issues which have been around since Sol (Version 1.0) left and if so your reasoning.
  
  So let's have a proper debate around this as opposed to dismissing the alternative point of view.
  
  Also you'll notice I said the likes of Klopp and I don't claim to be an expert on German football but I repeat that if the only reason to keep Le Boss is because we can't think of a replacement then it's a sad state of affairs.

• 18-Sep-2011 22:27 | | Iron Man
  

  But how bad does it have to get before a change is needed?
  
  Wenger is the best thing to happen to Arsenal but is rapidly becoming the worst as well. The humiliations in recent years are piling up.
  
  4 wins in 16 is relegation form however you look at it.
  
  None of the other 90 teams in the league would go to Old Trafford and concede 8 goals.
  
  Blackburn are worse than most sides in the Championship yet get four against Arsenal.
  
  The implosions against Wigan, Newcastle and Spurs (three times!) are the stuff of fantasy yet are a reality for us all too frequently nowadays.
  
  Of course there isn't a gooner on the planet who isn't grateful for what Wenger has done for the club and of course he should he given time to fix the problems at the club but how much time? Less than a decade ago, we were literally unbeatable but those days are becoming something of a distant memory. His achievements of the past are rapidly becoming overshadowed. There's no denying this.
  
  Again, we shipped four against the worst team in the division. What that tells me is that we could lose to literally anybody. What Wenger was capable of in the past, he can't seem to do anymore. If he did have a midas touch then it seems to have deserted him. There is no excusing some of our results. Whatever is going on at board level, he picks the XI that goes out there to play. That's HIS team/squad. Every player is there because he decides they are good enough to represent the Arsenal.
  
  In football, the ONLY thing that really matters is results on the pitch. If you aren't getting results, you are failing. Plain and simple. Right now, Wenger is failing.
  
  It's a myth that football is still exciting. Attacking yes, but the lack of quality in the side hardly makes it captivating. If anything, the calamitous attitude to tactics makes us 'exciting' for all the wrong reasons. Having braved a trip up north yesterday, I have to say that losing 4-3 really isn't better than a dull 1-0 win.
  
  The commitement to youth is commendable and something i would never want to lose. However, we keep focusing on "tomorrow" but ignoring the problems of today. What if tomorrow never comes? Weren't we talking about the quality of young players coming through 3 years ago? 4 years ago? 5 years ago? Where are they? Sold on if they are any good or sold on for not being good enough. We need to stop developing players for everyone else.
  
  There are many managers in world football I could name and probably some I can't (who heard of Arsene Wenger before we got him???) that could come and do a great job with one of the biggest clubs in European football. Sacking Arsene probably won't solve our problems but as far as I can see, neither will keeping him. Right now, we can't even talk about 'competing' with United, City et al. As it stands, there are 16 teams in the league that are statistically better than us and that is down to him.
  
  It's not fickle to want change when there is clearly something going quite badly wrong.
  
  Sorry for the rant....

• 18-Sep-2011 23:01 | | Iron Man
  

  Some of us do watch German football, you know...

• 19-Sep-2011 06:54 | | Fastforward  - Wenger
  

  Clichy said after he left ,the gunners don't practise defence drills.After the recent displays,I am inclined to agree with him.You just look at the past results to know this has been going on for years.
  Arsenal 5 Boro3
  Spurs 4 Arsenal 5
  Spurs 4 Arsenal 4
  Liverpool 4 Arsenal 4
  Wigan 3 Arsenal 2
  newcastle 4 Arsenal 4.
  
  As you can see the defence has been overlooked all these years.Back then when the gunners were conceding,they still won. Now when the gunners lead or concede they usually lose .That's the crucial difference.The buck stops with Wenger . He is to be 100% accountable for these deefnsive howlers.
  The problemis he wants to play attacking soocer.This is well and good
  provided you win after taking the leads. Iam afarid he has lost the plot. You don't find top teams conceding goals like Arsenal not now but in the past. That is why the gunners won't win the epl.as long as Wenger is incharge or he changes his philosophy about the defence.
  He wants Arsenal to play like Brazil. Brazil could have won more Wc had they got a stong defence.This is last chance saloon. Failure to get the gunners firing again,will lead to his demise.
  His stubborness is costing gunners. There are many top defnce coaches waiting for his call. But he won call the for fear of losing face.
  That is why the odds for him being sackedare getting shorter.

• 19-Sep-2011 07:10 | | james
  

  Wenger says financial doping teams are causing markey inflation. I know when UEFA"s fair play come in,Arsenal will this and that. In the meantine Wenger could od worse thn play anti soccer as confidence is low.
  This season is as good as gone. Forget about the epl. As for the cl,domt make cry untile the next day. Assuming the gunners can emerge from the group stages, they will be lambs for the slaughter until and unless Wenger can unearth three wc players in Jan.Other wise the gunners can only aim for the FA and CC cup.
  What a waste.His strongest squad has collapsed like a pack of cards.The analystst were spot on with their assessment of the gunners. Back in 2009 when the gunners drew the red faced cunt in the cl. I said the gunners will lose because of a suspect gk and defnce with Silvester and Campbell.Wenger is an intelligent guy. His refusal to face facts and admit he strategy is wrong could finally cause him to resign or be axed.
  As Mahatir,the retired Pm of Malaysia once said ,you must not overstay your welcome and leave on a high.

• 19-Sep-2011 09:42 | | dkgooner  - Defence
  

  I have a feeling Martin Keown would jump at the chance to coach the back line. He loves the club, knows his stuff and would have the respect of the players. This is a tragedy that can be averted - Keown's salary would easily be covered if the defence improves. If it doesn't, the already slim chance of being in the CL next year will be gone, as will AW himself.
  Still don't understand why Bartley was shipped out to Rangers for a whole season - he can't possibly be worse than Djourou. Djourou's over-committed tackle on Olsson was symptomatic of his game in general. It's a shame because at one point last season, I thought he had improved a lot and I felt happy that he had proved me wrong about him. His timing and confidence were really impressive. But now that the pressure is on him, he's reverted to the poor decision making and positioning that was evident 2 or 3 years ago.
  As others have pointed out, this is not just a poor start to the season, it's a continuation of last season's poor form in the last 3 months. The squad's confidence must be shattered at present. It needs a good run to get it back but it's hard to see where that's going to come from. We got a win against Swansea, but the defence looked shaky then too.
  If what Clichy said is true, then it's a disgrace. There were moments on Saturday where, at set pieces, they didn't look like they had a clue what to do, who was marking who, etc. Wojciech was pushing players around here, there and everywhere. And what the hell was Santos doing in the right back position from that corner where they scored their 3rd goal?
  Total disarray.

• 19-Sep-2011 10:44 | | indian gooner forever...  - Pandemonium has rained over us!!!
  

  I have read all the comments in the forum and I just can't believe everything hovers around Wenger in every comment!!!
  
  I have just one question for everyone - does Wenger play as CB or RB or LB???? The blame rests entirely on the players who turn out for the club........yeah the same players who defended brilliantly as a team in Germany three days before. So Wenger cannot be blamed untill someone finds out if Wenger laced the half-time tea with some self-destructing chemical for our back four....... This inconsistency is really killing us as a team. It was the same 'song' who put in a man of the match performance against Dortmund - the same 'koscielny' who was colossal in the game against Dortmund.....the same Djourou who looked like our best defender for a better part of last season untill he too sipped that self-destructing tea by the gulps!!!
  
  The point is basically that the players have to focus on each and every game for every single minute of playing time with the same intensity irrespective of the opponent or the importance of the game.
  
  Le Boss unearths talent - yeah real talent in these players and they show it too but it has been too sporadic off late and it is causing the same manager to save his face when the players ought to take responsiblity. The same Alex Song was written off by all and sundry in his initial time at the club but the boss saw in him what few did and today he is one the best holding midfielders going around. But then he too takes a gulp of that tea quite often these days and the manager can't be blamed for that......the boss expects the same level of performance from him on most days - yeah the odd off day could be understood but every alternate game is an epidemic waiting to take over.....
  
  And how many times do we see pundits defend a manager who is new at a club saying give him 'some time' - half a season at least before all the hacking and sacking....Here we have a case of having 6 new players for a core group of around 18 players (yeah squads are usually 25 but only 18 to 20 are core players and rest are always on the fringes)....thats 33% of the squad....so it will take time for the new players to gel in our system - especially the defenders who in our case have to adapt to our high line system of playing. So for all those who are gunning for the head of Le Boss - just cool down guys - it doesn't help our own club. Lets wait till January atleast before reaching any conclusions like that.
  
  It was the same manager who brought about a fantastic defensive performance from the entire eleven 3 days before the blackburn game - against a much better side. It is ridiculous to think that he doesn't know how to extract a defensive performance from this lot....
  
  And just to sign off - the first half showed enough to remind us of the heady days of seasons gone by and how not to miss a certain guy who made us play 'fab'ulous football..........bring us more of that the Arsenal and please avoid that silly half time tea. The boss deserves much better than that for all he has done for the club.

• 19-Sep-2011 14:17 | | john  - ml, blinded by love
  

  ML is that "structure" the self sustaining model that you would want a new manager to work under, how deluded you are. The whole structure of the club is the problem, profiteering before trophies, the boards and arsenes deliberate attempt to lower Arsenals expectations to top 4 spot is one problem. Fans like you who love Arsene (the Manager by the Way) and excuse him for every decision that is destroying(which is plenty) The Arsenal is another problem. Dj,walcott, arshavin,diaby,rosicky,kos,denilson,bendter,eboue, clichy,almunia,squillacci were and are a problem. Where is the massive amount of new talent we have coming through ml. A few years ago that new talent would have been dj, diaby, denilson etc etc etc and all the other dross i didnt mention. what did Arsene say a week before the start of season. ill remind you again. "we are not weak defensively" ill repeat it ml "we are not weak defensively"
  Arsene still believes that offensive play will override the frailities of the defence and this has been going on for the last 5 years. its pretty obvious that your LOVE for wenger blinds you to the reality at Arsenal fc at present. The whole structure needs to change and it appears it maybe sooner rather than later.you can reply with your usual condescending arrogance ml. but you like all the other AKBs have done as much damage to Arsenal (who I love) as the deluded clown himself.

• 19-Sep-2011 15:22 | | Anonymous
  

  Mean Lean - So in essence you're saying we should stick with the devil we know, because the alternatives can't / may not, be any better ? So what happens if Wenger falls under a bus, retires ( whenever that is ) or shows signs of senility ( as appears to be happening ) ? He HAS to be replaced sometime. He himself said "The cemeteries are full of irreplaceable people".
  Fear of change is what underlies this argument. If we're too frightened of change, well never know how much better we could be. The incumbent has lost the plot. Your points mainly applied to the past. Where all A.K.B.'s love to live. Hello - this is six years on. We haven't got the same Wenger NOW that we had THEN.
  "Exciting, attacking football" we only see sporadically. Last season it was tippy tappy, no end result, remember ?
  You think that Wenger is the only manager who can develop talent ? And isn't "Project Youth " a proven failure after six years of trying ? Isn't too many kids and not enough EXPERIENCE, the cause of many of our disappointments ?
  You talk of "working within the structure". Well that structure is wrong. The wage policy is wrong. The self sustaining model is good for profits, but leaves us trophyless, without ambition.
  Find me a manager who can inspire and motivate his players, knows and applies tactics and is adaptable with them, fixes defensive issues and doesn't neglect them continually, who's not allergic to spending when needed, and is flexible with his thinking, e.t.c. Shouldn't be too hard. Most managers are capable of that. But clearly not ours. So Wenger OUT ! Simple as that.
  " ******************"

• 19-Sep-2011 15:35 | | Anonymous
  

  Wenger's best is just not good enough. The state the club is in on and off the pitch show that.Where are the fruits of his "hard work" ? You can't say he hasn't been given enough time, F.F.S. After six to seven years ( eight, the way it's going ), we have our worst start to the season in 58 years. And you think after going backwards, he can still "turn it around" ? He "deserves" to succeed ? Truly, "there are none so blind that will not see". When hope is all you have left, you know you're in trouble. And we're in trouble. Let's look for a scapegoat - the media, the referees, bad luck, the rain, badly fitting boots. Anything to avoid sheeting home the blame to where it belongs.
  " ******************"

• 19-Sep-2011 15:59 | | Anonymous
  

  Mean Lean - You concede that Wenger needs to take "some" of the blame for our decline, and a decline is what it is - yet you don't think he should be held accountable ? Is the harshest judgement you can make being "Tut-tut, all is not well." ?
  Consider this : Continuing to elevate an individual, ANY individual, ABOVE the club's interests, is misguided and is disrespectful to the traditions of Arsenal. The true ( realist ) supporters see this, why can't you A.K.B.'s ? Do you agree with this sentiment or not ? I don't think any reasonably minded supporter can argue with this point. Yet the Wenger worshippers continue to do just that. It's not only disturbing, it's quite pathetic.
  " ******************"

• 19-Sep-2011 16:04 | | Spectrum
  

  By the way, some of my posts are under the name "Anonymous". Accidental, but I'm sure you can tell which are my posts. To those newbies on here, here's a clue - "******************"

• 19-Sep-2011 19:00 | | IndiGooner  - Spectrum
  

  You were even born accidently

• 20-Sep-2011 04:11 | | Spectrum
  

  Eagleeye - "Keep the faith." Faith in what ? An obsessive arrogant, stubborn coach, who won't be told anything contrary to what he believes is right ? Who refuses to listen to advice, even when NOT DOING SO will likely result in him losing his job ? The latest example being his rejection of employing a new defensive coach. He said he will stick with the ones he's got.
  What does this tell you ? Out of touch, that's what. The man is becoming more of a joke every week. How sad, and how unnecessary.
  " ******************"

• 20-Sep-2011 04:19 | | Spectrum
  

  IndiGooner - So what are you, then ? Wenger's love child ? In your ideal world, there'd be a hundred clones of him, so he'd always be around for you to sing his praises.
  You're as out of touch as he is.
  Prick.
  " ******************"

• 20-Sep-2011 09:43 | | pika
  

  mean lean ...forget these losers ...let them cry and ask for the mangers head...as if it is the fault of wenger that arsenal was never a rich or a big club
  
  these people think that the previous wenger era was gonna be the standard for years to come
  
  they havent even realised that we made a new start as a club in 2005. we pressed the reset button back then.
  
  a project that might pay off when wneger is long gone from the club yet the arsenal fnas ( if we can call them that) call him selfish and stubborn...go figure
  
  continue doing what youre doing and as for those who call you akb well ...arsene knows better than any of us here or anywhere else so who are they to doubt the manager ?

• 20-Sep-2011 09:45 | | pika
  

  and spectrum nomate you havent even come close to rust with arsene
  
  go read some arsenal history and youll see when we were really rusty.
  
  the clueless brigade out to sack our most succesful ever manager ?
  
  remind us to send us your cv when wenger calls it a day yes ?

• 20-Sep-2011 11:01 | | Sun King  - Weak Willed Gits?
  

  I don’t profess to know shed loads about football tactics, my experience is limited to 5 a side matches. But I do know when a team is to blame and not the manager. The Blackburn game was unbelievable. I’ve only just now managed to work up the courage to watch MOTD and the interview with Wenger almost made me cry! Those guys (the players) have broken the man, he looks defeated and exhausted. Yes, he picked the team, but for feck sake, they have to actually act like football players for the whole 90 mins. They have to want to win for the Gaffer!
  
  They should all be ashamed of what they’ve done to the manager, never mind the fans!

• 20-Sep-2011 12:01 | | indian gooner forever...  - spot on with that post....
  

  You are spot on dude..........it is not the manager's fault if the same players play brilliantly one day and awfully the next!!! There is nothing he can do about it..........
  
  It is up to the players to show some crazy levels of commitment - if not for anything - for the manager who keeps faith in them week in week out despite criticism from all corners....Give it their all as if it is a matter of life and death.....

• 20-Sep-2011 12:02 | | indian gooner forever...  - and wat about you???
  

  And you are surely Harry's love-child ........
  Why the heck do you waste your and our time on forums that have anything to do with Arsenal.....go to the spuds site and puke your sweet venom there..........prick

• 20-Sep-2011 20:35 | | Anonymous
  

  If you say Arsene out - who are you putting forward to take his place?
  Don´t bottle it!.......... Give us the name of the manager you would like the board to replace Wenger with. Its no good saying change the manager unless you let us discuss the manager you want as replacement. If you´d asked me before the transfer window closed I would´ve stated clearly buy Cahill because Mertasaker is too slow. Now lets discuss your prefered manager.

• 20-Sep-2011 20:41 | | Anonymous  - lest they forget
  

  Keep the faith in the Manager that built (thus far) the most successful
  defence the prem has known. The 49ers weren´t inherited by Wenger he built that defence without a defensive coach.

• 20-Sep-2011 23:18 | | Man United Killer
  

  Solid points.Sometimes, ML comments make me wonder if he loves the manager more than the club.So it seems!

• 20-Sep-2011 23:24 | | Man United Killer
  

  Spectrum, there is no way we will lose you in a million posts.Your hallmark is clear for all to see.."In Arsene We Rust" indeed!

• 20-Sep-2011 23:32 | | Man United Killer  - Good points but...
  

  You make some good points Sun King.I agree with you to an extent.But half of the players we have are not first team quality and a decorated chimp remains a chimp-that is on one hand.On the other hand, more often that not,it is patently clear that teams no more struggle to defend well against us.I would like to think it is the managers job to switch things around every now and then.We play the same way against every opposition.Home and Away.Like you said, there things that the players are to blame for but there are far more things Wenger has to take the blame for.

• 21-Sep-2011 06:53 | | Spectrum
  

  True, Man Utd. Killa. The players don't choose the tactics. They just ( try ) to play to those tactics / formations e.t.c. Wenger NEVER changes his plan. That's why we're so predictable. It's why we get found out defensively, because we continually play a highline without adequately pressing the opponent in possession. So we lose the ball too often, allowing plenty of space for their strikers to exploit.
  Why for just ONCE, doesn't Wenger try something different ? Here's an idea - what about playing deeper ? The counterattack strategy that worked for us in 2004 ( co-incidentally our most successful period under Wenger ) can do so again. Our obsession with attack leaves us unbalanced. In fact, successful teams always have as their foundation, a solid defence. You need to start from there. Wenger has it back to front.
  Sun King - The players have '"broken the man"? To a certain extent, perhaps. But they're supposed to get their directions and tactical guidance from the manager. If he's inept, then it's not all their fault, but also that of the man who leads them. Top strategists combine their skills with the team's collective abilities to gain results. You can liken it to a successful film director, or a brilliant general on the battlefield. Conversely, poor leadership brings average, or poor results.
  If we had a more all round capable manager, our motivation levels would also improve, because the players will want to impress the new man in charge. You see it happen so often. Teams which struggled, get a new man in, and the renewed confidence often turns a losing streak around. Often saving them from relegation, even.
  " ****************** "

• 21-Sep-2011 07:44 | | Spectrum
  

  Man Utd. Killa - Never !
  " ******************"

• 21-Sep-2011 08:06 | | Spectrum
  

  Anonymous - "Who would we replace him with" ? The familiar A.K.B. retort. I could give you a list, easily. But I suspect no-one will be good enough to compare with Wenger in your eyes, correct ?
  But o.k. then, ( In no particular order ) ; Guus Hiddink ; In short, everything he touches turns to gold, gets the respect of the players, and most everyone else, actually.
  I also like Ottmar Hitzfeld - tough, no nonsense disciplinarian type. Resourceful, good man manager.
  Pep Guardiola, young, talented, works well with the players.
  Louis van Gaal : Experienced, good organiser.
  Jose Mourinho ; Not everyone's favourite, as he has a big ego, as we know. But he knows his stuff. Brilliant tactician, motivator, and no-nonsense operator. Importantly, he's also a WINNER. Ideal for our needs.
  I now await your list of Wenger replacements. ( holds breath in anticipation ).
  " ******************"

• 21-Sep-2011 08:20 | | Spectrum
  

  Indian Gooner - Why do I "waste my time" on you ? Sorry, but you're too far gone.
  My posts are designed to ( hopefully ) persuade the undecideds of the merits of a change in management. Why ? Because I love the club, and want the best for it. Simple - to those who can understand.
  " ******************"

• 21-Sep-2011 08:26 | | Spectrum
  

  Pika - There's a verse from a popular song that applies to you - "Oh I be-lieve in YES-TER-DAY."
  " ******************"

• 21-Sep-2011 08:48 | | Spectrum
  

  Anonymous - Yes, Mertesacker is too slow. So why would you buy him if you're playing with a high defence line ? For a high defence line to work efficiently, you need a fast, mobile back four. Mertesacker doesn't fit the system. He'd be better suited to a deeper lying defence.
  I'm merely a layman, but if I can work it out, why can't the man who's paid 7 million a year to do so ?
  " ******************"

• 21-Sep-2011 12:32 | | pika
  

  you are sucha clueless person you dont even know what youre talking about.
  
  wenger aint no drill sargeant to demand things ..wenger provides the environment and conditions for a talent to flourish.
  
  if youre looking for an army general to motivate his troops follow man united and ferguson.
  
  we are a bit more liberal in terms of football management. the manager relies on the intelligence and self motivation of the players. he provides the platform for them to seize the day. if some of them dont get that he will keep faith cause you never know when a player might click.
  
  you want an army that will enter the pitch and take no prisoners ...you want manchester united or a mercenary machine like chelsea.

• 21-Sep-2011 12:33 | | pika
  

  the funny thing is that arsenal was never what you want them to become and if they have a genuine chance of ever becoming one its with wenger

• 21-Sep-2011 12:42 | | pika
  

  yes ok mr clueless troll
  
  its because you knwo when arsenal was really rusty thats why you make such comments about arsene ...
  
  
  pmsl...

• 21-Sep-2011 13:52 | | Anonymous  - Officially how the club works
  

  Do you happen to know anything about how Arsenal´s transfer system works? That is a rhetorical question, because its obvious you don´t!
  1/ the manager submits a list of players to the board
  2/ the board decides who they can afford from the list
  3/ Kroenke´s man (the negociator) attempts to aquire the players
  4/ Wenger doesn´t enter into wage negociations or transfer deals
  5/ If you offer a list of players to the board and Kroenke´s (none footballing back ground) man fails miserably to land any of the target what do you do? Answer............Give over a 2nd list
  
  Next up but on the same tract:
  If the boss of the club tells the manager that his man Fox (sales director) wants a money making tour of Asia, instead of a pre season.
  What do you do resign in protest? Or get on with it?
  Never in our clubs recent history had we needed early signings and a pre-season more, but our clubs owner wasn´t concerned with those things. Why? He probably figured Mr Wenger could yet again be relied on to pull the rabbit out of the hat.

• 21-Sep-2011 14:04 | | Anonymous
  

  I can´t help feel that our matey "Spectrum" misses the point with no money to spend its been an increadible feat to keep us up with the big money spending clubs this long. Eventually something had to give because Wenger couldn´t keep pulling the proverbial rabbit out of the hat year after year. Its no longer just Man U and Chelsea that are big spenders, now Man City Liverpool and Tottenham can be added to the growing list who regularly out spend us. It ain´t getting any easier out there and if our board won´t spend it´ll be more of the same.
  Word is that Kroenke´s transfer negociator missed all the targets given.

• 21-Sep-2011 15:38 | | Anonymous
  

  Ha Ha Ha Hee Hee Hee Ho Ho Ho Joker in the extremis But @ least @ last you give us something to look at.
  
  I´ll start at your last choice as Arsenal´s next manager first
  Mourinho Roman´s reject because after spending a fortune his Chelsea team played ugly non entertaining football. If Jose´s Real Madrid doesn´t beat Barcalona to the title this year he´s a gonna because the Real Madrid fans already hate the football he plays. They´ll forgive him only if he manages to win which is the same position he found himself in at Chelsea. The owner hated the way he had the team playing after spending so much and saked him after watching us play. As a GG convert you probably loved that style. But remember GG spent no money on players. Mourinho would bankrupt Arsenal financially and do the same for us in playing terms.
  
  In Ottmar Hitzfeld I fully understand your choice (same age as Mr Wenger) as you say a no nonsence disciplinarian much in the style of the old GG. As a manager with Bayern he won everything. But by 07 his star had fallen and he couldn´t get Bayern into the CL despite spending bundles, most of us will remember him as Bayerns Manager back in 99 when 1-0 up with minutes to go he sub his best player in the CL final and lost to Man U - Since his 07 failure he´s been in semi retirement coaching the Swiss national team. He looked lost at Buyern at the end.
  
  Guus Hiddink; strange comment you make in "everthing he touches turns to gold" ? Its very true that within Holland he´s the most successful national coach winning 6 titles. But in the 3 or 4 years he was at Valencia he won nothing, and he wasn´t a success at Real Madrid either he lasted only a year. True he won the FA cup with Chelsea but he inherrited a super star squad for a few months. He´s never been a club coach bringing success outside of PSV. His niche is in International football where he´s done well. I don´t think he´s a club coach outside of his native Holland.
  
  Van Gaal would continue the attacking football we play as he always has but you would have to be prepared to wait at least 2-3 years for the players to want to play for him, everywhere he´s been its taken him time to coach the players into playing how he wants. Unfortunately he wasn´t a success at his last job, Bayern sacked him because he didn´t qualify for the CL. As a long term coach he´d be good but I´m not sure how many would want to wait the 3 year average it would take him win something.
  
  Pep Guardiola? Dream on! He lives dreams and breaths Barcelona
  he wouldn´t come to us even though he´d be a great coach. But again if we could get him like Van Gaal we´d have to wait for success because he believe´s in playing the style of total football he learn´t under Croyff he knows no other way! And it would take time for him to get the team to play how he wants, it would be a wait because the prem is like nothing he would ever have expirenced before. Even the current Barca team of now week in week out I´m not sure could cope with the rigors of prem.

• 21-Sep-2011 16:31 | | richie
  

  By the way accidently some of my post have ended up being posted as "Anonymous" I´m sure everyone can tell the difference between my posts and someone else´s? I´ll give you all a clue mine don´t finish with a silly little ditty. Unlike the 5th columnist Spectrum Spud.

• 21-Sep-2011 18:18 | | Man United Killer
  

  Darn Right Spectrum! Attitude reflects leadership!

• 21-Sep-2011 18:21 | | Man United Killer
  

  Poor you...If ambition was sold on the market, I would have gone out to gotten you a handful.

• 23-Sep-2011 14:46 | | Spectrum
  

  Man Utd. Killa - The A.K.B.'s don't have ambition. They've had that siphoned out of them by Wenger and the board. Hope is what they rely on. Hope borne of endless faith - "Let's give him till the end of the season."
  When the end of the season arrives, it's "Let's wait till the end of the transfer window." Or let's wait till May, before we judge him." "Let's see if we make the top 4", and a dozen others. Always extending the deadline, putting off decision day. Excusing failure, and accepting underachievement. It's become so ingrained over the years, that they've come to accept it as the norm.
  "******************"

• 23-Sep-2011 15:00 | | Anonymous
  

  you plums are asking other people to win things so you can feel good and you talk about a lack of ambition? idiots

• 23-Sep-2011 16:26 | | Spectrum
  

  Anonymous - That old chestnut of "We don't have the money." Well we do. And for at least the last two seasons. 100 million to use THIS SEASON. And yet we have half of it sitting in the bank UNSPENT !!!! And yet if Wenger was genuinely ambitious, surely he'd have jumped at the chance to spend the money you say he's been so "deprived " of ! We could have afforded at least two BIG name signings ( along with their wages ) this season. Mata was just one. But we baulked at paying the price they wanted, as usual.
  So we settle for second and third best. Brought in at the last minute, with no time at all to gel and accustom themselves to their new club. Fact is they could and should, have been in at the start of the window, not when the season has already begun. That's bad planning.Could you see Fergie doing that ?
  " ******************"

• 23-Sep-2011 16:30 | | Spectrum
  

  Anonymous - And you don't think we could do with a defensive coach RIGHT NOW ?
  " ******************"

• 23-Sep-2011 16:39 | | Spectrum
  

  richie - " Unlike the 5th columnist Spectrum Spud." I've explained my motives for posting on here, yet you still use stupid insulting terms like this. I'd tell you to grow up, but you probably think you already have.
  " ******************"

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